A alt
head a
or a
syl A
pron
pos n.
a's infl
head a
syl a's
pos n.
mod pl.
A's infl
head a
or As
syl A's
pos n.
mod pl.
As infl
head a
or A's
syl As.
pos n.
mod pl.
a 1.
or A
syl a
pron
pos n.
def the first letter and first vowel of the modern English alphabet.
a 2.
or A
syl a
pron
pos n.
def any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in or
a 3.
or A
syl a
pron
pos n.
def Also called: {alpha}. the first in a series, esp. the highest grade or mark, as in an examination.
from A to Z 4.
head a
syl from A to Z.
def from start to finish; from beginning to end.
an infl
head a
syl {an
pos determiner.
a H1.1.
syl a
pron <*>,
pos determiner.
usage %1)}
def used preceding a singular countable noun, if the noun is not previously specified or known.
exam 1 a dog;
exam 2 a terrible disappointment.
a H1.2.
syl a
pron <*>,
pos determiner.
usage %1)}
def used preceding a proper noun to indicate that a person or thing has some of the qualities of the one named.
exam 1 a Romeo;
exam 2 a Shylock.
a H1.3.
syl a
pron <*>,
pos determiner.
usage %1)}
def used preceding a noun or determiner of quantity.
exam 1 a cupful;
exam 2 a dozen eggs;
exam 3 a great many;
exam 4 to read a lot.
a H1.4.
syl a
pron <*>,
pos determiner.
usage %1)}
def used preceding a noun indicating a concrete or abstract thing capable of being divided.
exam 1 half a loaf;
exam 2 a quarter of a minute.
a H1.5.
syl a
pron <*>,
pos determiner.
usage %1)}; preceded by once, twice, several times, etc.
def each or every; per.
exam 1 once a day;
exam 2 fifty pence a pound.
a H1.6.
syl a
pron <*>,
pos determiner.
usage %1)}
def a certain; one.
exam 1 to change policy at a stroke;
exam 2 a Mr. Jones called.
a H1.7.
syl a
pron <*>,
pos determiner.
usage %1)}; preceded by not
def any at all.
exam 1 not a hope.
a H2.0.
syl a
pron <*>
pos vb.
def an informal or dialect word for {have}.
exam 1 they'd a said if they'd known.
a H3.0.
syl a
pron <*>
pos prep.
usage usually linked to the preceding noun
def an informal form of {of}.
exam 1 sorta sad;
exam 2 a kinda waste.
a H4.1.
syl a
qual symbol for:
def acceleration.
a H4.2.
syl a
qual symbol for:
def atto-.
A 1.a.
syl A
qual symbol for:
def a note having a frequency of 440 hertz ({A above middle C}) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the sixth note of the scale of C major.
A 1.b.
syl A
qual symbol for:
def a key, string, or pipe producing this note.
A 1.c.
syl A
qual symbol for:
def the major or minor key having this note as its tonic.
A 2.
syl A
qual symbol for:
def a human blood type of the ABO group, containing the A antigen.
A 3.
syl A
qual symbol for:
usage in Britain
def a major arterial road.
exam 1 the A3 runs from London to Portsmouth.
A 4.a.
syl A
qual symbol for:
def a film certified for viewing by anyone, but which contains material that some parents may not wish their children to see.
A 4.b.
syl A
qual symbol for:
usage as modifier
exam 1 an A film.
A 5.
syl A
qual symbol for:
def mass number.
A 6.
syl A
qual symbol for:; Cards.
def ace.
A 7.
syl A
qual symbol for:
def argon (now superseded by {Ar) }.
A 8.
syl A
qual symbol for:
def ampere(s).
A 9.
syl A
qual symbol for:
def Also: {at}. ampere-turn.
A 10.
syl A
qual symbol for:
def absolute (temperature).
A 11.
syl A
qual symbol for:
usage in circuit diagrams
def ammeter.
A 12.
syl A
qual symbol for:
def area.
A 13.
syl A
qual symbol for:
usage in combination
def atomic.
exam 1 an A-bomb;
exam 2 an A-plant.
A 14.
syl A
qual symbol for:
usage international car registration for
def Austria.
A 0.
syl *%A
qual symbol for
def angstrom unit.
a 1.
syl a.
qual abbrev. for:
def acre(s) or acreage.
a 2.
syl a.
qual abbrev. for:
def alto.
a 3.
syl a.
qual abbrev. for:
def amateur.
a 4.
syl a.
qual abbrev. for:
def answer.
a 5.
syl a.
qual abbrev. for:
def are(s) (metric measure of land).
A 1.
syl A.
qual abbrev. for:
def acre(s) or acreage.
A 2.
syl A.
qual abbrev. for:
def America(n).
A 3.
syl A.
qual abbrev. for:
def answer.
aa infl
head a'
or aw
syl aa
pron
pos adj.
aw infl
head a'
or aa
syl aw
pron
pos adj.
a' 0.
syl a'
pron
pos adj.
qual Scot.
def variant of {all}.
a- ety from Greek a-, an- not, without
a- H2.1.
syl a-
pos prefix.
def on; in; towards.
exam 1 afoot;
exam 2 abed;
exam 3 aground;
exam 4 aback.
a- H2.2.
syl a-
pos prefix.
qual Literary or archaic. (used before a present participle
def in the act or process of.
exam 1 come a-running;
exam 2 go a-hunting.
a- H2.3.
syl a-
pos prefix.
def in the condition or state of.
exam 1 afloat;
exam 2 alive;
exam 3 asleep.
A- infl
head A
or A-one
syl A-1
pron <1A1w^n>
pos adj.
A-one infl
head A
or A-
syl A-one
pron <1A1w^n>
pos adj.
A 1.
syl A1
pron <1A1w^n>
pos adj.
def in good health; physically fit.
A 2.
syl A1
pron <1A1w^n>
pos adj.
qual Informal.
def first class; excellent.
A 3.
syl A1
pron <1A1w^n>
pos adj.
usage of a vessel
def with hull and equipment in first-class condition.
A 0.a.
syl A4
pos n.
def a standard paper size, 297#M210 mm.
A 0.b.
syl A4
pos as; adj.
def .
exam 1 an A4 book.
A 0.a.
syl A5
pos n.
def a standard paper size (half A4), 210#M148 mm.
A 0.b.
syl A5
pos as; adj.
exam 1 A5 notepaper.
aa ety Hawaiian
aa 0.
syl a:a
pron <1a:a:>
pos n.
def a volcanic rock consisting of angular blocks of lava with a very rough surface.
AA 1.
syl AA
qual abbrev. for:
def Alcoholics Anonymous.
AA 2.
syl AA
qual abbrev. for:
def anti-aircraft.
AA 3.
syl AA
qual abbrev. for:
usage in Britain
def Automobile Association. {~}
AA 4.
syl AA
qual abbrev. for:
usage in Britain
def a film that may not be publicly shown to a child under fourteen.
AAA 1.
syl A.A.A.
qual abbrev. for:; Brit.
def Amateur Athletic Association.
AAA 2.
syl A.A.A.
qual abbrev. for:; U.S.
def Automobile Association of America.
Aachen 0.
syl Aa:chen
pron <1a:k*n>, German <1a:$xN>
pos n.
def a city and spa in West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia: the northern capital of Charlemagne's empire. Pop.: 241362 (1974 est.). French name: {Aix-la-Chapelle}.
Alborg alt
head Aalborg
or Aalborg
syl *%Al+borg
pron Danish <1clbcr>
pos n.
Aalborg 0.
or Alborg
syl Aal+borg
pron Danish <1clbcr>
pos n.
def a city and port in Denmark, in N Jutland. Pop.: 154582 (1974 est.).
Aalesund 0.
syl Aa:le+sund
pron Norwegian <1o:l*2sun>
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {*%Alesund}.
aalii ety Hawaiian
aalii 0.
syl aa:li:i
pron
pos n.
def a bushy sapindaceous shrub, of Australia, Hawaii, Africa, and tropical America, having small greenish flowers and sticky foliage.
Aalst 0.
syl Aalst
pron
pos n.
def the Flemish name for {Alost}.
Alvar infl
head Aalto
syl Al:var
pron <1alvar>
pos n.
Aalto 0.
syl Aal:to
pron Finnish <1a:ltc>
pos n.
def 1898-1976, Finnish architect and furniture designer, noted particularly for his public and industrial buildings, in which wood is much used. He invented bent plywood furniture (1932).
AAM 0.
syl AAM
qual abbrev. for
def air-to-air missile.
A M 1.
syl A ?& M
qual abbrev. for:
def Agricultural and Mechanical.
A M 2.
syl A ?& M
qual abbrev. for:
def Ancient and Modern (hymn book).
A R 0.
syl A ?& R
qual abbrev. for
def artists and repertoire.
Aarau 0.
syl Aar:au
pron German <1a:rau>
pos n.
def a town in N Switzerland, capital of Aargau canton: capital of the Helvetic Republic from 1798 to 1803. Pop.: 16881 (1970).
aardvark ety C19: from obsolete Afrikaans, from aarde earth+ varken pig
aardvark 0.
syl aard+vark
pron <1a:d2va:k>
pos n.
def a nocturnal mammal, the sole member of its family and order It inhabits the grasslands of Africa, has long ears and snout, and feeds on termites. Also called: {ant bear}.
aardwolf ety C19: from Afrikaans, from aarde earth+ wolf wolf
aardwolves infl
head aardwolf
syl aard+wolves.
pos n.
mod pl.
aardwolf 0.
syl aard+wolf
pron <1a:d2wulf>
pos n.
def a nocturnal mammal, that inhabits the plains of southern Africa and feeds on termites and insect larvae: family (hyenas), order (carnivores).
Aargau 0.
syl Aar+gau
pron German <1a:rgau>
pos n.
def a canton in N Switzerland. Capital: Aarau. Pop.: 433284 (1970). Area: 1404 sq. km (542 sq. miles). French name: {Argovie}.
Arhus alt
head Aarhus
or Aarhus
syl *%Ar+hus
pron Danish <1crhu:s>
pos n.
Aarhus 0.
or Arhus
syl Aar+hus
pron Danish <1crhu:s>
pos n.
def a city and port in Denmark, in E Jutland. Pop.: 187342 (1970).
Aaron 0.
syl Aa:ron
pron <1e*r*n>
pos n.
qual Old Testament.
def the first high priest of the Israelites, brother of Moses (Exodus 4:14).
Aaronic 1.
syl Aa:ron+ic
pron
pos adj.
def of or relating to Aaron, his family, or the priestly dynasty initiated by him.
Aaronic 2.
syl Aa:ron+ic
pron
pos adj.
def of or relating to the Israelite high priesthood.
Aaronic 3.
syl Aa:ron+ic
pron
pos adj.
def of or relating to the priesthood in general.
Aaronic 4.
syl Aa:ron+ic
pron
pos adj.
qual Mormon Church.
def denoting or relating to the second order of the Mormon priesthood.
Aaron's beard 0.
syl Aa:ron's beard
pos n.
def another name for { {rose of Sharon} (sense 1).
Aaron's rod 1.
syl Aa:ron's rod
pos n.
def the rod used by Aaron in performing a variety of miracles in Egypt. It later blossomed and produced almonds (Numbers 17).
Aaron's rod 2.
syl Aa:ron's rod
pos n.
def a widespread Eurasian scrophulari?!aceous plant, having woolly leaves and tall erect spikes of yellow flowers.
A'asia 0.
syl A'asia
qual abbrev. for
def Australasia.
AB 0.
syl AB
def a human blood type of the ABO group, containing both the A antigen and the B antigen.
AB 1.
syl A.B.
qual abbrev. for:
def Also: {a.b}. able-bodied seaman.
AB 2.
syl A.B.
qual abbrev. for:
usage in the U.S.
def Bachelor of Arts.
Ab ety from Hebrew, from Akkadian abu
Av alt
head Ab
or Ab
syl Av
pron <@v>
pos n.
Ab 0.
or Av
syl Ab
pron <@b>
pos n.
def the eleventh month of the civil year and the fifth of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar, falling approximately in July and August.
ab- ety from Latin ab away from
ab- H1.0.
syl ab-
pos prefix.
def away from; off; outside of; opposite to.
exam 1 abnormal;
exam 2 abaxial;
exam 3 aboral.
ab- ety abstracted from #7absolute
ab- H2.0.
syl ab-
pos prefix.
def denoting a cgs unit of measurement in the electromagnetic system.
exam 1 abvolt.
aba ety from Arabic
aba 1.
syl ab:a
pron <1@b*>
pos n.
def a type of cloth from Syria, made of goat hair or camel hair.
aba 2.
syl ab:a
pron <1@b*>
pos n.
def a sleeveless outer garment of such cloth.
ABA 1.
syl A.B.A.
qual abbrev. for:
usage in Britain
def Amateur Boxing Associa?!tion.
ABA 2.
syl A.B.A.
qual abbrev. for:
def American Booksellers Associa?!tion.
abac ety C20: from French, from Latin #7abacus
abac 0.
syl a:bac
pron <2Ab@k>
pos n.
def another name for {nomogram}.
abaca ety via Spanish from Tagalog abak*'a
abaca 1.
syl ab:a+ca
pron <1@b*k*>
pos n.
def a Philippine plant, related to the banana: family Its leafstalks are the source of Manila hemp.
abaca 2.
syl ab:a+ca
pron <1@b*k*>
pos n.
def another name for {Manila hemp}.
aback ety Old English on b@ac to the back
aback 1.a.
syl a:back
pron <*1b@k>
pos adv.
def startled or disconcerted.
aback 1.b.
syl a:back
pron <*1b@k>
pos adv.
usage Nautical. of a vessel or sail
def having the wind against the forward side so as to prevent forward motion.
aback 2.
syl a:back
pron <*1b@k>
pos adv.
qual Rare.
def towards the back; backwards.
abactinal 0.
syl ab+ac+ti+nal
pron <@b1@ktinL>
pos adj.
usage Zoology. of organisms showing radial symmetry
def situated away from or opposite to the mouth; aboral.
abactinally sub
head abactinal
syl ab+1ac+ti+nal+ly
pos adv.
abacus ety C16: from Latin, from Greek abax board covered with sand for tracing calculations, from Hebrew *_abh*_aq dust
abaci infl
head abacus
or abacuses
syl ab:a+ci
pron <-2sI>
pos n.
mod pl.
abacuses infl
head abacus
or abaci
syl ab:a+cus:es.
pos n.
mod pl.
abacus 1.
syl ab:a+cus
pron <1@b*k*s>
pos n.
def a counting device that consists of a frame holding rods on which a specific number of beads are free to move. Each rod designates a given denomination, such as units, tens, hundreds, etc., in the decimal system, and each bead represents a digit or a specific number of digits.
abacus 2.
syl ab:a+cus
pron <1@b*k*s>
pos n.
qual Architect.
def the flat upper part of the capital of a column.
Abadan 0.
syl Ab:a+dan
pron <2@b*1da:n>
pos n.
def a port in SW Iran, on an island in the Shatt-al-Arab delta. Pop.: 312000 (1973 est.).
Abaddon ety Hebrew: literally, destruction
Abaddon 1.
syl A:bad+don
pron <*1b@dN>
pos n.
def the Devil (Revelation 9:11).
Abaddon 2.
syl A:bad+don
pron <*1b@dN>
pos n.
usage in rabbinical literature
def a part of Gehenna; Hell.
abaft ety C13: on baft; baft from Old English be@aftan, from be by+ @aftan behind
abaft 1.
syl a:baft
pron <*1ba:ft>
pos adv. adj.
qual Nautical.
usage postpositive
def closer to the stern than to another place on a vessel.
exam 1 with the wind abaft.
abaft 2.
syl a:baft
pron <*1ba:ft>
pos prep.
qual Nautical.
def behind; aft of.
exam 1 abaft the mast.
Abakan 0.
syl A:ba+kan
pron Russian
pos n.
def a city in the S Soviet Union, capital of the Khakass AR, at the confluence of the Yenisei and Abakan Rivers. Pop.: 116000 (1975 est.).
abalone ety C19: from American Spanish abul*'on; origin unknown
abalone 0.
syl ab:a+lo+ne
pron <2@b*1l*uni>
pos n.
def any of various edible marine gastropod molluscs of the genus having an ear-shaped shell that is perforated with a row of respiratory holes. The shells are used for ornament or decoration. Also called: {ear shell}. See also {ormer}.
abamp 0.
syl ab+amp
pron <1@b2@mp>
pos n.
def short for {abampere}.
abampere 0.
syl ab+am+pere
pron <@b1ampe*>
pos n.
def the cgs unit of current in the electromagnetic system; the constant current that, when flowing through two parallel straight infinitely long conductors 1 centimetre apart, will produce a force between them of 2 dynes per centimetre: equivalent to 10 amperes. Abbrev.: {abamp}.
abandon ety C14: abandounen (vb.), from Old French, from a bandon under one's control, in one's power, from a at, to+ bandon control, power
abandon 1.
syl a:ban+don
pron <*1b@nd*n>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to forsake completely; desert; leave behind.
exam 1 to abandon a baby;
exam 2 drivers had to abandon their cars.
abandon 2.
syl a:ban+don
pron <*1b@nd*n>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to give up completely.
exam 1 to abandon a habit;
exam 2 to abandon hope.
abandon 3.
syl a:ban+don
pron <*1b@nd*n>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to yield control of or concern in; relinquish.
exam 1 to abandon office.
abandon 4.
syl a:ban+don
pron <*1b@nd*n>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to give up (something begun) before completion.
exam 1 to abandon a job;
exam 2 the game was abandoned.
abandon 5.
syl a:ban+don
pron <*1b@nd*n>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to surrender (oneself) to emotion without restraint.
abandon 6.
syl a:ban+don
pron <*1b@nd*n>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to give (insured property that has suffered partial loss or damage) to the insurers in order that a claim for a total loss may be made. {~}
abandon 7.
syl a:ban+don
pron <*1b@nd*n>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def freedom from inhibitions, restraint, concern, or worry.
exam 1 she danced with abandon.
abandonment sub
head abandon
syl a:1ban+don+ment
pos n.
abandoned 1.
syl a:ban+doned
pron <*1b@nd*nd>
pos adj.
def deserted.
exam 1 an abandoned windmill.
abandoned 2.
syl a:ban+doned
pron <*1b@nd*nd>
pos adj.
def forsaken.
exam 1 an abandoned child.
abandoned 3.
syl a:ban+doned
pron <*1b@nd*nd>
pos adj.
def unrestrained; uninhibited.
abandonee 0.
syl a:ban+don:ee
pron <*2b@nd*1nE>
pos n.
qual Law.
def a person to whom something is formally relinquished, esp. an insurer having the right to salvage a wreck.
a bas 0.
syl *`a bas
pron French.
def down with&!
abase ety C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See #7base %2
abase 1.
syl a:base
pron <*1bAs>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to humble or belittle (oneself, etc.).
abase 2.
syl a:base
pron <*1bAs>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation.
abasement sub
head abase
syl a:1base+ment
pos n.
abash ety C14: via Norman French from Old French esbair to be astonished, from es- out+ bair to gape, yawn
abash 0.
syl a:bash
pron <*1b@S>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually passive
def to cause to feel ill at ease, embarrassed, or confused; make ashamed.
abashedly sub
head abash
syl a:bash+ed+ly
pron <*1b@Sidli>
pos adv.
abashment sub
head abash
syl a:1bash+ment
pos n.
abate ety C14: from Old French abatre to beat down, fell
abate 1.
syl a:bate
pron <*1bAt>
pos vb.
def to make or become less in amount, intensity, degree, etc..
exam 1 the storm has abated.
abate 2.a.
syl a:bate
pron <*1bAt>
pos vb.
def to remove, suppress, or terminate (a nuisance).
abate 2.b.
syl a:bate
pron <*1bAt>
pos vb.
def to suspend or extinguish (a claim or action).
abate 2.c.
syl a:bate
pron <*1bAt>
pos vb.
def to annul (a writ).
abate 3.
syl a:bate
pron <*1bAt>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage Law. of a writ, legal action, etc.
def to become null and void.
abate 4.
syl a:bate
pron <*1bAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to subtract or deduct, as part of a price.
abatement 1.
syl a:bate+ment
pron <*1bAtm*nt>
pos n.
def diminution or alleviation; decrease.
abatement 2.
syl a:bate+ment
pron <*1bAtm*nt>
pos n.
def suppression or termination.
exam 1 the abatement of a nuisance.
abatement 3.
syl a:bate+ment
pron <*1bAtm*nt>
pos n.
def the amount by which something is reduced, such as the cost of an article.
abatement 4.
syl a:bate+ment
pron <*1bAtm*nt>
pos n.
qual Property law.
def a decrease in the payment to legatees when the assets of the estate are insufficient to meet all payments in full.
abatement 5.
syl a:bate+ment
pron <*1bAtm*nt>
pos n.
usage Property law. formerly
def a wrongful entry on land by a stranger who takes possession after the death of the owner and before the heir has entered into possession.
abatis ety C18: from French, from abattre to fell
abattis alt
head abatis
or abatis
syl ab+at+tis
pron <1@b*tis>, <1@b*tE>
pos n.
abatis 0.
or abattis
syl ab:a+tis
pron <1@b*tis>, <1@b*tE>
pos n.
qual Fortifications.
def a rampart of felled trees placed with their branches outwards.
abator 0.
syl a:ba+tor
pron <*1bAt*>
pos n.
qual Law.
def a person who effects an abatement.
A battery 0.
syl A bat+ter:y
pos n.
qual U.S.
def a low-voltage battery for supplying power to heat the cathode of a thermionic valve. Compare {B battery, C battery}.
abattoir ety C19: French, from abattre to fell
abattoir 0.
syl ab+at+toir
pron <1@b*2twa:>
pos n.
def another name for {slaughterhouse}.
abaxial 0.
syl ab+ax+i:al
pron <@b1@ksi*l>
pos adj.
def facing away from the axis, as the surface of a leaf. Compare {adaxial}.
Abba ety from Aramaic
Abba 1.
syl Ab:ba
pron <1@b*>
pos n.
qual New Testament.
def father (used of God).
Abba 2.
syl Ab:ba
pron <1@b*>
pos n.
def a title given to bishops and patriarchs in the Syrian, Coptic, and Ethiopian Churches.
abbacy ety C15: from Church Latin abb*_atia, from abb*_at- #7abbot
abbacies infl
head abbacy
syl ab+ba+cies.
pos n.
mod pl.
abbacy 0.
syl ab+ba+cy
pron <1@b*si>
pos n.
def the office, term of office, or jurisdiction of an abbot or abbess.
Abbasid 0.a.
syl Ab:bas:id
pron <1@b*2sid>, <*1b@sid>
pos n.
def any caliph of the dynasty that ruled the Muslim empire from Baghdad (750-1258) and claimed descent from Abbas, uncle of Mohammed.
Abbasid 0.b.
syl Ab:bas:id
pron <1@b*2sid>, <*1b@sid>
pos n.
usage as modifier
exam 1 the Abbasid dynasty.
abbatial ety C17: from Church Latin abb*_ati*_alis, from abb*_at- #7abbot ; see -#7al %1
abbatial 0.
syl ab+ba+tial
pron <*1bAS*l>
pos adj.
def of or relating to an abbot, abbess, or abbey.
abb'e 1.
syl ab:b*'e
pron <1@bA>, French
pos n.
def a French abbot.
abb'e 2.
syl ab:b*'e
pron <1@bA>, French
pos n.
def a title used in addressing any other French cleric, such as a priest.
abbess ety C13: from Old French, from Church Latin abb*_atissa
abbess 0.
syl ab+bess
pron <1@bis>
pos n.
def the female superior of a convent.
Abbevillian ety C20: after Abbeville, France, where the stone tools were discovered
Abbevillian 1.
syl Abbe+vill+i:an
pron <@b1vili*n>, <-j*n>
pos n.
qual Archaeol.
def the period represented by Lower Palaeolithic European sites containing the earliest hand axes, dating from the Mindel glaciation. See also {Acheulian}.
Abbevillian 2.
syl Abbe+vill+i:an
pron <@b1vili*n>, <-j*n>
pos adj.
qual Archaeol.
def of or relating to this period.
abbey ety C13: via Old French abeie from Church Latin abb*_atia #7abbacy
abbey 1.
syl ab+bey
pron <1@bi>
pos n.
def a building inhabited by a community of monks or nuns governed by an abbot or abbess.
abbey 2.
syl ab+bey
pron <1@bi>
pos n.
def a church built in conjunction with such a building.
abbey 3.
syl ab+bey
pron <1@bi>
pos n.
def such a community of monks or nuns.
Abbey Theatre 0.
syl Ab+bey The:a+tre
pos n.
def an influential theatre in Dublin (opened 1904): associated with it were Synge, Yeats, Lady Gregory, and O'Casey. It was closed by fire in 1951 and reopened in 1966.
abbot ety Old English abbod, from Church Latin abb*_at- (stem of abbas) , ultimately from Aramaic abb*_a A#7bba
abbot 0.
syl ab+bot
pron <1@b*t>
pos n.
def the superior of an abbey of monks.
abbotship sub
head abbot
or abbotcy
syl ab+bot+2ship
pos n.
abbotcy sub
head abbot
or abbotship
syl ab+bot+cy
pos n.
abbr alt
head abbrev
or abbrev
syl abbr.
abbrev 0.
or abbr
syl abbrev.
qual abbrev. for
def abbreviation.
abbreviate ety C15: from the past participle of Late Latin abbrevi*_are, from Latin brevis brief
abbreviate 1.
syl ab+bre+vi+ate
pron <*1brEvi2At>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to shorten (a word or phrase) by contraction or omission of some letters or words.
abbreviate 2.
syl ab+bre+vi+ate
pron <*1brEvi2At>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to shorten (a speech or piece of writing) by omitting sections, paraphrasing, etc.
abbreviate 3.
syl ab+bre+vi+ate
pron <*1brEvi2At>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to cut short; curtail.
abbreviator sub
head abbreviate
syl ab+1bre+vi:2a+tor
pos n.
abbreviation 1.
syl ab+bre+vi:a+tion
pron <*2brEvi1AS*n>
pos n.
def a shortened or contracted form of a word or phrase used in place of the whole.
abbreviation 2.
syl ab+bre+vi:a+tion
pron <*2brEvi1AS*n>
pos n.
def the process or result of abbreviating.
ABC H1.1.
syl ABC
pos n.
mod often; pl.
qual U.S.
usage in
def the alphabet.
ABC H1.2.
syl ABC
pos n.
mod pl.
qual U.S.
usage in
def the rudiments of a subject.
ABC H1.3.
syl ABC
pos n.
def an alphabetical guide to a subject.
ABC H2.1.
syl ABC
qual abbrev. for:
usage of weapons or warfare
def atomic, biological, and chemical.
ABC H2.2.
syl ABC
qual abbrev. for:
def Australian Broadcasting Commission.
ABC H2.3.
syl ABC
qual abbrev. for:
def American Broadcasting Company.
abcoulomb 0.
syl ab+cou+lomb
pron <@b1ku:lom>
pos n.
def the cgs unit of electric charge in the electromagnetic system; the charge per second passing any cross section of a conductor through which a steady current of 1 abampere is flowing: equivalent to 10 coulombs.
Abd-el-Krim 0.
syl Abd-el-Krim
pron <2@bdel1krim>
pos n.
def 1882-1963, Moroccan chief who led revolts against Spain and France, surrendered before their combined forces in 1926, but later formed the North African independence movement.
Abdias 0.
syl Ab:di:as
pron <@b1dI*s>
pos n.
qual Bible.
def the Douay form of {Obadiah}.
abdicate ety C16: from the past participle of Latin abdic*_are to proclaim away, disclaim
abdicate 0.
syl ab+di+cate
pron <1@bdi2kAt>
pos vb.
def to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc.), esp. formally.
abdicable sub
head abdicate
syl ab+di+ca:ble
pron <1@bdik*bL>
pos adj.
abdication sub
head abdicate
syl ab+di+1ca+tion
pos n.
abdicative sub
head abdicate
syl ab+dic:a+tive
pron <@b1dik*tiv>
pos adj.
abdicator sub
head abdicate
syl ab+di+2ca+tor
pos n.
abdomen ety C16: from Latin; origin obscure
abdomen 1.
syl ab+do+men
pron <1@bd*m*n>, <@b1d*u->
pos n.
def the region of the body of a vertebrate that contains the viscera other than the heart and lungs. In mammals it is separated from the thorax by the diaphragm.
abdomen 2.
syl ab+do+men
pron <1@bd*m*n>, <@b1d*u->
pos n.
def the front or surface of this region; belly.
abdomen 3.
syl ab+do+men
pron <1@bd*m*n>, <@b1d*u->
pos n.
usage in arthropods
def the posterior part of the body behind the thorax, consisting of up to ten similar segments.
abdominal sub
head abdomen
syl ab+dom:i+nal
pron <@b1dominL>
pos adj.
abdominally sub
head abdomen
syl ab+1dom:i+nal+ly
pos adv.
abdominous 0.
syl ab+dom:i+nous
pron <@b1domin*s>
pos adj.
qual Rare.
def having a large belly.
abducens nerve ety see #7abducent
abducens nerve 0.
syl ab+du+cens nerve
pron <@b1dju:s*nz>
pos n.
def either of the sixth pair of cranial nerves, which supply the lateral rectus muscle of the eye.
abducent ety C18: from Latin abd*_ucent-, abd*_ucens leading away, from abd*_ucere, from ab- away+ d*_ucere to lead, carry
abducent 0.
syl ab+du+cent
pron <@b1dju:sNt>
pos adj.
usage of a muscle
def abducting.
abduct ety C19: from the past participle of Latin abd*_ucere to lead away
abduct 1.
syl ab+duct
pron <@b1d^kt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap.
abduct 2.
syl ab+duct
pron <@b1d^kt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage of certain muscles
def to pull away (a leg, arm, etc.) from the median axis of the body. Compare {adduct}.
abduction sub
head abduct
syl ab+1duc+tion
pos n.
Abdul-Hamid II 0.
syl Ab:dul-Ha:mid II
pron <1@bdul> <1h@mid>
pos n.
def 1842-1918, sultan of Turkey (1876-1909), deposed by the Young Turks, noted for his brutal suppression of the Armenian revolt (1894-96).
abeam ety C19: {#7a -%2}#7+beam
abeam 0.
syl a:beam
pron <*1bEm>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive
def at right angles to the length and directly opposite the centre of a vessel or aircraft.
abecedarian ety C17: from Late Latin abecedarius, from the letters a, b, c, d
abecedarian 1.
syl a:be:ce+dar+i:an
pron <2AbEsE1de*ri*n>
pos n.
def a person who is learning the alphabet or the rudiments of a subject. {~}
abecedarian 2.
syl a:be:ce+dar+i:an
pron <2AbEsE1de*ri*n>
pos n.
def alphabetically arranged.
abed 0.
syl a:bed
pron <*1bed>
pos adv.
qual Archaic.
def in bed.
Abednego 0.
syl A:bed:ne:go
pron <*1bedni2g*u>
pos n.
qual Old Testament.
def one of Daniel's three companions who, together with Shadrach and Meshach, was miraculously saved from destruction in Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace (Daniel 3:12-30).
Abel 0.
syl A:bel
pron <1AbL>
pos n.
def the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd, murdered by his brother Cain (Genesis 4:1-8).
Peter infl
head Abelard
syl Pe:ter.
pos n.
Abelard 0.
syl Ab:e:lard
pron <1@b*2la:d>
pos n.
def French name 1079-1142, French scholastic philosopher and theologian whose works include and (1121). His love for Heloise is recorded in their correspondence.
abele ety C16: from Dutch abeel, ultimately related to Latin albus white
abele 0.
syl a:bele
pron <*1bEl>, <1AbL>
pos n.
def another name for {white poplar}.
Abelian group ety C19: named after Niels Henrik Abel (1802-29), Norwegian mathematician
Abelian group 0.
syl A:be:li:an group
pron <*1bEli*n>
pos n.
def a mathematical group that is commutative: if and are members of an Abelian group then = .
abelmosk ety New Latin, from Arabic abu'l misk father of musk
abelmosk 0.
syl a:bel+mosk
pron <1AbL2mosk>
pos n.
def a tropical bushy malvaceous plant, cultivated for its yellow-and-crimson flowers and for its musk-scented seeds, which yield an oil used in perfumery. Also called: {musk mallow}.
Abeokuta 0.
syl Ab+e:o+ku+ta
pron <2@bi*u1ku:t*>
pos n.
def a town in W Nigeria, capital of Ogun state. Pop.: 253000 (1975 est.).
Aberdare 0.
syl Ab+er+dare
pron <2@b*1de*>
pos n.
def a mining town in South Wales, in N Mid Glamorgan. Pop.: 37760 (1971).
Aberdeen H1.1.
syl Ab+er+deen
pron <2@b*1dEn>
pos n.
def a city in NE Scotland, administrative centre of Grampian region on the North Sea: centre for processing North Sea oil and gas; university (1494). Pop.: 209831 (1976 est.).
Aberdeen H1.2.
syl Ab+er+deen
pron <2@b*1dEn>
pos n.
usage until 1975
def a county of NE Scotland, now part of Grampian region. &- {Ab+er+do+ni@.an} (@!@ab$$?!#!d$$$un$I$$n)
George Hamilton-Gordon infl
head Aberdeen
syl George Ham:il:ton-Gor:don
pos n.
Aberdeen H2.0.
syl Ab:er:deen
pron <2@b*1dEn>
pos n.
def 4th Earl of. 1784-1860, British statesman. He was foreign secretary under Wellington (1828) and Peel (1841-46); became prime minister of a coalition ministry in 1852 but was compelled to resign after mismanagement of the Crimean War (1855).
Aberdeen Angus 0.
syl Ab+er+deen An+gus
pos n.
def a black hornless breed of beef cattle originating in Scotland.
abernethy ety C19: perhaps named after Dr. John Abernethy (1764-1831), English surgeon interested in diet
abernethy 0.
syl ab+er+neth:y
pron <2@b*1neTi>
pos n.
def a crisp unleavened biscuit.
aberrant ety rare before C19: from the present participle of Latin aberr*_are to wander away
aberrant 1.
syl ab+er+rant
pron <@1ber*nt>
pos adj.
def deviating from the normal or usual type, as certain animals from the group in which they are classified.
aberrant 2.
syl ab+er+rant
pron <@1ber*nt>
pos adj.
def behaving in an abnormal or untypical way.
aberrant 3.
syl ab+er+rant
pron <@1ber*nt>
pos adj.
def deviating from truth, morality, etc.
aberrance sub
head aberrant
or aberrancy
syl ab+1er+rance
pos n.
aberrancy sub
head aberrant
or aberrance
syl ab+1er+ran+cy
pos n.
aberration 1.
syl ab+er+ra+tion
pron <2@b*1rAS*n>
pos n.
def deviation from what is normal, expected, or usual.
aberration 2.
syl ab+er+ra+tion
pron <2@b*1rAS*n>
pos n.
def departure from truth, morality, etc.
aberration 3.
syl ab+er+ra+tion
pron <2@b*1rAS*n>
pos n.
def a lapse in control of one's mental faculties.
aberration 4.
syl ab+er+ra+tion
pron <2@b*1rAS*n>
pos n.
qual Optics.
def a defect in a lens or mirror that causes the formation of either a distorted image (see {spherical aberration}) or one with coloured fringes (see {chromatic aberration) }.
aberration 5.
syl ab+er+ra+tion
pron <2@b*1rAS*n>
pos n.
qual Astronomy.
def the apparent displacement of a celestial body due to the motion of the observer with the earth.
Aberystwyth 0.
syl Ab+er+yst+wyth
pron <2@b*1ristwiT>
pos n.
def a resort and university town in Wales, on Cardigan Bay. Pop.: 10680 (1971).
abet ety C14: from Old French abeter to lure on, entice, from beter to bait
abets infl
head abet
syl a:bets
pos vb.
mod tr.
abetting infl
head abet
syl a:bet+ting
pos vb.
mod tr.
abetted infl
head abet
syl a:bet+ted.
pos vb.
mod tr.
abet 0.
syl a:bet
pron <*1bet>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to assist or encourage, esp. in crime or wrongdoing.
abetment sub
head abet
or abettal
syl a:1bet+ment
pos n.
abettal sub
head abet
or abetment
syl a:1bet+tal
pos n.
abettor sub
head abet
or abetter
syl a:1bet+tor
pos n.
abetter sub
head abet
or abettor
syl a:1bet+ter
pos n.
abeyance ety C16-17: from Anglo-French, from Old French abeance expectation, literally a gaping after, a reaching towards
abeyance 1.
syl a:bey+ance
pron <*1bA*ns>
pos n.
usage usually preceded by in or into
def a state of being suspended or put aside temporarily.
abeyance 2.
syl a:bey+ance
pron <*1bA*ns>
pos n.
qual Law.
usage usually preceded by in
def an indeterminate state of ownership, as when the person entitled to an estate has not been ascertained.
abeyant sub
head abeyance
syl a:1bey+ant
pos adj.
abfarad 0.
syl ab+far+ad
pron <@b1f@r@d>, <-*d>
pos n.
def the cgs unit of capacitance in the electromagnetic system; the capacitance of a capacitor having a charge of 1 abcoulomb and a potential difference of 1 abvolt between its conductors: equivalent to 10%9 farads.
abhenries infl
head abhenry
syl ab+hen+ries.
pos n.
mod pl.
abhenry 0.
syl ab+hen+ry
pron <@b1henri>
pos n.
def the cgs unit of inductance in the electromagnetic system; the inductance that results when a rate of change of current of 1 abampere per second generates an induced emf of 1 abvolt: equivalent to 10%-%9 henry.
abhor ety C15: from Latin abhorr*_ere to shudder at, shrink from, from ab- away from+ horr*_ere to bristle, shudder
abhors infl
head abhor
syl ab+hors
pos vb.
mod tr.
abhorring infl
head abhor
syl ab+hor+ring
pos vb.
mod tr.
abhorred infl
head abhor
syl ab+horred.
pos vb.
mod tr.
abhor 0.
syl ab+hor
pron <*b1hc:>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to detest vehemently; find repugnant; reject.
abhorrer sub
head abhor
syl ab+1hor+rer
pos n.
abhorrence 1.
syl ab+hor+rence
pron <*b1hor*ns>
pos n.
def a feeling of extreme loathing or aversion.
abhorrence 2.
syl ab+hor+rence
pron <*b1hor*ns>
pos n.
def a person or thing that is loathsome.
abhorrent 1.
syl ab+hor+rent
pron <*b1hor*nt>
pos adj.
def repugnant; loathsome.
abhorrent 2.
syl ab+hor+rent
pron <*b1hor*nt>
pos adj.
usage when postpositive, foll. by of
def feeling extreme aversion or loathing (for).
exam 1 abhorrent of vulgarity.
abhorrent 3.
syl ab+hor+rent
pron <*b1hor*nt>
pos adj.
usage usually postpositive and foll. by to
def conflicting (with).
exam 1 abhorrent to common sense.
abhorrently sub
head abhorrent
syl ab+1hor+rent+ly
pos adv.
Abib ety Hebrew *_abh*_ibh ear of grain, hence the month when grain was fresh
Abib 0.
syl A:bib
pron Hebrew
pos n.
qual Judaism.
def the month of Nisan in the ancient Hebrew calendar (Exodus 13:4).
abide ety Old English *_ab*_idan, from a- (intensive)+ b*_idan to wait, bide
abides infl
head abide
syl a:bides
pos vb.
abiding infl
head abide
syl a:bid+ing
pos vb.
abode infl
head abide
or abided
syl a:bode
pos vb.
abided infl
head abide
or abode
syl a:bid+ed.
pos vb.
abide 1.
syl a:bide
pron <*1bId>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to tolerate; put up with.
abide 2.
syl a:bide
pron <*1bId>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to accept or submit to; suffer.
exam 1 to abide the court's decision.
abide 3.a.
syl a:bide
pron <*1bId>
pos vb.
def to comply (with).
exam 1 to abide by the decision.
abide 3.b.
syl a:bide
pron <*1bId>
pos vb.
def to remain faithful (to).
exam 1 to abide by your promise.
abide 4.
syl a:bide
pron <*1bId>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to remain or continue.
abide 5.
syl a:bide
pron <*1bId>
pos vb.
mod intr.
qual Archaic.
def to dwell.
abide 6.
syl a:bide
pron <*1bId>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Archaic.
def to await in expectation.
abide 7.
syl a:bide
pron <*1bId>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Archaic.
def to withstand or sustain; endure.
exam 1 to abide the onslaught.
abidance sub
head abide
syl a:1bid+ance
pos n.
abider sub
head abide
syl a:1bid+er
pos n.
abiding 0.
syl a:bid+ing
pron <*1bIdiG>
pos adj.
def permanent; enduring.
exam 1 an abiding belief.
abidingly sub
head abiding
syl a:1bid+ing+ly
pos adv.
Abidjan 0.
syl A:bid+jan
pron <2@bi1Ja:n>, French
pos n.
def the capital of the Ivory Coast: a port on the Gulf of Guinea. Pop.: 282000 (1964 est.).
abietic acid ety C19 abietic, from Latin abi*_et-, from abi*_es silver fir (the acid originally being extracted from the resin)
abietic acid 0.
syl ab:i+et+ic ac:id
pron <2@bi1etik>
pos n.
def a yellowish powder occurring naturally as a constituent of rosin and used in lacquers, var?!nishes, and soap. Formula: C\1\9H\2\9COOH; melting pt.: 173?%C.
abigail ety C17: after the name of a lady's maid in Beaumont and Fletcher's play, The Scornful Lady (1610)
abigail 0.
syl ab:i+gail
pron <1@bi2gAl>
pos n.
qual Archaic.
usage sometimes cap.
def a lady's maid.
Abigail 0.
syl Ab:i+gail
pron <1@bi2gAl>
pos n.
qual Old Testament.
def the woman who brought provisions to David and his followers and subsequently became his wife (I Samuel 25:1-42).
Abilene 0.
syl Ab:i+lene
pron <1@b*2lEn>
pos n.
def a city in central Texas. Pop.: 89653 (1970).
ability ety C14: from Old French from Latin habilit*_as aptitude, handiness, from habilis #7able
abilities infl
head ability
syl a:bil+i:ties.
pos n.
mod pl.
ability 1.
syl a:bil+i:ty
pron <*1biliti>
pos n.
def possession of the qualities required to do something; necessary skill, competence, or power.
exam 1 the ability to cope with a problem.
ability 2.
syl a:bil+i:ty
pron <*1biliti>
pos n.
def considerable proficiency; natural capability.
exam 1 a man of ability.
ability 3.
syl a:bil+i:ty
pron <*1biliti>
pos n.
mod pl.
def special talents.
Abingdon 0.
syl Ab+ing+don
pron <1@biGd*n>
pos n.
def a market town in S England, in Oxfordshire. Pop.: 18596 (1971).
ab initio 0.
syl ab in:i+ti:o
pron Latin. <@b>
def from the start.
abiogenesis ety C19: New Latin, from {#7a -%1}#7+bio -#7+genesis
abiogenesis 0.
syl a:bi:o+gen+e:sis
pron <2AbI*u1Jenisis>
pos n.
def the hypothetical process by which living organisms arise from inanimate matter: formerly thought to explain the origin of microorganisms. Also called: {spontaneous generation, autogenesis}. Compare {biogenesis}.
abiogenetic sub
head abiogenesis
syl a:bi:o+ge:1net+ic
pos adj.
abiogenist sub
head abiogenesis
syl a:bi:og+e:nist
pron <2AbI1oJinist>
pos n.
abiosis ety C20: from {#7a -%1}#7+ Greek bi*_osis a way of living &- a@.bi@.ot+ic (#!e$Iba$I@!$At$Ik) adj.
abiosis 0.
syl a:bi:o+sis
pron <2AbI1*usis>
pos n.
def absence of life.
abirritant 1.
syl ab+ir+ri+tant
pron <@b1irit*nt>
pos adj.
def relieving irritation.
abirritant 2.
syl ab+ir+ri+tant
pron <@b1irit*nt>
pos n.
def any drug or agent that relieves irritation.
abirritate 0.
syl ab+ir+ri+tate
pron <@b1iri2tAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Med.
def to soothe or relieve irritation.
abject ety C14 (in the sense: rejected, cast out): from Latin abjectus thrown or cast away, from abjicere, from ab- away+ jacere to throw
abject 1.
syl ab+ject
pron <1@bJekt>
pos adj.
def utterly wretched or hopeless.
abject 2.
syl ab+ject
pron <1@bJekt>
pos adj.
def miserable; forlorn; dejected.
abject 3.
syl ab+ject
pron <1@bJekt>
pos adj.
def indicating humiliation; submissive.
exam 1 an abject apology.
abject 4.
syl ab+ject
pron <1@bJekt>
pos adj.
def contemptible; despicable; servile.
exam 1 an abject liar.
abjection sub
head abject
syl ab+1jec+tion
pos n.
abjectly sub
head abject
syl ab+ject+ly
pos adv.
abjure ety C15: from Old French abjurer or Latin abjur*_are to deny on oath
abjure 1.
syl ab+jure
pron <*b1Ju*>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to renounce or retract, esp. formally, solemnly, or under oath.
abjure 2.
syl ab+jure
pron <*b1Ju*>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to abstain from or reject.
abjuration sub
head abjure
syl ab+ju+1ra+tion
pos n.
abjurer sub
head abjure
syl ab+1jur+er
pos n.
Abkhaz infl
syl Ab+khaz
pos n.
mod pl.
Abkhaz 1.
syl Ab+khaz
pron <@b1ka:z>
pos n.
def a member of a Georgian people living east of the Black Sea.
Abkhaz 2.
syl Ab+khaz
pron <@b1ka:z>
pos n.
def the language of this people, belonging to the North Caucasian family.
Abkhaz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0.
syl Ab+khaz Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic
pos n.
def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, in the NW Georgian SSR between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains: a subtropical region, with mountains rising over 3900 m (13000 ft.). Capital: Sukhumi. Pop.: 486959 (1970). Area: 8600 sq. km (3320 sq. miles). Also called: {Ab+kha+zi@.a} (@ab#!k$a$:z$I$$).
abl 0.
syl abl.
qual abbrev. for
def ablative.
ablactation 1.
syl ab+lac+ta+tion
pron <2@bl@k1tAS*n>
pos n.
def the weaning of an infant.
ablactation 2.
syl ab+lac+ta+tion
pron <2@bl@k1tAS*n>
pos n.
def the cessation of milk secretion in the breasts.
ablate ety C20: back formation from #7ablation
ablate 0.
syl ab+late
pron <@b1lAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to remove by ablation.
ablation ety C15: from Late Latin ablati*_on-, from Latin auferre to carry away, remove
ablation 1.
syl ab+la+tion
pron <@b1lAS*n>
pos n.
def the surgical removal of an organ, structure, or part.
ablation 2.
syl ab+la+tion
pron <@b1lAS*n>
pos n.
def the melting or wearing away of an ex?!pendable part, such as the heat shield of a space re-entry vehicle on passing through the earth's atmosphere.
ablation 3.
syl ab+la+tion
pron <@b1lAS*n>
pos n.
def the wearing away of a rock or glacier.
ablative 1.
syl ab+la+tive
pron <1@bl*tiv>
pos adj.
qual Grammar.
usage in certain inflected languages such as Latin
def denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives indicating the agent in passive sentences or the instrument, manner, or place of the action described by the verb.
ablative 2.a.
syl ab+la+tive
pron <1@bl*tiv>
pos n.
qual Grammar.
def the ablative case.
ablative 2.b.
syl ab+la+tive
pron <1@bl*tiv>
pos n.
qual Grammar.
def a word or speech element in the ablative case.
ablative absolute 0.
syl ab+la+tive ab+so+lute
pos n.
def an absolute construction in Latin grammar in which a head noun and a modifier in the ablative case function as a sentence modifier; for example, @6the enemy having been beaten@9.
ablator ety C20: from #7ablation
ablator 0.
syl ab+la+tor
pron <@b1lAt*>
pos n.
def the heat shield of a space vehicle, which melts or wears away during re-entry into the earth's atmosphere.
ablaut ety German, coined 1819 by Jakob Grimm from ab off+ Laut sound
ablaut 0.
syl ab+laut
pron <1@blaut>, German <1aplaut>
pos n.
qual Linguistics.
def vowel gradation, esp. in Indo-European languages. See { {gradation} (sense 5)}.
ablaze 1.
syl a:blaze
pron <*1blAz>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def on fire; burning.
ablaze 2.
syl a:blaze
pron <*1blAz>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def brightly illuminated.
ablaze 3.
syl a:blaze
pron <*1blAz>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def emotionally aroused.
able ety C14: ultimately from Latin habilis easy to hold, manageable, apt, from hab*_ere to have, hold+ -ilis -#7ile
able 1.
syl a:ble
pron <1AbL>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def having the necessary power, resources, skill, time, opportunity, etc., to do something.
exam 1 able to swim.
able 2.
syl a:ble
pron <1AbL>
pos adj.
def capable; competent; talented.
exam 1 an able teacher.
able 3.
syl a:ble
pron <1AbL>
pos adj.
qual Law.
def qualified, competent, or authorized to do some specific act.
-able ety via Old French from Latin -*_abilis, -*_ibilis, forms of -bilis, adjectival suffix
-able 0.
syl -a:ble
exam 1 suffix forming adjectives.
-able 1.
syl -a:ble
def capable of, suitable for, or deserving of (being acted upon as indicated).
exam 1 enjoyable;
exam 2 pitiable;
exam 3 readable;
exam 4 separable;
exam 5 washable.
-able 2.
syl -a:ble
def inclined to; given to; able to; causing.
exam 1 comfortable;
exam 2 reasonable;
exam 3 variable.
-ably sub
head -able
syl -a:bly
-ability sub
head -able
syl -a:bil:i:ty
able-bodied 0.
syl a:ble-bod:ied
pos adj.
def physically strong and healthy; robust.
able-bodied seaman 0.
syl a:ble-bod:ied sea+man
pos n.
def an ordinary seaman, esp. one in the merchant navy, who has been trained in certain skills. Also: {able seaman}. Abbrev.: {A.B., a.b}.
able rating 0.
syl a:ble rat+ing
pos n.
usage esp. in the Royal Navy
def a rating who is qualified to perform certain duties of seamanship.
abloom 0.
syl a:bloom
pron <*1blu:m>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def in flower; blooming.
ablution ety C14: ultimately from Latin abl*_uere to wash away
ablution 1.
syl ab+lu+tion
pron <*1blu:S*n>
pos n.
def the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels.
ablution 2.
syl ab+lu+tion
pron <*1blu:S*n>
pos n.
mod often; pl.
def the act of washing (esp. in the phrase {perform one's ablutions) }.
ablution 3.
syl ab+lu+tion
pron <*1blu:S*n>
pos n.
mod pl.
qual Military informal.
def latrines.
ablutionary sub
head ablution
syl ab+1lu+tion+ar:y
pos adj.
ably 0.
syl a:bly
pron <1Abli>
pos adv.
def in a competent or skilful manner.
ABM 0.
syl ABM
qual abbrev. for
def antiballistic missile.
abnegate ety C17: from Latin abneg*_are to deny
abnegate 0.
syl ab+ne+gate
pron <1@bni2gAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to deny to oneself; renounce (privileges, pleasure, etc.).
abnegation sub
head abnegate
syl ab+ne+1ga+tion
pos n.
abnegator sub
head abnegate
syl ab+ne+2ga+tor
pos n.
Abney level ety C20: named after W. de W. Abney, died 1920, English scientist
Abney level 0.
syl Ab:ney lev+el
pron <1@bni>
pos n.
def a surveying instrument consisting of a spirit level and a sighting tube, used to measure the angle of inclination of a line from the observer to another point.
abnormal ety C19: {#7ab -%1}#7+normal, replacing earlier anormal from Medieval Latin anormalus, a blend of Late Latin an*_omalus #7anomalous+ Latin abnormis departing from a rule &- ab+#!nor+mal+ly adv.
abnormal 1.
syl ab+nor+mal
pron <@b1nc:m*l>
pos adj.
def not normal; deviating from the usual or typical; extraordinary.
abnormal 2.
syl ab+nor+mal
pron <@b1nc:m*l>
pos adj.
qual Informal.
def odd in behaviour or appearance; strange.
abnormalities infl
head abnormality
syl ab+nor+mal+i:ties.
pos n.
mod pl.
abnormality 1.
syl ab+nor+mal+i:ty
pron <2@bnc:1m@liti>
pos n.
def an abnormal feature, event, etc.
abnormality 2.
syl ab+nor+mal+i:ty
pron <2@bnc:1m@liti>
pos n.
def a physical malformation; deformity.
abnormality 3.
syl ab+nor+mal+i:ty
pron <2@bnc:1m@liti>
pos n.
def deviation from the typical or usual; irregularity.
abnormal psychology 0.
syl ab+nor+mal psy+chol+o:gy
pos n.
def the study of behaviour patterns that diverge widely from generally accepted norms, esp. those of a pathological nature.
Abos infl
head Abo
syl Ab:os.
pos n.
mod pl.
Abo 0.a.
syl Ab:o
pron <1@b*u>
pos n.
qual Austral. informal, often derogatory.
usage sometimes not cap.
def short for {Aborigine}.
Abo 0.b.
syl Ab:o
pron <1@b*u>
pos n.
qual Austral. informal, often derogatory.
usage sometimes not cap.; as modifier
exam 1 an Abo reserve.
Abo 0.
syl *%A:bo
pron <1o:bu:>
pos n.
def the Swedish name for {Turku}.
ABO system 0.
syl ABO sys+tem
pos n.
def a system for classifying human blood on the basis of the presence or absence of two antigens in the red cells: there are four such blood types (A, B, AB, and O).
aboard 1.
syl a:board
pron <*1bc:d>
pos adv. adj. postpositive; prep.
def on, in, onto, or into (a ship, train, aircraft, etc.).
aboard 2.
syl a:board
pron <*1bc:d>
pos adv. adj. postpositive; prep.
qual Nautical.
def alongside (a vessel).
all aboard 3.
head aboard
syl all aboard&!
pos interj.
def a warning to passengers to board a vehicle, ship, etc.
abode ety C17: n. formed from #7abide
abode H1.0.
syl a:bode
pron <*1b*ud>
pos n.
def a place in which one lives; one's home.
abode H2.0.
syl a:bode
pron <*1b*ud>
pos vb.
def a past tense and past participle of {abide}.
abohm 0.
syl ab+ohm
pron <@b1*um>, <1@b2*um>
pos n.
def the cgs unit of resistance in the electromagnetic system: equivalent to 10%-%9 ohm.
aboideau ety Canadian French
aboiteau alt
head aboideau
or aboideau
syl a:boi+teau
pron <1@b*2t*u>
pos n.
aboideaus infl
head aboideau
or aboiteaus
syl a:boi+deaus
pron <-2d*uz>
pos n.
mod pl.
aboideaux infl
head aboideau
or aboiteaux
syl a:boi+deaux
pron <-2d*uz>
pos n.
mod pl.
aboiteaus infl
head aboideau
or aboideaus
syl a:boi+teaus
pron <-2t*uz>
pos n.
mod pl.
aboiteaux infl
head aboideau
or aboideaux
syl a:boi+teaux
pron <-2t*uz>
pos n.
mod pl.
aboideau 1.
or aboiteau
syl a:boi+deau
pron <1@b*2d*u>
pos n.
usage in the Canadian Maritimes
def a dyke with a sluice gate that allows flood water to drain off while keeping the sea water out.
aboideau 2.
or aboiteau
syl a:boi+deau
pron <1@b*2d*u>
pos n.
usage in the Canadian Maritimes
def a sluice gate in a dyke.
abolish ety C15: from Old French aboliss- (lengthened stem of abolir) , ultimately from Latin abol*_ere to destroy
abolish 0.
syl a:bol+ish
pron <*1boliS>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to do away with (laws, regulations, customs, etc.); put an end to.
abolishable sub
head abolish
syl a:1bol+ish+a:ble
pos adj.
abolisher sub
head abolish
syl a:1bol+ish+er
pos n.
abolishment sub
head abolish
syl a:1bol+ish+ment
pos n.
abolition ety C16: from Latin abolitio, from abol*_ere to destroy
abolition 1.
syl ab:o+li+tion
pron <2@b*1liS*n>
pos n.
def the act of abolishing or the state of being abolished; annulment.
abolition 2.
syl ab:o+li+tion
pron <2@b*1liS*n>
pos n.
usage often cap.; in British territories
def the ending of the slave trade (1807) or the ending of slavery (1833): accomplished after a long campaign led by William Wilberforce.
abolition 3.
syl ab:o+li+tion
pron <2@b*1liS*n>
pos n.
usage often cap.; in the U.S.
def the emancipation of the slaves, accomplished by the Emancipation Proclamation issued in 1863 and ratified in 1865.
abolitionary sub
head abolition
syl ab:o+1li+tion+ar:y
pos adj.
abolitionism sub
head abolition
syl ab:o+1li+tion+ism
pos n.
abolitionist sub
head abolition
syl ab:o+1li+tion+ist
pos n. adj.
abomasum ety C18: New Latin, from {#7ab -%1}#7+ om*_asum bullock's tripe
abomasum 0.
syl ab:o+ma+sum
pron <2@b*1mAs*m>
pos n.
def the fourth and last compartment of the stomach of ruminants, which receives and digests food from the psalterium and passes it on to the small intestine.
A-bomb 0.
syl A-bomb
pos n.
def short for {atom bomb}.
abominable ety C14: from Latin ab*_omin*_abilis, from ab*_omin*_ar*_i to #7abominate
abominable 1.
syl a:bom:i+na:ble
pron <*1bomin*bL>
pos adj.
def offensive; loathsome; detestable.
abominable 2.
syl a:bom:i+na:ble
pron <*1bomin*bL>
pos adj.
qual Informal.
def very bad, unpleasant, or inferior.
exam 1 abominable weather;
exam 2 abominable workmanship.
abominably sub
head abominable
syl a:1bom:i+na:bly
pos adv.
abominable snowman ety a translation of Tibetan metohkangmi, from metoh foul+ kangmi snowman
abominable snowman 0.
syl a:bom:i+na:ble snow+man
pos n.
def a large legendary manlike or apelike creature, alleged to inhabit the Himalayan Mountains. Also called: {yeti}.
abominate ety C17: from the past participle of Latin ab*_omin*_ar*_i to regard as an ill omen, from ab- away from+ *_omin-, from #7omen
abominate 0.
syl a:bom:i+nate
pron <*1bomi2nAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to dislike intensely; loathe; detest.
abominator sub
head abominate
syl a:1bom:i+2na+tor
pos n.
abomination 1.
syl a:bom:i+na+tion
pron <*2bomi1nAS*n>
pos n.
def a person or thing that is disgusting or loathsome.
abomination 2.
syl a:bom:i+na+tion
pron <*2bomi1nAS*n>
pos n.
def an action that is vicious, vile, etc.
abomination 3.
syl a:bom:i+na+tion
pron <*2bomi1nAS*n>
pos n.
def intense loathing or disgust.
abondance 0.
syl a:bon+dance
pron French
pos n.
qual Cards.
def a variant spelling of { {abundance} (sense 6)}.
a bon march'e 0.
syl *`a bon mar+ch*'e
pron French.
pos adv.
def at a bargain price.
aboral 0.
syl ab+o:ral
pron <@b1c:r*l>
pos adj.
qual Zoology.
def away from or opposite the mouth.
aboriginal 0.
syl ab:o+rig:i+nal
pron <2@b*1riJinL>
pos adj.
def existing in a place from the earliest known period; indigenous; autochthonous.
aboriginally sub
head aboriginal
syl ab:o+1rig:i+nal+ly
pos adv.
Aboriginal 1.
syl Ab:o+rig:i+nal
pron <2@b*1riJinL>
pos adj.
def of, relating to, or characteristic of the Aborigines of Australia.
Aboriginal 2.
syl Ab:o+rig:i+nal
pron <2@b*1riJinL>
pos n.
def another word for an Australian {Aborigine}.
aborigine ety C16: back formation from aborigines, from Latin: inhabitants of Latium in pre-Roman times, probably represent?!ing some tribal name but associated in folk etymology with ab origine from the beginning
aborigine 0.
syl ab:o+rig:i+ne
pron <2@b*1riJini>
pos n.
def an original inhabitant of a country or region who has been there from the earliest known times.
Aborigine 1.
syl Ab:o+rig:i+ne
pron <2@b*1riJini>
pos n.
def Also called: {native Australian}, (Austral.) {native}, (Austral.) {Black}. a member of a dark-skinned hunting and gathering people who were living in Australia when European settlers arrived. Often shortened to {Abo}.
Aborigine 2.
syl Ab:o+rig:i+ne
pron <2@b*1riJini>
pos n.
def any of the languages of this people. See also { {Australian} (sense 3)}.
aborning ety C20: from #7a -%2#7+ borning, from #7born
aborning 0.
syl a:born+ing
pron <*1bc:niG>
pos adv.
qual U.S.
def while being born, developed, or realized (esp. in the phrase {die aborning}) .
abort ety C16: from Latin abort*_are, from the past participle of abor*_ir*_i to miscarry, from ab- wrongly, badly+ or*_ir*_i to appear, arise, be born
abort 1.
syl a:bort
pron <*1bc:t>
pos vb.
def to terminate or cause to terminate pregnancy before the fetus is viable.
abort 2.
syl a:bort
pron <*1bc:t>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to fail to come to completion; go wrong.
abort 3.
syl a:bort
pron <*1bc:t>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to interrupt the development of.
abort 4.
syl a:bort
pron <*1bc:t>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to give birth to a dead or nonviable fetus.
abort 5.
syl a:bort
pron <*1bc:t>
pos vb.
usage of a space flight, military operation, etc.
def to fail or terminate prematurely.
abort 6.
syl a:bort
pron <*1bc:t>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage of an organism or part of an organism
def to fail to develop into the mature form.
aborticide 1.
syl a:bor+ti+cide
pron <*1bc:ti2sId>
pos n.
def the destruction of a fetus; feticide.
aborticide 2.
syl a:bor+ti+cide
pron <*1bc:ti2sId>
pos n.
def a drug or agent that kills a fetus.
abortifacient 1.
syl a:bor+ti+fa+cient
pron <*2bc:ti1fAS*nt>
pos adj.
def causing abortion.
abortifacient 2.
syl a:bor+ti+fa+cient
pron <*2bc:ti1fAS*nt>
pos n.
def a drug or agent that causes abortion.
abortion 1.
syl a:bor+tion
pron <*1bc:S*n>
pos n.
def an operation or other procedure to terminate pregnancy before the fetus is viable.
abortion 2.
syl a:bor+tion
pron <*1bc:S*n>
pos n.
def the premature termination of pregnancy by spontaneous or induced expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus.
abortion 3.
syl a:bor+tion
pron <*1bc:S*n>
pos n.
def the products of abortion; an aborted fetus.
abortion 4.
syl a:bor+tion
pron <*1bc:S*n>
pos n.
def the arrest of development of an organ.
abortion 5.
syl a:bor+tion
pron <*1bc:S*n>
pos n.
def a failure to develop to completion or maturity.
exam 1 the project proved an abortion.
abortion 6.
syl a:bor+tion
pron <*1bc:S*n>
pos n.
def a person or thing that is de?!formed.
abortional sub
head abortion
syl a:1bor+tion+al
pos adj.
abortionist 0.
syl a:bor+tion+ist
pron <*1bc:S*nist>
pos n.
def a person who performs abortions, esp. illegally.
abortive 1.
syl a:bor+tive
pron <*1bc:tiv>
pos adj.
def failing to achieve a purpose; fruitless.
abortive 2.
syl a:bor+tive
pron <*1bc:tiv>
pos adj.
usage of organisms
def imperfectly developed; rudimentary.
abortive 3.
syl a:bor+tive
pron <*1bc:tiv>
pos adj.
def causing abortion; abortifacient.
Abukir Bay alt
head Aboukir Bay
or Aboukir Bay
syl A:bu+kir Bay
pron <2@bu:1ki*>
pos n.
Aboukir Bay 0.
or Abukir Bay
syl A:bou+kir Bay
pron <2@bu:1ki*>
pos n.
def a bay on the N coast of Egypt, where the Nile enters the Mediterranean: site of the Battle of the Nile (1798), in which Nelson defeated the French fleet. Arabic name: {Abu Q*^ir}.
aboulia 0.
syl a:bou+li:a
pron <*1bu:li*>, <-1bju:->
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {abulia}.
abound ety C14: via Old French from Latin abund*_are to overflow, from und*_are to flow, from unda wave
abound 1.
syl a:bound
pron <*1baund>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to exist or occur in abundance; be plentiful.
exam 1 a swamp in which snakes abound.
abound 2.
syl a:bound
pron <*1baund>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage foll. by with or in
def to be plentifully supplied (with); teem (with).
exam 1 the gardens abound with flowers;
exam 2 the fields abound in corn.
about ety Old English ab*_utan, onb*_utan on the outside of, around, from #7on+ b*_utan outside
about 1.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos prep.
def relating to; concerning; on the subject of.
about 2.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos prep.
def near or close to.
about 3.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos prep.
def carried on.
exam 1 I haven't any money about me.
about 4.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos prep.
def on every side of; all the way around.
about 5.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos prep.
def active in or engaged in.
exam 1 she is about her business.
about 6.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos prep.
usage foll. by an infinitive
def ready to or intending to: often used to form an immediate future verb.
exam 1 he was about to jump.
about 7.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos adv.
def approximately; near in number, time, degree, etc..
exam 1 about 50 years old.
about 8.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos adv.
def nearby.
about 9.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos adv.
def here and there; from place to place; in no particular direction.
exam 1 walk about to keep warm.
about 10.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos adv.
def all around; on every side.
about 11.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos adv.
def in or to the opposite direction.
exam 1 he turned about and came back.
about 12.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos adv.
def in rotation or revolution.
exam 1 turn and turn about.
about 13.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos adv.
def used in informal phrases to indicate understatement.
exam 1 I've had just about enough of your insults;
exam 2 it's about time you stopped.
about 14.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos adv.
qual Archaic.
def in circumference; around.
about 15.
syl a:bout
pron <*1baut>
pos adj.
usage predicative
def active; astir after sleep.
exam 1 up and about.
about-ships infl
head about-ship
syl a:bout-ships
pos vb.
mod intr.
about-shipping infl
head about-ship
syl a:bout-ship:ping
pos vb.
mod intr.
about-shipped infl
head about-ship
syl a:bout-shipped.
pos vb.
mod intr.
about-ship 0.
syl a:bout-ship
pos vb.
mod intr.
qual Nautical.
def to manoeuvre a vessel onto a new tack.
about face alt
head about turn
or about turn
syl a:bout face
pos interj.
qual U.S.
about turn 1.
or about face
syl a:bout turn
pos interj.
def a military command to a formation of men to reverse the direction in which they are facing.
about-turn infl
head about turn
or about-face
syl a:bout-turn
pos n.
about-face infl
head about turn
or about-turn
syl a:bout-face.
pos n.
qual U.S.
about turn 2.
or about face
syl a:bout turn
pos n.
def a complete change or reversal, as of opinion, attitude, direction, etc.
about-turn infl
head about turn
or about-face
syl a:bout-turn
pos vb.
about-face infl
head about turn
or about-turn
syl a:bout-face.
pos vb.
qual U.S.
about turn 3.
or about face
syl a:bout turn
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to perform an about-turn.
above ety Old English abufan, from a- on+ bufan above
above 1.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def on top of or higher than; over.
exam 1 the sky above the earth.
above 2.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def greater than in quantity or degree.
exam 1 above average in weight.
above 3.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def superior to or prior to.
exam 1 to place honour above wealth.
above 4.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def too honourable or high-minded for.
exam 1 above petty gossiping.
above 5.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def too respected for; beyond.
exam 1 above suspicion;
exam 2 above reproach.
above 6.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def too difficult to be understood by.
exam 1 the talk was above me.
above 7.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def louder or higher than (other noise).
exam 1 I heard her call above the radio.
above 8.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def in preference to.
exam 1 I love you above all others.
above 9.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def north of.
exam 1 which town lies just above London??
above 10.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def upstream from.
above all 11.
head above
syl above all.
def most of all or most important.
above and beyond 12.
head above
syl above and beyond.
def in addition to.
above oneself 13.
head above
syl above oneself.
def presumptuous or conceited. {~}
above 14.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def in or to a higher place.
exam 1 the sky above.
above 15.a.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def in a previous place (in something written).
above 15.b.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
usage in combination
exam 1 the above-mentioned clause.
above 16.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def higher in rank or position.
above 17.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos prep.
def in or concerned with heaven.
exam 1 seek the things that are above.
the above 18.
head above
syl the above.
def something that is above or previously mentioned.
above 19.
syl a:bove
pron <*1b^v>
pos adj.
def mentioned or appearing in a previous place (in something written).
(aboveboard infl
head above board
syl (aboveboard
pos adj.
above board 0.
syl a:bove board
pos adj.
usage when prenominal)
def , in the open; without dishonesty, concealment, or fraud.
ab ovo ety literally: from the egg
ab ovo 0.
syl ab o:vo
pron Latin. <@b> <1*uv*u>
def from the beginning.
abp alt
head Abp
or Abp
syl abp.
Abp 0.
or abp
syl Abp.
qual abbrev. for
def archbishop.
abr 1.
syl abr.
qual abbrev. for:
def abridged.
abr 2.
syl abr.
qual abbrev. for:
def abridgment.
abracadabra ety C17: from Latin: magical word used in certain Gnostic writings, perhaps related to Greek Abrasax, a Gnostic deity
abracadabra 1.
syl ab+ra+ca+dab+ra
pron <2@br*k*1d@br*>
pos interj.
def a spoken formula, used esp. by conjurors.
abracadabra 2.
syl ab+ra+ca+dab+ra
pron <2@br*k*1d@br*>
pos n.
def a word used in incantations, etc., considered to possess magic powers.
abracadabra 3.
syl ab+ra+ca+dab+ra
pron <2@br*k*1d@br*>
pos n.
def gibberish; nonsense.
abrade ety C17: from Latin abr*_adere to scrape away, from #7ab -#7+ r*_adere to scrape
abrade 0.
syl a:brade
pron <*1brAd>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to scrape away or wear down by friction; erode.
abradant sub
head abrade
syl a:1bra+dant
pos n.
abrader sub
head abrade
syl a:1brad+er
pos n.
Abraham 1.
syl A:bra:ham
pron <1Abr*2h@m>, <-h*m>
pos n.
qual Old Testament.
def the first of the patriarchs, the father of Isaac and the founder of the Hebrew people (Genesis 11-25).
Abraham's bosom 2.
head Abraham
syl Abraham's bosom.
def the place where the just repose after death (Luke 16:22).
abranchiate ety C19: #7a -%1#7+branchiate
abranchial alt
head abranchiate
or abranchiate
syl a:bran+chi:al
pos adj.
abranchiate 0.
or abranchial
syl a:bran+chi+ate
pron <*1br@Gkiit>, <-2At>
pos adj.
qual Zool?!ogy.
def having no gills.
abrasion ety C17: from Medieval Latin abr*_asi*_on-, from the past participle of Latin abr*_adere to #7abrade
abrasion 1.
syl a:bra+sion
pron <*1brAZ*n>
pos n.
def the process of scraping or wearing down by friction.
abrasion 2.
syl a:bra+sion
pron <*1brAZ*n>
pos n.
def a scraped area or spot; graze.
abrasion 3.
syl a:bra+sion
pron <*1brAZ*n>
pos n.
qual Geography.
def the effect of mechanical erosion of rock, esp. a river bed, by rock fragments scratching and scraping it; wearing down. Compare { {attrition} (sense 3)}, {corrasion}.
abrasive 1.
syl a:bra+sive
pron <*1brAsiv>
pos n.
def a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing.
abrasive 2.
syl a:bra+sive
pron <*1brAsiv>
pos adj.
def causing abrasion; grating; rough.
abrasive 3.
syl a:bra+sive
pron <*1brAsiv>
pos adj.
def irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance.
abraxas ety from Greek: invented word
abraxas 0.
syl a:brax+as
pron <*1br@ks*s>
pos n.
def an ancient charm composed of Greek letters: originally believed to have magical powers and inscribed on amulets, etc., but from the second century #7a.d. personified by Gnostics as a deity, the source of divine emanations.
abreact 0.
syl ab+re+act
pron <2@bri1@kt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Psychoanal.
def to alleviate (emotional tension) through abreaction.
abreaction 0.
syl ab+re+ac+tion
pron <2@bri1@kS*n>
pos n.
qual Psychoanal.
def the release and expression of emotional tension associated with repressed ideas by bringing those ideas into consciousness.
abreast 1.
syl a:breast
pron <*1brest>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def alongside each other and facing in the same direction.
abreast 2.
syl a:breast
pron <*1brest>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; foll. by of or with
def up to date (with); fully conversant (with).
abri ety French, from Latin apricum an open place
abri 0.
syl a:bri
pron <@1bri>
pos n.
def a shelter or place of refuge, esp. in wartime.
abridge ety C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbrevi*_are to shorten
abridge 1.
syl a:bridge
pron <*1briJ>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting.
abridge 2.
syl a:bridge
pron <*1briJ>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to curtail; diminish.
abridge 3.
syl a:bridge
pron <*1briJ>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Archaic.
def to deprive of (privileges, rights, etc.).
abridgable sub
head abridge
or abridgeable
syl a:1bridg+a:ble
pos adj.
abridgeable sub
head abridge
or abridgable
syl a:1bridge+a:ble
pos adj.
abridger sub
head abridge
syl a:1bridg+er
pos n.
abridgement alt
head abridgment
or abridgment
syl a:bridge+ment
pron <*1briJm*nt>
pos n.
abridgment 1.
or abridgement
syl a:bridg+ment
pron <*1briJm*nt>
pos n.
def a short?!ened version of a written work.
abridgment 2.
or abridgement
syl a:bridg+ment
pron <*1briJm*nt>
pos n.
def the act of abridging or state of being abridged.
abroach ety C14: from Old French abrochier from a - to+ brochier to #7broach
abroach 0.
syl a:broach
pron <*1br*uC>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; of a cask, barrel, etc.
def tapped; broached.
abroad ety C13: from #7a -%2#7+broad
abroad 1.
syl a:broad
pron <*1brc:d>
pos adv.
def to or in a foreign country or countries.
abroad 2.
syl a:broad
pron <*1brc:d>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; of news, rumours, etc.
def in general circulation; current.
abroad 3.
syl a:broad
pron <*1brc:d>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def out in the open.
abroad 4.
syl a:broad
pron <*1brc:d>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def over a wide area.
abroad 5.
syl a:broad
pron <*1brc:d>
pos adj.
qual Archaic.
usage postpositive
def in error.
abrogate ety C16: from Latin abrog*_atus repealed, from #7ab -%1#7+ rog*_are to propose (a law)
abrogate 0.
syl ab+ro+gate
pron <1@br*u2gAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to cancel or revoke formally or officially; repeal; annul.
abrogation sub
head abrogate
syl ab+ro+1ga+tion
pos n.
abrogator sub
head abrogate
syl ab+ro+2ga+tor
pos n.
abrupt ety C16: from Latin abruptus broken off, from #7ab -%1#7+ rumpere to break
abrupt 1.
syl ab+rupt
pron <*1br^pt>
pos adj.
def sudden; unexpected.
abrupt 2.
syl ab+rupt
pron <*1br^pt>
pos adj.
def brusque or brief in speech, manner, etc.; curt.
abrupt 3.
syl ab+rupt
pron <*1br^pt>
pos adj.
usage of a style of writing or speaking
def making sharp transitions from one subject to another; disconnected.
abrupt 4.
syl ab+rupt
pron <*1br^pt>
pos adj.
def precipitous; steep.
abrupt 5.
syl ab+rupt
pron <*1br^pt>
pos adj.
qual Botany.
def shaped as though a part has been cut off; truncate.
abrupt 6.
syl ab+rupt
pron <*1br^pt>
pos adj.
usage Geology. of strata
def cropping out suddenly.
abruptly sub
head abrupt
syl ab+1rupt+ly
pos adv.
abruptness sub
head abrupt
syl ab+1rupt+ness
pos n.
abruption ety C17: from Latin abruptio ; see #7abrupt
abruption 0.
syl ab+rup+tion
pron <*1br^pS*n>
pos n.
def a breaking off of a part or parts from a mass.
Abruzzi 0.
syl A:bruz+zi
pron Italian
pos n.
def a region of S central Italy, between the Apennines and the Adriatic: separated from the former administrative region {Abruzzi e Molise} in 1965. Capital: Aquila. Pop.: 1163334 (1971). Area: 10794 sq. km (4210 sq. miles).
Absalom 0.
syl Ab:sa:lom
pron <1@bs*l*m>
pos n.
qual Old Testament.
def the third son of David, who rebelled against his father and was eventually killed by Joab (II Samuel 15-18).
abscess ety C16: from Latin abscessus a going away, a throwing off of bad humours, hence an abscess, from absc*_edere to go away
abscess 1.
syl ab+scess
pron <1@bses>, <-sis>
pos n.
def a localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and often caused by bacteria.
abscess 2.
syl ab+scess
pron <1@bses>, <-sis>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to form such a collection of pus.
abscessed sub
head abscess
syl ab+scessed
pos adj.
abscise ety C17: from Latin abscisus , from absc*_idere to cut off
abscise 0.
syl ab+scise
pron <@b1sIz>
pos vb.
def to separate by abscission.
abscissa ety C17: New Latin, originally linea abscissa a cut-off line
abscissas infl
head abscissa
or abscissae
syl ab+scis+sas
pron <-1sisE>
pos n.
mod pl.
abscissae infl
head abscissa
or abscissas
syl ab+scis+sae
pron <-1sisE>
pos n.
mod pl.
abscissa 0.
syl ab+scis+sa
pron <@b1sis*>
pos n.
def the horizontal or -coordinate of a point in a two-dimensional system of Cartesian coordinates. It is the distance from the -axis measured parallel to the -axis. Compare { {ordinate} (sense 1)}.
abscission ety C17: from Latin abscissi*_on-, from #7ab -%1#7+ scissi*_o a cleaving
abscission 1.
syl ab+scis+sion
pron <@b1siZ*n>, <-1siS->
pos n.
def the separation of leaves, branches, flowers, and bark from plants by the formation of an abscission layer.
abscission 2.
syl ab+scis+sion
pron <@b1siZ*n>, <-1siS->
pos n.
def the act of cutting off.
abscission layer 0.
syl ab+scis+sion lay+er
pos n.
def a layer of parenchyma cells, bounded on both sides by cork, that is formed at the base of fruit, flower, and leaf stems and under bark before abscission. As the parenchyma disintegrates the organ becomes separated from the plant.
abscond ety C16: from Latin abscondere to hide, put away, from abs- #7ab -%1#7+ condere to stow
abscond 0.
syl ab+scond
pron <*b1skond>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to run away secretly, esp. to avoid prosecution or arrest after stealing something.
absconder sub
head abscond
syl ab+1scond+er
pos n.
abseil ety C20: from German abseilen to descend by a rope, from ab- down+ Seil rope
abseil 1.
syl ab+seil
pron <1@bsIl>
pos vb.
mod intr.
qual Mountaineering.
def to descend a steep slope or vertical drop by a rope secured from above and coiled around one's body or through karabiners attached to one's body in order to control the speed of descent.
abseil 2.
syl ab+seil
pron <1@bsIl>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to descend by rope from a helicopter.
abseil 3.
syl ab+seil
pron <1@bsIl>
pos n.
mod intr.
def an instance or the technique of abseiling. {~} Also called: {rappel}.
absence ety C14: via Old French from Latin absentia, from abs*_ens a being away
absence 1.
syl ab+sence
pron <1@bs*ns>
pos n.
def the state of being away.
absence 2.
syl ab+sence
pron <1@bs*ns>
pos n.
def the time during which a person or thing is away.
absence 3.
syl ab+sence
pron <1@bs*ns>
pos n.
def the fact of being without something; lack.
absent ety C14: from Latin absent-, stem of abs*_ens, present participle of abesse to be away
absent 1.
syl ab+sent
pron <1@bs*nt>
pos adj.
def away or not present.
absent 2.
syl ab+sent
pron <1@bs*nt>
pos adj.
def lacking; missing.
absent 3.
syl ab+sent
pron <1@bs*nt>
pos adj.
def inattentive; absent-minded.
absent 4.
syl ab+sent
pron <@b1sent>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to remove (oneself) or keep away.
absenter sub
head absent
syl ab+1sent+er
pos n.
absentee 0.a.
syl ab+sen+tee
pron <2@bs*n1tE>
pos n.
def a person who is absent.
absentee 0.b.
syl ab+sen+tee
pron <2@bs*n1tE>
pos n.
usage as modifier
exam 1 an absentee voter.
absenteeism 0.
syl ab+sen+tee+ism
pron <2@bs*n1tEiz*m>
pos n.
def persistent absence from work, school, etc.
absentee landlord 0.
syl ab+sen+tee land+lord
pos n.
def a landlord who does not live in or near a property from which he draws an income.
absente reo ety Latin: literally: the defendant being absent
absente reo 0.
syl ab+sen+te re:o
pron <@b1senti> <1rE*u>
qual Law.
def in the absence of the defendant.
absently 0.
syl ab+sent+ly
pron <1@bs*ntli>
pos adv.
def in an absent-minded or preoccupied manner; inattentively.
absent-minded 0.
syl ab:sent-mind:ed
pos adj.
def preoccupied; forgetful; inattentive.
absent-mindedly sub
head absent-minded
syl ab:sent-1mind:ed+ly
pos adv.
absent-mindedness sub
head absent-minded
syl ab:sent-1mind:ed+ness
pos n.
absent without leave 0.
syl ab+sent with+out leave
qual Military.
def the full form of {A.W.O.L}.
absinthe ety C15: via French and Latin from Greek apsinthion wormwood
absinth alt
head absinthe
or absinthe
syl ab+sinth
pron <1@bsinT>
pos n.
absinthe 1.
or absinth
syl ab+sinthe
pron <1@bsinT>
pos n.
def a potent green alcoholic drink, technically a gin, originally having high wormwood content.
absinthe 2.
or absinth
syl ab+sinthe
pron <1@bsinT>
pos n.
def another name for {wormwood} (the plant).
absinthism 0.
syl ab+sinth+ism
pron <1@bsin2Tiz*m>
pos n.
qual Pathol.
def a diseased condition resulting from excessive drinking of absinthe.
absit omen ety literally: may the (evil) omen be absent
absit omen 0.
syl ab+sit o:men
pron Latin. <1@bsit> <1*umen>
def may the presentiment not become real or take place.
absolute ety C14: from Latin absol*_utus unconditional, freed from, from absolvere. See #7absolve
absolute 1.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
def complete; perfect.
absolute 2.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
def free from limitations, restrictions, or exceptions; unqualified.
exam 1 an absolute choice.
absolute 3.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
def having unlimited authority; despotic.
exam 1 an absolute ruler.
absolute 4.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
def undoubted; certain.
exam 1 the absolute truth.
absolute 5.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
def not depend?!ent on, conditioned by, or relative to anything else; independ?!ent.
exam 1 an absolute term in logic;
exam 2 the absolute value of a quantity in physics.
absolute 6.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
def pure; unmixed.
exam 1 absolute alcohol.
absolute 7.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
usage of a grammatical construction
def syntactically independent of the main clause, as for example the construction in the sentence
absolute 8.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
usage Grammar. of a transitive verb
def used without a direct object, as the verb in the sentence
absolute 9.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
usage Grammar. of an adjective
def used as a noun, as for instance and in the sentence
absolute 10.a.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; of a pressure measurement
def not relative to atmospheric pressure.
exam 1 the pressure was 5 bar absolute.
absolute 10.b.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
def denoting absolute or thermo?!dynamic temperature.
absolute 11.a.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
def Also: {{numerical} (sense 4b.)}. (of a value) having a magnitude but no sign.
absolute 11.b.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
usage of a constant
def never changing in value.
absolute 11.c.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
usage of an inequality
def un?!conditional.
absolute 11.d.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
usage of a term
def not containing a variable.
absolute 12.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
usage Law. of a court order or decree
def coming into effect immediately and not liable to be modified; final. See {decree absolute}.
absolute 13.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos adj.
usage Law. of a title to property, etc.
def not subject to any encumbrance or condition.
absolute 14.
syl ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos n.
def something that is absolute.
Absolute 1.a.
syl Ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos n.
usage sometimes not cap.
def the ultimate basis of reality.
Absolute 1.b.
syl Ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos n.
usage sometimes not cap.
def that which is totally un?!conditioned, unrestricted, pure, perfect, or complete.
Absolute 2.
syl Ab+so+lute
pron <1@bs*2lu:t>
pos n.
usage sometimes not cap.; in the philosophy of Hegel
def that towards which all things evolve dialectically.
absolute alcohol 0.
syl ab+so+lute al+co+hol
pos n.
def a liquid containing at least 99 per cent of pure ethanol by weight.
absolute ceiling 0.
syl ab+so+lute ceil+ing
pos n.
def the maximum height above sea level, usually measured in feet or metres, at which an aircraft can maintain horizontal flight. Compare {service ceiling}.
absolute humidity 0.
syl ab+so+lute hu+mid+i:ty
pos n.
def the humidity of the atmosphere expressed as the number of grams of water contained in 1 cubic metre of air. Compare {relative humidity}.
absolutely 1.
syl ab+so+lute+ly
pron <2@bs*1lu:tli>
pos adv.
def in an absolute manner, esp. completely or perfectly.
absolutely 2.
syl ab+so+lute+ly
pron <2@bs*1lu:tli>
pos adv.
usage sentence substitute
def yes; certainly; unquestionably.
absolute magnitude 0.
syl ab+so+lute mag+ni+tude
pos n.
def the magnitude a given star would have if it were situated at a distance of 10 parsecs (32.6 light years) from the earth.
absolute majority 0.
syl ab+so+lute ma+jor+i:ty
pos n.
def a majority of over 50 per cent, such as the total number of votes or seats obtained by a party that beats the combined opposition. Compare {relative majority}.
absolute monarchy 0.
syl ab+so+lute mon+ar+chy
pos n.
def a monarchy without constitutional limits. Compare {constitutional monarchy}.
absolute music 0.
syl ab+so+lute mu+sic
pos n.
def music that is not designed to depict or evoke any scene or event. Compare {programme music}.
absolute pitch 1.
syl ab+so+lute pitch
pos n.
def the ability to identify or to reproduce the pitch of a note.
absolute pitch 2.
syl ab+so+lute pitch
pos n.
def the exact pitch of a note determined by vibration per second. {~} Also called (not in technical usage): {perfect pitch}. Compare {relative pitch}.
absolute temperature 0.
syl ab+so+lute tem+per:a+ture
pos n.
def another name for {thermodynamic temperature}.
absolute unit 1.
syl ab+so+lute u:nit
pos n.
def a unit of measurement forming part of the electromagnetic cgs system, such as an abampere or abcoulomb.
absolute unit 2.
syl ab+so+lute u:nit
pos n.
def a unit of measurement forming part of a system of units that includes a unit of force defined so that it is independent of the acceleration of free fall.
absolute value 1.
syl ab+so+lute val:ue
pos n.
def the magnitude of a real number or quantity regardless of its sign. The absolute value of - is written #800002 -
absolute value 2.
syl ab+so+lute val:ue
pos n.
def Also called: {modulus}. the positive square root of the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary parts of a complex number: #800004 4+3 =+$/#800006 (4%2+3%2) =5.
absolute viscosity 0.
syl ab+so+lute vis+cos+i:ty
pos n.
def a full name for {viscosity}, used to distinguish it from kinematic viscosity and specific viscosity.
absolute zero 0.
syl ab+so+lute ze:ro
pos n.
def the lowest temperature theoretically attainable, at which the particles constituting matter would be at rest; the zero of thermodynamic temperature; zero on the International Practical Scale of Temperature: equivalent to -273.15?%C or -459.67?%F.
absolution ety C12: from Latin absol*_uti*_on- acquittal, forgiveness of sins, from absolvere to #7absolve
absolution 1.
syl ab+so+lu+tion
pron <2@bs*1lu:S*n>
pos n.
def the act of absolving or the state of being absolved; release from guilt, obligation, or punishment.
absolution 2.a.
syl ab+so+lu+tion
pron <2@bs*1lu:S*n>
pos n.
def a formal remission of sin pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance.
absolution 2.b.
syl ab+so+lu+tion
pron <2@bs*1lu:S*n>
pos n.
def the prescribed form of words granting such a remission.
absolutory sub
head absolution
syl ab+sol:u+to:ry
pron <@b1soljut*ri>, <-tri>
pos adj.
absolutism 1.
syl ab+so+lut+ism
pron <1@bs*lu:2tiz*m>
pos n.
def the principle or practice of a political system in which unrestricted power is vested in a monarch, dictator, etc.; despotism.
absolutism 2.
syl ab+so+lut+ism
pron <1@bs*lu:2tiz*m>
pos n.
qual Philosophy.
def the doctrine of the existence of an absolute or nonrelative being.
absolutism 3.
syl ab+so+lut+ism
pron <1@bs*lu:2tiz*m>
pos n.
qual Theol.
def an uncompromising form of the doctrine of predestination.
absolve ety C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from #7ab -%1#7+ solvere to make loose
absolve 1.
syl ab+solve
pron <*b1zolv>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually foll. by from
def to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility.
absolve 2.
syl ab+solve
pron <*b1zolv>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon.
absolvable sub
head absolve
syl ab+1solv+a:ble
pos adj.
absolver sub
head absolve
syl ab+1solv+er
pos n.
absonant ety C16: Medieval Latin, from Latin #7ab -%1#7+ sonant-, from son*_ans sounding. Compare #7consonant
absonant 0.
syl ab+so+nant
pron <1@bs*n*nt>
pos adj.
qual Archaic.
def discordant or inharmoni?!ous.
absorb ety C15: via Old French from Latin absorb*_ere to suck, swallow, from {#7ab -%1}#7+ sorb*_ere to suck
absorb 1.
syl ab+sorb
pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to soak or suck up (liquids).
absorb 2.
syl ab+sorb
pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to engage or occupy (the interest, attention, or time) of (someone); engross.
absorb 3.
syl ab+sorb
pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to receive or take in (the energy of an impact).
absorb 4.
syl ab+sorb
pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Physics.
def to take in all or part of incident radiated energy and retain it without reflection or transmission.
absorb 5.
syl ab+sorb
pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to take in or assimilate; incorporate.
absorb 6.
syl ab+sorb
pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to accept and find a market for (goods, etc.).
absorb 7.
syl ab+sorb
pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to pay for as part of a commercial transaction.
exam 1 the distributor absorbed the cost of transport.
absorb 8.
syl ab+sorb
pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Chem.
def to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which one substance, usually a liquid or gas, permeates into or is dissolved by a liquid or solid.
exam 1 porous solids absorb water;
exam 2 hydrochloric acid absorbs carbon dioxide.
absorb xref
syl ab+sorb
pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def Compare {{adsorb}}.
absorbability sub
head absorb
syl ab+2sorb+a:1bil+i:ty
pos n.
absorbable sub
head absorb
syl ab+1sorb+a:ble
pos adj.
absorbance 0.a.
syl ab+sorb+ance
pron <*b1sc:b*ns>, <-1zc:->
pos n.
qual Physics.
def the logarithm to base ten of internal transmittance.
absorbance 0.b.
syl ab+sorb+ance
pron <*b1sc:b*ns>, <-1zc:->
pos n.
qual Physics.
def another term for {transmission density}.
absorbed 0.
syl ab+sorbed
pron <*b1sc:bd>, <-1zc:bd>
pos adj.
def engrossed; deeply interested.
absorbedly sub
head absorbed
syl ab+sorb+ed+ly
pron <*b1sc:bidli>, <-1zc:->
pos adv.
absorbefacient 1.
syl ab+sor+be+fa+cient
pron <*b2sc:bi1fAS*nt>, <-2zc:->
pos n.
qual Med.
def a medicine or other agent that promotes absorption.
absorbefacient 2.
syl ab+sor+be+fa+cient
pron <*b2sc:bi1fAS*nt>, <-2zc:->
pos adj.
qual Med.
def causing or promoting absorption.
absorbent 1.
syl ab+sorb+ent
pron <*b1sc:b*nt>, <-1zc:->
pos adj.
def able to absorb.
absorbent 2.
syl ab+sorb+ent
pron <*b1sc:b*nt>, <-1zc:->
pos n.
def a substance that absorbs.
absorbency sub
head absorbent
syl ab+1sorb+en+cy
pos n.
absorbent cotton 0.
syl ab+sorb+ent cot+ton
pos n.
def the usual U.S. term for { {cotton wool} (sense 1)}.
absorber 1.
syl ab+sorb+er
pron <*b1sc:b*>, <-1zc:->
pos n.
def a person or thing that absorbs.
absorber 2.
syl ab+sorb+er
pron <*b1sc:b*>, <-1zc:->
pos n.
qual Physics.
def a material, esp. in a nuclear reactor, that absorbs radiation or causes it to lose energy.
absorbing 0.
syl ab+sorb+ing
pron <*b1sc:biG>, <-1zc:b->
pos adj.
def occupying one's interest or attention; engrossing; gripping.
absorbingly sub
head absorbing
syl ab+1sorb+ing+ly
pos adv.
absorptance ety C20: #7absorption+ -#7ance
absorption factor alt
head absorptance
or absorptance
syl ab+sorp+tion fac+tor
pos n.
absorptance 0.
or absorption factor
syl ab+sorp+tance
pron <*b1sc:pt*ns>, <-1zc:p->
pos n.
qual Physics.
def a measure of the ability of an object or surface to absorb radiation, equal to the ratio of the absorbed flux to the incident flux. For a plate of material the ratio of the flux absorbed between the entry and exit surfaces to the flux leaving the entry surface is the {internal absorptance}. Symbol: #Ga Compare {reflectance, transmittance}.
absorption ety C16: from Latin absorpti*_on-, from ab?!sorb*_ere to #7absorb
absorption 1.
syl ab+sorp+tion
pron <*b1sc:pS*n>, <-1zc:p->
pos n.
def the process of absorbing or the state of being absorbed.
absorption 2.a.
syl ab+sorp+tion
pron <*b1sc:pS*n>, <-1zc:p->
pos n.
def normal assimilation by the tissues of the products of digestion.
absorption 2.b.
syl ab+sorp+tion
pron <*b1sc:pS*n>, <-1zc:p->
pos n.
def the process of taking up various gases, fluids, drugs, etc., through the mucous membranes or skin.
absorptive sub
head absorption
syl ab+1sorp+tive
pos adj.
absorption spectrum 0.
syl ab+sorp+tion spec+trum
pos n.
def the characteristic pattern of dark lines or bands that occurs when electromagnetic radiation is passed through an absorbing medium into a spectroscope. The same pattern occurs as coloured lines or bands in the emission spectrum of that medium.
absorptivity 0.
syl ab+sorp+tiv+i:ty
pron <2@bsc:p1tiviti>, <-zc:p->
pos n.
qual Physics.
def a measure of the ability of a material to absorb radiation, equal to the internal absorptance of a homogeneous plate of the material under conditions in which the path of the radiation has unit length and the boundaries of the plate have no influence.
absquatulate ety C19: humorous formation as if from Latin
absquatulate 0.
syl ab+squat:u+late
pron <@b1skwotju2lAt>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to leave; decamp.
abstain ety C14: via Old French from Latin abstin*_ere, from abs- #7ab -%1#7+ ten*_ere to hold, keep
abstain 1.
syl ab+stain
pron <*b1stAn>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage usually foll. by from
def to choose to refrain.
exam 1 he abstained from alcohol.
abstain 2.
syl ab+stain
pron <*b1stAn>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage usually foll. by from
def to refrain from voting, esp. in a committee, legislature, etc.
abstainer sub
head abstain
syl ab+1stain+er
pos n.
abstemious ety C17: from Latin abst*_emius, from abs- #7ab -%1#7+ t*_em-, from t*_em*_etum intoxicating drink
abstemious 0.
syl ab+ste+mi+ous
pron <*b1stEmi*s>
pos adj.
def moderate or sparing, esp. in the consumption of alcohol or food; temperate.
abstemiously sub
head abstemious
syl ab+1ste+mi+ous+ly
pos adv.
abstention ety C16: from Late Latin abstenti*_on-, from Latin abstin*_ere. See #7abstain
abstention 1.
syl ab+sten+tion
pron <*b1stenS*n>
pos n.
def a voluntary decision not to act; the act of refraining or abstaining.
abstention 2.
syl ab+sten+tion
pron <*b1stenS*n>
pos n.
def the act of withholding one's vote.
abstentious sub
head abstention
syl ab+1sten+tious
pos adj.
abstergent ety C17: from Latin abstergent-, abst*_ergens wiping off, from abs- away, off+ terg*_ere to wipe
abstergent 0.
syl ab+ster+gent
pron <*b1stR:J*nt>
pos adj.
def cleansing or scouring.
abstinence ety C13: via Old French from Latin abstinentia, from abstin*_ere to #7abstain
abstinence 1.
syl ab+sti+nence
pron <1@bstin*ns>
pos n.
def the act or practice of refraining from some action or from the use of something, esp. alcohol.
abstinence 2.
syl ab+sti+nence
pron <1@bstin*ns>
pos n.
qual Chiefly R.C. Church.
def the practice of refraining from specific kinds of food or drink, esp. from meat, as an act of penance.
abstract ety C14 (in the sense: extracted): from Latin abstractus drawn off, removed from (something specific), from abs- #7ab -%1#7+ trahere to draw
abstract 1.
syl ab+stract
pron <1@bstr@kt>
pos adj.
def having no reference to material objects or specific examples; not concrete.
abstract 2.
syl ab+stract
pron <1@bstr@kt>
pos adj.
def not applied or practical; theoretical.
abstract 3.
syl ab+stract
pron <1@bstr@kt>
pos adj.
def hard to understand; recondite; abstruse.
abstract 4.
syl ab+stract
pron <1@bstr@kt>
pos adj.
qual Fine arts.
def characterized by geometric, formalized, or otherwise nonrepresentational qualities.
abstract 5.
syl ab+stract
pron <1@bstr@kt>
pos n.
def a condensed version of a piece of writing, speech, etc.; summary.
abstract 6.
syl ab+stract
pron <1@bstr@kt>
pos n.
def an abstract term or idea.
abstract 7.
syl ab+stract
pron <1@bstr@kt>
pos n.
def an abstract painting, sculpture, etc.
in the abstract 8.
head abstract
syl in the abstract.
def without reference to specific circumstances or practical experience.
abstract 9.
syl ab+stract
pron <@b1str@kt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to think of (a quality or concept) generally without reference to a specific example; regard theoretically.
abstract 10.
syl ab+stract
pron <1@bstr@kt>
pos vb.
mod also; intr.
def to summarize or epitomize.
abstract 11.
syl ab+stract
pron <@b1str@kt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to remove or extract.
abstract 12.
syl ab+stract
pron <@b1str@kt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Euphemistic.
def to steal.
abstracted 1.
syl ab+stract+ed
pron <@b1str@ktid>
pos adj.
def lost in thought; preoccu?!pied.
abstracted 2.
syl ab+stract+ed
pron <@b1str@ktid>
pos adj.
def taken out or separated; extracted.
abstractedly sub
head abstracted
syl ab+1stract+ed+ly
pos adv.
abstractedness sub
head abstracted
syl ab+1stract+ed+ness
pos n.
abstract expressionism 0.
syl ab+stract ex+pres+sion+ism
pos n.
def a school of painting in New York in the 1940s that combined the spontaneity of expressionism with abstract forms in unpremeditated, apparently random, compositions. See also {action painting, tachisme}.
abstraction 1.
syl ab+strac+tion
pron <@b1str@kS*n>
pos n.
def absence of mind; preoccupa?!tion.
abstraction 2.
syl ab+strac+tion
pron <@b1str@kS*n>
pos n.
def the process of formulating generalized ideas or concepts by extracting common qualities from specific examples.
abstraction 3.
syl ab+strac+tion
pron <@b1str@kS*n>
pos n.
def an idea or concept formulated in this way.
exam 1 good and evil are abstractions.
abstraction 4.
syl ab+strac+tion
pron <@b1str@kS*n>
pos n.
def an abstract painting, sculpture, etc.
abstraction 5.
syl ab+strac+tion
pron <@b1str@kS*n>
pos n.
def the act of withdrawing or removing.
abstractive sub
head abstraction
syl ab+1strac+tive
pos adj.
abstractively sub
head abstraction
syl ab+1strac+tive+ly
pos adv.
abstractionism 0.
syl ab+strac+tion+ism
pron <@b1str@kS*2niz*m>
pos n.
def the theory and practice of the abstract, esp. of abstract art. &- {ab+#!strac+tion+ist}
abstract noun 0.
syl ab+stract noun
pos n.
def a noun that refers to an abstract concept. Compare {concrete noun}.
abstract of title 0.
syl ab+stract of ti+tle
pos n.
qual Property law.
def a summary of the ownership of land, showing the original grant, conveyances, and any incumbrances.
abstriction ety C17: from Latin #7ab -%1#7+ strictio a binding, from stringere to bind
abstriction 0.
syl ab+stric+tion
pron <@b1strikS*n>
pos n.
def the separation and release of a mature spore from a sporophore by the formation of a septum. This process occurs in some fungi.
abstruse ety C16: from Latin abstr*_usus thrust away, concealed, from abs- #7ab -%1#7+ tr*_udere to thrust
abstruse 0.
syl ab+struse
pron <*b1stru:s>
pos adj.
def not easy to understand; recondite; esoteric.
abstrusely sub
head abstruse
syl ab+1struse+ly
pos adv.
abstruseness sub
head abstruse
syl ab+1struse+ness
pos n.
absurd ety C16: via French from Latin absurdus dissonant,@T senseless,@T from@T #7ab -%1@T (intensive)+ surdus@T dull-sounding, indistinct
absurd 1.
syl ab+surd
pron <*b1sR:d>
pos adj.
def at variance with reason; incongruous; ridiculous.
absurd 2.
syl ab+surd
pron <*b1sR:d>
pos adj.
def ludicrous.
absurdity sub
head absurd
or absurdness
syl ab+1surd+i:ty
pos n.
absurdness sub
head absurd
or absurdity
syl ab+1surd+ness
pos n.
absurdly sub
head absurd
syl ab+1surd+ly
pos adv.
Abu-Bakr alt
head Abu-Bekr
or Abu-Bekr
syl A:bu-Bakr
pron <*2bu:1b@k*>
pos n.
Abu-Bekr 0.
or Abu-Bakr
syl A:bu-Bekr
pron <*2bu:1bek*>
pos n.
def 573-634 #7a.d., father-in-law of Mohammed; the first caliph of Islam.
Abu Dhabi 0.
syl Ab:u Dha+bi
pron <1@bu:> <1da:bi>
pos n.
def a sheikdom of SE Arabia, on the S coast of the Persian Gulf: the chief sheikdom and capital of the United Arab Emirates, consisting principally of the port of Abu Dhabi and a desert hinterland; contains major oilfields. Pop.: 65000 (1972 est.). Area: about 10360 sq. km (4000 sq. miles).
Abukir 0.
syl A:bu+kir
pron <2@bu:1ki*>
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {Aboukir}.
abulia ety C19: New Latin, from Greek aboulia lack of resolution, from #7a -%1#7+ boul*_e will
aboulia alt
head abulia
or abulia
syl a:bou+li:a
pron <*1bu:li*>, <-1bju:->
pos n.
abulia 0.
or aboulia
syl a:bu+li:a
pron <*1bu:li*>, <-1bju:->
pos n.
qual Psychiatry.
def a loss of will power.
abulic sub
head abulia
syl a:1bu+lic
pos adj.
abundance ety C14: via Old French from Latin abundantia, from abund*_are to #7abound
abundance 1.
syl a:bun+dance
pron <*1b^nd*ns>
pos n.
def a copious supply; great amount.
abundance 2.
syl a:bun+dance
pron <*1b^nd*ns>
pos n.
def fullness or benevolence.
exam 1 from the abundance of my heart.
abundance 3.
syl a:bun+dance
pron <*1b^nd*ns>
pos n.
def degree of plentifulness.
abundance 4.
syl a:bun+dance
pron <*1b^nd*ns>
pos n.
qual Chem.
def the extent to which an element occurs in the earth's crust or some other specified environment: expressed in parts per million or as a percent?!age.
abundance 5.
syl a:bun+dance
pron <*1b^nd*ns>
pos n.
qual Physics.
def the ratio of the number of atoms of a specific isotope in a mixture of isotopes of an element to the total number of atoms present: often expressed as a percentage.
exam 1 the abundance of neon-22 in natural neon is 8.82 per cent.
abundance 6.
syl a:bun+dance
pron <*1b^nd*ns>
pos n.
def Also: {abondance}. a call in solo whist undertaking to make nine tricks.
abundance 7.
syl a:bun+dance
pron <*1b^nd*ns>
pos n.
def affluence.
abundant ety C14: from Latin abundant-, present participle of abund*_are to #7abound
abundant 1.
syl a:bun+dant
pron <*1b^nd*nt>
pos adj.
def existing in plentiful supply.
abundant 2.
syl a:bun+dant
pron <*1b^nd*nt>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; foll. by in
def having a plentiful supply (of).
abundant 3.
syl a:bun+dant
pron <*1b^nd*nt>
pos adj.
usage of a chemical element or mineral
def occurring to an extent specified in relation to other elements or minerals in the earth's crust or some other specified environment.
abundant 4.
syl a:bun+dant
pron <*1b^nd*nt>
pos adj.
usage of an isotope
def occurring to an extent specified in relation to other isotopes in a mixture of isotopes.
abundantly sub
head abundant
syl a:1bun+dant+ly
pos adv.
ab urbe condita 0.
syl ab ur:be con+di+ta
pron Latin. <@b> <1R:bi> <1kondit*>
def the full form of {A.U.C}.
abuse ety C14 (vb.): via Old French from Latin ab*_usus, past participle of ab*_ut*_i to misuse, from #7ab -%1#7+ *_ut*_i to #7use
abuse 1.
syl a:buse
pron <*1bju:z>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to use incorrectly or improperly; misuse.
abuse 2.
syl a:buse
pron <*1bju:z>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to maltreat.
abuse 3.
syl a:buse
pron <*1bju:z>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to speak insultingly or cruelly to; revile.
abuse 4.
syl a:buse
pron <*1bju:z>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage reflexive
def to masturbate.
abuse 5.
syl a:buse
pron <*1bju:s>
pos n.
mod tr.
def improp?!er, incorrect, or excessive use; misuse.
abuse 6.
syl a:buse
pron <*1bju:s>
pos n.
mod tr.
def maltreatment of a person; injury.
abuse 7.
syl a:buse
pron <*1bju:s>
pos n.
mod tr.
def insulting, contemptuous, or coarse speech.
abuse 8.
syl a:buse
pron <*1bju:s>
pos n.
mod tr.
def an evil, unjust, or corrupt practice.
abuse 9.
syl a:buse
pron <*1bju:s>
pos n.
mod tr.
qual Archaic.
def a deception.
abuser sub
head abuse
syl a:1bus+er
pos n.
Abu Simbel 0.
syl Ab:u Sim+bel
pron <2@bu:> <1simbL>
pos n.
def a former village in S Egypt: site of two temples of Rameses II, which were moved to higher ground (1966-67) before the area behind the Aswan High Dam was flooded. Also called: {Ipsambul}.
abusive 1.
syl a:bu+sive
pron <*1bju:siv>
pos adj.
def characterized by insulting or coarse language.
abusive 2.
syl a:bu+sive
pron <*1bju:siv>
pos adj.
def characterized by maltreatment.
abusive 3.
syl a:bu+sive
pron <*1bju:siv>
pos adj.
def incorrectly used; corrupt.
abusively sub
head abusive
syl a:1bu+sive+ly
pos adv.
abusiveness sub
head abusive
syl a:1bu+sive+ness
pos n.
abut ety C15: from Old French abouter to join at the ends, border on; influenced by abuter to touch at an end, buttress
abuts infl
head abut
syl a:buts
pos vb.
abutting infl
head abut
syl a:but+ting
pos vb.
abutted infl
head abut
syl a:but+ted.
pos vb.
abut 0.
syl a:but
pron <*1b^t>
pos vb.
usage usually foll. by on, upon, or against
def to adjoin, touch, or border on (something) at one end.
abuttal sub
head abut
syl a:1but+tal
pos n.
abutilon ety C18: New Latin from Arabic
abutilon 0.
syl a:bu+ti+lon
pron <*1bju:til*n>
pos n.
def any shrub or herbaceous plant of the malvaceous genus such as the flowering maple, that have showy white, yellow, or red flowers.
abuttal alt
head abutment
or abutment
syl a:but+tal
pos n.
abutment 1.
or abuttal
syl a:but+ment
pron <*1b^tm*nt>
pos n.
def the state or process of abutting.
abutment 2.a.
or abuttal
syl a:but+ment
pron <*1b^tm*nt>
pos n.
def something that abuts.
abutment 2.b.
or abuttal
syl a:but+ment
pron <*1b^tm*nt>
pos n.
def the thing on which something abuts.
abutment 2.c.
or abuttal
syl a:but+ment
pron <*1b^tm*nt>
pos n.
def the point of junction between them.
abutment 3.
or abuttal
syl a:but+ment
pron <*1b^tm*nt>
pos n.
qual Architect., civil engineering.
def a construction that takes the thrust of an arch or vault or supports the end of a bridge.
abuttals 0.
syl a:but+tals
pron <*1b^tLz>
pos n.
mod pl.
qual Property law.
def the boundaries of a plot of land where it abuts against other property.
abutter 0.
syl a:but+ter
pron <*1b^t*>
pos n.
qual Property law.
def the owner of adjoining property.
abuzz 0.
syl a:buzz
pron <*1b^z>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def humming, as with conversa?!tion, activity, etc.; buzzing.
abvolt 0.
syl ab+volt
pron <1@b2v*ult>
pos n.
def the cgs unit of potential difference in the electromagnetic system; the potential difference between two points when work of 1 erg must be done to transfer 1 abcoulomb of charge from one point to the other: equivalent to 10%#-%8 volt.
abwatt 0.
syl ab+watt
pron <1@b2wot>
pos n.
def the cgs unit of power in the electro?!magnetic system, equal to the power dissipated when a current of 1 abampere flows across a potential difference of 1 abvolt: equivalent to 10%#-%7 watt.
aby ety Old English *_abycgan to pay for, atone for, from bycgan to buy
abye alt
head aby
or aby
syl a:bye
pron <*1bI>
pos vb.
mod tr.
abys infl
head aby
or abyes
syl a:bys
pos vb.
mod tr.
abyes infl
head aby
or abys
syl a:byes
pos vb.
mod tr.
abying infl
head aby
syl a:by+ing
pos vb.
mod tr.
abought infl
head aby
syl a:bought.
pos vb.
mod tr.
aby 0.
or abye
syl a:by
pron <*1bI>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Archaic.
def to pay the penalty for; redeem.
Abydos 1.
syl A:by+dos
pron <*1bId*s>
pos n.
def an ancient town in central Egypt: site of many temples and tombs.
Abydos 2.
syl A:by+dos
pron <*1bId*s>
pos n.
def an ancient Greek colony on the Asiatic side of the Dardanelles (Hellespont): scene of the legend of Hero and Leander.
abysm ety C13: via Old French from Medieval Latin abysmus #7abyss
abysm 0.
syl a:bysm
pron <*1biz*m>
pos n.
def an archaic word for {abyss}.
abysmal 1.
syl a:bys+mal
pron <*1bizm*l>
pos adj.
def immeasurable; very great.
exam 1 abysmal stupidity.
abysmal 2.
syl a:bys+mal
pron <*1bizm*l>
pos adj.
qual Informal.
def extremely bad.
exam 1 an abysmal film.
abysmally sub
head abysmal
syl a:1bys+mal+ly
pos adv.
abyss ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek abussos bottomless (as in the phrase abussos limn*_e bottomless lake), from #7a -%1#7+ bussos depth
abyss 1.
syl a:byss
pron <*1bis>
pos n.
def a very deep or unfathomable gorge or chasm.
abyss 2.
syl a:byss
pron <*1bis>
pos n.
def anything that appears to be endless or immeasurably deep, such as time, despair, or shame.
abyss 3.
syl a:byss
pron <*1bis>
pos n.
def hell or the infernal regions conceived of as a bottomless pit.
abyssal 1.
syl a:bys+sal
pron <*1bis*l>
pos adj.
def at or belonging to the depths or floor of the ocean.
abyssal 2.
syl a:bys+sal
pron <*1bis*l>
pos adj.
qual Geology.
def another word for {plutonic}.
Abyssinia 0.
syl Ab+ys+sin:i:a
pron <2@bi1sini*>
pos n.
def a former name for {Ethiopia}.
Abyssinian sub
head Abyssinia
syl Ab+ys+1sin+i:an
pos adj. n.
Abyssinian cat 0.
syl Ab+ys+sin+i:an cat
pos n.
def a variety of cat with a long body and a short brown coat with black or dark brown markings.
Ac 0.
syl Ac
usage the chemical symbol for
def actinium.
ac ety Latin: before meals
ac 0.
syl a.c.
usage abbrev. for in prescriptions
def ante cibum.
AC 0.
syl AC
qual abbrev. for
def alternating current. Compare {DC}.
AC ety Latin: before Christ
AC 1.
syl A.C.
qual abbrev. for:
def ante Christum.
AC 2.
syl A.C.
qual abbrev. for:
def Air Corps.
AC 3.
syl A.C.
qual abbrev. for:
def athletic club.
ac 1.
syl a/c
qual Book-keeping. abbrev. for:
def account.
ac 2.
syl a/c
qual Book-keeping. abbrev. for:
def account current.
acacia ety C16: from Latin, from Greek akakia, perhaps related to ak*_e point
acacia 1.
syl a:ca+cia
pron <*1kAS*>
pos n.
def any shrub or tree of the tropical and subtropical mimosaceous genus having compound or reduced leaves and small yellow or white flowers. See also {wattle} (sense 4).
false acacia 2.
head acacia
syl false acacia.
def another name for { {locust} (senses 2, 3)}.
gum acacia 3.
head acacia
syl gum acacia.
def another name for {gum arabic}.
academe ety C16: first used by Shakespeare in Love's Labour's Lost (1588); see #7academy
academe 1.
syl ac:a+deme
pron <1@k*2dEm>
pos n.
qual Literary.
def any place of learning, such as a college or university.
the grove(s) of Academe 2.
head academe
syl the grove(s) of Academe.
qual Literary.
def the academic world.
academia 0.
syl ac:a+dem:i:a
pron <2@k*1dEmi*>
pos n.
def the academic world.
academic 1.
syl ac:a+dem+ic
pron <2@k*1demik>
pos adj.
def belonging or relating to a place of learning, esp. a college, university, or academy.
academic 2.
syl ac:a+dem+ic
pron <2@k*1demik>
pos adj.
def of purely theoretical or speculative interest.
exam 1 an academic argument.
academic 3.
syl ac:a+dem+ic
pron <2@k*1demik>
pos adj.
def excessively concerned with intellectual matters and lacking experience of practical affairs.
academic 4.
syl ac:a+dem+ic
pron <2@k*1demik>
pos adj.
def conforming to set rules and traditions; conventional.
exam 1 an academic painter.
academic 5.
syl ac:a+dem+ic
pron <2@k*1demik>
pos adj.
qual Chiefly U.S.
def relating to studies such as languages, philosophy, and pure science, rather than technical or professional studies.
academic 6.
syl ac:a+dem+ic
pron <2@k*1demik>
pos n.
def a member of a college or university. &- {@!ac@.a+#!dem+i@.cal+ly}
academicals 0.
syl ac:a+dem+i:cals
pron <2@k*1demikLz>
pos n.
mod pl.
def another term for {academ?!ic dress}.
academic dress 0.
syl ac:a+dem+ic dress
pos n.
def formal dress, usually comprising cap, gown, and hood, worn by university staff and students.
academician 0.
syl a:cad+e:mi+cian
pron <*2k@d*1miS*n>, <2@k*d*->
pos n.
def a member of an Academy (sense 2).
academism alt
head academicism
or academicism
syl a:cad+e:mism
pron <*1k@d*?!2miz*m>
pos n.
academicism 0.
or academism
syl ac:a+dem:i+cism
pron <2@k*1demi2siz*m>
pos n.
def adherence to rules and traditions in art, literature, etc.; conventionalism.
academy ety C16: via Latin from Greek akad*_emeia name of the grove where Plato taught, named after the legendary hero Akad*_emos
academies infl
head academy
syl a:cad+e:mies.
pos n.
mod pl.
academy 1.
syl a:cad+e:my
pron <*1k@d*mi>
pos n.
def an institution or society for the advancement of literature, art, or science.
academy 2.
syl a:cad+e:my
pron <*1k@d*mi>
pos n.
def a school for training in a particular skill or profession.
exam 1 a military acad?!emy.
academy 3.
syl a:cad+e:my
pron <*1k@d*mi>
pos n.
def a secondary school, esp. a private one.
academy 4.
syl a:cad+e:my
pron <*1k@d*mi>
pos n.
usage in Scotland
def a fee-paying secondary day school.
the infl
head Academy
syl the.
pos n.
Academy 1.a.
syl A:cad+e:my
pron <*1k@d*mi>
pos n.
def the grove or garden near Athens where Plato taught in the late 4th century #7b.c.
Academy 1.b.
syl A:cad+e:my
pron <*1k@d*mi>
pos n.
def the school of philosophy founded by Plato.
Academy 1.c.
syl A:cad+e:my
pron <*1k@d*mi>
pos n.
def the members of this school and their successors.
Academy 2.
syl A:cad+e:my
pron <*1k@d*mi>
pos n.
def short for the {French Academy, Royal Academy}, etc.
Acadia 1.a.
syl A:ca+di:a
pron <*1kAdi*>
pos n.
def the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
Acadia 1.b.
syl A:ca+di:a
pron <*1kAdi*>
pos n.
def the French-speaking areas of these provinces.
Acadia 2.
syl A:ca+di:a
pron <*1kAdi*>
pos n.
usage formerly
def a French colony in the present-day Maritime Provinces: ceded to Britain in 1713.
Acadia xref
syl A:ca+di:a
pron <*1kAdi*>
pos n.
def French name: {A@.ca+die} (aka#!di).
Acadian 1.
syl A:ca+di:an
pron <*1kAdi*n>
pos adj.
def denoting or relating to Acadia or its inhabitants.
Acadian 2.
syl A:ca+di:an
pron <*1kAdi*n>
pos n.
def any of the early French settlers in Nova Scotia, many of whom were deported to Louisiana in the 18th century. See also {Cajun}.
acajou ety C18: via French from Portuguese acaj*'u, from Tupi
acajou 1.
syl ac:a+jou
pron <1@k*2Zu:>
pos n.
def a type of mahogany used by cabinet-makers in France.
acajou 2.
syl ac:a+jou
pron <1@k*2Zu:>
pos n.
def a less common name for {cashew}.
acaleph ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek akal*_eph*_e a sting
acaleph 0.
syl ac:a+leph
pron <1@k*2lef>
pos n.
qual Obsolete.
def any of the coelenterates of the former taxonomic group which included the jellyfishes.
acanthaceous 1.
syl ac+an+tha+ceous
pron <2@k*n1TAS*s>
pos adj.
def of or relating to the a mainly tropical and subtropical family of flowering plants that includes the acanthus.
acanthaceous 2.
syl ac+an+tha+ceous
pron <2@k*n1TAS*s>
pos adj.
def having spiny or prickly outgrowths.
acanthine 1.
syl a:can+thine
pron <*1k@nTIn>, <-TEn>
pos adj.
def of or resembling an acanthus.
acanthine 2.
syl a:can+thine
pron <*1k@nTIn>, <-TEn>
pos adj.
def decorated with acanthus leaves.
acantho- ety New Latin from Greek akanthos thorn plant, from akantha thorn
acanthocephalan 1.
syl a:can+tho+ceph:a+lan
pron <*2k@nT*u1sef*l*n>
pos n.
def any of the parasitic wormlike invertebrates of the phylum the adults of which have a spiny proboscis and live in the intestines of vertebrates.
acanthocephalan 2.
syl a:can+tho+ceph:a+lan
pron <*2k@nT*u1sef*l*n>
pos adj.
def of, relating to, or belonging to the
acanthoid 0.
syl a:can+thoid
pron <*1k@nTcid>
pos adj.
def resembling a spine; spiny.
acanthopterygian ety C19: from New Latin Acanthopterygii, from #7acantho -#7+ Greek pter*'ugion fin
acanthopterygian 1.
syl ac+an+thop+ter+yg+i:an
pron <2@k*n2Topt*1riJi*n>
pos adj.
def of, relat?!ing to, or belonging to the a large group of teleost fishes having spiny fin rays. The group includes most saltwater bony fishes.
acanthopterygian 2.
syl ac+an+thop+ter+yg+i:an
pron <2@k*n2Topt*1riJi*n>
pos n.
def any fish belonging to the
acanthopterygian xref
syl ac+an+thop+ter+yg+i:an
pron <2@k*n2Topt*1riJi*n>
pos adj.
def Compare {malacopterygian}.
acanthous 0.
syl a:can+thous
pron <*1k@nT*s>
pos adj.
def another term for {spinous}.
acanthus ety C17: New Latin, from Greek akanthos, from akantha thorn, spine
acanthuses infl
head acanthus
or acanthi
syl a:can+thus:es
pron <-TI>
pos n.
mod pl.
acanthi infl
head acanthus
or acanthuses
syl a:can+thi
pron <-TI>
pos n.
mod pl.
acanthus 1.
syl a:can+thus
pron <*1k@nT*s>
pos n.
def any shrub or herbaceous plant of the genus native to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated as ornamental plants, having large spiny leaves and spikes of white or purplish flowers: family See also {bear's-breech}.
acanthus 2.
syl a:can+thus
pron <*1k@nT*s>
pos n.
def a carved ornament based on the leaves of the acanthus plant, esp. as used on the capital of a Corinthian column.
a cappella ety Italian: literally, according to (the style of the) chapel
a cappella 0.
syl a cap+pel+la
pron
pos adj. adv.
qual Music.
def without instrumental accompaniment.
Acapulco 0.
syl A:ca+pul+co
pron <2@k*1pulk*u>, Spanish <2aka1pulko>
pos n.
def a port and resort in SW Mexico, in Guerrero state. Pop.: 352673 (1975 est.). Official name: {A@.ca+pul+co de Ju*'a+rez} $de #!$xwares).
acariasis ety C19: New Latin. See #7acarus, -#7iasis
acariasis 0.
syl ac:a+ri:a+sis
pron <2@k*1rI*sis>
pos n.
def infestation of the hair follicles and skin with acarids, esp. mites.
acarid ety C19: from #7acarus
acaridan alt
head acarid
or acarid
syl a:car:i+dan
pron <*1k@ridN>
pos n.
acarid 1.
or acaridan
syl ac:a+rid
pron <1@k*rid>
pos n.
def any of the small arachnids of the order (or which includes the ticks and mites.
acarid 2.
or acaridan
syl ac:a+rid
pron <1@k*rid>
pos adj.
def of or relating to the order
acaroid ety C19: see #7acarus, -#7oid
acaroid 0.
syl ac:a+roid
pron <1@k*2rcid>
pos adj.
def resembling a mite or tick.
acaroid gum ety C19 acaroid, of uncertain origin (apparently not related to #7acarus)
acaresin alt
head acaroid gum
or acaroid gum
syl ac:a+res+in
pos n.
acaroid gum 0.
or acaresin
syl ac:a+roid gum
pos n.
def a red alcohol-soluble resin that exudes from various species of grass tree, esp. and is used in varnishes, for coating paper, etc. Also called: {gum accroides}.
acarology 0.
syl ac:a+rol+o:gy
pron <2@k*1rol*Ji>
pos n.
def the study of mites and ticks.
acarpelous alt
head acarpellous
or acarpellous
syl a:car+pel+ous
pron
pos adj.
qual U.S.
acarpellous 0.
or acarpelous
syl a:car+pel+lous
pron
pos adj.
usage of flowers
def having no carpels.
acarpous ety from Greek akarpos, from #7a -%1#7+ karpos fruit
acarpous 0.
syl a:car+pous
pron
pos adj.
usage of plants
def producing no fruit.
acarus ety C17: New Latin, from Greek akari a small thing, a mite
acari infl
head acarus
syl ac:a+ri
pron <-2rI>
pos n.
mod pl.
acarus 0.
syl ac:a+rus
pron <1@k*r*s>
pos n.
def any of the free-living mites of the widely distributed genus several of which, esp. are serious pests of stored flour, grain, etc.
ACAS 0.
syl ACAS
pron <1Ak@s>
pos n.
usage in Britain; acronym for
def Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service.
acatalectic ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek akatal*_ektikos. See #7a -%1#7, catalectic
acatalectic 1.
syl a:cat:a+lec+tic
pron <@2k@t*1lektik>
pos adj.
qual Prosody.
def having the necessary number of feet or syllables, esp. having a complete final foot.
acatalectic 2.
syl a:cat:a+lec+tic
pron <@2k@t*1lektik>
pos n.
qual Prosody.
def a verse having the full number of syllables.
acaudate alt
head acaudal
or acaudal
syl a:cau+date
pos adj.
acaudal 0.
or acaudate
syl a:cau+dal
pron
pos adj.
qual Zoology.
def having no tail.
acaulescent 0.
syl a:cau+les+cent
pron <2@kc:1lesNt>
pos adj.
def having no visible stem or a very short one.
acc 1.
syl acc.
qual abbrev. for:; Commerce.
def acceptance.
acc 2.
syl acc.
qual abbrev. for:
def accompa?!nied.
acc 3.
syl acc.
qual abbrev. for:
def according.
acc 4.
syl acc.
qual abbrev. for:; Book-keeping.
def account.
acc 5.
syl acc.
qual abbrev. for:; Grammar.
def accusative.
Accad 0.
syl Ac+cad
pron <1@k@d>
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {Akkad}.
accede ety C15: from Latin acc*_edere to approach, agree, from ad- to+ c*_edere to go, yield
accede 1.
syl ac+cede
pron <@k1sEd>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage usually foll. by to
def to assent or give one's consent; agree.
accede 2.
syl ac+cede
pron <@k1sEd>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage usually foll. by to
def to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc.).
exam 1 the prince acceded to the throne.
accede 3.
syl ac+cede
pron <@k1sEd>
pos vb.
mod intr.
qual International law.
usage usually foll. by to
def to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc.), as by signing a treaty.
accedence sub
head accede
syl ac+1ced+ence
pos n.
acceder sub
head accede
syl ac+1ced+er
pos n.
accel 0.
syl accel.
qual abbrev. for
def accelerando.
accelerando ety Italian
infl
head accelerando
syl ~
pos adj. adv.
qual Music.
accelerando 1.
syl ac+cel+er+an+do
pron <@k2sel*1r@nd*u>
pos adj. adv.
def be?!coming faster. {~} {+dos}.
accelerando 2.
syl ac+cel+er+an+do
pron <@k2sel*1r@nd*u>
pos adj. adv.
def an increase in speed.
accelerant ety C20: from Latin from acceler*_ans, present participle of acceler*_are to go faster
accelerant 0.
syl ac+cel+er+ant
pron <@k1sel*r*nt>
pos n.
qual Chem.
def another name for { {accelerator} (sense 3)}.
accelerate ety C16: from Latin acceler*_atus, from acceler*_are to go faster, from ad- (intensive)+ celer*_are to hasten, from celer swift
accelerate 1.
syl ac+cel+er+ate
pron <@k1sel*2rAt>
pos vb.
def to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up.
accelerate 2.
syl ac+cel+er+ate
pron <@k1sel*2rAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to cause to happen sooner than expected.
accelerate 3.
syl ac+cel+er+ate
pron <@k1sel*2rAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc.); cause acceleration.
accelerable sub
head accelerate
syl ac+1cel+er+a:ble
pos adj.
accelerative sub
head accelerate
or acceleratory
syl ac+1cel+er:a+tive
pos adj.
acceleratory sub
head accelerate
or accelerative
syl ac+1cel+er:a+to:ry
pos adj.
acceleration 1.
syl ac+cel+er:a+tion
pron <@k2sel*1rAS*n>
pos n.
def the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated.
acceleration 2.
syl ac+cel+er:a+tion
pron <@k2sel*1rAS*n>
pos n.
def the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity. Symbol.
exam 1 a
acceleration of free fall 0.
syl ac+cel+er:a+tion of free fall
pos n.
def the acceleration of a body falling freely in a vacuum in the earth's gravitational field: the standard value is 9.80665 metres per second per second or 32.174 feet per second per second. Symbol.
exam 1 g
accelerator 1.
syl ac+cel+er:a+tor
pron <@k1sel*2rAt*>
pos n.
def a device for increasing speed, esp. a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle.
accelerator 2.
syl ac+cel+er:a+tor
pron <@k1sel*2rAt*>
pos n.
def Also called (not in technical usage): {atom smasher}. a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target.
accelerator 3.
syl ac+cel+er:a+tor
pron <@k1sel*2rAt*>
pos n.
qual Chem.
def a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp. one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber or the rate of development in photography; catalyst.
accelerometer 0.
syl ac+cel+er+om+e:ter
pron <@k2sel*1romit*>
pos n.
def an instrument for measuring acceleration, esp. of an aircraft or rocket.
accent ety C14: via Old French from Latin ac?!centus, from ad- to+ cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek pros*_oidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable
accent 1.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp. with regard to stress or pitch. Compare { {pitch} %1 (sense 26)}, { {stress} (sense 2)}.
accent 2.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def a mark (such as #! , @! , *' , or *` ) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp. when such pronunciation is not usual, as in
accent 3.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs. See { {acute} (sense 9)}, { {grave} %2 (sense 5)}, { {circumflex}}.
accent 4.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
usage in some languages, such as Chinese
def any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another. Compare { {tone} (sense 7)}.
accent 5.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def rhythmical stress in verse or prose.
accent 6.a.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned.
accent 6.b.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def the rhythmical pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar. See also {syncopation}.
accent 7.a.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def a superscript symbol used to distinguish between variables represented by the same letter, as in @'#800008 , a @"#800009 .
accent 7.b.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def a superscript symbol indicating the first or a higher derivative of a variable, as in @'#800010 , the second derivative.
accent 8.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (@'#800011) , inches (@"#800012) , minutes of arc (@'#800013) , or seconds of arc (@"#800014) .
accent 9.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp. one that betrays social or geographical origin.
accent 10.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc.
accent 11.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def particular attention or emphasis.
exam 1 an accent on learning.
accent 12.
syl ac+cent
pron <1@ks*nt>
pos n.
def a strongly contrasting detail.
exam 1 a blue rug with red accents.
accent 13.
syl ac+cent
pron <@k1sent>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc.
accent 14.
syl ac+cent
pron <@k1sent>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to lay particular emphasis or stress on.
accentor 0.
syl ac+cen+tor
pron <@k1sent*>
pos n.
def any small sparrow-like songbirds of the genus family which inhabit mainly mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. See also {hedge sparrow}.
accentual 1.
syl ac+cen+tu:al
pron <@k1senCu*l>
pos adj.
def of, relating to, or having accents; rhythmical.
accentual 2.
syl ac+cen+tu:al
pron <@k1senCu*l>
pos adj.
qual Prosody.
def of or relating to verse based on the number of stresses in a line rather than on the number of syllables. Compare {quantitative}.
accentually sub
head accentual
syl ac+1cen+tu+al+ly
pos adv.
accentuate 0.
syl ac+cen+tu+ate
pron <@k1senCu2At>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to stress or emphasize.
accentuation sub
head accentuate
syl ac+2cen+tu:1a+tion
pos n.
accept ety C14: from Latin accept*_are, from ad- to+ capere to take
accept 1.
syl ac+cept
pron <*k1sept>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to take or receive (something offered).
accept 2.
syl ac+cept
pron <*k1sept>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to give an affirmative reply to.
exam 1 to accept an invitation.
accept 3.
syl ac+cept
pron <*k1sept>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to take on the responsibilities, duties, etc., of.
exam 1 he accepted office.
accept 4.
syl ac+cept
pron <*k1sept>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to tolerate or accommodate oneself to.
accept 5.
syl ac+cept
pron <*k1sept>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to consider as true or believe in (a philosophy, theory, etc.).
exam 1 I cannot accept your argument.
accept 6.
syl ac+cept
pron <*k1sept>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
usage may take a clause as object
def be willing to grant or believe.
exam 1 you must accept that he lied.
accept 7.
syl ac+cept
pron <*k1sept>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to receive with approval or admit, as into a community, group, etc.
accept 8.
syl ac+cept
pron <*k1sept>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
qual Commerce.
def to agree to pay (a bill, draft, shipping document, etc.), esp. by signing.
accept 9.
syl ac+cept
pron <*k1sept>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to receive as adequate, satisfactory, or valid.
accept 10.
syl ac+cept
pron <*k1sept>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to receive, take, or hold (something applied, inserted, etc.).
accept 11.
syl ac+cept
pron <*k1sept>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
qual Archaic. (intr.
def some?!times foll. by to take or receive an offer, invitation, etc.
accepter sub
head accept
syl ac+1cept+er
pos n.
acceptable 1.
syl ac+cept+a:ble
pron <*k1sept*bL>
pos adj.
def satisfactory; adequate.
acceptable 2.
syl ac+cept+a:ble
pron <*k1sept*bL>
pos adj.
def pleasing; welcome.
acceptable 3.
syl ac+cept+a:ble
pron <*k1sept*bL>
pos adj.
def tolerable.
acceptability sub
head acceptable
or acceptableness
syl ac+2cept+a:1bil+i:ty
pos n.
acceptableness sub
head acceptable
or acceptability
syl ac+1cept+a:ble+ness
pos n.
acceptably sub
head acceptable
syl ac+1cept+a:bly
pos adv.
acceptance 1.
syl ac+cept+ance
pron <*k1sept*ns>
pos n.
def the act of accepting or the state of being accepted or acceptable.
acceptance 2.
syl ac+cept+ance
pron <*k1sept*ns>
pos n.
def favourable reception; approval.
acceptance 3.
syl ac+cept+ance
pron <*k1sept*ns>
pos n.
usage often foll. by of
def belief (in) or assent (to).
acceptance 4.a.
syl ac+cept+ance
pron <*k1sept*ns>
pos n.
def a formal agreement by a debtor to pay a draft, bill, etc.
acceptance 4.b.
syl ac+cept+ance
pron <*k1sept*ns>
pos n.
def the document so accepted. Compare {bank acceptance, trade acceptance}.
acceptance 5.
syl ac+cept+ance
pron <*k1sept*ns>
pos n.
qual Contract law.
def words or conduct by which a person signifies his assent to the terms and conditions of an offer or agreement.
acceptant 0.
syl ac+cept+ant
pron <*k1sept*nt>
pos adj.
def receiving willingly; receptive.
acceptation 0.
syl ac+cep+ta+tion
pron <2@ksep1tAS*n>
pos n.
def the accepted meaning, as of a word, phrase, etc.
accepted 0.
syl ac+cept+ed
pron <*k1septid>
pos adj.
def commonly approved or recognized; customary; established.
acceptedly sub
head accepted
syl ac+1cept+ed+ly
pos adv.
acceptor 1.
syl ac+cep+tor
pron <*k1sept*>
pos n.
qual Commerce.
def the person or organization on which a draft or bill of exchange is drawn after liability has been accepted, usually by signature.
acceptor 2.
syl ac+cep+tor
pron <*k1sept*>
pos n.
def Also called: {acceptor impurity}. an impurity, such as gallium, added to a semiconductor material to increase its p-type conductivity by increasing the number of holes in the semi?!conductor. Compare {{donor} (sense 5)}.
acceptor 3.
syl ac+cep+tor
pron <*k1sept*>
pos n.
qual Chem.
def the atom or group that does not supply electrons in a semipolar bond.
acceptor 4.
syl ac+cep+tor
pron <*k1sept*>
pos n.
qual Electronics.
def a circuit tuned to accept a particular frequency.
access ety C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from acc*_edere to #7accede
access 1.
syl ac+cess
pron <1@kses>
pos n.
def the act of approaching or entering.
access 2.
syl ac+cess
pron <1@kses>
pos n.
def the state or condition of being approachable or easy to enter.
access 3.
syl ac+cess
pron <1@kses>
pos n.
def the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something.
access 4.
syl ac+cess
pron <1@kses>
pos n.
def a way or means of approach or entry.
access 5.
syl ac+cess
pron <1@kses>
pos n.
usage modifier
def : designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters.
exam 1 access television.
access 6.
syl ac+cess
pron <1@kses>
pos n.
def a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease.
access 7.a.
syl ac+cess
pron <1@kses>
pos vb.
def to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device.
access 7.b.
syl ac+cess
pron <1@kses>
pos vb.
def to place (information) in a storage device. See also {direct access, sequential access}.
accessaries infl
head accessary
syl ac+ces+sa+ries.
pos n.
mod pl.
accessary 0.
syl ac+ces+sa+ry
pron <*k1ses*ri>
pos n.
qual Law.
def a less common spelling of {accessory}.
accessarily sub
head accessary
syl ac+1ces+sa+ri+ly
pos adv.
accessariness sub
head accessary
syl ac+1ces+sa+ri+ness
pos n.
accessible 1.
syl ac+ces+si:ble
pron <*k1ses*bL>
pos adj.
def easy to approach, enter, or use.
accessible to 2.
head accessible
syl accessible to.
def likely to be affected by; open to; susceptible to.
accessible 3.
syl ac+ces+si:ble
pron <*k1ses*bL>
pos adj.
def obtainable; available.
accessibility sub
head accessible
syl ac+2ces+si:1bil+i:ty
pos n.
accessibly sub
head accessible
syl ac+1ces+si:bly
pos adv.
accession 1.
syl ac+ces+sion
pron <*k1seS*n>
pos n.
def the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc.
accession 2.
syl ac+ces+sion
pron <*k1seS*n>
pos n.
def an increase due to an addition.
accession 3.
syl ac+ces+sion
pron <*k1seS*n>
pos n.
def an addition, as to a collection.
accession 4.a.
syl ac+ces+sion
pron <*k1seS*n>
pos n.
def an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement.
accession 4.b.
syl ac+ces+sion
pron <*k1seS*n>
pos n.
def the owner's right to the increased value of such land.
accession 5.
syl ac+ces+sion
pron <*k1seS*n>
pos n.
qual International law.
def the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty.
accession 6.
syl ac+ces+sion
pron <*k1seS*n>
pos n.
def agreement; consent.
accession 7.
syl ac+ces+sion
pron <*k1seS*n>
pos n.
def a less common word for { {access} (sense 1)}.
accession 8.
syl ac+ces+sion
pron <*k1seS*n>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to make a record of (additions to a collection).
accessional sub
head accession
syl ac+1ces+sion+al
pos adj.
accession number 0.
syl ac+ces+sion num+ber
pos n.
qual Library science.
def the number given to record a new addition to a collection.
accessories infl
head accessory
syl ac+ces+so+ries.
pos n.
mod pl.
accessory 1.
syl ac+ces+so+ry
pron <*k1ses*ri>
pos n.
def a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc.
accessory 2.
syl ac+ces+so+ry
pron <*k1ses*ri>
pos n.
mod often; pl.
def a small accompanying item of dress, esp. of women's dress.
accessory 3.
syl ac+ces+so+ry
pron <*k1ses*ri>
pos n.
usage formerly
def a person involved in a crime although absent during its commission, either a person who incites or encourages or otherwise assists the planning of a crime ({accessory before the fact}) or a person who knowingly conceals, comforts, or assists after the commission of a crime ({accessory after the fact}) .
accessory 4.
syl ac+ces+so+ry
pron <*k1ses*ri>
pos adj.
def supplementary; additional; subordinate.
accessory 5.
syl ac+ces+so+ry
pron <*k1ses*ri>
pos adj.
def assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp. a crime.
accessorial sub
head accessory
syl ac+ces+so+ri:al
pron <2@kse1sc:ri*l>
pos adj.
accessorily sub
head accessory
syl ac+1ces+so+ri+ly
pos adv.
accessoriness sub
head accessory
syl ac+1ces+so+ri+ness
pos n.
accessory fruit 0.
syl ac+ces+so+ry fruit
pos n.
def another name for {pseudocarp}.
accessory nerve 0.
syl ac+ces+so+ry nerve
pos n.
def either one of the eleventh pair of cranial nerves, which supply the muscles of the head, shoulders, larynx, and pharynx and the viscera of the abdomen and thorax.
access road 0.
syl ac+cess road
pos n.
def a road providing a means of entry into a region or of approach to another road, esp. a motorway.
access time 0.
syl ac+cess time
pos n.
qual Computer technol.
def the time required to retrieve a piece of stored information.
acciaccatura ety C18: literally: a crushing sound
acciaccaturas infl
head acciaccatura
or acciaccature
syl ac+ciac+ca+tu+ras
pron <-rA>, <-rE>
pos n.
mod pl.
acciaccature infl
head acciaccatura
or acciaccaturas
syl ac+ciac+ca+tu+re
pron <-rA>, <-rE>
pos n.
mod pl.
acciaccatura 1.
syl ac+ciac+ca+tu+ra
pron
pos n.
def a small grace note melodically adjacent to a principal note and played simultaneously with or immediately before it.
acciaccatura 2.
syl ac+ciac+ca+tu+ra
pron
pos n.
usage in modern music
def a very short appoggiatura.
accidence ety C15: from Latin accidentia accidental matters, hence inflections of words, from accidere to happen. See #7accident
accidence 0.
syl ac+ci+dence
pron <1@ksid*ns>
pos n.
def inflectional morphology; the part of grammar concerned with changes in the form of words by internal modification or by affixation, for the expression of tense, person, case, number, etc.
accident ety C14: via Old French from Latin accident- chance, happening, from the present participle of accidere to befall, happen, from ad- to+ cadere to fall
accident 1.
syl ac+ci+dent
pron <1@ksid*nt>
pos n.
def an unforeseen event or one without an apparent cause.
accident 2.
syl ac+ci+dent
pron <1@ksid*nt>
pos n.
def anything that occurs unintentionally or by chance; chance; fortune.
exam 1 I met him by accident.
accident 3.
syl ac+ci+dent
pron <1@ksid*nt>
pos n.
def a misfortune or mishap, esp. one causing injury or death.
accident 4.
syl ac+ci+dent
pron <1@ksid*nt>
pos n.
def a material quality that is not an essential part of something (as opposed to .
accident 5.
syl ac+ci+dent
pron <1@ksid*nt>
pos n.
def Also called: {adjunct}. a nonessential attribute or characteristic of something.
accident 6.
syl ac+ci+dent
pron <1@ksid*nt>
pos n.
qual Geology.
def a surface irregularity in a natural formation, esp. in a rock formation or a river system.
accident 7.
syl ac+ci+dent
pron <1@ksid*nt>
pos n.
qual Archaic.
def an inflected form of a word.
accidental 1.
syl ac+ci+den+tal
pron <2@ksi1dentL>
pos adj.
def occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally.
accidental 2.
syl ac+ci+den+tal
pron <2@ksi1dentL>
pos adj.
def nonessential; incidental.
accidental 3.
syl ac+ci+den+tal
pron <2@ksi1dentL>
pos adj.
qual Music.
def denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece.
accidental 4.
syl ac+ci+den+tal
pron <2@ksi1dentL>
pos n.
def an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute.
accidental 5.
syl ac+ci+den+tal
pron <2@ksi1dentL>
pos n.
qual Music.
def a symbol denoting that the following note is a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature.
accidentally sub
head accidental
syl ac+ci+1den+tal+ly
pos adv.
accident insurance 0.
syl ac+ci+dent in+sur+ance
pos n.
def insurance providing compensation for accidental injury or death.
accident-prone 0.
syl ac+ci:dent-prone
pos adj.
def liable to become involved in accidents.
accidie ety in use C13 to C16 and revived C19: via Late Latin from Greek ak*_edia, from #7a -%1#7+ k*_edos care
acedia alt
head accidie
or accidie
syl a:ce:di:a
pos n.
accidie 0.
or acedia
syl ac+ci+die
pron <1@ksidi>
pos n.
def spiritual sloth; apathy; indifference.
accipiter ety C19: New Latin, from Latin: hawk
accipiter 0.
syl ac+cip:i+ter
pron <@k1sipit*>
pos n.
def any hawk of the genus typically having short rounded wings and a long tail.
accipitrine 1.
syl ac+cip:i+trine
pron <@k1sipi2trIn>, <-trin>
pos adj.
def Also: {ac+cip@.i+tral} (@ak#!s$Ip$Itr$$l). of, relating to, or resembling a hawk; rapacious.
accipitrine 2.
syl ac+cip:i+trine
pron <@k1sipi2trIn>, <-trin>
pos adj.
def of, relating to, or belonging to the subfamily which includes the hawks.
acclaim ety C17: from Latin accl*_am*_are to shout at, shout applause, from ad- to+ clam*_are to shout
acclaim 1.
syl ac+claim
pron <*1klAm>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to acknowledge publicly the excellence of (a person, act, etc.).
acclaim 2.
syl ac+claim
pron <*1klAm>
pos vb.
def to salute with cheering, clapping, etc.; applaud.
acclaim 3.
syl ac+claim
pron <*1klAm>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to acknowledge publicly that (a person) has (some position, quality, etc.).
exam 1 they acclaimed him king.
acclaim 4.
syl ac+claim
pron <*1klAm>
pos n.
def an enthusiastic shout of welcome, approval, etc.
acclaimer sub
head acclaim
syl ac+1claim+er
pos n.
acclamation 1.
syl ac+cla+ma+tion
pron <2@kl*1mAS*n>
pos n.
def an enthusiastic reception or exhibition of welcome, approval, etc.
acclamation 2.
syl ac+cla+ma+tion
pron <2@kl*1mAS*n>
pos n.
def an expression of approval by a meeting or gathering through shouts or applause.
acclamation 3.a.
syl ac+cla+ma+tion
pron <2@kl*1mAS*n>
pos n.
def by an overwhelming majority without a ballot.
acclamation 3.b.
syl ac+cla+ma+tion
pron <2@kl*1mAS*n>
pos n.
usage Canadian. of an election or electoral victory
def without opposition.
exam 1 he won by acclamation.
acclamatory sub
head acclamation
syl ac+clam:a+to:ry
pron <*1kl@m*t*ri>, <-tri>
pos adj.
acclimatise infl
head acclimatize
or acclimate
syl ac+cli+ma+tise
pron <*1klIm*2tIz>
pos vb.
acclimate infl
head acclimatize
or acclimatise
syl ac+cli+mate
pron <*1klImit>, <1@kli2mAt>
pos vb.
acclimatize 0.
syl ac+cli+ma+tize
pron <*1klIm*2tIz>
pos vb.
def to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment.
acclimatizable sub
head acclimatize
syl ac+1cli+ma+2tiz+a:ble
pos adj.
acclimatisable sub
head acclimatize
or acclimatable
syl ac+1cli+ma+2tis+a:ble
pos adj.
acclimatable sub
head acclimatize
or acclimatisable
syl ac+1cli+mat+a:ble
pos adj.
acclimatization sub
head acclimatize
syl ac+2cli+ma+ti+1za+tion
pos n.
acclimatisation sub
head acclimatize
or acclimation
syl ac+2cli+ma+ti+1sa+tion
pos n.
acclimation sub
head acclimatize
or acclimatisation
syl ac+cli+1ma+tion
pos n.
acclimatizer sub
head acclimatize
or acclimatiser
syl ac+1cli+ma+2tiz+er
pos n.
acclimatiser sub
head acclimatize
or acclimatizer
syl ac+1cli+ma+2tis+er
pos n.
acclivity ety C17: from Latin accl*_ivit*_as, from accl*_ivis sloping up, steep
acclivities infl
head acclivity
syl ac+cliv+i:ties.
pos n.
mod pl.
acclivity 0.
syl ac+cliv+i:ty
pron <*1kliviti>
pos n.
def an upward slope, esp. of the ground. Compare {declivity}.
acclivitous sub
head acclivity
or acclivous
syl ac+1cliv:i+tous
pron <*1klIv*s>
pos adj.
acclivous sub
head acclivity
or acclivitous
syl ac+cli+vous
pron <*1klIv*s>
pos adj.
accolade ety C17: via French and Italian from Vulgar Latin accoll*_are (unattested) to hug; related to Latin collum neck
accolade 1.
syl ac+co+lade
pron <1@k*2lAd>, <2@k*1lAd>
pos n.
def strong praise or approval; acclaim.
accolade 2.
syl ac+co+lade
pron <1@k*2lAd>, <2@k*1lAd>
pos n.
def an award or honour.
accolade 3.
syl ac+co+lade
pron <1@k*2lAd>, <2@k*1lAd>
pos n.
def the ceremonial gesture used to confer knighthood, originally an embrace, now a touch on the shoulder with a sword.
accolade 4.
syl ac+co+lade
pron <1@k*2lAd>, <2@k*1lAd>
pos n.
def a rare word for { {brace} (sense 7)}.
accolade 5.
syl ac+co+lade
pron <1@k*2lAd>, <2@k*1lAd>
pos n.
qual Architect.
def a curved ornamental moulding, esp. one having the shape of an ogee arch.
accommodate ety C16: from Latin accommod*_are to make fit, from ad- to+ commodus having the proper measure
accommodate 1.
syl ac+com+mo+date
pron <*1kom*2dAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to supply or provide, esp. with lodging or board and lodging.
accommodate 2.
syl ac+com+mo+date
pron <*1kom*2dAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to oblige or do a favour for.
accommodate 3.
syl ac+com+mo+date
pron <*1kom*2dAt>
pos vb.
def to adjust or become adjusted; adapt.
accommodate 4.
syl ac+com+mo+date
pron <*1kom*2dAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to bring into harmony; reconcile.
accommodate 5.
syl ac+com+mo+date
pron <*1kom*2dAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to allow room for; contain.
accommodate 6.
syl ac+com+mo+date
pron <*1kom*2dAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to lend money to.
accommodative sub
head accommodate
syl ac+1com+mo+2da+tive
pos adj.
accommodating 0.
syl ac+com+mo+dat+ing
pron <*1kom*2dAtiG>
pos adj.
def willing to help; kind; obliging.
accommodatingly sub
head accommodating
syl ac+1com+mo+2dat+ing+ly
pos adv.
accommodation 1.
syl ac+com+mo+da+tion
pron <*2kom*1dAS*n>
pos n.
def adjustment, as of differences or to new circumstances; adaptation, settlement, or reconciliation.
accommodation 2.
syl ac+com+mo+da+tion
pron <*2kom*1dAS*n>
pos n.
def lodging or board and lodging.
accommodation 3.
syl ac+com+mo+da+tion
pron <*2kom*1dAS*n>
pos n.
def something fulfilling a need, want, etc.; convenience or facility.
accommodation 4.
syl ac+com+mo+da+tion
pron <*2kom*1dAS*n>
pos n.
qual Physiol.
def the automatic or voluntary adjustment of the thickness of the lens of the eye for far or near vision.
accommodation 5.
syl ac+com+mo+da+tion
pron <*2kom*1dAS*n>
pos n.
def willingness to help or oblige.
accommodation 6.
syl ac+com+mo+da+tion
pron <*2kom*1dAS*n>
pos n.
qual Commerce.
def a loan, usually made as an act of favour by a bank before formal credit arrangements are agreed.
accommodation address 0.
syl ac+com+mo+da+tion ad+dress
pos n.
def an address on letters, etc., to a person or business that does not wish or is not able to receive post at a permanent or actual address.
accommodation bill 0.
syl ac+com+mo+da+tion bill
pos n.
qual Commerce.
def a bill of exchange cosigned by a guarantor: designed to strengthen the acceptor's credit.
accommodation ladder 0.
syl ac+com+mo+da+tion lad+der
pos n.
qual Nautical.
def a flight of stairs or a ladder for lowering over the side of a ship for access to and from a small boat, pier, etc.
accompaniment 1.
syl ac+com+pa+ni+ment
pron <*1k^mp*nim*nt>, <*1k^mpni->
pos n.
def some?!thing that accompanies or is served or used with something else.
accompaniment 2.
syl ac+com+pa+ni+ment
pron <*1k^mp*nim*nt>, <*1k^mpni->
pos n.
def something inessential or subsidiary that is added, as for ornament or symmetry.
accompaniment 3.
syl ac+com+pa+ni+ment
pron <*1k^mp*nim*nt>, <*1k^mpni->
pos n.
qual Music.
def a subordinate part for an instrument, voices, or an orchestra.
accompanyist alt
head accompanist
or accompanist
syl ac+com+pa+ny+ist
pron <*1k^mp*nEist>
pos n.
qual U.S. (sometimes
accompanist 0.
or accompanyist
syl ac+com+pa+nist
pron <*1k^mp*nist>, <*1k^mpnist>
pos n.
def a person who supplies a musical accompaniment.
accompany ety C15: from Old French accompaignier, from compaing #7companion
accompanies infl
head accompany
syl ac+com+pa+nies
pos vb.
accompanying infl
head accompany
syl ac+com+pa+ny+ing
pos vb.
accompanied infl
head accompany
syl ac+com+pa+nied.
pos vb.
accompany 1.
syl ac+com+pa+ny
pron <*1k^mp*ni>, <*1k^mpni>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to go along with, so as to be in company with or escort.
accompany 2.
syl ac+com+pa+ny
pron <*1k^mp*ni>, <*1k^mpni>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage foll. by with
def to supplement.
exam 1 he accompanied his tirade with gestures.
accompany 3.
syl ac+com+pa+ny
pron <*1k^mp*ni>, <*1k^mpni>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to occur, coexist, or be associated with.
accompany 4.
syl ac+com+pa+ny
pron <*1k^mp*ni>, <*1k^mpni>
pos vb.
def to provide a musical accompaniment for (a soloist, etc.).
accompanier sub
head accompany
syl ac+1com+pa+ni+er
pos n.
accomplice ety C15: from a complice, interpreted as one word. See #7complice
accomplice 0.
syl ac+com+plice
pron <*1komplis>, <*1k^m->
pos n.
def a person who has helped another in committing a crime.
accomplish ety C14: from Old French acomplir to complete, ultimately from Latin compl*_ere to fill up. See #7complete
accomplish 1.
syl ac+com+plish
pron <*1kompliS>, <*1k^m->
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to manage to do; achieve.
accomplish 2.
syl ac+com+plish
pron <*1kompliS>, <*1k^m->
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to conclude successfully; complete.
accomplishable sub
head accomplish
syl ac+1com+plish+a:ble
pos adj.
accomplisher sub
head accomplish
syl ac+1com+plish+er
pos n.
accomplished 1.
syl ac+com+plished
pron <*1kompliSt>, <*1k^m->
pos adj.
def successfully completed; achieved.
accomplished 2.
syl ac+com+plished
pron <*1kompliSt>, <*1k^m->
pos adj.
def expert; proficient.
accomplishment 1.
syl ac+com+plish+ment
pron <*1kompliSm*nt>, <*1k^m->
pos n.
def the act of carrying out or achieving.
accomplishment 2.
syl ac+com+plish+ment
pron <*1kompliSm*nt>, <*1k^m->
pos n.
def something achieved or successfully completed.
accomplishment 3.
syl ac+com+plish+ment
pron <*1kompliSm*nt>, <*1k^m->
pos n.
mod often; pl.
def skill or talent.
accomplishment 4.
syl ac+com+plish+ment
pron <*1kompliSm*nt>, <*1k^m->
pos n.
mod often; pl.
def social grace, style, and poise.
accord ety C12: via Old French from Latin ad- to+ cord-, stem of cor heart
accord 1.
syl ac+cord
pron <*1kc:d>
pos n.
def agreement; conformity; accordance (esp. in the phrase {in accord with}) .
accord 2.
syl ac+cord
pron <*1kc:d>
pos n.
def consent or concurrence of opinion.
with one accord 3.
head accord
syl with one accord.
def unanimously.
accord 4.
syl ac+cord
pron <*1kc:d>
pos n.
def pleasing relationship between sounds, colours, etc.; harmony.
accord 5.
syl ac+cord
pron <*1kc:d>
pos n.
def a settlement of differences, as between nations; compromise.
of one's own accord 6.
head accord
syl of one's own accord.
def voluntarily.
accord 7.
syl ac+cord
pron <*1kc:d>
pos vb.
def to be or cause to be in harmony or agreement.
accord 8.
syl ac+cord
pron <*1kc:d>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to grant; bestow.
accordable sub
head accord
syl ac+1cord+a:ble
pos adj.
accorder sub
head accord
syl ac1cord+er
pos n.
accordance 1.
syl ac+cord+ance
pron <*1kc:d*ns>
pos n.
def conformity; agreement; accord (esp. in the phrase {in accordance with}) .
accordance 2.
syl ac+cord+ance
pron <*1kc:d*ns>
pos n.
def the act of granting; bestowal.
exam 1 accordance of rights.
accordant 0.
syl ac+cord+ant
pron <*1kc:dNt>
pos adj.
usage usually postpositive and foll. by with
def in conformity or harmony.
accordantly sub
head accordant
syl ac+1cord+ant+ly
pos adv.
according 1.
syl ac+cord+ing
pron <*1kc:diG>
pos adj.
usage foll. by to
def in proportion; in relation.
according 2.
syl ac+cord+ing
pron <*1kc:diG>
pos adj.
usage foll. by to
def on the report (of); as stated (by).
according 3.
syl ac+cord+ing
pron <*1kc:diG>
pos adj.
usage foll. by to
def in conformity (with); in accordance (with).
according 4.
syl ac+cord+ing
pron <*1kc:diG>
pos adj.
usage foll. by as
def depending (on whether).
according 5.
syl ac+cord+ing
pron <*1kc:diG>
pos adj.
qual Not standard.
def dependent on.
exam 1 it's all according where you want to go.
accordingly 1.
syl ac+cord+ing+ly
pron <*1kc:diGli>
pos adv.
def in an appropriate manner; suitably.
accordingly 2.
syl ac+cord+ing+ly
pron <*1kc:diGli>
pos adv.
usage sentence connector
def consequently.
accordion ety C19: from German Akkordion, from Akkord harmony, chord
accordion 1.
syl ac+cor+di+on
pron <*1kc:di*n>
pos n.
def a portable box-shaped instrument of the reed organ family, consisting of metallic reeds that are made to vibrate by air from a set of bellows controlled by the player's hands. Notes are produced by means of studlike keys.
accordion 2.
syl ac+cor+di+on
pron <*1kc:di*n>
pos n.
def short for {piano accordion}.
accordionist sub
head accordion
syl ac+1cor+di+on+ist
pos n.
accordion pleats 0.
syl ac+cor+di+on pleats
pos n.
mod pl.
def tiny knife pleats.
accost ety C16: from Late Latin accost*_are to place side by side, from Latin costa side, rib
accost 1.
syl ac+cost
pron <*1kost>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to approach, stop, and speak to (a person), as to ask a question, confront with a crime, solicit sexually, etc.
accost 2.
syl ac+cost
pron <*1kost>
pos n.
qual Rare.
def a greeting.
accostable sub
head accost
syl ac+1cost+a:ble
pos adj.
accouchement ety C19: from accoucher to put to bed, to give birth. See #7couch
accouchement 0.
syl ac+couche+ment
pron French. , English <*1ku:Sm*nt>
pos n.
def childbirth or the period of confinement.
accoucheur ety literally: one who is present at the bedside
accoucheuse alt
head accoucheur
or accoucheur
syl ac+cou+cheuse
pron
pos n.
mod fem.
accoucheur 0.
or accoucheuse
syl ac+cou+cheur
pron French.
pos n.
def an obstetrician or midwife.
account ety C13: from Old French acont, from conter, compter to #7count %1
account 1.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def a verbal or written report, description, or narration of some occurrence, event, etc.
account 2.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def an explanation of conduct, esp. one made to someone in authority.
account 3.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def ground; basis; consideration (often in the phrases {on this (that, every, no}, {account, on account of) }.
account 4.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def importance, consequence, or value.
exam 1 of little account.
account 5.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def assessment; judgment.
account 6.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def profit or advantage.
exam 1 to turn an idea to account.
account 7.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def part or behalf (only in the phrase {on one's} {someone's account) }.
account 8.a.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def a business relationship between a bank, department store, stockbroker, etc., and a depositor, customer, or client permitting the latter certain banking or credit services.
account 8.b.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def the sum of money deposited at a bank.
account 8.c.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def the amount of credit available to the holder of an account.
account 8.d.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def a record of these.
account 9.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def a statement of monetary transactions with the resulting balance.
account 10.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
usage on the London Stock Exchange
def the period, ordinarily of a fortnight's duration, in which transactions take place and at the end of which settlements are made.
account 11.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
qual Book-keeping.
def a chronological list of debits and credits relating to a specified asset, liability, expense, or income of a business and forming part of the ledger.
account 12.a.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def a regular client or customer, esp. a firm that purchases commodities on credit.
account 12.b.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def an area of business assigned to another.
exam 1 they transferred their publicity account to a new agent.
account 13.a.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def to insist on explanation.
account 13.b.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def to rebuke; reprimand.
account 13.c.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def to hold responsible.
account 15.a.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def on credit.
account 15.b.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def Also: {to account}. as partial payment.
on account of 16.
head account
syl on account of.
pos prep.
def because of; by reason of.
take account of 17.
head account
or take into account
syl take account of
def to take into consideration; allow for.
account 18.a.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def to pay or receive a balance due.
account 18.b.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def to get revenge on (someone).
account 19.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos n.
def See {bank account} or {credit account}.
account 20.
syl ac+count
pron <*1kaunt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to consider or reckon.
exam 1 he accounts himself poor.
accountable 1.
syl ac+count+a:ble
pron <*1kaunt*bL>
pos adj.
def responsible to someone or for some action; answerable.
accountable 2.
syl ac+count+a:ble
pron <*1kaunt*bL>
pos adj.
def able to be explained.
accountability sub
head accountable
syl ac+2count+a:1bil+i:ty
pos n.
accountably sub
head accountable
syl ac+1count+a:bly
pos adv.
accountancy 0.
syl ac+count+an+cy
pron <*1kaunt*nsi>
pos n.
def the profession or business of an accountant.
accountant 0.
syl ac+count+ant
pron <*1kaunt*nt>
pos n.
def a person concerned with the maintenance and audit of business accounts and the preparation of consultant reports in tax and finance.
account day 0.
syl ac+count day
pos n.
usage on the London Stock Exchange
def the day on which deliveries and payments relating to transactions made during the preceding account are made.
account for 1.
syl ac+count for
pos vb. prep.
mod intr.
def to give reasons for (an event, act, etc.).
account for 2.
syl ac+count for
pos vb. prep.
mod intr.
def to make or provide a reckoning of (expenditure, payments, etc.).
account for 3.
syl ac+count for
pos vb. prep.
mod intr.
def to be responsible for destroying, killing, or putting (people, aircraft, etc.) out of action.
accounting 0.
syl ac+count+ing
pron <*1kauntiG>
pos n.
def the skill or practice of maintaining and auditing accounts and preparing reports on the assets, liabilities, etc., of a business.
account payable 0.
syl ac+count pay+a:ble
pos n.
qual Accounting, U.S.
def a current liability account showing amounts payable by a firm to suppliers for purchases of materials, stocks, or services on credit.
account receivable 0.
syl ac+count re+ceiv+a:ble
pos n.
qual Accounting, U.S.
def a current asset account showing amounts payable to a firm by customers who have made purchases of goods and services on credit.
accouplement ety C15: French, from accoupler, from Latin copul*_are to #7couple
accouplement 0.
syl ac+cou+ple+ment
pron <*1k^pLm*nt>
pos n.
def a timber joist or beam that serves as a tie or support.
accoutre ety C16: from Old French accoustrer to equip with clothing, ultimately related to Latin consuere to sew together
accouter alt
head accoutre
or accoutre
syl ac+cou+ter
pron <*1ku:t*>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual U.S.
accoutre 0.
or accouter
syl ac+cou+tre
pron <*1ku:t*>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually passive
def to provide with military equipment.
accouterment alt
head accoutrement
or accoutrement
syl ac+cou+terment
pron <*1ku:tr*m*nt>
pos n.
qual U.S.
accoutrement 1.
or accouterment
syl ac+cou+trement
pron <*1ku:tr*m*nt>
pos n.
def equipment worn by soldiers in addition to their clothing and weapons.
accoutrement 2.
or accouterment
syl ac+cou+trement
pron <*1ku:tr*m*nt>
pos n.
mod usually; pl.
def clothing, equipment, etc.; trappings.
exam 1 the accoutrements of war.
Accra 0.
syl Ac+cra
pron <*1kra:>
pos n.
def the capital of Ghana, a port on the Gulf of Guinea: built on the site of three 17th-century trading fortresses founded by the English, Dutch, and Danish. Pop.: 564194 (1970).
accredit ety C17: from French accr*'editer, from the phrase mettre *`a cr*'edit to put to #7credit
accredit 1.
syl ac+cred+it
pron <*1kredit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to ascribe or attribute.
accredit 2.
syl ac+cred+it
pron <*1kredit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to give official recognition to; sanction; authorize.
accredit 3.
syl ac+cred+it
pron <*1kredit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to certify or guarantee as meeting required standards.
accredit 4.a.
syl ac+cred+it
pron <*1kredit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to furnish or send (an envoy, etc.) with official credentials.
accredit 4.b.
syl ac+cred+it
pron <*1kredit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to appoint (someone) as an envoy, etc.
accredit 5.
syl ac+cred+it
pron <*1kredit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to believe.
accreditation sub
head accredit
syl ac+2cred:i+1ta+tion
pos n.
accrescent ety C18: from Latin accr*_escere to continue to grow, from cr*_escere to grow
accrescent 0.
syl ac+cres+cent
pron <@1kresNt>
pos adj.
usage Botany. of a calyx or other part
def continuing to grow after flowering.
accrete ety C18: back formation from #7accretion
accrete 1.
syl ac+crete
pron <*1krEt>
pos vb.
def to grow or cause to grow together; be or become fused.
accrete 2.
syl ac+crete
pron <*1krEt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to make or become bigger, as by addition.
accrete 3.
syl ac+crete
pron <*1krEt>
pos adj.
usage of plant organs
def grown together.
accretion ety C17: from Latin accreti*_o increase, from accr*_escere. See #7accrue
accretion 1.
syl ac+cre+tion
pron <*1krES*n>
pos n.
def any gradual increase in size, as through growth or external addition.
accretion 2.
syl ac+cre+tion
pron <*1krES*n>
pos n.
def something added, esp. extraneously, to cause growth or an increase in size.
accretion 3.
syl ac+cre+tion
pron <*1krES*n>
pos n.
def the growing together of normally separate plant or animal parts.
accretion 4.a.
syl ac+cre+tion
pron <*1krES*n>
pos n.
def abnormal union or growing together of parts; adhesion.
accretion 4.b.
syl ac+cre+tion
pron <*1krES*n>
pos n.
def a mass of foreign matter collected in a cavity.
accretion 5.
syl ac+cre+tion
pron <*1krES*n>
pos n.
qual Law.
def an increase in the share of a beneficiary in an estate, as when a co-beneficiary fails to take his share.
accretive sub
head accretion
or accretionary
syl ac+1cre+tive
pos adj.
accretionary sub
head accretion
or accretive
syl ac+1cre+tion+ar:y
pos adj.
Accrington 0.
syl Ac+cring+ton
pron <1@kriGt*n>
pos n.
def a town in NW England, in SE Lancashire. Pop.: 36838 (1971).
accrue ety C15: from Old French accreue growth, ultimately from Latin accr*_escere to increase, from ad- to, in addition+ cr*_escere to grow
accrues infl
head accrue
syl ac+crues
pos vb.
mod intr.
accruing infl
head accrue
syl ac+cru+ing
pos vb.
mod intr.
accrued infl
head accrue
syl ac+crued.
pos vb.
mod intr.
accrue 1.
syl ac+crue
pron <*1kru:>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to increase by growth or addition, esp. (of capital) to increase by periodic addition of interest.
accrue 2.
syl ac+crue
pron <*1kru:>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage often foll. by to
def to fall naturally (to); come into the possession (of); result (for).
accrue 3.
syl ac+crue
pron <*1kru:>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage Law. of a right or demand
def to become capable of being enforced.
accrument sub
head accrue
or accrual
syl ac+1cru+ment
pos n.
accrual sub
head accrue
or accrument
syl ac+1cru+al
pos n.
acct 0.
syl acct.
qual Book-keeping. abbrev. for
def account.
acculturate ety C20: from #7ad -+#7culture +-#7ate %1 &- ac+@!cul+tur@.#!a+tion n.
acculturate 0.
syl ac+cul+tur+ate
pron <*1k^lC*2rAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage of a cultural or social group
def to assimilate the cultural traits of another group.
accumbent ety C18: from Latin accumbere to recline
accumbent 1.
syl ac+cum+bent
pron <*1k^mb*nt>
pos adj.
usage Botany. of plant parts and plants
def lying against some other part or thing.
accumbent 2.
syl ac+cum+bent
pron <*1k^mb*nt>
pos adj.
def a rare word for {recumbent}.
accumbency sub
head accumbent
syl ac+1cum+ben+cy
pos n.
accumulate ety C16: from Latin accumul*_atus, past participle of accumul*_are to heap up, from cumulus a heap
accumulate 0.
syl ac+cu+mu+late
pron <*1kju:mju2lAt>
pos vb.
def to gather or become gathered together in an increasing quantity; amass; collect.
accumulable sub
head accumulate
syl ac+1cu+mu+la:ble
pos adj.
accumulative sub
head accumulate
syl ac+1cu+mu+la+tive
pos adj.
accumulatively sub
head accumulate
syl ac+1cu+mu+la+tive+ly
pos adv.
accumulativeness sub
head accumulate
syl ac+1cu+mu+la+tive+ness
pos n.
accumulation 1.
syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion
pron <*2kju:mju1lAS*n>
pos n.
def the act or process of collecting together or becoming collected.
accumulation 2.
syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion
pron <*2kju:mju1lAS*n>
pos n.
def something that has been collected, gathered, heaped, etc.
accumulation 3.a.
syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion
pron <*2kju:mju1lAS*n>
pos n.
def the continuous growth of capital by retention of interest or earnings.
accumulation 3.b.
syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion
pron <*2kju:mju1lAS*n>
pos n.
usage in computing the yield on a bond purchased at a discount
def the amount that is added to each yield to bring the cost of the bond into equality with its par value over its life. Compare { {amortization} (sense 2)}.
accumulation 4.
syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion
pron <*2kju:mju1lAS*n>
pos n.
def the taking of a first and an advanced university degree simultaneously.
accumulation point 0.
syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion point
pos n.
qual Maths.
def another name for {limit point}.
accumulator 1.
syl ac+cu+mu+la+tor
pron <*1kju:mju2lAt*>
pos n.
def Also called: {battery, storage battery}. a rechargeable device for storing electrical energy in the form of chemical energy, consisting of one or more separate secondary cells.
accumulator 2.
syl ac+cu+mu+la+tor
pron <*1kju:mju2lAt*>
pos n.
qual Horse racing, Brit.
def a collective bet, esp. on four or more races, in which the stake and winnings on each successive race are carried forward to become the stake on the next, so that both stakes and winnings accumulate progressively so long as the bet continues to be a winning one.
accumulator 3.a.
syl ac+cu+mu+la+tor
pron <*1kju:mju2lAt*>
pos n.
def a register in a calculator and the possible associated electrical circuits in which figures are stored and arithmetical operations performed on them.
accumulator 3.b.
syl ac+cu+mu+la+tor
pron <*1kju:mju2lAt*>
pos n.
def a location in a computer store in which arithmetical results are produced.
cies infl
head accuracy
syl +cies.
pos n.
mod pl.
accuracy 1.
syl ac+cu+ra+cy
pron <1@kjur*si>
pos n.
def faithful measurement or representation of the truth; correctness; precision.
accuracy 2.
syl ac+cu+ra+cy
pron <1@kjur*si>
pos n.
qual Physics, chem.
def the degree of agreement between a measured value and the standard or accepted value for that measurement.
accuracy 3.
syl ac+cu+ra+cy
pron <1@kjur*si>
pos n.
qual Maths.
def the number of significant figures used or appearing in a number.
accurate ety C16: from Latin acc*_ur*_atus, past participle of acc*_ur*_are to perform with care, from c*_ura care
accurate 1.
syl ac+cu+rate
pron <1@kj*rit>
pos adj.
def faithfully representing or describ?!ing the truth.
accurate 2.
syl ac+cu+rate
pron <1@kj*rit>
pos adj.
def showing a negligible or permissible deviation from a standard.
exam 1 an accurate ruler.
accurate 3.
syl ac+cu+rate
pron <1@kj*rit>
pos adj.
def without error; precise; meticulous.
accurately sub
head accurate
syl ac+cu+rate+ly
pos adv.
accurateness sub
head accurate
syl ac+cu+rate+ness
pos n.
accursed ety Old English *_acursod, past participle of *_acursian to put under a #7curse
accurst alt
head accursed
or accursed
syl ac+curst
pron <*1kR:st>
pos adj.
accursed 1.
or accurst
syl ac+curs+ed
pron <*1kR:sid>, <*1kR:st>
pos adj.
def under or subject to a curse; doomed.
accursed 2.
or accurst
syl ac+curs+ed
pron <*1kR:sid>, <*1kR:st>
pos adj.
usage prenominal
def hateful; detestable; execrable.
accursedly sub
head accursed
syl ac+curs+ed+ly
pron <*1kR:sidli>
pos adv.
accursedness sub
head accursed
syl ac+1curs+ed+ness
pos n.
accusal 0.
syl ac+cus+al
pron <*1kju:zL>
pos n.
def another word for {accusation}.
accusation 1.
syl ac+cu+sa+tion
pron <2@kju1zAS*n>
pos n.
def an allegation that a person is guilty of some fault, offence, or crime; imputation.
accusation 2.
syl ac+cu+sa+tion
pron <2@kju1zAS*n>
pos n.
def a formal charge brought against a person stating the crime that he is alleged to have committed.
accusative ety C15: from Latin; in grammar, from the phrase c*_asus acc*_us*_at*_ivus accusative case, a mistaken translation of Greek pt*_osis aitiatik*_e the case indicating causation. See #7accuse
accusative 1.
syl ac+cu+sa+tive
pron <*1kju:z*tiv>
pos adj.
qual Grammar.
def denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in inflected languages that is used to identify the direct object of a finite verb, of certain prepositions, and for certain other purposes. See also { {objective} (sense 5)}.
accusative 2.
syl ac+cu+sa+tive
pron <*1kju:z*tiv>
pos adj.
def another word for {accusatorial}.
accusative 3.a.
syl ac+cu+sa+tive
pron <*1kju:z*tiv>
pos n.
def the accusative case.
accusative 3.b.
syl ac+cu+sa+tive
pron <*1kju:z*tiv>
pos n.
def a word or speech element in the accusative case.
accusatival sub
head accusative
syl ac+cu+sa+ti+val
pron <*2kju:z*1tIvL>
pos adj.
accusatively sub
head accusative
syl ac+1cu+sa+tive+ly
pos adv.
accusatory alt
head accusatorial
or accusatorial
syl ac+cu+sa+to:ry
pron <*1kju?!:z*t*ri>, <-tri>, <2@kju1zAt*ri>
pos adj.
accusatorial 1.
or accusatory
syl ac+cu+sa+to+ri:al
pron <*2kju:z*1tc:ri*l>
pos adj.
def containing or implying blame or strong criticism.
accusatorial 2.
or accusatory
syl ac+cu+sa+to+ri:al
pron <*2kju:z*1tc:ri*l>
pos adj.
qual Law.
def denoting criminal procedure in which the prosecutor is distinct from the judge and the trial is conducted in public. Compare { {inquisitorial} (sense 3)}.
accuse ety C13: via Old French from Latin acc*_usare to call to account, from ad- to+ causa lawsuit
accuse 0.
syl ac+cuse
pron <*1kju:z>
pos vb.
def to charge (a person or persons) with some fault, offence, crime, etc.; impute guilt or blame.
accuser sub
head accuse
syl ac+1cus+er
pos n.
accusingly sub
head accuse
syl ac+1cus+ing+ly
pos adv.
accused 0.
syl ac+cused
pron <*1kju:zd>
pos n.
qual Law.
usage preceded by the
def the defendant or defendants appearing on a criminal charge.
accustom ety C15: from Old French acostumer, from costume #7custom
accustom 0.
syl ac+cus+tom
pron <*1k^st*m>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually foll. by to
def to make (oneself) familiar (with) or used (to), as by practice, habit, or experience.
accustomed 1.
syl ac+cus+tomed
pron <*1k^st*md>
pos adj.
def usual; customary.
accustomed 2.
syl ac+cus+tomed
pron <*1k^st*md>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; foll. by to
def used or inured (to).
accustomed 3.
syl ac+cus+tomed
pron <*1k^st*md>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; foll. by to
def in the habit (of).
exam 1 accustomed to walking after meals.
Accutron 0.
syl Ac+cu+tron
pron <1@kju:2tron>
pos n.
qual Trademark.
def a type of watch in which the balance wheel and hairspring are replaced by a tuning fork kept in vibration by a tiny internal battery.
ACDC ety C20: humorous reference to electrical apparatus that is adaptable for #7alternating current and #7direct current
ACDC 0.
syl AC/DC
pos adj.
usage Slang. of a person
def bisexual.
ace ety C13: via Old French from Latin as a unit, perhaps from a Greek variant of heis one
ace 1.
syl ace
pron
pos n.
def any die, domino, or any of four playing cards with one spot.
ace 2.
syl ace
pron
pos n.
def a single spot or pip on a playing card, die, etc.
ace 3.a.
syl ace
pron
pos n.
def a winning serve that the opponent fails to reach.
ace 3.b.
syl ace
pron
pos n.
def any winning serve.
ace 4.
syl ace
pron
pos n.
qual Golf, chiefly U.S.
def a hole in one.
ace 5.
syl ace
pron
pos n.
def a fighter pilot accredited with destroying many enemy aircraft.
ace 6.
syl ace
pron
pos n.
qual Informal.
def an expert or highly skilled person.
exam 1 an ace at driving.
an ace up one's sleeve 7.
head ace
or an ace in the hole
syl an ace up one's sleeve
def a hidden and powerful advantage. {~}
ace 8.
syl ace
pron
pos n.
qual Informal.
def superb; excellent. {~}
ace 9.
syl ace
pron
pos n.
mod tr.
qual Tennis.
def to serve an ace against.
ace 10.
syl ace
pron
pos n.
qual Golf.
def to play (a hole) in one stroke.
ACE 0.
syl ACE
pron
pos n.
usage in Britain; acronym for
def Advisory Centre for Education; a private organization offering advice on schools to parents.
-acea ety New Latin, from Latin, neuter plural of -*_aceus -#7aceous
-acea 0.
syl -a:ce:a
usage suffix forming plural proper nouns.
def denoting animals belonging to a class or order.
exam 1 Crustacea
-aceae ety New Latin, from Latin, feminine plural of -*_aceus -#7aceous
-aceae 0.
syl -a:ce:ae
usage suffix forming plural proper nouns.
def denoting plants belonging to a family.
exam 1 Liliaceae;
exam 2 Ranunculaceae.
acedia 0.
syl a:ce:di:a
pron <*1sEdi*>
pos n.
def another word for {accidie}.
Aceldama ety C14: from Aramaic haq*_el dem*_a field of blood
Aceldama 0.
syl A:cel+da+ma
pron <*1seld*m*>
pos n.
qual New Testament.
def the place near Jerusalem that was bought with the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:8; Acts 1:19).
acellular 0.
syl a:cel+lu+lar
pron
pos adj.
qual Biology.
def not made up of or containing cells.
acentric 1.
syl a:cen+tric
pron
pos adj.
def without a centre.
acentric 2.
syl a:cen+tric
pron
pos adj.
def not on centre; eccentric.
-aceous ety New Latin, from Latin -*_aceus of a certain kind; related to -*_ac, -*_ax, adjectival suffix
-aceous 0.
syl -a:ceous
usage suffix forming adjectives.
def relating to, belonging to, having the nature of, or resembling.
exam 1 herbaceous;
exam 2 larvaceous.
acephalous ety C18: via Medieval Latin from Greek akephalos. See #7a -%1#7, -#7cephalous
acephalous 1.
syl a:ceph:a+lous
pron <*1sef*l*s>
pos adj.
def having no head or one that is reduced and indistinct, as certain insect larvae.
acephalous 2.
syl a:ceph:a+lous
pron <*1sef*l*s>
pos adj.
def having or recognizing no ruler or leader.
acerate ety C19: from Latin *_acer sharp+-#7ate %1
acerate 0.
syl ac+er+ate
pron <1@s*2rAt>, <-rit>
pos adj.
def another word for {acerose}.
acerbate ety C18: from Latin acerb*_atus, past participle of acerb*_are to make sour
acerbate 1.
syl ac+er+bate
pron <1@s*2bAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to embitter or exasperate.
acerbate 2.
syl ac+er+bate
pron <1@s*2bAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to make sour or bitter.
acerbic ety C17: from Latin acerbus sour, bitter
acerbic 0.
syl a:cer+bic
pron <*1sR:bik>
pos adj.
def harsh, bitter, or astringent; sour.
acerbities infl
head acerbity
syl a:cer+bi:ties.
pos n.
mod pl.
acerbity 1.
syl a:cer+bi:ty
pron <*1sR:biti>
pos n.
def vitriolic or embittered speech, temper, etc.
acerbity 2.
syl a:cer+bi:ty
pron <*1sR:biti>
pos n.
def sourness or bitterness of taste.
acerose ety C18: from Latin acer*_osus full of chaff (erroneously used by Linnaeus as if derived from *_acer sharp)
acerous alt
head acerose
or acerose
syl ac+er+ous
pos adj.
acerose 0.
or acerous
syl ac+er+ose
pron <1@s*2r*us>, <-2r*uz>
pos adj.
def shaped like a needle, as pine leaves.
acervate ety C19: from Latin acerv*_atus, from acerv*_are to heap up, from acervus a heap
acervate 0.
syl a:cer+vate
pron <*1sR:vit>, <-2vAt>
pos adj.
qual Botany.
def growing in heaps or clusters.
acervately sub
head acervate
syl a:1cer+vate+ly
pos adv.
acescent ety C18: from Latin ac*_escent-, from ac*_escere to become sour, from *_acer sharp
acescent 0.
syl a:ces+cent
pron <*1sesNt>
pos adj.
def slightly sour or turning sour.
acescence sub
head acescent
or acescency
syl a:1ces+cence
pos n.
acescency sub
head acescent
or acescence
syl a:1ces+cen+cy
pos n.
acetabulum ety Latin: vinegar cup, hence a cuplike cavity, from ac*_etum vinegar+- abulum, suffix denot?!ing a container
acetabula infl
head acetabulum
syl ac+e:tab:u+la
pron <-l*>
pos n.
mod pl.
acetabulum 1.
syl ac+e:tab:u+lum
pron <2@si1t@bjul*m>
pos n.
def the deep cuplike cavity on the side of the hipbone that receives the head of the thighbone.
acetabulum 2.
syl ac+e:tab:u+lum
pron <2@si1t@bjul*m>
pos n.
def a round muscular sucker in flatworms, leeches, and cephalopod molluscs.
acetal ety C19: from German Azetal, from #7aceto -#7+alcohol
acetal 1.
syl ac+e:tal
pron <1@si2t@l>
pos n.
def a colourless volatile liquid used as a solvent and in perfumes. Formula: CH\3CH(OC\2H\5)\2.
acetal 2.
syl ac+e:tal
pron <1@si2t@l>
pos n.
def any organic compound containing the group -CH(OR\1)OR\2, where R\1 and R\2 are other organic groups.
acetaldehyde 0.
syl ac+et+al+de+hyde
pron <2@si1t@ldi2hId>
pos n.
def a colourless volatile pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of organic compounds and as a solvent and reducing agent. Formula: CH\3CHO.
acetamide ety C19: from German Azetamid, from #7aceto -#7+amide
acetamid alt
head acetamide
or acetamide
syl ac+et+am+id
pron <2@si1t@mid>, <*1setimid>
pos n.
acetamide 0.
or acetamid
syl ac+et+am+ide
pron <2@si1t@mId>, <*1seti2mId>
pos n.
def a white or colourless soluble deliquescent crystalline compound, used in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: CH\3CONH\2.
acetanilide ety C19: from #7aceto -#7+aniline+ -#7ide
acetanilid alt
head acetanilide
or acetanilide
syl ac+et+an:i+lid
pron <2@si1t@nilid>
pos n.
acetanilide 0.
or acetanilid
syl ac+et+an:i+lide
pron <2@si1t@ni2lId>
pos n.
def a white crystalline powder used in the manufacture of dyes and rubber and as an analgesic in medicine. Formula: C\6H\5NHCOCH\3.
acetate ety C19: from #7acetic+ -#7ate %1
acetate 1.
syl ac+e:tate
pron <1@si2tAt>
pos n.
def any salt or ester of acetic acid, containing the monovalent ion CH\3COO%#- or the group CH\3COO%#-.
acetate 2.
syl ac+e:tate
pron <1@si2tAt>
pos n.
usage modifier
def consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group CH\3COO%#-.
exam 1 acetate group or radical.
acetate 3.
syl ac+e:tate
pron <1@si2tAt>
pos n.
def short for {acetate rayon} {cellulose acetate}.
acetated sub
head acetate
syl ac+e:tat+ed
pos adj.
acetate rayon 0.
syl ac+e:tate ray+on
pos n.
def a synthetic textile fibre made from cellulose acetate. Also called: {acetate}.
acetic ety C19: from Latin ac*_etum vinegar
acetic 0.
syl a:ce:tic
pron <*1sEtik>, <*1set->
pos adj.
def of, containing, producing, or derived from acetic acid or vinegar.
acetic acid 0.
syl a:ce:tic ac:id
pos n.
def a colourless pungent liquid, miscible with water, widely used in the manufacture of acetic anhydride, vinyl acetate, plastics, pharmaceuticals, dyes, etc. Formula: CH\3COOH. See also {glacial acetic acid, vinegar}.
acetic anhydride 0.
syl a:ce:tic an+hy+dride
pos n.
def a colourless pungent liquid used in the manufacture of cellulose and vinyl acetates for synthetic fabrics. Formula: (CH\3CO)\2O.
acetifies infl
head acetify
syl a:cet:i+fies
pos vb.
acetifying infl
head acetify
syl a:cet:i+fy+ing
pos vb.
acetified infl
head acetify
syl a:cet:i+fied.
pos vb.
acetify 0.
syl a:cet:i+fy
pron <*1seti2fI>
pos vb.
def to become or cause to become acetic acid or vinegar.
acetification sub
head acetify
syl a:2cet:i+fi+1ca+tion
pos n.
acetifier sub
head acetify
syl a:1cet:i+2fi+er
pos n.
aceto- ety from Latin ac*_etum vinegar
acetometer 0.
syl ac+e:tom+e:ter
pron <2@si1tomit*>
pos n.
def a device for measuring the concentration of acetic acid in a solution, esp. in vinegar.
acetone ety C19: from German Azeton, from #7aceto -#7+ -#7one
acetone 0.
syl ac+e:tone
pron <1@si2t*un>
pos n.
def a colourless volatile flammable pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of chemicals and as a solvent and thinner for paints, varnishes, and lacquers. Formula: CH\3COCH\3.
acetonic sub
head acetone
syl ac+e:ton+ic
pron <2@si1tonik>
pos adj.
acetone body 0.
syl ac+e:tone bod:y
pos n.
def another name for {ketone body}.
acetophenetidin 0.
syl a:ce:to+phe+net:i+din
pron <*2sEt*uf*1netidin>
pos n.
def another name for {phenacetin}.
acetous ety C18: from Late Latin ac*_et*_osus vinegary, from ac*_etum vinegar
acetose alt
head acetous
or acetous
syl ac+e:tose
pron <1@si2t*us>, <-2t*uz>
pos adj.
acetous 1.
or acetose
syl ac+e:tous
pron <1@sit*s>, <*1sE->
pos adj.
def containing, producing, or resembling acetic acid or vinegar.
acetous 2.
or acetose
syl ac+e:tous
pron <1@sit*s>, <*1sE->
pos adj.
def tasting like vinegar.
acetum ety Latin
acetum 1.
syl a:ce:tum
pron <*1sEt*m>
pos n.
def another name for {vinegar}.
acetum 2.
syl a:ce:tum
pron <*1sEt*m>
pos n.
def a solution that has dilute acetic acid as solvent.
acetyl ety C19: from #7acet(ic) +-#7yl &- ac+e@.tyl+ic (@!@as$I#!t$Il$Ik) adj.
acetyl 0.
syl ac+e:tyl
pron <1@si2tIl>, <*1sEtIl>
pos n.
usage modifier
def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group CH\3CO-.
exam 1 acetyl group or radical.
acetylate 1.
syl a:cet:y+late
pron <*1seti2lAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to introduce an acetyl group into (a chemical compound).
acetylate 2.
syl a:cet:y+late
pron <*1seti2lAt>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage of a chemical compound
def to gain or suffer substitution of an acetyl group.
acetylation sub
head acetylate
syl a:2cet:y+1la+tion
pos n.
acetylcholine 0.
syl ac+e:tyl+cho+line
pron <2@sitIl1k*ulEn>, <-lin>
pos n.
def a chemical substance secreted at the ends of many nerve fibres, esp. in the autonomic nervous system, and responsible for the transmission of nervous impulses. Formula: C\7H\1\7NO\3.
acetylene 1.
syl a:cet:y+lene
pron <*1seti2lEn>
pos n.
def Also called: {ethyne}. a colourless soluble flammable gas used in the manufacture of organic chemicals and in cutting and welding metals. Formula: C\2H\2.
acetylene 2.
syl a:cet:y+lene
pron <*1seti2lEn>
pos n.
def another name for {alkyne}.
acetylenic sub
head acetylene
syl a:cet:y+len+ic
pron <*2seti1lenik>
pos adj.
acetylide 0.
syl a:cet:y+lide
pron <*1seti2lId>
pos n.
def any of a class of carbides in which the carbon is present as a diatomic divalent ion. They are formally derivatives of acetylene.
acetylsalicylic acid 0.
syl ac+e:tyl+sal:i+cyl+ic ac:id
pron <2@sitIl2s@li1silik>, <*1sEtIl->
pos n.
def the chemical name for {aspirin}.
acey-deucy 0.
syl ace:y-deuc:y
pron <1Asi1dju:si>
pos n.
def a form of backgammon.
ACGI 0.
syl A.C.G.I.
qual abbrev. for
def Associate of the City and Guilds Institute.
Achaia alt
head Achaea
or Achaea
syl A:cha:ia
pron <*1kI*>
pos n.
Achaea 1.
or Achaia
syl A:chae:a
pron <*1kE*>
pos n.
def a department of Greece, in the N Peloponnese. Capital: Patras. Pop.: 239859 (1971). Area: 3209 sq. km (1239 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {Akha*"ia}.
Achaea 2.
or Achaia
syl A:chae:a
pron <*1kE*>
pos n.
def a province of ancient Greece, in the N Peloponnese on the Gulf of Corinth: enlarged as a Roman province in 27 #7b.c.
Achaian alt
head Achaean
or Achaean
syl A:chai:an
pron <*1kI*n>
pos n.
Achaean 1.
or Achaian
syl A:chae+an
pron <*1kE*n>
pos n.
def a member of a principal Greek tribe in the Mycenaean era.
Achaean 2.
or Achaian
syl A:chae+an
pron <*1kE*n>
pos n.
def a native or inhabitant of the later Greek province of Achaea.
Achaean 3.
or Achaian
syl A:chae+an
pron <*1kE*n>
pos adj.
def of or relating to Achaea or the Achaeans.
Achaean League 0.
syl A:chae+an League
pos n.
def a confederation of Achaean cities formed in the early third century #7b.c., which became a political and military force in Greece, directed particularly against Macedonian domination of the Peloponnesus.
Achaemenid ety from Greek, after Akhaimen*_es, name of the founder
Achaemenids infl
head Achaemenid
syl A:chae:me:nids
pron <2@ki1meni2dE>
pos n.
mod pl.
Achaemenidae infl
head Achaemenid
or Achaemenides
syl Ach:ae:men:i:dae
pron <2@ki1meni2dE>
pos n.
mod pl.
Achaemenides infl
head Achaemenid
or Achaemenidae
syl Ach:ae:men:i:des
pron <2@ki?!1meni2dEz>
pos n.
mod pl.
Achaemenid 0.
syl A:chae:me:nid
pron <*1kEm*nid>, <*1kem->
pos n.
def any member of a Persian dynasty of kings, including Cyrus the Great, that ruled from about 550 to 331 #7b.c., when Darius III was overthrown by Alexander the Great.
Achates ety from the name of Aeneas' faithful companion in Virgil's Aeneid
Achates 0.
syl A:cha+tes
pron <*1kAtEz>
pos n.
def a loyal friend.
ache ety Old English *_acan (vb.), @ace (n.), Middle English aken (vb.), ache (n.). Compare #7bake, batch
ache 1.
syl ache
pron
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to feel, suffer, or be the source of a continuous dull pain.
ache 2.
syl ache
pron
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to suffer mental anguish.
ache 3.
syl ache
pron
pos n.
mod intr.
def a continuous dull pain.
achingly sub
head ache
syl ach+ing+ly
pos adv.
Achelous 0.
syl Ach:e:lo:us
pron <2@ki1l*u*s>
pos n.
qual Classical myth.
def a river god who changed into a snake and a bull while fighting Hercules but was defeated when Hercules broke off one of his horns.
achene ety C19: from New Latin achaenium that which does not yawn or open, from #7a - %1#7+ Greek khainein to yawn
akene alt
head achene
or achene
syl a:kene
pron <*1kEn>
pos n.
achene 0.
or akene
syl a:chene
pron <*1kEn>
pos n.
def a dry one-seeded indehiscent fruit with the seed distinct from the fruit wall. It may be smooth, as in the buttercup, or feathery, as in clematis.
achenial sub
head achene
or akenial
syl a:1che:ni:al
pos adj.
akenial sub
head achene
or achenial
syl a:1ke:ni:al
pos adj.
Achernar ety from Arabic *_akh*_ir al-nahr, literally: end of the river, alluding to the star's location in the constellation
Achernar 0.
syl A:cher+nar
pron <1Ak*2na:>
pos n.
def the brightest star in the constellation Eridanus, visible only in the S hemisphere. Visual magnitude: 0.6; spectral type: B5; distance: 66 light years.
Acheron 1.
syl Ach+er+on
pron <1@k*2ron>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def one of the rivers in Hades over which the souls of the dead were ferried by Charon. Compare {Styx}.
Acheron 2.
syl Ach+er+on
pron <1@k*2ron>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def the underworld or Hades.
Acheulian ety C20: after St. Acheul, town in northern France
Acheulean alt
head Acheulian
or Acheulian
syl A:cheu+le:an
pron <*1Su:li*n>, <-j*n>
Acheulian 1.
or Acheulean
syl A:cheu+li:an
pron <*1Su:li*n>, <-j*n>
pos n.
qual Archaeol.
usage in Europe
def the period in the Lower Palaeolithic following the Abbevillian, represented by the use of soft hammerstones in hand axe production made of chipped stone, bone, antler, or wood. The Acheulian dates from the Riss glaciation.
Acheulian 2.
or Acheulean
syl A:cheu+li:an
pron <*1Su:li*n>, <-j*n>
pos n.
qual Archaeol.
usage in Africa
def the period represented by every stage of hand axe development.
Acheulian 3.
or Acheulean
syl A:cheu+li:an
pron <*1Su:li*n>, <-j*n>
pos adj.
qual Archaeol.
def of or relating to this period.
a cheval ety literally: on horseback
a cheval 0.
syl *`a che+val
pron French.
usage of a bet, esp. in roulette
def made on two numbers, cards, etc.
achieve ety C14: from Old French achever to bring to an end, from the phrase a chef to a head, to a conclusion
achieve 1.
syl a:chieve
pron <*1CEv>
pos vb.
def to bring to a successful conclusion; accomplish; attain.
achieve 2.
syl a:chieve
pron <*1CEv>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to gain as by hard work or effort.
exam 1 to achieve success.
achievable sub
head achieve
syl a:1chiev+a:ble
pos adj.
achiever sub
head achieve
syl a:1chiev+er
pos n.
achievement 1.
syl a:chieve+ment
pron <*1CEvm*nt>
pos n.
def something that has been accomplished, esp. by hard work, ability, or heroism.
achievement 2.
syl a:chieve+ment
pron <*1CEvm*nt>
pos n.
def successful completion; accomplishment.
achievement 3.
syl a:chieve+ment
pron <*1CEvm*nt>
pos n.
qual Heraldry.
def a less common word for {hatchment}.
achievement age 0.
syl a:chieve+ment age
pos n.
qual Psychol.
def the age at which a child should be able to perform a standardized test successfully. Compare {developmental age, mental age}.
achievement quotient 0.
syl a:chieve+ment quo+tient
pos n.
qual Psychol.
def a measure of ability derived by dividing an individual's achievement age by his actual age. Abbrev.: {AQ}
achievement test 0.
syl a:chieve+ment test
pos n.
qual Psychol.
def a test designed to measure the effects that learning and teaching have on individuals.
Achilles 0.
syl A:chil:les
pron <*1kilEz>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def Greek hero, the son of Peleus and the sea goddess Thetis: in the the foremost of the Greek warriors at the siege of Troy. While he was a baby his mother plunged him into the river Styx making his body invulnerable except for the heel by which she held him. After slaying Hector, he was killed by Paris who wounded him in the heel.
Achillean sub
head Achilles
syl Ach+il+le:an
pron <2@ki1lE*n>
pos adj.
Achilles heel 0.
syl A:chil:les heel
pos n.
def a small but fatal weakness.
Achilles tendon 0.
syl A:chil:les ten+don
pos n.
def the fibrous cord that connects the muscles of the calf to the heelbone.
Achill Island 0.
syl Ach+ill Is+land
pron <1@kil>
pos n.
def an island in Ireland, off the W coast of Co. Mayo. Area: 3133 sq. km (1210 sq. miles). Pop.: 3598 (1966).
Achitophel 0.
syl A:chit:o:phel
pron <*1kit*2fel>
pos n.
qual Bible.
def the Douay spelling of {Ahithophel}.
achlamydeous 0.
syl ach+la+myd+e:ous
pron <2@kl*1midi*s>
pos adj.
usage of flowers such as the willow
def having neither petals nor sepals.
achlorhydria ety C20: New Latin; see #7a -%1#7, chloro -#7, hydro -
achlorhydria 0.
syl a:chlor+hy+dri:a
pron <2Aklc:1hIdri*>
pos n.
def a marked reduction or virtual absence of free hydrochloric acid from the gastric juice.
achondrite 0.
syl a:chon+drite
pron
pos n.
def a rare stony meteorite that consists mainly of silicate minerals and has the texture of igneous rock but contains no chondrules. Compare {chondrite}.
achondritic sub
head achondrite
syl a:chon+drit+ic
pron <2Akon1dritik>
pos adj.
achondroplasia ety C20: New Latin; see #7a -%1#7, chondro -#7, -#7plasia
achondroplasia 0.
syl a:chon+dro+pla+si:a
pron
pos n.
def a skeletal disorder, characterized by failure of normal conversion of cartilage into bone, that begins during fetal life and results in dwarfism.
achondroplastic sub
head achondroplasia
syl a:chon+dro+plas+tic
pron
pos adj.
achromatic lens alt
head achromat
or achromat
syl ach+ro+mat+ic lens
pos n.
achromat 0.
or achromatic lens
syl ach+ro+mat
pron <1@kr*2m@t>
pos n.
def a lens designed to bring light of two chosen wavelengths to the same focal point, thus reducing chromatic aberration. Compare {apochromat}.
achromatic 1.
syl ach+ro+mat+ic
pron <2@kr*1m@tik>
pos adj.
def without colour.
achromatic 2.
syl ach+ro+mat+ic
pron <2@kr*1m@tik>
pos adj.
def capable of reflecting or refracting light without chromatic aberration.
achromatic 3.a.
syl ach+ro+mat+ic
pron <2@kr*1m@tik>
pos adj.
def not staining with standard dyes.
achromatic 3.b.
syl ach+ro+mat+ic
pron <2@kr*1m@tik>
pos adj.
def of or relating to achromatin.
achromatic 4.a.
syl ach+ro+mat+ic
pron <2@kr*1m@tik>
pos adj.
def involving no sharps or flats.
achromatic 4.b.
syl ach+ro+mat+ic
pron <2@kr*1m@tik>
pos adj.
def another word for {diatonic}.
achromatically sub
head achromatic
syl ach+ro+1mat:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
achromatism sub
head achromatic
or achromaticity
syl a:chro+ma+tism
pron <*1kr*um*2tiz*m>
pos n.
achromaticity sub
head achromatic
or achromatism
syl a:chro+ma+tic+i:ty
pron <*2kr*um*1tisiti>
pos n.
achromatic colour 0.
syl ach+ro+mat+ic col+our
pos n.
qual Physics.
def colour, such as white, black, and grey, that is devoid of hue. See { {colour} (sense 2)}.
achromatin 0.
syl a:chro+ma+tin
pron <*1kr*um*tin>
pos n.
def the material of the nucleus of a cell that does not stain with basic dyes. Compare {chromatin}.
achromatise alt
head achromatize
or achromatize
syl a:chro+ma+tise
pron <*1kr*um*tIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
achromatize 0.
or achromatise
syl a:chro+ma+tize
pron <*1kr*um*tIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to make achromatic; to remove colour from.
achromatization sub
head achromatize
or achromatisation
syl a:2chro+ma+ti+1za+tion
pos n.
achromatisation sub
head achromatize
or achromatization
syl a:2chro+ma+ti+1sa+tion
pos n.
achromatous 0.
syl a:chro+ma+tous
pron <*1kr*um*t*s>
pos adj.
def having little or no colour or less than is normal.
achromous alt
head achromic
or achromic
syl a:chro+mous
pos adj.
achromic 0.
or achromous
syl a+chro+mic
pron <*1kr*umik>
pos adj.
def colourless.
ach-y-fi ety Welsh, probably from ach, achy general exclamation of disgust+ fi I, me
ach-y-fi 0.
syl ach-y-fi
pron <2ax*1vE>, <2^x->
pos interj.
qual Welsh dialect.
def an expression of disgust or abhorrence.
acicula ety C19: New Latin, diminutive of acus needle
aciculae infl
head acicula
syl a:cic:u+lae
pron <-2lE>
pos n.
mod pl.
acicula 0.
syl a:cic:u+la
pron <*1sikjul*>
pos n.
def a needle-shaped part, such as a spine, prickle, or crystal.
acicular sub
head acicula
syl a:1cic:u+lar
pos adj.
aciculated alt
head aciculate
or aciculate
syl a:cic:u+lat+ed
pos adj.
aciculate 1.
or aciculated
syl a:cic:u+late
pron <*1sikjulit>, <-2lAt>
pos adj.
def having aciculae.
aciculate 2.
or aciculated
syl a:cic:u+late
pron <*1sikjulit>, <-2lAt>
pos adj.
def marked with or as if with needle scratches.
aciculum ety C19: New Latin; see #7acicula
aciculums infl
head aciculum
or acicula
syl a:cic:u+lums
pron <-l*>
pos n.
mod pl.
acicula infl
head aciculum
or aciculums
syl a:cic:u+la
pron <-l*>
pos n.
mod pl.
aciculum 0.
syl a:cic:u+lum
pron <*1sikjul*m>
pos n.
def a needle-like bristle that provides internal support for the appendages (chaetae) of some polychaete worms.
acid ety C17 (first used by Francis Bacon): from French acide or Latin acidus, from ac*_ere to be sour or sharp
acid 1.
syl ac:id
pron <1@sid>
pos n.
def any substance that dissociates in water to yield a sour corrosive solution containing hydrogen ions, having a pH of less than 7, and turning litmus red. See also {Lewis acid}.
acid 2.
syl ac:id
pron <1@sid>
pos n.
def a sour-tasting substance.
acid 3.
syl ac:id
pron <1@sid>
pos n.
def a slang name for {LSD}.
put the acid on (someone) 4.
head acid
syl put the acid on (someone).
qual Austral. informal.
def to apply pressure to someone, usually when seeking a favour.
acid 5.a.
syl ac:id
pron <1@sid>
pos adj.
def of, derived from, or containing acid.
exam 1 an acid radical.
acid 5.b.
syl ac:id
pron <1@sid>
pos adj.
def being or having the properties of an acid.
exam 1 sodium bicarbonate is an acid salt.
acid 6.
syl ac:id
pron <1@sid>
pos adj.
def sharp or sour in taste.
acid 7.
syl ac:id
pron <1@sid>
pos adj.
def cutting, sharp, or hurtful in speech, manner, etc.; vitriolic; caustic.
acid 8.
syl ac:id
pron <1@sid>
pos adj.
usage of igneous rocks
def having a silica content of more than two thirds the total and containing at least one tenth quartz.
acid 9.
syl ac:id
pron <1@sid>
pos adj.
qual Metallurgy.
def of or made by a process in which the furnace or converter is lined with an acid material.
exam 1 acid steel.
acidly sub
head acid
syl ac+id+ly
pos adv.
acidness sub
head acid
syl ac+id+ness
pos n.
acidy sub
head acid
syl ac+id:y
pos adj.
acid drop 0.
syl ac:id drop
pos n.
def a boiled sweet with a sharp taste.
acid-fast 0.
syl ac:id-fast
pos adj.
usage of bacteria and tissues
def resistant to decolorization by mineral acids after staining.
acid-forming 1.
syl ac:id-form:ing
pos adj.
usage of an oxide or element
def yielding an acid when dissolved in water or having an oxide that forms an acid in water; acidic.
acid-forming 2.
syl ac:id-form:ing
pos adj.
usage of foods
def producing an acid residue following digestion.
acid-head 0.
syl ac:id-head
pos n.
qual Slang.
def a person who uses LSD.
acidic 1.
syl a:cid+ic
pron <*1sidik>
pos adj.
def another word for {acid}.
acidic 2.
syl a:cid+ic
pron <*1sidik>
pos adj.
usage of an oxide
def yielding an acid in aqueous solution.
acidifies infl
head acidify
syl a:cid:i+fies
pos vb.
acidifying infl
head acidify
syl a:cid:i+fy+ing
pos vb.
acidified infl
head acidify
syl a:cid:i+fied.
pos vb.
acidify 0.
syl a:cid:i+fy
pron <*1sidi2fI>
pos vb.
def to convert into or become acid.
acidifiable sub
head acidify
syl a:1cid:i+2fi+a:ble
pos adj.
acidification sub
head acidify
syl a:2cid:i+fi+1ca+tion
pos n.
acidifier sub
head acidify
syl a:1cid:i+2fi+er
pos n.
acidimeter 1.
syl ac:i+dim+e:ter
pron <2@si1dimit*>
pos n.
def any instrument for determin?!ing the amount of acid in a solution.
acidimeter 2.
syl ac:i+dim+e:ter
pron <2@si1dimit*>
pos n.
def another name for {acidometer}.
acidimetric sub
head acidimeter
or acidimetrical
syl ac:i+di+met+ric
pron <2@sid*1metrik>
pos adj.
acidimetrical sub
head acidimeter
or acidimetric
syl ac:i+di+1met+ri+cal
pos adj.
acidimetry 0.
syl ac:i+dim+e:try
pron <2@si1dimitri>
pos n.
def the determination of the amount of acid present in a solution, measured by an acidimeter or by volumetric analysis.
acidimetric sub
head acidimetry
or acidimetrical
syl ac:i+di+met+ric
pron <2@sidi1metrik>
pos adj.
acidimetrical sub
head acidimetry
or acidimetric
syl ac:i+di+1met+ri+cal
pos adj.
acidimetrically sub
head acidimetry
syl ac:i+di+1met+ri+cal+ly
pos adv.
acidities infl
head acidity
syl a:cid+i:ties.
pos n.
mod pl.
acidity 1.
syl a:cid+i:ty
pron <*1siditi>
pos n.
def the quality or state of being acid.
acidity 2.
syl a:cid+i:ty
pron <*1siditi>
pos n.
def the amount of acid present in a solution, often expressed in terms of pH.
acidity 3.
syl a:cid+i:ty
pron <*1siditi>
pos n.
def another name for {hyperacidity}.
acidometer 0.
syl ac:i+dom+e:ter
pron <2@si1domit*>
pos n.
def a type of hydrometer for measuring the relative density of an acid solution, esp. the acid in a battery. Also called: {acidimeter}.
acidophil ety C20: see #7acid, -#7phile
acidophile alt
head acidophil
or acidophil
syl ac:i+do+phile
pron <1@sid*u2fIl>, <*1sid*->
pos adj.
acidophil 1.
or acidophile
syl ac:i+do+phil
pron <1@sid*u2fil>, <*1sid*->
pos adj.
usage also; of cells or cell contents
def easily stained by acid dyes.
acidophil 2.
or acidophile
syl ac:i+do+phil
pron <1@sid*u2fil>, <*1sid*->
pos adj.
usage also; of microorganisms
def growing well in an acid environment.
acidophil 3.
or acidophile
syl ac:i+do+phil
pron <1@sid*u2fil>, <*1sid*->
pos n.
usage also
def an acidophil organism.
acidophilus milk 0.
syl ac:i+doph:i+lus milk
pron <2@si1dofil*s>
pos n.
qual Med.
def milk fermented by bacteria of the species used in treating disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
acidosis 0.
syl ac:i+do+sis
pron <2@si1d*usis>
pos n.
def a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the acidity of the blood and extracellular fluids.
acidotic sub
head acidosis
syl ac:i+dot+ic
pron <2@si1dotik>
pos adj.
acid rock ety C20: from #7acid (LSD), alluding to its supposed inspiration by drug-induced states of consciousness
acid rock 0.
syl ac:id rock
pos n.
def a type of rock music characterized by electronically amplified bizarre instrumental effects.
acid soil 0.
syl ac:id soil
pos n.
def a soil that gives a pH reaction of below 7.2, found especially in cool moist areas where soluble bases are leached away.
acid test ety C19: from the testing of gold with nitric acid
acid test 0.
syl ac:id test
pos n.
def a rigorous and conclusive test to establish worth or value.
exam 1 the play passed the critic's acid test.
acidulate ety C18: #7acidulous+ -#7ate %1
acidulate 0.
syl a:cid:u+late
pron <*1sidju2lAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to make slightly acid or sour.
acidulation sub
head acidulate
syl a:2cid:u+1la+tion
pos n.
acidulous ety C18: from Latin acidulus sourish, diminutive of acidus sour
acidulent alt
head acidulous
or acidulous
syl a:cid:u+lent
pos adj.
acidulous 1.
or acidulent
syl a:cid:u+lous
pron <*1sidjul*s>
pos adj.
def rather sour.
acidulous 2.
or acidulent
syl a:cid:u+lous
pron <*1sidjul*s>
pos adj.
def sharp or sour in speech, manner, etc.; acid.
acid value 0.
syl ac:id val:ue
pos n.
def the number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide required to neutralize the free fatty acid in one gram of a fat, oil, resin, etc.
acierate ety C19: from French acier steel, from Latin aci*_es sharpness
acierate 0.
syl ac:i+er+ate
pron <1@si*2rAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to change (iron) into steel.
acieration sub
head acierate
syl ac:i+er:1a+tion
pos n.
acinaciform ety C19: via Latin ac*_inac*_es, from Greek akinak*_es short sword, ultimately from Iranian+-#7form
acinaciform 0.
syl ac:i+nac:i+form
pron <2@si1n@si2fc:m>
pos adj.
usage of leaves
def shaped like a scimitar; curved.
aciniform ety C19: from New Latin aciniformis; see #7acinus
aciniform 0.
syl a:cin:i+form
pron <*1sini2fc:m>
pos adj.
def shaped like a bunch of grapes.
acinus ety C18: New Latin, from Latin: grape, berry
acini infl
head acinus
syl ac:i+ni
pron <-2nI>
pos n.
mod pl.
acinus 1.
syl ac:i+nus
pron <1@sin*s>
pos n.
qual Anatomy.
def any of the terminal saclike portions of a compound gland.
acinus 2.
syl ac:i+nus
pron <1@sin*s>
pos n.
qual Botany.
def any of the small drupes that make up the fruit of the blackberry, raspberry, etc.
acinus 3.
syl ac:i+nus
pron <1@sin*s>
pos n.
qual Botany.
def a collection of berries, such as a bunch of grapes.
acinic sub
head acinus
syl a:cin+ic
pron <*1sinik>
pos adj.
acinous sub
head acinus
or acinose
syl ac:i+nous
pos adj.
acinose sub
head acinus
or acinous
syl ac:i+nose
pos adj.
Acis 0.
syl A:cis
pron <1Asis>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def a Sicilian shepherd and the lover of the nymph Galatea. In jealousy, Polyphemus crushed him with a huge rock, and his blood was turned by Galatea into a river.
ack-ack ety C20: British signalling code term for AA, abbreviation of anti-aircraft
ack-ack 1.a.
syl ack-ack
pron <1@k2@k>
pos n.
qual Military.
def anti-aircraft fire.
ack-ack 1.b.
syl ack-ack
pron <1@k2@k>
pos n.
qual Military.
usage as modifier
exam 1 ack-ack guns.
ack-ack 2.
syl ack-ack
pron <1@k2@k>
pos n.
qual Military.
def anti-aircraft arms.
ackee ety C18: of African origin
akee alt
head ackee
or ackee
syl ak:ee
pron <1@kE>
pos n.
ackee 1.a.
or akee
syl ack:ee
pron <1@kE>
pos n.
def a sapindaceous tree, native to tropical Africa and cultivated in the West Indies for its fruit, edible when cooked.
ackee 1.b.
or akee
syl ack:ee
pron <1@kE>
pos n.
def the red pear-shaped fruit of this tree.
ackee 2.
or akee
syl ack:ee
pron <1@kE>
pos n.
def a sapindaceous tree, that grows on some Caribbean islands and is valued for its timber and edible fruit.
ackee 3.
or akee
syl ack:ee
pron <1@kE>
pos n.
def the green tough-skinned berry of this tree.
acknowledge ety C15: probably from earlier knowledge, on the model of Old English oncn*_awan, Middle English aknowen to confess, recognize
acknowledge 1.
syl ac+knowl+edge
pron <*k1noliJ>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage may take a clause as object
def to recognize or admit the existence, truth, or reality of.
acknowledge 2.
syl ac+knowl+edge
pron <*k1noliJ>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to indicate recognition or awareness of, as by a greeting, glance, etc.
acknowledge 3.
syl ac+knowl+edge
pron <*k1noliJ>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to express appreciation or thanks for.
exam 1 to acknowledge a gift.
acknowledge 4.
syl ac+knowl+edge
pron <*k1noliJ>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to make the receipt of known to the sender.
exam 1 to acknowledge a letter.
acknowledge 5.
syl ac+knowl+edge
pron <*k1noliJ>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to recognize, esp. in legal form, the authority, rights, or claims of.
acknowledgeable sub
head acknowledge
syl ac+1knowl+edge+a:ble
pos adj.
acknowledger sub
head acknowledge
syl ac+1knowl+edg+er
pos n.
acknowledgement alt
head acknowledgment
or acknowledgment
syl ac+knowl+edge+ment
pron <*k1noliJ?!m*nt>
pos n.
acknowledgment 1.
or acknowledgement
syl ac+knowl+edg+ment
pron <*k1noliJ?!m*nt>
pos n.
def the act of acknowledging or state of being acknowl?!edged.
acknowledgment 2.
or acknowledgement
syl ac+knowl+edg+ment
pron <*k1noliJ?!m*nt>
pos n.
def something done or given as an expression of thanks, as a reply to a message, etc.
acknowledgment 3.
or acknowledgement
syl ac+knowl+edg+ment
pron <*k1noliJ?!m*nt>
pos n.
mod pl.
def an author's statement acknowledging his use of the works of other authors, usually printed at the front of a book.
aclinic line ety C19 aclinic, from Greek aklin*_es not bending, from #7a -%1+ klinein to bend, lean
aclinic line 0.
syl a:clin+ic line
pron <*1klinik>
pos n.
def another name for {magnetic equator}.
acme ety C16: from Greek akm*_e
acme 0.
syl ac:me
pron <1@kmi>
pos n.
def the culminating point, as of achievement or excellence; summit; peak.
acne ety C19: New Latin, from a misreading of Greek akm*_e eruption on the face. See #7acme
acne 0.
syl ac:ne
pron <1@kni>
pos n.
def a chronic skin disease common in adolescence, involving inflammation of the sebaceous glands and characterized by pustules on the face, neck, and upper trunk.
acnode ety C19: from Latin acus a needle+#7node
acnode 0.
syl ac+node
pron <1@k2n*ud>
pos n.
def a point whose coordinates satisfy the equation of a curve although it does not lie on the curve; an isolated point. The origin is an acnode of the curve %2+ %2= %3.
acnodal sub
head acnode
syl ac+1no+dal
pos adj.
Acol ety C20: named after a club in Acol Road, London
Acol 0.
syl Ac:ol
pron <1@kL>
pos n.
qual Bridge.
def a popular British bidding system favouring light opening bids and a flexible approach.
acolyte ety C16: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Greek akolouthos a follower
acolyte 1.
syl ac:o+lyte
pron <1@k*2lIt>
pos n.
def a follower or attendant.
acolyte 2.
syl ac:o+lyte
pron <1@k*2lIt>
pos n.
qual Christianity.
def an officer who attends or assists a priest.
Aconcagua 0.
syl A:con+ca+gua
pron Spanish
pos n.
def a mountain in W Argentina: the highest peak in the Andes and in the W Hemi?!sphere. Height: 6960 m (22835 ft.).
aconite ety C16: via Old French or Latin from Greek akoniton aconite, monkshood
aconitum alt
head aconite
or aconite
syl ac:o+ni+tum
pron <2@k*1nIt*m>
pos n.
aconite 1.
or aconitum
syl ac:o+nite
pron <1@k*2nIt>
pos n.
def any of various N temperate plants of the ranunculaceous genus such as monkshood and wolfsbane, many of which are poisonous. Compare {winter aconite}.
aconite 2.
or aconitum
syl ac:o+nite
pron <1@k*2nIt>
pos n.
def the dried poisonous root of many of these plants, sometimes used as a narcotic and analgesic.
aconitic sub
head aconite
syl ac:o+nit+ic
pron <2@k*1nitik>
pos adj.
Acores 0.
syl A:*,c*^o+res
pron <*1soriS>
pos n.
def the Portuguese name for (the) {Azores}.
acorn ety C16: variant (through influence of corn) of Old English @acern the fruit of a tree, acorn; related to Gothic akran fruit, yield
acorn 0.
syl a:corn
pron <1Akc:n>
pos n.
def the fruit of the oak tree, consisting of a smooth thick-walled nut in a woody scaly cuplike base.
shell alt
head acorn barnacle
or acorn barnacle
syl shell
pos n.
acorn barnacle 0.
or shell
syl a:corn bar+na+cle
pos n.
def any of various barnacles, such as that live attached to rocks and have a volcano-shaped shell from the top of which protrude feathery food-catching appendages (cirri).
tube alt
head acorn valve
or acorn valve
syl tube
pos n.
qual U.S.
acorn valve 0.
or tube
syl a:corn valve
pos n.
def a small electronic valve, approximately acorn-shaped with small closely-spaced electrodes, used in ultrahigh-frequency applications.
acorn worm 0.
syl a:corn worm
pos n.
def any of various small burrowing marine animals of the genus and related genera, having an elongated wormlike body with an acorn-shaped eversible proboscis at the head end: subphylum (hemichordates).
acotyledon 0.
syl a:cot:y+le:don
pron <*2koti1lEdN>
pos n.
def any plant, such as a fern, moss, or fungus, that does not possess cotyledons.
acotyledonous sub
head acotyledon
syl a:2cot:y+1le:don+ous
pos adj.
acouchi ety C19: via French from a native name in Guiana
acouchy alt
head acouchi
or acouchi
syl a:cou+chy
pron <*1ku:Si>
pos n.
acouchis infl
head acouchi
or acouchies
syl a:cou+chis
pos n.
mod pl.
acouchies infl
head acouchi
or acouchis
syl a:cou+chies.
pos n.
mod pl.
acouchi 0.
or acouchy
syl a:cou+chi
pron <*1ku:Si>
pos n.
def any of several South American rodents of the genus closely related to the agoutis but much smaller, with a white-tipped tail: family
acoustic ety C17: from Greek akoustikos, from akouein to hear
acoustical alt
head acoustic
or acoustic
syl a:cous+ti+cal
pos adj.
acoustic 1.
or acoustical
syl a:cous+tic
pron <*1ku:stik>
pos adj.
def of or related to sound, the sense of hearing, or acoustics.
acoustic 2.
or acoustical
syl a:cous+tic
pron <*1ku:stik>
pos adj.
def designed to respond to, absorb, or control sound.
exam 1 an acoustic tile.
acoustic 3.
or acoustical
syl a:cous+tic
pron <*1ku:stik>
pos adj.
usage of a musical instrument or recording
def without electronic amplification.
exam 1 an acoustic bass;
exam 2 acoustic guitar.
acoustically sub
head acoustic
syl a:1cous+ti+cal+ly
pos adv.
acoustic feature 0.
syl a:cous+tic fea+ture
pos n.
qual Phonetics.
def any of the acoustic components or elements present in a speech sound and capable of being experimentally observed, recorded, and reproduced.
acoustician 0.
syl a:cous+ti+cian
pron <2@ku1stiS*n>
pos n.
def an expert in acoustics.
acoustic nerve 0.
syl a:cous+tic nerve
pos n.
def either one of the eighth pair of cranial nerves, which supply the cochlea and semicircular canals of the internal ear and contribute to the sense of hearing.
acoustic phonetics 0.
syl a:cous+tic pho+net+ics
pos n.
def the branch of phonetics concerned with the acoustic properties of human speech. Compare {ar?!ticulatory phonetics}.
acoustics 1.
syl a:cous+tics
pron <*1ku:stiks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the scientif?!ic study of sound and sound waves.
acoustics 2.
syl a:cous+tics
pron <*1ku:stiks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; pl.
def the characteristics of a room, auditorium, etc., that determine the fidelity with which sound can be heard within it.
acpt 0.
syl acpt.
qual Commerce. abbrev. for
def acceptance.
acquaint ety C13: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Latin accog?!nitus, from accogn*_oscere to know perfectly, from ad- (intensive)+ cogn*_oscere to know
acquaint 1.
syl ac+quaint
pron <*1kwAnt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage foll. by with or of
def to make (a person) familiar or conversant (with); inform (of).
acquaint 2.
syl ac+quaint
pron <*1kwAnt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Chiefly U.S.
usage foll. by with
def to introduce (to); bring into contact (with).
acquaintance 1.
syl ac+quaint+ance
pron <*1kwAnt*ns>
pos n.
def a person with whom one has been in contact but who is not a close friend.
acquaintance 2.
syl ac+quaint+ance
pron <*1kwAnt*ns>
pos n.
def knowledge of a person or thing, esp. when slight.
make the acquaintance of 3.
head acquaintance
syl make the acquaint?!ance of.
def to come into social contact with.
acquaintance 4.
syl ac+quaint+ance
pron <*1kwAnt*ns>
pos n.
def those persons collectively whom one knows.
acquaintanceship sub
head acquaintance
syl ac+1quaint+ance+2ship
pos n.
acquainted 1.
syl ac+quaint+ed
pron <*1kwAntid>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; sometimes foll. by with
def on terms of familiarity but not intimacy.
acquainted 2.
syl ac+quaint+ed
pron <*1kwAntid>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; foll. by with
def having knowledge or experience (of); familiar (with).
acquiesce ety C17: from Latin acqui*_escere to remain at rest, agree without protest, from ad- at+ qui*_escere to rest, from qui*_es #7quiet &- @!ac+qui+#!es+cence n. ?- @!ac+qui+#!es+cent adj.
acquiesce 0.
syl ac+qui+esce
pron <2@kwi1es>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage often foll. by in or to
def to comply (with); assent (to) without protest.
acquiescently sub
head acquiesce
syl ac+qui+1es+cent+ly
pos adv.
acquire ety C15: via Old French from Latin acqu*_irere, from ad- in addition+ quaerere to get, seek
acquire 0.
syl ac+quire
pron <*1kwI*>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to get or gain (something, such as an object, trait, or ability), esp. more or less permanently.
acquirable sub
head acquire
syl ac+1quir+a:ble
pos adj.
acquirement sub
head acquire
syl ac+1quire+ment
pos n.
acquirer sub
head acquire
syl ac+1quir+er
pos n.
acquired characteristic 0.
syl ac+quired char+ac+ter+is+tic
pos n.
def a characteristic of an organism resulting from increased use or disuse of an organ or the effects of the environment. See also {Lamarckism}.
acquired taste 1.
syl ac+quired taste
pos n.
def a liking for something that is at first considered unpleasant.
acquired taste 2.
syl ac+quired taste
pos n.
def the thing so liked.
acquisition ety C14: from Latin acqu*_is*_iti*_on-, from acqu*_irere to #7acquire
acquisition 1.
syl ac+qui+si+tion
pron <2@kwi1ziS*n>
pos n.
def the act of acquiring or gaining possession.
acquisition 2.
syl ac+qui+si+tion
pron <2@kwi1ziS*n>
pos n.
def something acquired.
acquisition 3.
syl ac+qui+si+tion
pron <2@kwi1ziS*n>
pos n.
def a person or thing of special merit added to a group.
acquisition 4.a.
syl ac+qui+si+tion
pron <2@kwi1ziS*n>
pos n.
def the re-establishment of communications between a spacecraft and a ground control station after a temporary blackout.
acquisition 4.b.
syl ac+qui+si+tion
pron <2@kwi1ziS*n>
pos n.
def the process of locating a spacecraft, satellite, etc., esp. by radar, in order to gather tracking and telemetric information.
acquisitive 0.
syl ac+quis:i+tive
pron <*1kwizitiv>
pos adj.
def inclined or eager to acquire things, esp. material possessions or ideas.
exam 1 an acquisitive mind.
acquisitively sub
head acquisitive
syl ac+1quis:i+tive+ly
pos adv.
acquisitiveness sub
head acquisitive
syl ac+1quis:i+tive+ness
pos n.
acquit ety C13: from Old French aquiter, from quiter to release, free from, #7quit
acquits infl
head acquit
syl ac+quits
pos vb.
mod tr.
acquitting infl
head acquit
syl ac+quit+ting
pos vb.
mod tr.
acquitted infl
head acquit
syl ac+quit+ted.
pos vb.
mod tr.
acquit 1.a.
syl ac+quit
pron <*1kwit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to free or release (from a charge of crime).
acquit 1.b.
syl ac+quit
pron <*1kwit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to pronounce not guilty.
acquit 2.
syl ac+quit
pron <*1kwit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage foll. by of
def to free or relieve (from an obligation, duty, responsibility, etc.).
acquit 3.
syl ac+quit
pron <*1kwit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to repay or settle (something, such as a debt or obligation).
acquit 4.
syl ac+quit
pron <*1kwit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to perform (one's part); conduct (oneself).
acquitter sub
head acquit
syl ac+1quit+ter
pos n.
acquittal 1.
syl ac+quit+tal
pron <*1kwitL>
pos n.
qual Criminal law.
def the deliverance and release of a person appearing before a court on a charge of crime, as by a finding of not guilty.
acquittal 2.
syl ac+quit+tal
pron <*1kwitL>
pos n.
def a discharge or release from an obligation, duty, debt, etc.
acquittance 1.
syl ac+quit+tance
pron <*1kwit*ns>
pos n.
def a release from or settlement of a debt, etc.
acquittance 2.
syl ac+quit+tance
pron <*1kwit*ns>
pos n.
def a record of this, such as a receipt.
acre ety Old English @acer field, acre; related to Old Norse akr, German Acker, Latin ager field, Sanskrit ajra field
acre 1.
syl a:cre
pron <1Ak*>
pos n.
def a unit of area used in certain English-speaking countries, equal to 4840 square yards or 4046.86 square metres.
acre 2.a.
syl a:cre
pron <1Ak*>
pos n.
def land, esp. a large area.
acre 2.b.
syl a:cre
pron <1Ak*>
pos n.
qual Informal.
def a large amount.
exam 1 he has acres of space in his room.
Acre 1.
syl A:cre
pron <1a:kr*>
pos n.
def a territory of W Brazil: mostly unexplored tropical forests; acquired from Bolivia in 1903. Capital: Rio Branco. Pop.: 215299 (1970). Area: 148026 sq. km (57153 sq. miles).
Acre 2.
syl A:cre
pron <1Ak*>, <1a:k*>
pos n.
def a city and port in N Israel, strategically situated on the {Bay of Acre} in the E Mediterranean: taken and retaken during the Crusades (1104, 1187, 1191, 1291), taken by the Turks (1517), by Egypt (1832), and by the Turks again (1839). Pop.: 34400 (1972). Old Testament name: {Ac+cho} ($a$:#!k$$$u). Arabic name: {`Ak@.ka} ($a$:#!k$a$:). Hebrew name: {`Ak@.ko} ($a$:#!k$$$u).
acreage 0.
syl a:cre+age
pron <1Ak*riJ>
pos n.
def land area in acres.
acred 0.
syl a:cred
pron <1Ak*d>
pos adj.
usage usually in combination
def having acres of land.
exam 1 a many-acred farm;
exam 2 a well-acred nobleman.
acre-feet infl
head acre-foot
syl a:cre-feet.
pos n.
mod pl.
acre-foot 0.
syl a:cre-foot
pos n.
def the volume of water that would cover an area of 1 acre to a depth of 1 foot: equivalent to 43560 cubic feet or 1233.5 cubic metres.
acre-inch 0.
syl a:cre-inch
pos n.
def the volume of water that would cover an area of 1 acre to a depth of 1 inch; one twelfth of an acre-foot: equivalent to 3630 cubic feet or 102.8 cubic metres.
acrid ety C18: from Latin *_acer sharp, sour; probably formed on the model of #7acid
acrid 1.
syl ac+rid
pron <1@krid>
pos adj.
def unpleasantly pungent or sharp to the smell or taste.
acrid 2.
syl ac+rid
pron <1@krid>
pos adj.
def sharp or caustic, esp. in speech or nature.
acridity sub
head acrid
or acridness
syl a:crid+i:ty
pron <*1kriditi>
pos n.
acridness sub
head acrid
or acridity
syl ac+rid+ness
pos n.
acridly sub
head acrid
syl ac+rid+ly
pos adv.
acridine 0.
syl ac+ri+dine
pron <1@kri2dEn>
pos n.
def a colourless crystalline solid used in the manufacture of dyes. Formula: C\1\3H\9N.
acriflavine ety C20: from #7acridine+ -#7flavin
acriflavine 0.
syl ac+ri+fla+vine
pron <2@kri1flAvin>, <-vEn>
pos n.
def a brownish or orange-red powder used in medicine as an antiseptic and bacteriostat. Formula: C\1\4H\1\4N\3Cl.
acriflavine hydrochloride 0.
syl ac+ri+fla+vine hy:dro+chlor+ide
pos n.
def a red crystalline water-soluble solid substance obtained from acriflavine and used as an antiseptic. Also called: {flavine}.
Acrilan 0.
syl Ac+ri+lan
pron <1@kri2l@n>
pos n.
qual Trademark.
def an acrylic fibre or fabric, characterized by strength, softness, and crease-resistance and used for clothing, upholstery, carpets, etc.
acrimony ety C16: from Latin *_acrim*_onia, from *_acer sharp, sour &- ac+ri+mo+ni+ous (@!@akr$I#!m$$$un$I$$s) adj. &- @!ac+ri+#!mo+ni+ous+ly adv. &- @!ac+ri+#!mo+ni+ous+ness n.
acrimonies infl
head acrimony
syl ac+ri+mo+nies.
pos n.
mod pl.
acrimony 0.
syl ac+ri+mo+ny
pron <1@krim*ni>
pos n.
def bitterness or sharpness of manner, speech, temper, etc.
acro- ety from Greek akros extreme, topmost
acro- 0.
syl ac:ro-
exam 1 combining form.
acro- 1.
syl ac:ro-
def denoting something at a height, summit, top, tip, beginning, or end.
exam 1 acropolis;
exam 2 acrogen.
acro- 2.
syl ac:ro-
def denoting an extremity of the human body.
exam 1 acromegaly.
acrobat ety C19: via French from Greek akrobat*_es acrobat, one who walks on tiptoe, from #7acro -#7+ bat-, from bainein to walk
acrobat 1.
syl ac+ro+bat
pron <1@kr*2b@t>
pos n.
def an entertainer who performs acts that require skill, agility, and coordination, such as tumbling, swinging from a trapeze, or walking a tightrope.
acrobat 2.
syl ac+ro+bat
pron <1@kr*2b@t>
pos n.
qual Informal.
def a person noted for his frequent and rapid changes of position or allegiances.
exam 1 a political acrobat.
acrobatic sub
head acrobat
syl ac+ro+1bat+ic
pos adj.
acrobatically sub
head acrobat
syl ac+ro+1bat:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
acrobatics 1.
syl ac+ro+bat+ics
pron <2@kr*1b@tiks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; pl.
def the skills or feats of an acrobat.
acrobatics 2.
syl ac+ro+bat+ics
pron <2@kr*1b@tiks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the art of an acrobat.
acrobatics 3.
syl ac+ro+bat+ics
pron <2@kr*1b@tiks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; pl.
def any activity requiring agility and skill.
exam 1 mental acrobatics.
acrocarpous ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek akrokarpos
acrocarpous 0.
syl ac+ro+car+pous
pron <2@kr*u1ka:p*s>
pos adj.
usage of ferns, mosses, etc.
def having the reproductive parts at the tip of a stem.
acrodont ety C19: from #7acro -#7+ -#7odont
acrodont 1.
syl ac+ro+dont
pron <1@kr*2dont>
pos adj.
usage of the teeth of some reptiles
def having no roots and being fused at the base to the margin of the jawbones. See also { {pleurodont} (sense 1)}.
acrodont 2.
syl ac+ro+dont
pron <1@kr*2dont>
pos adj.
def having acrodont teeth.
acrodrome 0.
syl ac+ro+drome
pron <1@kr*2dr*um>
pos adj.
usage of the veins of a leaf
def running parallel to the edges of the leaf and fusing at the tip. Also: {a@.crod+ro+mous} ($$#!kr$Adr$$m$$s).
acrogen 0.
syl ac+ro+gen
pron <1@kr*J*n>
pos n.
def any flowerless plant, such as a fern or moss, in which growth occurs from the tip of the main stem.
acrogenic sub
head acrogen
or acrogenous
syl ac+ro+gen+ic
pron <2@kr*1Jenik>
pos adj.
acrogenous sub
head acrogen
or acrogenic
syl a:crog+e:nous
pron <*1kroJin*s>
pos adj.
acrogenously sub
head acrogen
syl a:1crog+e:nous+ly
pos adv.
acrolein ety C19: from Latin *_acer sharp+ ol*_ere to smell+-#7in
acrolein 0.
syl a:cro+le:in
pron <*1kr*uliin>
pos n.
def a colourless or yellowish flammable poisonous pungent liquid used in the manufacture of resins and pharmaceuticals. Formula: CH\2:CHCHO.
acrolith ety C19: via Latin acrolithus from Greek akrolithos having stone extremities
acrolith 0.
syl ac+ro+lith
pron <1@kr*liT>
pos n.
usage esp. in ancient Greek sculpture
def a wooden, often draped figure with only the head, hands, and feet in stone.
acrolithic sub
head acrolith
syl ac+ro+1lith+ic
pos adj.
acromegaly ety C19: from French acrom*'egalie, from #7acro -#7+ Greek megal-, stem of megas big
acromegaly 0.
syl ac+ro+meg:a+ly
pron <2@kr*u1meg*li>
pos n.
def a chronic disease characterized by enlargement of the bones of the head, hands, and feet. It is caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Compare {gigantism}.
acromegalic sub
head acromegaly
syl ac+ro+me:gal+ic
pron <2@kr*umi1g@lik>
pos adj. n.
acromion ety C17: New Latin, from Greek akr*_omion the point of the shoulder, from #7acro -#7+ *_omion, diminutive of *_omos shoulder
acromia infl
head acromion
syl a:cro+mi:a
pron <-mi*>
pos n.
mod pl.
acromion 0.
syl a:cro+mi+on
pron <*1kr*umi*n>
pos n.
def the outermost edge of the spine of the shoulder blade.
acronychal ety C16: from Greek akronychos at sunset, from #7acro -+ nykh-, nyx night
acronycal infl
head acronychal
or acronical
syl a:cron:y+cal
pron <*1kronikL>
pos adj.
acronical infl
head acronychal
or acronycal
syl a:cron:i+cal
pron <*1kronikL>
pos adj.
qual U.S.
acronychal 0.
syl a:cron:y+chal
pron <*1kronikL>
pos adj.
def occurring at sunset.
exam 1 the star has an acronychal rising.
acronychally sub
head acronychal
syl a:1cron:y+chal+ly
pos adv.
acronycally sub
head acronychal
or acronically
syl a:1cron:y+cal+ly
pos adv.
acronically sub
head acronychal
or acronycally
syl a:1cron:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
qual U.S.
acronym ety C20: from #7acro -#7+onym
acronym 0.
syl ac+ro+nym
pron <1@kr*nim>
pos n.
def a word formed from the initial letters of a group of words; for example, for the
acronymic sub
head acronym
or acronymous
syl ac+ro+1nym+ic
pron <*1kronim*s>
pos adj.
acronymous sub
head acronym
or acronymic
syl a:cron:y+mous
pron <*1kronim*s>
pos adj.
acropetal 0.
syl a:crop+e:tal
pron <*1kropitL>
pos adj.
usage of leaves and flowers
def produced in order from the base upwards so that the youngest are at the apex. Compare {basipetal}.
acrophobia ety C19: from #7acro -+-#7phobia &- @!ac+ro+#!pho+bic adj.
acrophobia 0.
syl ac+ro+pho+bi:a
pron <2@kr*1f*ubi*>
pos n.
def abnormal fear or dread of being at a great height.
acropolis ety C17: from Greek, from #7acro -#7+ polis city
acropolis 0.
syl a:crop:o+lis
pron <*1krop*lis>
pos n.
def the citadel of an ancient Greek city.
Acropolis 0.
syl A:crop:o+lis
pron <*1krop*lis>
pos n.
def the citadel of Athens on which the Parthenon and the Erechtheum stand.
acrospire ety C17: from obsolete akerspire, from aker #7ear %2#7+ spire sprout, #7spire %1; the modern form is influenced by #7acro -
acrospire 0.
syl ac+ro+spire
pron <1@kr*2spI*>
pos n.
def the first shoot developing from the plumule of a germinating grain seed.
across ety C13 on croice, acros, from Old French a croix crosswise
across 1.
syl a:cross
pron <*1kros>
pos prep.
def from one side to the other side of.
across 2.
syl a:cross
pron <*1kros>
pos prep.
def on or at the other side of.
across 3.
syl a:cross
pron <*1kros>
pos adv.
def from one side to the other.
across 4.
syl a:cross
pron <*1kros>
pos adv.
def on or to the other side.
across-the-board 1.
syl a:cross-the-board
pos adj.
usage of salary increases, taxation cuts, etc.
def affecting all levels or classes equally.
across-the-board 2.
syl a:cross-the-board
pos adj.
qual Horse racing, chiefly U.S.
def designating a bet in which equal amounts are staked on the same contestant to win or to come second or third in a race.
acrostic ety C16: via French from Greek akrostikhis, from #7acro -#7+ stikhos line of verse, #7stich
acrostic 0.a.
syl a:cros+tic
pron <*1krostik>
pos n.
def a number of lines of writing, such as a poem, certain letters of which form a word, proverb, etc. A {single acrostic} is formed by the initial letters of the lines, a {double acrostic} by the initial and final letters, and a {triple acrostic} by the initial, middle, and final letters.
acrostic 0.b.
syl a:cros+tic
pron <*1krostik>
pos n.
def the word, proverb, etc., so formed.
acrostic 0.c.
syl a:cros+tic
pron <*1krostik>
pos n.
usage as modifier
exam 1 an acrostic sonnet.
acrostically sub
head acrostic
syl a:1cros+ti+cal+ly
pos adv.
acroter ety C18: from French, from Latin acroterium, from Greek akr*_ot*_erion summit, from akros extreme
acroter 0.
syl a:cro+ter
pron <*1kr*ut*>, <1@kr*t*>
pos n.
qual Architecture.
def a plinth bearing a statue, etc., at either end or at the apex of a pediment.
acrylic ety C20: from #7acrolein+ -#7yl+ -#7ic
acrylic 1.
syl a:cryl+ic
pron <*1krilik>
pos adj.
def of, derived from, or concerned with acrylic acid.
acrylic 2.
syl a:cryl+ic
pron <*1krilik>
pos n.
def short for {acrylic resin}.
acrylic acid 0.
syl a:cryl+ic ac:id
pos n.
def a colourless corrosive pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of acrylic resins. Formula: CH\2:CHCOOH.
acrylic fibre 0.
syl a:cryl+ic fi+bre
pos n.
def a textile fibre, such as Orlon or Acrilan, produced from acrylonitrile.
acrylic resin 0.
syl a:cryl+ic res+in
pos n.
def any of a group of polymers or copolymers of acrylic acid, its esters, or amides, used as synthetic rubbers, textiles, paints, adhesives, and as plastics such as Perspex.
acrylonitrile ety C20: from #7acrylic+nitrile
acrylonitrile 0.
syl ac+ry+lo+ni+trile
pron <2@kril*u1nItrIl>
pos n.
def a colourless liquid that is miscible with water and has toxic fumes: used in the manufacture of acrylic fibres and resins, rubber, and thermoplastics. Formula: CH\2:CHCN.
acrylyl 0.
syl ac+ry+lyl
pron <1@krilil>
pos n.
usage modifier
def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group CH\2:CHCO-.
exam 1 acrylyl group or radical.
acs pay 0.
syl a/cs pay.
qual abbrev. for
def accounts payable.
acs rec 0.
syl a/cs rec.
qual abbrev. for
def accounts receivable.
act ety C14: from Latin actus a doing, performance, and actum a thing done, from the past participle of agere to do
act 1.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos n.
def something done or performed; a deed.
act 2.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos n.
def the performance of some physical or mental process; action.
act 3.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos n.
usage cap. when part of a name
def the formally codified result of deliberation by a legislative body; a law, edict, decree, statute, etc.
act 4.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos n.
mod often; pl.
def a formal written record of transactions, proceedings, etc., as of a society, committee, or legislative body.
act 5.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos n.
def a major division of a dramatic work.
act 6.a.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos n.
def a short performance of skill, a comic sketch, dance, etc., esp. one that is part of a programme of light entertainment.
act 6.b.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos n.
def those giving such a performance.
act 7.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos n.
def an assumed attitude or pose, esp. one intended to impress.
act 8.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos n.
qual Philosophy.
def an occurrence effected by a human agent as opposed to one that is determined. Compare { {event} (sense 4)}.
act 9.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to do something; carry out an action.
act 10.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to function in a specified way; operate; react.
exam 1 his mind acted quickly.
act 11.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos vb.
def to perform (a part or role) in a play, etc.
act 12.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to present (a play, etc.) on stage.
act 13.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage usually foll. by for or as
def to be a substitute (for); function in place (of).
act 14.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage foll. by as
def to serve the function or purpose (of).
exam 1 the glass acted as protection.
act 15.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to conduct oneself or behave (as if one were).
exam 1 she usually acts like a lady;
exam 2 she was acting tired.
act 16.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to behave in an unnatural or affected way.
act 17.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos vb.
usage copula
def to pose as; play the part of.
exam 1 to act the fool.
act 18.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos vb.
usage copula
def to behave in a manner appropriate to (esp. in the phrase {act one's age) }.
act 19.
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos vb.
qual Not standard.
usage copula
def to seem or pretend to be.
exam 1 to act tired.
act xref
syl act
pron <@kt>
pos n.
def See also {act on, act out, act up}.
actable sub
head act
syl act+a:ble
pos adj.
actability sub
head act
syl act+a:1bil+i:ty
pos n.
ACT 0.
syl A.C.T.
qual abbrev. for
def Australian Capital Territory.
Actaeon 0.
syl Ac:tae:on
pron <@k1tE*n>, <1@kti*n>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def a hunter of Boeotia who, having accidentally seen Artemis bathing, was turned into a stag and torn apart by his own hounds.
actg 0.
syl actg.
qual abbrev. for
def acting.
ACTH 0.
syl ACTH
pos n.
def adrenocorticotropic hormone; a polypeptide hormone, secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates growth of the adrenal gland and the synthesis and secretion of corticosteroids. It is used in treating rheumatoid arthritis, allergic and skin diseases, and many other disorders. Also called: {corticotropin}.
actin ety C20: from #7act+ -#7in
actin 0.
syl ac+tin
pron <1@ktin>
pos n.
def a protein in muscle that exists in both globular and fibrous forms and associates with myosin to form the complex protein actomyosin.
actinal ety C19: see #7actino -#7, -#7al %1
actinal 1.
syl ac+ti+nal
pron <1@ktinL>, <@k1tInL>
pos adj.
def of or denoting the oral part of a radiate animal, such as a jellyfish, sea anemone, or sponge, from which the rays, tentacles, or arms grow.
actinal 2.
syl ac+ti+nal
pron <1@ktinL>, <@k1tInL>
pos adj.
def possessing rays or tentacles, as a jellyfish.
actinally sub
head actinal
syl ac+ti+nal+ly
pos adv.
acting 1.
syl act+ing
pron <1@ktiG>
pos adj.
usage prenominal
def taking on duties temporarily, esp. as a substitute for another.
exam 1 the acting president.
acting 2.
syl act+ing
pron <1@ktiG>
pos adj.
usage prenominal
def operating or functioning.
exam 1 an acting order.
acting 3.
syl act+ing
pron <1@ktiG>
pos adj.
usage prenominal
def intended for stage performance; provided with directions for actors.
exam 1 an acting version of @6Hedda Gabler.@9
acting 4.
syl act+ing
pron <1@ktiG>
pos n.
usage prenominal
def the art or profession of an actor.
actinia ety C18: New Latin, literally: things having a radial structure. See #7actino -#7, -#7ia
actiniae infl
head actinia
or actinias
syl ac+tin:i:ae
pron <-1tini2E>
pos n.
mod pl.
actinias infl
head actinia
or actiniae
syl ac+tin:i:as.
pos n.
mod pl.
actinia 0.
syl ac+tin:i:a
pron <@k1tini*>
pos n.
def any sea anemone of the genus which are common in rock pools.
actinic ety C19: from #7actino -#7+ -#7ic
actinic 0.
syl ac+tin+ic
pron <@k1tinik>
pos adj.
usage of radiation
def producing a photo?!chemical effect.
actinically sub
head actinic
syl ac+1tin:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
actinism sub
head actinic
syl ac+tin+2ism
pos n.
actinide ety C19: from #7actino -#7+ -#7ide
actinide 0.
syl ac+ti+nide
pron <1@kti2nId>
pos n.
def a member of the actinide series. Also called: {actinon}.
actinide series 0.
syl ac+ti+nide se+ries
pos n.
def a series of 15 radioactive elements with increasing atomic numbers from actinium to lawrencium.
actiniform ety C20: from #7actino -#7+ -#7form
actiniform 0.
syl ac+tin:i+form
pron <@k1tini2fc:m>
pos adj.
def another word for {actinoid}.
actinium ety C19: New Latin, from #7actino -#7+ -#7ium
actinium 0.
syl ac+tin+i:um
pron <@k1tini*m>
pos n.
def a radioactive element of the actinide series, occurring as a decay product of uranium. It is used as an alpha-particle source and in neutron production. Symbol: Ac; atomic no.: 89; half-life of most stable isotope,%2%2%7Ac: 22 years; relative density: 10.07; melting pt.: 1050?%C; boiling pt.: 3200?%C (est.).
actinium series 0.
syl ac+tin+i:um se+ries
pos n.
def a radioactive series that starts with actinium-235 and ends with lead-207.
actino- ety from Greek aktino-, from aktis beam, ray
actino- 1.
syl ac:ti:no-
usage before a vowel
def indicat?!ing a radial structure.
exam 1 actinomorphic.
actino- 2.
syl ac:ti:no-
usage before a vowel
def indicating radio?!activity or radiation.
exam 1 actinometer.
actinochemistry 0.
syl ac+tin:o+chem+is+try
pron <@k2tin*u1kemistri>
pos n.
def another name for {photochemistry}.
actinoid 0.
syl ac+ti+noid
pron <1@kti2ncid>
pos adj.
def having a radiate form, as a sea anemone or starfish.
actinolite ety C19: from #7actino - (from the radiating crystals in some forms)+-#7lite
actinolite 0.
syl ac+tin:o+lite
pron <@k1tin*2lIt>
pos n.
def a green mineral of the amphibole group consisting of calcium magnesium iron silicate. Formula: Ca\2(Mg,Fe)\5Si\8O\2\2(OH)\2.
actinomere 0.
syl ac+ti+no+mere
pron <1@ktin*u2mi*>
pos n.
def another name for {antimere}.
actinometer 0.
syl ac+ti+nom+e:ter
pron <2@kti1nomit*>
pos n.
def an instrument for measuring the intensity of radiation, esp. of the sun's rays.
actinometric sub
head actinometer
or actinometrical
syl ac+ti+no+met+ric
pron <2@ktin*u1metrik>
pos adj.
actinometrical sub
head actinometer
or actinometric
syl ac+ti+no+1met+ri+cal
pos adj.
actinometry sub
head actinometer
syl ac+ti+1nom+e:try
pos n.
actinomorphous alt
head actinomorphic
or actinomorphic
syl ac+ti+no+mor+phous
pos adj.
actinomorphic 0.
or actinomorphous
syl ac+ti+no+mor+phic
pron <2@ktin*u1mc:fik>
pos adj.
usage Botany. esp. of a flower
def having radial symmetry, as buttercups; capable of being cut vertically through the axis in any of two or more planes so that the two cut halves are mirror images of each other. See also {zygomorphic}.
actinomycete 0.
syl ac+ti+no+my+cete
pron <2@ktin*umI1sEt>
pos n.
def any microorganism of the group usually regarded as filamentous bacteria.
actinomycin 0.
syl ac+ti+no+my+cin
pron <2@ktin*u1mIsin>
pos n.
def any of several toxic antibiotics obtained from bacteria of the genus used in treating some cancers.
actinomycosis 0.
syl ac+ti+no+my+co+sis
pron <2@ktin*umI1k*usis>
pos n.
def a fungal disease of cattle, sometimes transmitted to man, characterized by a swelling of the affected part, most often the jaw. Nontechnical name: {lumpy jaw}.
actinomycotic sub
head actinomycosis
syl ac+ti+no+my+cot+ic
pron <2@ktin*umI1kot?!ik>
pos adj.
actinon ety C20: New Latin, from #7actinium+ -#7on
actinon 1.
syl ac+ti+non
pron <1@kti2non>
pos n.
def a radioisotope of radon that is a decay product of radium. Symbol: An or %2%1%9Rn; atomic no.: 86; half-life: 3.92s.
actinon 2.
syl ac+ti+non
pron <1@kti2non>
pos n.
def another name for {actinide}.
actinopod 0.
syl ac+tin:o+pod
pron <@k1tin*2pod>
pos n.
def any protozoan of the subclass such as a radiolarian or a heliozoan, having stiff radiating pseudopodia.
actinotherapy 0.
syl ac+ti+no+ther:a+py
pron <2@ktin*u1Ter*pi>
pos n.
def another name for {radiotherapy}.
actinouranium 0.
syl ac+ti+no+u:ra+ni:um
pron <2@ktin*uju1rAni*m>
pos n.
def the isotope of uranium that has a mass number of 235.
actinozoan 0.
syl ac+ti+no+zo+an
pron <2@ktin*u1z*u*n>
pos n. adj.
def another word for {anthozoan}.
action ety C14 accioun, ultimately from Latin *_acti*_on-, stem of *_acti*_o, from agere to do, act
action 1.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def the state or process of doing something or being active; operation.
action 2.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def something done, such as an act or deed.
action 3.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def movement or posture during some physical activity.
action 4.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def activity, force, or energy.
exam 1 a man of action.
action 5.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
mod usually; pl.
def conduct or behaviour.
action 6.a.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def a legal proceeding brought by one party against another, seeking redress of a wrong or recovery of what is due; lawsuit.
action 6.b.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def the right to bring such proceeding.
action 7.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def the operating mechanism, esp. in a piano, gun, watch, etc.
action 8.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def the force applied to a body.
exam 1 the reaction is equal and opposite to the action.
action 9.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def the way in which something operates or works.
action 10.a.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def a property of a system expressed as twice the mean kinetic energy of the system over a given time interval multiplied by the time interval.
action 10.b.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def the product of work or energy and time, usually expressed in joule seconds.
exam 1 Planck's constant of action.
action 11.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def the events that form the plot of a story, film, play, or other composition.
action 12.a.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def a minor engagement.
action 12.b.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def fighting at sea or on land.
exam 1 he saw action in the war.
action 13.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
qual Informal.
def the profits of an enterprise or transaction (esp. in the phrase {a piece of the action) }.
action 14.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
qual Slang.
def the main activity, esp. social activity. {~}
action 15.
syl ac+tion
pron <1@kS*n>
pos n.
def a command given by a film director to indicate that filming is to begin. See also { {cue} %1 (senses 1, 8)}.
actionable 0.
syl ac+tion+a:ble
pron <1@kS*n*bL>
pos adj.
qual Law.
def affording grounds for legal action.
actionably sub
head actionable
syl ac+tion+a:bly
pos adv.
action painting 0.
syl ac+tion paint+ing
pos n.
def a development of abstract expressionism evolved in the 1940s, characterized by broad vigorous brush strokes and accidental effects of thrown, smeared, dripped, or spattered paint. Also called: {tachisme}. See also {abstract expressionism}.
action potential 0.
syl ac+tion po+ten+tial
pos n.
def a localized change in electrical potential, from -70 mV to +30 mV, that occurs across a nerve fibre during transmission of a nerve impulse.
action replay 0.
syl ac+tion re+play
pos n.
def the rerunning of a small section of a television film or tape of a match or other sporting contest, often in slow motion. U.S. name: {instant replay}.
action stations 1.
syl ac+tion sta+tions
pos n.
mod pl.
qual Military.
def the positions taken up by individuals in preparation for or during a battle. {~}
action stations 2.
syl ac+tion sta+tions
pos n.
mod pl.
qual Military.
def a command to take up such positions.
action stations 3.
syl ac+tion sta+tions
pos n.
mod pl.
qual Military.; Informal.
def a warning to get ready for something.
Actium 0.
syl Ac+ti:um
pron <1@kti*m>
pos n.
def a town of ancient Greece that overlooked the naval battle in 31 #7b.c. at which Octavian's fleet under Agrippa defeated that of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
activate 1.
syl ac+ti+vate
pron <1@kti2vAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to make active or capable of action.
activate 2.
syl ac+ti+vate
pron <1@kti2vAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Physics.
def to make radioactive.
activate 3.a.
syl ac+ti+vate
pron <1@kti2vAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to increase the rate of (a reaction).
activate 3.b.
syl ac+ti+vate
pron <1@kti2vAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to increase powers of adsorption.
activate 4.
syl ac+ti+vate
pron <1@kti2vAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to purify (sewage) by aeration.
activate 5.
syl ac+ti+vate
pron <1@kti2vAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual U.S. military.
def to create, mobilize, or organize (a unit).
activation sub
head activate
syl ac+ti+1va+tion
pos n.
activated alumina 0.
syl ac+ti+vat+ed a:lu+mi+na
pos n.
def a granular highly porous and adsorptive form of aluminium oxide, used for drying gases and as an oil-filtering material and catalyst.
activated carbon 0.
syl ac+ti+vat+ed car+bon
pos n.
def a porous highly adsorptive form of carbon used to remove colour or impurities from liquids and gases, in the separation and extraction of chemical compounds, and in the recovery of solvents. Also called: {activated charcoal, active carbon}.
activated sludge 0.
syl ac+ti+vat+ed sludge
pos n.
def a mass of aerated precipitated sewage added to untreated sewage to bring about purification by hastening bacterial decomposition.
active ety C14: from Latin *_act*_ivus. See #7act, -#7ive
active 1.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
def in a state of action; moving, working, or doing something.
active 2.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
def busy or involved.
exam 1 an active life.
active 3.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
def physically energetic.
active 4.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
def exerting influence; effective.
exam 1 an active ingredient.
active 5.a.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
def denoting a voice of verbs used to indicate that the subject of a sentence is performing the action or causing the event or process described by the verb, as in Compare { {passive} (sense 5)}.
active 5.b.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
def another word for {nonstative}.
active 6.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
def being fully engaged in military service (esp. in the phrase {on active service) }.
active 7.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
usage of a volcano
def erupting periodically; not extinct. Compare { {dormant} (sense 3)}, { {extinct} (sense 3)}.
active 8.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
usage Astronomy. of the sun
def exhibiting a large number of sunspots, solar flares, etc., and a marked variation in intensity and frequency of radio emission. Compare { {quiet} (sense 7)}.
active 9.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
qual Commerce.
def producing or being used to produce profit, esp. in the form of interest.
exam 1 active balances.
active 10.a.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
def containing a source of power.
exam 1 an active network.
active 10.b.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos adj.
def capable of amplifying a signal or controlling some function.
exam 1 an active component;
exam 2 an active communication satellite.
active 11.a.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos n.
def the active voice.
active 11.b.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos n.
def an active verb.
active 12.
syl ac+tive
pron <1@ktiv>
pos n.
qual Chiefly U.S.
def a member of an organization who par?!ticipates in its activities.
actively sub
head active
syl ac+tive+ly
pos adv.
activeness sub
head active
syl ac+tive+ness
pos n.
active list 0.
syl ac+tive list
pos n.
qual Military.
def a list of officers available for full duty.
activism 0.
syl ac+tiv+ism
pron <1@kti2viz*m>
pos n.
def a policy of taking direct and often militant action to achieve an end, esp. a political or social one.
activist sub
head activism
syl ac+tiv+ist
pos n.
activities infl
head activity
syl ac+tiv+i:ties.
pos n.
mod pl.
activity 1.
syl ac+tiv+i:ty
pron <@k1tiviti>
pos n.
def the state or quality of being active.
activity 2.
syl ac+tiv+i:ty
pron <@k1tiviti>
pos n.
def lively action or movement.
activity 3.
syl ac+tiv+i:ty
pron <@k1tiviti>
pos n.
def any specific deed, action, pursuit, etc..
exam 1 recreational activities.
activity 4.
syl ac+tiv+i:ty
pron <@k1tiviti>
pos n.
def the number of disintegrations of a radioactive substance in a given unit of time, usually expressed in curies or disintegrations per second.
activity 5.a.
syl ac+tiv+i:ty
pron <@k1tiviti>
pos n.
def the capacity of a substance to undergo chemical change.
activity 5.b.
syl ac+tiv+i:ty
pron <@k1tiviti>
pos n.
def the effective concentration of a substance in a chemical system. The {absolute activity} of a substance B, #Gv\ , is defined as exp (#Gm where #Gm is the chemical potential.
act of contrition 0.
syl act of con+tri+tion
pos n.
qual Theol.
def a short prayer of penitence.
act of faith 0.
syl act of faith
pos n.
qual Theol.
def an act that demonstrates or tests a person's religious beliefs.
act of God 0.
syl act of God
pos n.
qual Law.
def a sudden and inevitable occurrence caused by natural forces and not by the agency of man, such as a flood, earthquake, or a similar catastrophe.
act of war 0.
syl act of war
pos n.
def an aggressive act, usually employing military force, which constitutes an immediate threat to peace.
actomyosin 0.
syl ac+to+my:o+sin
pron <2@kt*u1mI*sin>
pos n.
def a complex protein in skeletal muscle that is formed by actin and myosin and which, when stimulated, shortens to cause muscle contraction.
upon alt
head act on
or act on
syl up:on
pos vb. prep.
mod intr.
act on 1.
or upon
syl act on
pos vb. prep.
mod intr.
def to regulate one's behaviour in accordance with (advice, information, etc.).
act on 2.
or upon
syl act on
pos vb. prep.
mod intr.
def to have an effect on (illness, a part of the body, etc.).
Acton H1.0.
syl Ac+ton
pron <1@kt*n>
pos n.
def a district of the London borough of Ealing.
John Emerich Edward Dalberg 1.
head Acton
syl John Em:er:ich Ed:ward Dal:berg
def 1st Baron Acton. 1834-1902, English historian: a proponent of Christian liberal ethics and adviser of Gladstone.
Acton H2.2.
syl Ac:ton
pron <1@kt*n>
pos n.
def his grandfather, Sir {John Fran@.cis Ed@.ward}. 1736-1811, European naval commander and statesman: admiral of Tuscany (1774-79) and Naples (1779 onwards) and chief minister of Naples (1779-1806).
actress alt
head actor
or actor
syl ac+tress
pron <1@ktris>
pos n.
mod fem.
actor 1.
or actress
syl ac+tor
pron <1@kt*>
pos n.
def a person who acts in a play, film, broadcast, etc.
actor 2.
or actress
syl ac+tor
pron <1@kt*>
pos n.
qual Informal.
def a person who puts on a false manner in order to deceive others (often in the phrase {bad actor) }.
act out 1.
syl act out
pos vb. adv.
mod tr.
def to reproduce (an idea, former event, etc.) in actions, often by mime.
act out 2.
syl act out
pos vb. adv.
qual Psychiatry.
def to express unconsciously (a repressed impulse or experience) in overt behaviour.
Acts of the Apostles 0.
syl Acts of the A:pos+tles
pos n.
def the fifth book of the New Testament, describing the development of the early Church from Christ's ascension into heaven to Paul's sojourn at Rome. Often shortened to {Acts}.
ACTU 0.
syl A.C.T.U.
qual abbrev. for
def Australian Council of Trade Unions.
actual ety C14 actuel existing, from Late Latin *_actu*_alis relating to acts, practical, from Latin *_actus #7act #e Usage. The excessive use of actual and actually should be avoided. They are unnecessary in sentences such as in actual fact, he is forty-two, and he did actually go to the play but did not enjoy it.
actual 1.
syl ac+tu:al
pron <1@kCu*l>
pos adj.
def existing in reality or as a matter of fact.
actual 2.
syl ac+tu:al
pron <1@kCu*l>
pos adj.
def real or genuine.
actual 3.
syl ac+tu:al
pron <1@kCu*l>
pos adj.
def existing at the present time; current.
actualities infl
head actuality
syl ac+tu+al+i:ties.
pos n.
mod pl.
actuality 1.
syl ac+tu+al+i:ty
pron <2@kCu1@liti>
pos n.
def true existence; reality.
actuality 2.
syl ac+tu+al+i:ty
pron <2@kCu1@liti>
pos n.
mod sometimes; pl.
def a fact or condition that is real.
actualise alt
head actualize
or actualize
syl ac+tu+al+ise
pron <1@kCu*2lIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
actualize 1.
or actualise
syl ac+tu+al+ize
pron <1@kCu*2lIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to make actual or real.
actualize 2.
or actualise
syl ac+tu+al+ize
pron <1@kCu*2lIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to represent realistically.
actualization sub
head actualize
or actualisation
syl ac+tu+al:i+1za+tion
pos n.
actualisation sub
head actualize
or actualization
syl ac+tu+al:i+1sa+tion
pos n.
actually 1.a.
syl ac+tu+al+ly
pron <1@kCu*li>
pos adv.
def as an actual fact; really.
actually 1.b.
syl ac+tu+al+ly
pron <1@kCu*li>
pos adv.
usage as sentence modifier
def .
exam 1 actually, I haven't seen him.
actually 2.
syl ac+tu+al+ly
pron <1@kCu*li>
pos adv.
def at present.
actually 3.
syl ac+tu+al+ly
pron <1@kCu*li>
pos adv.
qual Informal.
def a parenthetic filler used to add slight emphasis.
exam 1 I don't know, actually.
actuary ety C16 (meaning: registrar): from Latin *_actu*_arius one who keeps accounts, from actum public business, and acta documents, deeds. See #7act, -#7ary
actuaries infl
head actuary
syl ac+tu+ar:ies.
pos n.
mod pl.
actuary 0.
syl ac+tu+ar:y
pron <1@kCu*ri>
pos n.
def a statistician, esp. one employed by insurance companies to calculate risks, policy premiums and dividends, and annuity rates.
actuarial sub
head actuary
syl ac+tu+ar:i+al
pron <2@kCu1e*ri*l>
pos adj.
actuate ety C16: from Medieval Latin actu*_atus, from actu*_are to incite to action, from Latin *_actus #7act
actuate 1.
syl ac+tu+ate
pron <1@kCu2At>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to put into action or mechanical motion.
actuate 2.
syl ac+tu+ate
pron <1@kCu2At>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to motivate or incite into action.
exam 1 actuated by unworthy desires.
actuation sub
head actuate
syl ac+tu:1a+tion
pos n.
actuator sub
head actuate
syl ac+tu:2a+tor
pos n.
act up 0.
syl act up
pos vb. adv.
mod intr.
qual Informal.
def to behave in a troublesome way.
exam 1 the engine began to act up.
acuity ety C15: from Old French, from Latin ac*_utus #7acute
acuity 0.
syl a:cu+i:ty
pron <*1kju:iti>
pos n.
def keenness or acuteness, esp. in vision or thought.
aculeate ety C17: from Latin ac*_ule*_atus; see #7aculeus
aculeated alt
head aculeate
or aculeate
syl a:cu+le:at+ed
pos adj.
aculeate 1.
or aculeated
syl a:cu+le:ate
pron <*1kju:liit>, <-2At>
pos adj.
def cutting; pointed.
aculeate 2.
or aculeated
syl a:cu+le:ate
pron <*1kju:liit>, <-2At>
pos adj.
def having prickles or spines, as a rose.
aculeate 3.
or aculeated
syl a:cu+le:ate
pron <*1kju:liit>, <-2At>
pos adj.
def having a sting, as bees, wasps, and ants.
aculeus ety C19: from Latin, diminutive of acus needle
aculeus 1.
syl a:cu+le:us
pron <*1kju:li*s>
pos n.
def a prickle or spine, such as the thorn of a rose.
aculeus 2.
syl a:cu+le:us
pron <*1kju:li*s>
pos n.
def a sting or ovipositor.
acumen ety C16: from Latin: sharpness, from acuere to sharpen, from acus needle
acumen 0.
syl ac:u+men
pron <1@kju2men>, <*1kju:m*n>
pos n.
def the ability to judge well; keen discernment; insight.
acuminous sub
head acumen
syl a:1cu+mi+nous
pos adj.
acuminate ety C17: from Latin ac*_umin*_are to sharp?!en; see #7acumen
acuminate 1.
syl a:cu+mi+nate
pron <*1kju:minit>, <-2nAt>
pos adj.
def narrowing to a sharp point, as some types of leaf.
acuminate 2.
syl a:cu+mi+nate
pron <*1kju:mi2nAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to make pointed or sharp.
acumination sub
head acuminate
syl a:2cu+mi+1na+tion
pos n.
acupuncture ety C17: from Latin acus needle+#7puncture
acupuncture 0.
syl ac:u+punc+ture
pron <1@kju2p^GkC*>
pos n.
def the insertion of the tips of needles into the skin at specific points for the purpose of treating various disorders by stimulating nerve impulses. Originally Chinese, this method of treatment is practised in many parts of the world. Also called: {stylostixis}.
acutance 0.
syl a:cut+ance
pron <*1kju:tNs>
pos n.
def a physical rather than subjective measure of the sharpness of a photographic image.
acute ety C14: from Latin ac*_utus, past participle of acuere to sharpen, from acus needle
acute 1.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos adj.
def penetrating in perception or insight.
acute 2.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos adj.
def sensitive to details; keen.
acute 3.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos adj.
def of extreme importance; crucial.
acute 4.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos adj.
def sharp or severe; intense.
exam 1 acute pain;
exam 2 an acute drought.
acute 5.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos adj.
def having a sharp end or point.
acute 6.a.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos adj.
usage of an angle
def less than 90?%.
acute 6.b.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos adj.
usage of a triangle
def having all its interior angles less than 90?%.
acute 7.a.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos adj.
def arising suddenly and manifesting intense severity.
acute 7.b.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos adj.
def of relatively short duration. Compare { {chronic} (sense 2).}
acute 8.a.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos adj.
usage of a vowel or syllable in some languages with a pitch accent, such as ancient Greek
def spoken or sung on a higher musical pitch relative to neighbouring syllables or vowels.
acute 8.b.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos adj.
def of or relating to an accent (*' ) placed over vowels, denoting that the vowel is pronounced with higher musical pitch (as in ancient Greek), with certain special quality (as in French), etc. Compare (for a. and b.) { {grave%2} (sense 5),} {circumflex}.
acute 9.
syl a:cute
pron <*1kju:t>
pos n.
def an acute accent.
acutely sub
head acute
syl a:1cute+ly
pos adv.
acuteness sub
head acute
syl a:1cute+ness
pos n.
acute accent 0.
syl a:cute ac+cent
pos n.
def the diacritical mark (*' ), used in the writing system of some languages to indicate that the vowel over which it is placed has a special quality (as in French or that it receives the strongest stress in the word (as in Spanish .
acute arch 0.
syl a:cute arch
pos n.
def another name for {lancet arch}.
ACW 0.
syl A.C.W.
qual abbrev. for
def aircraftwoman.
acyclic 1.
syl a:cy+clic
pron ,
pos adj.
qual Chem.
def not cyclic; having an open chain structure.
acyclic 2.
syl a:cy+clic
pron ,
pos adj.
qual Botany.
def having flower parts arranged in a spiral rather than a whorl.
acyl ety C20: from #7acid+ -#7yl
acyl 1.
syl a:cyl
pron <1AsIl>
pos n.
usage modifier
def of, denoting, or containing the monovalent group of atoms RCO-.
exam 1 acyl group or radical;
exam 2 acyl substitution.
acyl 2.
syl a:cyl
pron <1AsIl>
pos n.
def an organometallic compound in which a metal atom is directly bound to an acyl group.
ad H1.0.
syl ad
pron <@d>
pos n.
def short for {advertisement}.
ad H2.0.
syl ad
pron <@d>
pos n.
qual Tennis, U.S.
def short for {advantage}. Brit. word: {van}.
AD 0.
syl AD
qual Military. abbrev. for
def active duty.
AD ety Latin: in the year of the Lord#e Usage. In strict usage, #7a.d. is only employed with specific years: he died in 1621 #7a.d., but he died in the 17th century (and not the 17th century #7a.d.) #7. Formerly the practice was to write #7a.d. preceding the date (#7a.d. 1621) , and it is also strictly correct to omit in when #7a.d. is used, since this is already contained in the meaning of the Latin anno Domini (in the year of Our Lord), but this is no longer general practice. #7b.c. is used with both specific dates and indications of the period: Heraclitus was born about 540 #7b.c. ; the battle took place in the 4th century #7b.c.
AD 0.
syl A.D.
qual abbrev. for
usage indicating years numbered from the supposed year of the birth of Christ
def anno Domini.
exam 1 70 #7a.d.
ad- ety from Latin: to, towards. As a prefix in words of Latin origin, ad- became ac-, af-, ag-, al-, an-, acq-, ar-, as-, and at- before c, f, g, l, n, q, r, s, and t, and became a- before gn, sc, sp, st
ad- 1.
syl ad-
pos prefix.
def to; towards.
exam 1 adsorb;
exam 2 adverb.
ad- 2.
syl ad-
pos prefix.
def near; next to.
exam 1 adrenal.
-ad ety via Latin from Greek -ad- (plural, -ades) , originally forming adjectives; names of epic poems are all formed on the model of the Iliad
-ad H1.0.
syl -ad
exam 1 suffix forming nouns.
-ad H1.1.
syl -ad
def a group or unit (having so many parts or members).
exam 1 triad.
-ad H1.2.
syl -ad
def an epic poem concerning (the subject indicated by the stem).
exam 1 Dunciad.
-ad ety from Latin ad (preposition) to, towards
-ad H2.0.
syl -ad
usage suffix forming adverbs.
def denoting direction towards a specified part in anatomical descriptions.
exam 1 cephalad.
adactylous ety C19: from #7a -%1#7+dactyl+ -#7ous
adactylous 0.
syl a:dac+ty+lous
pron
pos adj.
def possessing no fingers or toes.
adage ety C16: via Old French from Latin adagium; related to *_aio I say
adage 0.
syl ad+age
pron <1@diJ>
pos n.
def a traditional saying that is accepted by many as true or partially true; proverb.
adagio ety C18: Italian, from ad at + agio ease
infl
head adagio
syl ~
pos adj. adv.
qual Music.
adagio 1.
syl a:da+gi:o
pron <*1da:Ji2*u>, Italian
pos adj. adv.
def slow. {~} {+gi@.os}
adagio 2.
syl a:da+gi:o
pron <*1da:Ji2*u>, Italian
pos adj. adv.
def a movement or piece to be performed slowly.
adagio 3.
syl a:da+gi:o
pron <*1da:Ji2*u>, Italian
pos adj. adv.
qual Ballet.
def a slow section of a pas de deux.
Adam H1.1.
syl Ad:am
pron <1@d*m>
pos n.
qual Old Testament.
def the first man, created by God: the progenitor of the human race (Genesis 2-3).
not know (someone) from Adam 2.
head Adam
syl not know (someone) from Adam.
def to fail to be acquainted with someone.
the old Adam 3.
head Adam
syl the old Adam.
def the evil supposedly inherent in human nature.
Adam's ale 4.
head Adam
or wine
syl Adam's ale
def water.
Robert 1.
head Adam
syl Rob:ert.
def 1728-92, Scottish architect and furniture designer. Assisted by his brother, {James}, 1730-94, he emulated the harmony of classical and Italian Renaissance architecture.
Adam H2.2.
syl Ad:am
pron <1@d*m>
pos adj.
def in the neoclassical style made popular by Robert Adam.
Adam-and-Eve 0.
syl Ad:am-and-Eve
pos n.
def another name for {puttyroot}.
adamant ety Old English: from Latin adamant-, stem of adamas, from Greek; literal meaning perhaps: unconquerable, from #7a -%1#7+ daman to tame, conquer
adamant 1.
syl ad:a+mant
pron <1@d*m*nt>
pos adj.
def unyielding; inflexible.
adamant 2.
syl ad:a+mant
pron <1@d*m*nt>
pos adj.
def un?!breakable; impenetrable.
adamant 3.
syl ad:a+mant
pron <1@d*m*nt>
pos n.
def any extremely hard or apparent?!ly unbreakable substance.
adamant 4.
syl ad:a+mant
pron <1@d*m*nt>
pos n.
def a legendary stone said to be impenetrable, often identified with the diamond or loadstone.
adamantine 1.
syl ad:a+man+tine
pron <2@d*1m@ntIn>
pos adj.
def having the lustre of a diamond.
adamantine 2.
syl ad:a+man+tine
pron <2@d*1m@ntIn>
pos adj.
qual Rare.
def another word for {adamant}.
Adamawa 0.
syl Ad:a+ma+wa
pron <2@d*1ma:w*>
pos n.
def a small group of languages of W Africa, spoken chiefly in E Nigeria, N Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and N Za*"ire, forming a branch of the Niger-Congo family.
Adamite 1.
syl Ad+am+ite
pron <1@d*2mIt>
pos n.
def a human being.
Adamite 2.
syl Ad+am+ite
pron <1@d*2mIt>
pos n.
def a nudist, esp. a member of an early Christian sect who sought to imitate Adam.
Adamitic sub
head Adamite
syl Ad+am+it+ic
pron <2@d*1mitik>
pos adj.
Adams H1.0.
syl Ad+ams
pron <1@d*mz>
pos n.
def a mountain in SW Washington, in the Cascade Range. Height: 3751 m (12307 ft.).
John 1.
head Adams
syl John.
def 1735-1826, second president of the U.S. (1797-1801); U.S. ambassador to Great Britain (1785-88); helped draft the Declaration of Independence (1776).
John Couch 2.
head Adams
syl John Couch.
def 1819-92, English astronomer who deduced the existence and position of the planet Neptune.
John Quincy 3.
head Adams
syl John Quin:cy
def son of John Adams. 1767-1848, sixth president of the U.S. (1825-29); secretary of state (1817-25).
Samuel 4.
head Adams
syl Sam:u:el.
def 1722-1803, American revolutionary leader; one of the organizers of the Boston Tea Party; a signatory of the Declaration of Independence.
Adam's apple 0.
syl Ad+am's ap+ple
pos n.
def the visible projection of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx at the front of the neck.
adamsite ety C20: named after Roger Adams (born 1899), American chemist
adamsite 0.
syl ad+ams+ite
pron <1@d*m2zIt>
pos n.
def a yellow poisonous crystalline solid that readily sublimes. It is used as a tear gas; diphenyl?!aminechlorarsine. Formula: C\6H\4AsClNHC\6H\4; relative density: 1.65; melting pt.: 195?%C; boiling pt.: 410?%C.
Adam's-needle 0.
syl Ad:am's-nee:dle
pos n.
def a North American liliaceous plant, that has a tall woody stem, stiff pointed leaves, and large clusters of white flowers arranged in spikes. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant. See also {Spanish bayonet}.
Adams-Stokes syndrome ety C19: named after R. Adams (1791-1875) and W. Stokes (1804-78), Irish physicians
Adams-Stokes syndrome 0.
syl Ad:ams-Stokes syn+drome
pos n.
def another term for {heart block}.
Adana 0.
syl A:da+na
pron <1@d*n*>
pos n.
def a city in S Turkey, capital of Adana province. Pop.: 475384 (1975). Also called: {Seyhan}.
adapt ety C17: from Latin adapt*_are, from ad- to+ apt*_are to fit, from aptus #7apt &- a@.#!dapt+a@.ble adj.
adapt 1.
syl a:dapt
pron <*1d@pt>
pos vb.
usage often foll. by to
def to adjust (someone or something, esp. oneself) to different conditions, a new environment, etc.
adapt 2.
syl a:dapt
pron <*1d@pt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to fit, change, or modify to suit a new or different purpose.
exam 1 to adapt a play for use in schools.
adaptability sub
head adapt
or adaptableness
syl a:2dapt+a:1bil+i:ty
pos n.
adaptableness sub
head adapt
or adaptability
syl a:1dapt+a:ble+ness
pos n.
adaptation 1.
syl ad+ap+ta+tion
pron <2@d*p1tAS*n>, <2@d@p->
pos n.
def the act or process of adapting or the state of being adapted; adjustment.
adaptation 2.
syl ad+ap+ta+tion
pron <2@d*p1tAS*n>, <2@d@p->
pos n.
def something that is produced or created by adapting something else.
adaptation 3.
syl ad+ap+ta+tion
pron <2@d*p1tAS*n>, <2@d@p->
pos n.
def something that is changed or modified to suit new conditions or needs.
adaptation 4.
syl ad+ap+ta+tion
pron <2@d*p1tAS*n>, <2@d@p->
pos n.
qual Biology.
def an inherited or acquired modification in organisms that makes them better suited to survive and reproduce in a particular environment.
adaptor alt
head adapter
or adapter
syl a:dap+tor
pron <*1d@pt*>
pos n.
adapter 1.
or adaptor
syl a:dapt+er
pron <*1d@pt*>
pos n.
def a person or thing that adapts.
adapter 2.
or adaptor
syl a:dapt+er
pron <*1d@pt*>
pos n.
def any device for connecting two parts, esp. ones that are of different sizes or have different mating fitments.
adapter 3.a.
or adaptor
syl a:dapt+er
pron <*1d@pt*>
pos n.
def a plug used to connect an electrical device to a mains supply when they have different types of terminals.
adapter 3.b.
or adaptor
syl a:dapt+er
pron <*1d@pt*>
pos n.
def a device used to connect several electrical appliances to a single mains socket.
adaptive radiation 0.
syl a:dap+tive ra+di:a+tion
pos n.
def the development of many different forms from an originally homogeneous group of animals as a result of the increase of the original stock and its spread and adaptation to different environments. This type of evolution occurred in the Tertiary mammals and the Mesozoic reptiles.
Adar 0.
syl A:dar
pron Hebrew
pos n.
def the sixth month of the civil year and the twelfth of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar, falling approximately in February and March.
Adar Sheni ety Hebrew: Adar the Second
Adar Sheni 0.
syl A:dar She+ni
pron Hebrew
pos n.
qual Judaism.
def the month of Adar in leap years when an intercalary month, Adar Rishon, is inserted between Shebat and Adar.
adaxial 0.
syl ad+ax+i:al
pron <@d1@ksi*l>
pos adj.
def facing towards the axis, as the surface of a leaf that faces the stem. Compare {abaxial}.
ADC 1.
syl A.D.C.
qual abbrev. for:
def aide-de-camp.
ADC 2.
syl A.D.C.
qual abbrev. for:
def analog-digital convert?!er.
add ety C14: from Latin addere, literally: to put to, from ad- to+ -dere to put
add 1.
syl add
pron <@d>
pos vb.
def to combine (two or more numbers or quantities) by addition.
add 2.
syl add
pron <@d>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage foll. by to
def to increase (a number or quantity) by another number or quantity using addition.
add 3.
syl add
pron <@d>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage often foll. by to
def to join (something) to something else in order to increase the size, quantity, effect, or scope; unite (with).
exam 1 to add insult to injury.
add 4.
syl add
pron <@d>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage foll. by to
def to have an extra and increased effect (on).
exam 1 her illness added to his worries.
add 5.
syl add
pron <@d>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to say or write further.
add 6.
syl add
pron <@d>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage foll. by in
def to include.
add xref
syl add
pron <@d>
pos vb.
def See also {add up}.
add 1.
syl add.
qual abbrev. for:
def addendum.
add 2.
syl add.
qual abbrev. for:
def addition.
add 3.
syl add.
qual abbrev. for:
def additional.
add 4.
syl add.
qual abbrev. for:
def address.
Jane infl
head Addams
syl Jane.
pos n.
Addams 0.
syl Ad:dams
pron <1@d*mz>
pos n.
def 1860-1935, U.S. social reformer, feminist, and pacifist, who founded Hull House, a social settlement in Chicago: Nobel peace prize 1931.
addax ety C17: Latin, from an unidentified ancient N African language
addax 0.
syl ad+dax
pron <1@d@ks>
pos n.
def a large light-coloured antelope, having ribbed loosely spiralled horns and inhabiting desert regions in N Africa: family order
added sixth 0.
syl add+ed sixth
pos n.
def a chord much used esp. in jazz, consisting of a triad with an added sixth above the root. Also called: {added sixth chord}. Compare {sixth chord}.
addend ety C20: short for #7addendum
addend 0.
syl ad+dend
pron <1@dend>, <*1dend>
pos n.
def any of a set of numbers that form a sum. Compare {augend}.
addendum ety C18: from Latin, literally: a thing to be added, neuter gerundive of addere to #7add
da infl
head addendum
syl +da
pron <-d*>
pos n.
mod pl.
addendum 1.
syl ad+den+dum
pron <*1dend*m>
pos n.
def something added; an addition.
addendum 2.
syl ad+den+dum
pron <*1dend*m>
pos n.
def a supplement or appendix to a book, magazine, etc.
addendum 3.
syl ad+den+dum
pron <*1dend*m>
pos n.
def the radial distance between the inner and outer pitch circles of a screw thread.
addendum 4.
syl ad+den+dum
pron <*1dend*m>
pos n.
def the radial distance between the pitch circle and tip of a gear tooth.
adder ety Old English n*_@adre snake; in Middle English a naddre was mistaken for an addre, whence the modern form; related to Old Norse nathr, Gothic nadrs
adder H1.1.
syl ad+der
pron <1@d*>
pos n.
def Also called: {viper}. a common viper, that is widely distributed in Europe, including Britain, and Asia and is typically dark greyish in colour with a black zigzag pattern along the back.
adder H1.2.
syl ad+der
pron <1@d*>
pos n.
def any of various similar venomous or nonvenomous snakes.
adder xref
syl ad+der
pron <1@d*>
pos n.
def See also {puff adder}.
adder H2.0.
syl add+er
pron <1@d*>
pos n.
def a person or thing that adds.
adder's-meat 0.
syl ad:der's-meat
pos n.
def another name for the {greater stitchwort} (see {stitchwort) }.
adder's-mouth 0.
syl ad:der's-mouth
pos n.
def any of various orchids of the genus that occur in all parts of the world except Australia and New Zealand and have clusters of small usually greenish flowers. See also {bog orchid}.
adder's-tongue 1.
syl ad:der's-tongue
pos n.
def any of several terrestrial ferns of the genus esp. that grow in the N hemisphere and have a narrow spore-bearing body that sticks out like a spike from the leaf: family
adder's-tongue 2.
syl ad:der's-tongue
pos n.
def another name for { {dogtooth violet}}.
addict ety C16 (as adj. and as vb.; n. use C20): from Latin addictus given over, from add*_icere to give one's assent to, from ad- to+ d*_icere to say
addict 1.
syl ad+dict
pron <*1dikt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually passive; often foll. by to
def to cause (someone or oneself) to become dependent (on something, esp. a narcotic drug).
addict 2.
syl ad+dict
pron <1@dikt>
pos n.
def a person who is addicted, esp. to narcotic drugs.
addict 3.
syl ad+dict
pron <1@dikt>
pos n.
qual Informal.
def a person who is devoted to something.
exam 1 a jazz addict.
addiction 0.
syl ad+dic+tion
pron <*1dikS*n>
pos n.
def the condition of being abnormally dependent on some habit, esp. compulsive dependency on narcotic drugs.
addictive 0.
syl ad+dic+tive
pron <*1diktiv>
pos adj.
def of, relating to, or causing addiction.
adding machine 0.
syl add+ing ma+chine
pos n.
def a mechanical device, operated manually or electrically, for adding and often subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. Compare {calculating machine}.
Henry infl
head Addington
syl Hen:ry
pos n.
Addington 0.
syl Ad:ding:ton
pron <1@diGt*n>
pos n.
def 1st Viscount Sidmouth. 1757-1844, English statesman; prime minister (1801-04) and home secretary (1812-21).
Addis Ababa 0.
syl Ad+dis Ab:a+ba
pron <1@dis> <1@b*b*>
pos n.
def the capital of Ethiopia, on a central plateau 2400 m (8000 ft.) above sea level: founded in 1887; became capital in 1896. Pop.: 1161267 (1975 est.).
Joseph infl
head Addison
syl Jo:seph.
pos n.
Addison 0.
syl Ad:di:son
pron <1@disN>
pos n.
def 1672-1719, English essayist and poet who, with Richard Steele, founded (1711-14) and contributed most of its essays, including the
Addison's disease ety C19: named after Thomas Addison (1793-1860), English physician who identified it
Addison's disease 0.
syl Ad:di:son's dis+ease
pos n.
def a disease characterized by deep bronz?!ing of the skin, anaemia, and extreme weakness, caused by underactivity of the adrenal glands. Also called: {adrenal insufficiency}.
addition ety C15: from Latin additi*_on-, from addere to #7add
addition 1.
syl ad+di+tion
pron <*1diS*n>
pos n.
def the act, process, or result of adding.
addition 2.
syl ad+di+tion
pron <*1diS*n>
pos n.
def a person or thing that is added or acquired.
addition 3.
syl ad+di+tion
pron <*1diS*n>
pos n.
def a mathematical operation in which the sum of two numbers or quantities is calculated. Usually indicated by the symbol +
addition 4.
syl ad+di+tion
pron <*1diS*n>
pos n.
qual Chiefly U.S.
def a part added to a building or piece of land; annexe.
addition 5.
syl ad+di+tion
pron <*1diS*n>
pos n.
qual Obsolete.
def a title following a person's name.
in addition 6.
head addition
syl in addition.
pos adv.
def also; as well; besides.
in addition to 7.
head addition
syl in addition to.
pos prep.
def besides; as well as.
additional 0.
syl ad+di+tion+al
pron <*1diS*nL>
pos adj.
def added or supplementary.
additive ety C17: from Late Latin addit*_ivus, from addere to #7add
additive 1.
syl ad+di+tive
pron <1@ditiv>
pos adj.
def characterized or produced by addition; cumulative.
additive 2.
syl ad+di+tive
pron <1@ditiv>
pos n.
def any substance added to some?!thing to improve it, prevent deterioration, etc.
addle ety C18 (vb.), back formation from addled, from C13 addle rotten, from Old English adela filth; related to dialect German Addel liquid manure
addle H1.1.
syl ad+dle
pron <1@dL>
pos vb.
def to make or become confused or muddled.
addle H1.2.
syl ad+dle
pron <1@dL>
pos vb.
def to make or become rotten.
addle H1.3.
syl ad+dle
pron <1@dL>
pos adj.
usage in combination
def indicating a confused or muddled state.
exam 1 addle-brained;
exam 2 addle-pated.
addle ety C13 addlen, from Old Norse *"othlask to gain possession of property, from *_othal property
addle H2.0.
syl ad+dle
pron <1@dL>
pos vb.
qual Northern English dialect.
def to earn (money or one's living).
address ety C14 (in the sense: to make right, adorn) and C15 (in the modern sense: to direct words): via Old French from Vulgar Latin addricti*_are (unattested) to make straight, direct oneself towards, from Latin ad- to+ d*_irectus #7direct
address 1.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos n.
def the conventional form by which the location of a building is described.
address 2.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos n.
def the written form of this, as on a letter or parcel, preceded by the name of the person or organization for whom it is intended.
address 3.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos n.
def the place at which someone lives.
address 4.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos n.
def a speech or written communication, esp. one of a formal nature.
address 5.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos n.
def skilfulness or tact.
address 6.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos n.
qual Archaic.
def manner or style of speaking or conversation.
address 7.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos n.
qual Computer technol.
def a number giving the location of a piece of stored information. See also {direct access}.
address 8.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos n.
qual Brit. government.
def a statement of the opinions or wishes of either or both Houses of Parliament that is sent to the sovereign.
address 9.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos n.
def the alignment or position of a part, component, etc., that permits correct assembly or fitting.
address 10.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos n.
qual Rare.
def the act of dispatching or directing a ship.
address 11.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos n.
mod usually; pl.
def expressions of affection made by a man in courting a woman.
addresses infl
head address
syl ad+dress:es
pos vb.
mod tr.
addressing dressed infl
head address
or addrest
syl ad+dress+ing; +dressed
pos vb.
mod tr.
addrest infl
head address
or addressing dressed
syl ad+drest.
pos vb.
mod tr.
address 12.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to mark (a letter, parcel, etc.) with an address.
address 13.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to speak to, refer to in speaking, or deliver a speech to.
address 14.a.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to speak or write to.
exam 1 he addressed himself to the chairman.
address 14.b.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def apply oneself to.
exam 1 he addressed himself to the task.
address 15.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to direct (a message, warning, etc.) to the attention of.
address 16.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to consign or entrust (a ship or a ship's cargo) to a factor, merchant, etc.
address 17.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to adopt a position facing (the ball in golf, a partner in a dance, the target in archery, etc.).
address 18.
syl ad+dress
pron <*1dres>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def an archaic word for {woo}.
addresser sub
head address
or addressor
syl ad+1dress+er
pos n.
addressor sub
head address
or addresser
syl ad+1dres+sor
pos n.
addressee 0.
syl ad+dress:ee
pron <2@dre1sE>
pos n.
def a person or organization to whom a letter, parcel, etc., is addressed.
Addressograph 0.
syl Ad+dres+so+graph
pron <*1dres*u2gra:f>, <-2gr@f>
pos n.
qual Trademark.
def a machine for addressing envelopes, etc.
adduce ety C15: from Latin add*_ucere to lead or bring to
adduce 0.
syl ad+duce
pron <*1dju:s>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to cite (reasons, examples, etc.) as evidence or proof.
adduceable sub
head adduce
or adducible
syl ad+1duce+a:ble
pos adj.
adducible sub
head adduce
or adduceable
syl ad+1duc+i:ble
pos adj.
adducent sub
head adduce
syl ad+1du+cent
pos adj.
adduction sub
head adduce
syl ad+duc+tion
pron <*1d^kS*n>
pos n.
adduct ety C19: from Latin add*_ucere; see #7adduce
adduct 0.
syl ad+duct
pron <*1d^kt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage of a muscle
def to draw or pull (a leg, arm, etc.) towards the median axis of the body. Compare { {abduct} (sense 2)}.
adduction sub
head adduct
syl ad+1duc+tion
pos n.
adductor 0.
syl ad+duc+tor
pron <*1d^kt*>
pos n.
def a muscle that adducts.
add up 1.
syl add up
pos vb. adv.
def to find the sum (of).
add up 2.
syl add up
pos vb. adv.
mod intr.
def to result in a correct total.
add up 3.
syl add up
pos vb. adv.
mod intr.
qual Informal.
def to make sense.
add up 4.
syl add up
pos vb. adv.
mod intr.
usage foll. by to
def to amount to.
-ade ety from French, from Latin -*_ata made of, feminine past participle of verbs ending in -*_are
-ade 0.
syl -ade
usage suffix forming nouns.
def a sweetened drink made of various fruits.
exam 1 lemonade;
exam 2 limeade.
Adelaide 0.
syl Ad+e:laide
pron <1@di2lAd>
pos n.
def the capital of South Australia: {Port Adelaide}, 11 km (7 miles) away on St. Vincent Gulf, handles the bulk of exports. Pop.: 899300 (1975 est.).
Ad'elie Coast 0.
syl A:d*'e:lie Coast
pron <1@dili>, French
pos n.
def a part of Antarctica, between Wilkes Land and George V Land: under French sovereignty. Also called: {Ad*'elie Land}.
ademption ety C16: from Latin adempti*_on- a taking away, from adimere to take away, take to (oneself), from ad- to+ emere to buy, take
ademption 0.
syl a:demp+tion
pron <*1dempS*n>
pos n.
qual Property law.
def the failure of a specific legacy, as by a testator disposing of the subject matter in his lifetime.
Aden 1.
syl A:den
pron <1AdN>
pos n.
def the main port and capital of Southern Yemen, on the N coast of the {Gulf of Aden} , an arm of the Indian Ocean at the entrance to the Red Sea: formerly an important port of call on shipping routes to the East. Pop.: 264326 (1973 est.).
Aden 2.
syl A:den
pron <1AdN>
pos n.
def a former British colony and protectorate on the S coast of the Arabian Peninsula: became the People's Republic of Southern Yemen in 1967. Area: 195 sq. km (75 sq. miles).
Konrad infl
head Adenauer
syl Kon:rad
pron <1kcnra:t>
pos n.
Adenauer 0.
syl A:den:au:er
pron German <1a:d*2nau*r>
pos n.
def 1876-1967, German statesman; chancellor of West Germany (l949-63).
adenectomy ety C19: from #7adeno -#7+ -#7ectomy
adenectomies infl
head adenectomy
syl ad+e:nec+to+mies.
pos n.
mod pl.
adenectomy 1.
syl ad+e:nec+to+my
pron <2@d*1nekt*mi>
pos n.
def surgical removal of a gland.
adenectomy 2.
syl ad+e:nec+to+my
pron <2@d*1nekt*mi>
pos n.
def another name for {adenoidectomy}.
adenine 0.
syl ad+e:nine
pron <1@d*nin>, <-2nEn>, <-2nIn>
pos n.
def a purine base present in animal and plant tissues as a constituent of the nucleic acids DNA and RNA and of certain coenzymes; 6-aminopurine. Formula: C\5H\5N\5; melting pt.: 360-365?%C.
adenitis ety C19: New Latin, from #7adeno -#7+ -#7itis
adenitis 0.
syl ad+e:ni+tis
pron <2@d*1nItis>
pos n.
def inflammation of a gland or lymph node.
adeno- ety New Latin, from Greek ad*_en gland
adenocarcinomas infl
head adenocarcinoma
or adenocarcinomata
syl ad+e:no+car+ci+no+mas
pron <-m*t*>
pos n.
mod pl.
adenocarcinomata infl
head adenocarcinoma
or adenocarcinomas
syl ad+e:no+car+ci+no+ma+ta
pron <-m*t*>
pos n.
mod pl.
adenocarcinoma 1.
syl ad+e:no+car+ci+no+ma
pron <2@din*u2ka:si1n*um*>
pos n.
def a malignant tumour originating in glandular tissue.
adenocarcinoma 2.
syl ad+e:no+car+ci+no+ma
pron <2@din*u2ka:si1n*um*>
pos n.
def a malignant tumour with a glandlike structure.
adenohypophysis 0.
syl ad+e:no+hy+poph:y+sis
pron <2@din*uhI1pofisis>
pos n.
def the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Compare {neurohypophysis}.
adenoid ety C19: from Greek adenoeid*_es. See #7adeno -#7, -#7oid
adenoid 1.
syl ad+e:noid
pron <1@di2ncid>
pos adj.
def of or resembling a gland.
adenoid 2.
syl ad+e:noid
pron <1@di2ncid>
pos adj.
def of or relating to lymphoid tissue, as that found in the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, etc.
adenoid 3.
syl ad+e:noid
pron <1@di2ncid>
pos adj.
def of or relating to the adenoids.
adenoidal 1.
syl ad+e:noi+dal
pron <2@di1ncidL>
pos adj.
def having the nasal tones or impaired breathing of one with enlarged adenoids.
adenoidal 2.
syl ad+e:noi+dal
pron <2@di1ncidL>
pos adj.
def another word for {adenoid} (for all senses).
adenoidectomies infl
head adenoidectomy
syl ad+e:noid+ec+to+mies.
pos n.
mod pl.
adenoidectomy 0.
syl ad+e:noid+ec+to+my
pron <2@dinci1dekt*mi>
pos n.
def surgical removal of the adenoids.
adenoids 0.
syl ad+e:noids
pron <1@di2ncidz>
pos n.
mod pl.
def a mass of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat behind the uvula: when enlarged it often restricts nasal breathing, esp. in young children. Technical name: {pharyngeal tonsil}.
adenomas infl
head adenoma
or adenomata
syl ad+e:no+mas
pron <-m*t*>
pos n.
mod pl.
adenomata infl
head adenoma
or adenomas
syl ad+e:no+ma+ta
pron <-m*t*>
pos n.
mod pl.
adenoma 1.
syl ad+e:no+ma
pron <2@di1n*um*>
pos n.
def a tumour, usually benign, occurring in glandular tissue.
adenoma 2.
syl ad+e:no+ma
pron <2@di1n*um*>
pos n.
def a tumour having a glandlike structure.
adenosine ety C20: a blend of #7adenine+ ribose
adenosine 0.
syl a:den:o+sine
pron <@1den*2sEn>, <2@di1n*usEn>
pos n.
qual Biochem.
def a nucleoside formed by the condensation of adenine and ribose. It is present in all living cells in a combined form, as in ribonucleic acids. Formula: C\1\0H\1\3N\5O\4.
adenosine triphosphate 0.
syl a:den:o+sine tri+phos+phate
pos n.
def the full name of {ATP}.
adenovirus 0.
syl ad+e:no+vi+rus
pron <2@din*u1vIr*s>
pos n.
def any of a group of viruses that may cause upper respiratory diseases in man. Compare {enterovirus, myxovirus}.
adept ety C17: from Medieval Latin adeptus, from Latin adipisc*_i to attain, from ad- to+ apisc*_i to attain
adept 1.
syl a:dept
pron <*1dept>
pos adj.
def very proficient in something requiring skill or manual dexterity.
adept 2.
syl a:dept
pron <*1dept>
pos adj.
def skilful; expert.
adept 3.
syl a:dept
pron <1@dept>
pos n.
def a person who is skilled or proficient in something.
adeptly sub
head adept
syl a:1dept+ly
pos adv.
adeptness sub
head adept
syl a:1dept+ness
pos n.
adequate ety C17: from Latin adaequ*_are to equalize, from ad- to+ aequus #7equal
adequate 0.
syl ad+e:quate
pron <1@dikwit>
pos adj.
def able to fulfil a need or requirement without being abundant, outstanding, etc.
adequacy sub
head adequate
syl ad+e:qua+cy
pron <1@dikw*si>
pos n.
adequately sub
head adequate
syl ad+e:quate+ly
pos adv.
a deux 0.
syl *`a deux
pron French.
pos adj. adv.
def of or for two persons.
adhere ety C16: via Medieval Latin adh*_er*_ere from Latin adhaer*_ere to stick to
adhere 1.
syl ad+here
pron <*d1hi*>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage usually foll. by to
def to stick or hold fast.
adhere 2.
syl ad+here
pron <*d1hi*>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage foll. by to
def to be devoted (to a political party, cause, religion, etc.); be a follower (of).
adhere 3.
syl ad+here
pron <*d1hi*>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage foll. by to
def to follow closely or exactly.
exam 1 adhere to the rules.
adherence sub
head adhere
syl ad+1her+ence
pos n.
adherent 1.
syl ad+her+ent
pron <*d1hi*r*nt>
pos n.
usage usually foll. by of
def a supporter or follower.
adherent 2.
syl ad+her+ent
pron <*d1hi*r*nt>
pos adj.
def sticking, holding fast, or attached.
adhesion ety C17: from Latin adhaesi*_on- a sticking. See #7adhere
adhesion 1.
syl ad+he+sion
pron <*d1hEZ*n>
pos n.
def the quality or condition of sticking together or holding fast.
adhesion 2.
syl ad+he+sion
pron <*d1hEZ*n>
pos n.
def ability to make firm contact without skidding or slipping.
adhesion 3.
syl ad+he+sion
pron <*d1hEZ*n>
pos n.
def attachment or fidelity, as to a political party, cause, etc.
adhesion 4.
syl ad+he+sion
pron <*d1hEZ*n>
pos n.
def an attraction or repulsion between the molecules of unlike substances in contact: distinguished from
adhesion 5.
syl ad+he+sion
pron <*d1hEZ*n>
pos n.
qual Pathol.
def abnormal union of structures or parts.
adhesion 6.
syl ad+he+sion
pron <*d1hEZ*n>
pos n.
qual Rare.
def concurrence; assent.
adhesive 1.
syl ad+he+sive
pron <*d1hEsiv>
pos adj.
def able or designed to adhere; sticky.
exam 1 adhesive tape.
adhesive 2.
syl ad+he+sive
pron <*d1hEsiv>
pos adj.
def tenacious or clinging.
adhesive 3.
syl ad+he+sive
pron <*d1hEsiv>
pos n.
def a substance used for sticking objects together, such as glue, cement, or paste.
adhesively sub
head adhesive
syl ad+1he+sive+ly
pos adv.
adhesiveness sub
head adhesive
syl ad+1he+sive+ness
pos n.
adhibit ety C16: from Latin adhib*_ere to bring to, from ad- to+ hab*_ere to have, hold
adhibit 1.
syl ad+hib+it
pron <*d1hibit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Rare.
def to administer or apply.
adhibit 2.
syl ad+hib+it
pron <*d1hibit>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Rare.
def to affix; attach.
adhibition sub
head adhibit
syl ad+hi+bi+tion
pron <2@dhi1biS*n>
pos n.
ad hoc ety Latin, literally: to this
ad hoc 0.
syl ad hoc
pron <@d> <1hok>
pos adj. adv.
def for a particular purpose only.
exam 1 an ad hoc decision;
exam 2 an ad hoc committee.
ad hominem ety literally: to the man
ad hominem 0.
syl ad ho+mi+nem
pron Latin. <@d> <1homi2nem>
pos adj. adv.
def directed against a person rather than against his arguments.
adiabatic ety C19: from Greek adiabatos not to be crossed, impassable (to heat), from #7a -%1#7+ diabatos passable, from dia- across+ bainein to go
adiabatic 1.
syl ad:i:a+bat+ic
pron <2@di*1b@tik>, <2A->
pos adj.
usage of a thermodynamic process
def taking place without loss or gain of heat.
adiabatic 2.
syl ad:i:a+bat+ic
pron <2@di*1b@tik>, <2A->
pos n.
def a curve on a graph representing the changes in two characteristics (such as pressure and volume) of a system undergoing an adiabatic process.
adiaphorism ety C19: see #7adiaphorous
adiaphorism 0.
syl ad:i+aph+or+ism
pron <2@di1@f*2riz*m>
pos n.
def a Christian Protestant theological theory that certain rites and actions are matters of indifference in religion since not forbidden by the Scriptures.
adiaphorist sub
head adiaphorism
syl ad:i+1aph:o+rist
pos n.
adiaphoristic sub
head adiaphorism
syl ad:i+2aph:o+1ris+tic
pos adj.
adiaphorous ety C17: from Greek adiaphoros indifferent, from #7a -%1#7+ diaphoros different
adiaphorous 0.
syl ad:i+aph:o+rous
pron <2@di1@f*r*s>
pos adj.
qual Med.
def having no effect for good or ill, as a drug or placebo.
adiathermancy 0.
syl ad:i:a+ther+man+cy
pron <2@di*1TR:m*nsi>
pos n.
def another name for {athermancy}.
adiathermanous sub
head adiathermancy
syl ad:i:a+1ther+ma+nous
pos adj.
adieu ety C14: from Old French, from a to+ dieu God
adieus infl
head adieu
or adieux
syl a:dieus
pron <*1dju:z>, French
pos interj. n.
mod pl.
adieux infl
head adieu
or adieus
syl a:dieux
pron <*1dju:z>, French
pos interj. n.
mod pl.
adieu 0.
syl a:dieu
pron <*1dju:>, French , French
pos interj. n.
def goodbye farewell.
Adige 0.
syl A:di+ge
pron Italian <1a:diJA>
pos n.
def a river in N Italy, flowing southeast to the Adriatic. Length: 354 km (220 miles).
ad infinitum ety Latin
ad infinitum 0.
syl ad in+fi+ni+tum
pron <@d> <2infi1nIt*m>
pos adv.
def without end; endlessly; to infinity. Abbrev.: {ad inf}.
ad interim ety Latin
ad interim 0.
syl ad in+ter+im
pron <@d> <1int*rim>
pos adj. adv.
def for the meantime; for the present.
exam 1 ad interim measures.
ad interim xref
syl ad in+ter+im
pron <@d> <1int*rim>
pos adj. adv.
def Abbrev.: {ad int}.
adios ety literally: to God
adios 0.
syl a:di+os
pron <2a:di1os>, Spanish
pos interj.
def goodbye; farewell.
adipocere ety C19: via French from New Latin adiposus fat (see #7adipose) #7+ French cire wax
adipocere 0.
syl ad:i+po+cere
pron <2@dip*u1si*>
pos n.
def a waxlike fatty substance formed during the decomposition of corpses. Nontechnical name: {grave-wax}.
adipocerous sub
head adipocere
syl ad:i+poc+er+ous
pron <2@di1pos?!*r*s>,
adipose ety C18: from New Latin adiposus, from Latin adeps fat
adipose 1.
syl ad:i+pose
pron <1@di2p*us>, <-2p*uz>
pos adj.
def of, resembling, or containing fat; fatty.
adipose 2.
syl ad:i+pose
pron <1@di2p*us>, <-2p*uz>
pos n.
def animal fat.
adipose fin 0.
syl ad:i+pose fin
pos n.
def a posterior dorsal fin occurring in the salmon and related fishes.
Adirondacks alt
head Adirondack Mountains
or Adirondack Mountains
syl Ad:i+ron+dacks
pos n.
mod pl.
Adirondack Mountains 0.
or Adirondacks
syl Ad:i+ron+dack Moun+tains
pron <2@di1rond@k>
pos n.
mod pl.
def a mountain range in NE New York State. Highest peak: Mount Marcy, 1629 m (5344 ft.).
adit ety C17: from Latin aditus an approach, from ad*_ire, from ad- towards+ *_ire to go
adit 0.
syl ad:it
pron <1@dit>
pos n.
def an almost horizontal shaft into a mine, for access or drainage.
Adivasi ety Sanskrit, from adi beginning+ vasi dweller
Adivasi 0.
syl A:di+va+si
pron <1a:di2va:si>
pos n.
def a member of any of the aboriginal peoples of India.
adj 1.
syl adj.
qual abbrev. for:; Maths.
def adjacent.
adj 2.
syl adj.
qual abbrev. for:
def adjective.
adj 3.
syl adj.
qual abbrev. for:
def adjunct.
adj 4.
syl adj.
qual abbrev. for:
def ad?!journed.
adj 5.
syl adj.
qual abbrev. for:; Insurance, banking, etc.
def adjustment.
adj 6.
syl adj.
qual abbrev. for:
def Also: {adjt}. adjutant.
adjacent ety C15: from Latin adjac*_ere to lie next to, from ad- near+ jac*_ere to lie
adjacent 1.
syl ad+ja+cent
pron <*1JAsNt>
pos adj.
def being near or close, esp. having a common boundary; adjoining; contiguous.
adjacent 2.
syl ad+ja+cent
pron <*1JAsNt>
pos n.
def the side lying between a specified angle and a right angle in a right-angled triangle.
adjacency sub
head adjacent
syl ad+1ja+cen+cy
pos n.
adjacently sub
head adjacent
syl ad+1ja+cent+ly
pos adv.
adjective ety C14: from Late Latin adject*_ivus attributive, from adjicere to throw to, add, from ad- to+ jacere to throw; in grammatical sense, from the Latin phrase n*_omen adject*_ivum attributive noun
adjective 1.a.
syl ad+jec+tive
pron <1@Jiktiv>
pos n.
def a word imputing a characteristic to a noun or pronoun.
adjective 1.b.
syl ad+jec+tive
pron <1@Jiktiv>
pos n.
usage as modifier; an adjective phrase.
def Abbrev.: {adj}.
adjective 2.
syl ad+jec+tive
pron <1@Jiktiv>
pos adj.
def additional or dependent.
adjective 3.
syl ad+jec+tive
pron <1@Jiktiv>
pos adj.
usage of law
def relating to court practice and procedure, as opposed to the principles of law dealt with by the courts. Compare {{substantive} (sense 7)}.
adjectival sub
head adjective
syl ad+jec+ti+val
pron <2@Jik1tIvL>
pos adj.
adjoin ety C14: via Old French from Latin adjungere, from ad- to+ jungere to join
adjoin 1.
syl ad+join
pron <*1Jcin>
pos vb.
def to be next to (an area of land, etc.).
adjoin 2.
syl ad+join
pron <*1Jcin>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage foll. by to
def to join; affix or attach.
adjoining 0.
syl ad+join+ing
pron <*1JciniG>
pos adj.
def being in contact; connected or neighbouring.
adjoint 0.
syl ad+joint
pron <1@d2Jcint>
pos n.
qual Maths.
def another name for {Hermitian conjugate}.
adjourn ety C14: from Old French ajourner to defer to an arranged day, from a- to+ jour day, from Late Latin diurnum, from Latin diurnus daily, from di*_es day
adjourn 1.
syl ad+journ
pron <*1JR:n>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage of a court, etc.
def to close at the end of a session.
adjourn 2.
syl ad+journ
pron <*1JR:n>
pos vb.
def to postpone or be postponed, esp. temporarily or to another place.
adjourn 3.
syl ad+journ
pron <*1JR:n>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to put off (a problem, discussion, etc.) for later consideration; defer.
adjourn 4.a.
syl ad+journ
pron <*1JR:n>
pos vb.
def to move elsewhere.
exam 1 let's adjourn to the kitchen.
adjourn 4.b.
syl ad+journ
pron <*1JR:n>
pos vb.
def to stop work.
adjournment sub
head adjourn
syl ad+1journ+ment
pos n.
adjt 0.
syl adjt.
qual abbrev. for
def adjutant.
adjudge ety C14: via Old French from Latin adj*_udic*_are. See #7adjudicate
adjudge 1.
syl ad+judge
pron <*1J^J>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually passive
def to pronounce formally; declare.
exam 1 he was adjudged the winner.
adjudge 2.a.
syl ad+judge
pron <*1J^J>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually passive
def to determine judicially; judge.
adjudge 2.b.
syl ad+judge
pron <*1J^J>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually passive
def to order or pronounce by law; decree.
exam 1 he was adjudged bankrupt.
adjudge 2.c.
syl ad+judge
pron <*1J^J>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually passive
def to award (costs, damages, etc.).
adjudge 3.
syl ad+judge
pron <*1J^J>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Archaic.
usage usually passive
def to sentence or condemn.
adjudicate ety C18: from Latin adj*_udic*_are to award something to someone, from ad- to+ j*_udic*_are to act as a judge, from j*_udex judge &- ad+@!ju+di+#!ca+tion n.
adjudicate 1.
syl ad+ju+di+cate
pron <*1Ju:di2kAt>
pos vb.
mod when; intr.
usage usually foll. by upon
def to decide (an issue) judicially; pass or sit in judgment.
adjudicate 2.
syl ad+ju+di+cate
pron <*1Ju:di2kAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Chess.
def to determine the likely result of (a game) by counting relative value of pieces, positional strength, etc.
adjudicate 3.
syl ad+ju+di+cate
pron <*1Ju:di2kAt>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to serve as a judge or arbiter, as in a competition.
adjunct ety C16: from Latin adjunctus, past participle of ad?!jungere to #7adjoin
adjunct 1.
syl ad+junct
pron <1@J^Gkt>
pos n.
def something incidental or not essential that is added to something else.
adjunct 2.
syl ad+junct
pron <1@J^Gkt>
pos n.
def a person who is subordinate to another.
adjunct 3.a.
syl ad+junct
pron <1@J^Gkt>
pos n.
def part of a sentence other than the subject or the predicate.
adjunct 3.b.
syl ad+junct
pron <1@J^Gkt>
pos n.
def part of a sentence that may be omitted without making the sentence ungrammatical; a modifier.
adjunct 4.
syl ad+junct
pron <1@J^Gkt>
pos n.
qual Logic.
def another name for { {accident} (sense 5)}.
adjunct 5.
syl ad+junct
pron <1@J^Gkt>
pos adj.
def added or connected in a secondary or subordinate position; auxiliary.
adjunctive sub
head adjunct
syl ad+junc+tive
pron <*1J^Gktiv>
pos adj.
adjunctly sub
head adjunct
syl ad+junct+ly
pos adv.
adjure ety C14: from Latin adj*_ur*_are to swear to, from ad- to+ j*_ur*_are to swear, from j*_us oath
adjure 1.
syl ad+jure
pron <*1Ju*>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to command, often by exacting an oath; charge.
adjure 2.
syl ad+jure
pron <*1Ju*>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to appeal earnestly to.
adjuration sub
head adjure
syl ad+ju+ra+tion
pron <2@Ju*1rAS*n>
pos n.
adjuratory sub
head adjure
syl ad+1jur:a+to:ry
pos adj.
adjurer sub
head adjure
or adjuror
syl ad+1jur+er
pos n.
adjuror sub
head adjure
or adjurer
syl ad+1ju+ror
pos n.
adjust ety C17: from Old French adjuster, from ad- to+ juste right, #7just
adjust 1.
syl ad+just
pron <*1J^st>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to alter slightly, esp. to achieve accuracy; regulate.
exam 1 to adjust the television.
adjust 2.
syl ad+just
pron <*1J^st>
pos vb.
def to adapt, as to a new environment, etc.
adjust 3.
syl ad+just
pron <*1J^st>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to put into order.
adjust 4.
syl ad+just
pron <*1J^st>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Insurance.
def to determine the amount payable in settlement of (a claim).
adjustable sub
head adjust
syl ad+1just+a:ble
pos adj.
adjustably sub
head adjust
syl ad+1just+a:bly
pos adv.
adjustment 1.
syl ad+just+ment
pron <*1J^stm*nt>
pos n.
def the act of adjusting or state of being adjusted.
adjustment 2.
syl ad+just+ment
pron <*1J^stm*nt>
pos n.
def a control for regulating.
exam 1 the adjustment for volume is beside the speaker.
adjutant ety C17: from Latin adj*_ut*_are to #7aid
adjutant 1.
syl ad+ju+tant
pron <1@J*t*nt>
pos n.
def an officer who acts as administrative assistant to a superior officer.
adjutant 2.
syl ad+ju+tant
pron <1@J*t*nt>
pos n.
def short for {adjutant bird}.
adjutancy sub
head adjutant
syl ad+ju+tan+cy
pos n.
stork alt
head adjutant bird
or adjutant bird
syl stork
pos n.
adjutant bird 0.
or stork
syl ad+ju+tant bird
pos n.
def either of two large carrion-eating storks, or which are closely related and similar to the marabou and occur in S and SE Asia.
adjutants general infl
head adjutant general
syl ad+ju+tants gen+er+al.
pos n.
mod pl.
adjutant general 1.a.
syl ad+ju+tant gen+er+al
pos n.
def the head of a department of the general staff.
adjutant general 1.b.
syl ad+ju+tant gen+er+al
pos n.
def a general's executive officer.
adjutant general 2.
syl ad+ju+tant gen+er+al
pos n.
qual U.S. Army.
def the adjutant of a military unit with general staff.
adjuvant ety C17: from Latin adjuv*_ans, present participle of adjuv*_are, from juv*_are to help
adjuvant 1.
syl ad+ju+vant
pron <1@J*v*nt>
pos adj.
def aiding or assisting.
adjuvant 2.
syl ad+ju+vant
pron <1@J*v*nt>
pos n.
def something that aids or assists; auxiliary.
Alfred infl
head Adler
syl Al:fred
pron <1alfrA:t>
pos n.
Adler 1.
syl Ad:ler
pron German <1adl*r>
pos n.
def 1870-1937, Austrian psychiatrist, noted for his descriptions of overcompensation and inferiority feelings.
Larry infl
head Adler
syl Lar:ry
pos n.
Adler 2.
syl Ad:ler
pron <1@dl*>
pos n.
def original name born 1914, U.S. harmonica player.
Adlerian sub
head Adler
syl Ad+ler+i:an
pron <@d1li*ri*n>
pos adj.
ad-lib ety C18: short for Latin ad libitum, literally: according to pleasure
ad-libs infl
head ad-lib
syl ad-libs
pos vb.
ad-libbing infl
head ad-lib
syl ad-lib:bing
pos vb.
ad-libbed infl
head ad-lib
syl ad-libbed.
pos vb.
ad-lib 1.
syl ad-lib
pron <@d1lib>
pos vb.
def to improvise and deliver spontaneously (a speech, musical performance, etc.). {~} ({ad lib} when predicative)
ad-lib 2.
syl ad-lib
pron <@d1lib>
pos vb.
def improvised; impromptu. {~} {ad lib}.
ad-lib 3.
syl ad-lib
pron <@d1lib>
pos vb.
def spontaneously; freely.
ad-lib 4.
syl ad-lib
pron <@d1lib>
pos n.
def an improvised performance, often humorous.
ad-libber sub
head ad-lib
syl ad-1lib:ber
pos n.
ad litem 0.
syl ad li+tem
pron Latin. <@d> <1lItem>
pos adj.
usage esp. of a guardian
def appoint?!ed for a lawsuit.
Adm 1.
syl Adm.
qual abbrev. for:
def Admiral.
Adm 2.
syl Adm.
qual abbrev. for:
def Admiralty.
admen infl
head adman
syl ad+men.
pos n.
mod pl.
adman 0.
syl ad+man
pron <1@d2m@n>, <-m*n>
pos n.
qual Informal.
def a person who works in advertising.
admass ety C20: from #7ad %1 + #7mass
admass 0.
syl ad+mass
pron <1@dm@s>
pos n.
def the section of the public that is susceptible or responsive to advertising, publicity, etc.
admeasure ety Cl4 amesuren, from Old French amesurer, from mesurer to #7measure ; the modern form derives from #7ad -#7+measure
admeasure 1.
syl ad+meas+ure
pron <@d1meZ*>
pos vb.
def to measure out (land, etc.) as a share; apportion.
admeasure 2.
syl ad+meas+ure
pron <@d1meZ*>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to determine the dimensions, capacity, weight, and other details of (a vessel), as for an official registration, documentation, or yacht handicap rating.
admeasurement sub
head admeasure
syl ad+1meas+ure+ment
pos n.
Admetus 0.
syl Ad:me:tus
pron <@d1mEt*s>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def a king of Thessaly, one of the Argonauts, who was married to Alcestis.
admin 0.
syl ad+min
pron <1@dmin>
pos n.
qual Informal.
def short for {administration}.
adminicle ety C16: from Latin adminiculum support
adminicle 0.
syl ad+min:i+cle
pron <@d1minikL>
pos n.
qual Law.
def something contributing to prove a point without itself being complete proof.
administer ety C14 amynistre via Old French from Latin administrare, from ad- to+ ministr*_are to #7minister
administer 1.
syl ad+min+is+ter
pron <*d1minist*>
pos vb.
mod also; intr.
def to direct or control (the affairs of a business, government, etc.).
administer 2.
syl ad+min+is+ter
pron <*d1minist*>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to put into execution; dispense.
exam 1 administer justice.
administer 3.
syl ad+min+is+ter
pron <*d1minist*>
pos vb.
mod when; intr.
usage foll. by to
def to give or apply (medicine, assistance, etc.) as a remedy or relief.
administer 4.
syl ad+min+is+ter
pron <*d1minist*>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to apply formally; perform.
exam 1 to administer extreme unction.
administer 5.
syl ad+min+is+ter
pron <*d1minist*>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to supervise or impose the taking of (an oath, etc.).
administer 6.
syl ad+min+is+ter
pron <*d1minist*>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to manage or distribute (an estate, property, etc.).
administrate 0.
syl ad+min+is+trate
pron <*d1mini2strAt>
pos vb.
def to manage or direct (the affairs of a business, institution, etc.).
administration 1.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tion
pron <*d2mini1strAS*n>
pos n.
def management of the affairs of an organization, such as a business or institution.
administration 2.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tion
pron <*d2mini1strAS*n>
pos n.
def the duties of an administrator.
administration 3.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tion
pron <*d2mini1strAS*n>
pos n.
def the body of people who administer an organization.
administration 4.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tion
pron <*d2mini1strAS*n>
pos n.
def the conduct of the affairs of government.
administration 5.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tion
pron <*d2mini1strAS*n>
pos n.
def term of office: often used of presidents, governments, etc.
administration 6.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tion
pron <*d2mini1strAS*n>
pos n.
def the executive branch of government along with the public service; the government as a whole.
administration 7.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tion
pron <*d2mini1strAS*n>
pos n.
qual Chiefly U.S.
usage often cap.
def the political executive, esp. of the U.S.; the government.
administration 8.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tion
pron <*d2mini1strAS*n>
pos n.
qual Chiefly U.S.
def a government board, agency, authority, etc.
administration 9.a.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tion
pron <*d2mini1strAS*n>
pos n.
def the conduct or disposal of the estate of a deceased person.
administration 9.b.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tion
pron <*d2mini1strAS*n>
pos n.
def the management by a trustee of an estate subject to a trust.
administration 10.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tion
pron <*d2mini1strAS*n>
pos n.
def something administered, such as a sacrament, oath, or medical treatment.
administrative sub
head administration
syl ad+1min+is+tra+tive
pos adj.
administratively sub
head administration
syl ad+1min+is+tra+tive+ly
pos adv.
administrator 1.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tor
pron <*d1mini2strAt*>
pos n.
def a person who administers the affairs of an organization, official body, etc.
administrator 2.
syl ad+min+is+tra+tor
pron <*d1mini2strAt*>
pos n.
qual Property law.
def a person authorized to manage an estate, esp. when the owner has died intestate or without having appointed executors.
administratrix sub
head administrator
syl ad+2min+is+1tra+trix
pos n.
mod fem.
admirable 0.
syl ad+mi+ra:ble
pron <1@dm*r*bL>
pos adj.
def deserving or inspiring admiration; excellent.
admirably sub
head admirable
syl ad+mi+ra:bly
pos adv.
admiral ety C13 amyral, from Old French amiral emir, and from Medieval Latin adm*_ir*_alis (the spelling with d probably influenced by adm*_ir*_abilis admirable); both from Arabic am*_ir emir, commander, esp. in the phrase am*_ir-al command?!er of, as in am*_ir-al-bahr command?!er of the sea
admiral 1.
syl ad+mi+ral
pron <1@dm*r*l>
pos n.
def the supreme commander of a fleet or navy.
admiral 2.
syl ad+mi+ral
pron <1@dm*r*l>
pos n.
def Also called: {admiral of the fleet, fleet admiral}. a naval officer of the highest rank, equivalent to general of the army or field marshal.
admiral 3.
syl ad+mi+ral
pron <1@dm*r*l>
pos n.
def a senior naval officer entitled to fly his own flag. See also {rear admiral, vice admiral}.
admiral 4.
syl ad+mi+ral
pron <1@dm*r*l>
pos n.
qual Chiefly Brit.
def the master of a fishing fleet.
admiral 5.
syl ad+mi+ral
pron <1@dm*r*l>
pos n.
def any of various nymphalid butterflies, esp. the red admiral or white admiral.
admiralship sub
head admiral
syl ad+mi+ral+2ship
pos n.
admiralties infl
head admiralty
syl ad+mi+ral+ties.
pos n.
mod pl.
admiralty 1.
syl ad+mi+ral+ty
pron <1@dm*r*lti>
pos n.
def the office or jurisdiction of an admiral.
admiralty 2.a.
syl ad+mi+ral+ty
pron <1@dm*r*lti>
pos n.
def jurisdiction over naval affairs.
admiralty 2.b.
syl ad+mi+ral+ty
pron <1@dm*r*lti>
pos n.
usage as modifier
exam 1 admiralty law.
Admiralthe infl
head Admiralty Board
syl Ad+mi+ral+the.
pos n.
Admiralty Board 0.
syl Ad+mi+ral+ty Board
pos n.
def a department of the British Ministry of Defence, responsible for the administration and planning of the Royal Navy.
Admiralty House 0.
syl Ad+mi+ral+ty House
pos n.
def the official residence of the governor general of Australia, in Sydney.
Admiralty Islands 0.
syl Ad+mi+ral+ty Is+lands
pos n.
mod pl.
def a group of about 40 volcanic and coral islands in the SW Pacific, part of Papua New Guinea, in the Bismarck Archipelago: main island: Manus. Pop.: 20647 (1966). Area: about 2000 sq. km (800 sq. miles). Also called: {Admiralties}.
Admiralty mile 0.
syl Ad+mi+ral+ty mile
pos n.
def another name for {nautical mile}.
Admiralty Range 0.
syl Ad+mi+ral+ty Range
pos n.
def a mountain range in Antarctica, on the coast of Victoria Land, northwest of the Ross Sea.
admiration 1.
syl ad+mi+ra+tion
pron <2@dm*1rAS*n>
pos n.
def pleasurable contemplation or surprise.
admiration 2.
syl ad+mi+ra+tion
pron <2@dm*1rAS*n>
pos n.
def a person or thing that is admired.
exam 1 she was the admiration of the court.
admiration 3.
syl ad+mi+ra+tion
pron <2@dm*1rAS*n>
pos n.
qual Archaic.
def wonder.
admire ety C16: from Latin adm*_ir*_ari to wonder at, from ad- to, at+ m*_ir*_ari to wonder, from m*_irus wonderful
admire 1.
syl ad+mire
pron <*d1mI*>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to regard with esteem, respect, approval, or pleased surprise.
admire 2.
syl ad+mire
pron <*d1mI*>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Archaic.
def to wonder at.
admiringly sub
head admire
syl ad+1mir+ing+ly
pos adv.
admissible 1.
syl ad+mis+si:ble
pron <*d1mis*bL>
pos adj.
def able or deserving to be considered or allowed.
admissible 2.
syl ad+mis+si:ble
pron <*d1mis*bL>
pos adj.
def deserving to be admitted or allowed to enter.
admissible 3.
syl ad+mis+si:ble
pron <*d1mis*bL>
pos adj.
usage Law. esp. of evidence
def capable of being or bound to be admitted in a court of law.
admissibility sub
head admissible
or admissibleness
syl ad+2mis+si:1bil+i:ty
pos n.
admissibleness sub
head admissible
or admissibility
syl ad+1mis+si:ble+ness
pos n.
admission ety C15: from Latin admissi*_on-, from admittere to #7admit
admission 1.
syl ad+mis+sion
pron <*d1miS*n>
pos n.
def permission to enter or the right, authority, etc., to enter.
admission 2.
syl ad+mis+sion
pron <*d1miS*n>
pos n.
def the price charged for entrance.
admission 3.
syl ad+mis+sion
pron <*d1miS*n>
pos n.
def acceptance for a position, office, etc.
admission 4.
syl ad+mis+sion
pron <*d1miS*n>
pos n.
def a confession, as of a crime, mistake, etc.
admission 5.
syl ad+mis+sion
pron <*d1miS*n>
pos n.
def an acknowledgment of the truth or validity of something.
admissive sub
head admission
syl ad+1mis+sive
pos adj.
admit ety C14: from Latin admittere to let come or go to, from ad- to+ mittere to send
admits infl
head admit
syl ad+mits
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
admitting infl
head admit
syl ad+mit+ting
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
admitted infl
head admit
syl ad+mit+ted.
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
admit 1.
syl ad+mit
pron <*d1mit>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
usage may take a clause as object
def to confess or acknowledge (a crime, mistake, etc.).
admit 2.
syl ad+mit
pron <*d1mit>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
usage may take a clause as object
def to concede (the truth or validity of something).
admit 3.
syl ad+mit
pron <*d1mit>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to allow to enter; let in.
admit 4.
syl ad+mit
pron <*d1mit>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
usage foll. by to
def to allow participation (in) or the right to be part (of).
exam 1 to admit to the profession.
admit 5.
syl ad+mit
pron <*d1mit>
pos vb.
mod when; intr.
usage foll. by of
def to allow (of); leave room (for).
admit 6.
syl ad+mit
pron <*d1mit>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to give access.
exam 1 the door admits onto the lawn.
admittance 1.
syl ad+mit+tance
pron <*d1mitNs>
pos n.
def the right or authority to enter.
admittance 2.
syl ad+mit+tance
pron <*d1mitNs>
pos n.
def the act of giving entrance.
admittance 3.
syl ad+mit+tance
pron <*d1mitNs>
pos n.
def the reciprocal of impedance, usually measured in reciprocal ohms or siemens. It can be expressed as a complex quantity, the real part of which is the conductance and the imaginary part the susceptance. Symbol.
exam 1 y
admittedly 0.
syl ad+mit+ted+ly
pron <*d1mitidli>
pos adv.
usage sentence modifier
def willingly conceded.
exam 1 admittedly I am afraid.
admix ety C16: back formation from obsolete admixt, from Latin adm*_isc*_ere to mix with
admix 0.
syl ad+mix
pron <*d1miks>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Rare.
def to mix or blend.
admixture 1.
syl ad+mix+ture
pron <*d1miksC*>
pos n.
def a less common word for {mixture}.
admixture 2.
syl ad+mix+ture
pron <*d1miksC*>
pos n.
def anything added in mixing; ingredient.
admonish ety C14: via Old French from Vulgar Latin admonest*_are (unattested), from Latin admon*_ere to put one in mind of, from mon*_ere to advise
admonish 1.
syl ad+mon+ish
pron <*d1moniS>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to reprove firmly but not harshly.
admonish 2.
syl ad+mon+ish
pron <*d1moniS>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to advise to do or against doing something; warn; caution.
admonisher sub
head admonish
or admonitor
syl ad+1mon+ish+er
pos n.
admonitor sub
head admonish
or admonisher
syl ad+1mon:i+tor
pos n.
admonition sub
head admonish
syl ad+mo+ni+tion
pron <2@dm*1niS*n>
pos n.
admonitory sub
head admonish
syl ad+1mon:i+to:ry
pos adj.
adnate ety C17: from Latin adn*_atus, a variant form of agn*_atus #7agnate
adnate 0.
syl ad+nate
pron <1@dnAt>
pos adj.
qual Botany.
def growing closely attached to an adjacent part or organ.
ad nauseam ety Latin: to (the point of) nausea
ad nauseam 0.
syl ad nau+se:am
pron <@d> <1nc:zi2@m>, <-si->
pos adv.
def to a disgusting extent.
adnominal 1.
syl ad+nom:i+nal
pron <*d1nominL>
pos n.
qual Grammar.
def a word modifying a noun.
adnominal 2.
syl ad+nom:i+nal
pron <*d1nominL>
pos adj.
qual Grammar.
def of or relating to an adnoun.
adnoun ety C18: from Latin ad to+#7noun, formed on the model of #7adverb
adnoun 0.
syl ad+noun
pron <1@dnaun>
pos n.
def an adjective used as a noun; absolute adjective.
ado ety C14: from the phrase at do a to-do, from Old Norse at to (marking the infinitive)+#7do %1
ado 0.
syl a:do
pron <*1du:>
pos n.
def bustling activity; fuss; bother; delay (esp. in the phrases {without more ado, with much ado) }.
adobe ety C19: from Spanish
adobe 1.a.
syl a:do+be
pron <*1d*ubi>
pos n.
def a sun-dried brick used for building.
adobe 1.b.
syl a:do+be
pron <*1d*ubi>
pos n.
usage as modifier
exam 1 an adobe house.
adobe 2.
syl a:do+be
pron <*1d*ubi>
pos n.
def a building constructed of such bricks.
adobe 3.
syl a:do+be
pron <*1d*ubi>
pos n.
def the clayey material from which such bricks are made.
adobe flat 0.
syl a:do+be flat
pos n.
qual Chiefly U.S.
def a gently sloping clayey plain formed by a short-lived stream or flood water.
adolescence ety C15: via Old French from Latin adol*_escentia, from adol*_escere to grow up, from al*_escere to grow, from al*_ere to feed, nourish
adolescence 0.
syl ad:o+les+cence
pron <2@d*1les*ns>
pos n.
def the period in human development that occurs between the beginning of puberty and adulthood.
adolescent 1.
syl ad:o+les+cent
pron <2@d*1lesNt>
pos adj.
def of or relating to adoles?!cence.
adolescent 2.
syl ad:o+les+cent
pron <2@d*1lesNt>
pos adj.
qual Informal.
def behaving in an immature way; puerile.
adolescent 3.
syl ad:o+les+cent
pron <2@d*1lesNt>
pos n.
def an adolescent person.
Adonai ety C15: from Hebrew: lord; compare A#7donis
Adonai 0.
syl Ad:o:nai
pron <2@do1nI>, <-1nAI>
pos n.
qual Judaism.
def a name for God.
Adonic 1.
syl A:don+ic
pron <*1d*unik>
pos adj.
usage in classical prosody
def of or relating to a verse line consisting of a dactyl (*_ *u *u ) followed by a spondee (*_ *_ ) or by a trochee (*_ *_ *u ), thought to have been first used in laments for Adonis.
Adonic 2.
syl A:don+ic
pron <*1d*unik>
pos adj.
def of or relating to Adonis.
Adonic 3.
syl A:don+ic
pron <*1d*unik>
pos n.
def an Adonic line or verse.
Adonis ety C16: from Latin, via Greek Ad*_onis from Phoenician ad*_oni my lord, a title of the god Tammuz; related to Hebrew A#7donai
Adonis 1.
syl A:do:nis
pron <*1d*unis>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def a handsome youth loved by Aphrodite. Killed by a wild boar, he was believed to spend part of the year in the underworld and part on earth, symbolizing the vegetative cycle.
Adonis 2.
syl A:do:nis
pron <*1d*unis>
pos n.
def a handsome young man.
adopt ety C16: from Latin adopt*_are to choose for oneself, from opt*_are to choose &- a@.#!dop+tion n.
adopt 1.
syl a:dopt
pron <*1dopt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Law.
def to bring (a person) into a specific relationship, esp. to take (another's child) as one's own child.
adopt 2.
syl a:dopt
pron <*1dopt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to choose and follow (a plan, technique, etc.).
adopt 3.
syl a:dopt
pron <*1dopt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to take over (an idea, etc.) as if it were one's own.
adopt 4.
syl a:dopt
pron <*1dopt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to take on; assume.
exam 1 to adopt a title.
adopt 5.
syl a:dopt
pron <*1dopt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to accept (a report, etc.).
adopted 0.
syl a:dopt+ed
pron <*1doptid>
pos adj.
def having been adopted; fostered.
exam 1 an adopted child.
adoptive 0.
syl a:dop+tive
pron <*1doptiv>
pos adj.
def due to adoption; foster.
exam 1 an adoptive parent.
adorable 1.
syl a:dor+a:ble
pron <*1dc:r*bL>
pos adj.
def very attractive; charming; lovable.
adorable 2.
syl a:dor+a:ble
pron <*1dc:r*bL>
pos adj.
qual Becoming rare.
def deserving or eliciting adoration.
adorably sub
head adorable
syl a:1dor+a:bly
pos adv.
adoration 1.
syl ad:o+ra+tion
pron <2@d*1rAS*n>
pos n.
def deep love or esteem.
adoration 2.
syl ad:o+ra+tion
pron <2@d*1rAS*n>
pos n.
def the act of worshipping.
adore ety Cl5: via French from Latin ad*_or*_are, from ad- to+ *_or*_are to pray
adore 1.
syl a:dore
pron <*1dc:>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to love intensely or deeply.
adore 2.
syl a:dore
pron <*1dc:>
pos vb.
def to worship (a god) with religious rites.
adore 3.
syl a:dore
pron <*1dc:>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Informal.
def to like very much.
exam 1 I adore chocolate.
adorer sub
head adore
syl a:1dor+er
pos n.
adoringly sub
head adore
syl a:1dor+ing+ly
pos adv.
adorn ety C14: via Old French from Latin ad*_orn*_are, from *_orn*_are to furnish, prepare
adorn 1.
syl a:dorn
pron <*1dc:n>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to decorate.
exam 1 she adorned her hair with flowers.
adorn 2.
syl a:dorn
pron <*1dc:n>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to increase the beauty, distinction, etc., of.
adornment sub
head adorn
syl a:1dorn+ment
pos n.
Adowa 0.
syl A:do+wa
pron <1a:du2wa:>
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {Aduwa}.
ADP 0.
syl ADP
pos n.
qual Biochem.
def adenosine diphosphate; a nucleotide derived from ATP with the liberation of energy that is then used in the performance of muscular work.
ADP 0.
syl A.D.P.
qual abbrev. for
def automatic data processing.
Adrastus 0.
syl A:dras:tus
pron <*1dr@st*s>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def a king of Argos and leader of the Seven against Thebes of whom he was the sole survivor.
ad rem 0.
syl ad rem
pron Latin. <@d> <1rem>
pos adj. adv.
def to the point; without digression.
exam 1 to reply ad rem;
exam 2 an ad rem discussion.
adrenal ety C19: from #7ad - (near)+#7renal
adrenal 1.
syl ad+re+nal
pron <*1drEnL>
pos adj.
def on or near the kidneys.
adrenal 2.
syl ad+re+nal
pron <*1drEnL>
pos adj.
def of or relating to the adrenal glands or their secretions.
adrenal 3.
syl ad+re+nal
pron <*1drEnL>
pos n.
def an adrenal gland.
adrenal gland 0.
syl ad+re+nal gland
pos n.
def an endocrine gland at the anterior end of each kidney. Its medulla secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline and its cortex secretes several steroid hormones. Also called: {suprarenal gland}.
Adrenalin 0.
syl A:dren:a+lin
pron <*1dren*lin>
pos n.
qual Trademark.
def a brand of {adrenaline}.
adrenaline 0.
syl a:dren:a+line
pron <*1dren*lin>, <-2lEn>
pos n.
def a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress and increases heart rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure, and raises the blood levels of glucose and lipids. It is extracted from animals or synthesized for such medical uses as the treatment of asthma. Chemical name: aminohydroxyphenylpropionic acid; formula: C\9H\1\3NO\3. U.S. name: {epinephrine}.
adrenal insufficiency 0.
syl ad+re+nal in+suf+fi+cien+cy
pos n.
def another name for {Addison's disease}.
adrenergic ety C20: #7adrena?!line+ Greek ergon work
adrenergic 0.
syl ad+ren+er+gic
pron <2@dr*1nR:Jik>
pos adj.
def releasing or activated by adrenaline or an adrenaline-like substance.
adrenocorticotrophic alt
head adrenocorticotropic
or adrenocorticotropic
syl a:dre+no+cor?!+ti+co+troph+ic
pron <*2drEn*u2kc:t*k*u1trofik>
pos adj.
adrenocorticotropic 0.
or adrenocorticotrophic
syl a:dre+no+cor+ti+co+trop+ic
pron <*2drEn*u2kc:t*k*u1tropik>
pos adj.
def stimulating the adrenal cortex.
adrenocorticotropic hormone 0.
syl a:dre+no+cor+ti+co+trop+ic hor+mone
pos n.
def the full name of {ACTH}.
Edgar Douglas infl
head Adrian
syl Ed:gar Doug:las
pos n.
Adrian 0.
syl A:dri:an
pron <1Adri*n>
pos n.
def Baron Adrian. born 1889, English physiologist, noted particularly for his research into the function of neurons: shared with Sherrington the Nobel prize for medicine (1932).
Adrian IV 0.
syl A:dri:an IV
pos n.
def original name ??1100-59, the only English pope (1154-59).
Adrianopolis alt
head Adrianople
or Adrianople
syl A:dri:a+nop:o+lis
pron <2Adri*?!1nop*lis>
pos n.
Adrianople 0.
or Adrianopolis
syl A:dri+an:o+ple
pron <2Adri*1n*upL>
pos n.
def former names of {Edirne}.
Adriatic 1.
syl A:dri+at+ic
pron <2Adri1@tik>
pos adj.
def of or relating to the Adriatic Sea, or to the inhabitants of its coast or islands.
Adriathe 2.
head Adriatic
syl A:dri+athe.
def short for the {Adriatic Sea}.
Adriatic Sea 0.
syl A:dri+at+ic Sea
pos n.
def an arm of the Mediterranean between Italy and Yugoslavia.
adrift 1.
syl a:drift
pron <*1drift>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def floating without steering or mooring; drifting.
adrift 2.
syl a:drift
pron <*1drift>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def without purpose; aimless.
adrift 3.
syl a:drift
pron <*1drift>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
qual Informal.
def off course or amiss.
exam 1 the project went adrift.
adroit ety C17: from French *`a droit according to right, rightly
adroit 1.
syl a:droit
pron <*1drcit>
pos adj.
def skilful or dexterous.
adroit 2.
syl a:droit
pron <*1drcit>
pos adj.
def quick in thought or reaction.
adroitly sub
head adroit
syl a:1droit+ly
pos adv.
adroitness sub
head adroit
syl a:1droit+ness
pos n.
adscititious ety C17: from Latin adsc*_itus admitted (from outside), from adsc*_iscere to admit, from sc*_iscere to seek to know, from sc*_ire to know. See -#7itious
adscititious 0.
syl ad+sci+ti+tious
pron <2@dsi1tiS*s>
pos adj.
def added or supplemental; additional.
adscititiously sub
head adscititious
syl ad+sci+1ti+tious+ly
pos adv.
adscription 0.
syl ad+scrip+tion
pron <*d1skripS*n>
pos n.
def a less common word for {ascription}.
adsorb ety C19: #7ad -#7+ -sorb as in #7absorb
adsorb 0.
syl ad+sorb
pron <*d1sc:b>, <-1zc:b>
pos vb.
def to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which a substance, usually a gas, accumulates on the surface of a solid forming a thin film, often only one molecule thick.
exam 1 to adsorb hydrogen on nickel;
exam 2 oxygen adsorbs on tungsten.
adsorbable sub
head adsorb
syl ad+1sorb+a:ble
pos adj.
adsorbability sub
head adsorb
syl ad+2sorb+a:1bil+i:ty
pos n.
adsorption sub
head adsorb
syl ad+1sorp+tion
pos n.
adsorbate 0.
syl ad+sorb+ate
pron <*d1sc:bAt>, <-bit>, <-1zc:->
pos n.
def a substance that has been or is to be adsorbed on a surface.
adsorbent 1.
syl ad+sor+bent
pron <*d1sc:b*nt>, <-1zc:->
pos adj.
def capable of adsorption.
adsorbent 2.
syl ad+sor+bent
pron <*d1sc:b*nt>, <-1zc:->
pos n.
def a material, such as activated charcoal, on which adsorption can occur.
adsuki bean 0.
syl ad+su+ki bean
pron <@d1su:ki>, <-1zu:->
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {adzuki bean}.
adularia ety C18: via Italian from French adulaire, after Adula, a group of mountains in Switzerland
adularia 0.
syl ad:u+lar:i:a
pron <2@dju1le*ri*>
pos n.
def a white or colourless glassy variety of orthoclase in the form of prismatic crystals. It occurs in metamorphic rocks and is a minor gemstone. Formula: KAlSi\3O\8.
adulate ety C17: back formation from C15 adulation, from Latin ad*_ul*_ari to flatter &- @!ad@.u+#!la+tion n. ?- #!ad@.u+@!la+tor n.
adulate 0.
syl ad:u+late
pron <1@dju2lAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to flatter or praise obsequiously.
adulatory sub
head adulate
syl ad:u+la+to:ry
pron <2@dju1lAt*ri>, <1@dju2lAt*ri>
pos adj.
Adullamite ety C19: originally applied to members of the British House of Commons who withdrew from the Liberal party (1866); alluding to the cave of Abdullam in the Bible, to which David and others fled (1 Samuel 22: 1-2)
Adullamite 0.
syl A:dul+la+mite
pron <*1d^l*2mIt>
pos n.
def a person who has withdrawn from a political group and joined with a few others to form a dissident group.
adult ety C16: from Latin adultus, from adol*_escere to grow up, from al*_escere to grow, from al*_ere to feed, nourish
adult 1.
syl a:dult
pron <1@d^lt>, <*1d^lt>
pos adj.
def having reached maturity; fully developed.
adult 2.
syl a:dult
pron <1@d^lt>, <*1d^lt>
pos adj.
def of or intended for mature people.
exam 1 adult education;
exam 2 adult films.
adult 3.
syl a:dult
pron <1@d^lt>, <*1d^lt>
pos n.
def a person who has attained maturity; a grownup.
adult 4.
syl a:dult
pron <1@d^lt>, <*1d^lt>
pos n.
def a mature fully grown animal or plant.
adult 5.
syl a:dult
pron <1@d^lt>, <*1d^lt>
pos n.
qual Law.
def a person who has attained the age of legal majority (18 years for most purposes). Compare {infant}.
adulthood sub
head adult
syl a:1dult+hood
pos n.
adulterant 1.
syl a:dul+ter+ant
pron <*1d^lt*r*nt>
pos n.
def a substance or ingredient that adulterates.
adulterant 2.
syl a:dul+ter+ant
pron <*1d^lt*r*nt>
pos adj.
def adulterating.
adulterate ety C16: from Latin adulter*_are to corrupt, commit adultery, probably from alter another, hence to approach another, commit adultery
adulterate 1.
syl a:dul+ter+ate
pron <*1d^lt*2rAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to debase by adding inferior material.
exam 1 to adulterate milk with water.
adulterate 2.
syl a:dul+ter+ate
pron <*1d^lt*rit>, <-2rAt>
pos adj.
def adulterated; debased or impure.
adulterate 3.
syl a:dul+ter+ate
pron <*1d^lt*rit>, <-2rAt>
pos adj.
def a less common word for {adulterous}.
adulteration sub
head adulterate
syl a:2dul+ter:1a+tion
pos n.
adulterator sub
head adulterate
syl a:1dul+ter:2a+tor
pos n.
adulterer ety C16: originally also adulter, from Latin adulter, back formation from adulter*_are to #7adulterate
adulteress alt
head adulterer
or adulterer
syl a:dul+ter+ess
pos n.
mod fem.
adulterer 0.
or adulteress
syl a:dul+ter+er
pron <*1d^lt*r*>
pos n.
def a person who has committed adultery.
adulterine 1.
syl a:dul+ter+ine
pron <*1d^lt*rin>, <-2rEn>, <-2rIn>
pos adj.
def of or made by adulteration; fake.
adulterine 2.
syl a:dul+ter+ine
pron <*1d^lt*rin>, <-2rEn>, <-2rIn>
pos adj.
def conceived in adultery.
exam 1 an adulterine child.
adulterous 1.
syl a:dul+ter+ous
pron <*1d^lt*r*s>
pos adj.
def of, characterized by, or inclined to adultery.
adulterous 2.
syl a:dul+ter+ous
pron <*1d^lt*r*s>
pos adj.
def an obsolete word for { {adulterate} (sense 2)}.
adulterously sub
head adulterous
syl a:1dul+ter+ous+ly
pos adv.
adultery ety C15 adulterie, altered (as if directly from Latin adulterium) from C14 avoutrie, via Old French from Latin adulterium, from adulter, back formation from adulter*_are. See #7adulterate
adulteries infl
head adultery
syl a:dul+ter:ies.
pos n.
mod pl.
adultery 0.
syl a:dul+ter:y
pron <*1d^lt*ri>
pos n.
def voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man or woman and partner other than the legal spouse.
adumbral ety C19: from #7ad - (in the sense: in)+Latin umbra shadow
adumbral 0.
syl ad+um+bral
pron <@d1^mbr*l>
pos adj.
qual Usually poetic.
def shadowy.
adumbrate ety C16: from Latin adumbr*_atus represented only in outline, from adumbr*_are to cast a shadow on, from umbra shadow
adumbrate 1.
syl ad+um+brate
pron <1@d^m2brAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to outline; give a faint indication of.
adumbrate 2.
syl ad+um+brate
pron <1@d^m2brAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to foreshadow.
adumbrate 3.
syl ad+um+brate
pron <1@d^m2brAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to overshadow; obscure.
adumbration sub
head adumbrate
syl ad+um+1bra+tion
pos n.
adumbrative sub
head adumbrate
syl ad+um+bra+tive
pron <@d1^mbr*tiv>
pos adj.
adumbratively sub
head adumbrate
syl ad+1um+bra+tive+ly
pos adv.
adust ety C14 (in the sense: gloomy): from Latin ad*_ustus, from ad*_urere to set fire to, from *_urere to burn
adust 1.
syl a:dust
pron <*1d^st>
pos adj.
qual Archaic.
def dried up or darkened by heat; burnt or scorched.
adust 2.
syl a:dust
pron <*1d^st>
pos adj.
qual Archaic.
def gloomy or melancholy.
Adowa alt
head Aduwa
or Aduwa
syl A:do+wa
pron <1a:du2wa:>
pos n.
Aduwa 0.
or Adowa
syl A:du+wa
pron <1a:du2wa:>
pos n.
def a town in N Ethiopia: Emperor Menelik II defeated the Italians here in 1896. Pop.: 16430 (1971 est.). Italian name: {A@.du@.a} (a#!dua).
adv ety Latin: against
adv 1.
syl adv.
qual abbrev. for:
def adverb.
adv 2.
syl adv.
qual abbrev. for:
def adverbial.
adv 3.
syl adv.
qual abbrev. for:
def adversus.
adv 4.
syl adv.
qual abbrev. for:
def advertisement.
adv 5.
syl adv.
qual abbrev. for:
def advocate.
ad val 0.
syl ad val.
qual abbrev. for
def ad valorem.
ad valorem ety from Latin
ad valorem 0.
syl ad va+lo+rem
pron <@d>
pos adj. adv.
usage of taxes
def in proportion to the estimated value of the goods taxed. Abbrev.: {ad val}.
advance ety C15 advauncen, altered (on the model of words beginning with Latin ad-) from C13 avauncen, via Old French from Latin abante from before, from ab- away from+ ante before
advance 1.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos vb.
def to go or bring forward in position.
advance 2.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos vb.
usage foll. by on
def to move (towards) in a threatening manner.
advance 3.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to present for consideration; suggest.
advance 4.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos vb.
def to bring or be brought to a further stage of development; improve; further.
advance 5.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to cause (an event) to occur earlier.
advance 6.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to supply (money, goods, etc.) beforehand, either for a loan or as an initial payment.
advance 7.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos vb.
def to increase (a price, value, rate of occurrence, etc.) or (of a price, etc.) to be increased.
advance 8.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to improve one's position; be promoted.
exam 1 he advanced rapidly in his job.
advance 9.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Archaic.
def to promote in rank, status, or position.
advance 10.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos n.
def forward movement; progress in time or space.
advance 11.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos n.
def improvement; progress in development.
advance 12.a.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos n.
def the supplying of commodities or funds before receipt of an agreed consideration.
advance 12.b.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos n.
def the commodities or funds supplied in this manner.
advance 12.c.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos n.
usage as modifier
exam 1 an advance supply.
advance 13.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos n.
def Also called: {advance payment}. a money payment made before it is legally due.
advance 14.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos n.
def increase in price, value, rate of occurrence, etc.
advance 15.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos n.
def a less common word for { {advancement} (sense 1)}.
advance 16.a.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos n.
def beforehand.
exam 1 payment in advance.
advance 16.b.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos n.
usage foll. by of
def ahead in time or development.
exam 1 ideas in advance of the time.
advance 17.
syl ad+vance
pron <*d1va:ns>
pos n.
usage modifier
def forward in position or time.
exam 1 advance booking;
exam 2 an advance warning.
advancer sub
head advance
syl ad+1vanc+er
pos n.
advancingly sub
head advance
syl ad+1vanc+ing+ly
pos adv.
advanced 1.
syl ad+vanced
pron <*d1va:nst>
pos adj.
def being ahead in development, knowledge, progress, etc..
exam 1 advanced studies.
advanced 2.
syl ad+vanced
pron <*d1va:nst>
pos adj.
def having reached a comparatively late stage.
exam 1 a man of advanced age.
advanced 3.
syl ad+vanced
pron <*d1va:nst>
pos adj.
def ahead of the times.
exam 1 advanced views on religion.
advanced gas-cooled reactor 0.
syl ad+vanced gas-cooled re+ac+tor
pos n.
def a nuclear reactor using carbon dioxide as the coolant, graphite as the moderator, and ceramic uranium dioxide cased in stainless steel as the fuel. Abbrev.: {AGR}
advance guard 1.
syl ad+vance guard
pos n.
def a military unit sent ahead of an advanc?!ing formation to ensure its progress, etc.
advance guard 2.
syl ad+vance guard
pos n.
def Also called: {ad?!vanced guard}. another name for {avant-garde}.
advancement 1.
syl ad+vance+ment
pron <*d1va:nsm*nt>
pos n.
def promotion in rank, status, etc.; preferment.
advancement 2.
syl ad+vance+ment
pron <*d1va:nsm*nt>
pos n.
def a less common word for { {advance} (senses 10, 11)}.
advancement 3.
syl ad+vance+ment
pron <*d1va:nsm*nt>
pos n.
qual Property law.
def the transfer during the life of a testator of money or property to a person (usually a child) to which the person is entitled.
advance poll 0.
syl ad+vance poll
pos n.
usage Canadian. in an election
def a poll held prior to election day to permit voters who expect to be absent then to cast their ballots.
advances 0.
syl ad+vanc:es
pron <*d1va:nsiz>
pos n.
mod pl. sometimes; sing.
usage often foll. by to or towards
def personal overtures made in an attempt to become friendly, gain a favour, etc.
advantage ety C14 avantage (later altered to advantage on the model of words beginning with Latin ad-) , from Old French avant before, from Latin abante from before, away. See #7advance
advantage 1.
syl ad+van+tage
pron <*d1va:ntiJ>
pos n.
usage often foll. by over or of
def superior or more favourable position or power.
exam 1 he had an advantage over me because of his experience.
advantage 2.
syl ad+van+tage
pron <*d1va:ntiJ>
pos n.
def benefit or profit (esp. in the phrase {to one's advantage) }.
advantage 3.a.
syl ad+van+tage
pron <*d1va:ntiJ>
pos n.
def the point scored after deuce.
advantage 3.b.
syl ad+van+tage
pron <*d1va:ntiJ>
pos n.
def the resulting state of the score.
advantage 4.a.
syl ad+van+tage
pron <*d1va:ntiJ>
pos n.
def to make good use of.
advantage 4.b.
syl ad+van+tage
pron <*d1va:ntiJ>
pos n.
def to impose upon the weakness, good nature, etc., of; abuse.
advantage 4.c.
syl ad+van+tage
pron <*d1va:ntiJ>
pos n.
def to seduce.
to advantage 5.
head advantage
syl to advantage.
def to good effect.
exam 1 he used his height to advantage at the game.
you have the advantage of me 6.
head advantage
syl you have the advantage of me.
def you know me but I do not know you.
advantage 7.
syl ad+van+tage
pron <*d1va:ntiJ>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to put in a better position; favour.
advantageous 0.
syl ad+van+ta+geous
pron <2@dv*n1tAJ*s>
pos adj.
def producing advantage.
advantageously sub
head advantageous
syl ad+van+1ta+geous+ly
pos adv.
advantageousness sub
head advantageous
syl ad+van+1ta+geous+ness
pos n.
advection ety C20: from Latin advecti*_o conveyance, from advehere, from ad- to+ vehere to carry
advection 0.
syl ad+vec+tion
pron <*d1vekS*n>
pos n.
def the transference of heat energy in a horizontal stream of gas, esp. of air.
advent ety C12: from Latin adventus, from adven*_ire, from ad- to+ ven*_ire to come
advent 0.
syl ad+vent
pron <1@dvent>, <-v*nt>
pos n.
def an arrival or coming, esp. one which is awaited.
Advent 0.
syl Ad+vent
pron <1@dvent>, <-v*nt>
pos n.
qual Christianity.
def the season including the four Sundays preceding Christmas.
Adventist 0.
syl Ad+vent+ist
pron <1@dventist>, <1@dv*n->
pos n.
def a member of any of the Christian groups, such as the {Seventh Day Adventists}, that hold that the Second Coming of Christ is imminent.
adventitia ety C19: New Latin, from the neuter plural of Latin advent*_icius; see #7adventitious
adventitia 0.
syl ad+ven+ti+ti:a
pron <2@dven1tiSi*>, <-1tiS*>
pos n.
def the outermost covering of an organ or part, esp. the outer coat of a blood vessel.
adventitious ety C17: from Latin advent*_icius coming from outside, from adventus a coming
adventitious 1.
syl ad+ven+ti+tious
pron <2@dven1tiS*s>
pos adj.
def added or appearing accidentally or unexpectedly.
adventitious 2.
syl ad+ven+ti+tious
pron <2@dven1tiS*s>
pos adj.
usage of a plant or animal part
def developing in an abnormal position, as a root that grows from a stem.
adventitiously sub
head adventitious
syl ad+ven+1ti+tious+ly
pos adv.
Advent Sunday 0.
syl Ad+vent Sun+day
pos n.
def the first of the four Sundays of Advent, and the one that falls nearest to November 30.
adventure ety C13 aventure (later altered to adventure after the Latin spelling), via Old French ultimately from Latin adven*_ire to happen to (someone), arrive
adventure 1.
syl ad+ven+ture
pron <*d1venC*>
pos n.
def a risky undertaking of unknown outcome.
adventure 2.
syl ad+ven+ture
pron <*d1venC*>
pos n.
def an exciting or unexpected event or course of events.
adventure 3.
syl ad+ven+ture
pron <*d1venC*>
pos n.
def a hazardous financial operation; commercial speculation.
adventure 4.a.
syl ad+ven+ture
pron <*d1venC*>
pos n.
def danger or misadventure.
adventure 4.b.
syl ad+ven+ture
pron <*d1venC*>
pos n.
def chance.
adventure 5.
syl ad+ven+ture
pron <*d1venC*>
pos vb.
def to take a risk or put at risk.
adventure 6.
syl ad+ven+ture
pron <*d1venC*>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage foll. by into, on, upon
def to dare to go or enter (into a place, dangerous activity, etc.).
adventure 7.
syl ad+ven+ture
pron <*d1venC*>
pos vb.
def to dare to say (something).
exam 1 he adventured his opinion.
adventureful sub
head adventure
syl ad+1ven+ture+ful
pos adj.
adventure playground 0.
syl ad+ven+ture play+ground
pos n.
qual Brit.
def a playground for children that contains building materials, discarded industrial parts, etc., used by the children to build with, hide in, climb on, etc.
adventuress alt
head adventurer
or adventurer
syl ad+ven+tur+ess
pos n.
mod fem.
adventurer 1.
or adventuress
syl ad+ven+tur+er
pron <*d1venC*r*>
pos n.
def a person who seeks adventure, esp. one who seeks success or money through daring exploits.
adventurer 2.
or adventuress
syl ad+ven+tur+er
pron <*d1venC*r*>
pos n.
def a person who seeks money or power by unscrupulous means.
adventurer 3.
or adventuress
syl ad+ven+tur+er
pron <*d1venC*r*>
pos n.
def a speculator.
adventurism 0.
syl ad+ven+tur+ism
pron <*d1venC*2riz*m>
pos n.
def recklessness, esp. in politics and finance.
adventurist sub
head adventurism
syl ad+1ven+tur+ist
pos n.
adventurous 1.
syl ad+ven+tur+ous
pron <*d1venC*r*s>
pos adj.
def Also: {ad+ven+ture+some}. daring or enterprising.
adventurous 2.
syl ad+ven+tur+ous
pron <*d1venC*r*s>
pos adj.
def dangerous; involving risk.
adventurously sub
head adventurous
syl ad+1ven+tur+ous+ly
pos adv.
adverb ety C15-C16: from Latin adverbium adverb, literally: added word, a translation of Greek epirrh*_ema a word spoken afterwards
adverb 0.a.
syl ad+verb
pron <1@d2vR:b>
pos n.
def a word or group of words that serves to modify a whole sentence, a verb, another adverb, or an adjective; for example, and respectively in the sentence
adverb 0.b.
syl ad+verb
pron <1@d2vR:b>
pos n.
usage as modifier; an adverb marker.
def Abbrev.: {adv}.
adverbial 1.
syl ad+ver+bi:al
pron <@d1vR:bi*l>
pos n.
def a word or group of words playing the grammatical role of an adverb, such as in the sentence
adverbial 2.
syl ad+ver+bi:al
pron <@d1vR:bi*l>
pos adj.
def of or relating to an adverb or adverbial.
adversary ety C14: from Latin advers*_arius, from adversus against. See #7adverse
adversaries infl
head adversary
syl ad+ver+sar:ies.
pos n.
mod pl.
adversary 1.
syl ad+ver+sar:y
pron <1@dv*s*ri>
pos n.
def a person or group that is hostile to someone; enemy.
adversary 2.
syl ad+ver+sar:y
pron <1@dv*s*ri>
pos n.
def an opposing contestant in a game or sport.
adversative 1.
syl ad+ver+sa+tive
pron <*d1vR:s*tiv>
pos adj.
qual Grammar.
usage of a word, phrase, or clause
def implying opposition or contrast. and are adversative conjunctions introducing adversative clauses.
adversative 2.
syl ad+ver+sa+tive
pron <*d1vR:s*tiv>
pos n.
qual Grammar.
def an adversative word or speech element.
adverse ety C14: from Latin ad?!versus opposed to, hostile, from advertere to turn towards, from ad- to, towards+ vertere to turn
adverse 1.
syl ad+verse
pron <1@dvR:s>, <@d1vR:s>
pos adj.
def antagonistic or inimical; hostile.
exam 1 adverse criticism.
adverse 2.
syl ad+verse
pron <1@dvR:s>, <@d1vR:s>
pos adj.
def unfavourable to one's interests.
exam 1 adverse circumstances.
adverse 3.
syl ad+verse
pron <1@dvR:s>, <@d1vR:s>
pos adj.
def contrary or opposite in direction or position.
exam 1 adverse winds.
adverse 4.
syl ad+verse
pron <1@dvR:s>, <@d1vR:s>
pos adj.
usage of leaves, flowers, etc.
def facing the main stem. Compare {{averse} (sense 2)}.
adversely sub
head adverse
syl ad+1verse+ly
pos adv.
adverseness sub
head adverse
syl ad+1verse+ness
pos n.
adverse possession 0.
syl ad+verse pos+ses+sion
pos n.
qual Property law.
def the occupation or possession of land by a person not legally entitled to it. If continued unopposed for a period specifed by law, such occupation extinguishes the title of the rightful owner.
adversities infl
head adversity
syl ad+ver+si:ties.
pos n.
mod pl.
adversity 1.
syl ad+ver+si:ty
pron <*d1vR:siti>
pos n.
def distress; affliction; hardship.
adversity 2.
syl ad+ver+si:ty
pron <*d1vR:siti>
pos n.
def an unfortunate event or incident.
advert ety C15: from Latin advertere to turn one's attention to. See #7adverse
advert H1.0.
syl ad+vert
pron <*d1vR:t>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage foll. by to
def to draw attention (to); refer (to).
advert H2.0.
syl ad+vert
pron <1@dvR:t>
pos n.
qual Brit. informal.
def short for {advertisement}.
advertency alt
head advertence
or advertence
syl ad+vert+en+cy
pos n.
advertence 0.
or advertency
syl ad+vert+ence
pron <*d1vR:t*ns>
pos n.
def heedfulness or attentiveness.
advertent sub
head advertence
syl ad+1vert+ent
pos adj.
advertently sub
head advertence
syl ad+1vert+ent+ly
pos adv.
advertise ety C15: from a lengthened stem of Old French avertir, ultimately from Latin advertere to turn one's attention to. See #7adverse
advertize alt
head advertise
or advertise
syl ad+ver+tize
pron <1@dv*2tIz>
pos vb.
qual U.S. (sometimes
advertise 1.
or advertize
syl ad+ver+tise
pron <1@dv*2tIz>
pos vb.
def to present or praise (goods, a service, etc.) to the public, esp. in order to encourage sales.
advertise 2.
or advertize
syl ad+ver+tise
pron <1@dv*2tIz>
pos vb.
def to make (something, such as a vacancy, article for sale, etc.) publicly known, as to possible applicants, buyers, etc..
exam 1 to advertise a job.
advertise 3.
or advertize
syl ad+ver+tise
pron <1@dv*2tIz>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage foll. by for
def to make a public request (for), esp. in a newspaper, etc..
exam 1 she advertised for a cook.
advertise 4.
or advertize
syl ad+ver+tise
pron <1@dv*2tIz>
pos vb.
qual Obsolete.
def to warn; caution.
advertiser sub
head advertise
syl ad+ver+2tis+er
pos n.
advertizement alt
head advertisement
or advertisement
syl ad+ver+tize+ment
pron <*d1vR:tism*nt>, <-tiz->
pos n.
qual U.S. (sometimes
advertisement 0.
or advertizement
syl ad+ver+tise+ment
pron <*d1vR:tism*nt>, <-tiz->
pos n.
def any public notice, as a printed display in a newspaper, short film on television, announcement on radio, etc., designed to sell goods, publicize an event, etc. Shortened forms: {ad, advert}.
advertizing alt
head advertising
or advertising
syl ad+ver+tiz+ing
pron <1@dv*?!2tIziG>
pos n.
qual U.S. (sometimes
advertising 1.
or advertizing
syl ad+ver+tis+ing
pron <1@dv*?!2tIziG>
pos n.
def the action or practice of drawing public attention to goods, services, events, etc., as by the distribution of printed notices, broadcasting, etc.
advertising 2.
or advertizing
syl ad+ver+tis+ing
pron <1@dv*?!2tIziG>
pos n.
def the business that specializes in creating such publicity.
advertising 3.
or advertizing
syl ad+ver+tis+ing
pron <1@dv*?!2tIziG>
pos n.
def advertisements collectively; pub?!licity.
advice ety C13 avis (later advise) , via Old French from a Vulgar Latin phrase based on Latin ad to, according to+ v*_isum view (hence: according to one's view, opinion)
advice 1.
syl ad+vice
pron <*d1vIs>
pos n.
def recommendation as to appropriate choice of action; counsel.
advice 2.
syl ad+vice
pron <*d1vIs>
pos n.
mod sometimes; pl.
def formal notification of facts, esp. when communicated from a distance.
advisable 0.
syl ad+vis+a:ble
pron <*d1vIz*bL>
pos adj.
def worthy of recommendation; prudent; sensible.
advisably sub
head advisable
syl ad+1vis+a:bly
pos adv.
advise ety C14: via Old French from Vulgar Latin adv*_is*_are (un?!attested) to consider, from Latin ad- to+ vis*_are (unattested), from v*_isere to view, from vid*_ere to see#e Usage. Advise is often used in the same sense as inform: as we advised you in our last communication, the order is being dealt with. This use is accepted and common in business corre?!spondence. Careful users of English prefer inform, notify, or tell in general English: when he returned home, the police informed him (not advised him) that his car had been stolen.
advise 1.
syl ad+vise
pron <*d1vIz>
pos vb.
mod when; tr.
usage an infinitive
def to offer advice (to a person or persons); counsel.
exam 1 he advised the king;
exam 2 to advise caution;
exam 3 he advised her to leave.
advise 2.
syl ad+vise
pron <*d1vIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage an infinitive; sometimes foll. by of
def to inform or notify.
advise 3.
syl ad+vise
pron <*d1vIz>
pos vb.
mod intr.
qual Chiefly U.S., obsolete in Brit.
usage an infinitive; foll. by with
def to consult or discuss.
advised 0.
syl ad+vised
pron <*d1vIzd>
pos adj.
def resulting from deliberation. See also {ill-advised, well-advised}. &- {ad+vis+ed+ly} ($$d#!va$Iz$Idl$I)
advisement 0.
syl ad+vise+ment
pron <*d1vIzm*nt>
pos n.
qual Chiefly U.S., archaic in Brit.
def consultation; deliberation.
advisor alt
head adviser
or adviser
syl ad+vi+sor
pron <*d1vIz*>
pos n.
adviser 1.
or advisor
syl ad+vis+er
pron <*d1vIz*>
pos n.
def a person who advises.
adviser 2.
or advisor
syl ad+vis+er
pron <*d1vIz*>
pos n.
qual Education.
def a person responsible for advising students on academic matters, career guidance, etc.
adviser 3.
or advisor
syl ad+vis+er
pron <*d1vIz*>
pos n.
qual Brit. education.
def a subject specialist who advises heads of schools on current teaching methods and facilities.
advisory 0.
syl ad+vi+so+ry
pron <*d1vIz*ri>
pos adj.
def giving advice; empowered to make recommendations.
exam 1 an advisory body.
advocaat ety C20: Dutch, from advocatenborrel, from advocaat #7advocate (n.)+ borrel drink
advocaat 0.
syl ad+vo+caat
pron <1@dv*u2ka:>, <-2ka:t>, <1@dv*->
pos n.
def a liqueur having a raw egg base.
cies infl
head advocacy
syl +cies.
pos n.
mod pl.
advocacy 0.
syl ad+vo+ca+cy
pron <1@dv*k*si>
pos n.
def active support, esp. of a cause.
advocate ety C14: via Old French from Latin advoc*_atus legal witness, advocate, from advoc*_are to call as witness, from voc*_are to call
advocate 1.
syl ad+vo+cate
pron <1@dv*2kAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage may take a clause as object
def to support or recommend publicly; plead for or speak in favour of.
advocate 2.
syl ad+vo+cate
pron <1@dv*kit>, <-2kAt>
pos n.
def a person who upholds or defends a cause; supporter.
advocate 3.
syl ad+vo+cate
pron <1@dv*kit>, <-2kAt>
pos n.
def a person who intercedes on behalf of another.
advocate 4.
syl ad+vo+cate
pron <1@dv*kit>, <-2kAt>
pos n.
def a person who pleads his client's cause in a court of law. See also {barrister, solicitor, counsellor}.
advocate 5.
syl ad+vo+cate
pron <1@dv*kit>, <-2kAt>
pos n.
qual Scottish law.
def the usual word for {counsel}.
advocatory sub
head advocate
syl ad+vo+1ca+to:ry
pos adj.
Advocate Depute 0.
syl Ad+vo+cate De+pute
pos n.
def a Scottish law officer with the functions of public prosecutor.
advocation 0.
syl ad+vo+ca+tion
pron <2@dv*1kAS*n>
pos n.
qual Scottish and papal law.
def the transfer to itself by a superior court of an action pending in a lower court.
advocatus diaboli 0.
syl ad+vo+ca+tus di+ab:o+li
pron Latin. <2@dv*1ka:t*s>
pos n.
def another name for the {devil's advocate}.
advowson ety C13: via Anglo-French and Old French from Latin advoc*_ati*_on- the act of summoning, from advoc*_are to summon
advowson 0.
syl ad+vow+son
pron <*d1vauzN>
pos n.
qual English ecclesiastical law.
def the right of presentation to a vacant benefice.
advt 0.
syl advt.
qual abbrev. for
def advertisement.
Adyghe alt
head Adygei
or Adygei
syl A:dy+ghe
pron <1a:di2gA>, <2a:di1gA>, <2a:di1ge>
pos n.
Adygei infl
or Adyghe
syl A:dy+gei
pos n.
mod pl.
Adygeis infl
head Adygei
or Adyghes
syl A:dy+geis
pos n.
mod pl.
Adyghe infl
head Adygei
or Adygei
syl A:dy+ghe
pos n.
mod pl.
Adyghes infl
head Adygei
or Adygeis
syl A:dy+ghes
pos n.
mod pl.
Adygei 1.
or Adyghe
syl A:dy+gei
pron <1a:di2gA>, <2a:di1gA>, <2a:di1ge>
pos n.
def a member of a Circassian people of the Northwest Caucasus.
Adygei 2.
or Adyghe
syl A:dy+gei
pron <1a:di2gA>, <2a:di1gA>, <2a:di1ge>
pos n.
def the Circassian language.
Adygei Autonomous Region 0.
syl A:dy+gei Au:ton:o+mous Re+gion
pos n.
def an administrative division of the SW Soviet Union, bordering on the Caucasus Mountains: chiefly agricultural. Capital: Maikop. Pop.: 385644 (1970). Area: 7600 sq. km (2934 sq. miles).
adynamia ety C19: New Latin, from #7a -%1+ -dynamia, from Greek dunamis strength, force
adynamia 0.
syl ad:y+na+mi:a
pron <2@di1nAmi*>
pos n.
def loss of vital power or strength, esp. as the result of illness; weakness or debility.
adynamic sub
head adynamia
syl ad:y+nam+ic
pron <2@di1n@mik>
pos adj.
adytum ety C17: Latin, from Greek aduton a place not to be entered, from #7a -%1#7+ duein to enter
adyta infl
head adytum
syl ad:y+ta
pron <-t*>
pos n.
mod pl.
adytum 0.
syl ad:y+tum
pron <1@dit*m>
pos n.
def the most sacred place of worship in an ancient temple from which the laity was prohibited.
adze ety Old English adesa, of unknown origin
adz alt
head adze
or adze
syl adz
pron <@dz>
pos n.
qual U.S.
adze 0.
or adz
syl adze
pron <@dz>
pos n.
def a heavy hand tool with a steel cutting blade attached at right angles to a wooden handle, used for dressing timber.
Adzhar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0.
syl A:dzhar Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic
pron <*1Ja:>
pos n.
def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, in the SW Georgian SSR on the Black Sea: part of Turkey from the 17th century until 1878; mostly mountainous, reaching 2805 m (9350 ft.), with a subtropical coastal strip. Capital: Batumi. Pop.: 309768 (1970). Area: 3000 sq. km (1160 sq. miles). Also called: {A@.dzha+ri@.a} ($$#!d#f$a$:r$I$$).
adzuki bean ety adzuki, from Japanese: red bean
adsuki bean alt
head adzuki bean
or adzuki bean
syl ad+su+ki bean
pos n.
adzuki bean 1.
or adsuki bean
syl ad+zu+ki bean
pron <@d1zu:ki>
pos n.
def a papilionaceous plant, that has yellow flowers and pods containing edible brown seeds and is widely cultivated as a food crop in China and Japan.
adzuki bean 2.
or adsuki bean
syl ad+zu+ki bean
pron <@d1zu:ki>
pos n.
def the seed of this plant.
AE alt
or AE
syl AE
pos n.
AE 0.
or AE
syl A.E.
pos n.
def the pen name of (George William) {Russell}.
ae ety Latin: at the age of; aged
ae 0.
syl ae.
qual abbrev. for
def aetatis.
AEA 0.
syl A.E.A.
qual abbrev. for
usage in Britain
def Atomic Energy Authority.
AE P 0.
syl A.E. ?& P.
qual abbrev. for
def Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
AEC 0.
syl A.E.C.
qual abbrev. for
usage in the U.S.
def Atomic Energy Commission.
aeciospore ety C20: from #7aecium+spore
aeciospore 0.
syl ae:ci:o+spore
pron <1Esi*2spc:>
pos n.
def any of the spores produced in an aecium of the rust fungi, which spread to and infect the primary host.
aecium ety C19: New Latin, from Greek aikia injury (so called because of the damage the fungi cause)
aecidium alt
head aecium
or aecium
syl ae:cid+i:um
pron
pos n.
aecia infl
head aecium
or aecidia
syl ae:ci:a
pron <-si*>
pos n.
mod pl.
aecidia infl
head aecium
or aecia
syl ae:cid:i:a
pron <-1sidi*>
pos n.
mod pl.
aecium 0.
or aecidium
syl ae:ci:um
pron <1Esi*m>
pos n.
def a globular or cup-shaped structure in some rust fungi in which aeciospores are produced.
aedes ety C20: New Latin, from Greek a*_ed*_es unpleasant, from #7a -%1#7+ *_edos pleasant
aedes 0.
syl a:e:des
pron
pos n.
def any mosquito of the genus (formerly of tropical and subtropical regions, esp. which transmits yellow fever and dengue.
aedile ety C16: from Latin aed*_ilis concerned with buildings, from aed*_es a building
aedile alt
or aedile
syl ae:dile
pron <1EdIl>
pos n.
qual U.S. (sometimes
aedile 0.
or aedile
syl ae:dile
pron <1EdIl>
pos n.
def a magistrate of ancient Rome in charge of public works, games, buildings, and roads.
Aeetes 0.
syl Ae:*"e:tes
pron
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def a king of Colchis, father of Medea and keeper of the Golden Fleece.
Aegean 1.
syl Ae:ge:an
pron
pos adj.
def of or relating to the Aegean Sea or Islands.
Aegean 2.
syl Ae:ge:an
pron
pos adj.
def of or relating to the Bronze Age civilization of Greece, Asia Minor, and the Aegean Islands.
Aegean Islands 0.
syl Ae:ge:an Is+lands
pos n.
mod pl.
def the islands of the Aegean Sea, including the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Euboea, and Sporades. The majority are under Greek administration.
Aegean Sea 0.
syl Ae:ge:an Sea
pos n.
def an arm of the Mediterranean between Greece and Turkey.
Aegeus 0.
syl Ae:ge:us
pron , <1EJi*s>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def an Athenian king and father of Theseus.
Aegina 1.
syl Ae:gi+na
pron
pos n.
def an island in the Aegean Sea, in the Saronic Gulf. Area: 85 sq. km (33 sq. miles).
Aegina 2.
syl Ae:gi+na
pron
pos n.
def a town on the coast of this island: a city-state of ancient Greece.
Gulf of 3.
head Aegina
syl Gulf of.
def another name for the {Saronic Gulf}.
Aegina xref
syl Ae:gi+na
pron
pos n.
def Greek name: {Aiyina}.
Aegir 0.
syl Ae:gir
pron <1EJi*>
pos n.
qual Norse myth.
def the god of the sea.
aegis ety C18: from Latin, from Greek aigis shield of Zeus, perhaps related to aig-, stem of aix goat
aegis alt
or aegis
syl ae:gis
pron <1EJis>
pos n.
qual U.S. (sometimes
aegis 1.
or aegis
syl ae:gis
pron <1EJis>
pos n.
def sponsorship or protection; auspices (esp. in the phrase {under the aegis of) }.
aegis 2.
or aegis
syl ae:gis
pron <1EJis>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def the shield of Zeus, often represented in art as a goatskin.
Aegisthus 0.
syl Ae:gis:thus
pron
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def a cousin to and the murderer of Agamemnon, whose wife Clytemnestra he had seduced. He usurped the kingship of Mycenae until Orestes, Agamemnon's son, returned home and killed him.
Aegospotami 0.
syl Ae:gos+pot:a+mi
pron <2Eg*s1pot*2mI>
pos n.
def a river of ancient Thrace that flowed into the Hellespont. At its mouth the Spartan fleet under Lysander defeated the Athenians in 405 #7b.c., ending the Peloponnesian War.
aegrotat ety C19: Latin, literally: he is ill
aegrotat 1.
syl ae:gro+tat
pron <1Igr*u2t@t>, <1E->
pos n.
usage in British and certain other universities
def a certificate allowing a candidate to pass an examination although he has missed part of it through illness.
aegrotat 2.
syl ae:gro+tat
pron <1Igr*u2t@t>, <1E->
pos n.
def a degree obtained in such circumstances.
Aegyptus 0.
syl Ae:gyp:tus
pron
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def a king of Egypt and twin brother of Dana*"us.
-aemia ety New Latin, from Greek -aimia, from haima blood
-haemia alt
head -aemia
or -hemia
syl -hae:mi:a
pos n.
-emia infl
head -aemia
or -aemia
syl -e:mi:a
pos n.
qual U.S.
-hemia infl
head -aemia
or -haemia
syl -he:mi:a
pos n.
qual U.S.
-aemia 0.
or -emia
syl -ae:mi:a
pos n.
usage combining form.
def denoting blood, esp. a specified condition of the blood in names of diseases.
exam 1 leucaemia.
Aeneas 0.
syl Ae:ne:as
pron
pos n.
qual Classical myth.
def a Trojan prince, the son of Anchises and Aphrodite, who escaped the sack of Troy and sailed to Italy via Carthage and Sicily. After seven years, he and his followers established themselves near the site of the future Rome.
Aeneas Sylvius alt
head Aeneas Silvius
or Aeneas Silvius
syl Ae:ne:as Syl:vi:us
pron <1silvi*s>
pos n.
Aeneas Silvius 0.
or Aeneas Sylvius
syl Ae:ne:as Sil:vi:us
pron <1silvi*s>
pos n.
def the literary name of {Pius II}.
Aeneid 0.
syl Ae:ne+id
pron
pos n.
def an epic poem in Latin by Virgil relating the experiences of Aeneas after the fall of Troy, written chiefly to provide an illustrious historical background for Rome.
aeneous ety C19: from Latin a*_eneus of bronze, from aes bronze
aeneous 0.
syl a:e:ne:ous
pron
pos adj.
qual Rare.
def of a lustrous bronze colour.
Eolian alt
head Aeolian
or Aeolian
syl E:o:li:an
pron
pos n.
Aeolian 1.
or Eolian
syl Ae:o+li:an
pron
pos n.
def a member of a Hellenic people who settled in Thessaly and Boeotia and colonized Lesbos and parts of the Aegean coast of Asia Minor.
Aeolian 2.
or Eolian
syl Ae:o+li:an
pron
pos adj.
def of or relating to this people or their dialect of Ancient Greek; Aeolic.
Aeolian 3.
or Eolian
syl Ae:o+li:an
pron
pos adj.
def of or relating to Aeolus.
Aeolian 4.
or Eolian
syl Ae:o+li:an
pron
pos adj.
def denoting or relating to an authentic mode represented by the ascending natural diatonic scale from A to A: the basis of the modern minor key. See also {Hypo-}.
aeolian harp 0.
syl ae:o+li:an harp
pos n.
def a stringed instrument that produces a musical sound when a current of air or wind passes over the strings. Also called: {wind harp}.
Aeolian Islands 0.
syl Ae:o+li:an Is+lands
pos n.
mod pl.
def another name for the {Lipari Islands}.
Eolic alt
head Aeolic
or Aeolic
syl E:ol+ic
pron ,
pos adj.
Aeolic 1.
or Eolic
syl Ae:ol+ic
pron ,
pos adj.
def of or relating to the Aeolians or their dialect.
Aeolic 2.
or Eolic
syl Ae:ol+ic
pron ,
pos n.
def one of four chief dialects of Ancient Greek, spoken chiefly in Thessaly, Boeotia, and Aeolis. Compare {Arcadic, Doric, Ionic}.
aeolipile ety C17: from Latin aeol*_ipilae balls of A#7eolus or aeol*_ipylae gates of A#7eolus
aeolipile 0.
syl ae:ol:i+pile
pron
pos n.
def a device illustrating the reactive forces of a gas jet: usually a spherical vessel mounted so as to rotate and equipped with angled exit pipes from which steam within it escapes.
Aeolia alt
head Aeolis
or Aeolis
syl Ae:o+li:a
pron
pos n.
Aeolis 0.
or Aeolia
syl Ae:o+lis
pron <1E*lis>
pos n.
def the ancient name for the coastal region of NW Asia Minor, including the island of Lesbos, settled by the Aeolian Greeks (about 1000 #7b.c.)
aeolotropic ety C19: from Greek aiolos fickle+-#7tropic
aeolotropic 0.
syl ae:o+lo+trop+ic
pron <2E*l*u1tropik>
pos adj.
def a less common word for {anisotropic}.
Aeolus 1.
syl Ae:o:lus
pron <1E*l*s>,
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def the god of the winds.
Aeolus 2.
syl Ae:o:lus
pron <1E*l*s>,
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def the founding king of the Aeolians in Thessaly.
aeon ety C17: from Greek ai*_on an infinitely long time
aeon alt
or aeon
syl ae:on
pron <1E*n>, <1Eon>
pos n.
qual U.S.
aeon 1.
or aeon
syl ae:on
pron <1E*n>, <1Eon>
pos n.
def an immeasurably long period of time; age.
aeon 2.
or aeon
syl ae:on
pron <1E*n>, <1Eon>
pos n.
qual Geology.
def the longest division of geological time, comprising two or more eras.
aeon 3.
or aeon
syl ae:on
pron <1E*n>, <1Eon>
pos n.
qual Gnosticism.
usage often cap.
def one of the powers emanating from the supreme being and culminating in the demiurge.
aeonian alt
or aeonian
syl ae:o+ni:an
pron
pos adj.
aeonian 0.
or aeonian
syl ae:o+ni:an
pron
pos adj.
qual Literary.
def everlasting.
aepyornis ety C19: New Latin, from Greek aipus high+ ornis bird
aepyornis 0.
syl ae:py+or+nis
pron <2Epi1c:nis>
pos n.
def any of the large extinct flightless birds of the genus remains of which have been found in Madagascar.
aer- 0.
syl aer-
usage combining form.
def variant of {aero-} before a vowel.
aerate 1.
syl aer+ate
pron <1e*rAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to charge (a liquid) with a gas, esp. carbon dioxide, as in the manufacture of effervescent drink.
aerate 2.
syl aer+ate
pron <1e*rAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to expose to the action or circulation of the air, so as to purify.
aeration sub
head aerate
syl aer:1a+tion
pos n.
aerator sub
head aerate
syl aer:a+tor
pos n.
aeri- 0.
syl aer:i-
usage combining form.
def variant of {aero-}.
aerial ety C17: via Latin from Greek a*_erios, from a*_er air
aerial 1.
syl aer+i:al
pron <1e*ri*l>
pos adj.
def of, relating to, or resembling air.
aerial 2.
syl aer+i:al
pron <1e*ri*l>
pos adj.
def existing, occurring, moving, or operating in the air.
exam 1 aerial cable car;
exam 2 aerial roots of a plant.
aerial 3.
syl aer+i:al
pron <1e*ri*l>
pos adj.
def ethereal; light and delicate.
aerial 4.
syl aer+i:al
pron <1e*ri*l>
pos adj.
def imaginary; visionary.
aerial 5.
syl aer+i:al
pron <1e*ri*l>
pos adj.
def extending high into the air; lofty.
aerial 6.
syl aer+i:al
pron <1e*ri*l>
pos adj.
def of or relating to aircraft.
exam 1 aerial combat.
aerial 7.
syl aer+i:al
pron <1e*ri*l>
pos n.
def Also called: {antenna}. the part of a radio or television system having any of various shapes, such as a dipole, Yagi, long-wire, or vertical aerial, by means of which radio waves are transmitted or received.
aerialist 0.
syl aer:i+al+ist
pron <1e*ri*2list>
pos n.
qual Chiefly U.S.
def a trapeze artist or tightrope walker.
aerial ladder 0.
syl aer+i:al lad+der
pos n.
def the U.S. term for {turntable ladder}.
aerial perspective 0.
syl aer+i:al per+spec+tive
pos n.
usage in painting and drawing
def a means of indicating relative distance in terms of a gradation of clarity, tone, and colour, esp. blue. Also called: {atmospheric perspective}.
aerial pingpong 0.
syl aer+i:al ping+pong
pos n.
qual Austral., facetious.
def Australian Rules football.
aerie 0.
syl aer:ie
pron <1e*ri>, <1i*ri>
pos n.
def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {eyrie}.
aeriform 1.
syl aer:i+form
pron <1e*ri2fc:m>
pos adj.
def having the form of air; gaseous.
aeriform 2.
syl aer:i+form
pron <1e*ri2fc:m>
pos adj.
def unsubstantial.
aerifies infl
head aerify
syl aer:i+fies
pos vb.
aerifying infl
head aerify
syl aer:i+fy+ing
pos vb.
aerified infl
head aerify
syl aer:i+fied.
pos vb.
aerify 1.
syl aer:i+fy
pron <1e*ri2fI>
pos vb.
def to change or cause to change into a gas.
aerify 2.
syl aer:i+fy
pron <1e*ri2fI>
pos vb.
def to mix or combine with air.
aerification sub
head aerify
syl aer:i+fi+1ca+tion
pos n.
aero 0.
syl aer:o
pron <1e*r*u>
pos n.
usage modifier
def of or relating to aircraft or aeronautics.
exam 1 an aero engine.
aero- ety ultimately from Greek a*_er air
aeri- infl
head aero-
syl aer:i-
aero- 1.
syl aer:o-
usage before a vowel
def denoting air, atmosphere, or gas.
exam 1 aerodynamics.
aero- 2.
syl aer:o-
usage before a vowel
def denoting aircraft.
exam 1 aeronautics.
aeroballistics 0.
syl aer:o+bal+lis+tics
pron <2e*r*ub*1listiks>
pos n.
mod pl.
def the ballistics of projectiles dropped, launched, or fired from aircraft.
aerobatics ety C20: from #7aero -#7+ (#7acro) #7batics
aerobatics 0.
syl aer:o+bat+ics
pron <2e*r*u1b@tiks>
pos n.
mod pl.
def spectacular or dangerous manoeuvres, such as loops or rolls, performed in an aircraft or glider; stunt flying.
aerobe ety C19: from #7aero -#7+ Greek bios life. Compare #7microbe
aerobium alt
head aerobe
or aerobe
syl aer:o+bi:um
pron
pos n.
aerobes infl
head aerobe
or aerobia
syl aer+obes
pron <-1*ubi*>
pos n.
mod pl.
aerobia infl
head aerobe
or aerobes
syl aer+o+bi:a
pron <-1*ubi*>
pos n.
mod pl.
aerobe 0.
or aerobium
syl aer+obe
pron <1e*r*ub>
pos n.
def an organism that requires free oxygen or air for respiration. Compare {anaerobe}.
aerobic 1.
syl aer:o+bic
pron
pos adj.
usage of an organism or process
def de?!pending on free oxygen or air.
aerobic 2.
syl aer:o+bic
pron
pos adj.
def of or relating to aerobes.
aerobic xref
syl aer:o+bic
pron
pos adj.
def Compare {anaerobic}.
aerobiology 0.
syl aer:o+bi+ol+o:gy
pron <2e*r*ubI1oliJi>
pos n.
def the study of airborne microorganisms, spores, etc., esp. those causing disease. &- {@!aer@.o+bi@.o+#!log@.i+cal}
aerobiologically sub
head aerobiology
syl aer:o+bi:o+1log:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
aerobiologist sub
head aerobiology
syl aer:o+bi+1ol:o+gist
pos n.
aerobiosis 0.
syl aer:o+bi:o+sis
pron <2e*r*ubI1*usis>
pos n.
def life in the presence of free oxygen. &- {aer@.o+bi@.o+tic} (@!$e$$r$$$uba$I#!$At$Ik)
aerodonetics ety C20: from Greek aerodonetos tossed in the air, from #7aero -#7+ don*_etos, past participle of donein to toss
aerodonetics 0.
syl aer:o+do+net+ics
pron <2e*r*ud*1netiks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the study of soaring or gliding flight, esp. the study of gliders.
airdrome alt
head aerodrome
or aerodrome
syl air+drome
pron <1e*2dr*um>
pos n.
qual U.S.
aerodrome 0.
or airdrome
syl aer:o+drome
pron <1e*r*2dr*um>
pos n.
qual Brit.
def a landing area, esp. for private aircraft, that is usually smaller than an airport.
aerodynamics 0.
syl aer:o+dy+nam+ics
pron <2e*r*udI1n@miks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the study of the dynamics of gases, esp. of the forces acting on a body passing through air. Compare {{aerostatics} (sense 1).}
aerodynamic sub
head aerodynamics
syl aer:o+dy+1nam+ic
pos adj.
aerodynamically sub
head aerodynamics
syl aer:o+dy+1nam:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
aerodyne ety C20: back formation from #7aerodynamic ; see #7dyne
aerodyne 0.
syl aer:o+dyne
pron <1e*r*u2dIn>
pos n.
def any heavier-than-air machine, such as an aircraft, that derives the greater part of its lift from aerodynamic forces.
aeroembolism 0.
syl aer:o+em+bo+lism
pron <2e*r*u1emb*2liz*m>
pos n.
def the presence in the tissues and blood of nitrogen bubbles, caused by an abrupt and substantial reduction in atmospheric pressure. See {decompression sickness}.
aero engine 0.
syl aer:o en:gine
pos n.
def an engine for powering an aircraft.
airfoil alt
head aerofoil
or aerofoil
syl air+foil
pron <1e*2fcil>
pos n.
qual U.S.
aerofoil 0.
or airfoil
syl aer:o+foil
pron <1e*r*u2fcil>
pos n.
qual Brit.
def a surface, such as an aileron, wing, or tailplane, that is designed to produce lift or to control an aircraft in flight.
aerogel 0.
syl aer:o+gel
pron <1e*r*2Jel>
pos n.
def a colloid that has a continuous solid phase containing dispersed gas.
aerogramme alt
head aerogram
or aerogram
syl aer:o+gramme
pron <1e*r*2gr@m>
pos n.
aerogram 1.
or aerogramme
syl aer:o+gram
pron <1e*r*2gr@m>
pos n.
def Also called: {air letter}. an air-mail letter written on a single sheet of lightweight paper that folds and is sealed to form an envelope.
aerogram 2.
or aerogramme
syl aer:o+gram
pron <1e*r*2gr@m>
pos n.
def another name for {radiotelegram}.
aerography 0.
syl aer+og+ra+phy
pron
pos n.
def the description of the character of the atmosphere.
aerolite 0.
syl aer:o+lite
pron <1e*r*2lIt>
pos n.
def a stony meteorite consisting of silicate minerals.
aerology 0.
syl aer+ol+o:gy
pron
pos n.
def the study of the atmosphere, including its upper layers.
aerologic sub
head aerology
or aerological
syl aer:o+lo+gic
pron <2e*r*1loJik>
pos adj.
aerological sub
head aerology
or aerologic
syl aer:o+1log:i+cal
pos adj.
aerologist sub
head aerology
syl aer+1ol:o+gist
pos n.
aeromechanic 1.
syl aer:o+me:chan+ic
pron <2e*r*umi1k@nik>
pos n.
def an aircraft mechanic.
aeromechanic 2.
syl aer:o+me:chan+ic
pron <2e*r*umi1k@nik>
pos adj.
def of or relating to aeromechanics.
aeromechanics 0.
syl aer:o+me:chan+ics
pron <2e*r*umi1k@niks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the mechanics of gases, esp. air.
aeromechanical sub
head aeromechanics
syl aer:o+me:1chan:i+cal
pos adj.
aerometeorograph 0.
syl aer:o+me:te+or:o+graph
pron <2e*r*u1mEti*r*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f>
pos n.
qual Chiefly U.S.
def an aircraft instrument that records temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.
aerometer 0.
syl aer+om+e:ter
pron
pos n.
def an instrument for determining the mass or density of a gas, esp. air.
aerometric sub
head aerometer
syl aer:o+met+ric
pron <2e*r*?!1metrik>
pos adj.
aerometry 0.
syl aer+om+e:try
pron
pos n.
def another name for {pneumatics}.
aeron 1.
syl aeron.
qual abbrev. for:
def aeronautics.
aeron 2.
syl aeron.
qual abbrev. for:
def aeronautical.
aeronaut 0.
syl aer:o+naut
pron <1e*r*2nc:t>
pos n.
def a person who flies in a lighter-than-air craft, esp. the pilot or navigator.
aeronautical 0.
syl aer:o+nau+ti+cal
pron <2e*r*1nc:tikL>
pos adj.
def of or relating to aeronauts or aeronautics.
aeronautically sub
head aeronautical
syl aer:o+1nau+ti+cal+ly
pos adv.
aeronautical engineering 0.
syl aer:o+nau+ti+cal en+gi+neer+ing
pos n.
def the branch of engineering concerned with the design, production, and maintenance of aircraft.
aeronautical engineer sub
head aeronautical engineering
syl aer:o+nau+ti+cal en+gi+neer
pos n.
aeronautics 0.
syl aer:o+naut+ics
pron <2e*r*1nc:tiks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the study or practice of all aspects of flight through the air.
aeroneurosis 0.
syl aer:o+neu+ro+sis
pron <2e*r*unju1r*usis>
pos n.
def a functional disorder of aeroplane pilots characterized by anxiety and various psychosomatic disturbances, caused by insufficient oxygen at high altitudes and the emotional tension of flying.
aeropause 0.
syl aer:o+pause
pron <1e*r*2pc:z>
pos n.
def the region of the upper atmosphere above which aircraft cannot fly.
aerophagia 0.
syl aer:o+pha+gi:a
pron <2e*r*1fAJi*>, <-J*>
pos n.
def spasmodic swallowing of air, sometimes occurring in hysteria.
aerophobia 0.
syl aer:o+pho+bi:a
pron <2e*r*1f*ubi*>
pos n.
def an abnormal fear of draughts of air.
aerophobic sub
head aerophobia
syl aer:o+1pho+bic
pos adj.
aerophyte 0.
syl aer:o+phyte
pron <1e*r*2fIt>
pos n.
def another name for {epiphyte}.
aeroplane ety C19: from French a*'eroplane, from #7aero -#7+ Greek -planos wandering, related to #7planet
airplane alt
head aeroplane
or aeroplane
syl air+plane
pron <1e*2plAn>
pos n.
qual U.S.
aeroplane 0.
or airplane
syl aer:o+plane
pron <1e*r*2plAn>
pos n.
qual Brit.
def a heavier-than-air powered flying vehicle with fixed wings.
fabric alt
head aeroplane cloth
or aeroplane cloth
syl fab+ric
pos n.
aeroplane cloth 1.
or fabric
syl aer:o+plane cloth
pos n.
def a strong fabric made from cotton, linen, and nylon yarns, used for some light aircraft fuselages and wings.
aeroplane cloth 2.
or fabric
syl aer:o+plane cloth
pos n.
def a similar lightweight fabric used for clothing.
aeroplane cloth xref
or fabric
syl aer:o+plane cloth
pos n.
def Also called: {aircraft fabric}.
aeroplane spin 0.
syl aer:o+plane spin
pos n.
def a wrestling attack in which a wrestler lifts his opponent onto his shoulders and spins around, leaving the opponent dizzy.
aerosol ety C20: from #7aero -#7+sol (#7ution)
aerosol 1.
syl aer:o+sol
pron <1e*r*2sol>
pos n.
def a colloidal dispersion of solid or liquid particles in a gas; smoke or fog.
aerosol 2.
syl aer:o+sol
pron <1e*r*2sol>
pos n.
def a substance, such as a paint, polish, or insecticide, dispensed from a small metal container by a propellant under pressure.
aerosol 3.
syl aer:o+sol
pron <1e*r*2sol>
pos n.
def Also called: {air spray}. such a substance together with its container.
aerospace 1.
syl aer:o+space
pron <1e*r*2spAs>
pos n.
def the atmosphere and space beyond.
aerospace 2.
syl aer:o+space
pron <1e*r*2spAs>
pos n.
usage modifier
def of or relating to rockets, missiles, space vehicles, etc., that fly or operate in aerospace.
exam 1 the aerospace industry.
aerosphere 0.
syl aer:o+sphere
pron <1e*r*2sfi*>
pos n.
def the entire atmosphere surrounding the earth.
aerostat ety C18: from French a*'erostat, from #7aero -#7+ Greek -statos standing
aerostat 0.
syl aer:o+stat
pron <1e*r*2st@t>
pos n.
def a lighter-than-air craft, such as a balloon.
aerostatic sub
head aerostat
or aerostatical
syl aer:o+1stat+ic
pos adj.
aerostatical sub
head aerostat
or aerostatic
syl aer:o+1stat:i+cal
pos adj.
aerostatics 1.
syl aer:o+stat+ics
pron <2e*r*1st@tiks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the study of gases in equilibrium and bodies held in equilibrium in gases. Compare {aerodynamics}.
aerostatics 2.
syl aer:o+stat+ics
pron <2e*r*1st@tiks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the study of lighter-than-air craft, such as balloons.
aerostation 0.
syl aer:o+sta+tion
pron <1e*r*2stAS*n>
pos n.
def the science of operating lighter-than-air craft.
aerothermodynamics 0.
syl aer:o+ther+mo+dy+nam+ics
pron <2e*r*u2TR:m*udI1n@miks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the study of the exchange of heat be?!tween solids and gases, esp. of the heating effect on aircraft flying through the air at very high speeds.
aerothermodynamic sub
head aerothermodynamics
syl aer:o+2ther+mo+dy+1nam+ic
pos adj.
aerugo ety C18: from Latin, from aes copper, bronze
aerugo 0.
syl ae:ru+go
pron
pos n.
usage esp. of old bronze
def another name for {verdigris}.
aeruginous sub
head aerugo
syl ae:ru+gin+ous
pron
pos adj.
aery ety C16: via Latin from Greek a*_erios, from a*_er #7air
aery H1.1.
syl aer:y
pron <1e*ri>, <1A*ri>
pos adj.
qual Poetic.
def a variant spelling of {airy}.
aery H1.2.
syl aer:y
pron <1e*ri>, <1A*ri>
pos adj.
qual Poetic.
def lofty, insubstantial, or visionary.
aeries infl
head aery
syl aer:ies.
pos n.
mod pl.
aery H2.0.
syl aer:y
pron <1e*ri>, <1i*ri>
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {eyrie}.
Aeschines 0.
syl Aes:chi:nes
pron <1Esk*2nEz>
pos n.
def ??389-??314 #7b.c., Athenian orator; the main political opponent of Demosthenes.
Aeschylus 0.
syl Aes:chy:lus
pron <1Esk*l*s>
pos n.
def ??525-??456 #7b.c., Greek dramatist, regarded as the father of Greek tragedy. Seven of his plays are extant, including and the trilogy of the
Aesculapian 0.
syl Aes+cu+la+pi:an
pron <2Eskju1lApi*n>
pos adj.
def of or relating to Aesculapius or to the art of medicine.
Aesculapius 0.
syl Aes:cu:la:pi:us
pron <2Eskju1lApi*s>
pos n.
def the Roman god of medicine or healing. Greek counterpart: {Asclepius}.
Aesir ety Old Norse, literally: gods
Aesir 0.
syl Ae:sir
pron <1Asi*>
pos n.
def the chief gods of Norse mythology dwelling in Asgard.
Aesop 0.
syl Ae:sop
pron <1Esop>
pos n.
def ??620-564 #7b.c. Greek author of fables in which animals are given human characters and used to satirize human failings.
Aesopian sub
head Aesop
or Aesopic
syl Ae:1sop+i:an
pos adj.
Aesopic sub
head Aesop
or Aesopian
syl Ae:1sop+ic
pos adj.
aesthesia ety C20: back formation from #7anaesthesia
aesthesia alt
or aesthesia
syl aes+the+si:a
pron
pos n.
qual U.S.
aesthesia 0.
or aesthesia
syl aes+the+si:a
pron
pos n.
def the normal ability to experience sensation, perception, or sensitivity.
aesthete ety C19: back formation from #7aesthetics
aesthete alt
or aesthete
syl aes+thete
pron <1EsTEt>
pos n.
qual U.S.
aesthete 0.
or aesthete
syl aes+thete
pron <1EsTEt>
pos n.
def a person who has or who affects a highly developed appreciation of beauty, esp. in poetry and the visual arts.
aesthetical infl
head aesthetic
or aesthetic
syl aes+thet:i+cal
pos adj.
aesthetic infl
or aesthetical
syl aes+thet+ic
pos adj.
qual U.S. (sometimes
aesthetical infl
head aesthetic
syl aes+thet:i+cal
pos adj.
qual U.S. (sometimes
aesthetic 1.
syl aes+thet+ic
pron ,
pos adj.
def connected with aesthetics or its principles.
aesthetic 2.a.
syl aes+thet+ic
pron ,
pos adj.
def relating to pure beauty rather than to other considerations.
aesthetic 2.b.
syl aes+thet+ic
pron ,
pos adj.
def artistic or relating to good taste.
exam 1 an aesthetic consideration.
aesthetically sub
head aesthetic
or aesthetically
syl aes+1thet:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
aesthetically sub
head aesthetic
or aesthetically
syl aes+1thet:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
qual U.S. (sometimes
aesthetician alt
or aesthetician
syl aes+the+ti+cian
pron <2EsTi1tiS*n>, <2es->
pos n.
qual U.S. (sometimes
aesthetician 0.
or aesthetician
syl aes+the+ti+cian
pron <2EsTi1tiS*n>, <2es->
pos n.
def a student of aesthetics.
aestheticism alt
or aestheticism
syl aes+thet:i+cism
pron ,
pos n.
qual U.S. (sometimes
aestheticism 1.
or aestheticism
syl aes+thet:i+cism
pron ,
pos n.
def the doctrine that aesthetic principles are of supreme importance and that works of art should be judged accordingly.
aestheticism 2.
or aestheticism
syl aes+thet:i+cism
pron ,
pos n.
def sensitivity to beauty, esp. in art, music, literature, etc.
aesthetics alt
or aesthetics
syl aes+thet+ics
pron ,
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
qual U.S. (sometimes
aesthetics 1.
or aesthetics
syl aes+thet+ics
pron ,
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the branch of philosophy concerned with the study of such concepts as beauty, taste, etc.
aesthetics 2.
or aesthetics
syl aes+thet+ics
pron ,
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the study of the rules and principles of art.
aestival ety C14: from French, from Late Latin aest*_iv*_alis, from Latin aest*_as summer
aestival alt
or aestival
syl aes+ti+val
pron , <1esti->
pos adj.
qual U.S.
aestival 0.
or aestival
syl aes+ti+val
pron , <1esti->
pos adj.
qual Rare.
def of or occurring in summer.
aestivate ety C17: from Latin aest*_iv*_atus, from aest*_iv*_are to stay during the summer, from aest*_as summer
aestivate alt
or aestivate
syl aes+ti+vate
pron <1Esti2vAt>, <1es->
pos vb.
mod intr.
qual U.S.
aestivate 1.
or aestivate
syl aes+ti+vate
pron <1Esti2vAt>, <1es->
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to pass the summer.
aestivate 2.
or aestivate
syl aes+ti+vate
pron <1Esti2vAt>, <1es->
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage of animals such as the lungfish
def to pass the summer or dry season in a dormant condition. Compare {hibernate}.
aestivator sub
head aestivate
or aestivator
syl aes+ti+2va+tor
pos n.
aestivator sub
head aestivate
or aestivator
syl aes+ti+2va+tor
pos n.
qual U.S.
aestivation alt
or aestivation
syl aes+ti+va+tion
pron <2Esti1vAS*n>, <2es->
pos n.
qual U.S.
aestivation 1.
or aestivation
syl aes+ti+va+tion
pron <2Esti1vAS*n>, <2es->
pos n.
def the act or condition of aestivating.
aestivation 2.
or aestivation
syl aes+ti+va+tion
pron <2Esti1vAS*n>, <2es->
pos n.
def the arrangement of the parts of a flower bud, esp. the sepals and petals.
aet ety Latin: at the age of
aetat alt
head aet
or aet
syl aetat.
aet 0.
or aetat
syl aet.
qual abbrev. for
def aetatis.
aether 0.
syl ae:ther
pron <1ET*>
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {ether} (senses 3-5).
aethereal 0.
syl ae:the+re:al
pron
pos n.
def a variant spelling of { {ethereal} (senses 1, 2, 3).}
aethereality sub
head aethereal
syl ae:the+re:al+i:ty
pron
pos n.
aethereally sub
head aethereal
syl ae:1the+re:al+ly
pos adv.
aetiology ety C16: from Late Latin aetiologia, from Greek aitiologia, from aitia cause
aetiology alt
or aetiology
syl ae:ti+ol+o:gy
pron <2Eti1ol*Ji>
pos n.
qual U.S.
aetiologies infl
head aetiology
syl ae:ti+ol+o:gies.
pos n.
mod pl.
aetiology 1.
or aetiology
syl ae:ti+ol+o:gy
pron <2Eti1ol*Ji>
pos n.
def the philosophy or study of causation.
aetiology 2.
or aetiology
syl ae:ti+ol+o:gy
pron <2Eti1ol*Ji>
pos n.
def the study of the causes of diseases.
aetiology 3.
or aetiology
syl ae:ti+ol+o:gy
pron <2Eti1ol*Ji>
pos n.
def the cause of a disease.
aetiological sub
head aetiology
or aetiological
syl ae:ti:o+log:i+cal
pron <2Eti*1loJikL>
pos adj.
aetiological sub
head aetiology
or aetiological
syl ae:ti:o+log:i+cal
pron <2Eti*1loJikL>
pos adj.
qual U.S.
aetiologically sub
head aetiology
or aetiologically
syl ae:ti:o+1log:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
aetiologically sub
head aetiology
or aetiologically
syl ae:ti:o+1log:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
qual U.S.
aetiologist sub
head aetiology
or aetiologist
syl ae:ti+1ol:o+gist
pos n.
aetiologist sub
head aetiology
or aetiologist
syl ae:ti+1ol:o+gist
pos n.
qual U.S.
Aetna 0.
syl Aet+na
pron <1etn*>
pos n.
def the Latin name for Mount {Etna}.
Aetolia 0.
syl Ae:to+li:a
pron
pos n.
def a mountainous region forming a department of W central Greece, north of the Gulf of Patras: a powerful federal state in the 3rd century #7b.c. Chief city: Missolonghi. Pop. (with Acarnania): 228719 (1971). Area: 5390 sq. km. (2081 sq. miles).
AEU 0.
syl A.E.U.
qual abbrev. for
usage in Britain
def Amalgamated Engineering Union.
Af 0.
syl Af.
qual abbrev. for
def Africa(n).
af 0.
syl a.f.
qual abbrev. for
def audio frequency.
AF 0.
syl A.F.
qual abbrev. for
def Anglo-French.
AF 0.
syl A/F
qual abbrev. for
usage in auction catalogues, etc.
def as found.
AFAM 0.
syl A.F.A.M.
qual abbrev. for
def Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
afar ety C14 a fer, altered from earlier on fer and of fer; see #7a -%2#7, far
afar 1.
syl a:far
pron <*1fa:>
pos adv.
def at, from, or to a great distance.
afar 2.
syl a:far
pron <*1fa:>
pos n.
def a great distance (esp. in the phrase {from afar) }.
Territory of the infl
head Afars and the Issas
syl Territory of the.
pos n.
Afars and the Issas 0.
syl A:fars and the Is+sas
pron <1a:fa:z>, <1Esa:s>
pos n.
def a former French territory in E Africa (1946-77), now the independent republic of Djibouti. Former name (until 1967): {French Somaliland}.
AFB 0.
syl AFB
usage abbrev. for U.S.
def Air Force Base.
AFC 1.
syl A.F.C.
qual abbrev. for:
def Air Force Cross.
AFC 2.
syl A.F.C.
qual abbrev. for:
def Association Football Club.
AFC 3.
syl A.F.C.
qual abbrev. for:
def automatic flight control.
AFC 4.
syl A.F.C.
qual abbrev. for:
def automatic frequency control.
afeard ety Old English *_af*_@ared, from af*_@aran to frighten, from f*_@aran to #7fear
afeared alt
head afeard
or afeard
syl a:feared
pron <*1fi*d>
pos adj.
afeard 0.
or afeared
syl a:feard
pron <*1fi*d>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def an archaic or dialect word for {afraid}.
afebrile 0.
syl a:fe:brile
pron <@1fEbrIl>,
pos adj.
def without fever.
affable ety C16: from Latin aff*_abilis easy to talk to, from aff*_ar*_i to talk to, from ad- to+ f*_ari to speak; compare #7fable, fate
affable 1.
syl af+fa:ble
pron <1@f*bL>
pos adj.
def showing warmth and friendliness; kindly; mild; benign.
affable 2.
syl af+fa:ble
pron <1@f*bL>
pos adj.
def easy to converse with; approachable; amicable.
affability sub
head affable
syl af+fa:1bil+i:ty
pos n.
affair ety C13: from Old French, from *`a faire to do
affair 1.
syl af+fair
pron <*1fe*>
pos n.
def a thing to be done or attended to; matter; business.
exam 1 this affair must be cleared up.
affair 2.
syl af+fair
pron <*1fe*>
pos n.
def an event or happening.
exam 1 a strange affair.
affair 3.
syl af+fair
pron <*1fe*>
pos n.
usage descriptive phrase
def something previously specified, esp. a man-made object; thing.
exam 1 our house is a tumbledown affair.
affair 4.
syl af+fair
pron <*1fe*>
pos n.
def a sexual relationship between two people who are not married to each other.
affaire 0.
syl af+faire
pron French.
pos n.
def a love affair.
affaires d'honneur infl
head affaire d'honneur
syl af+faires d'hon+neur
pron
pos n.
mod pl.
affaire d'honneur 0.
syl af+faire d'hon+neur
pron French.
pos n.
def a duel.
affairs 1.
syl af+fairs
pron <*1fe*z>
pos n.
mod pl.
def personal or business interests.
exam 1 his affairs were in disorder.
affairs 2.
syl af+fairs
pron <*1fe*z>
pos n.
mod pl.
def matters of public interest.
exam 1 current affairs.
affect ety C17: from Latin affectus, past participle of afficere to act upon, from ad- to+ facere to do
affect H1.1.
syl af+fect
pron <*1fekt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to act upon or influence, esp. in an adverse way.
exam 1 damp affected the sparking plugs.
affect H1.2.
syl af+fect
pron <*1fekt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to move or disturb emotionally or mentally.
exam 1 her death affected him greatly.
affect H1.3.
syl af+fect
pron <*1fekt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage of pain, disease, etc.
def to attack.
affect H1.4.
syl af+fect
pron <1@fekt>, <*1fekt>
pos n.
mod tr.
qual Psychol.
def the emotion associated with an idea or set of ideas. See also {affection}.
affect ety C15: from Latin affect*_are to strive after, pretend to have; related to afficere to #7affect %1
affect H2.1.
syl af+fect
pron <*1fekt>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to put on an appearance or show of; make a pretence of.
exam 1 to affect ignorance.
affect H2.2.
syl af+fect
pron <*1fekt>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to imitate or assume, esp. pretentiously.
exam 1 to affect an accent.
affect H2.3.
syl af+fect
pron <*1fekt>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to have or use by preference.
exam 1 she always affects funereal clothing.
affect H2.4.
syl af+fect
pron <*1fekt>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to adopt the character, manner, etc., of.
exam 1 he was always affecting the politician.
affect H2.5.
syl af+fect
pron <*1fekt>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
usage of plants or animals
def to live or grow in.
exam 1 penguins affect an arctic climate.
affect H2.6.
syl af+fect
pron <*1fekt>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to incline naturally or habitually towards.
exam 1 falling drops of liquid affect roundness.
affectation ety C16: from Latin affect*_ati*_on- an aiming at, striving after, from affect*_are; see #7affect %2
affectation 1.
syl af+fec+ta+tion
pron <2@fek1tAS*n>
pos n.
def an assumed manner of speech, dress, or behaviour, esp. one that is intended to impress others.
affectation 2.
syl af+fec+ta+tion
pron <2@fek1tAS*n>
pos n.
usage often foll. by of
def deliberate pretence or false display.
exam 1 affectation of nobility.
affected ety C17: from #7af?!fect %1#7+ -#7ed %2
affected H1.1.
syl af+fect+ed
pron <*1fektid>
pos adj.
usage usually postpositive
def deeply moved, esp. by sorrow or grief.
exam 1 he was greatly affected by her departure.
affected H1.2.
syl af+fect+ed
pron <*1fektid>
pos adj.
usage usually postpositive
def changed, esp. detrimentally.
affected ety C16: from #7affect %2#7+ -#7ed %2
affected H2.1.
syl af+fect+ed
pron <*1fektid>
pos adj.
def behaving, speaking, etc., in an artificial or assumed way, esp. in order to impress others.
affected H2.2.
syl af+fect+ed
pron <*1fektid>
pos adj.
def feigned.
exam 1 affected indifference.
affected H2.3.
syl af+fect+ed
pron <*1fektid>
pos adj.
qual Archaic.
def inclined; disposed.
affectedly sub
head affected
syl af+1fect+ed+ly
pos adv.
affectedness sub
head affected
syl af+1fect+ed+ness
pos n.
affecting 0.
syl af+fect+ing
pron <*1fektiG>
pos adj.
def evoking feelings of pity, sympathy, or pathos; moving.
affectingly sub
head affecting
syl af+1fect+ing+ly
pos adv.
affection ety C13: from Latin affecti*_on- disposition, from afficere to #7affect %1
affection 1.
syl af+fec+tion
pron <*1fekS*n>
pos n.
def a feeling of fondness or tenderness for a person or thing; attachment.
affection 2.
syl af+fec+tion
pron <*1fekS*n>
pos n.
mod often; pl.
def emotion, feeling, or sentiment.
exam 1 to play on a person's affections.
affection 3.
syl af+fec+tion
pron <*1fekS*n>
pos n.
qual Pathol.
def any disease or pathological condition.
affection 4.
syl af+fec+tion
pron <*1fekS*n>
pos n.
qual Psychol.
def any form of mental functioning that involves emotion. See also {affect} %1.
affection 5.
syl af+fec+tion
pron <*1fekS*n>
pos n.
def the act of affecting or the state of being affected.
affection 6.
syl af+fec+tion
pron <*1fekS*n>
pos n.
qual Archaic.
def inclination or disposition.
affectional sub
head affection
syl af+1fec+tion+al
pos adj.
affectionally sub
head affection
syl af+1fec+tion+al+ly
pos adv.
affectionate 0.
syl af+fec+tion+ate
pron <*1fekS*nit>
pos adj.
def having or displaying tender feelings, affection, or warmth.
exam 1 an affectionate mother;
exam 2 an affectionate letter.
affectionately sub
head affectionate
syl af+1fec+tion+ate+ly
pos adv.
affective 1.
syl af+fec+tive
pron <*1fektiv>
pos n.
qual Psychol.
def relating to affects.
affective 2.
syl af+fec+tive
pron <*1fektiv>
pos adj.
def concerned with or arousing the emotions or affection.
affectivity sub
head affective
or affectiveness
syl af+fec+tiv+i:ty
pron <2@fek1tiviti>
pos n.
affectiveness sub
head affective
or affectivity
syl af+1fec+tive+ness
pos n.
affenpinscher ety German, literally: monkey-terrier, so called because its face resembles a monkey's
affenpinscher 0.
syl af+fen+pin+scher
pron <1@f*n2pinS*>
pos n.
def a small wire-haired breed of dog of European origin, having tufts of hair on the muzzle.
afferent ety C19: from Latin afferre to carry to, from ad- to+ ferre to carry
afferent 0.
syl af+fer+ent
pron <1@f*r*nt>
pos adj.
def bringing or directing inwards to a part or an organ of the body, esp. towards the brain or spinal cord. Compare {efferent}.
affettuoso ety C18: from Italian
affettuoso 0.
syl af+fet+tu:o+so
pron <@2feCu:1*us*u>
pos adj. adv.
qual Music.
def with feeling.
affiance ety C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin aff*_id*_are to trust (oneself) to, from f*_id*_are to trust, from f*_idus faithful
affiance 1.
syl af+fi+ance
pron <*1fI*ns>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to bind (a person or oneself) in a promise of marriage; betroth.
affiance 2.
syl af+fi+ance
pron <*1fI*ns>
pos n.
qual Archaic.
def a solemn pledge, esp. a marriage contract.
affiant ety C19: Old French, from affier to trust to, from Medieval Latin aff*_id*_are; see #7affiance
affiant 0.
syl af+fi+ant
pron <*1fI*nt>
pos n.
qual U.S. law.
def a person who makes an affidavit.
affiche ety C18: from afficher to post
affiche 0.
syl af+fiche
pron French.
pos n.
def a poster or advertisement, esp. one drawn by an artist, as for the opening of an exhibition.
affidavit ety C17: from Medieval Latin, literally: he declares on oath, from aff*_idare to trust (oneself) to; see #7affiance
affidavit 0.
syl af+fi+da+vit
pron <2@fi1dAvit>
pos n.
qual Law.
def a declaration in writing made upon oath before a person authorized to administer oaths.
affiliate ety C18: from Medieval Latin aff*_ili*_atus adopted as a son, from aff*_il*_iare, from Latin filius son
affiliate 1.
syl af+fil:i+ate
pron <*1fili2At>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage foll. by to or with
def to receive into close connection or association (with a larger body, group, organization, etc.); adopt as a member, branch, etc.
affiliate 2.
syl af+fil:i+ate
pron <*1fili2At>
pos vb.
usage foll. by with
def to associate (oneself) or be associated, esp. as a subordinate or subsidiary; bring or come into close connection.
exam 1 he affiliated himself with the Union.
affiliate 3.a.
syl af+fil:i+ate
pron <*1filiit>, <-2At>
pos n.
def a person or organization that is affiliated with another.
affiliate 3.b.
syl af+fil:i+ate
pron <*1filiit>, <-2At>
pos n.
usage as modifier
exam 1 an affiliate member.
affiliation sub
head affiliate
syl af+2fil:i:1a+tion
pos n.
affiliation order 0.
syl af+fil:i:a+tion or+der
pos n.
qual Law.
def an order made by a magistrates' court that a man adjudged to be the father of an illegitimate child shall contribute a specified periodic sum towards the child's maintenance.
affiliation proceedings 0.
syl af+fil:i:a+tion pro+ceed+ings
pos n.
mod pl.
def legal proceedings, usu?!ally initiated by an unwed mother, claiming legal recognition that a particular man is the father of her child, often associated with a claim for financial support.
affine ety C16: via French from Latin aff*_inis bordering on, related
affine 0.
syl af+fine
pron <1@fIn>
pos adj.
qual Maths.
def of, characterizing, or involving a transformation that has a combination of single transformations, such as translation, rotation, and reflection in an axis.
affined 0.
syl af+fined
pron <*1fInd>
pos adj.
def closely related; connected.
affinity ety C14: via Old French from Latin aff*_init*_at- connected by marriage, from aff*_inis bordering on, related
affinities infl
head affinity
syl af+fin+i:ties.
pos n.
mod pl.
affinity 1.
syl af+fin+i:ty
pron <*1finiti>
pos n.
def a natural liking, taste, or inclination for a person or thing.
affinity 2.
syl af+fin+i:ty
pron <*1finiti>
pos n.
def the person or thing so liked.
affinity 3.
syl af+fin+i:ty
pron <*1finiti>
pos n.
def a close similarity in appearance or quality; inherent likeness.
affinity 4.
syl af+fin+i:ty
pron <*1finiti>
pos n.
def relationship by marriage or by ties other than of blood, as by adoption. Compare {consanguinity}.
affinity 5.
syl af+fin+i:ty
pron <*1finiti>
pos n.
def similarity in structure, form, etc., between different animals, plants, or languages.
affinity 6.a.
syl af+fin+i:ty
pron <*1finiti>
pos n.
def the force holding atoms together in a molecule; chemical attraction.
affinity 6.b.
syl af+fin+i:ty
pron <*1finiti>
pos n.
def a measure of the tendency of a chemical reaction to take place expressed in terms of the free energy change. Symbol.
exam 1 A
affinitive sub
head affinity
syl af+1fin:i+tive
pos adj.
affirm ety C14: via Old French from Latin affirm*_are to present (something) as firm or fixed, assert, from ad- to+ firm*_are to make #7firm
affirm 1.
syl af+firm
pron <*1fR:m>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
usage may take a clause as object
def to declare to be true; assert positively.
affirm 2.
syl af+firm
pron <*1fR:m>
pos vb.
mod mainly; tr.
def to uphold, confirm, or ratify.
affirm 3.
syl af+firm
pron <*1fR:m>
pos vb.
mod intr.
qual Law.
def to make an affirmation.
affirmer sub
head affirm
or affirmant
syl af+1firm+er
pos n.
affirmant sub
head affirm
or affirmer
syl af+1firm+ant
pos n.
affirmation 1.
syl af+fir+ma+tion
pron <2@f*1mAS*n>
pos n.
def the act of affirming or the state of being affirmed.
affirmation 2.
syl af+fir+ma+tion
pron <2@f*1mAS*n>
pos n.
def a statement of the existence or truth of something; assertion.
affirmation 3.
syl af+fir+ma+tion
pron <2@f*1mAS*n>
pos n.
qual Law.
def a solemn declaration permitted on grounds of conscientious objection to taking an oath.
affirmative 1.
syl af+firm:a+tive
pron <*1fR:m*tiv>
pos adj.
def confirming or asserting something as true or valid.
exam 1 an affirmative statement.
affirmative 2.
syl af+firm:a+tive
pron <*1fR:m*tiv>
pos adj.
def indicating agreement or assent.
exam 1 an affirmative answer.
affirmative 3.
syl af+firm:a+tive
pron <*1fR:m*tiv>
pos adj.
usage Logic. of a proposition
def affirming the truth of the predicate, as in the propositions Compare {{negative} (sense 12).}
affirmative 4.
syl af+firm:a+tive
pron <*1fR:m*tiv>
pos n.
def a positive assertion.
affirmative 5.
syl af+firm:a+tive
pron <*1fR:m*tiv>
pos n.
def a word or phrase stating agreement or assent, such as (esp. in the phrase {answer in the affirmative) }.
affirmative 6.
syl af+firm:a+tive
pron <*1fR:m*tiv>
pos n.
qual Logic.
def a proposition that affirms the truth of the predicate.
the affirmative 7.
head affirmative
syl the affirmative.
qual Chiefly U.S.
def the side in a debate that supports the proposition.
affirmative 8.
syl af+firm:a+tive
pron <*1fR:m*tiv>
pos adj.
usage sentence substitute. Military, etc.
def a signal codeword used to express assent or confirmation.
affirmatively sub
head affirmative
syl af+1firm:a+tive+ly
pos adv.
affix ety C15: from Medieval Latin affix*_are, from ad- to+ fix*_are to #7fix &- af+fix@.a+tion (@!@af$Ik#!se$I#s$$n) or
affix 1.
syl af+fix
pron <*1fiks>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually foll. by to or on
def to attach, fasten, join, or stick.
exam 1 to affix a poster to the wall.
affix 2.
syl af+fix
pron <*1fiks>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually foll. by to or on
def to add or append.
exam 1 to affix a signature to a document.
affix 3.
syl af+fix
pron <*1fiks>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage usually foll. by to or on
def to attach or attribute (guilt, blame, etc.).
affix 4.
syl af+fix
pron <1@fiks>
pos n.
mod tr.
usage usually foll. by to or on
def a linguistic element added to a word or root to produce a derived or inflected form.
exam 1 -ment
affix 5.
syl af+fix
pron <1@fiks>
pos n.
mod tr.
usage usually foll. by to or on
def something fastened or attached; appendage.
affixture sub
head affix
syl af+fix+ture
pron <*1fiksC*>
pos n.
afflatus ety C17: Latin, from affl*_atus, from affl*_are to breathe or blow on, from fl*_are to blow
afflatus 0.
syl af+fla+tus
pron <*1flAt*s>
pos n.
def an impulse of creative power or inspiration, esp. in poetry, considered to be of divine origin (esp. in the phrase {divine afflatus) }.
afflict ety C14: from Latin afflictus, past participle of affl*_igere to knock against, from fl*_igere to knock, to strike
afflict 0.
syl af+flict
pron <*1flikt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to cause suffering or unhappiness to; distress greatly.
afflictive sub
head afflict
syl af+1flic+tive
pos adj.
affliction 1.
syl af+flic+tion
pron <*1flikS*n>
pos n.
def a condition of great distress, pain, or suffering.
affliction 2.
syl af+flic+tion
pron <*1flikS*n>
pos n.
def something responsible for physical or mental suffering, such as a disease, grief, etc.
affluence 1.
syl af+flu+ence
pron <1@flu*ns>
pos n.
def an abundant supply of money, goods, or property; wealth.
affluence 2.
syl af+flu+ence
pron <1@flu*ns>
pos n.
qual Rare.
def abundance or profusion.
affluent ety C15: from Latin affluent-, present participle of affluere to flow towards, from fluere to flow
affluent 1.
syl af+flu+ent
pron <1@flu*nt>
pos adj.
def rich; wealthy.
affluent 2.
syl af+flu+ent
pron <1@flu*nt>
pos adj.
def abundant; copious.
affluent 3.
syl af+flu+ent
pron <1@flu*nt>
pos adj.
def flowing freely. {~}
affluent 4.
syl af+flu+ent
pron <1@flu*nt>
pos adj.
def a tributary stream.
afflux ety C17: from Latin affluxus, from fluxus #7flux
afflux 0.
syl af+flux
pron <1@fl^ks>
pos n.
def a flowing towards a point.
exam 1 an afflux of blood to the head.
afford ety Old English geforthian to further, promote, from forth #7forth ; the Old English prefix ge- was later reduced to a-, and the modern spelling (C16) is influenced by words beginning aff -
afford 1.
syl af+ford
pron <*1fc:d>
pos vb.
usage preceded by can, could, etc.
def to be able to do or spare something, esp. without incurring financial difficulties or without risk of undesirable consequences.
exam 1 we can afford to buy a small house;
exam 2 I can afford to give you one of my chess sets;
exam 3 we can't afford to miss this play.
afford 2.
syl af+ford
pron <*1fc:d>
pos vb.
def to give, yield, or supply.
exam 1 the meeting afforded much useful information.
afforest ety C15: from Medieval Latin afforest*_are, from forestis #7forest
afforest 0.
syl af+for+est
pron <*1forist>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to plant trees on; convert into forested land.
afforestation sub
head afforest
syl af+2for+est:1a+tion
pos n.
affranchise ety C15: from Old French afranchiss-, a stem of afranchir, from franchir to free; see #7frank %1
affranchise 0.
syl af+fran+chise
pron <*1fr@nCIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to release from servitude or an obligation.
affranchisement sub
head affranchise
syl af+1fran+chise+ment
pos n.
affray ety C14: via Old French from Vulgar Latin exfrid*_are (unattested) to break the peace; compare German Friede peace
affray 1.
syl af+fray
pron <*1frA>
pos n.
qual Law.
def a fight, noisy quarrel, or disturbance between two or more persons in a public place.
affray 2.
syl af+fray
pron <*1frA>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Archaic.
def to frighten.
affreightment ety C19: from French affr*'eter to charter a ship, from fret #7freight
affreightment 0.
syl af+freight+ment
pron <*1frAtm*nt>
pos n.
def a contract hiring a ship to carry goods.
affricate ety C19: from Latin affric*_are to rub against, from fric*_are to rub; compare #7friction
affricate 0.
syl af+fri+cate
pron <1@fri2kit>
pos n.
def a composite speech sound consisting of a stop and a fricative articulated at the same point, such as the sound written as in
affricative 1.
syl af+fric:a+tive
pron <*1frik*tiv>, <1@fr*2kA->
pos n.
def another word for {affricate}.
affricative 2.
syl af+fric:a+tive
pron <*1frik*tiv>, <1@fr*2kA->
pos adj.
def of, relating to, or denoting an affricate.
affright ety Old English *_afyrhtan, from a-, a prefix indicating the beginning or end of an action+ fyrhtan to #7fright
affright 1.
syl af+fright
pron <*1frIt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Archaic or poetic.
def to frighten.
affright 2.
syl af+fright
pron <*1frIt>
pos n.
qual Archaic or poetic.
def a sudden terror.
affront ety C14: from Old French afront?!er to strike in the face, from Vulgar Latin affront*_are (unattested), from the Latin phrase ad frontem to the face
affront 1.
syl af+front
pron <*1fr^nt>
pos n.
def a deliberate insult.
affront 2.
syl af+front
pron <*1fr^nt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to insult, esp. openly.
affront 3.
syl af+front
pron <*1fr^nt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to offend the pride or dignity of.
affront 4.
syl af+front
pron <*1fr^nt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Obsolete.
def to confront defiantly.
affusion ety C17: from Late Latin aff*_usi*_on- a pouring upon, from af?!fundere, from fundere to pour
affusion 0.
syl af+fu+sion
pron <*1fju:Z*n>
pos n.
def the baptizing of a person by pouring water onto his head. Compare {{aspersion} (sense 3),} {immersion}.
Afgh alt
head Afg
or Afg
syl Afgh.
Afg 0.
or Afgh
syl Afg.
qual abbrev. for
def Afghanistan.
afghan 1.
syl af+ghan
pron <1@fg@n>, <-g*n>
pos n.
def a knitted or crocheted wool blanket or shawl, esp. one with a geometric pattern.
afghan 2.
syl af+ghan
pron <1@fg@n>, <-g*n>
pos n.
def a sheepskin coat, often embroidered and having long fur trimming around the edges.
Afghani alt
head Afghan
or Afghan
syl Af+ghan:i
pron <@f1g@ni>, <-1ga:->
pos n.
Afghan 1.
or Afghani
syl Af+ghan
pron <1@fg@n>, <-g*n>
pos n.
def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Afghanistan.
Afghan 2.
or Afghani
syl Af+ghan
pron <1@fg@n>, <-g*n>
pos n.
def another name for {Pashto} (the language).
Afghan 3.
or Afghani
syl Af+ghan
pron <1@fg@n>, <-g*n>
pos adj.
def denoting or relating to Afghanistan, its people, or their language.
Afghan hound 0.
syl Af+ghan hound
pos n.
def a tall graceful breed of hound with a long silky coat.
afghani 0.
syl af+ghan:i
pron <@f1ga:ni>
pos n.
def the standard monetary unit of Afghanistan, divided into 100 puls.
Afghanistan 0.
syl Af+ghan:i+stan
pron <@f1g@ni2sta:n>, <-2st@n>
pos n.
def a republic in central Asia: became independent in 1919; generally arid and mountainous, with the Hindu Kush range rising over 7500 m (25000 ft.) and fertile valleys of the Amu Darya, Helmand, and Kabul Rivers. Languages: Pashto and Tadzhik. Religion: Muslim. Currency: afghani. Capital: Kabul. Pop.: 18796000 (1974 UN est.). Area: 657500 sq. km (250000 sq. miles).
aficionado ety Spanish, from aficionar to arouse affection, from aficion #7affection
aficionados infl
head aficionado
syl a:fi+cio+na+dos
pron <-d*uz>, Spanish <-Dos>
pos n.
mod pl.
aficionado 1.
syl a:fi+cio+na+do
pron <*2fiSj*1na:d*u>, Spanish , Spanish <-Dos>
pos n.
def an ardent supporter or devotee.
exam 1 a jazz aficionado.
aficionado 2.
syl a:fi+cio+na+do
pron <*2fiSj*1na:d*u>, Spanish , Spanish <-Dos>
pos n.
def a devotee of bullfighting.
afield 1.
syl a:field
pron <*1fEld>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive
def away from one's usual surroundings or home (esp. in the phrase {far afield) }.
afield 2.
syl a:field
pron <*1fEld>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive
def off the subject; away from the point (esp. in the phrase {far afield) }.
afield 3.
syl a:field
pron <*1fEld>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive
def in or to the field, esp. the battlefield.
afire 1.
syl a:fire
pron <*1fI*>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive
def on fire; ablaze.
afire 2.
syl a:fire
pron <*1fI*>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive
def intensely interested or passionate.
exam 1 he was afire with enthusiasm for the new plan.
aflame 1.
syl a:flame
pron <*1flAm>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive
def in flames; ablaze.
aflame 2.
syl a:flame
pron <*1flAm>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive
def deeply aroused, as with passion.
exam 1 he was aflame with desire.
aflame 3.
syl a:flame
pron <*1flAm>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive; of the face
def red or inflamed.
aflatoxin ety C20: from A (spergillus) fla (vus) + #7toxin
aflatoxin 0.
syl af+la+tox+in
pron <2@fl*1toksin>
pos n.
def a toxin produced by the fungus growing on peanuts, maize, etc., thought to cause liver disease (esp. cancer) in man.
AFL-CIO 0.
syl AFL-CIO
qual abbrev. for
def American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations; a federation of independ?!ent American trade unions formed by the union of these two groups in 1955.
afloat 1.
syl a:float
pron <*1fl*ut>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def floating.
afloat 2.
syl a:float
pron <*1fl*ut>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def aboard ship; at sea.
afloat 3.
syl a:float
pron <*1fl*ut>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def covered with water; flooded.
afloat 4.
syl a:float
pron <*1fl*ut>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def aimlessly drifting.
exam 1 afloat in a sea of indecision.
afloat 5.
syl a:float
pron <*1fl*ut>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def in circulation; afoot.
exam 1 nasty rumours were afloat.
afloat 6.
syl a:float
pron <*1fl*ut>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def free of debt; solvent.
aflutter 0.
syl a:flut+ter
pron <*1fl^t*>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def in or into a nervous or excited state.
AFM 0.
syl A.F.M.
qual abbrev. for
def Air Force Medal.
afoot 1.
syl a:foot
pron <*1fut>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def in circulation or operation; astir.
exam 1 mischief was afoot.
afoot 2.
syl a:foot
pron <*1fut>
pos adj. postpositive; adv.
def on or by foot.
afore 0.
syl a:fore
pron <*1fc:>
pos adv. prep. conj.
def an archaic or dialect word for {before}.
aforementioned 0.
syl a:fore+men+tioned
pron <*1fc:2menS*nd>
pos adj.
usage usually prenominal; chiefly in legal documents
def stated or mentioned before or already.
aforesaid 0.
syl a:fore+said
pron <*1fc:2sed>
pos adj.
usage usually prenominal; chiefly in legal documents
def spoken of or referred to previously.
aforethought 0.
syl a:fore+thought
pron <*1fc:2Tc:t>
pos adj.
usage immediately postpositive
def premeditated (esp. in the phrase {malice aforethought) }.
aforetime 0.
syl a:fore+time
pron <*1fc:2tIm>
pos adv.
qual Archaic.
def formerly.
a fortiori ety Latin
a fortiori 0.
syl a for+ti:o+ri
pron , <-ri>,
pos adv.
def for a stronger, more convincing, or more certain reason.
exam 1 if Britain cannot afford a space programme, then, a fortiori, neither can India.
afoul 1.
syl a:foul
pron <*1faul>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive; usually foll. by of
def in or into a state of difficulty, confusion, or conflict (with).
afoul 2.
syl a:foul
pron <*1faul>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive; often foll. by of
def in or into an entanglement or collision (with) (often in the phrase {run afoul of) }.
exam 1 a yacht with its sails afoul;
exam 2 the boat ran afoul of a steamer.
Afr 0.
syl Afr.
qual abbrev. for
def Africa(n).
afraid ety C14 affraied, past participle of #7affray (to frighten)
afraid 1.
syl a:fraid
pron <*1frAd>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; often foll. by of
def feeling fear or apprehension; frightened.
exam 1 he was afraid of cats.
afraid 2.
syl a:fraid
pron <*1frAd>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def reluctant (to do something), as through fear or timidity.
exam 1 he was afraid to let himself go.
afraid 3.
syl a:fraid
pron <*1frAd>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; often foll. by that; used to lessen the effect of an unpleasant statement
def regretful.
exam 1 I'm afraid that I shall have to tell you to go.
afreet ety C19: from Arabic `ifr*_it
afrit alt
head afreet
or afreet
syl af+rit
pron <1@frEt>, <*1frEt>
pos n.
afreet 0.
or afrit
syl af+reet
pron <1@frEt>, <*1frEt>
pos n.
qual Arabian myth.
def a powerful evil demon or giant monster.
afresh 0.
syl a:fresh
pron <*1freS>
pos adv.
def once more; once again; anew.
Africa 0.
syl Af+ri+ca
pron <1@frik*>
pos n.
def the second largest of the continents, on the Mediterranean in the north, the Atlantic in the west, and the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean in the east. The Sahara Desert divides the continent unequally into North Africa (an early centre of civilization, in close contact with Europe and W Asia, now inhabited chiefly by Arabs) and Africa south of the Sahara (relatively isolated from the rest of the world until the 19th century and inhabited chiefly by Negro peoples). It was colonized mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries by Europeans and now comprises chiefly independent nations. The largest lake is Lake Victoria and the chief rivers are the Nile, Niger, Congo, and Zambezi. Pop.: 346015000 (1969 est.). Area: about 30300000 sq. km (11700000 sq. miles).
African 1.
syl Af+ri+can
pron <1@frik*n>
pos adj.
def denoting or relating to Africa or any of its peoples, languages, nations, etc.
African 2.
syl Af+ri+can
pron <1@frik*n>
pos n.
def a native, inhabitant, or citizen of any of the countries of Africa.
African 3.
syl Af+ri+can
pron <1@frik*n>
pos n.
def a member or descendant of any of the peoples of Africa, esp. a Negro.
Africanism 0.
syl Af+ri+can+ism
pron <1@frik*2niz*m>
pos n.
def something characteristic of Africa or Africans, esp. a characteristic feature of an African language when introduced into a non-African language.
Africanist 0.
syl Af+ri+can+ist
pron <1@frik*nist>
pos n.
def a person specializing in the study of African affairs or culture.
Africanise alt
head Africanize
or Africanize
syl Af+ri+can+ise
pron <1@frik*2nIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
Africanize 0.
or Africanise
syl Af+ri+can+ize
pron <1@frik*2nIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to make African, esp. to give control of (policy, government, etc.) to Africans.
Africanization sub
head Africanize
or Africanisation
syl Af+ri+can:i+1za+tion
pos n.
Africanisation sub
head Africanize
or Africanization
syl Af+ri+can:i+1sa+tion
pos n.
African lily 0.
syl Af+ri+can lil:y
pos n.
def a liliaceous plant, of southern Africa, having rounded clusters of blue or white funnel-shaped flowers.
African mahogany 1.
syl Af+ri+can ma+hog:a+ny
pos n.
def any of several African trees of the meliaceous genus esp. that have wood similar to that of true mahogany.
African mahogany 2.
syl Af+ri+can ma+hog:a+ny
pos n.
def the wood of any of these trees, used for furniture, etc.
African mahogany 3.
syl Af+ri+can ma+hog:a+ny
pos n.
def any of various other African woods that resemble true mahogany.
African violet 0.
syl Af+ri+can vi:o+let
pos n.
def any of several tropical African plants of the genus esp. cultivated as house plants, with violet, white, or pink flowers and hairy leaves: family
Afrikaans ety C20: from Dutch: African
Afrikaans 0.
syl Af+ri+kaans
pron <2@fri1ka:ns>, <-1ka:nz>
pos n.
def an official language of all the Republic of South Africa, closely related to Dutch and Flemish. Also called: {South African Dutch, Taal}.
Afrikander ety C19: from South African Dutch, formed on the model of Hollander
Africander alt
head Afrikander
or Afrikander
syl Af+ri+can+der
pron <2afri1k@nd*>, <2@f->
pos n.
Afrikander 1.
or Africander
syl Af+ri+kan+der
pron <2afri1k@nd*>, <2@f->
pos n.
def a breed of humped-back beef cattle originally raised in southern Africa.
Afrikander 2.
or Africander
syl Af+ri+kan+der
pron <2afri1k@nd*>, <2@f->
pos n.
def a southern African breed of fat-tailed sheep.
Afrikander 3.
or Africander
syl Af+ri+kan+der
pron <2afri1k@nd*>, <2@f->
pos n.
def a former name for an {Afrikaner}.
Afrikaner 0.
syl Af+ri+ka+ner
pron <2afri1ka:n*>, <2@f->
pos n.
def a White native of the Republic of South Africa whose mother tongue is Afrikaans. See also {Boer}.
Afrikanerdom 0.
syl Af+ri+ka+ner+dom
pron <2afri1ka:n*d*m>, <2@f->
pos n.
usage in South Africa
def Afrikaner nationalism based on pride in the Afrikaans language and culture, conservative Calvinism, and a sense of heritage as pioneers.
Afrikanerise alt
head Afrikanerize
or Afrikanerize
syl Af+ri+ka+ner+ise
pron <2afri1ka:n*2rIz>, <2@f->
pos vb.
mod tr.
Afrikanerize 0.
or Afrikanerise
syl Af+ri+ka+ner+ize
pron <2afri1ka:n*2rIz>, <2@f->
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Chiefly S. African.
def to make (a person) Afrikaans in attitudes, language, etc.
Afrikanerization sub
head Afrikanerize
or Afrikanerisation
syl Af+ri+ka+ner:i+1za+tion
pos n.
Afrikanerisation sub
head Afrikanerize
or Afrikanerization
syl Af+ri+ka+ner:i+1sa+tion
pos n.
afrit 0.
syl af+rit
pron <1@frEt>, <*1frEt>
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {afreet}.
Afro ety C20: independent use of A#7fro-
Afros infl
head Afro
syl Af:ros.
pos n.
mod pl.
Afro 0.
syl Af:ro
pron <1@fr*u>
pos n.
def a hair style in which the hair is shaped into a wide frizzy bush, popular esp. among Negroes.
Afro- 0.
syl Af:ro-
pron <1@fr*u->
usage combining form.
def indicating Africa or African.
exam 1 Afro-Asiatic.
Afro-American 1.
syl Af:ro-A:mer:i:can
pos n.
def an American Negro.
Afro-American 2.
syl Af:ro-A:mer:i:can
pos adj.
def de?!noting or relating to American Negroes, their history, or their culture.
Afro-Asian 0.
syl Af:ro-A:sian
pos adj.
def of or relating to both Africa and Asia, esp. as part of the Third World.
Afro-Asiatic 1.
syl Af:ro-A:si:at:ic
pos n.
def Also called: {Semito-Hamitic}. a family of languages of SW Asia and N Africa, consisting of the Semitic, ancient Egyptian, Berber, Cushitic, and Chadic subfamilies.
Afro-Asiatic 2.
syl Af:ro-A:si:at:ic
pos adj.
def denoting, belonging to, or relating to this family of languages.
Afro-chain 0.
syl Af:ro-chain
pos n.
usage in the Caribbean
def a large chain necklace with a central pendant: usually worn with a dashiki by men.
Afro-comb 0.
syl Af:ro-comb
pos n.
usage in the Caribbean
def a hand-shaped comb with long metal teeth used in tending an Afro.
Afro-Cuban 0.
syl Af:ro-Cu:ban
pos adj.
def of or relating to a type of jazz influenced by Cuban variants of African rhythms. Compare {Cu-bop}.
afrormosia ety C20: from #7afro -+ Ormosia (genus name)
afrormosia 0.
syl af+ror+mo+si:a
pron <2@frc:1m*uzi*>
pos n.
def a hard teaklike wood obtained from tropical African trees of the leguminous genus
aft ety C17: perhaps a shortened form of earlier #7abaft
aft 0.
syl aft
pron
pos adv. adj.
qual Chiefly nautical.
def towards or at the stern or rear.
exam 1 the aft deck;
exam 2 aft of the engines.
after ety Old English @after; related to Old Norse aptr back, eptir after, Old High German aftar
after 1.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
def following in time; in succession to.
exam 1 after dinner;
exam 2 time after time.
after 2.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
def following in space; behind.
exam 1 they entered one after another.
after 3.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
def in pursuit or search of.
exam 1 chasing after a thief;
exam 2 he's only after money.
after 4.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
def concerning.
exam 1 to inquire after his health.
after 5.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
def considering.
exam 1 after what you have done, you shouldn't complain.
after 6.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
def next in excellence or importance to.
exam 1 he ranked Jonson after Shakespeare.
after 7.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
def in imitation of; in the manner of.
exam 1 a statue after classical models.
after 8.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
def in accordance with or in conformity to.
exam 1 a man after her own heart.
after 9.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
def with a name derived from.
exam 1 Mary was named after her grandmother.
after 10.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
qual U.S.
def past (the hour of).
exam 1 twenty after three.
after 11.a.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
def when everything is considered.
exam 1 after all, why worry about it??
after 11.b.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos prep.
def in spite of expectations, efforts, etc..
exam 1 he won the race after all&!
after you 12.
head after
syl after you.
def please go, enter, etc., before me.
after 13.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos adv.
def at a later time; afterwards.
after 14.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos adv.
def coming afterwards; in pursuit.
after 15.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos adv.
qual Nautical.
def further aft; sternwards.
after 16.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos conj.
usage subordinating
def at a time later than that at which.
exam 1 he came after I had left.
after 17.
syl af+ter
pron <1a:ft*>
pos adj.
qual Nautical.
def further aft.
exam 1 the after cabin.
afterbirth 0.
syl af:ter+birth
pron <1a:ft*2bR:T>
pos n.
def the placenta and fetal membranes expelled from the uterus after the birth of offspring.
afterbodies infl
head afterbody
syl af:ter+bod:ies.
pos n.
mod pl.
afterbody 0.
syl af:ter+bod:y
pron <1a:ft*2bodi>
pos n.
def any discarded part that continues to trail a satellite, rocket, etc., in orbit.
afterbrain 0.
syl af:ter+brain
pron <1a:ft*2brAn>
pos n.
def a nontechnical name for {myelencephalon}.
afterburner 1.
syl af:ter+burn:er
pron <1a:ft*2bR:n*>
pos n.
def a device in the exhaust system of an internal-combustion engine for removing or rendering harmless potentially dangerous components in the exhaust gases.
afterburner 2.
syl af:ter+burn:er
pron <1a:ft*2bR:n*>
pos n.
def a device placed in the jet pipe of an aircraft jet engine to produce afterburning.
afterburning 1.
syl af:ter+burn:ing
pron <1a:ft*2bR:niG>
pos n.
def Also called: {reheat}. a process in which additional fuel is ignited in the exhaust gases of a jet engine to produce additional thrust.
afterburning 2.
syl af:ter+burn:ing
pron <1a:ft*2bR:niG>
pos n.
def irregular burning of fuel in a rocket motor after the main burning has ceased.
afterburning 3.
syl af:ter+burn:ing
pron <1a:ft*2bR:niG>
pos n.
def persistence of combustion in an internal-combustion engine, either in an incorrect part of the cycle or after the ignition has been switched off.
aftercare 0.
syl af:ter+care
pron <1a:ft*2ke*>
pos n.
qual Med.
def the care of a patient recovering from a serious illness or operation.
afterdamp 0.
syl af:ter+damp
pron <1a:ft*2d@mp>
pos n.
def a poisonous gas, consisting main?!ly of carbon monoxide, formed after the explosion of firedamp in coal mines. See also {white damp}.
afterdeck 0.
syl af:ter+deck
pron <1a:ft*2dek>
pos n.
qual Nautical.
def the unprotected deck behind the bridge of a ship.
aftereffect 1.
syl af:ter+ef:fect
pron <1a:ft*ri2fekt>
pos n.
def any result occurring some time after its cause.
aftereffect 2.
syl af:ter+ef:fect
pron <1a:ft*ri2fekt>
pos n.
qual Med.
def any delayed response to a stimulus or agent. Compare {side effect}.
afterglow 1.
syl af:ter+glow
pron <1a:ft*2gl*u>
pos n.
def the glow left after a light has disappeared, such as that sometimes seen after sunset.
afterglow 2.
syl af:ter+glow
pron <1a:ft*2gl*u>
pos n.
def the glow of an incandescent metal after the source of heat has been removed.
afterglow 3.
syl af:ter+glow
pron <1a:ft*2gl*u>
pos n.
qual Physics.
def luminescence persisting in a gas discharge after the source of power has been removed.
afterglow 4.
syl af:ter+glow
pron <1a:ft*2gl*u>
pos n.
def a trace, impression, etc., of past emotion, brilliance, etc.
afterheat 0.
syl af:ter+heat
pron <1a:ft*2hEt>
pos n.
def the heat generated in a nuclear reactor after it has been shut down, produced by residual radioactivity in the fuel elements.
afterimage 0.
syl af:ter+im:age
pron <1a:ft*r2imiJ>
pos n.
def a sustained or renewed sensation, esp. visual, after the original stimulus has ceased. Also called: {aftersensation}.
afterlife 0.
syl af:ter+life
pron <1a:ft*2lIf>
pos n.
def life after death or at a later time in a person's lifetime.
aftermath ety C16: #7after+ math a mowing, from Old English m@ath
aftermath 1.
syl af:ter+math
pron <1a:ft*2ma:T>, <-2m@T>
pos n.
def signs or results of an event or occurrence considered collectively, esp. of a catas?!trophe or disaster.
exam 1 the aftermath of war.
aftermath 2.
syl af:ter+math
pron <1a:ft*2ma:T>, <-2m@T>
pos n.
qual Agriculture.
def a second mowing or crop of grass from land that has already yielded one crop earlier in the same year.
aftermost 0.
syl af:ter+most
pron <1a:ft*2m*ust>
pos adj.
def closer or closest to the rear or (in a vessel) the stern; last.
afternoon 1.a.
syl af:ter+noon
pron <2a:ft*1nu:n>
pos n.
def the period of the day between noon and evening.
afternoon 1.b.
syl af:ter+noon
pron <2a:ft*1nu:n>
pos n.
usage as modifier
exam 1 afternoon tea.
afternoon 2.
syl af:ter+noon
pron <2a:ft*1nu:n>
pos n.
def a middle or later part.
exam 1 the afternoon of life.
afternoons 0.
syl af:ter+noons
pron <2a:ft*1nu:nz>
pos adv.
qual Informal.
def during the afternoon, esp. regularly.
afterpains 0.
syl af:ter+pains
pron <1a:ft*2pAnz>
pos n.
mod pl.
def cramplike pains caused by contraction of the uterus after childbirth.
afterpiece 0.
syl af:ter+piece
pron <1a:ft*2pEs>
pos n.
def a brief usually comic dramatic piece presented after a play.
afters 0.
syl af+ters
pron <1a:ft*z>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing. pl.
qual Brit. informal.
def dessert; sweet.
aftersensation 0.
syl af:ter+sen:sa:tion
pron <1a:ft*sen2sAS*n>
pos n.
def another word for {after?!image}.
aftershaft 0.
syl af:ter+shaft
pron <1a:ft*2Sa:ft>
pos n.
qual Ornithol.
def a secondary feather arising near the base of a contour feather.
aftershave lotion 0.
syl af:ter+shave lo+tion
pron <1a:ft*2SAv>
pos n.
def a lotion, usually styptic and perfumed, for application to the face after shaving. Often shortened to {aftershave}.
aftershock 0.
syl af:ter+shock
pron <1a:ft*2Sok>
pos n.
def one of a series of minor tremors occurring after the main shock of an earthquake.
aftertaste 1.
syl af:ter+taste
pron <1a:ft*2tAst>
pos n.
def a taste that lingers on after eating or drinking.
aftertaste 2.
syl af:ter+taste
pron <1a:ft*2tAst>
pos n.
def a lingering impression or sensation.
afterthought 1.
syl af:ter+thought
pron <1a:ft*2Tc:t>
pos n.
def a comment, reply, etc., that occurs to one after the opportunity to deliver it has passed.
afterthought 2.
syl af:ter+thought
pron <1a:ft*2Tc:t>
pos n.
def an addition to something already completed.
afterwards ety Old English @afterweard, @afteweard, from #7aft+ward
afterward alt
head afterwards
or afterwards
syl af:ter+ward
pos adv.
afterwards 0.
or afterward
syl af:ter+wards
pron <1a:ft*w*dz>
pos adv.
def after an earlier event or time; subsequently.
afterword 0.
syl af:ter+word
pron <1a:ft*2wR:d>
pos n.
def an epilogue or postscript in a book, etc.
afterworld 0.
syl af:ter+world
pron <1a:ft*2wR:ld>
pos n.
def a world inhabited after death.
Ag ety from Latin argentum
Ag 0.
syl Ag
usage the chemical symbol for
def silver.
AG ety German: joint-stock company
AG 1.
syl A.G.
qual abbrev. for:
def Adjutant General.
AG 2.
syl A.G.
qual abbrev. for:
def Attorney General.
AG 3.
syl A.G.
qual abbrev. for:
def Aktiengesellschaft.
aga ety C17: Turkish, literally: lord
agha alt
head aga
or aga
syl a:gha
pron <1a:g*>
pos n.
aga 1.
or agha
syl a:ga
pron <1a:g*>
pos n.
usage in the Ottoman Empire
def a title of respect, often used with the title of a senior position.
aga 2.
or agha
syl a:ga
pron <1a:g*>
pos n.
usage in the Ottoman Empire
def a military commander.
Agadir 0.
syl A:ga+dir
pron <2@g*1di*>
pos n.
def a port in SW Morocco, which became the centre of an international crisis (1911), when a gunboat arrived to protect German interests. Britain issued a strong warning to Germany but the French negotiated and war was averted. In 1960 the town was virtually destroyed by an earthquake, about 10000 people being killed. Pop.: 61192 (1971).
again ety Old English ongegn opposite to, from #7a -%2#7+ gegn straight
again 1.
syl a:gain
pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn>
pos adv.
def another or second time; once more; anew.
exam 1 he had to start again.
again 2.
syl a:gain
pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn>
pos adv.
def once more in a previously experienced or encountered place, state, or condition.
exam 1 he is ill again;
exam 2 he came back again.
again 3.
syl a:gain
pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn>
pos adv.
def in addition to the original amount, quantity, etc. (esp. in the phrases {as much again; half as much again) }.
again 4.
syl a:gain
pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn>
pos adv.
usage sentence modifier
def on the other hand.
exam 1 he might come and then again he might not.
again 5.
syl a:gain
pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn>
pos adv.
def besides; also.
exam 1 she is beautiful and, again, intelligent.
again 6.
syl a:gain
pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn>
pos adv.
qual Archaic.
def in reply; back.
exam 1 he answered again to the questioning voice.
again and again 7.
head again
syl again and again.
def continuously; repeatedly.
again 8.
syl a:gain
pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn>
pos adv.
qual Caribbean.
usage used with a negative
def any more; any longer.
exam 1 I don't eat pumpkin again.
again 9.
syl a:gain
pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn>
pos adv.
usage sentence connector.
def moreover; furthermore.
exam 1 again, it could be said that he is not dead.
against ety C12 ageines, from again, ageyn, etc., #7again+ -es genitive ending; the spelling with -t (C16) was probably due to confusion with superlatives ending in -st
against 1.
syl a:gainst
pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst>
pos prep.
def opposed to; in conflict or disagreement with.
exam 1 they fought against the legislation.
against 2.
syl a:gainst
pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst>
pos prep.
def standing or leaning beside or in front of.
exam 1 a ladder against the wall.
against 3.
syl a:gainst
pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst>
pos prep.
def coming in contact with.
exam 1 the branches of a tree brushed against the bus.
against 4.
syl a:gainst
pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst>
pos prep.
def in contrast to.
exam 1 silhouettes are outlines against a light background.
against 5.
syl a:gainst
pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst>
pos prep.
def having an adverse or unfavourable effect on.
exam 1 the economic system works against small independent companies.
against 6.
syl a:gainst
pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst>
pos prep.
def as a protection from or means of defence from the adverse effects of.
exam 1 a safeguard against contaminated water.
against 7.
syl a:gainst
pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst>
pos prep.
def in exchange for or in return for.
against 8.
syl a:gainst
pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst>
pos prep.
qual Now rare.
def in preparation for.
exam 1 he gave them warm clothing against their journey through the night.
as against 9.
head against
syl as against.
def as opposed to or as compared with.
exam 1 he had two shots at him this time as against only one last time.
Aga Khan 0.
syl A:ga Khan
def %1 (#!$a$:g$$ #!k$a$:n) the hereditary title of the head of the Ismaili Islamic sect.
Aga Khan 0.
syl A:ga Khan
def %2 (#!$a$:g$$ #!k$a$:n) Prince {Sa@.drud@.din} (s$$#!dru$:d$In). born 1933, Iranian international civil servant; United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (1965-77).
Aga Khan IV 0.
syl A:ga Khan IV
pos n.
def Prince {Ka@.rim} (k$$#!ri$:m). born 1936, spiritual leader of the Ismaili sect of Muslims since 1957.
agalloch ety C17: from Greek agallokhon
agalloch 0.
syl a:gal+loch
pron <*1g@l*k>
pos n.
def another name for {eaglewood}.
agama ety C19: Carib
agama 1.
syl ag:a+ma
pron <1@g*m*>, <*1g@m*>
pos n.
def any small terrestrial lizard of the genus which inhabit warm regions of the Old World: family
agama 2.
syl ag:a+ma
pron <1@g*m*>, <*1g@m*>
pos n.
def Also called: {agamid} (#!@ag$$m$Id, $$#!g@am$Id). any other lizard of the family which occur in the Old World and Australia and show a wide range of habits and diversity of structure.
Agamemnon 0.
syl Ag:a:mem:non
pron <2@g*1memnon>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def a king of Mycenae who led the Greeks at the siege of Troy. On his return home he was murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. See also {Menelaus}.
agamete ety C19: from Greek agametos unmarried; see #7a -%1#7, gamete
agamete 0.
syl a:gam+ete
pron <*1g@mEt>
pos n.
def a reproductive cell, such as the merozoite of some protozoans, that develops into a new form without fertilization.
agamic ety C19: from Greek agamos unmarried, from #7a -%1#7+ gamos marriage
agamic 0.
syl a:gam+ic
pron <*1g@mik>
pos adj.
def asexual; occurring or reproducing without fertilization.
agamically sub
head agamic
syl a:1gam:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
agamogenesis ety C19: #7agamic+genesis
agamogenesis 0.
syl ag:a+mo+gen+e:sis
pron <2@g*m*u1Jenisis>
pos n.
def asexual reproduction, such as fission or parthenogenesis.
agamogenetic sub
head agamogenesis
syl ag:a+mo+ge:net+ic
pron <2@g*m*uJ*1netik>
pos adj.
agamogenetically sub
head agamogenesis
syl ag:a+mo+ge:1net:i+cal+ly
pos adv.
Agana 0.
syl A:ga+*~na
pron <*1ga:nj*>
pos n.
def the capital of the Pacific island of Guam, on its W coast. Pop.: 2119 (1970).
agapanthus ety C19: New Latin, from Greek agap*_e love+ anthos flower
agapanthus 0.
syl ag:a+pan+thus
pron <2@g*1p@nT*s>
pos n.
def any African liliaceous plant of the genus esp. the African lily, with rounded clusters of blue or white flowers.
agape ety C17: #7a -%2#7+gape
agape 1.
syl a:gape
pron <*1gAp>
pos adj.
usage postpositive; esp. of the mouth
def wide open.
agape 2.
syl a:gape
pron <*1gAp>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def very surprised, expectant, or eager, esp. as indicated by a wide open mouth.
Agape ety C17: Greek agap*_e love
Agape 1.
syl A:ga:pe
pron <1@g*pi>
pos n.
qual Christianity.
def Christian love, esp. as contrasted with erotic love; charity.
Agape 2.
syl A:ga:pe
pron <1@g*pi>
pos n.
qual Christianity.
def a communal meal in the early Church taken in commemoration of the Last Supper; love feast.
agar ety C19: Malay
agar 0.
syl a:gar
pron <1Ag*>
pos n.
def a complex gelatinous carbohydrate obtained from seaweeds, esp. those of the genus used as a culture medium for bacteria, a laxative, in food, etc. Also called: {agar-agar}.
agaric ety C16: via Latin agaricum, from Greek agarikon, perhaps named after Agaria, a town in Sarmatia
agaric 1.
syl ag:a+ric
pron <1@g*rik>, <*1g@rik>
pos n.
def any saprophytic basidio?!mycetous fungus of the family having gills on the underside of the cap. The group includes the edible mushrooms and poisonous forms such as the fly agaric.
agaric 2.
syl ag:a+ric
pron <1@g*rik>, <*1g@rik>
pos n.
def the dried spore-producing bodies of certain fungi, esp. (or formerly used in medicine.
agaricaceous sub
head agaric
syl a:gar:i+ca+ceous
pron <*2g@ri1kAS*s>
pos adj.
Agartala 0.
syl A:gar+ta+la
pron <1^g*t*2la:>
pos n.
def a city in NE India, capital of the state of Tripura. Pop.: 100264 (1971).
agate ety C16: via French from Latin ach*_at*_es, from Greek akhat*_es
agate 1.
syl ag+ate
pron <1@git>
pos n.
def an impure microcrystalline form of quartz consisting of a variegated, usually banded chalcedony, used as a gemstone and in making pestles and mortars, burnishers, and polishers. Formula: SiO\2.
agate 2.
syl ag+ate
pron <1@git>
pos n.
def a playing marble of this quartz or resembling it.
agate 3.
syl ag+ate
pron <1@git>
pos n.
qual Printing.
def the U.S. name for {ruby} (sense 5).
agate line 0.
syl ag+ate line
pos n.
qual U.S.
def a measure of advertising space, one column wide and one fourteenth of an inch deep. Sometimes shortened to {line}.
agateware 0.
syl ag:ate+ware
pron <1@git2we*>
pos n.
def ceramic ware made to resemble agate or marble.
agave ety C18: New Latin, from Greek agau*_e, feminine of agauos illustrious, probably alluding to the height of the plant
agave 0.
syl a:ga+ve
pron <*1gAvi>, <1@gAv>
pos n.
def any plant of the genus native to tropical America with tall flower stalks rising from thick fleshy leaves: family Some species are the source of fibres such as sisal or of alcoholic beverages such as pulque and tequila. See also {century plant}.
AGC 0.
syl AGC
qual abbrev. for
def automatic gain control.
agcy 0.
syl agcy.
qual abbrev. for
def agency.
age ety C13: via Old French from Vulgar Latin aetat*_icum (unattested), from Latin aet*_as, ultimately from aevum lifetime; compare #7aeon
age 1.
syl age
pron
pos n.
def the period of time that a person, animal, or plant has lived or is expected to live.
exam 1 the age of a tree;
exam 2 what age was he when he died??
exam 3 the age of a horse is up to thirty years.
age 2.
syl age
pron
pos n.
def the period of existence of an object, material, group, etc..
exam 1 the age of this table is 200 years.
age 3.a.
syl age
pron
pos n.
def a period or state of human life.
exam 1 he should know better at his age;
exam 2 she had got beyond the giggly age.
age 3.b.
syl age
pron
pos n.
usage as modifier
exam 1 age group.
age 4.
syl age
pron
pos n.
def the latter part of life.
age 5.a.
syl age
pron
pos n.
def a period of history marked by some feature or characteristic; era.
age 5.b.
syl age
pron
pos n.
usage cap. when part of a name
exam 1 the Middle Ages;
exam 2 the Space Age.
age 6.
syl age
pron
pos n.
def generation.
exam 1 the Edwardian age.
age 7.a.
syl age
pron
pos n.
def a period of the earth's history distinguished by special characteristics.
exam 1 the age of reptiles.
age 7.b.
syl age
pron
pos n.
def the period during which a stage of rock strata is formed; a subdivision of an epoch.
age 8.
syl age
pron
pos n.
qual Myth.
def any of the successive periods in the legendary history of man, which were, according to Hesiod, the golden, silver, bronze, heroic, and iron ages.
age 9.
syl age
pron
pos n.
mod often; pl.
qual Informal.
def a relatively long time.
exam 1 she was an age washing her hair;
exam 2 I've been waiting ages.
age 10.
syl age
pron
pos n.
qual Psychol.
def the level in years that a person has reached in any area of development, such as mental or emotional, compared with the normal level for his chronological age. See also {achievement age, mental age}.
age before beauty 11.
head age
syl age before beauty.
usage often said humorously when yielding precedence
def older people take precedence over young?!er people.
of age 12.
head age
syl of age.
def adult and legally responsible for one's actions (usually at 18 or 21 years).
ages infl
head age
or aging
syl ag:es
pos vb.
ageing infl
head age
or aged
syl age+ing
pos vb.
aging infl
head age
or ages
syl ag+ing
pos vb.
aged infl
head age
or ageing
syl aged.
pos vb.
age 13.
syl age
pron
pos vb.
def to grow or make old or apparently old; become or cause to become old or aged.
age 14.
syl age
pron
pos vb.
def to begin to seem older.
exam 1 to have aged a lot in the past year.
age 15.
syl age
pron
pos vb.
qual Brewing.
def to mature or cause to mature.
-age ety from Old French, from Late Latin -*_aticum, noun suffix, neuter of -*_aticus, adjectival suffix, from -*_atus -#7ate -%1#7+ -icus -#7ic
-age 0.
syl -age
exam 1 suffix forming nouns.
-age 1.
syl -age
def indicating a collection, set, or group.
exam 1 acreage;
exam 2 baggage.
-age 2.
syl -age
def indicating a process or action or the result of an action.
exam 1 haulage;
exam 2 passage;
exam 3 breakage.
-age 3.
syl -age
def indicat?!ing a state, condition, or relationship.
exam 1 bondage;
exam 2 parent?!age.
-age 4.
syl -age
def indicating a house or place.
exam 1 orphanage.
-age 5.
syl -age
def indicating a charge or fee.
exam 1 postage.
-age 6.
syl -age
def indicating a rate.
exam 1 dosage;
exam 2 mileage.
aged 1.a.
syl a:ged
pron <1AJid>
pos adj.
def advanced in years; old.
aged 1.b.
syl a:ged
pron <1AJid>
pos as collective; n.
usage preceded by the
exam 1 the aged.
aged 2.
syl a:ged
pron <1AJid>
pos adj.
def of, connected with, or characteristic of old age.
aged 3.
syl a:ged
pron
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def having the age of.
exam 1 a woman aged twenty.
aged 4.
syl a:ged
pron <1AJid>
pos adj.
qual Geography.
def having reached an advanced stage of erosion.
agee ety C19: #7a -%2#7+#7{gee %1}
ajee alt
head agee
or agee
syl a:jee
pron <*1JE>
pos adj.
agee 0.
or ajee
syl a:gee
pron <*1JE>
pos adj.
qual Scot. and Brit. dialect.
def awry, crooked, or ajar.
age hardening 0.
syl age har+den+ing
pos n.
def the hardening of metals by spontaneous structural changes over a period of time. See also {precipitation hardening}.
ageless 1.
syl age+less
pron <1AJlis>
pos adj.
def apparently never growing old.
ageless 2.
syl age+less
pron <1AJlis>
pos adj.
def timeless; eternal.
exam 1 an ageless quality.
Agen 0.
syl A:gen
pron French
pos n.
def a market town in SW France, on the Garonne river. Pop.: 35839 (1975).
agency ety C17: from Medieval Latin agentia, from Latin agere to do
agencies infl
head agency
syl a:gen+cies.
pos n.
mod pl.
agency 1.
syl a:gen+cy
pron <1AJ*nsi>
pos n.
def a business or other organization providing a specific service.
exam 1 an employment agency.
agency 2.
syl a:gen+cy
pron <1AJ*nsi>
pos n.
def the place where an agent conducts business.
agency 3.
syl a:gen+cy
pron <1AJ*nsi>
pos n.
def the business, duties, or functions of an agent.
agency 4.
syl a:gen+cy
pron <1AJ*nsi>
pos n.
def action, power, or operation.
exam 1 the agency of fate.
agency 5.
syl a:gen+cy
pron <1AJ*nsi>
pos n.
def intercession or mediation.
agency 6.
syl a:gen+cy
pron <1AJ*nsi>
pos n.
qual Chiefly U.S.
def one of the administrative organizations of a government.
agenda ety C17: Latin, literally: things to be done, from agere to do
agenda 1.
syl a:gen+da
pron <*1Jend*>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def a schedule or list of items to be attended to. Also: {a@.gen+dum}.
agenda 2.
syl a:gen+da
pron <*1Jend*>
pos n.
mod functioning as; pl.
def matters to be attended to, as at a meeting of a committee. Also: {a@.gen+das, a@.gen+dums}.
agenesis 1.
syl a:gen+e:sis
pron
pos n.
usage of an animal or plant
def imperfect development.
agenesis 2.
syl a:gen+e:sis
pron
pos n.
def impotence or sterility.
agenetic sub
head agenesis
syl a:ge:net+ic
pron <2AJ*1net?!ik>
pos adj.
agent ety C15: from Latin agent-, noun use of the present participle of agere to do
agent 1.
syl a:gent
pron <1AJ*nt>
pos n.
def a person who acts on behalf of another person, group, business, government, etc.; representative.
agent 2.
syl a:gent
pron <1AJ*nt>
pos n.
def a person or thing that acts or has the power to act.
agent 3.
syl a:gent
pron <1AJ*nt>
pos n.
def a phenomenon, substance, or organism that exerts some force or effect.
exam 1 a chemical agent.
agent 4.
syl a:gent
pron <1AJ*nt>
pos n.
def the means by which something occurs or is achieved; instrument.
exam 1 wind is an agent of plant pollination.
agent 5.
syl a:gent
pron <1AJ*nt>
pos n.
def a person representing a business concern, esp. a travelling salesman.
agent 6.
syl a:gent
pron <1AJ*nt>
pos n.
qual Brit.
def short for {estate agent}.
agent 7.
syl a:gent
pron <1AJ*nt>
pos n.
def short for {secret agent}.
agential sub
head agent
syl a:gen+tial
pron
pos adj.
agents-general infl
head agent-general
syl a:gents-gen:er:al.
pos n.
mod pl.
agent-general 0.
syl a:gent-gen:er:al
pos n.
def a representative in London of a Canadian province or an Australian state.
agential alt
head agentive
or agentive
syl a:gen+tial
pron
agentive 1.
or agential
syl a:gen+tive
pron <1AJ*ntiv>
pos adj.
qual Grammar.
usage in some inflected languages
def denoting a case of nouns, etc., indicating the agent described by the verb.
agentive 2.
or agential
syl a:gen+tive
pron <1AJ*ntiv>
pos adj.
qual Grammar.
usage of a speech element
def indicating agency.
exam 1 @6-er@9 in @6worker@9 is an agentive suffix.
agentive 3.a.
or agential
syl a:gen+tive
pron <1AJ*ntiv>
pos n.
qual Grammar.
def the agentive case.
agentive 3.b.
or agential
syl a:gen+tive
pron <1AJ*ntiv>
pos n.
qual Grammar.
def a word or element in the agentive case.
agent of production 0.
syl a:gent of pro+duc+tion
pos n.
def another name for {factor of production}.
agents provocateurs infl
head agent provocateur
syl a:gents pro+vo+ca+teurs
pron
pos n.
mod pl.
agent provocateur 0.
syl a:gent pro+vo+ca+teur
pron French.
pos n.
def a secret agent employed to provoke suspected persons to commit illegal acts and so be discredited or liable to punishment.
age of consent 0.
syl age of con+sent
pos n.
def the age at which a person, esp. a female, is considered legally competent to consent to marriage or sexual intercourse.
Age of Reason 0.
syl Age of Rea+son
pos n.
usage usually preceded by the
def the 18th century in W Europe. See also {Enlightenment}.
age-long alt
head age-old
or age-old
syl age-long
pos adj.
age-old 0.
or age-long
syl age-old
pos adj.
def very old or of long duration; ancient.
ageratum ety C16: New Latin, via Latin from Greek ag*_eraton that which does not age, from #7a -%1#7+ g*_erat-, stem of g*_eras old age; the flowers of the plant remain vivid for a long time
ageratum 0.
syl ag+er:a+tum
pron <2@J*1rAt*m>
pos n.
def any tropical American plant of the genus such as and which have thick clusters of purplish-blue flowers.
agger ety C14: from Latin agger a heap, from ad- to+ gerere to carry, bring
agger 0.
syl ag+ger
pron <1@J*>
pos n.
def an earthwork or mound forming a rampart, esp. in a Roman military camp.
aggiornamenti infl
head aggiornamento
syl ag+gior+na+men+ti
pos n.
mod pl.
agglomerate ety C17: from Latin agglomer*_are, from glomer*_are to wind into a ball, from glomus ball, mass
agglomerate 1.
syl ag+glom+er+ate
pron <*1glom*2rAt>
pos vb.
def to form or be formed into a mass or cluster; collect.
agglomerate 2.
syl ag+glom+er+ate
pron <*1glom*?!rit>, <-2rAt>
pos n.
def a confused mass.
agglomerate 3.
syl ag+glom+er+ate
pron <*1glom*?!rit>, <-2rAt>
pos n.
def a volcanic rock consisting of angular fragments within a groundmass of lava. Compare {{conglomerate} (sense 2).} {~} ($$#!gl$Am$$r$It, -@!re$It).
agglomerate 4.
syl ag+glom+er+ate
pron <*1glom*?!rit>, <-2rAt>
pos n.
def formed into a mass.
agglomeration sub
head agglomerate
syl ag+2glom+er:1a+tion
pos n.
agglomerative sub
head agglomerate
syl ag+1glom+er:a+tive
pos adj.
agglutinate ety C16: from Latin aggl*_utin*_are to glue to, from gluten glue
agglutinate 1.
syl ag+glu+ti+nate
pron <*1glu:ti2nAt>
pos vb.
def to cause to adhere, as with glue.
agglutinate 2.
syl ag+glu+ti+nate
pron <*1glu:ti2nAt>
pos vb.
qual Linguistics.
def to combine or be combined by agglutination.
agglutinate 3.
syl ag+glu+ti+nate
pron <*1glu:ti2nAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to cause (bacteria, red blood cells, etc.) to clump together.
agglutinate 4.
syl ag+glu+ti+nate
pron <*1glu:tinit>, <-2nAt>
pos adj.
def united or stuck, as by glue.
agglutinability sub
head agglutinate
syl ag+2glu+ti+na:1bil+i:ty
pos n.
agglutinable sub
head agglutinate
syl ag+1glu+ti+na:ble
pos adj.
agglutinant sub
head agglutinate
syl ag+1glu+ti+nant
pos adj.
agglutination 1.
syl ag+glu+ti+na+tion
pron <*2glu:ti1nAS*n>
pos n.
def the act or process of agglutinating.
agglutination 2.
syl ag+glu+ti+na+tion
pron <*2glu:ti1nAS*n>
pos n.
def the condition of being agglutinated; adhesion.
agglutination 3.
syl ag+glu+ti+na+tion
pron <*2glu:ti1nAS*n>
pos n.
def a united mass or group of parts.
agglutination 4.
syl ag+glu+ti+na+tion
pron <*2glu:ti1nAS*n>
pos n.
qual Linguistics.
def the building up of words from component morphemes in such a way that these undergo little or no change of form or meaning in the process of combination.
agglutinative 1.
syl ag+glu+ti+na+tive
pron <*1glu:tin*tiv>
pos adj.
def tending to join or capable of joining.
agglutinative 2.
syl ag+glu+ti+na+tive
pron <*1glu:tin*tiv>
pos adj.
def Also: {agglomerative}. denot?!ing languages, such as Hungarian, whose morphology is characterized by agglutination. Compare {{analytic} (sense 3)}, {{synthetic} (sense 3)}, {{polysynthetic}}.
agglutinin ety C19: #7agglutinate+ -#7in
agglutinin 0.
syl ag+glu+ti+nin
pron <*1glu:tinin>
pos n.
def an antibody that causes agglutination.
agglutinogen ety C20: from #7agglutinate+ -#7gen
agglutinogen 0.
syl ag+glu+tin:o+gen
pron <2@glu1tin*J*n>
pos n.
def an antigen that reacts with or stimulates the formation of a specific agglutinin.
aggrade 0.
syl ag+grade
pron <*1grAd>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to build up the level of (any land surface) by the deposition of sediment. Compare {{degrade} (sense 4).}
aggradation sub
head aggrade
syl ag+grad:a+tion
pron <2@gr*1dAS*n>
pos n.
aggrandize ety C17: from Old French aggrandiss-, long stem of aggrandir to make bigger, from Latin grandis #7grand ; the ending -ize is due to the influence of verbs ending in -ise, -ize
aggrandise alt
head aggrandize
or aggrandize
syl ag+gran+dise
pron <1@gr*n2dIz>, <*1gr@ndIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
aggrandize 1.
or aggrandise
syl ag+gran+dize
pron <1@gr*n2dIz>, <*1gr@ndIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to increase the power, wealth, prestige, scope, etc., of.
aggrandize 2.
or aggrandise
syl ag+gran+dize
pron <1@gr*n2dIz>, <*1gr@ndIz>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to cause (something) to seem greater; magnify; exaggerate.
aggrandizement sub
head aggrandize
or aggrandisement
syl ag+gran+dize+ment
pron <*1gr@ndizm*nt>
pos n.
aggrandisement sub
head aggrandize
or aggrandizement
syl ag+gran+dise+ment
pron <*1gr@ndizm*nt>
pos n.
aggrandizer sub
head aggrandize
or aggrandiser
syl ag+gran+2diz+er
pos n.
aggrandiser sub
head aggrandize
or aggrandizer
syl ag+gran+2dis+er
pos n.
aggravate ety C16: from Latin aggrav*_are to make heavier, from gravis heavy
aggravate 1.
syl ag+gra+vate
pron <1@gr*2vAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to make (a disease, situation, problem, etc.) worse or more severe.
aggravate 2.
syl ag+gra+vate
pron <1@gr*2vAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Informal.
def to annoy; exasperate.
aggravation sub
head aggravate
syl ag+gra+1va+tion
aggregate ety C16: from Latin aggreg*_are to add to a flock or herd, attach (oneself) to, from grex flock #!ag+gre+gate+ly adv.
aggregate 1.
syl ag+gre+gate
pron <1@grigit>, <-2gAt>
pos adj.
def formed of separate units collected into a whole; collective; corporate.
aggregate 2.
syl ag+gre+gate
pron <1@grigit>, <-2gAt>
pos adj.
usage of fruits and flowers
def composed of a dense cluster of carpels or florets.
aggregate 3.
syl ag+gre+gate
pron <1@grigit>, <-2gAt>
pos n.
def a sum or assemblage of many separate units; sum total.
aggregate 4.
syl ag+gre+gate
pron <1@grigit>, <-2gAt>
pos n.
qual Geology.
def a rock, such as granite, consisting of a mixture of minerals.
aggregate 5.
syl ag+gre+gate
pron <1@grigit>, <-2gAt>
pos n.
def the sand, etc., mixed with cement and water to make concrete.
in the aggregate 6.
head aggregate
syl in the aggregate.
def taken as a whole.
aggregate 7.
syl ag+gre+gate
pron <1@gri2gAt>
pos vb.
def to combine or be combined into a body, etc.
aggregate 8.
syl ag+gre+gate
pron <1@gri2gAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to amount to (a number).
aggregation sub
head aggregate
syl ag+gre+1ga+tion
pos n.
aggregative sub
head aggregate
syl ag+gre+ga+tive
pron <1@gri2gAtiv>
pos adj.
aggress ety C16: from Medieval Latin aggress*_are to attack, from Latin aggred*_i to attack, approach
aggress 0.
syl ag+gress
pron <*1gres>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to attack first or begin a quarrel.
aggression ety C17: from Latin aggression-, from aggr*_edi to attack
aggression 1.
syl ag+gres+sion
pron <*1greS*n>
pos n.
def an attack or harmful action, esp. an unprovoked attack by one country against another.
aggression 2.
syl ag+gres+sion
pron <*1greS*n>
pos n.
def any offensive activity, practice, etc..
exam 1 an aggression against personal liberty.
aggression 3.
syl ag+gres+sion
pron <*1greS*n>
pos n.
qual Psychol.
def a hostile or destructive mental attitude or behaviour.
aggressor sub
head aggression
syl ag+gres+sor
pron <*1gres*>
pos n.
aggressive 1.
syl ag+gres+sive
pron <*1gresiv>
pos adj.
def quarrelsome or belligerent.
exam 1 an aggressive remark.
aggressive 2.
syl ag+gres+sive
pron <*1gresiv>
pos adj.
def assertive; vigorous.
exam 1 an aggressive businessman.
aggressively sub
head aggressive
syl ag+1gres+sive+ly
pos adv.
aggrieve ety C14 agreven, via Old French from Latin aggrav*_are to #7aggravate
aggrieve 1.
syl ag+grieve
pron <*1grEv>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage passive
def to grieve; distress; afflict.
exam 1 it aggrieved her much that she could not go.
aggrieve 2.
syl ag+grieve
pron <*1grEv>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to injure unjustly, esp. by infringing a person's legal rights.
aggrievedly sub
head aggrieve
syl ag+griev+ed+ly
pron <*1grEvidli>
pos adv.
aggro ety C20: from #7aggravation
aggro 0.
syl ag+gro
pron <1@gr*u>
pos n.
qual Brit. slang.
def aggressive behaviour, esp. by youths in a gang.
agha 0.
syl a:gha
pron <1a:g*>
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {aga}.
aghast ety C13 agast, from Old English g@astan to frighten. The spelling with gh is on the model of #7ghastly
aghast 0.
syl a:ghast
pron <*1ga:st>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def overcome with amazement or horror.
agile ety C15: from Latin agilis, from agere to do, act
agile 1.
syl ag+ile
pron <1@JIl>
pos adj.
def quick in movement; nimble.
agile 2.
syl ag+ile
pron <1@JIl>
pos adj.
def mentally quick or acute.
agilely sub
head agile
syl ag+ile+ly
pos adv.
agility sub
head agile
syl a:gil+i:ty
pron <*1Jiliti>
pos n.
Agincourt 0.
syl Ag+in+court
pron <1aJin2kc:t>, French
pos n.
def a battle fought in 1415 near the village of Agincourt, N France: a decisive victory for English longbowmen under Henry V over French forces vastly superior in number.
agio ety C17: from Italian, literally: ease
agio 1.a.
syl ag:i:o
pron <1@Ji*u>
pos n.
def the difference between the nominal and actual values of a currency.
agio 1.b.
syl ag:i:o
pron <1@Ji*u>
pos n.
def the charge payable for conversion of the less valuable currency.
agio 2.
syl ag:i:o
pron <1@Ji*u>
pos n.
def a percentage payable for the exchange of one currency into another.
agio 3.
syl ag:i:o
pron <1@Ji*u>
pos n.
def an allowance granted to compensate for differences in currency values, as on foreign bills of exchange.
agio 4.
syl ag:i:o
pron <1@Ji*u>
pos n.
def an informal word for {agiotage}.
agiotage ety C19: French, from #7agio
agiotage 1.
syl ag:io+tage
pron <1@J*tiJ>
pos n.
def the business of exchanging currencies.
agiotage 2.
syl ag:io+tage
pron <1@J*tiJ>
pos n.
def speculative dealing in stock exchange securities or foreign exchange.
agist ety C14: from Old French agister, from gister to lodge, ultimately from Latin jac*_ere to lie down
agist 1.
syl a:gist
pron <*1Jist>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Law.
def to care for and feed (cattle or horses) for payment.
agist 2.
syl a:gist
pron <*1Jist>
pos vb.
mod tr.
qual Law.
def to assess and charge (land or its owner) with a public burden, such as a tax.
agitate ety C16: from Latin agit*_atus, from agit*_are to move to and fro, set into motion, from agere to act, do
agitate 1.
syl ag:i+tate
pron <1@Ji2tAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to excite, disturb, or trouble (a person, the mind or feelings); worry.
agitate 2.
syl ag:i+tate
pron <1@Ji2tAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to cause to move vigorously; shake, stir, or disturb.
agitate 3.
syl ag:i+tate
pron <1@Ji2tAt>
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage often foll. by for or against
def to attempt to stir up public opinion for or against something.
agitate 4.
syl ag:i+tate
pron <1@Ji2tAt>
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to discuss or debate in order to draw attention to or gain support for (a cause, etc.).
exam 1 to agitate a political cause.
agitation sub
head agitate
syl ag:i+1ta+tion
pos n.
agitato 0.
syl a:gi+ta+to
pron <2@Ji1ta:t*u>
pos adj. adv.
qual Music.
def in an agitated manner.
agitator 1.
syl ag:i+ta+tor
pron <1@Ji2tAt*>
pos n.
def a person who agitates for or against a cause, etc.
agitator 2.
syl ag:i+ta+tor
pron <1@Ji2tAt*>
pos n.
def a device, machine, or part used for mixing, shaking, or vibrating a material.
agitprop ety C20: short for Russian Agitpropbyuro
agitprop 1.
syl ag:it+prop
pron <1@Jit2prop>
pos n.
usage often cap.
def a bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, in charge of agitation and propaganda on behalf of Communism.
agitprop 2.
syl ag:it+prop
pron <1@Jit2prop>
pos n.
def any promotion of political agitation and propaganda, esp. of a Communist nature.
Aglaia ety Greek: splendour, from aglaos splendid
Aglaia 0.
syl A:glai:a
pron <*1glI*>
pos n.
qual Greek myth.
def one of the three Graces.
agleam 0.
syl a:gleam
pron <*1glEm>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def glowing; gleaming.
aglet ety C15: from Old French aiguillette a small needle
aiglet alt
head aglet
or aglet
syl ai:glet
pos n.
aglet 1.
or aiglet
syl ag+let
pron <1@glit>
pos n.
def a metal sheath or tag at the end of a shoelace, ribbon, etc.
aglet 2.
or aiglet
syl ag+let
pron <1@glit>
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {aiguillette}.
aglet 3.
or aiglet
syl ag+let
pron <1@glit>
pos n.
def any ornamental pendant.
agley ety from gley squint
agley 0.
syl a:gley
pron <*1glA>, <*1glE>
pos adj.
qual Scot.
def awry.
aglimmer 0.
syl a:glim+mer
pron <*1glim*>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def glimmering.
aglitter 0.
syl a:glit+ter
pron <*1glit*>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def sparkling; glittering.
aglow 0.
syl a:glow
pron <*1gl*u>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def glowing.
AGM 0.
syl A.G.M.
qual abbrev. for
def annual general meeting.
agma 0.
syl ag:ma
pron <1@gm*>
pos n.
qual Phonetics.
def the symbol (&n), used to represent a velar nasal consonant, as in (l$A&n) or (t@a&nk).
agminate ety C19: from Latin agmen a moving throng
agminate 0.
syl ag+mi+nate
pron <1@gminit>, <-2nAt>
pos adj.
def gathered or clustered together.
agnail 0.
syl ag+nail
pron <1@g2nAl>
pos n.
def another name for {hangnail}.
agnate ety C16: from Latin agn*_atus born in addition, added by birth, from agn*_asci, from ad- in addition+ gn*_asci to be born
agnate 1.
syl ag+nate
pron <1@gnAt>
pos adj.
def related by descent from a common male ancestor.
agnate 2.
syl ag+nate
pron <1@gnAt>
pos adj.
def related in any way; cognate.
agnate 3.
syl ag+nate
pron <1@gnAt>
pos n.
def a male or female descendant by male links from a common male ancestor.
agnatic sub
head agnate
syl ag+nat+ic
pron <@g1n@tik>
pos adj.
agnation sub
head agnate
syl ag+1na+tion
pos n.
Saint infl
head Agnes
syl Saint.
pos n.
Agnes 0.
syl Ag:nes
pron <1@gnis>
pos n.
def ??292-??304 #7a.d., Christian child martyr under Diocletian. Feast day: Jan. 21.
Agni ety Sanskrit: fire
Agni 0.
syl Ag:ni
pron <1^gni>
pos n.
qual Hinduism.
def the god of fire, one of the three chief deities of the Vedas.
agnomen ety C18: from Late Latin, from ad- in addition to+ n*_omen name
agnomina infl
head agnomen
syl ag+nom:i+na
pron <-1nomin*>
pos n.
mod pl.
agnomen 1.
syl ag+no+men
pron <@g1n*umen>
pos n.
def the fourth name or second cognomen occasionally acquired by an ancient Roman. See also {cognomen, nomen, praenomen}.
agnomen 2.
syl ag+no+men
pron <@g1n*umen>
pos n.
def another word for {nickname}.
agnominal sub
head agnomen
syl ag+nom:i+nal
pron <@g1nominL>
pos adj.
agnostic ety C19: coined l869 by T. H. Huxley from #7a -%1#7+gnostic
agnostic 1.
syl ag+nos+tic
pron <@g1nostik>
pos n.
def a person who holds that only material phenomena can be known and knowledge of a Supreme Being, ultimate cause, etc., is impossible.
agnostic 2.
syl ag+nos+tic
pron <@g1nostik>
pos adj.
def of or relating to agnostics.
agnosticism sub
head agnostic
syl ag+1nos+ti+cism
pos n.
Agnus Dei ety Latin: Lamb of God
Agnus Dei 1.
syl Ag+nus De:i
pron <1@gnus> <1dAi>
pos n.
qual Christianity.
def the figure of a lamb bearing a cross or banner, emblematic of Christ.
Agnus Dei 2.
syl Ag+nus De:i
pron <1@gnus> <1dAi>
pos n.
qual Christianity.
def a chant beginning with these words or a translation of them, forming part of the Roman Catholic Mass or sung as an anthem in the Anglican liturgy.
Agnus Dei 3.
syl Ag+nus De:i
pron <1@gnus> <1dAi>
pos n.
qual Christianity.
def a wax medallion stamped with a lamb as emblem of Christ and blessed by the pope.
ago ety C14 ago, from Old English *_ag*_an to pass away #e Usage. The use of ago with since (it's ten years ago since he wrote the novel) is redundant and is therefore avoided in careful English. Ago should be followed by that: it was ten years ago that he wrote the novel.
ago 0.
syl a:go
pron <*1g*u>
pos adv.
def in the past.
exam 1 five years ago;
exam 2 long ago.
agog ety C15: perhaps from Old French en gogues in merriments, origin unknown
agog 0.
syl a:gog
pron <*1gog>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def highly impatient, eager, or curious.
a gogo ety C20: from French
a gogo 0.
syl *`a go:go
pron <*> <1g*u2g*u>
pos adj. adv.
qual Informal.
def as much as one likes; galore.
exam 1 champagne *`a gogo.
-agogue ety via Late Latin from Greek ag*_ogos leading, from agein to lead
-agogue 1.
syl -a:gogue
usage esp. U.S.
def indicating a person or thing that leads or incites to action.
exam 1 pedagogue;
exam 2 demagogue.
-agogue 2.
syl -a:gogue
usage esp. U.S.
def denoting a substance that stimulates the secretion of something.
exam 1 galactagogue.
-agogic sub
head -agogue
syl -a:gog:ic
-agogy sub
head -agogue
syl -a:go:gy
agon ety C17: Greek: contest, from agein to lead
agones infl
head agon
syl a:go+nes
pron <*1g*unEz>
pos n.
mod pl.
agon 0.
syl ag:on
pron <1@g*un>, <-gon>
pos n.
usage in ancient Greece
def a festival at which competitors contended for prizes. Among the best known were the Olympic, Pythias, Nemean, and Isthmian Games.
agone 0.
syl a:gone
pron <*1gon>
pos adv.
def an archaic word for {ago}.
agonic ety C19: from Greek ag*_onos, from #7a -%1#7+ g*_onia angle
agonic 0.
syl a:gon+ic
pron <*1gonik>,
pos adj.
def forming no angle.
agonic line 0.
syl a:gon+ic line
pos n.
def an imaginary line on the surface of the earth connecting points of zero magnetic declination.
agonist ety C17: from Greek ag*_on #7agon
agonist 1.
syl ag:o+nist
pron <1@g*nist>
pos n.
def any muscle that is opposed in action by another muscle. Compare {antagonist}.
agonist 2.
syl ag:o+nist
pron <1@g*nist>
pos n.
def a competitor, as in an agon.
agonistic ety C17: via Late Latin from Greek ag*_onistikos, from ag*_on contest
agonistic 1.
syl ag:o+nis+tic
pron <2@g*1nistik>
pos adj.
def striving for effect; strained.
agonistic 2.
syl ag:o+nis+tic
pron <2@g*1nistik>
pos adj.
def eager to win in discussion or argument; competitive.
agonize ety C16: via Medieval Latin from Greek ag*_onizesthai to contend for a prize, from ag*_on #7agon
agonise alt
head agonize
or agonize
syl ag:o+nise
pron <1@g*2nIz>
pos vb.
agonize 1.
or agonise
syl ag:o+nize
pron <1@g*2nIz>
pos vb.
def to suffer or cause to suffer agony.
agonize 2.
or agonise
syl ag:o+nize
pron <1@g*2nIz>
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to make a desperate effort; struggle; strive.
agonizingly sub
head agonize
or agonisingly
syl ag:o+2niz+ing+ly
pos adv.
agonisingly sub
head agonize
or agonizingly
syl ag:o+2nis+ing+ly
pos adv.
agony ety C14: via Late Latin from Greek ag*_onia struggle, from ag*_on contest
agonies infl
head agony
syl ag:o+nies.
pos n.
mod pl.
agony 1.
syl ag:o+ny
pron <1@g*ni>
pos n.
def acute physical or mental pain; anguish.
agony 2.
syl ag:o+ny
pron <1@g*ni>
pos n.
def the suffering or struggle preceding death.
put infl
head agony
or turn on the agony
syl put
turn on the agony infl
head agony
or put
syl turn on the agony.
pile 3.
head agony
syl pile
qual Brit. informal.
def to exaggerate one's distress for sympathy or greater effect.
agony column 0.
syl ag:o+ny col+umn
pos n.
qual Brit. informal.
def a newspaper column devoted to advertisements relating esp. to personal problems.
agora ety from Greek, from agorein to gather
agorae infl
head agora
or agoras
syl ag:o+rae
pron <-rE>, <-rI>
pos n.
mod pl.
agoras infl
head agora
or agorae
syl ag:o+ras.
pos n.
mod pl.
agora H1.0.a.
syl ag:o+ra
pron <1@g*r*>
pos n.
usage often cap.
def the marketplace in Athens, used for popular meetings, or any similar place of assembly in ancient Greece.
agora H1.0.b.
syl ag:o+ra
pron <1@g*r*>
pos n.
usage often cap.
def the meeting itself.
agora ety Hebrew, from *_ag*_or to collect
agorot infl
head agora
syl ag:o+rot
pron <-1rot>
pos n.
mod pl.
agora H2.0.
syl ag:o+ra
pron <2@g*1ra:>
pos n.
def an Israeli monetary unit worth one hundredth of a pound.
agoraphobia 0.
syl ag:o+ra+pho+bi:a
pron <2@g*r*1f*ubi*>
pos n.
def an abnormal dread of open spaces.
agoraphobic sub
head agoraphobia
syl ag:o+ra+1pho+bic
pos adj. n.
Giacomo infl
head Agostini
syl Gia:co:mo
pron <1Ja:komo>
pos n.
Agostini 0.
syl A:gos:ti:ni
pron Italian
pos n.
def born 1944, Italian racing motorcyclist: world champion (500 cc. class) 1966-72; (350 cc. class) 1968-74.
agouti ety C18: via French and Spanish from Guarani
agoutis infl
head agouti
or agouties
syl a:gou+tis
pos n.
mod pl.
agouties infl
head agouti
or agoutis
syl a:gou+ties.
pos n.
mod pl.
agouti 1.
syl a:gou+ti
pron <*1gu:ti>
pos n.
def any hystricomorph rodent of the genus of Central and South America and the West Indies: family Agoutis are agile and long-legged, with hooflike claws, and are valued for their meat.
agouti 2.
syl a:gou+ti
pron <*1gu:ti>
pos n.
def a pattern of fur in certain rodents, characterized by irregular stripes.
agric alt
head agr
or agr
syl agric.
agr 1.
or agric
syl agr.
qual abbrev. for:
def agricultural.
agr 2.
or agric
syl agr.
qual abbrev. for:
def agriculture.
agr 3.
or agric
syl agr.
qual abbrev. for:
def agricultur(al)ist.
AGR 0.
syl AGR
qual abbrev. for
def advanced gas-cooled reactor.
Agra 0.
syl A:gra
pron <1a:gr*>
pos n.
def a city in N India, in W Uttar Pradesh on the Jumna River: a capital of the Mogul empire until 1658; famous for its Mogul architecture, esp. the Taj Mahal. Pop.: 591917 (1971).
agraffe ety C18: from French, from grafe a hook
agrafe alt
head agraffe
or agraffe
syl a:grafe
pron <*1gr@f>
pos n.
qual U.S. (sometimes
agraffe 1.
or agrafe
syl a:graffe
pron <*1gr@f>
pos n.
def a fastening consisting of a loop and hook, formerly used in armour and clothing.
agraffe 2.
or agrafe
syl a:graffe
pron <*1gr@f>
pos n.
def a metal cramp used to connect stones.
Agram 0.
syl A:gram
pron <1a:gram>
pos n.
def the German name for {Zagreb}.
agranulocytosis ety C20: New Latin; see #7a -%1#7, granule, -#7cyte, -#7osis
agranulocytosis 0.
syl a:gran+u:lo+cy+to:sis
pron <*2gr@njul*usI1t*usis>
pos n.
def a serious and sometimes fatal illness characterized by a marked reduction of leucocytes, usually caused by hypersensitivity to certain drugs.
agrapha ety Greek: things not written, from #7a -%1#7+ graphein to write
agrapha 0.
syl ag+ra+pha
pron <1@gr*f*>
pos n.
mod pl.
def sayings of Jesus not recorded in the canonical Gospels.
agraphia ety C19: New Latin, from #7a -%1#7+ Greek graphein to write
agraphia 0.
syl a:graph:i:a
pron <*1gr@fi*>
pos n.
def loss of the ability to write, resulting from a brain lesion.
agrarian ety C16: from Latin agr*_arius, from ager field, land
agrarian 1.
syl a:grar+i:an
pron <*1gre*ri*n>
pos adj.
def of or relating to land or its cultivation or to systems of dividing landed property.
agrarian 2.
syl a:grar+i:an
pron <*1gre*ri*n>
pos adj.
def of or relating to rural or agricultural matters.
agrarian 3.
syl a:grar+i:an
pron <*1gre*ri*n>
pos adj.
usage of plants
def growing wild. {~}
agrarian 4.
syl a:grar+i:an
pron <*1gre*ri*n>
pos adj.
def a person who favours the redistribution of landed property.
agrarianism sub
head agrarian
syl a:1grar:i+an+ism
pos n.
agree ety C14: from Old French agreer, from the phrase a gre at will or pleasure
agrees infl
head agree
syl a:grees
pos vb.
mod mainly; intr.
agreeing infl
head agree
syl a:gree+ing
pos vb.
mod mainly; intr.
agreed infl
head agree
syl a:greed.
pos vb.
mod mainly; intr.
agree 1.
syl a:gree
pron <*1grE>
pos vb.
mod mainly; intr.
usage often foll. by with
def to be of the same opinion; concur.
agree 2.
syl a:gree
pron <*1grE>
pos vb.
mod also; tr. when; intr. often foll. by to; when; tr.
usage an infinitive
def to give assent; consent.
exam 1 she agreed to go home;
exam 2 I'll agree to that.
agree 3.
syl a:gree
pron <*1grE>
pos vb.
mod also; tr. when; intr. foll. by on or about; when; tr.
usage may take a clause as object
def to come to terms (about); arrive at a settlement (on).
agree 4.
syl a:gree
pron <*1grE>
pos vb.
mod mainly; intr.
usage foll. by with
def to be similar or consistent; harmonize; correspond.
agree 5.
syl a:gree
pron <*1grE>
pos vb.
mod mainly; intr.
usage foll. by with
def to be agreeable or suitable (to one's health, temperament, etc.).
agree 6.
syl a:gree
pron <*1grE>
pos vb.
mod mainly; intr.
qual Grammar.
def to undergo agreement.
agree 7.
syl a:gree
pron <*1grE>
pos vb.
mod tr.
usage takes a clause as object
def to concede or grant; admit.
exam 1 they agreed that the price was too high.
agreeable 1.
syl a:gree+a:ble
pron <*1grE*bL>
pos adj.
def pleasing; pleasant.
agreeable 2.
syl a:gree+a:ble
pron <*1grE*bL>
pos adj.
def prepared to consent.
agreeable 3.
syl a:gree+a:ble
pron <*1grE*bL>
pos adj.
usage foll. by to or with
def in keeping; consistent.
exam 1 salaries agreeable with current trends.
agreeable 4.
syl a:gree+a:ble
pron <*1grE*bL>
pos adj.
usage foll. by to
def to one's liking.
exam 1 the terms were not agreeable to him.
agreeableness sub
head agreeable
syl a:1gree+a:ble+ness
pos n.
agreeably sub
head agreeable
syl a:1gree+a:bly
pos adv.
agreed 0.
syl a:greed
pron <*1grEd>
pos adj.
def determined by common consent.
exam 1 the agreed price.
agreement ety C14: from Old French
agreement 1.
syl a:gree+ment
pron <*1grEm*nt>
pos n.
def the act of agreeing.
agreement 2.
syl a:gree+ment
pron <*1grEm*nt>
pos n.
def a settlement, esp. one that is legally enforceable; covenant; treaty.
agreement 3.
syl a:gree+ment
pron <*1grEm*nt>
pos n.
def a contract or document containing such a settlement.
agreement 4.
syl a:gree+ment
pron <*1grEm*nt>
pos n.
def the state of being of the same opinion; concord; harmony.
agreement 5.
syl a:gree+ment
pron <*1grEm*nt>
pos n.
def the state of being similar or consistent; correspondence; conformity.
agreement 6.
syl a:gree+ment
pron <*1grEm*nt>
pos n.
qual Grammar.
def the determination of the inflectional form of one word by some grammatical feature, such as number or gender, of another word, esp. one in the same sentence. Also called: {concord}.
agrestal 0.
syl a:gres+tal
pron <*1grest*l>
pos adj.
usage of uncultivated plants such as weeds
def growing on cultivated land.
agrestic ety C17: from Latin agrestis, from ager field
agrestic 1.
syl a:gres+tic
pron <*1grestik>
pos adj.
def rural; rustic.
agrestic 2.
syl a:gres+tic
pron <*1grestik>
pos adj.
def unpolished; uncouth.
agribusiness ety C20: from #7agri (#7culture) +#7business
agribusiness 0.
syl ag+ri+busi+ness
pron <1@gri2biznis>
pos n.
def the various businesses collectively that process, distribute, and support farm products.
agr alt
head agric
or agric
syl agr.
agric 1.
or agr
syl agric.
qual abbrev. for:
def agricultural.
agric 2.
or agr
syl agric.
qual abbrev. for:
def agriculture.
agric 3.
or agr
syl agric.
qual abbrev. for:
def agricultur(al)ist.
Georgius 1.
head Agricola
syl Geor:gi:us
pron <1Jc:Ji*s>
def original name 1494-1555, German mineralogist, metallurgist, and author, commonly regarded as the father of mineralogy.
Gnaeus Julius 2.
head Agricola
syl Gnae:us Ju:li:us
pron <1nE*s> <1Ju:li*s>
def 40-93 #7a.d., Roman general; governor of Britain who advanced Roman rule north to the Firth of Forth.
agriculture ety C17: from Latin agricult*_ura, from ager field, land+ cult*_ura #7culture
agriculture 0.
syl ag+ri+cul+ture
pron <1@gri2k^lC*>
pos n.
def the science or occupation of cultivating land and rearing crops and livestock; farming; husbandry.
agricultural sub
head agriculture
syl ag+ri+1cul+tur+al
pos adj.
agriculturally sub
head agriculture
syl ag+ri+1cul+tur+al+ly
pos adv.
agriculturist sub
head agriculture
or agriculturalist
syl ag+ri+1cul+tur+ist
pos n.
agriculturalist sub
head agriculture
or agriculturist
syl ag+ri+1cul+tur+al+ist
pos n.
Agrigento 0.
syl A:gri+gen+to
pron Italian
pos n.
def a town in Italy, in SW Sicily: site of six Greek temples. Pop.: 49213 (1971). Former name (until 1927): {Girgenti}.
agrimony ety C15: altered from egrimonie (C14), via Old French from Latin agrim*_onia, variant of argem*_onia from Greek argem*_on*_e poppy
agrimony 1.
syl ag+ri+mo+ny
pron <1@grim*ni>
pos n.
def any of various temperate rosaceous plants of the genus which have compound leaves, long spikes of small yellow flowers, and bristly burlike fruits.
agrimony 2.
syl ag+ri+mo+ny
pron <1@grim*ni>
pos n.
def any of several other plants, such as hemp agrimony.
Marcus Vipsanius infl
head Agrippa
syl Mar:cus Vip:sa:ni:us
pron <1ma:k*s>
pos n.
Agrippa 0.
syl A:grip:pa
pron <*1grip*>
pos n.
def 63-12 #7b.c., Roman general: chief adviser and later son-in-law of Augustus.
Agrippina 1.
syl Ag:rip:pi:na
pron <2@gri1pEn*>
pos n.
def called 14 #7b.c. -33 #7a.d., Roman matron: granddaughter of Augustus: wife of Germanicus, mother of Caligula and Agrippina the Younger.
Agrippina 2.
syl Ag:rip:pi:na
pron <2@gri1pEn*>
pos n.
def called 15-59 #7a.d., mother of Nero, who put her to death after he became emperor.
agro- ety from Greek agros field
agro- 0.
syl ag:ro-
usage combining form.
def denoting fields, soil, or agriculture.
exam 1 agronomy.
agrobiology 0.
syl ag+ro+bi+ol+o:gy
pron <2@gr*ubI1ol*Ji>
pos n.
def the science of plant growth and nutrition in relation to agriculture.
agrobiological sub
head agrobiology
syl ag+ro+bi:o+log:i+cal
pron <2@gr*u2bI*1loJikL>
pos adj.
agrobiologist sub
head agrobiology
syl ag+ro+bi+1ol:o+gist
pos n.
agrology 0.
syl a:grol+o:gy
pron <*1grol*Ji>
pos n.
def the scientific study of soils and their potential productivity.
agrological sub
head agrology
syl ag+ro+log:i+cal
pron <2@gr*1loJikL>
pos adj.
agron 0.
syl agron.
qual abbrev. for
def agronomy.
agronomics 0.
syl ag+ro+nom+ics
pron <2@gr*1nomiks>
pos n.
mod functioning as; sing.
def the branch of economy dealing with the distribution, management, and productivity of land.
agronomic sub
head agronomics
or agronomical
syl ag+ro+1nom+ic
pos adj.
agronomical sub
head agronomics
or agronomic
syl ag+ro+1nom:i+cal
pos adj.
agronomy 0.
syl a:gron:o+my
pron <*1gron*mi>
pos n.
def the science of cultivation of land, soil management, and crop production.
agronomist sub
head agronomy
syl a:1gron:o+mist
pos n.
agrostology ety C19: from Greek agr*_ostis a type of grass+-#7logy
agrostology 0.
syl ag+ros+tol+o:gy
pron <2@gr*1stol*Ji>
pos n.
def the branch of botany concerned with the study of grasses.
aground 0.
syl a:ground
pron <*1graund>
pos adv. adj.
usage postpositive
def on or onto the ground or bottom, as in shallow water.
agrypnotic ety C20: from Greek agrupnos wakeful, from agrein to pursue+ hupnos sleep
agrypnotic 1.
syl ag+ryp+not+ic
pron <2@grip1notik>
pos adj.
def inducing, relating to, or characterized by insomnia.
agrypnotic 2.
syl ag+ryp+not+ic
pron <2@grip1notik>
pos n.
def a drug or agent that induces insomnia.
agt 1.
syl agt.
qual abbrev. for:
def agent.
agt 2.
syl agt.
qual abbrev. for:
def agreement.
aguardiente ety C19: Spanish: burning water
aguardiente 0.
syl a:guar+dien+te
pron Spanish.
pos n.
def any inferior brandy or similar spirit, esp. from Spain, Portugal, or South America.
Aguascalientes 1.
syl A:guas+ca+lien+tes
pron Spanish <2a$Gwaska1ljAntAs>
pos n.
def a state in central Mexico. Pop.: 338142 (1970). Area: 6472 sq. km (2499 sq. miles).
Aguascalientes 2.
syl A:guas+ca+lien+tes
pron Spanish <2a$Gwaska1ljAntAs>
pos n.
def a city in central Mexico, capital of Aguascalientes state, about 1900 m (6200 ft.) above sea level, with hot springs. Pop.: 221538 (1975 est.).
ague ety C14: from Old French (fievre) ague acute fever; see #7acute
ague 1.
syl a:gue
pron <1Agju:>
pos n.
def malarial fever with successive stages of fever and chills.
ague 2.
syl a:gue
pron <1Agju:>
pos n.
def a fit of shivering.
agueweed 1.
syl a:gue+weed
pron <1Agju:2wEd>
pos n.
def a North American gentianaceous plant, that has clusters of pale blue-violet or white flowers.
agueweed 2.
syl a:gue+weed
pron <1Agju:2wEd>
pos n.
def another name for {boneset}.
Cape infl
head Agulhas
syl Cape.
pos n.
Agulhas 0.
syl A:gul+has
pron <*1g^l*s>
pos n.
def a headland in South Africa, the southernmost point of the African Continent.
ah 0.
syl ah
pron
pos interj.
def an exclamation expressing pleasure, pain, sympathy, etc., according to the intonation of the speaker.
ah 0.
syl a.h.
qual abbrev. for
def ampere-hour.
AH ety Latin
AH 0.
syl A.H.
qual abbrev. for
usage indicating years in the Muslim system of dating, numbered from the Hegira (622 #7a.d.
def anno Hegirae.
aha 0.
syl a:ha
pron
pos interj.
def an exclamation expressing triumph, surprise, etc., according to the intonation of the speaker.
Ahab 0.
syl A:hab
pron <1Ah@b>
pos n.
qual Old Testament.
def the king of Israel from approximately 869 to 850 #7b.c. and husband of Jezebel: rebuked by Elijah (I Kings 16:29-22:40).
Ahasuerus 0.
syl A:has:u:e:rus
pron <*2h@zju:1i*r*s>
pos n.
qual Old Testament.
def a king of ancient Persia and husband of Esther, generally identified with Xerxes.
ahead 1.
syl a:head
pron <*1hed>
pos adj.
usage postpositive
def in front; in advance.
ahead 2.
syl a:head
pron <*1hed>
pos adv.
def at or in the front; in advance; before.
ahead 3.
syl a:head
pron <*1hed>
pos adv.
def onwards; forwards.
exam 1 go straight ahead.
ahead 4.a.
syl a:head
pron <*1hed>
pos adv.
def in front of; at a further advanced position than.
ahead 4.b.
syl a:head
pron <*1hed>
pos adv.
qual Stock Exchange.
def in anticipation of.
exam 1 the share price rose ahead of the annual figures.
be ahead infl
head ahead
syl be ahead.
pos adv.
qual Informal.
ahead 5.
syl a:head
pron <*1hed>
pos adv.
def to have an advantage; be winning.
exam 1 ahead on points.
get ahead 6.
head ahead
syl get ahead.
def to advance or attain success.
ahem 0.
syl a:hem
pron <*1hem>
pos interj.
def a clearing of the throat, used to attract attention, express doubt, etc.
ahimsa ety Sanskrit, from #7a -%1#7+ hims*_a injury
ahimsa 0.
syl a:him+sa
pron
pos n.
usage in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jainist philosophy
def the law of reverence for, and nonviolence to, every form of life.
ahistoric alt
head ahistorical
or ahistorical
syl a:his+tor+ic
pos adj.
ahistorical 0.
or ahistoric
syl a:his+tor:i+cal
pron <2Ahis1torik*l>
pos adj.
def not related to history; not historical.
Achitophel alt
head Ahithophel
or Ahithophel
syl A:chit:o:phel
pos n.
Ahithophel 0.
or Achitophel
syl A:hith:o:phel
pron <*1hiT*2fel>
pos n.
qual Old Testament.
def a member of David's council, who became one of Absalom's advisers in his rebellion and hanged himself when his advice was overruled (II Samuel 15:12-17:23).
Ahmadabad alt
head Ahmedabad
or Ahmedabad
syl Ah+mad:a+bad
pron <1a:m*d*2ba:d>
pos n.
Ahmedabad 0.
or Ahmadabad
syl Ah+med:a+bad
pron <1a:m*d*2ba:d>
pos n.
def a city in W India, capital of Gujarat state: famous for its mosque. Pop.: 1585544 (1971).
Ahmadnagar alt
head Ahmednagar
or Ahmednagar
syl Ah+mad+na+gar
pron <2a:m*d1n^g*>
pos n.
Ahmednagar 0.
or Ahmadnagar
syl Ah+med+na+gar
pron <2a:m*d1n^g*>
pos n.
def a city in W India, in Maharashtra: formerly one of the kingdoms of Deccan. Pop.: 118236 (1971).
A horizon 0.
syl A ho+ri+zon
pos n.
def the top layer of a soil profile, usually dark coloured and containing humus, from which the soluble salts have been leached. See {B horizon, C horizon}.
ahoy 0.
syl a:hoy
pron <*1hci>
pos interj.
qual Nautical.
def a hail used to call a ship or to attract attention.
AHQ 0.
syl AHQ
qual abbrev. for
def Army Headquarters.
Ahriman 0.
syl Ah:ri:man
pron <1a:rim*n>
pos n.
qual Zoroastrianism.
def the supreme evil spirit and diabolical opponent of Ormazd.
Ahura Mazda 0.
syl A:hu:ra Maz:da
pron <*1hu*r*> <1m@zd*>
pos n.
qual Zoroastrianism.
def another name for {Ormazd}.
Ahvenanmaa 0.
syl Ah+ve+nan+maa
pron <1ahvenamma:>
pos n.
def the Finnish name for the {*%Aland Islands}.
Ahvaz alt
head Ahwaz
or Ahwaz
syl Ah+vaz
pron
pos n.
Ahwaz 0.
or Ahvaz
syl Ah+waz
pron
pos n.
def a town in SW Iran, on the Karun River. Pop.: 302000 (1973 est.).
ai ety C17: from Portuguese, from Tupi
ais infl
head ai
syl a:is.
pos n.
mod pl.
ai 0.
syl a:i
pron <1a:i>
pos n.
def another name for {three-toed sloth} (see {{sloth} (sense 1)}).
AI 0.
syl A.I.
qual abbrev. for
def artificial insemination.
AIA 0.
syl A.I.A.
qual abbrev. for
def Associate of the Institute of Actuaries.
AICC 0.
syl A.I.C.C.
qual abbrev. for
def All India Congress Committee: the national assembly of the Indian National Congress.
aid ety C15: via Old French aidier from Latin adj*_ut*_are to help, from juv*_are to help
aid 1.
syl aid
pron
pos vb.
def to give support to (someone to do something); help or assist.
aid 2.
syl aid
pron
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to assist financially.
aid 3.
syl aid
pron
pos n.
def assistance; help; support.
aid 4.
syl aid
pron
pos n.
def a person, device, etc., that helps or assists.
exam 1 a teaching aid.
aid 5.
syl aid
pron
pos n.
usage in medieval Europe; in England after 1066
def a feudal payment made to the king or any lord by his vassals, usually on certain occasions such as the marriage of a daughter or the knighting of an eldest son.
in aid of 6.
head aid
syl in aid of.
qual Brit. informal.
def in support of; for the purpose of.
aider sub
head aid
syl aid+er
pos n.
AID 1.
syl A.I.D.
qual abbrev. for:
def acute infectious disease.
AID 2.
syl A.I.D.
qual abbrev. for:
def artificial insemination (by) donor.
AID 3.
syl A.I.D.
qual abbrev. for:
def Agency for International Development.
Saint infl
head Aidan
syl Saint.
pos n.
Aidan 0.
syl Ai:dan
pron <1AdN>
pos n.
def died 651 #7a.d. Irish missionary in Northumbria, who founded the monastery at Lindisfarne (635).
aide 1.
syl aide
pron
pos n.
def short for {aide-de-camp}.
aide 2.
syl aide
pron
pos n.
def an assistant.
aide-de-camp ety C17: from French: camp assistant
aid-de-camp alt
head aide-de-camp
or aide-de-camp
syl aid-de-camp
pron <1Ad> <1koG>
pos n.
aides-de-camp infl
head aide-de-camp
or aids-de-camp
syl aides-de-camp
pos n.
mod pl.
aids-de-camp infl
head aide-de-camp
or aides-de-camp
syl aids-de-camp.
pos n.
mod pl.
aide-de-camp 0.
or aid-de-camp
syl aide-de-camp
pron <1Ad> <1koG>
pos n.
def a military officer serving as personal assistant to a senior. Abbrev.: {A.D.C., ADC, a.d.c}.
aide-m'emoire ety from aider to help+ m*'emoire memory
aides-m'emoire infl
head aide-m'emoire
syl aides-m*'e:moire
pron , English <1Adz>
pos n.
mod pl.
aide-m'emoire 0.
syl aide-m*'e:moire
pron French. , English <1Ad> , English <1Adz>
pos n.
def a memorandum or summary of the items of an agreement, etc.
Aidin 0.
syl Ai:din
pron <1Idin>
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {Aydin}.
AIF 0.
syl A.I.F.
qual abbrev. for
def Australian Imperial Force.
aiglet 0.
syl ai:glet
pron <1Aglit>
pos n.
def a variant of {aglet}.
aigret alt
head aigrette
or aigrette
syl ai:gret
pron <1Agret>,
pos n.
aigrette 1.
or aigret
syl ai:grette
pron <1Agret>,
pos n.
def a long plume worn on hats or as a headdress, esp. one of long egret feathers.
aigrette 2.
or aigret
syl ai:grette
pron <1Agret>,
pos n.
def an ornament or piece of jewellery in imitation of a plume of feathers.
aiguille ety C19: French, literally: needle
aiguille 1.
syl ai:guille
pron , <1AgwEl>
pos n.
def a rock mass or mountain peak shaped like a needle.
aiguille 2.
syl ai:guille
pron , <1AgwEl>
pos n.
def an instrument for boring holes in rocks or masonry.
aiguillette 1.
syl ai:guil+lette
pron <2Agwi1let>
pos n.
def a metal tip or tag on loops of ornamental braid on military uniforms.
aiguillette 2.
syl ai:guil+lette
pron <2Agwi1let>
pos n.
def a variant of {aglet}.
AIH 0.
syl A.I.H.
qual abbrev. for
def artificial insemination (by) husband.
aikido ety from Japanese, from ai to harmonize+ ki control, breath+ do way
aikido 0.
syl ai:kid:o
pron <1Ikid*u>
pos n.
def a Japanese system of self-defence employing similar principles to judo.
aikona ety from Zulu
aikona 0.
syl ai:ko+na
pron <1Ikc:n*>
pos interj.
qual S. African.
def an informal word express?!ing strong negation.
ail ety Old English eglan to trouble, from egle troublesome, painful, related to Gothic agls shameful
ail 1.
syl ail
pron
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to trouble; afflict.
ail 2.
syl ail
pron
pos vb.
mod intr.
def to feel unwell.
ailanthus ety C19: New Latin, from Amboinese ai lanto tree (of) the gods
ailanthuses infl
head ailanthus
syl ai:lan+thus:es.
pos n.
mod pl.
ailanthus 0.
syl ai:lan+thus
pron
pos n.
def an E Asian simaroubaceous deciduous tree, planted in Europe and North America, having pinnate leaves, small greenish flowers, and winged fruits. Also called: {tree of heaven}.
aileron ety C20: from French, diminutive of aile wing
aileron 0.
syl ai:ler+on
pron <1Al*2ron>
pos n.
def a flap hinged to the trailing edge of an aircraft wing to provide lateral control, as in a bank or roll.
ailing 0.
syl ail+ing
pron <1AliG>
pos adj.
def unwell, esp. over a long period.
ailment 0.
syl ail+ment
pron <1Alm*nt>
pos n.
def a slight but often persistent illness.
ailurophile ety C20: facetious coinage from Greek ailuros cat+-#7phile
ailurophile 0.
syl ai:lu+ro+phile
pron
pos n.
def a person who likes cats.
ailurophilia sub
head ailurophile
syl ai:lu+ro+phil:i:a
pron
pos n.
ailurophobe ety C20: from Greek ailuros cat+-#7phobe
ailurophobe 0.
syl ai:lu+ro+phobe
pron
pos n.
def a person who dislikes or is afraid of cats.
aim ety C14: via Old French aesmer from Latin aestim*_are to #7estimate
aim 1.
syl aim
pron
pos vb.
def to point (a weapon, missile, etc.) or direct (a blow) at a particular person or object; level.
aim 2.
syl aim
pron
pos vb.
mod tr.
def to direct (satire, criticism, etc.) at a person, object, etc.
aim 3.
syl aim
pron
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage foll. by at or an infinitive
def to propose or intend.
exam 1 we aim to leave early.
aim 4.
syl aim
pron
pos vb.
mod intr.
usage often foll. by at or for
def to direct one's efforts or strive (towards).
exam 1 to aim at better communications;
exam 2 to aim high.
aim 5.
syl aim
pron
pos n.
def the action of directing something at an object.
aim 6.
syl aim
pron
pos n.
def the direction in which something is pointed; line of sighting (esp. in the phrase {to take aim}) .
aim 7.
syl aim
pron
pos n.
def the object at which something is aimed; target.
aim 8.
syl aim
pron
pos n.
def intention; purpose.
aimless 0.
syl aim+less
pron <1Amlis>
pos adj.
def having no goal, purpose, or direction.
aimlessly sub
head aimless
syl aim+less+ly
pos adv.
aimlessness sub
head aimless
syl aim+less+ness
pos n.
ain H1.0.
syl ain
pron
pos determiner.
def a Scot. word for {own}.
ain H2.0.
syl a:in
pron <1a:jin>
pos n.
def a variant spelling of {ayin}.
Ain 1.
syl Ain
pron French ~e>
pos n.
def a department in E central France, in Rh*^one-Alpes region. Capital: Bourg. Pop.: 386943 (1975). Area: 5785 sq. km (2256 sq. miles).
Ain 2.
syl Ain
pron French ~e>
pos n.
def a river in E France, rising in the Jura Mountains and flowing south to the Rh*^one. Length: 190 km (118 miles).
ain't 0.
syl ain't
pron
qual Not standard. contraction of
def am not, is not, are not, have not, has not.
exam 1 I ain't seen it. #e
Aintab 0.
syl Ain+tab
pron
pos n.
def the former name (until 1921) of {Gaziantep}.
Ainu ety Ainu: man
Ainus infl
head Ainu
or Ainu
syl Ai:nus
pos n.
mod pl.
Ainu infl
or Ainus
syl Ai:nu
pos n.
mod pl.
Ainu 1.
syl Ai:nu
pron <1Inu:>
pos n.
def a member of the aboriginal people of Japan, now mostly intermixed with Mongoloid immigrants whose skin colour is more yellowish.
Ainu 2.
syl Ai:nu
pron <1Inu:>
pos n.
def the language of this people, of no known relationships, still spoken in parts of Hokkaido and elsewhere.
aioli ety from French ail garlic
aioli 0.
syl a*"i:o:li
pron ,
pos n.
def garlic mayonnaise.
air ety C13: via Old French and Latin from Greek a*_er the lower atmosphere
air 1.
syl air
pron
pos n.
def the mixture of gases that forms the earth's atmosphere. At sea level dry air has a density of 1.226 kilograms per sq. metre and consists of 78.08 per cent nitrogen, 20.95 per cent oxygen, 0.93 per cent argon, 0.03 per cent carbon dioxide, with smaller quantities of ozone and inert gases; water vapour varies between 0 and 4 per cent and in industrial areas sulphur gases may be present as pollutants.
air 2.
syl air
pron
pos n.
def the space above and around the earth; sky. Related adj.: {aerial}.
air 3.
syl air
pron
pos n.
def breeze; slight wind.
air 4.
syl air
pron
pos n.
def public expression; utterance.
exam 1 to give air to one's complaints.
air 5.
syl air
pron
pos n.
def a distinctive quality.
exam 1 an air of mystery.
air 6.
syl air
pron
pos n.
def a person's distinctive appearance, manner, or bearing.
air 7.a.
syl air
pron
pos n.
def a simple tune for either vocal or instrumental performance.
air 7.b.
syl air
pron
pos n.
def another word for {aria}.
air 8.
syl air
pron
pos n.
def transportation in aircraft (esp. in the phrase {by air) }.
air 9.
syl air
pron
pos n.
def an archaic word for {{breath} (senses 1-3).}
clear the air 10.
head air
syl clear the air.
def to rid a situation of tension or discord by settling misunderstandings, etc.
give (someone) the air 11.
head air
syl give (someone) the air.
qual Slang.
def to reject or dismiss (someone).
air 12.a.
syl air
pron