# dict

Words: substantial
Meaning:
sub.stan.tial\n   substantial\n  Substantial means large in amount or degree. (FORMAL)\nThe party has just lost office and with it a substantial number of seats...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = significant


Words: substantially
Meaning:
sub.stan.tial.ly\n   substantially\n1. If something changes substantially or is substantially different, it changes a lot or is very different. (FORMAL)\nThe percentage of girls in engineering has increased substantially...\nThe price was substantially higher than had been expected...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/prep\n  = significantly\n2. If you say that something is substantially correct or unchanged, you mean that it is mostly correct or mostly unchanged. (FORMAL)\nHe checked the details given and found them substantially correct...\n  ADV: ADV adj


Words: substantiate
Meaning:
sub.stan.ti.ate\n   substantiate  substantiates  substantiating  substantiated\n  To substantiate a statement or a story means to supply evidence which proves that it is true. (FORMAL)\nThere is little scientific evidence to substantiate the claims.\n  VERB: V n\n  = validate\n=>  sub.stan.tia.tion\nThere may be alternative methods of substantiation other than written records.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: substantive
Meaning:
sub.stan.tive\n   substantive\n  Substantive negotiations or issues deal with the most important and central aspects of a subject. (FORMAL)\nThey plan to meet again in Rome very soon to begin substantive negotiations.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: substation
Meaning:
sub.sta.tion\n   substation  substations   also sub-station\n  A substation is a place where high-voltage electricity from power plants is converted to lower-voltage electricity for homes or factories.\n  N-COUNT


Words: substitute
Meaning:
sub.sti.tute\n   substitute  substitutes  substituting  substituted\n1. If you substitute one thing for another, or if one thing substitutes for another, it takes the place or performs the function of the other thing.\nThey were substituting violence for dialogue...\nYou could always substitute a low-fat soft cheese...\nWould phone conversations substitute for cosy chats over lunch or in the pub after work?...\nHe was substituting for the injured William Wales.\n  VERB: V n for n, V n, V for n, V for n\n\n=>  sub.sti.tu.tion      substitutions\nIn my experience a straight substitution of carob for chocolate doesn’t work...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft N of n\n\n2. A substitute is something that you have or use instead of something else.\n...tests on humans to find a blood substitute made from animal blood.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n\n\n3. If you say that one thing is no substitute for another, you mean that it does not have certain desirable features that the other thing has, and is therefore unsatisfactory. If you say that there is no substitute for something, you mean that it is the only thing which is really satisfactory.\nThe printed word is no substitute for personal discussion with a great thinker...\nThere is no substitute for practical experience.\n  N-COUNT: with neg, usu sing, N for n\n\n4. In team games such as football, a substitute is a player who is brought into a match to replace another player.\nComing on as a substitute, he scored four crucial goals for Cameroon.\n  N-COUNT


Words: substitute teacher
Meaning:
sub.sti.tute teach.er\n   substitute teacher  substitute teachers\n  A substitute teacher is a teacher whose job is to take the place of other teachers at different schools when they are unable to be there. (AM; in BRIT, use supply teacher)\n  N-COUNT


Words: substratum
Meaning:
sub.stra.tum\n   substratum  substrata\n  A substratum of something is a layer that lies under the surface of another layer, or a feature that is less obvious than other features. (FORMAL)\n...its deep substratum of chalk...\n  N-COUNT: with supp, usu N of n


Words: subsume
Meaning:
sub.sume\n   subsume  subsumes  subsuming  subsumed\n  If something is subsumed within a larger group or class, it is included within it, rather than being considered as something separate. (FORMAL)\nAfter that the two alliances might be subsumed into a new European security system...\nWith unification, East Germany was subsumed by capitalist West Germany.\n  VERB: be V-ed prep, be V-ed, also V n, V n prep


Words: subterfuge
Meaning:
sub.ter.fuge\n   subterfuge  subterfuges\n  Subterfuge is a trick or a dishonest way of getting what you want.\nMost people can see right through that type of subterfuge...\n  N-VAR


Words: subterranean
Meaning:
sub.ter.ra.nean\n   subterranean\n  A subterranean river or tunnel is under the ground. (FORMAL)\nLondon has 9 miles of such subterranean passages.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = underground


Words: subtext
Meaning:
sub.text\n   subtext  subtexts\n  The subtext is the implied message or subject of something that is said or written.\nEurope’s divisions are the subtext of a new movie thriller called Zentropa.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp


Words: subtitle
Meaning:
sub.ti.tle\n   subtitle  subtitles\n1. The subtitle of a piece of writing is a second title which is often longer and explains more than the main title.\n`Kathleen’ was, as its 1892 subtitle asserted, `An Irish Drama’.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Subtitles are a printed translation of the words of a foreign film that are shown at the bottom of the picture.\nThe dialogue is in Spanish, with English subtitles.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: subtitled
Meaning:
sub.ti.tled\n   subtitled\n1. If you say how a book or play is subtitled, you say what its subtitle is.\n`Lorna Doone’ is subtitled `a Romance of Exmoor’.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed with quote\n\n2. If a foreign film is subtitled, a printed translation of the words is shown at the bottom of the picture.\nMuch of the film is subtitled.\n...subtitled films.\n  ADJ


Words: subtle
Meaning:
sub.tle\n   subtle  subtler  subtlest\n1. Something that is subtle is not immediately obvious or noticeable.\n...the slow and subtle changes that take place in all living things...\nIntolerance can take subtler forms too.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sub.tly\nThe truth is subtly different...\n  ADV\n\n2. A subtle person cleverly uses indirect methods to achieve something.\nI even began to exploit him in subtle ways...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sub.tly\nWhat I’ve tried very subtly to do is to reclaim language.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. Subtle smells, tastes, sounds, or colours are pleasantly complex and delicate.\n...subtle shades of brown.\n...delightfully subtle scents.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sub.tly\n...a white sofa teamed with subtly coloured rugs.\n  ADV


Words: subtlety
Meaning:
sub.tle.ty\n   subtlety  subtleties\n1. Subtleties are very small details or differences which are not obvious.\nHis fascination with the subtleties of human behaviour makes him a good storyteller...\nWhen a book goes into translation, all those linguistic subtleties get lost.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu with supp, oft N of n\n\n2. Subtlety is the quality of being not immediately obvious or noticeable, and therefore difficult to describe.\nMany of the resulting wines lack the subtlety of the original model.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Subtlety is the ability to notice and recognize things which are not obvious, especially small differences between things.\nShe analyses herself with great subtlety.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. Subtlety is the ability to use indirect methods to achieve something, rather than doing something that is obvious.\nThey had obviously been hoping to approach the topic with more subtlety.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: subtotal
Meaning:
sub.to.tal\n   subtotal  subtotals   also sub-total\n  A subtotal is a figure that is the result of adding some numbers together but is not the final total.\n  N-COUNT


Words: subtract
Meaning:
sub.tract\n   subtract  subtracts  subtracting  subtracted\n  If you subtract one number from another, you do a calculation in which you take it away from the other number. For example, if you subtract 3 from 5, you get 2.\nMandy subtracted the date of birth from the date of death...\nWe have subtracted $25 per adult to arrive at a basic room rate.\n  VERB: V n from n, V n\n  !=add\n=>  sub.trac.tion      subtractions\nShe’s ready to learn simple addition and subtraction...\nI looked at what he’d given me and did a quick subtraction.\n  N-VAR\n  !=addition


Words: suburb
Meaning:
sub.urb\n   suburb  suburbs\n1. A suburb of a city or large town is a smaller area which is part of the city or large town but is outside its centre.\nAnna was born in 1923 in Ardwick, a suburb of Manchester.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n\n\n2. If you live in the suburbs, you live in an area of houses outside the centre of a large town or city.\nHis family lived in the suburbs.\n...Bombay’s suburbs.\n  N-PLURAL: oft in the N


Words: suburban
Meaning:
sub.ur.ban\n   suburban\n  Suburban means relating to a suburb.\n...a suburban shopping centre in Sydney.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: suburbia
Meaning:
sub.ur.bia\n   suburbia\n  Journalists often use suburbia to refer to the suburbs of cities and large towns considered as a whole.\n...images of bright summer mornings in leafy suburbia.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: subversion
Meaning:
sub.ver.sion\n   subversion\n  Subversion is the attempt to weaken or destroy a political system or a government.\nHe was arrested in parliament on charges of subversion for organizing the demonstration.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: subversive
Meaning:
sub.ver.sive\n   subversive  subversives\n1. Something that is subversive is intended to weaken or destroy a political system or government.\nThis courageous and subversive movie has attracted widespread critical support.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Subversives are people who attempt to weaken or destroy a political system or government.\nAgents regularly rounded up suspected subversives.\n  N-COUNT


Words: subvert
Meaning:
sub.vert\n   subvert  subverts  subverting  subverted\n  To subvert something means to destroy its power and influence. (FORMAL)\n...an alleged plot to subvert the state.\n  VERB: V n\n  = undermine


Words: subway
Meaning:
sub.way\n   subway  subways\n1. A subway is an underground railway. (mainly AM; in BRIT, use underground, tube)\n...the Bay Area Rapid Transit subway system...\nI don’t ride the subway late at night.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n, also by N\n\n2. A subway is a passage underneath a busy road or a railway track for people to walk through. (BRIT; in AM, use underpass)\n  N-COUNT


Words: succeed
Meaning:
suc.ceed\n   succeed  succeeds  succeeding  succeeded\n1. If you succeed in doing something, you manage to do it.\nWe have already succeeded in working out ground rules with the Department of Defense...\nSome people will succeed in their efforts to stop smoking...\n  VERB: V in -ing, V in -ing\n  !=fail\n2. If something succeeds, it works in a satisfactory way or has the result that is intended.\n...a move which would make any future talks even more unlikely to succeed.\n  VERB: V\n  !=fail\n3. Someone who succeeds gains a high position in what they do, for example in business or politics.\n...the skills and qualities needed to succeed in small and medium-sized businesses.\n  VERB: V\n  !=fail\n4. If you succeed another person, you are the next person to have their job or position.\nDavid Rowland is almost certain to succeed him as chairman on January 1...\nThe present ruler, Prince Rainier III, succeeded to the throne on 9 May 1949.\n  VERB: V n, V to n\n\n5. If one thing is succeeded by another thing, the other thing happens or comes after it.\nA quick divorce can be succeeded by a much longer.and more agonising.period of haggling over the fate of the family.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: success
Meaning:
suc.cess\n   success  successes\n1. Success is the achievement of something that you have been trying to do.\nIt’s important for the long-term success of any diet that you vary your meals.\n...the success of European business in building a stronger partnership between management and workers.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=failure\n2. Success is the achievement of a high position in a particular field, for example in business or politics.\nNearly all of the young people interviewed believed that work was the key to success.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=failure\n3. The success of something is the fact that it works in a satisfactory way or has the result that is intended.\nMost of the cast was amazed by the play’s success...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss\n  !=failure\n4. Someone or something that is a success achieves a high position, makes a lot of money, or is admired a great deal.\nWe hope it will be a commercial success.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=failure


Words: success story
Meaning:
suc.cess sto.ry\n   success story  success stories\n  Someone or something that is a success story is very successful, often unexpectedly or in spite of unfavourable conditions.\nSock Shop was one of the high-street success stories of the 80s.\n  N-COUNT


Words: successful
Meaning:
suc.cess.ful\n   successful\n1. Something that is successful achieves what it was intended to achieve. Someone who is successful achieves what they intended to achieve.\nHow successful will this new treatment be?...\nI am looking forward to a long and successful partnership with him...\nShe has been comparatively successful in maintaining her privacy.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ in -ing\n  !=unsuccessful\n=>  suc.cess.ful.ly\nThe doctors have successfully concluded preliminary tests.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Something that is successful is popular or makes a lot of money.\n...the hugely successful movie that brought Robert Redford an Oscar for his directing...\nOne of the keys to successful business is careful planning.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Someone who is successful achieves a high position in what they do, for example in business or politics.\nWomen do not necessarily have to imitate men to be successful in business...\nShe is a successful lawyer.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ in n\n  !=unsuccessful


Words: succession
Meaning:
suc.ces.sion\n   succession  successions\n1. A succession of things of the same kind is a number of them that exist or happen one after the other.\nAdams took a succession of jobs which have stood him in good stead...\nScoring three goals in quick succession, he made it 10-8...\n  N-SING: oft N of n, also in N\n\n2. Succession is the fact or right of being the next person to have an important job or position.\nShe is now seventh in line of succession to the throne.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: successive
Meaning:
suc.ces.sive\n   successive\n  Successive means happening or existing one after another without a break.\nJackson was the winner for a second successive year...\n  ADJ


Words: successor
Meaning:
suc.ces.sor\n   successor  successors\n  Someone’s successor is the person who takes their job after they have left.\nHe set out several principles that he hopes will guide his successors...\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N, N to n


Words: succinct
Meaning:
suc.cinct\n   succinct\n  Something that is succinct expresses facts or ideas clearly and in few words.\nThe book gives an admirably succinct account of the technology and its history...\n  ADJ  approval\n  = concise\n=>  suc.cinct.ly\nHe succinctly summed up his manifesto as `Work hard, train hard and play hard’.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: succour
Meaning:
suc.cour\n   succour  succours  succouring  succoured\nin AM, use succor\n1. Succour is help given to people who are suffering or in difficulties. (FORMAL)\n...a commitment to give succour to populations involved in the conflict.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = assistance\n2. If you succour someone who is suffering or in difficulties, you help them. (FORMAL)\nHelicopters fly in appalling weather to succour shipwrecked mariners.\n  VERB: V n\n  = assist, aid


Words: succulent
Meaning:
suc.cu.lent\n   succulent  succulents\n1. Succulent food, especially meat or vegetables, is juicy and good to eat.\nCook pieces of succulent chicken with ample garlic and a little sherry.\n  ADJ  approval\n\n2. Succulents or succulent plants are types of plants which have thick, fleshy leaves.\n  N-COUNT


Words: succumb
Meaning:
suc.cumb\n   succumb  succumbs  succumbing  succumbed\n  If you succumb to temptation or pressure, you do something that you want to do, or that other people want you to do, although you feel it might be wrong. (FORMAL)\nDon’t succumb to the temptation to have just one cigarette...\nThe Minister said his country would never succumb to pressure.\n  VERB: V to n, V to n\n  = give in


Words: such
Meaning:
such\n\n  When such is used as a predeterminer, it is followed by `a’ and a count noun in the singular. When it is used as a determiner, it is followed by a count noun in the plural or by an uncount noun.\n\n1. You use such to refer back to the thing or person that you have just mentioned, or a thing or person like the one that you have just mentioned. You use such as and such...as to introduce a reference to the person or thing that has just been mentioned.\nThere have been previous attempts at coups. We regard such methods as entirely unacceptable...\nThere’d be no telling how John would react to such news as this.\n  DET: DET n, DET n as pron\n\n  Such is also a predeterminer.\nIf your request is for information about a child, please contact the Registrar to find out how to make such a request...\nHow can we make sense of such a story as this?\n  PREDET: PREDET a n\n\n  Such is also used before be.\nWe are scared because we are being watched.such is the atmosphere in Pristina and other cities in Kosovo.\n  such be\n\n  As such is also used.\nThere should be a law ensuring products tested on animals have to be labelled as such.\n  -ed as such\n\n  Such as is also used.\nIssues such as these were not really his concern...\n  such as pron\n\n2. You use such...as to link something or someone with a clause in which you give a description of the kind of thing or person that you mean.\nEach member of the alliance agrees to take such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force...\nBritain is not enjoying such prosperity as it was in the mid-1980s.\n  DET: DET n as cl\n\n  Such as is also used.\nChildren do not use inflections such as are used in mature adult speech...\n  n such as cl\n\n3. You use such...as to introduce one or more examples of the kind of thing or person that you have just mentioned.\n...such careers as teaching, nursing, hairdressing and catering.\n...delays caused by such things as bad weather or industrial disputes.\n  DET: DET n as n\n\n  Such as is also used.\n...serious offences, such as assault on a police officer...\n  such as n\n\n4. You use such before noun groups to emphasize the extent of something or to emphasize that something is remarkable.\nI think most of us don’t want to read what’s in the newspaper anyway in such detail...\nThe economy was not in such bad shape, he says.\n  DET  emphasis\n\n  Such is also a predeterminer.\nYou know the health service is in such a state and it’s getting desperate now...\nIt was such a pleasant surprise...\n  PREDET: PREDET a n\n\n5. You use such...that in order to emphasize the degree of something by mentioning the result or consequence of it.\nThe weather has brought such a demand for beer that one brewery will operate over the weekend...\nThis is something where you can earn such a lot of money that there is not any risk that you will lose it...\nHe was in such a hurry that he almost pushed me over on the stairs.\n  PREDET: PREDET a n that  emphasis\n\n  Such is also a determiner.\nShe looked at him in such distress that he had to look away.\n  DET: DET n that\n\n  Such is also used after be.\nThough Vivaldi had earned a great deal in his lifetime, his extravagance was such that he died in poverty...\n  be such that\n\n6. You use such...that or such...as in order to say what the result or consequence of something that you have just mentioned is.\nThe operation has uncovered such backstreet dealing in stolen property that police might now press for changes in the law.\n  DET: DET n that\n\n  Such is also a predeterminer.\nHe could put an idea in such a way that Alan would believe it was his own.\n  PREDET: PREDET a n that/as to\n\n  Such is also used after be.\nOFSTED’s brief is such that it can conduct any inquiry or provide any advice which the Secretary of State requires.\n  be such that\n\n7. You use such and such to refer to a thing or person when you do not want to be exact or precise. (SPOKEN)\nI said, `Well what time’ll I get to Leeds?’ and he said such and such a time but I missed my connection...\n(next)


Words: such .1
Meaning:
PHRASE: PHR a n, PHR after v  vagueness\n\n8. You use such as it is or such as they are to suggest that the thing you have just mentioned is not very good, important, or useful.\nThe British Women’s Movement, such as it is these days, came up with a programme of speeches at the House of Commons.\n  PHRASE: n PHR\n\n9. You use as such with a negative to indicate that a word or expression is not a very accurate description of the actual situation.\nI am not a learner as such.I used to ride a bike years ago...\n  PHRASE: usu n PHR\n\n10. You use as such after a noun to indicate that you are considering that thing on its own, separately from other things or factors.\nMr Simon said he was not against taxes as such, `but I do object when taxation is justified on spurious or dishonest grounds,’ he says.\n  PHRASE: n PHR\n\n11.\nno such thing: see thing


Words: suchlike
Meaning:
such.like\n   suchlike\n  You use suchlike to refer to other things that are like the ones you have already mentioned.\n...objets d’art, gold, silver, and ivory assortments, ceramics, and suchlike...\n  PRON\n  = the like\n  Suchlike is also a determiner.\nThe prices of polymers and suchlike materials will decrease...


Words: suck
Meaning:
suck  sucks  sucking  sucked\n1. If you suck something, you hold it in your mouth and pull at it with the muscles in your cheeks and tongue, for example in order to get liquid out of it.\nThey waited in silence and sucked their sweets...\nHe sucked on his cigarette...\nDoran was clutching the bottle with both hands and sucking intently.\n  VERB: V n, V on/at n, V\n\n2. If something sucks a liquid, gas, or object in a particular direction, it draws it there with a powerful force.\nThe pollution-control team is at the scene and is due to start sucking up oil any time now...\n...the airline pilot who was almost sucked from the cockpit of his plane when a window shattered.\n  VERB: V n with adv, be V-ed prep\n\n3. If you are sucked into a bad situation, you are unable to prevent yourself from becoming involved in it.\n...the extent to which they have been sucked into the cycle of violence.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed into n\n\n4. If someone says that something sucks, they are indicating that they think it is very bad. (INFORMAL, RUDE)\nThe system sucks.\n  VERB: no cont, V  feelings\n\n5.\nto suck someone dry: see dry


Words: suck up
Meaning:
suck up\n  You say that someone is sucking up to a person in authority when you do not like the fact that they are trying to please the person because of the person’s position. (INFORMAL)\nShe kept sucking up to the teachers, especially Mrs Clements.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P to n, also V P


Words: sucker
Meaning:
suck.er\n   sucker  suckers\n1. If you call someone a sucker, you mean that it is very easy to cheat them. (INFORMAL)\nBut that is what the suckers want so you give it them...\n  N-COUNT; N-VOC  disapproval\n\n2. If you describe someone as a sucker for something, you mean that they find it very difficult to resist it. (INFORMAL)\nI’m such a sucker for romance.\n  N-COUNT: N for n\n\n3. The suckers on some animals and insects are the parts on the outside of their body which they use in order to stick to a surface.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A sucker is a small device used for attaching things to surfaces. It consists of a cup-shaped piece of rubber that sticks to a surface when it is pressed flat.\n...sucker pads.\n  N-COUNT


Words: suckle
Meaning:
suck.le\n   suckle  suckles  suckling  suckled\n1. When a mother suckles her baby, she feeds it by letting it suck milk from her breast. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nA young woman suckling a baby is one of life’s most natural and delightful scenes.\n  VERB: V n\n  = breastfeed\n2. When a baby suckles, it sucks milk from its mother’s breast. (FORMAL)\nAs the baby suckles, a further supply of milk is generated.\n  VERB: V\n  = breastfeed


Words: suction
Meaning:
suc.tion\n   suction  suctions  suctioning  suctioned\n1. Suction is the process by which liquids, gases, or other substances are drawn out of somewhere.\nDustbags act as a filter and suction will be reduced if they are too full...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If a doctor or nurse suctions a liquid, they remove it by using a machine which sucks it away.\nMichael was showing the nurse how to suction his saliva...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. Suction is the process by which two surfaces stick together when the air between them is removed.\n...their pneumatic robot which uses air to move and sticks to surfaces by suction.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: Sudanese
Meaning:
Su.da.nese\n   Sudanese  Sudanese\n1. Sudanese means belonging or relating to Sudan, or to its people or culture.\n  ADJ\n\n2. The Sudanese are the people of Sudan.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: sudden
Meaning:
sud.den\n   sudden\n1. Sudden means happening quickly and unexpectedly.\nHe had been deeply affected by the sudden death of his father-in-law...\nShe started to thank him, but a sudden movement behind him caught her attention...\nIt was all very sudden.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  sud.den.ness\nThe enemy seemed stunned by the suddenness of the attack.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft the N of n\n\n2. If something happens all of a sudden, it happens quickly and unexpectedly.\nAll of a sudden she didn’t look sleepy any more.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR with cl, PHR with v


Words: sudden death
Meaning:
sud.den death\n   sudden death\n  Sudden death is a way of quickly deciding the winner of something such as a football or basketball game or a golf tournament when there are equal scores at the time when it would normally end. In a sudden-death situation, the first team to score a goal or the first golfer to win a hole is the winner.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: suddenly
Meaning:
sud.den.ly\n   suddenly\n  If something happens suddenly, it happens quickly and unexpectedly.\nSuddenly, she looked ten years older...\nHer expression suddenly altered...\nHe sat down suddenly.\n  ADV: usu ADV with cl, ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: suds
Meaning:
suds\n  Suds are the bubbles that are produced when a substance such as soap is mixed with water.\nHe had soap suds in his ears.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: sue
Meaning:
sue  sues  suing  sued\n  If you sue someone, you start a legal case against them, usually in order to claim money from them because they have harmed you in some way.\nMr Warren sued him for libel over the remarks...\nOne former patient has already indicated his intention to sue.\n  VERB: V n for n, V


Words: suede
Meaning:
suede\n  Suede is leather with a soft, slightly rough surface.\nAlbert wore a brown suede jacket and jeans.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: suffer
Meaning:
suf.fer\n   suffer  suffers  suffering  suffered\n1. If you suffer pain, you feel it in your body or in your mind.\nWithin a few days she had become seriously ill, suffering great pain and discomfort...\nCan you assure me that my father is not suffering?\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. If you suffer from an illness or from some other bad condition, you are badly affected by it.\nHe was eventually diagnosed as suffering from terminal cancer...\nI realized he was suffering from shock.\n  VERB: V from n, V from n\n\n3. If you suffer something bad, you are in a situation in which something painful, harmful, or very unpleasant happens to you.\nThe peace process has suffered a serious blow now...\nRomania suffered another setback in its efforts to obtain financial support for its reforms.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n4. If you suffer, you are badly affected by an event or situation.\nThere are few who have not suffered...\nIt is obvious that Syria will suffer most from this change of heart.\n  VERB: V, V from n\n\n5. If something suffers, it does not succeed because it has not been given enough attention or is in a bad situation.\nI’m not surprised that your studies are suffering...\nWithout a major boost in tourism, the economy will suffer even further.\n  VERB: V, V\n\n6.\n  see also suffering


Words: sufferance
Meaning:
suf.fer.ance\n   sufferance\n  If you are allowed to do something on sufferance, you can do it, although you know that the person who gave you permission would prefer that you did not do it.\nHis party held office on sufferance...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu on N


Words: sufferer
Meaning:
suf.fer.er\n   sufferer  sufferers\n  A sufferer from an illness or some other bad condition is a person who is affected by the illness or condition.\nFrequently sufferers of this kind of allergy are also sufferers of asthma.\n...hay-fever sufferers.\n  N-COUNT: oft N from/of n, n N


Words: suffering
Meaning:
suf.fer.ing\n   suffering  sufferings\n  Suffering is serious pain which someone feels in their body or their mind.\nIt has caused terrible suffering to animals...\nHis many novels have portrayed the sufferings of his race.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n  = torment\n  see also long-suffering


Words: suffice
Meaning:
suf.fice\n   suffice  suffices  sufficing  sufficed\n1. If you say that something will suffice, you mean it will be enough to achieve a purpose or to fulfil a need. (FORMAL)\nA cover letter should never exceed one page; often a far shorter letter will suffice.\n  VERB: no cont, V\n  = do\n2. Suffice it to say or suffice to say is used at the beginning of a statement to indicate that what you are saying is obvious, or that you will only give a short explanation.\nSuffice it to say that afterwards we never met again...\n  PHRASE: PHR that, PHR with cl


Words: sufficiency
Meaning:
suf.fi.cien.cy\n   sufficiency\n  Sufficiency of something is enough of that thing to achieve a purpose or to fulfil a need. (FORMAL)\nThere’s a sufficiency of drama in these lives to sustain your interest.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, oft N of n\n  !=insufficiency\n  see also self-sufficiency


Words: sufficient
Meaning:
suf.fi.cient\n   sufficient\n  If something is sufficient for a particular purpose, there is enough of it for the purpose.\nOne metre of fabric is sufficient to cover the exterior of an 18-in-diameter hatbox...\nThere was not sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ n to-inf, ADJ for n\n  !=insufficient\n=>  suf.fi.cient.ly\nShe recovered sufficiently to accompany Chou on his tour of Africa in 1964...\n  ADV


Words: suffix
Meaning:
suf.fix\n   suffix  suffixes\n1. A suffix is a letter or group of letters, for example `-ly’ or `-ness’, which is added to the end of a word in order to form a different word, often of a different word class. For example, the suffix `-ly’ is added to `quick’ to form `quickly’. Compare affix and prefix.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A suffix is one or more numbers or letters added to the end of a code number to indicate, for example, what area something belongs to.\nThese ships were all numbered with the suffix LBK.\n  N-COUNT


Words: suffocate
Meaning:
suf.fo.cate\n   suffocate  suffocates  suffocating  suffocated\n1. If someone suffocates or is suffocated, they die because there is no air for them to breathe.\nHe either suffocated, or froze to death...\nThey were suffocated as they slept.\n  VERB: V, be V-ed\n\n=>  suf.fo.ca.tion\nMany of the victims died of suffocation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you say that you are suffocating or that something is suffocating you, you mean that you feel very uncomfortable because there is not enough fresh air and it is difficult to breathe.\nThat’s better. I was suffocating in that cell of a room...\nThe airlessness of the room suffocated her.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n3. You say that a person or thing is suffocating, or that something is suffocating them, when the situation that they are in does not allow them to act freely or to develop.\nAfter a few weeks with her parents, she felt she was suffocating...\nThe governor’s proposals would actually cost millions of jobs and suffocate the economy.\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: suffrage
Meaning:
suf.frage\n   suffrage\n  Suffrage is the right of people to vote for a government or national leader. (FORMAL)\n...the women’s suffrage movement.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: suffragette
Meaning:
suf.fra.gette\n   suffragette  suffragettes\n  In the early twentieth century in Britain, a suffragette was a woman who was involved in the campaign for women to have the right to vote.\nShe was a suffragette and a birth control pioneer.\n  N-COUNT


Words: suffragist
Meaning:
suf.fra.gist\n   suffragist  suffragists\n  A suffragist is a person who is in favour of women having the right to vote, especially in societies where women are not allowed to vote. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: suffuse
Meaning:
suf.fuse\n   suffuse  suffuses  suffusing  suffused\n1. If something, especially a colour or feeling, suffuses a person or thing, it gradually spreads over or through them. (LITERARY)\nA dull red flush suffused Selby’s face.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If something such as a book, film, or piece of music is suffused with a quality, it is full of that quality. (FORMAL)\nThis book is suffused with Shaw’s characteristic wry Irish humour...\n  VERB: be V-ed with n


Words: Sufi
Meaning:
Sufi  Sufis\n  A Sufi is a member of a very spiritual group of Muslims.\n...the teachings of the Sufi mystics.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: sugar
Meaning:
sug.ar\n   sugar  sugars  sugaring  sugared\n1. Sugar is a sweet substance that is used to make food and drinks sweet. It is usually in the form of small white or brown crystals.\n...bags of sugar...\nIce cream is high in fat and sugar.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also caster sugar, confectioners’ sugar, demerara sugar, granulated sugar, icing sugar\n2. If someone has one sugar in their tea or coffee, they have one small spoon of sugar or one sugar lump in it.\nHow many sugars do you take?\n...a mug of tea with two sugars.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you sugar food or drink, you add sugar to it.\nHe sat down and sugared and stirred his coffee.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. Sugars are substances that occur naturally in food. When you eat them, the body converts them into energy.\nPlants produce sugars and starch to provide themselves with energy.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n5.\nto sugar the pill: see pill


Words: sugar beet
Meaning:
sug.ar beet\n   sugar beet  sugar beets\n  Sugar beet is a crop with a large round root. It is grown for the sugar which can be obtained from this root.\n  N-VAR


Words: sugar bowl
Meaning:
sug.ar bowl\n   sugar bowl  sugar bowls\n  A sugar bowl is a small bowl in which sugar is kept.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sugar cane
Meaning:
sug.ar cane\n   sugar cane   also sugarcane\n  Sugar cane is a tall tropical plant. It is grown for the sugar that can be obtained from its thick stems.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sugar daddy
Meaning:
sug.ar dad.dy\n   sugar daddy  sugar daddies   also sugar-daddy\n  A woman’s sugar daddy is a rich older man who gives her money and presents in return for her company, affection, and usually sexual intercourse. (INFORMAL)\nActor John Goodman played Melanie Griffith’s sugar daddy in the film.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N


Words: sugar lump
Meaning:
sug.ar lump\n   sugar lump  sugar lumps   also sugar-lump\n  Sugar lumps are small cubes of sugar. You put them in cups of tea and coffee.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sugar-coated
Meaning:
sugar-coated\n1. Sugar-coated food is covered with a sweet substance made of sugar.\nSome sugar-coated cereals are 50% sugar.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe something such as a story as sugar-coated, you disapprove of it because it appears to be pleasant or attractive but in fact describes something very unpleasant.\n...a sugar-coated view of a boy’s introduction to sex.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: sugared almond
Meaning:
sug.ared al.mond\n   sugared almond  sugared almonds\n  Sugared almonds are nuts which have been covered with a hard sweet coating.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: sugary
Meaning:
sug.ary\n   sugary\n  Sugary food or drink contains a lot of sugar.\nSugary canned drinks rot your teeth.\n...sugary tea.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: suggest
Meaning:
sug.gest\n   suggest  suggests  suggesting  suggested\n1. If you suggest something, you put forward a plan or idea for someone to think about.\nHe suggested a link between class size and test results of seven-year-olds...\nI suggest you ask him some specific questions about his past...\nI suggested to Mike that we go out for a meal with his colleagues...\nNo one has suggested how this might occur...\n`Could he be suffering from amnesia?’ I suggested...\nSo instead I suggested taking her out to dinner for a change.\n  VERB: V n, V that, V to n that, V wh, V with quote, V -ing\n\n2. If you suggest the name of a person or place, you recommend them to someone.\nCould you suggest someone to advise me how to do this?...\nThey can suggest where to buy one.\n  VERB: V n, V wh to-inf\n\n3. If you suggest that something is the case, you say something which you believe is the case.\nI’m not suggesting that is what is happening...\nIt is wrong to suggest that there are easy alternatives...\nTheir success is conditional, I suggest, on this restriction.\n  VERB: V that, V that, V that\n\n4. If one thing suggests another, it implies it or makes you think that it might be the case.\nEarlier reports suggested that a meeting would take place on Sunday...\nIts hairy body suggests a mammal.\n  VERB: V that, V n\n\n5. If one thing suggests another, it brings it to your mind through an association of ideas.\nThis onomatopoeic word suggests to me the sound a mousetrap makes when it snaps shut.\n  VERB: V n


Words: suggestible
Meaning:
sug.gest.ible\n   suggestible\n  Someone who is suggestible can be easily influenced by other people.\n...highly suggestible and compliant individuals.\n  ADJ


Words: suggestion
Meaning:
sug.ges.tion\n   suggestion  suggestions\n1. If you make a suggestion, you put forward an idea or plan for someone to think about.\nThe dietitian was helpful, making suggestions as to how I could improve my diet...\nPerhaps he’d followed her suggestion of a stroll to the river...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of/for n/-ing\n\n2. A suggestion is something that a person says which implies that something is the case.\nWe reject any suggestion that the law needs amending...\nThere are suggestions that he might be supported by the Socialists.\n  N-COUNT: oft N that\n\n3. If there is no suggestion that something is the case, there is no reason to think that it is the case.\nThere is no suggestion whatsoever that the two sides are any closer to agreeing...\n  N-SING: usu with brd-neg, N that, N of n\n\n4. If there is a suggestion of something, there is a slight amount or sign of it.\n...that fashionably faint suggestion of a tan.\n...a firm, well-sprung mattress with not one suggestion of a sag.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, N of n\n  = hint\n5. Suggestion means giving people a particular idea by associating it with other ideas.\nThe power of suggestion is very strong.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: suggestive
Meaning:
sug.ges.tive\n   suggestive\n1. Something that is suggestive of something else is quite like it or may be a sign of it.\nThe fingers were gnarled, lumpy, with long, curving nails suggestive of animal claws...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of n\n\n2. Suggestive remarks or looks cause people to think about sex, often in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.\n...another former employee who claims Thomas made suggestive remarks to her.\n  ADJ


Words: sui generis
Meaning:
sui gen.eris\n   sui generis\n  If you describe a person or thing as sui generis, you mean that there is no-one else or nothing else of the same kind and so you cannot make judgments about them based on other things. (FORMAL)\nJapanese politics are sui generis.\n  ADJ\n  = unique


Words: suicidal
Meaning:
sui.cid.al\n   suicidal\n1. People who are suicidal want to kill themselves.\nI was suicidal and just couldn’t stop crying...\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe an action or behaviour as suicidal, you mean that it is very dangerous.\nThey realized it would be suicidal to resist in the face of overwhelming military superiority.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf


Words: suicide
Meaning:
sui.cide\n   suicide  suicides\n1. People who commit suicide deliberately kill themselves because they do not want to continue living.\nShe tried to commit suicide on several occasions.\n...a growing number of suicides in the community.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. You say that people commit suicide when they deliberately do something which ruins their career or position in society.\nThey say it would be political suicide for the party to abstain.\n  N-UNCOUNT: supp N\n\n3. The people involved in a suicide attack, mission, or bombing do not expect to survive.\nAccording to the army, the teenager said he was on a `suicide mission’ for the movement.\n...a suicide bomber.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: suicide note
Meaning:
sui.cide note\n   suicide note  suicide notes\n  A suicide note is a note written by someone who intends to kill themselves saying that this is what they are going to do and sometimes explaining why.\n  N-COUNT


Words: suicide pact
Meaning:
sui.cide pact\n   suicide pact  suicide pacts\n  A suicide pact is an arrangement that two or more people make to kill themselves at the same time and usually in the same place.\nPolice refused to say if the couple died in a suicide pact.\n  N-COUNT


Words: suit
Meaning:
suit  suits  suiting  suited\n1. A man’s suit consists of a jacket, trousers, and sometimes a waistcoat, all made from the same fabric.\n...a dark pin-striped business suit.\n...a smart suit and tie.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A woman’s suit consists of a jacket and skirt, or sometimes trousers, made from the same fabric.\nI was wearing my tweed suit.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A particular type of suit is a piece of clothing that you wear for a particular activity.\n...a completely revolutionary atmospheric diving suit.\n  N-COUNT: n N\n\n4. If something suits you, it is convenient for you or is the best thing for you in the circumstances.\nThey will only release information if it suits them...\nThey should be able to find you the best package to suit your needs.\n  VERB: no cont, V n, V n\n\n5. If something suits you, you like it.\nI don’t think a sedentary life would altogether suit me.\n  VERB: no cont, V n\n\n6. If a piece of clothing or a particular style or colour suits you, it makes you look attractive.\nGreen suits you.\n  VERB: no cont, V n\n\n7. If you suit yourself, you do something just because you want to do it, without bothering to consider other people.\nThese large institutions make.and change.the rules to suit themselves...\nHe made a dismissive gesture. `Suit yourself.’\n  VERB: V pron-refl, V pron-refl\n  = please\n8. In a court of law, a suit is a case in which someone tries to get a legal decision against a person or company, often so that the person or company will have to pay them money for having done something wrong to them.\nUp to 2,000 former employees have filed personal injury suits against the company...\n  N-COUNT\n  = lawsuit\n  In American English, you can say that someone files or brings suit against another person.\nOne insurance company has already filed suit against the city of Chicago.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n9. A suit is one of the four types of card in a set of playing cards. These are hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades.\n  N-COUNT\n\n10.\n  see also bathing suit, birthday suit, boiler suit, trouser suit\n11. If people follow suit, they do the same thing that someone else has just done.\nEfforts to persuade the remainder to follow suit have continued.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: suitable
Meaning:
suit.able\n   suitable\n  Someone or something that is suitable for a particular purpose or occasion is right or acceptable for it.\nEmployers usually decide within five minutes whether someone is suitable for the job...\nThe authority must make suitable accommodation available to the family.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ for n/-ing\n\n=>  suit.abil.ity\n...information on the suitability of a product for use in the home.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp


Words: suitably
Meaning:
suit.ably\n   suitably\n1. You use suitably to indicate that someone or something has the right qualities or things for a particular activity, purpose, or situation.\nThere are problems in recruiting suitably qualified scientific officers for NHS laboratories...\nUnfortunately I’m not suitably dressed for gardening.\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed\n\n2. If you say that someone or something is, for example, suitably impressed or suitably dramatic, you mean that they have as much of that quality as you would expect in that situation.\nShe flicked her eyes up to make certain I was suitably impressed...\nHer exit seemed suitably dramatic.\n  ADV: ADV adj


Words: suitcase
Meaning:
suit.case\n   suitcase  suitcases\n  A suitcase is a box or bag with a handle and a hard frame in which you carry your clothes when you are travelling.\nIt did not take Andrew long to pack a suitcase.\n  N-COUNT


Words: suite
Meaning:
suite  suites\n1. A suite is a set of rooms in a hotel or other building.\nThey had a fabulous time during their week in a suite at the Paris Hilton.\n...a new suite of offices.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also en suite\n2. A suite is a set of matching armchairs and a sofa.\n...a three-piece suite.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A bathroom suite is a matching bath, washbasin, and toilet.\n  N-COUNT


Words: suited
Meaning:
suit.ed\n   suited\n  If something is well suited to a particular purpose, it is right or appropriate for that purpose. If someone is well suited to a particular job, they are right or appropriate for that job.\nThe area is well suited to road cycling as well as off-road riding...\nSatellites are uniquely suited to provide this information.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu adv ADJ to n/-ing, ADJ to-inf


Words: suiting
Meaning:
suit.ing\n   suiting  suitings\n  Suiting is cloth from which trousers, jackets, skirts, and men’s suits are made.\n  N-MASS


Words: suitor
Meaning:
suit.or\n   suitor  suitors\n1. A woman’s suitor is a man who wants to marry her. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nMy mother had a suitor who adored her.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A suitor is a company or organization that wants to buy another company. (BUSINESS)\nThe company was making little progress in trying to find a suitor...\n  N-COUNT


Words: sulk
Meaning:
sulk  sulks  sulking  sulked\n  If you sulk, you are silent and bad-tempered for a while because you are annoyed about something.\nHe turned his back and sulked.\n  VERB: V\n\n  Sulk is also a noun.\nHe went off in a sulk...\nNow she must be tired of my sulks.\n  N-COUNT: oft in/into a N


Words: sulky
Meaning:
sulky\n  Someone who is sulky is sulking or is unwilling to enjoy themselves.\nI was quite sulky, so I didn’t take part in much.\n...a sulky adolescent.\n  ADJ


Words: sullen
Meaning:
sul.len\n   sullen\n  Someone who is sullen is bad-tempered and does not speak much.\nThe offenders lapsed into a sullen silence...\n  ADJ


Words: sully
Meaning:
sul.ly\n   sully  sullies  sullying  sullied\n1. If something is sullied by something else, it is damaged so that it is no longer pure or of such high value. (FORMAL)\nThe City’s reputation has been sullied by scandals like those at Lloyd’s...\nShe claimed they were sullying her good name.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n2. If someone sullies something, they make it dirty. (FORMAL)\nI felt loath to sully the gleaming brass knocker by handling it.\n  VERB: V n


Words: sulphate
Meaning:
sul.phate\n   sulphate  sulphates\nin AM, use sulfate\n  A sulphate is a salt of sulphuric acid.\n...copper sulphate.\n...sulphate of potash.\n  N-MASS: oft n N, N of n


Words: sulphide
Meaning:
sul.phide\n   sulphide  sulphides\nin AM, use sulfide\n  A sulphide is a compound of sulphur with some other chemical elements.\n...hydrogen sulphide.\n  N-MASS: oft n N


Words: sulphur
Meaning:
sul.phur\n   sulphur\nin AM, use sulfur\n  Sulphur is a yellow chemical which has a strong smell.\nThe air reeks of sulphur.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sulphuric acid
Meaning:
sul.phu.ric acid\n   sulphuric acid\nin AM, use sulfuric acid\n  Sulphuric acid is a colourless, oily, and very powerful acid.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sulphurous
Meaning:
sul.phur.ous\n   sulphurous\nin AM, use sulfurous\n  Sulphurous air or places contain sulphur or smell of sulphur.\n...sulphurous volcanic gases.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: sultan
Meaning:
sul.tan\n   sultan  sultans\n  A sultan is a ruler in some Muslim countries.\n...during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid.\n  N-TITLE; N-COUNT


Words: sultry
Meaning:
sul.try\n   sultry\n1. Sultry weather is hot and damp. (WRITTEN)\nThe climax came one sultry August evening.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Someone who is sultry is attractive in a way that suggests hidden passion. (WRITTEN)\n...a dark-haired sultry woman.\n  ADJ


Words: sum
Meaning:
sum  sums  summing  summed\n1. A sum of money is an amount of money.\nLarge sums of money were lost...\nEven the relatively modest sum of .50,000 now seems beyond his reach.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. A sum is a simple calculation in arithmetic.\nI can’t do my sums.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. In mathematics, the sum of two numbers is the number that is obtained when they are added together.\nThe sum of all the angles of a triangle is 180 degrees.\n  N-SING: the N of n\n\n4. The sum of something is all of it.\n`Public opinion’ is only the sum of the views of thousands of people like yourself...\n  N-SING: the N of n\n\n5.\n  see also lump sum\n6. If you say that something is more than the sum of its parts or greater than the sum of its parts, you mean that it is better than you would expect from the individual parts, because the way they combine adds a different quality.\nAs individual members’ solo careers have proved, each band was greater than the sum of its parts.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: sum total
Meaning:
sum to.tal\n   sum total\n  The sum total of a number of things is all the things added or considered together. You often use this expression to indicate that you are disappointed because the total amount is rather small.\nThat small room contained the sum total of the family’s possessions...\n  N-SING: usu the N of n\n  = sum


Words: sum up
Meaning:
sum up\n1. If you sum something up, you describe it as briefly as possible.\nOne voter in Brasilia summed up the mood.`Politicians have lost credibility,’ he complained...\nObree summed his weekend up in one word: `Disastrous.’\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If something sums a person or situation up, it represents their most typical characteristics.\n`I love my wife, my horse and my dog,’ he said, and that summed him up...\nSadly, the feud sums up the relationship between Lord Bath and the man who succeeds him.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = epitomize\n3. If you sum up after a speech or at the end of a piece of writing, you briefly state the main points again. When a judge sums up after a trial, he reminds the jury of the evidence and the main arguments of the case they have heard.\nWhen the judge summed up, it was clear he wanted a guilty verdict...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n4.\n  see also summing-up


Words: summarize
Meaning:
sum.ma.rize\n   summarize  summarizes  summarizing  summarized\nin BRIT, also use summarise\n  If you summarize something, you give a summary of it.\nTable 3.1 summarizes the information given above...\nBasically, the article can be summarized in three sentences...\nTo summarise, this is a clever approach to a common problem.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed prep/adv, V


Words: summary
Meaning:
sum.mary\n   summary  summaries\n1. A summary of something is a short account of it, which gives the main points but not the details.\nWhat follows is a brief summary of the process...\nHere’s a summary of the day’s news...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = resume\n  You use in summary to indicate that what you are about to say is a summary of what has just been said.\nIn summary, it is my opinion that this complete treatment process was very successful.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n2. Summary actions are done without delay, often when something else should have been done first or done instead. (FORMAL)\nIt says torture and summary execution are common...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: summat
Meaning:
sum.mat\n   summat\n  Summat is a British dialect form of the word `something’.\nAre we going to write a story or summat?


Words: summation
Meaning:
sum.ma.tion\n   summation  summations\n  A summation is a summary of what someone has said or done. (FORMAL)\nHer introduction is a model of fairness, a lively summation of Irish history.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N of n\n  = summary


Words: summer
Meaning:
sum.mer\n   summer  summers\n  Summer is the season between spring and autumn. In the summer the weather is usually warm or hot.\nI escaped the heatwave in London earlier this summer and flew to Cork...\nIt was a perfect summer’s day.\n...in the summer of 1987.\n...the summer holidays...\nHe used to spend childhood summers with his grandparents.\n  N-VAR\n\n  see also high summer, Indian summer


Words: summer camp
Meaning:
sum.mer camp\n   summer camp  summer camps\n  In the United States, a summer camp is a place in the country where parents can pay to send their children during the school summer holidays. The children staying there can take part in many outdoor and social activities.\n  N-COUNT


Words: summer house
Meaning:
sum.mer house\n   summer house  summer houses   also summerhouse\n1. A summer house is a small building in a garden. It contains seats, and people can sit there in the summer.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Someone’s summer house is a house in the country or by the sea where they spend the summer.\nHe visited relatives at their summer house on the river.\n  N-COUNT


Words: summer school
Meaning:
sum.mer school\n   summer school  summer schools\n1. A summer school is an educational course on a particular subject that is run during the summer. The students usually stay at the place where the summer school is being held. (mainly BRIT)\n...a summer school for young professional singers.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Summer school is a summer term at a school, college, or university, for example for students who need extra teaching or who want to take extra courses. (mainly AM)\n  N-VAR


Words: summer time
Meaning:
sum.mer time\n   summer time   also summertime\n1. Summer time is the period of time during which the summer lasts.\nIt’s a very beautiful place in the summertime.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also the N\n\n2.\n  see also British Summer Time


Words: summery
Meaning:
sum.mery\n   summery\n  Something that is summery is suitable for summer or characteristic of summer.\n...light summery fruit salads.\n  ADJ


Words: summing-up
Meaning:
summing-up  summings-up   also summing up\n  In a trial, the judge’s summing-up is the speech the judge makes at the end of the trial to remind the jury of the evidence and the main arguments of the case they have heard.\nThere was pandemonium in court as the judge gave his summing-up.\n  N-COUNT


Words: summit
Meaning:
sum.mit\n   summit  summits\n1. A summit is a meeting at which the leaders of two or more countries discuss important matters.\n...next week’s Washington summit.\n...the NATO summit meeting in Rome.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The summit of a mountain is the top of it.\n...the first man to reach the summit of Mount Everest.\n  N-COUNT


Words: summon
Meaning:
sum.mon\n   summon  summons  summoning  summoned\n1. If you summon someone, you order them to come to you. (FORMAL)\nHowe summoned a doctor and hurried over...\nSuddenly we were summoned to the interview room...\nHe has been summoned to appear in court on charges of incitement to law-breaking.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed prep/adv, be V-ed to-inf\n\n2. If you summon a quality, you make a great effort to have it. For example, if you summon the courage or strength to do something, you make a great effort to be brave or strong, so that you will be able to do it.\nIt took her a full month to summon the courage to tell her mother.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Summon up means the same as summon.\nPainfully shy, he finally summoned up courage to ask her to a game...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: summon up
Meaning:
summon up\n  If something summons up a memory or thought, it causes it to come to your mind. (LITERARY)\nThe oddest events will summon up memories.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: summons
Meaning:
sum.mons\n   summons  summonses  summonsing  summonsed\n1. A summons is an order to come and see someone.\nI received a summons to the Palace from Sir Robert Fellowes, the Queen’s private secretary.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A summons is an official order to appear in court.\nShe had received a summons to appear in court.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If someone is summonsed, they are officially ordered to appear in court.\nThe men were summonsed and last week 30 appeared before Hove magistrates...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: sump
Meaning:
sump  sumps\n1. The sump is the place under an engine which holds the engine oil. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use oil pan)\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n2. A sump is a deep cave which is often filled with water.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sumptuous
Meaning:
sump.tu.ous\n   sumptuous\n  Something that is sumptuous is grand and obviously very expensive.\nShe produces elegant wedding gowns in a variety of sumptuous fabrics.\n  ADJ


Words: sun
Meaning:
sun  suns\n1. The sun is the ball of fire in the sky that the Earth goes round, and that gives us heat and light.\nThe sun was now high in the southern sky...\nThe sun came out, briefly.\n...the sun’s rays...\nThe sun was shining.\n  N-SING: usu the N\n\n2. You refer to the light and heat that reach us from the sun as the sun.\nDena took them into the courtyard to sit in the sun...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu the N\n\n3. A sun is any star which has planets going around it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. Everything under the sun means a very great number of things. Anything under the sun means anything at all.\nWe sat there for hours talking about everything under the sun...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n5.\na place in the sun: see place


Words: sun hat
Meaning:
sun hat  sun hats   also sunhat\n  A sun hat is a wide-brimmed hat that protects your head from the sun.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sun lamp
Meaning:
sun lamp  sun lamps   also sunlamp\n  A sun lamp is a lamp that produces ultraviolet light. People use sun lamps to make their skin browner.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sun-baked
Meaning:
sun-baked\n  Sun-baked land or earth has been made hard and dry by the sun shining on it.\n...a dry, sun-baked lawn.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: sun-drenched
Meaning:
sun-drenched   also sundrenched\n  Sun-drenched places have a lot of hot sunshine.\nHe sat on the terrace of his sun-drenched villa in the South of France.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: sun-up
Meaning:
sun-up   also sunup\n  Sun-up is the time of day when the sun rises. (AM; in BRIT, use sunrise)\nWe worked from sunup to sunset.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sunbathe
Meaning:
sun.bathe\n   sunbathe  sunbathes  sunbathing  sunbathed\n  When people sunbathe, they sit or lie in a place where the sun shines on them, so that their skin becomes browner.\nFranklin swam and sunbathed at the pool every morning.\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  sun.bather      sunbathers\nA week ago Bournemouth beach was thronged with sunbathers soaking up the 80 degrees heat.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  sun.bath.ing\nNearby there is a stretch of white sand beach perfect for sunbathing.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sunbeam
Meaning:
sun.beam\n   sunbeam  sunbeams\n  A sunbeam is a ray of sunlight.\nA sunbeam slants through the west window.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sunbed
Meaning:
sun.bed\n   sunbed  sunbeds\n  A sunbed is a piece of equipment with ultraviolet lights. You lie on it to make your skin browner.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sunbelt
Meaning:
sun.belt\n   sunbelt\n  The warmer, sunnier parts of a country or continent, especially the southern United States, are sometimes referred to as the sunbelt.\nDuring the last recession, migration to the sunbelt accelerated.\n  N-SING: usu the N


Words: sunblock
Meaning:
sun.block\n   sunblock  sunblocks\n  Sunblock is a cream which you put on your skin to protect it completely from the sun.\n  N-MASS


Words: sunburn
Meaning:
sun.burn\n   sunburn  sunburns\n  If someone has sunburn, their skin is bright pink and sore because they have spent too much time in hot sunshine.\nThe risk and severity of sunburn depend on the body’s natural skin colour...\nI was concerned that I was not protected and would get a sunburn.\n  N-VAR


Words: sunburnt
Meaning:
sun.burnt\n   sunburnt   also sunburned\n1. Someone who is sunburnt has sore bright pink skin because they have spent too much time in hot sunshine.\nA badly sunburned face or back is extremely painful.\n  ADJ\n  = burnt\n2. Someone who is sunburnt has very brown skin because they have spent a lot of time in the sunshine.\nMr Cooper looked fit and sunburnt.\n  ADJ\n  = tanned


Words: sunburst
Meaning:
sun.burst\n   sunburst  sunbursts\n  A sunburst is a pattern or design that resembles the sun with rays coming from it.\n...a bronze sunburst pendant.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sundae
Meaning:
sun.dae\n   sundae   sundaes\n  A sundae is a tall glass of ice cream with whipped cream and nuts or fruit on top.\n...a chocolate sundae.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N


Words: Sunday
Meaning:
Sun.day\n   Sunday   Sundays\n  Sunday is the day after Saturday and before Monday.\nI thought we might go for a drive on Sunday...\nNaomi used to go to church in Granville every Sunday.\n  N-VAR


Words: Sunday best
Meaning:
Sun.day best\n   Sunday best\n  If you are in your Sunday best, you are wearing your best clothes, which you only wear for special occasions.\n  N-SING: poss N


Words: Sunday school
Meaning:
Sun.day school\n   Sunday school  Sunday schools\n  Sunday school is a class organized by a church that some children go to on Sundays in order to learn about Christianity.\n...a Sunday School teacher.\n  N-VAR


Words: sunder
Meaning:
sun.der\n   sunder  sunders  sundering  sundered\n  If people or things are sundered, they are separated or split by something. (LITERARY)\nThe city is being sundered by racial tension...\nPolice moved in to separate the two groups, already sundered by distrust.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed


Words: sundial
Meaning:
sun.dial\n   sundial  sundials\n  A sundial is a device used for telling the time when the sun is shining. The shadow of an upright rod falls onto a flat surface that is marked with the hours, and points to the correct hour.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sundown
Meaning:
sun.down\n   sundown\n  Sundown is the time when the sun sets. (AM; in BRIT, usually use sunset)\nThe fighting broke out about two hours after sundown.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sundries
Meaning:
sun.dries\n   sundries\n  When someone is making a list of things, items that are not important enough to be listed separately are sometimes referred to together as sundries. (FORMAL)\nThe inn gift shop stocks quality Indian crafts and sundries.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: sundry
Meaning:
sun.dry\n   sundry\n1. If someone refers to sundry people or things, they are referring to several people or things that are all different from each other. (FORMAL)\nScientists, business people, and sundry others gathered on Monday for the official opening...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. All and sundry means everyone.\nHe was well known to all and sundry.\n  PHRASE: usu prep PHR


Words: sunflower
Meaning:
sun.flower\n   sunflower  sunflowers\n  A sunflower is a very tall plant with large yellow flowers. Oil from sunflower seeds is used in cooking and to make margarine.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sunglasses
Meaning:
sun.glasses\n   sunglasses\n  Sunglasses are glasses with dark lenses which you wear to protect your eyes from bright sunlight.\nShe slipped on a pair of sunglasses.\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N


Words: sunk
Meaning:
sunk\n1. Sunk is the past participle of sink.\n\n2. If you say that someone is sunk, you mean that they have no hope of avoiding trouble or failure. (INFORMAL)\nWithout him we’d be well and truly sunk.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: sunken
Meaning:
sunk.en\n   sunken\n1. Sunken ships have sunk to the bottom of a sea, ocean, or lake.\nThe sunken sailing-boat was a glimmer of white on the bottom...\nTry diving for sunken treasure.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Sunken gardens, roads, or other features are below the level of their surrounding area.\nThe room was dominated by a sunken bath.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Sunken eyes, cheeks, or other parts of the body curve inwards and make you look thin and unwell.\nHer eyes were sunken and black-ringed.\n  ADJ


Words: sunless
Meaning:
sun.less\n   sunless\n1. On sunless days, the sun does not shine.\nThe day dawned sunless and with a low cloud base.\n  ADJ\n  !=sunny\n2. Sunless places are not lit by the sun.\nCarmen stayed behind in the dark, sunless room.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: sunlight
Meaning:
sun.light\n   sunlight\n  Sunlight is the light that comes from the sun during the day.\nI saw her sitting at a window table, bathed in sunlight.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sunlit
Meaning:
sun.lit\n   sunlit\n  Sunlit places are brightly lit by the sun.\nHer house has two big sunlit rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: sunny
Meaning:
sun.ny\n   sunny  sunnier  sunniest\n1. When it is sunny, the sun is shining brightly.\nThe weather was surprisingly warm and sunny...\nThere is a chance of sunny spells in the West.\n  ADJ\n  = bright\n2. Sunny places are brightly lit by the sun.\nMost roses like a sunny position in a fairly fertile soil.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Someone who has a sunny disposition is usually cheerful and happy.\nHe was a nice lad.bright and with a sunny disposition...\nThe staff wear big sunny smiles.\n  ADJ\n  = cheery


Words: sunrise
Meaning:
sun.rise\n   sunrise  sunrises\n1. Sunrise is the time in the morning when the sun first appears in the sky.\nThe rain began before sunrise.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=sunset\n2. A sunrise is the colours and light that you see in the eastern part of the sky when the sun first appears.\nThere was a spectacular sunrise yesterday.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=sunset


Words: sunroof
Meaning:
sun.roof\n   sunroof  sunroofs\n  A sunroof is a panel in the roof of a car that opens to let sunshine and air enter the car.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sunscreen
Meaning:
sun.screen\n   sunscreen  sunscreens\n  A sunscreen is a cream that protects your skin from the sun’s rays, especially in hot weather.\n  N-MASS


Words: sunset
Meaning:
sun.set\n   sunset  sunsets\n1. Sunset is the time in the evening when the sun disappears out of sight from the sky.\nThe dance ends at sunset.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=sunrise\n2. A sunset is the colours and light that you see in the western part of the sky when the sun disappears in the evening.\nThere was a red sunset over Paris.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=sunrise


Words: sunshine
Meaning:
sun.shine\n   sunshine\n  Sunshine is the light and heat that comes from the sun.\nShe was sitting outside a cafe in bright sunshine...\nI awoke next morning to brilliant sunshine streaming into my room.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sunspot
Meaning:
sun.spot\n   sunspot  sunspots\n  Sunspots are dark cool patches that appear on the surface of the sun and last for about a week.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sunstroke
Meaning:
sun.stroke\n   sunstroke\n  Sunstroke is an illness caused by spending too much time in hot sunshine.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: suntan
Meaning:
sun.tan\n   suntan  suntans   also sun-tan\n1. If you have a suntan, the sun has turned your skin an attractive brown colour.\n  N-COUNT\n  = tan\n2. Suntan lotion, oil, or cream protects your skin from the sun.\nShe playfully rubs suntan lotion on his neck.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: suntanned
Meaning:
sun.tanned\n   suntanned\n  Someone who is suntanned has an attractive brown colour from being in the sun.\nHe is always suntanned and incredibly fit.\n  ADJ\n  = tanned


Words: sup
Meaning:
sup  sups  supping  supped\n1. If you sup something, you drink it, especially by taking small amounts. (LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED)\nWe supped mulled wine.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you sup, you eat dinner in the evening. (LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe had been invited to sup with a colleague and his wife.\n  VERB: V\n  = dine


Words: super
Meaning:
su.per\n   super\n1. Some people use super to mean very nice or very good. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\nWe had a super time...\nThat’s a super idea...\n`I think I could find you something.’.`That would be super.’\n  ADJ\n  = great\n2. Super is used before adjectives to indicate that something has a lot of a quality.\nI’m going to Greece in the summer so I’ve got to be super slim.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n3. Super is used before nouns to indicate that something is larger, better, or more advanced than similar things.\n...building Russia into a super state.\n...a chance to test-drive a stunning Lotus super-car.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: super-
Meaning:
super-\n  Super- is used to form adjectives which indicate that something is at a higher level than something else.\n...a fragment of crystal with supernormal powers.\n  PREFIX


Words: super-ego
Meaning:
super-ego  super-egos   also superego\n  Your super-ego is the part of your mind which makes you aware of what is right and wrong, and which causes you to feel guilty when you have done something wrong. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: superannuated
Meaning:
super.an.nu.at.ed\n   superannuated\n  If you describe something as superannuated, you mean that it is old and no longer used for its original purpose. (FORMAL)\n...the superannuated idealism of the Sixties.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: superannuation
Meaning:
super.an.nua.tion\n   superannuation\n  Superannuation is money which people pay regularly into a special fund so that when they retire from their job they will receive money regularly as a pension. (mainly BRIT BUSINESS)\nThe union pressed for a superannuation scheme.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = pension


Words: superb
Meaning:
su.perb\n   superb\n1. If something is superb, its quality is very good indeed.\nThere is a superb 18-hole golf course 6 miles away...\nThe waters are crystal clear and offer a superb opportunity for swimming.\n  ADJ\n  = excellent, outstanding\n=>  su.perb.ly\nThe orchestra played superbly.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adv/adj\n\n2. If you say that someone has superb confidence, control, or skill, you mean that they have very great confidence, control, or skill.\nWith superb skill he managed to make a perfect landing.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  su.perb.ly\n...his superbly disciplined opponent...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/adv


Words: superbug
Meaning:
su.per.bug\n   superbug  superbugs\n  Journalists refer to a type of bacteria as a superbug when it is very difficult to deal with because it cannot be killed by antibiotics.\n  N-COUNT


Words: supercharged
Meaning:
super.charged\n   supercharged\n  If a car engine is supercharged, it has more air than normal forced into it so that the petrol burns more quickly and the car has more power.\n  ADJ


Words: supercilious
Meaning:
super.cili.ous\n   supercilious\n  If you say that someone is supercilious, you disapprove of them because they behave in a way that shows they think they are better than other people.\nHis manner is supercilious and arrogant...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = disdainful


Words: supercomputer
Meaning:
super.com.put.er\n   supercomputer  supercomputers\n  A supercomputer is a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data very quickly.\n  N-COUNT


Words: superconductivity
Meaning:
super.con.duc.tiv.ity\n   superconductivity\n  Superconductivity is the ability of certain metals to allow electricity to pass through them without any resistance at very low temperatures. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: superconductor
Meaning:
super.con.duc.tor\n   superconductor  superconductors\n  A superconductor is a metal that allows electricity to pass through it without resistance at very low temperatures. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: superficial
Meaning:
super.fi.cial\n   superficial\n1. If you describe someone as superficial, you disapprove of them because they do not think deeply, and have little understanding of anything serious or important.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n2. If you describe something such as an action, feeling, or relationship as superficial, you mean that it includes only the simplest and most obvious aspects of that thing, and not those aspects which require more effort to deal with or understand.\nTheir arguments do not withstand the most superficial scrutiny...\nHis roommate had been pleasant on a superficial level...\n  ADJ\n\n3. Superficial is used to describe the appearance of something or the impression that it gives, especially if its real nature is very different.\nDespite these superficial resemblances, this is a darker work than her earlier novels...\n  ADJ\n\n4. Superficial injuries are not very serious, and affect only the surface of the body. You can also describe damage to an object as superficial.\nThe 69-year-old clergyman escaped with superficial wounds...\n  ADJ\n  = slight


Words: superfluity
Meaning:
super.flu.ity\n   superfluity  superfluities\n  If there is a superfluity of something, there is more of it than is needed. (FORMAL)\nThe city has a superfluity of five-star hotels.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: superfluous
Meaning:
super.flu.ous\n   superfluous\n  Something that is superfluous is unnecessary or is no longer needed.\nMy presence at the afternoon’s proceedings was superfluous...\n  ADJ


Words: supergrass
Meaning:
super.grass\n   supergrass  supergrasses\n  A supergrass is a person who gives the police information about a large group of criminals. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: supergroup
Meaning:
super.group\n   supergroup  supergroups\n  A supergroup is a pop group that has become very popular and famous.\nSupergroup U2 will appear at Wembley Stadium on April 20.\n  N-COUNT


Words: superheated
Meaning:
super.heat.ed\n   superheated\n  If a liquid is superheated, it has been heated to a temperature that is higher than its boiling point without being allowed to boil. (TECHNICAL)\n  ADJ


Words: superhero
Meaning:
super.he.ro\n   superhero  superheroes\n  A superhero is a character in a cartoon or film who has special powers and fights against evil.\n...superheroes like Batman and Superman.\n  N-COUNT


Words: superhighway
Meaning:
super.high.way\n   superhighway  superhighways\n1. A superhighway is a large, fast motorway or freeway with several lanes. (AM)\nHe took off for the city on the eight-lane superhighway.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The information superhighway is the network of computer links that enables computer users all over the world to communicate with each other. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: superhuman
Meaning:
super.hu.man\n   superhuman\n  If you describe a quality that someone has as superhuman, you mean that it seems to be much greater than that of ordinary people.\nOfficers were terrified of his superhuman strength...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: superimpose
Meaning:
super.im.pose\n   superimpose  superimposes  superimposing  superimposed\n1. If one image is superimposed on another, it is put on top of it so that you can see the second image through it.\nHis picture was superimposed on a muscular body...\nYou can superimpose the lettering directly onto one of your pictures.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed on/over n, V n onto n\n\n2. If features or characteristics from one situation are superimposed onto or on another, they are transferred onto or used in the second situation, though they may not fit.\nPatterns of public administration and government are superimposed on traditional societies.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed on n


Words: superintend
Meaning:
super.in.tend\n   superintend  superintends  superintending  superintended\n  If you superintend something, you have responsibility for ensuring that it is carried out properly. (FORMAL)\nDuring the interval, Linton superintended a prize draw.\n  VERB: V n


Words: superintendent
Meaning:
super.in.ten.dent\n   superintendent  superintendents\n1. In Britain, a superintendent is a senior police officer of the rank above an inspector. In the United States, a superintendent is the head of a police department.\nHe was stopped at the airport by an assistant superintendent of police.\n...Detective Superintendent Kirby.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE\n\n2. A superintendent is a person who is responsible for a particular thing or the work done in a particular department.\nHe became superintendent of the bank’s East African branches...\n  N-COUNT: N of n\n\n3. A superintendent is a person whose job is to look after a large building such as a school or a block of flats and deal with small repairs to it. (AM; in BRIT, use caretaker)\n  N-COUNT


Words: superior
Meaning:
su.peri.or\n   superior  superiors\n1. If one thing or person is superior to another, the first is better than the second.\nWe have a relationship infinitely superior to those of many of our friends...\nLong-term stock market investments have produced superior returns compared with cash deposits.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n  !=inferior\n=>  su.peri.or.ity\nThe technical superiority of laser discs over tape is well established.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N over/to n\n\n2. If you describe something as superior, you mean that it is good, and better than other things of the same kind.\nA few years ago it was virtually impossible to find superior quality coffee in local shops...\nLulu was said to be of very superior intelligence.\n  ADJ\n\n3. A superior person or thing is more important than another person or thing in the same organization or system.\n...negotiations between the mutineers and their superior officers...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n\n4. Your superior in an organization that you work for is a person who has a higher rank than you.\nOther army units are completely surrounded and cut-off from communication with their superiors...\n  N-COUNT: poss N\n  !=subordinate\n5. If you describe someone as superior, you disapprove of them because they behave as if they are better, more important, or more intelligent than other people.\nFinch gave a superior smile...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  su.peri.or.ity\n...a false sense of his superiority over mere journalists.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N over n\n\n6. If one group of people has superior numbers to another group, the first has more people than the second, and therefore has an advantage over it. (FORMAL)\nThe demonstrators fled when they saw the authorities’ superior numbers...\n  ADJ


Words: superiority
Meaning:
su.peri.or.ity\n   superiority\n  If one side in a war or conflict has superiority, it has an advantage over its enemy, for example because it has more soldiers or better equipment. (FORMAL)\nThe US will need a three-to-one superiority in forces to be sure of a successful attack...\nWe have air superiority.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N over/in n\n\n  see also superior


Words: superlative
Meaning:
super.la.tive\n   superlative  superlatives\n1. If you describe something as superlative, you mean that it is extremely good.\nSome superlative wines are made in this region...\nThe Regent hotel has a superlative view of Hong Kong island.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If someone uses superlatives to describe something, they use adjectives and expressions which indicate that it is extremely good.\n...a spectacle which has critics world-wide reaching for superlatives.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n3. In grammar, the superlative form of an adjective or adverb is the form that indicates that something has more of a quality than anything else in a group. For example, `biggest’ is the superlative form of `big’. Compare comparative.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Superlative is also a noun.\n...his tendency towards superlatives and exaggeration.\n  N-COUNT


Words: superman
Meaning:
super.man\n   superman  supermen\n  A superman is a man who has very great physical or mental abilities.\nCollor nurtured the idea that he was a superman, who single-handedly could resolve Brazil’s crisis.\n  N-COUNT


Words: supermarket
Meaning:
super.mar.ket\n   supermarket  supermarkets\n  A supermarket is a large shop which sells all kinds of food and some household goods.\nMost of us do our food shopping in the supermarket...\n  N-COUNT


Words: supermini
Meaning:
super.mini\n   supermini  superminis   also super-mini\n  A supermini is a small car which has been designed to be comfortable and easy to drive.\n  N-COUNT


Words: supernatural
Meaning:
super.natu.ral\n   supernatural\n  Supernatural creatures, forces, and events are believed by some people to exist or happen, although they are impossible according to scientific laws.\nThe Nakani were evil spirits who looked like humans and possessed supernatural powers.\n...supernatural beings.\n  ADJ\n\n  The supernatural is things that are supernatural.\nHe writes short stories with a touch of the supernatural.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: supernova
Meaning:
super.no.va\n   supernova  supernovas  or supernovae\n  A supernova is an exploding star.\nAt least one supernova occurs per decade in our galaxy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: superpower
Meaning:
super.pow.er\n   superpower  superpowers\n  A superpower is a very powerful and influential country, usually one that is rich and has nuclear weapons.\nThe United States could claim to be both a military and an economic superpower.\n  N-COUNT


Words: supersede
Meaning:
super.sede\n   supersede  supersedes  superseding  superseded\n  If something is superseded by something newer, it is replaced because it has become old-fashioned or unacceptable.\nHand tools are relics of the past that have now been superseded by the machine.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, also V n


Words: supersonic
Meaning:
super.son.ic\n   supersonic\n  Supersonic aircraft travel faster than the speed of sound.\nThere was a huge bang; it sounded like a supersonic jet.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: superstar
Meaning:
super.star\n   superstar  superstars\n  A superstar is a very famous entertainer or sports player. (INFORMAL)\n...a Hollywood superstar.\n  N-COUNT


Words: superstate
Meaning:
su.per.state\n   superstate  superstates\n  A superstate is a group of several countries that are very closely linked politically.\n...a European superstate.\n  N-COUNT


Words: superstition
Meaning:
super.sti.tion\n   superstition  superstitions\n  Superstition is belief in things that are not real or possible, for example magic.\nFortune-telling is a very much debased art surrounded by superstition...\n  N-VAR


Words: superstitious
Meaning:
super.sti.tious\n   superstitious\n1. People who are superstitious believe in things that are not real or possible, for example magic.\nJean was extremely superstitious and believed the colour green brought bad luck.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n2. Superstitious fears or beliefs are irrational and not based on fact.\nA wave of superstitious fear spread among the townspeople...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: superstore
Meaning:
super.store\n   superstore  superstores\n  Superstores are very large supermarkets or shops selling household goods and equipment. Superstores are usually built outside city centres away from other shops.\n...a Do-It-Yourself superstore.\n  N-COUNT


Words: superstructure
Meaning:
super.struc.ture\n   superstructure  superstructures\n  The superstructure of a ship is the part of it that is above its main deck.\nWe might try to clear up some of the cabins in the superstructure.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: supertanker
Meaning:
super.tank.er\n   supertanker  supertankers\n  A supertanker is an extremely large ship that is used for transporting oil.\n  N-COUNT


Words: supervise
Meaning:
super.vise\n   supervise  supervises  supervising  supervised\n1. If you supervise an activity or a person, you make sure that the activity is done correctly or that the person is doing a task or behaving correctly.\nUniversity teachers have refused to supervise students’ examinations...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you supervise a place where work is done, you ensure that the work there is done properly.\nHe makes the wines and supervises the vineyards...\n  VERB: V n


Words: supervision
Meaning:
super.vi.sion\n   supervision\n  Supervision is the supervising of people, activities, or places.\nA toddler requires close supervision and firm control at all times...\nThe plan calls for a cease-fire and UN supervision of the country...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n, under N


Words: supervisor
Meaning:
super.vi.sor\n   supervisor  supervisors\n  A supervisor is a person who supervises activities or people, especially workers or students.\n...a full-time job as a supervisor at a factory...\nEach student has a supervisor to advise on the writing of the dissertation.\n  N-COUNT


Words: supervisory
Meaning:
super.vi.sory\n   supervisory\n  Supervisory means involved in supervising people, activities, or places.\nMost supervisory boards meet only twice a year.\n...staff with a minor supervisory role.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: superwoman
Meaning:
super.woman\n   superwoman  superwomen\n  Superwoman is used to refer to a type of ideal woman who is able to do many things in her life successfully at the same time, such as have a job, bring up children, care for her home, and be attractive.\nSuperwoman exists only in the minds of journalists and Hollywood producers.\n  N-VAR


Words: supine
Meaning:
su.pine\n   supine\n  If you are supine, you are lying flat on your back. (FORMAL)\n...bedridden persons confined to the supine position.\n  ADJ\n\n  Supine is also an adverb.\nI lay supine on the poolside grass.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: supper
Meaning:
sup.per\n   supper  suppers\n1. Some people refer to the main meal eaten in the early part of the evening as supper.\nSome guests like to dress for supper.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Supper is a simple meal eaten just before you go to bed at night.\nShe gives the children their supper, then puts them to bed.\n  N-VAR


Words: supper club
Meaning:
sup.per club\n   supper club  supper clubs\n  In the United States, a supper club is a small expensive nightclub.\n  N-COUNT


Words: suppertime
Meaning:
sup.per.time\n   suppertime\n  Suppertime is the period of the day when people have their supper. It can be in the early part of the evening or just before they go to bed at night.\nThey’ll be back by suppertime...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: supplant
Meaning:
sup.plant\n   supplant  supplants  supplanting  supplanted\n  If a person or thing is supplanted, another person or thing takes their place. (FORMAL)\nHe may be supplanted by a younger man...\nBy the 1930s the wristwatch had almost completely supplanted the pocket watch.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n  = usurp


Words: supple
Meaning:
sup.ple\n   supple  suppler  supplest\n1. A supple object or material bends or changes shape easily without cracking or breaking.\nThe leather is supple and sturdy enough to last for years...\n  ADJ\n\n2. A supple person can move and bend their body very easily.\nTry these simple exercises to keep your feet supple.\n  ADJ


Words: supplement
Meaning:
sup.plement\n   supplement  supplements  supplementing  supplemented\n1. If you supplement something, you add something to it in order to improve it.\n...people doing extra jobs outside their regular jobs to supplement their incomes...\nI suggest supplementing your diet with vitamins E and A.\n  VERB: V n, V n with n\n\n  Supplement is also a noun.\nBusiness sponsorship must be a supplement to, not a substitute for, public funding.\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n\n\n2. A supplement is a pill that you take or a special kind of food that you eat in order to improve your health.\n...a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement...\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A supplement is a separate part of a magazine or newspaper, often dealing with a particular topic.\n...a special supplement to a monthly financial magazine.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also colour supplement\n4. A supplement to a book is an additional section, written some time after the main text and published either at the end of the book or separately.\n...the supplement to the Encyclopedia Britannica.\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n\n\n5. A supplement is an extra amount of money that you pay in order to obtain special facilities or services, for example when you are travelling or staying at a hotel.\nIf you are travelling alone, the single room supplement is .11 a night.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. A supplement is an extra amount of money that is paid to someone, in addition to their normal pension or income.\nSome people may be entitled to a housing benefit supplement.\n...people who need a supplement to their basic pension.\n  N-COUNT: usu N n, N to n


Words: supplemental
Meaning:
sup.plemen.tal\n   supplemental\n  Supplemental means the same as supplementary. (mainly AM FORMAL)\nYou’ll probably be able to buy supplemental insurance at an extra cost...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: supplementary
Meaning:
sup.plemen.ta.ry\n   supplementary\n  Supplementary things are added to something in order to improve it.\n...the question of whether or not we need to take supplementary vitamins...\nProvide them with additional background or with supplementary information.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = extra


Words: supplementation
Meaning:
sup.plemen.ta.tion\n   supplementation\n  Supplementation is the use of pills or special types of food in order to improve your health. (MEDICAL)\nThe product provided inadequate vitamin and mineral supplementation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: supplicant
Meaning:
sup.pli.cant\n   supplicant  supplicants\n  A supplicant is a person who prays to God or respectfully asks an important person to help them or to give them something that they want very much. (FORMAL)\nHe flung himself down in the flat submissive posture of a mere supplicant.\n  N-COUNT


Words: supplication
Meaning:
sup.pli.ca.tion\n   supplication  supplications\n  A supplication is a prayer to God or a respectful request to someone in authority for help. (FORMAL)\nHe raised his arms in a gesture of supplication...\n  N-VAR


Words: supplied
Meaning:
sup.plied\n   supplied\n  If you say that a person or place is well supplied with particular things, you mean that they have a large number of them.\nFrance is abundantly supplied with excellent family-run hotels.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n\n\n  see also supply


Words: supplier
Meaning:
sup.pli.er\n   supplier  suppliers\n  A supplier is a person, company, or organization that sells or supplies something such as goods or equipment to customers. (BUSINESS)\n...Hillsdown Holdings, one of the UK’s biggest food suppliers...\n  N-COUNT: oft N n, N of n


Words: supply
Meaning:
sup.ply\n   supply  supplies  supplying  supplied\n1. If you supply someone with something that they want or need, you give them a quantity of it.\n...an agreement not to produce or supply chemical weapons.\n...a pipeline which will supply the major Greek cities with Russian natural gas.\n...the blood vessels supplying oxygen to the brain.\n  VERB: V n, V n with n, V n to n\n\n2. You can use supplies to refer to food, equipment, and other essential things that people need, especially when these are provided in large quantities.\nWhat happens when food and gasoline supplies run low?...\nThe country’s only supplies are those it can import by lorry from Vietnam.\n  N-PLURAL: oft n N\n\n3. A supply of something is an amount of it which someone has or which is available for them to use.\nThe brain requires a constant supply of oxygen...\nMost urban water supplies in the United States now contain fluoride in varying amounts.\n  N-VAR: N of n, n N\n\n4. Supply is the quantity of goods and services that can be made available for people to buy. (BUSINESS)\nPrices change according to supply and demand.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=demand\n5. If something is in short supply, there is very little of it available and it is difficult to find or obtain.\nFood is in short supply all over the country...\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: supply line
Meaning:
sup.ply line\n   supply line  supply lines\n  A supply line is a route along which goods and equipment are transported to an army during a war.\nThe bombing campaign appears aimed at cutting the supply lines between Germany and its army in occupied France.\n  N-COUNT


Words: supply teacher
Meaning:
sup.ply teach.er\n   supply teacher  supply teachers\n  A supply teacher is a teacher whose job is to take the place of other teachers at different schools when they are unable to be there. (BRIT; in AM, use substitute teacher)\n  N-COUNT


Words: support
Meaning:
sup.port\n   support  supports  supporting  supported\n1. If you support someone or their ideas or aims, you agree with them, and perhaps help them because you want them to succeed.\nThe vice president insisted that he supported the hard-working people of New York...\nThe National Union of Mineworkers pressed the party to support a total ban on imported coal.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = back  !=oppose\n  Support is also a noun.\nThe prime minister gave his full support to the government’s reforms...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. If you give support to someone during a difficult or unhappy time, you are kind to them and help them.\nIt was hard to come to terms with her death after all the support she gave to me and the family...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Financial support is money provided to enable an organization to continue. This money is usually provided by the government.\n...the government’s proposal to cut agricultural support by only about 15%.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft supp N\n  = funding\n4. If you support someone, you provide them with money or the things that they need.\nI have children to support, money to be earned, and a home to be maintained...\nShe sold everything she’d ever bought in order to support herself through art school.\n  VERB: V n, V pron-refl\n\n5. If a fact supports a statement or a theory, it helps to show that it is true or correct.\nThe Freudian theory about daughters falling in love with their father has little evidence to support it.\n  VERB: V n\n  = substantiate\n  Support is also a noun.\nThe two largest powers in any system must always be major rivals. History offers some support for this view.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = evidence\n6. If something supports an object, it is underneath the object and holding it up.\n...the thick wooden posts that supported the ceiling...\n  VERB: V n\n  = hold up\n7. A support is a bar or other object that supports something.\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. If you support yourself, you prevent yourself from falling by holding onto something or by leaning on something.\nHe supported himself by means of a nearby post.\n  VERB: V pron-refl\n\n  Support is also a noun.\nAlice, very pale, was leaning against him as if for support.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n9. If you support a sports team, you always want them to win and perhaps go regularly to their games.\nTim, 17, supports Manchester United.\n  VERB: V n\n\n10.\n  see also supporting


Words: support group
Meaning:
sup.port group\n   support group  support groups\n  A support group is an organization run by and for people who have a particular problem or medical condition.\nShe attended a cancer support group at her local hospital.\n  N-COUNT: oft with supp


Words: supporter
Meaning:
sup.port.er\n   supporter  supporters\n  Supporters are people who support someone or something, for example a political leader or a sports team.\nThe fourth night of violence in the German city of Rostock was triggered by football supporters...\nBradley was a major supporter of the 1986 tax reform plan.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, with supp


Words: supporting
Meaning:
sup.port.ing\n   supporting\n1. In a film or play, a supporting actor or actress is one who has an important part, but not the most important part.\n...the winner of the best supporting actress award.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2.\n  see also support


Words: supportive
Meaning:
sup.port.ive\n   supportive\n  If you are supportive, you are kind and helpful to someone at a difficult or unhappy time in their life.\nThey were always supportive of each other...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n


Words: suppose
Meaning:
sup.pose\n   suppose  supposes  supposing  supposed\n1. You can use suppose or supposing before mentioning a possible situation or action. You usually then go on to consider the effects that this situation or action might have.\nSuppose someone gave you an egg and asked you to describe exactly what was inside...\nSupposing he’s right and I do die tomorrow? Maybe I should take out an extra insurance policy.\n  VERB: V that, V that\n\n2. If you suppose that something is true, you believe that it is probably true, because of other things that you know.\nThe policy is perfectly clear and I see no reason to suppose that it isn’t working...\nIt had been supposed that by then Peter would be married.\n  VERB: V that, it be V-ed that, also V n\n\n3. You can say `I suppose’ when you want to express slight uncertainty. (SPOKEN)\nI get a bit uptight these days. Hormones, I suppose...\nI suppose I’d better do some homework...\nIs that the right way up?.Yeah. I suppose so...\nThere’s nothing to keep us here, is there?.I suppose not.\n  PHRASE: oft PHR that, PHR soot  vagueness\n\n4. You can say `I suppose’ or `I don’t suppose’ before describing someone’s probable thoughts or attitude, when you are impatient or slightly angry with them. (SPOKEN)\nI suppose you think you’re funny...\n  PHRASE: PHR that  feelings\n\n5. You can say `I don’t suppose’ as a way of introducing a polite request. (SPOKEN)\nI don’t suppose you could tell me where James Street is could you?\n  PHRASE: PHR that  politeness\n\n6. You can use `do you suppose’ to introduce a question when you want someone to give their opinion about something, although you know that they are unlikely to have any more knowledge or information about it than you. (SPOKEN)\nDo you suppose he was telling the truth?...\n  PHRASE: PHR that\n\n7. You can use `do you suppose’ as a polite way of suggesting or requesting that someone does something.\nDo you suppose we could get together for a little chat sometime soon?\n  PHRASE: PHR that  politeness


Words: supposed
Meaning:
sup.posed\n\nPronounced   or   for meanings 1 to 4, and   for meaning 5.\n1. If you say that something is supposed to happen, you mean that it is planned or expected. Sometimes this use suggests that the thing does not really happen in this way.\nHe produced a hand-written list of nine men he was supposed to kill...\nPublic spending is supposed to fall, not rise, in the next few years.\n  PHRASE\n\n2. If something was supposed to happen, it was planned or intended to happen, but did not in fact happen.\nHe was supposed to go back to Bergen on the last bus, but of course the accident prevented him...\n  PHRASE\n\n3. If you say that something is supposed to be true, you mean that people say it is true but you do not know for certain that it is true.\n`The Whipping Block’ has never been published, but it’s supposed to be a really good poem...\n`The President cannot be disturbed,’ his son is supposed to have told an early morning caller.\n  PHRASE\n\n4. You can use `be supposed to’ to express annoyance at someone’s ideas, or because something is not happening in the proper way.\nYou’re supposed to be my friend!...\nWhat am I supposed to have done wrong now?\n  PHRASE  feelings\n\n5. You can use supposed to suggest that something that people talk about or believe in may not in fact exist, happen, or be as it is described.\nNot all indigenous regimes were willing to accept the supposed benefits of British trade.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = alleged\n=>  sup.pos.ed.ly\nHe was more of a victim than any of the women he supposedly offended...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV with cl/group


Words: supposition
Meaning:
sup.po.si.tion\n   supposition  suppositions\n1. A supposition is an idea or statement which someone believes or assumes to be true, although they may have no evidence for it. (FORMAL)\nThere’s a popular supposition that we’re publicly funded but the bulk of our money comes from competitive contracts...\n  N-COUNT: oft N that\n  = assumption\n2. You can describe someone’s ideas or statements as supposition if you disapprove of the fact that they have no evidence to support them.\nThe report has been rejected by the authorities, who said much of it was based on supposition or inaccuracy.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: suppository
Meaning:
sup.posi.tory\n   suppository  suppositories\n  A suppository is a solid block of medicine that is put into the rectum, where it gradually dissolves.\n  N-COUNT


Words: suppress
Meaning:
sup.press\n   suppress  suppresses  suppressing  suppressed\n1. If someone in authority suppresses an activity, they prevent it from continuing, by using force or making it illegal.\n...drug traffickers, who continue to flourish despite international attempts to suppress them...\n...nationwide demonstrations for democracy, suppressed after 7 weeks by the army.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n=>  sup.pres.sion\n...people who were imprisoned after the violent suppression of the pro-democracy movement protests.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. If a natural function or reaction of your body is suppressed, it is stopped, for example by drugs or illness.\nThe reproduction and growth of the cancerous cells can be suppressed by bombarding them with radiation.\n  VERB: be V-ed\n\n=>  sup.pres.sion\nEye problems can indicate an unhealthy lifestyle with subsequent suppression of the immune system.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. If you suppress your feelings or reactions, you do not express them, even though you might want to.\nLiz thought of Barry and suppressed a smile...\nThe Professor said that deep sleep allowed suppressed anxieties to surface.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n=>  sup.pres.sion\nA mother’s suppression of her own feelings can cause problems.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n4. If someone suppresses a piece of information, they prevent other people from learning it.\nAt no time did they try to persuade me to suppress the information...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  sup.pres.sion\nThe inspectors found no evidence which supported any allegation of suppression of official documents.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N of n\n\n5. If someone or something suppresses a process or activity, they stop it continuing or developing.\n`The Government is suppressing inflation by devastating the economy,’ he said...\n  VERB: V n


Words: suppressant
Meaning:
sup.pres.sant\n   suppressant  suppressants\n  A suppressant is a drug which is used to stop one of the natural functions of the body. (MEDICAL)\n...the brief period in her life when she took Dexedrine as an appetite suppressant.\n  N-COUNT: n N


Words: suppressor
Meaning:
sup.pres.sor\n   suppressor\n  Suppressor cells or genes are ones that prevent a cancer from developing or spreading. (MEDICAL)\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: supranational
Meaning:
supra.na.tion.al\n   supranational   also supra-national\n  A supranational organization or authority involves or relates to more than one country.\n...NATO and other Western supranational institutions.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: supremacist
Meaning:
su.prema.cist\n   supremacist  supremacists\n  A supremacist is someone who believes that one group of people, usually white people, should be more powerful and have more influence than another group.\n...a white supremacist group.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: supremacy
Meaning:
su.prema.cy\n   supremacy\n1. If one group of people has supremacy over another group, they have more political or military power than the other group.\nThe conservative old guard had re-established its political supremacy...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss, oft N over n\n\n2. If someone or something has supremacy over another person or thing, they are better.\nIn the United States Open final, Graf retained overall supremacy.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss, oft N over n\n  = superiority


Words: supreme
Meaning:
su.preme\n   supreme\n1. Supreme is used in the title of a person or an official group to indicate that they are at the highest level in a particular organization or system.\nMacArthur was Supreme Commander for the allied powers in the Pacific.\n...the Supreme Court.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. You use supreme to emphasize that a quality or thing is very great.\nHer approval was of supreme importance...\n  ADJ  emphasis\n\n=>  su.preme.ly\nShe gets on with her job and does it supremely well.\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv


Words: supremo
Meaning:
su.pre.mo\n   supremo  supremos\n  A supremo is someone who is considered to have the most authority or skill in a particular organization, situation, or area of activity. (BRIT JOURNALISM)\nHer new role as fashion supremo is something she can really get her teeth into.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: Supt
Meaning:
in AM, use Supt.\n  Supt is a written abbreviation for superintendent when it is part of the title of someone in the police force.\nDet Supt Bassett was in charge of the murder enquiry.


Words: surcharge
Meaning:
sur.charge\n   surcharge  surcharges\n  A surcharge is an extra payment of money in addition to the usual payment for something. It is added for a specific reason, for example by a company because costs have risen or by a government as a tax.\nThe prices of overseas holidays are subject to surcharges.\n  N-COUNT: oft N on/for n


Words: sure
Meaning:
sure  surer  surest\n1. If you are sure that something is true, you are certain that it is true. If you are not sure about something, you do not know for certain what the true situation is.\nHe’d never been in a class before and he was not even sure that he should have been teaching...\nThe president has never been sure which direction he wanted to go in on this issue...\nIt is impossible to be sure about the value of land.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ that, ADJ wh, ADJ about/of n\n  = certain  !=doubtful\n2. If someone is sure of getting something, they will definitely get it or they think they will definitely get it.\nA lot of people think that it’s better to pay for their education so that they can be sure of getting quality...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of -ing\n\n3. If you say that something is sure to happen, you are emphasizing your belief that it will happen.\nWith over 80 beaches to choose from, you are sure to find a place to lay your towel...\n  PHRASE  emphasis\n\n4. Sure is used to emphasize that something such as a sign or ability is reliable or accurate.\nSharpe’s leg and shoulder began to ache, a sure sign of rain...\nShe has a sure grasp of social issues such as literacy, poverty and child care.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n\n5. If you tell someone to be sure to do something, you mean that they must not forget to do it.\nBe sure to read about how mozzarella is made, on page 65...\nBe sure you get your daily quota of calcium.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ to-inf, ADJ that  emphasis\n\n6. Sure is an informal way of saying `yes’ or `all right’.\n`He rang you?’.`Sure. Last night.’...\n`I’d like to be alone, O.K?’.`Sure. O.K.’...\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n\n7. You can use sure in order to emphasize what you are saying. (INFORMAL)\n`Has the whole world just gone crazy?’.`Sure looks that way, doesn’t it.’\n  ADV: ADV before v  emphasis\n  = certainly\n8. You say sure enough, especially when telling a story, to confirm that something was really true or was actually happening.\nWe found the English treacle pudding too good to resist. Sure enough, it was delicious...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl (not last in cl)\n\n9. If you say that something is for sure or that you know it for sure, you mean that it is definitely true.\nOne thing’s for sure, Astbury’s vocal style hasn’t changed much over the years...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl (not first in cl)\n\n10. If you make sure that something is done, you take action so that it is done.\nMake sure that you follow the instructions carefully...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR that\n\n11. If you make sure that something is the way that you want or expect it to be, you check that it is that way.\nHe looked in the bathroom to make sure that he was alone...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR that\n\n12. If you say that something is a sure thing, you mean that you are certain that it will happen or be successful. (INFORMAL)\nThis proposal is by no means a sure thing.\n  PHRASE\n\n13. If you are sure of yourself, you are very confident about your own abilities or opinions.\nI’d never seen him like this, so sure of himself, so in command.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: sure-fire
Meaning:
sure-fire   also surefire\n  A sure-fire thing is something that is certain to succeed or win. (INFORMAL)\n...a surefire best seller.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: sure-footed
Meaning:
sure-footed   also surefooted\n1. A person or animal that is sure-footed can move easily over steep or uneven ground without falling.\nMy horse is small but wiry and sure-footed.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If someone is sure-footed, they are confident in what they are doing.\nThe Labour Party was growing increasingly sure-footed.\n  ADJ\n  = confident


Words: surely
Meaning:
sure.ly\n   surely\n1. You use surely to emphasize that you think something should be true, and you would be surprised if it was not true.\nYou’re an intelligent woman, surely you realize by now that I’m helping you...\nIf I can accept this situation, surely you can.\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group  emphasis\n\n2. If something will surely happen or is surely the case, it will definitely happen or is definitely the case. (FORMAL)\nHe knew that under the surgeon’s knife he would surely die...\nHe is an artist, just as surely as Rembrandt or any other first-rate portrait painter is one.\n  ADV: ADV with cl, ADV before v\n  = certainly\n3. If you say that something is happening slowly but surely, you mean that it is happening gradually but it is definitely happening.\nSlowly but surely she started to fall in love with him...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl


Words: surety
Meaning:
sure.ty\n   surety  sureties\n  A surety is money or something valuable which you give to someone to show that you will do what you have promised.\nThe insurance company will take warehouse stocks or treasury bonds as surety...\n  N-VAR


Words: surf
Meaning:
surf  surfs  surfing  surfed\n1. Surf is the mass of white bubbles that is formed by waves as they fall upon the shore.\n...surf rolling onto white sand beaches.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you surf, you ride on big waves in the sea on a special board.\nI’m going to buy a surfboard and learn to surf...\nI’m going to be surfing bigger waves when I get to Australia!\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  surf.er      surfers\n...this small fishing village, which continues to attract painters and surfers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you surf the Internet, you spend time finding and looking at things on the Internet. (COMPUTING)\nNo one knows how many people currently surf the Net.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  surf.er      surfers\nNet surfers can use their credit cards to pay for anything from toys to train tickets.\n  N-COUNT


Words: surface
Meaning:
sur.face\n   surface  surfaces  surfacing  surfaced\n1. The surface of something is the flat top part of it or the outside of it.\nOzone forms a protective layer between 12 and 30 miles above the Earth’s surface.\n...tiny little waves on the surface of the water...\nIts total surface area was seven thousand square feet.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. A work surface is a flat area, for example the top of a table, desk, or kitchen cupboard, on which you can work.\nIt can simply be left on the work surface...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. When you refer to the surface of a situation, you are talking about what can be seen easily rather than what is hidden or not immediately obvious.\nBack in Britain, things appear, on the surface, simpler...\nSocial unrest, never far below the surface in Brazil, has erupted over the last few days...\n  N-SING: usu the N\n\n4. Surface is used to describe the parts of the armed forces which travel by ship or by land rather than underwater or in the air.\nIn contrast with its surface fleet, Britain’s submarine force was relatively small.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n5. If someone or something under water surfaces, they come up to the surface of the water.\nHe surfaced, gasping for air.\n  VERB: V\n\n6. When something such as a piece of news, a feeling, or a problem surfaces, it becomes known or becomes obvious.\nThe paper says the evidence, when it surfaces, is certain to cause uproar...\n  VERB: V\n  = emerge\n7. When someone surfaces, they appear after not being seen for some time, for example because they have been asleep. (INFORMAL)\nWhat time do you surface?\n  VERB: V


Words: surface mail
Meaning:
sur.face mail\n   surface mail\n  Surface mail is the system of sending letters and parcels by road, rail, or sea, not by air.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: surface-to-air
Meaning:
surface-to-air\n  Surface-to-air missiles are fired from the ground or a boat and aimed at aircraft or at other missiles.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: surface-to-surface
Meaning:
surface-to-surface\n  Surface-to-surface missiles are fired from the ground or a boat and aimed at targets on the ground or at other boats.\nThe surface-to-surface missiles were fired from the west of the capital.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: surfboard
Meaning:
surf.board\n   surfboard  surfboards\n  A surfboard is a long narrow board that is used for surfing.\n  N-COUNT


Words: surfeit
Meaning:
sur.feit\n   surfeit\n  A surfeit of something is an amount which is too large. (FORMAL)\nRationing had put an end to a surfeit of biscuits long ago.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n  = surplus


Words: surfing
Meaning:
surf.ing\n   surfing\n1. Surfing is the sport of riding on the top of a wave while standing or lying on a special board.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Surfing is the activity of looking at different sites on the Internet, especially when you are not looking for anything in particular. (COMPUTING)\nThe simple fact is that, for most people, surfing is too expensive.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: surge
Meaning:
surge  surges  surging  surged\n1. A surge is a sudden large increase in something that has previously been steady, or has only increased or developed slowly.\nSpecialists see various reasons for the recent surge in inflation...\nThe anniversary is bound to bring a new surge of interest in Dylan’s work.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu N in/of n\n\n2. If something surges, it increases suddenly and greatly, after being steady or developing only slowly.\nThe Freedom Party’s electoral support surged from just under 10 per cent to nearly 17 per cent...\nSurging imports will add to the demand for hard currency.\n  VERB: V from/to/by amount, V-ing\n\n3. If a crowd of people surge forward, they suddenly move forward together.\nThe photographers and cameramen surged forward.\n...the crowd surging out from the church.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V adv/prep\n\n4. A surge is a sudden powerful movement of a physical force such as wind or water.\nThe whole car shuddered with an almost frightening surge of power...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing with supp, oft N of n\n\n5. If a physical force such as water or electricity surges through something, it moves through it suddenly and powerfully.\nThousands of volts surged through his car after he careered into a lamp post, ripping out live wires...\n  VERB: V adv/prep


Words: surgeon
Meaning:
sur.geon\n   surgeon  surgeons\n  A surgeon is a doctor who is specially trained to perform surgery.\n...a heart surgeon.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also plastic surgeon


Words: surgery
Meaning:
sur.gery\n   surgery  surgeries\n1. Surgery is medical treatment in which someone’s body is cut open so that a doctor can repair, remove, or replace a diseased or damaged part.\nHis father has just recovered from heart surgery...\nMr Clark underwent five hours of emergency surgery.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also cosmetic surgery, keyhole surgery, plastic surgery\n2. A surgery is the room or house where a doctor or dentist works. (BRIT; in AM, use doctor’s office, dentist’s office)\nBill was in the doctor’s surgery demanding to know what was wrong with him.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A doctor’s surgery is the period of time each day when a doctor sees patients at his or her surgery. (BRIT; in AM, use office hours)\nHis surgery always ends at eleven.\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss\n\n4. In Britain, when someone such as an MP or a local councillor holds a surgery, they go to an office where members of the public can come and talk to them about problems or issues that concern them.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n5. A surgery is the room in a hospital where surgeons operate on their patients. (AM; in BRIT, use theatre, operating theatre)\n  N-COUNT


Words: surgical
Meaning:
sur.gi.cal\n   surgical\n1. Surgical equipment and clothing is used in surgery.\n...an array of surgical instruments.\n...a pair of surgical gloves.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Surgical treatment involves surgery.\nA biopsy is usually a minor surgical procedure.\n...surgical removal of a tumor.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  sur.gi.cal.ly\nIn very severe cases, bunions may be surgically removed.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. Surgical military actions are designed to destroy a particular target without harming other people or damaging other buildings near it.\nThe new figures cast doubt on the government’s claim to have achieved a surgical strike against military targets.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: surgical spirit
Meaning:
sur.gi.cal spir.it\n   surgical spirit\n  Surgical spirit is a liquid which is used to clean wounds or surgical instruments. It consists mainly of alcohol. (BRIT; in AM, use rubbing alcohol)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: surly
Meaning:
sur.ly\n   surly  surlier  surliest\n  Someone who is surly behaves in a rude bad-tempered way. (WRITTEN)\nHe became surly and rude towards me.\n  ADJ


Words: surmise
Meaning:
sur.mise\n   surmise  surmises  surmising  surmised\n1. If you surmise that something is true, you guess it from the available evidence, although you do not know for certain. (FORMAL)\nThere’s so little to go on, we can only surmise what happened...\nHe surmised that he had discovered one of the illegal streets.\n  VERB: V wh, V that, also V, V n\n\n2. If you say that a particular conclusion is surmise, you mean that it is a guess based on the available evidence and you do not know for certain that it is true. (FORMAL)\nIt is mere surmise that Bosch had Brant’s poem in mind when doing this painting...\nHis surmise proved correct.\n  N-VAR\n  = conjecture


Words: surmount
Meaning:
sur.mount\n   surmount  surmounts  surmounting  surmounted\n  If you surmount a problem or difficulty, you deal successfully with it.\nI realized I had to surmount the language barrier.\n  VERB: V n\n  = overcome


Words: surname
Meaning:
sur.name\n   surname  surnames\n  Your surname is the name that you share with other members of your family. In English speaking countries and many other countries it is your last name.\nShe’d never known his surname...\n  N-COUNT


Words: surpass
Meaning:
sur.pass\n   surpass  surpasses  surpassing  surpassed\n1. If one person or thing surpasses another, the first is better than, or has more of a particular quality than, the second.\nHe was determined to surpass the achievements of his older brothers...\nWarwick Arts Centre is the second largest Arts Centre in Britain, surpassed in size only by London’s Barbican.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n2. If something surpasses expectations, it is much better than it was expected to be.\nConrad Black gave an excellent party that surpassed expectations.\n  VERB: V n


Words: surplice
Meaning:
sur.plice\n   surplice  surplices\n  A surplice is a loose white knee-length garment which is worn over a longer garment by priests and members of the choir in some churches.\n...the priest and choir in their lace surplices.\n  N-COUNT


Words: surplus
Meaning:
sur.plus\n   surplus  surpluses\n1. If there is a surplus of something, there is more than is needed.\nGermany suffers from a surplus of teachers.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Surplus is used to describe something that is extra or that is more than is needed.\nFew people have large sums of surplus cash...\nThe houses are being sold because they are surplus to requirements.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n, also v-link ADJ to n\n\n3. If a country has a trade surplus, it exports more than it imports.\nJapan’s annual trade surplus is in the region of 100 billion dollars.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N\n\n4. If a government has a budget surplus, it has spent less than it received in taxes.\nNorway’s budget surplus has fallen from 5.9% in 1986 to an expected 0.1% this year.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N


Words: surprise
Meaning:
sur.prise\n   surprise  surprises  surprising  surprised\n1. A surprise is an unexpected event, fact, or piece of news.\nI have a surprise for you: We are moving to Switzerland!...\nIt may come as a surprise to some that a normal, healthy child is born with many skills...\nIt is perhaps no surprise to see another 60s singing star attempting a comeback.\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n\n\n  Surprise is also an adjective.\nBaxter arrived here this afternoon, on a surprise visit...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Surprise is the feeling that you have when something unexpected happens.\nThe Foreign Office in London has expressed surprise at these allegations...\n`You mean he’s going to vote against her?’ Scobie asked in surprise...\nI started working hard for the first time in my life. To my surprise, I found I liked it.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If something surprises you, it gives you a feeling of surprise.\nWe’ll solve the case ourselves and surprise everyone...\nIt surprised me that a driver of Alain’s experience should make those mistakes...\nIt wouldn’t surprise me if there was such chaos after this election that another had to be held...\nThey were served lamb and rosemary and she surprised herself by eating greedily.\n  VERB: V n, it V n that/if, it V n that/if, V pron-refl\n\n4. If you surprise someone, you give them, tell them, or do something pleasant that they are not expecting.\nSurprise a new neighbour with one of your favourite home-made dishes.\n  VERB: V n with n\n\n5. If you describe someone or something as a surprise, you mean that they are very good or pleasant although you were not expecting this.\n...Senga MacFie, one of the surprises of the World Championships three months ago...\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. If you surprise someone, you attack, capture, or find them when they are not expecting it.\nMarlborough led his armies across the Rhine and surprised the French and Bavarian armies near the village of Blenheim.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7.\n  see also surprised, surprising\n8. If something takes you by surprise, it happens when you are not expecting it or when you are not prepared for it.\nHis question took his two companions by surprise...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: surprised
Meaning:
sur.prised\n   surprised\n1. If you are surprised at something, you have a feeling of surprise, because it is unexpected or unusual.\nThis lady was genuinely surprised at what happened to her pet...\nChang seemed surprised to find the big living-room empty...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ at/by n, ADJ to-inf, ADJ that/how\n\n2.\n  see also surprise


Words: surprising
Meaning:
sur.pris.ing\n   surprising\n1. Something that is surprising is unexpected or unusual and makes you feel surprised.\nIt is not surprising that children learn to read at different rates...\nA surprising number of customers order the same sandwich every day.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ that/to-inf\n\n=>  sur.pris.ing.ly\n...the Flemish Bloc, which did surprisingly well in the general election last year...\n  ADV: ADV with cl, ADV adj/adv\n\n2.\n  see also surprise


Words: surreal
Meaning:
sur.re.al\n   surreal\n  If you describe something as surreal, you mean that the elements in it are combined in a strange way that you would not normally expect, like in a dream.\n`Performance’ is undoubtedly one of the most surreal movies ever made.\n  ADJ


Words: surrealism
Meaning:
sur.re.al.ism\n   surrealism\n  Surrealism is a style in art and literature in which ideas, images, and objects are combined in a strange way, like in a dream.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: surrealist
Meaning:
sur.re.al.ist\n   surrealist  surrealists\n1. Surrealist means related to or in the style of surrealism.\nDali’s shoe hat was undoubtedly the most surrealist idea he ever worked on with Schiaparelli.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A surrealist is an artist or writer whose work is based on the ideas of surrealism.\n  N-COUNT


Words: surrealistic
Meaning:
sur.re.al.is.tic\n   surrealistic\n1. Surrealistic means the same as surreal.\n...the surrealistic way the movie plays with time.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Surrealistic means related to or in the style of surrealism.\n...Man Ray’s surrealistic study of a woman’s face with glass teardrops.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: surrender
Meaning:
sur.ren.der\n   surrender  surrenders  surrendering  surrendered\n1. If you surrender, you stop fighting or resisting someone and agree that you have been beaten.\nGeneral Martin Bonnet called on the rebels to surrender...\nShe surrendered to the police in London last December.\n  VERB: V, V to n\n\n  Surrender is also a noun.\n...the government’s apparent surrender to demands made by the religious militants.\n  N-VAR: oft N to n\n\n2. If you surrender something you would rather keep, you give it up or let someone else have it, for example after a struggle.\nNadja had to fill out forms surrendering all rights to her property...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Surrender is also a noun.\n...the sixteen-day deadline for the surrender of weapons and ammunition.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. If you surrender something such as a ticket or your passport, you give it to someone in authority when they ask you to. (FORMAL)\nThey have been ordered to surrender their passports.\n  VERB: V n


Words: surrender value
Meaning:
sur.ren.der value\n   surrender value  surrender values\n  The surrender value of a life insurance policy is the amount of money you receive if you decide that you no longer wish to continue with the policy. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: surreptitious
Meaning:
sur.rep.ti.tious\n   surreptitious\n  A surreptitious action is done secretly.\nHe made a surreptitious entrance to the club through the little door in the brick wall...\n  ADJ\n  = furtive\n=>  sur.rep.ti.tious.ly\nSurreptitiously Mark looked at his watch.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: surrogacy
Meaning:
sur.ro.ga.cy\n   surrogacy\n  Surrogacy is an arrangement by which a woman gives birth to a baby on behalf of a woman who is physically unable to have babies herself, and then gives the baby to her.\nIn this country it is illegal to pay for surrogacy.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: surrogate
Meaning:
sur.ro.gate\n   surrogate  surrogates\n  You use surrogate to describe a person or thing that is given a particular role because the person or thing that should have the role is not available.\nMartin had become Howard Cosell’s surrogate son...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Surrogate is also a noun.\nArms control should not be made into a surrogate for peace.\n  N-COUNT


Words: surrogate mother
Meaning:
sur.ro.gate moth.er\n   surrogate mother  surrogate mothers\n  A surrogate mother is a woman who has agreed to give birth to a baby on behalf of another woman.\n  N-COUNT


Words: surround
Meaning:
sur.round\n   surround  surrounds  surrounding  surrounded\n1. If a person or thing is surrounded by something, that thing is situated all around them.\nThe small churchyard was surrounded by a rusted wrought-iron fence...\nThe shell surrounding the egg has many important functions.\n...the snipers and artillerymen in the surrounding hills.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n, V-ing\n\n2. If you are surrounded by soldiers or police, they spread out so that they are in positions all the way around you.\nWhen the car stopped in the town square it was surrounded by soldiers and militiamen...\nHe tried to run away but gave up when he found himself surrounded...\n  VERB: be V-ed, V-ed\n  = encircle\n3. The circumstances, feelings, or ideas which surround something are those that are closely associated with it.\nThe decision had been agreed in principle before today’s meeting, but some controversy surrounded it...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you surround yourself with certain people or things, you make sure that you have a lot of them near you all the time.\nHe had made it his business to surround himself with a hand-picked group of bright young officers...\nThey love being surrounded by familiar possessions.\n  VERB: V n with/by n, V n with/by n


Words: surroundings
Meaning:
sur.round.ings\n   surroundings\n  When you are describing the place where you are at the moment, or the place where you live, you can refer to it as your surroundings.\nSchumacher adapted effortlessly to his new surroundings.\n  N-PLURAL: oft poss N, in N with supp


Words: surtax
Meaning:
sur.tax\n   surtax\n  Surtax is an additional tax on incomes higher than the level at which ordinary tax is paid. (BUSINESS)\n...a 10% surtax for Americans earning more than $250,000 a year.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: surtitle
Meaning:
sur.ti.tle\n   surtitle  surtitles\n  At an opera or play that is being performed in a foreign language, surtitles are a translation or summary of the words, which appear on a screen above the stage.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: surveillance
Meaning:
sur.veil.lance\n   surveillance\n  Surveillance is the careful watching of someone, especially by an organization such as the police or the army.\nHe was arrested after being kept under constant surveillance...\nPolice keep track of the kidnapper using electronic surveillance equipment.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: survey
Meaning:
sur.vey\n   survey surveys surveying   surveyed\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced   and can also be pronounced   in meanings 2 and 5.\n1. If you carry out a survey, you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions.\nAccording to the survey, overall world trade has also slackened.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you survey a number of people, companies, or organizations, you try to find out information about their opinions or behaviour, usually by asking them a series of questions.\nBusiness Development Advisers surveyed 211 companies for the report...\nOnly 18 percent of those surveyed opposed the idea.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n3. If you survey something, you look at or consider the whole of it carefully.\nHe pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If someone carries out a survey of an area of land, they examine it and measure it, usually in order to make a map of it.\n...the organizer of the geological survey of India...\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If someone surveys an area of land, they examine it and measure it, usually in order to make a map of it.\nScarborough Council commissioned geological experts earlier this year to survey the cliffs.\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. A survey is a careful examination of the condition and structure of a house, usually carried out in order to give information to a person who wants to buy it. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use inspection)\n...a structural survey undertaken by a qualified surveyor.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. If someone surveys a house, they examine it carefully and report on its structure, usually in order to give advice to a person who is thinking of buying it. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use inspect)\n...the people who surveyed the house for the mortgage.\n  VERB: V n


Words: surveyor
Meaning:
sur.vey.or\n   surveyor  surveyors\n1. A surveyor is a person whose job is to survey land.\n...the surveyor’s maps of the Queen Alexandra Range.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A surveyor is a person whose job is to survey buildings. (BRIT; in AM, use structural engineer, inspector)\nOur surveyor warned us that the house needed totally rebuilding.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3.\n  see also quantity surveyor


Words: survival
Meaning:
sur.viv.al\n   survival\n1. If you refer to the survival of something or someone, you mean that they manage to continue or exist in spite of difficult circumstances.\n...companies which have been struggling for survival in the advancing recession...\nAsk for the free booklet `Debt: a Survival Guide’.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you refer to the survival of a person or living thing, you mean that they live through a dangerous situation in which it was possible that they might die.\nIf cancers are spotted early there’s a high chance of survival...\nAn animal’s sense of smell is still crucial to its survival.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. You can use the survival of the fittest to refer to a situation in which only the strongest people or things continue to live or be successful, while the others die or fail.\n  PHRASE


Words: survive
Meaning:
sur.vive\n   survive  survives  surviving  survived\n1. If a person or living thing survives in a dangerous situation such as an accident or an illness, they do not die.\n...the sequence of events that left the eight pupils battling to survive in icy seas for over four hours...\nThose organisms that are that are most suited to the environment will be those that will survive...\nDrugs that dissolve blood clots can help people survive heart attacks.\n  VERB: V, V, V n\n\n2. If you survive in difficult circumstances, you manage to live or continue in spite of them and do not let them affect you very much.\n...people who are struggling to survive without jobs...\n...a man who had survived his share of boardroom coups.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n3. If something survives, it continues to exist even after being in a dangerous situation or existing for a long time.\nWhen the market economy is introduced, many factories will not survive...\nThe chances of a planet surviving a supernova always looked terribly slim.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n4. If you survive someone, you continue to live after they have died.\nMost women will survive their spouses...\n  VERB: V n


Words: survivor
Meaning:
sur.vi.vor\n   survivor  survivors\n1. A survivor of a disaster, accident, or illness is someone who continues to live afterwards in spite of coming close to death.\nOfficials said there were no survivors of the plane crash.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. A survivor of a very unpleasant experience is a person who has had such an experience, and who is still affected by it.\nThis book is written with survivors of child sexual abuse in mind.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n3. A person’s survivors are the members of their family who continue to live after they have died. (AM)\nThe compensation bill offers the miners or their survivors as much as $100,000 apiece.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu poss N, N of\n\n4. If you describe someone as a survivor, you approve of the fact that they are able to carry on with their life even though they experience many difficulties.\nAbove all Susie is a great survivor, with a bright, indomitable spirit.\n  N-COUNT  approval


Words: susceptibility
Meaning:
sus.cep.tibil.ity\n   susceptibility  susceptibilities\n1. If you have a susceptibility to something unpleasant, you are likely to be affected by it.\n...his increased susceptibility to infections.\n  N-VAR\n  = vulnerability\n2. A person’s susceptibilities are feelings which can be easily hurt. (FORMAL)\nI am well aware that in saying this I shall outrage a few susceptibilities.\n  N-PLURAL\n  = sensibilities


Words: susceptible
Meaning:
sus.cep.tible\n   susceptible\n1. If you are susceptible to something or someone, you are very likely to be influenced by them.\nYoung people are the most susceptible to advertisements...\nJames was extremely susceptible to flattery...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n\n\n2. If you are susceptible to a disease or injury, you are very likely to be affected by it.\nWalking with weights makes the shoulders very susceptible to injury...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ to n\n  = vulnerable


Words: sushi
Meaning:
su.shi\n   sushi\n  Sushi is a Japanese dish of rice with sweet vinegar, often served with raw fish.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: suspect
Meaning:
sus.pect\n   suspect suspects suspecting  suspected\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun and adjective are pronounced\n1. You use suspect when you are stating something that you believe is probably true, in order to make it sound less strong or direct.\nI suspect they were right...\nThe above complaints are, I suspect, just the tip of the iceberg...\nDo women really share such stupid jokes? We suspect not.\n  VERB: V that, V that, V not/so  vagueness\n\n2. If you suspect that something dishonest or unpleasant has been done, you believe that it has probably been done. If you suspect someone of doing an action of this kind, you believe that they probably did it.\nHe suspected that the woman staying in the flat above was using heroin...\nIt was perfectly all right, he said, because the police had not suspected him of anything...\nYou don’t really think Webb suspects you?...\nFrears was rushed to hospital with a suspected heart attack.\n  VERB: V that, V n of n, V n, V-ed\n\n3. A suspect is a person who the police or authorities think may be guilty of a crime.\nPolice have arrested a suspect in a series of killings and sexual assaults in the city.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. Suspect things or people are ones that you think may be dangerous or may be less good or genuine than they appear.\nDelegates evacuated the building when a suspect package was found...\n  ADJ


Words: suspend
Meaning:
sus.pend\n   suspend  suspends  suspending  suspended\n1. If you suspend something, you delay it or stop it from happening for a while or until a decision is made about it.\nA UN official said aid programs will be suspended until there’s adequate protection for relief convoys.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If someone is suspended, they are prevented from holding a particular job or position for a fixed length of time or until a decision is made about them.\nJulie was suspended from her job shortly after the incident...\nThe Lawn Tennis Association suspended Mr Castle from the British team.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n3. If something is suspended from a high place, it is hanging from that place.\n...a mobile of birds or nursery rhyme characters which could be suspended over the cot.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: suspended animation
Meaning:
sus.pend.ed ani.ma.tion\n   suspended animation\n1. Suspended animation is a state in which an animal is unconscious, with its body functioning very slowly, for example so that the animal can survive the winter.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you describe someone as being in a state of suspended animation, you mean that they have become inactive and are doing nothing.\nShe lay in a state of suspended animation, waiting for dawnlight, when she would rise...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: suspended sentence
Meaning:
sus.pend.ed sen.tence\n   suspended sentence  suspended sentences\n  If a criminal is given a suspended sentence, they are given a prison sentence which they have to serve if they commit another crime within a specified period of time.\nJohn was given a four-month suspended sentence.\n  N-COUNT


Words: suspender
Meaning:
sus.pend.er\n   suspender  suspenders\n1. Suspenders are the fastenings which hold up a woman’s stockings. (BRIT; in AM, use garters)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. Suspenders are a pair of straps that go over someone’s shoulders and are fastened to their trousers at the front and back to prevent the trousers from falling down. (AM; in BRIT, use braces)\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N


Words: suspender belt
Meaning:
sus.pend.er belt\n   suspender belt  suspender belts\n  A suspender belt is a piece of underwear for women that is used for holding up stockings. (BRIT; in AM, use garter belt)\n  N-COUNT


Words: suspense
Meaning:
sus.pense\n   suspense\n1. Suspense is a state of excitement or anxiety about something that is going to happen very soon, for example about some news that you are waiting to hear.\nThe suspense over the two remaining hostages ended last night when the police discovered the bullet ridden bodies.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you keep or leave someone in suspense, you deliberately delay telling them something that they are very eager to know about.\nKeppler kept all his men in suspense until that morning before announcing which two would be going...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR after v


Words: suspenseful
Meaning:
sus.pense.ful\n   suspenseful\n  A suspenseful story makes you feel excited or anxious about what is going to happen in the story next.\n...a suspenseful and sinister tale.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: suspension
Meaning:
sus.pen.sion\n   suspension  suspensions\n1. The suspension of something is the act of delaying or stopping it for a while or until a decision is made about it.\nA strike by British Airways ground staff has led to the suspension of flights between London and Manchester...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Someone’s suspension is their removal from a job or position for a period of time or until a decision is made about them.\nThe minister warned that any civil servant not at his desk faced immediate suspension...\n  N-VAR\n\n3. A vehicle’s suspension consists of the springs and other devices attached to the wheels, which give a smooth ride over uneven ground.\n  N-VAR


Words: suspension bridge
Meaning:
sus.pen.sion bridge\n   suspension bridge  suspension bridges\n  A suspension bridge is a type of bridge that is supported from above by cables.\n  N-COUNT


Words: suspicion
Meaning:
sus.pi.cion\n   suspicion  suspicions\n1. Suspicion or a suspicion is a belief or feeling that someone has committed a crime or done something wrong.\nThere was a suspicion that this runner attempted to avoid the procedures for dope testing...\nThe police said their suspicions were aroused because Mr Owens had other marks on his body...\nScotland Yard had assured him he was not under suspicion...\n  N-VAR: oft N that, N of n, under N, on N of n\n\n2. If there is suspicion of someone or something, people do not trust them or consider them to be reliable.\n...the traditional British suspicion of psychotherapy...\nHe may have had some suspicions of Michael Foster, the editor of the journal...\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n\n3. A suspicion is a feeling that something is probably true or is likely to happen.\nI have a sneaking suspicion that they are going to succeed...\n  N-COUNT: oft N that\n\n4. A suspicion of something is a very small amount of it. (WRITTEN)\n...large blooms of white with a suspicion of pale pink.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n  = hint


Words: suspicious
Meaning:
sus.pi.cious\n   suspicious\n1. If you are suspicious of someone or something, you do not trust them, and are careful when dealing with them.\nHe was rightly suspicious of meeting me until I reassured him I was not writing about him...\nHe has his father’s suspicious nature.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n/-ing\n\n=>  sus.pi.cious.ly\n`What is it you want me to do?’ Adams asked suspiciously.\n  ADJ: ADV after v\n\n2. If you are suspicious of someone or something, you believe that they are probably involved in a crime or some dishonest activity.\nTwo officers on patrol became suspicious of two men in a car...\nA woman kept prisoner in a basement was rescued after suspicious neighbours tipped off police.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n\n\n3. If you describe someone or something as suspicious, you mean that there is some aspect of them which makes you think that they are involved in a crime or a dishonest activity.\nHe reported that two suspicious-looking characters had approached Callendar...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sus.pi.cious.ly\nThey’ll question them as to whether anyone was seen acting suspiciously in the area over the last few days...\nPolice were told to arrest voters found with suspiciously large sums of money in their pockets.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/adv\n\n4.\n  see also suspiciously


Words: suspiciously
Meaning:
sus.pi.cious.ly\n   suspiciously\n1. If you say that one thing looks or sounds suspiciously like another thing, you mean that it probably is that thing, or something very similar to it, although it may be intended to seem different.\nThe tan-coloured dog looks suspiciously like an American pit bull terrier...\n  ADV: ADV prep\n\n2. You can use suspiciously when you are describing something that you think is slightly strange or not as it should be.\nHe lives alone in a suspiciously tidy flat in Notting Hill Gate...\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv\n\n3.\n  see also suspicious


Words: suss
Meaning:
suss  susses  sussing  sussed\n  If you suss a person or situation, you realize or work out what their real character or nature is. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nI think I’ve sussed the reason for it...\nThe women began to suss that there was no reason why they should be impressed by him...\nWe’re getting the problem sussed.\n  VERB: V n, V that, get n V-ed, also V wh\n\n  Suss out means the same as suss.\nThey’re sussing out the area to see how strong the police presence is...\nHe susses his colleagues out and he knows who he can trust...\nI’d had the training to suss out what he was up to.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P, V P wh, also V that


Words: sussed
Meaning:
sussed\n  If someone is sussed, they are clever and know a lot about something such as clothes, pop music, or politics. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  ADJ\n  = smart


Words: sustain
Meaning:
sus.tain\n   sustain  sustains  sustaining  sustained\n1. If you sustain something, you continue it or maintain it for a period of time.\nBut he has sustained his fierce social conscience from young adulthood through old age...\n...a period of sustained economic growth throughout 1995.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n2. If you sustain something such as a defeat, loss, or injury, it happens to you. (FORMAL)\nEvery aircraft in there has sustained some damage...\nA seventeen-year-old tourist died late last night of injuries sustained in yesterday’s bomb blast.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n3. If something sustains you, it supports you by giving you help, strength, or encouragement. (FORMAL)\nThe cash dividends they get from the cash crop would sustain them during the lean season...\n  VERB: V n


Words: sustainable
Meaning:
sus.tain.able\n   sustainable\n1. You use sustainable to describe the use of natural resources when this use is kept at a steady level that is not likely to damage the environment.\nTry to buy wood that you know has come from a sustainable source.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A sustainable plan, method, or system is designed to continue at the same rate or level of activity without any problems.\nThe creation of an efficient and sustainable transport system is critical to the long-term future of London.\n  ADJ


Words: sustenance
Meaning:
sus.te.nance\n   sustenance\n  Sustenance is food or drink which a person, animal, or plant needs to remain alive and healthy. (FORMAL)\nThe state provided a basic quantity of food for daily sustenance, but little else.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: suture
Meaning:
su.ture\n   suture  sutures\n  A suture is a stitch made to join together the open parts of a wound, especially one made after a patient has been operated on. (MEDICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: SUV
Meaning:
SUV SUVs\n  An SUV is a powerful vehicle with four-wheel drive that can be driven over rough ground. SUV is an abbreviation for `sport utility vehicle’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swab
Meaning:
swab  swabs  swabbing  swabbed\n1. A swab is a small piece of cotton wool used by a doctor or nurse for cleaning a wound or putting a substance on it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you swab something, you clean it using a wet cloth or a tool called a mop.\nI noticed a lone man in the cafeteria swabbing the floor as I passed.\n  VERB: V n


Words: swaddle
Meaning:
swad.dle\n   swaddle  swaddles  swaddling  swaddled\n  If you swaddle a baby, you wrap cloth around it in order to keep it warm or to prevent it from moving. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nSwaddle your newborn baby so that she feels secure.\n...a baby swaddled in silk brocade.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: swag
Meaning:
swag  swags\n1. Swag is stolen goods, or money obtained illegally. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A swag is a piece of material that is put above a window and hangs down in a decorative way.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swagger
Meaning:
swag.ger\n   swagger  swaggers  swaggering  swaggered\n  If you swagger, you walk in a very proud, confident way, holding your body upright and swinging your hips.\nA broad shouldered man wearing a dinner jacket swaggered confidently up to the bar...\nJohn Steed was an arrogant, swaggering young man.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V-ing\n\n  Swagger is also a noun.\nHe walked with something of a swagger.\n  N-SING


Words: swallow
Meaning:
swal.low\n   swallow  swallows  swallowing  swallowed\n1. If you swallow something, you cause it to go from your mouth down into your stomach.\nYou are asked to swallow a capsule containing vitamin B...\nPolly took a bite of the apple, chewed and swallowed.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n  Swallow is also a noun.\nJan lifted her glass and took a quick swallow.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you swallow, you make a movement in your throat as if you are swallowing something, often because you are nervous or frightened.\nNancy swallowed hard and shook her head.\n  VERB: V\n\n3. If someone swallows a story or a statement, they believe it completely.\nIt was vital that he swallowed the story about Juanita being in that motel room that night.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. A swallow is a kind of small bird with pointed wings and a forked tail.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5.\na bitter pill to swallow: see pill


Words: swallow up
Meaning:
swallow up\n1. If one thing is swallowed up by another, it becomes part of the first thing and no longer has a separate identity of its own.\nDuring the 1980s monster publishing houses started to swallow up smaller companies.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n2. If something swallows up money or resources, it uses them entirely while giving very little in return.\nA seven-day TV ad campaign could swallow up the best part of .50,000...\nFarmers could see a quarter of their income swallowed up by the interest rate rise.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V-ed P, also V n P\n\n3. If a person or thing is swallowed up by something, they disappear into it so that you cannot see them any more.\nHe headed back towards the flea market and was quickly swallowed up in the crowd...\nWeeds had swallowed up the garden.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: swamp
Meaning:
swamp  swamps  swamping  swamped\n1. A swamp is an area of very wet land with wild plants growing in it.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If something swamps a place or object, it fills it with water.\nA rogue wave swamped the boat...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you are swamped by things or people, you have more of them than you can deal with.\nHe is swamped with work...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: swampland
Meaning:
swamp.land\n   swampland  swamplands\n  Swampland is an area of land that is always very wet.\n  N-VAR


Words: swan
Meaning:
swan  swans  swanning  swanned\n1. A swan is a large bird with a very long neck. Swans live on rivers and lakes and are usually white.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe someone as swanning around or swanning off, you mean that they go and have fun, rather than working or taking care of their responsibilities. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nShe spends her time swanning around the world...\n  VERB: V prep/adv


Words: swan song
Meaning:
swan song   also swan-song\n  Someone’s swan song is the last time that they do something for which they are famous, for example the last time that an actor gives a performance in the theatre.\nI competed in the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, which was my swan song.\n  N-SING


Words: swank
Meaning:
swank  swanks  swanking  swanked\n  If someone is swanking, they are speaking about things they own or things they have achieved, in order to impress other people. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)\nI have always been against swanking about all the things I have been lucky enough to win.\n  VERB: V about n, also V  disapproval\n  = boast, brag


Words: swanky
Meaning:
swanky  swankier  swankiest\n  If you describe something as swanky, you mean that it is fashionable and expensive. (INFORMAL)\n...one of the swanky hotels that line the Pacific shore at Acapulco.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = ritzy


Words: swap
Meaning:
swap  swaps  swapping  swapped   also swop\n1. If you swap something with someone, you give it to them and receive a different thing in exchange.\nNext week they will swap places and will repeat the switch weekly...\nI’d gladly swap places with mummy any day...\nI know a sculptor who swaps her pieces for drawings by a well-known artist...\nSome hostages were swapped for convicted prisoners.\n  V-RECIP: V pl-n, V pl-n with n, V n for/with n, V n for/with n\n  = exchange\n  Swap is also a noun.\nIf she ever fancies a job swap, I could be interested.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n2. If you swap one thing for another, you remove the first thing and replace it with the second, or you stop doing the first thing and start doing the second.\nDespite the heat, he’d swapped his overalls for a suit and tie...\nBoth sides swapped their goalies in the 30th minute.\n  VERB: V n for n, V n


Words: swarm
Meaning:
swarm  swarms  swarming  swarmed\n1. A swarm of bees or other insects is a large group of them flying together.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: oft N of n\n\n2. When bees or other insects swarm, they move or fly in a large group.\nA dark cloud of bees comes swarming out of the hive.\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n3. When people swarm somewhere, they move there quickly in a large group.\nPeople swarmed to the shops, buying up everything in sight.\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n4. A swarm of people is a large group of them moving about quickly.\nToday at the crossing there were swarms of tourists taking photographs.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: oft N of n\n  = horde\n5. If a place is swarming with people, it is full of people moving about in a busy way.\nWithin minutes the area was swarming with officers who began searching a nearby wood.\n  VERB: usu cont, V with n


Words: swashbuckling
Meaning:
swash.buck.ling\n   swashbuckling\n  If you describe someone or something as swashbuckling, you mean that they are connected with adventure and excitement.\n...a swashbuckling adventure story.\n  ADJ


Words: swastika
Meaning:
swas.ti.ka\n   swastika  swastikas\n  A swastika is a symbol in the shape of a cross with each arm bent over at right angles. It is used in India as a good luck sign, but it was also used by the Nazis in Germany as their official symbol.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swat
Meaning:
swat  swats  swatting  swatted\n  If you swat something such as an insect, you hit it with a quick, swinging movement, using your hand or a flat object.\nHundreds of flies buzz around us, and the workman keeps swatting them.\n  VERB: V n


Words: SWAT team
Meaning:
SWAT team  SWAT teams\n  A SWAT team is a group of policemen who have been specially trained to deal with very dangerous or violent situations. SWAT is an abbreviation for `Special Weapons and Tactics’. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: swathe
Meaning:
swathe  swathes  swathing  swathed\n\n  The noun is also spelled swath.\n\n1. A swathe of land is a long strip of land.\nYear by year great swathes of this small nation’s countryside disappear.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. A swathe of cloth is a long strip of cloth, especially one that is wrapped around someone or something.\n...swathes of white silk.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. To swathe someone or something in cloth means to wrap them in it completely.\nShe swathed her enormous body in thin black fabrics...\nHis head was swathed in bandages made from a torn sheet.\n  VERB: V n in n, V-ed


Words: sway
Meaning:
sway  sways  swaying  swayed\n1. When people or things sway, they lean or swing slowly from one side to the other.\nThe people swayed back and forth with arms linked...\nThe whole boat swayed and tipped.\n...a coastal highway lined with tall, swaying palm trees.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V, V-ing\n\n2. If you are swayed by someone or something, you are influenced by them.\nDon’t ever be swayed by fashion.\n...last minute efforts by the main political parties to sway the voters in tomorrow’s local elections.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n3. If someone or something holds sway, they have great power or influence over a particular place or activity.\nSouth of the Usk, a completely different approach seems to hold sway...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR over n\n\n4. If you are under the sway of someone or something, they have great influence over you.\nHow mothers keep daughters under their sway is the subject of the next five sections.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR


Words: swear
Meaning:
swear  swears  swearing  swore  sworn\n1. If someone swears, they use language that is considered to be rude or offensive, usually because they are angry.\nIt’s wrong to swear and shout...\nThey swore at them and ran off.\n  VERB: V, V at n\n\n2. If you swear to do something, you promise in a serious way that you will do it.\nAlan swore that he would do everything in his power to help us...\nWe have sworn to fight cruelty wherever we find it...\nThe police are the only civil servants who have to swear allegiance to the Crown...\nI have sworn an oath to defend her.\n  VERB: V that, V to-inf, V n, V n\n\n3. If you say that you swear that something is true or that you can swear to it, you are saying very firmly that it is true.\nI swear I’ve told you all I know...\nI swear on all I hold dear that I had nothing to do with this...\nBehind them was a confusion of noise, perhaps even a shot, but he couldn’t swear to it.\n  VERB: V that, V on/by n that, V to n  emphasis\n\n4. If someone is sworn to secrecy or is sworn to silence, they promise another person that they will not reveal a secret.\nShe was bursting to announce the news but was sworn to secrecy.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to n\n\n5.\n  see also sworn


Words: swear by
Meaning:
swear by\n  If you swear by something, you believe that it can be relied on to have a particular effect. (INFORMAL)\nMany people swear by vitamin C’s ability to ward off colds.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: swear in
Meaning:
swear in\n  When someone is sworn in, they formally promise to fulfil the duties of a new job or appointment.\nSoon after the New Year, the new Congress will come to Washington to be sworn in.\n  PHRASAL VERB: usu passive, be V-ed P


Words: swear word
Meaning:
swear word  swear words   also swearword\n  A swear word is a word which is considered to be rude or offensive. Swear words are usually used when people are angry.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swearing-in
Meaning:
swearing-in\n  The swearing-in at the beginning of a trial or official appointment is the act of making formal promises to fulfil the duties it involves.\n  N-SING


Words: sweat
Meaning:
sweat  sweats  sweating  sweated\n1. Sweat is the salty colourless liquid which comes through your skin when you are hot, ill, or afraid.\nBoth horse and rider were dripping with sweat within five minutes...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. When you sweat, sweat comes through your skin.\nAlready they were sweating as the sun beat down upon them.\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  sweat.ing\n...symptoms such as sweating, irritability, anxiety and depression.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If someone is in a sweat, they are sweating a lot.\nEvery morning I would break out in a sweat...\nI really don’t feel a bit sick, no night sweats, no fevers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If someone is in a cold sweat or in a sweat, they feel frightened or embarrassed.\nThe very thought brought me out in a cold sweat.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link ADJ\n\n5.\nto sweat blood: see blood


Words: sweater
Meaning:
sweat.er\n   sweater  sweaters\n  A sweater is a warm knitted piece of clothing which covers the upper part of your body and your arms.\n  N-COUNT\n  = jumper, pullover


Words: sweatpants
Meaning:
sweat.pants\n   sweatpants   also sweat pants\n  Sweatpants are the part of a sweatsuit that covers your legs.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: sweatshirt
Meaning:
sweat.shirt\n   sweatshirt  sweatshirts   also sweat shirt\n  A sweatshirt is a loose warm piece of casual clothing, usually made of thick stretchy cotton, which covers the upper part of your body and your arms.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sweatshop
Meaning:
sweat.shop\n   sweatshop  sweatshops   also sweat shop\n  If you describe a small factory as a sweatshop, you mean that many people work there in poor conditions for low pay.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: sweatsuit
Meaning:
sweat.suit\n   sweatsuit  sweatsuits   also sweat suit\n  A sweatsuit is a loose, warm, stretchy suit consisting of long trousers and a top which people wear to relax and do exercise.\n  N-COUNT\n  = tracksuit


Words: sweaty
Meaning:
sweaty  sweatier  sweatiest\n1. If parts of your body or your clothes are sweaty, they are soaked or covered with sweat.\n...sweaty hands...\nShe was hot and sweaty.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A sweaty place or activity makes you sweat because it is hot or tiring.\n...a sweaty nightclub.\n  ADJ


Words: swede
Meaning:
swede  swedes\n  A swede is a round yellow root vegetable with a brown or purple skin. (BRIT; in AM, use rutabaga)\n  N-VAR


Words: Swedish
Meaning:
Swe.dish\n   Swedish\n1. Swedish means belonging or relating to Sweden, or to its people, language, or culture.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Swedish is the language spoken in Sweden.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sweep
Meaning:
sweep  sweeps  sweeping  swept\n1. If you sweep an area of floor or ground, you push dirt or rubbish off it using a brush with a long handle.\nThe owner of the store was sweeping his floor when I walked in...\nShe was in the kitchen sweeping crumbs into a dust pan...\nNorma picked up the broom and began sweeping.\n  VERB: V n, V n prep/adv, V, also V n with adv\n\n2. If you sweep things off something, you push them off with a quick smooth movement of your arm.\nWith a gesture of frustration, she swept the cards from the table...\n`Thanks friend,’ he said, while sweeping the money into his pocket.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv\n\n3. If someone with long hair sweeps their hair into a particular style, they put it into that style.\n...stylish ways of sweeping your hair off your face...\nHer long, fine hair was swept back in a ponytail.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V-ed\n\n4. If your arm or hand sweeps in a particular direction, or if you sweep it there, it moves quickly and smoothly in that direction.\nHis arm swept around the room...\nDaniels swept his arm over his friend’s shoulder.\n...the long sweeping arm movements of a violinist.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V n prep/adv, V-ing\n\n  Sweep is also a noun.\nWith one sweep of her hand she threw back the sheets.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If wind, a stormy sea, or another strong force sweeps someone or something along, it moves them quickly along.\n...landslides that buried homes and swept cars into the sea...\nSuddenly, she was swept along by the crowd.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv\n\n6. If you are swept somewhere, you are taken there very quickly.\nThe visitors were swept past various monuments...\nA limousine swept her along the busy freeway to the airport.\n  VERB: be V-ed prep/adv, V n prep/adv\n\n7. If something sweeps from one place to another, it moves there extremely quickly. (WRITTEN)\nAn icy wind swept through the streets...\nThe car swept past the gate house.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv\n\n8. If events, ideas, or beliefs sweep through a place, they spread quickly through it.\nA flu epidemic is sweeping through Moscow.\n...the wave of patriotism sweeping the country.\n  VERB: V through/across n, V n\n\n9. If someone sweeps into a place, they walk into it in a proud, confident way, often when they are angry. (WRITTEN)\nShe swept into the conference room...\nScarlet with rage, she swept past her employer and stormed up the stairs...\nThe Chief turned and swept out.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V prep/adv\n\n10. If a person or group sweeps an election or sweeps to victory, they win the election easily.\n...a man who’s promised to make radical changes to benefit the poor has swept the election...\nIn both republics, centre-right parties swept to power.\n  VERB: V n, V to n\n\n11. If someone makes a sweep of a place, they search it, usually because they are looking for people who are hiding or for an illegal activity.\nTwo of the soldiers swiftly began making a sweep of the premises...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n12.\n  see also sweeping, chimney sweep\n13. If someone sweeps something bad or wrong under the carpet, or if they sweep it under the rug, they try to prevent people from hearing about it.\nFor a long time this problem has been swept under the carpet.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n14. If you make a clean sweep of something such as a series of games or tournaments, you win them all.\n...the first club to make a clean sweep of all three trophies.\n  PHRASE: PHR n, usu v PHR\n\n15.\nto sweep the board: see board


Words: sweep up
Meaning:
sweep up\n  If you sweep up rubbish or dirt, you push it together with a brush and then remove it.\nGet a broom and sweep up that glass will you?...\nHe started working for a gallery sweeping up and making the tea.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P, also V n P


Words: sweeper
Meaning:
sweep.er\n   sweeper  sweepers\n  In football, a sweeper is a player whose position is behind the main defenders but in front of the goalkeeper.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sweeping
Meaning:
sweep.ing\n   sweeping\n1. A sweeping curve is a long wide curve.\n...the long sweeping curve of Rio’s Guanabara Bay.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If someone makes a sweeping statement or generalization, they make a statement which applies to all things of a particular kind, although they have not considered all the relevant facts carefully.\nIt is far too early to make sweeping statements about gene therapy.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n\n3. Sweeping changes are large and very important or significant.\nThe new government has started to make sweeping changes in the economy...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = far-reaching\n4.\n  see also sweep


Words: sweepstake
Meaning:
sweep.stake\n   sweepstake  sweepstakes\n  A sweepstake is a method of gambling in which each person pays a small amount of money and is given the name of a competitor before a race or contest. The person who has the name of the winner receives all the money.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sweet
Meaning:
sweet  sweeter  sweetest  sweets\n1. Sweet food and drink contains a lot of sugar.\n...a mug of sweet tea...\nIf the sauce seems too sweet, add a dash of red wine vinegar.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sweet.ness\nFlorida oranges have a natural sweetness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Sweets are small sweet things such as toffees, chocolates, and mints. (BRIT; in AM, use candy)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A sweet is something sweet, such as fruit or a pudding, that you eat at the end of a meal, especially in a restaurant. (BRIT; in AM, use dessert)\nThe sweet was a mousse flavoured with whisky.\n  N-VAR\n  = dessert\n4. A sweet smell is a pleasant one, for example the smell of a flower.\nShe’d baked some bread which made the air smell sweet.\n  ADJ\n\n5. If you describe something such as air or water as sweet, you mean that it smells or tastes pleasantly fresh and clean.\nI gulped a breath of sweet air.\n  ADJ\n\n6. A sweet sound is pleasant, smooth, and gentle.\nHer voice was as soft and sweet as a young girl’s.\n...the sweet sounds of Mozart.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sweet.ly\nHe sang much more sweetly than he has before.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n7. If you describe something as sweet, you mean that it gives you great pleasure and satisfaction. (WRITTEN)\nThere are few things quite as sweet as revenge.\n  ADJ\n  !=bitter\n8. If you describe someone as sweet, you mean that they are pleasant, kind, and gentle towards other people.\nHow sweet of you to think of me!\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sweet.ly\nI just smiled sweetly and said no.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n9. If you describe a small person or thing as sweet, you mean that they are attractive in a simple or unsophisticated way. (INFORMAL)\n...a sweet little baby girl...\nThe house was really sweet.\n  ADJ\n  = cute\n10.\n  see also sweetly, sweetness\n11.\na sweet tooth: see tooth


Words: sweet and sour
Meaning:
sweet and sour   also sweet-and-sour\n  Sweet and sour is used to describe Chinese food that contains both a sweet flavour and something sharp or sour such as lemon or vinegar.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: sweet nothings
Meaning:
sweet noth.ings\n   sweet nothings\n  If someone whispers sweet nothings to you, they quietly say nice, loving, and flattering things to you.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: sweet pea
Meaning:
sweet pea  sweet peas   also sweetpea\n  A sweet pea is a climbing plant which has delicate, sweet-smelling flowers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sweet pepper
Meaning:
sweet pep.per\n   sweet pepper  sweet peppers\n  A sweet pepper is a hollow green, red, or yellow vegetable.\n  N-COUNT\n  = capsicum


Words: sweet potato
Meaning:
sweet po.ta.to\n   sweet potato  sweet potatoes\n  Sweet potatoes are vegetables that look like large ordinary potatoes but taste sweet. They have pinkish-brown skins and yellow flesh.\n  N-VAR


Words: sweet shop
Meaning:
sweet shop  sweet shops   also sweetshop\n  A sweet shop is a small shop that sells sweets and cigarettes, and sometimes newspapers and magazines. (BRIT; in AM, use candy store)\n  N-COUNT: oft the N


Words: sweet talk
Meaning:
sweet talk  sweet talks  sweet talking  sweet talked   also sweet-talk\n  If you sweet talk someone, you talk to them very nicely so that they will do what you want.\nShe could always sweet-talk Pamela into letting her stay up late...\nHe even tried to sweet-talk the policewoman who arrested him.\n  VERB: V n into -ing, V n


Words: sweetbread
Meaning:
sweet.bread\n   sweetbread  sweetbreads\n  Sweetbreads are meat obtained from the pancreas of a calf or a lamb.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sweetcorn
Meaning:
sweet.corn\n   sweetcorn   also sweet corn\n  Sweetcorn is a long rounded vegetable covered in small yellow seeds. It is part of the maize plant. The seeds themselves can also be referred to as sweetcorn.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sweeten
Meaning:
sweet.en\n   sweeten  sweetens  sweetening  sweetened\n1. If you sweeten food or drink, you add sugar, honey, or another sweet substance to it.\nHe liberally sweetened his coffee...\nThe Australians fry their bananas and sweeten them with honey.\n  VERB: V n, V n with n\n\n2. If you sweeten something such as an offer or a business deal, you try to make someone want it more by improving it or by increasing the amount you are willing to pay.\nKalon Group has sweetened its takeover offer for Manders...\n  VERB: V n


Words: sweetener
Meaning:
sweet.en.er\n   sweetener  sweeteners\n1. Sweetener is an artificial substance that can be used in drinks instead of sugar.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. A sweetener is something that you give or offer someone in order to persuade them to accept an offer or business deal.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sweetheart
Meaning:
sweet.heart\n   sweetheart  sweethearts\n1. You call someone sweetheart if you are very fond of them.\nHappy birthday, sweetheart.\n  N-VOC\n  = darling\n2. Your sweetheart is your boyfriend or your girlfriend. (JOURNALISM or OLD-FASHIONED)\nI married Shurla, my childhood sweetheart, in Liverpool.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: sweetie
Meaning:
sweetie  sweeties\n1. You can call someone sweetie if you are fond of them, especially if they are younger than you. (INFORMAL)\n  N-VOC\n\n2. If you say that someone is a sweetie, you mean that they are kind and nice. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Sweets are sometimes referred to as sweeties by children or by adults speaking to children. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sweetly
Meaning:
sweet.ly\n   sweetly\n1. If an engine or machine is running sweetly, it is working smoothly and efficiently.\nHe heard the car engine running sweetly beyond the open door.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you kick or hit a ball sweetly, you kick or hit it in the very middle of it so that it goes firmly and accurately to the place you are aiming for.\nHe could strike the ball as sweetly as when he was 28 years younger.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3.\n  see also sweet


Words: sweetmeat
Meaning:
sweet.meat\n   sweetmeat  sweetmeats\n  Sweetmeats are sweet items of food, especially ones that are considered special. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: sweetness
Meaning:
sweet.ness\n   sweetness\n1. If you say that a relationship or situation is not all sweetness and light, you mean that it is not as pleasant as it appears to be.\nIt has not all been sweetness and light between him and the Prime Minister.\n  PHRASE: with brd-neg, usu v-link PHR\n\n2.\n  see also sweet


Words: swell
Meaning:
swell  swells  swelling  swelled  swollen\n\n  The forms swelled and swollen are both used as the past participle.\n\n1. If the amount or size of something swells or if something swells it, it becomes larger than it was before.\nThe human population swelled, at least temporarily, as migrants moved south...\nHis bank balance has swelled by .222,000 in the last three weeks...\nOffers from other countries should swell the force to 35,000.\n  VERB: V, V to/by n, V n to n\n  = increase\n2. If something such as a part of your body swells, it becomes larger and rounder than normal.\nDo your ankles swell at night?...\nThe limbs swell to an enormous size.\n  VERB: V, V to n\n\n  Swell up means the same as swell.\nWhen you develop a throat infection or catch a cold the glands in the neck swell up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n3. If you swell with a feeling, you are suddenly full of that feeling. (LITERARY)\nShe could see her two sons swell with pride.\n  VERB: V with n\n\n4. You can describe something as swell if you think it is really nice. (AM INFORMAL)\nI’ve had a swell time.\n  ADJ\n\n5.\n  see also swelling, swollen, groundswell


Words: swelling
Meaning:
swell.ing\n   swelling  swellings\n  A swelling is a raised, curved shape on the surface of your body which appears as a result of an injury or an illness.\nHis eye was partly closed, and there was a swelling over his lid...\n  N-VAR


Words: swelter
Meaning:
swel.ter\n   swelter  swelters  sweltering  sweltered\n  If you swelter, you are very uncomfortable because the weather is extremely hot.\nThey sweltered in temperatures rising to a hundred degrees...\n  VERB: V


Words: sweltering
Meaning:
swel.ter.ing\n   sweltering\n  If you describe the weather as sweltering, you mean that it is extremely hot and makes you feel uncomfortable.\n  ADJ


Words: swerve
Meaning:
swerve  swerves  swerving  swerved\n  If a vehicle or other moving thing swerves or if you swerve it, it suddenly changes direction, often in order to avoid hitting something.\nDrivers coming in the opposite direction swerved to avoid the bodies...\nHer car swerved off the road into a 6ft high brick wall...\nSuddenly Ned swerved the truck, narrowly missing a blond teenager on a skateboard.\n  VERB: V, V prep/adv, V n\n\n  Swerve is also a noun.\nHe swung the car to the left and that swerve saved Malone’s life.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swift
Meaning:
swift  swifter  swiftest  swifts\n1. A swift event or process happens very quickly or without delay.\nOur task is to challenge the UN to make a swift decision...\nThe police were swift to act.\n  ADJ\n  = quick\n=>  swift.ly\nThe French have acted swiftly and decisively to protect their industries.\n  ADV\n\n2. Something that is swift moves very quickly.\nWith a swift movement, Matthew Jerrold sat upright.\n  ADJ\n  = quick\n=>  swift.ly\nLenny moved swiftly and silently across the front lawn.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. A swift is a small bird with long curved wings.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swig
Meaning:
swig  swigs  swigging  swigged\n  If you swig a drink, you drink it from a bottle or cup quickly and in large amounts.\nI swigged down two white wines...\nHe was still hanging around, swigging the Coke out of the can.\n  VERB: V n with down/back, V n\n\n  Swig is also a noun.\nBrian took a swig of his beer...\n  N-COUNT


Words: swill
Meaning:
swill  swills  swilling  swilled\n1. If you swill an alcoholic drink, you drink a lot of it.\nA crowd of men were standing around swilling beer.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If a liquid swills around, or if you swill it around, it moves around the area that it is contained in.\nGallons of sea water had rushed into the cabin and were now swilling about in the bilges...\nShe swilled the whisky around in her glass.\n  VERB: V around/about, V n around/about\n\n3. Swill is a liquid mixture containing waste food that is given to pigs to eat.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: swim
Meaning:
swim  swims  swimming  swam  swum\n1. When you swim, you move through water by making movements with your arms and legs.\nShe learned to swim when she was really tiny...\nI went round to Jonathan’s to see if he wanted to go swimming...\nHe was rescued only when an exhausted friend swam ashore...\nI swim a mile a day.\n  VERB: V, V, V adv/prep, V amount\n\n  Swim is also a noun.\nWhen can we go for a swim, Mam?\n  N-SING\n\n2. If you swim a race, you take part in a swimming race.\nShe swam the 400 metres medley ten seconds slower than she did in 1980.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you swim a stretch of water, you keep swimming until you have crossed it.\nIn 1875, Captain Matthew Webb became the first man to swim the English Channel.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. When a fish swims, it moves through water by moving its body.\nThe barriers are lethal to fish trying to swim upstream.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, also V\n\n5. If objects swim, they seem to be moving backwards and forwards, usually because you are ill.\nAlexis suddenly could take no more: he felt too hot, he couldn’t breathe, the room swam.\n  VERB: V\n\n6. If your head is swimming, you feel unsteady and slightly ill.\nThe musty aroma of incense made her head swim.\n  VERB: V\n  = spin\n7.\nsink or swim: see sink


Words: swimmer
Meaning:
swim.mer\n   swimmer  swimmers\n  A swimmer is a person who swims, especially for sport or pleasure, or a person who is swimming.\nYou don’t have to worry about me. I’m a good swimmer...\n  N-COUNT


Words: swimming
Meaning:
swim.ming\n   swimming\n  Swimming is the activity of swimming, especially as a sport or for pleasure.\n...swimming lessons.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: swimming bath
Meaning:
swim.ming bath\n   swimming bath  swimming baths\n1. A swimming baths or swimming bath is a building that contains an indoor public swimming pool. The plural swimming baths can be used to refer to one or more than one of these places. (BRIT; in AM, use pool, swimming pool)\nIt had been two years since I had been to the swimming baths.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A swimming bath is a public swimming pool, especially an indoor one. (BRIT; in AM, use pool, swimming pool)\n  N-COUNT


Words: swimming cap
Meaning:
swim.ming cap\n   swimming cap  swimming caps\n  A swimming cap is a rubber cap which you wear to keep your hair dry when you are swimming. (BRIT; in AM, use bathing cap)\n  N-COUNT


Words: swimming costume
Meaning:
swim.ming cos.tume\n   swimming costume  swimming costumes\n  A swimming costume is the same as a swimsuit. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n  = swimsuit


Words: swimming pool
Meaning:
swim.ming pool\n   swimming pool  swimming pools\n  A swimming pool is a large hole in the ground that has been made and filled with water so that people can swim in it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swimming trunks
Meaning:
swim.ming trunks\n   swimming trunks\n  Swimming trunks are the shorts that a man wears when he goes swimming. (BRIT; in AM, use trunks)\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N


Words: swimmingly
Meaning:
swim.ming.ly\n   swimmingly\n  If you say that something is going swimmingly, you mean that everything is happening in a satisfactory way, without any problems. (INFORMAL)\nThe work has been going swimmingly.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: swimsuit
Meaning:
swim.suit\n   swimsuit  swimsuits\n  A swimsuit is a piece of clothing that is worn for swimming, especially by women and girls.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swindle
Meaning:
swin.dle\n   swindle  swindles  swindling  swindled\n  If someone swindles a person or an organization, they deceive them in order to get something valuable from them, especially money.\nA City businessman swindled investors out of millions of pounds...\n  VERB: V n out of n\n\n  Swindle is also a noun.\nHe fled to Switzerland rather than face trial for a tax swindle.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swine
Meaning:
swine  swines\n\n  The form swines is used as the plural for meaning 1; swine is used as both the singular and plural for meaning 2.\n\n1. If you call someone a swine, you dislike them or think that they are a bad person, usually because they have behaved unpleasantly towards you. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n2. A swine is a pig. (TECHNICAL or OLD-FASHIONED)\n...imports of live swine from Canada.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swing
Meaning:
swing  swings  swinging  swung\n1. If something swings or if you swing it, it moves repeatedly backwards and forwards or from side to side from a fixed point.\nThe sail of the little boat swung crazily from one side to the other...\nShe was swinging a bottle of wine by its neck...\nIan lit a cigarette and sat on the end of the table, one leg swinging.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V n, V-ing\n\n  Swing is also a noun.\n...a woman in a tight red dress, walking with a slight swing to her hips.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. If something swings in a particular direction or if you swing it in that direction, it moves in that direction with a smooth, curving movement.\nThe torchlight swung across the little beach and out over the water, searching...\nThe canoe found the current and swung around...\nRoy swung his legs carefully off the couch and sat up.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V n prep/adv\n\n  Swing is also a noun.\nWhen he’s not on the tennis court, you’ll find him practising his golf swing.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If a vehicle swings in a particular direction, or if the driver swings it in a particular direction, they turn suddenly in that direction.\nJoanna swung back on to the main approach and headed for the airport...\nThe tyres dug into the grit as he swung the car off the road.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V n prep/adv\n\n4. If someone swings around, they turn around quickly, usually because they are surprised.\nShe swung around to him, spilling her tea without noticing it.\n  VERB: V adv\n\n5. If you swing at a person or thing, you try to hit them with your arm or with something that you are holding.\nBlanche swung at her but she moved her head back and Blanche missed...\nI picked up his baseball bat and swung at the man’s head.\n  VERB: V at n, V at n\n\n  Swing is also a noun.\nI often want to take a swing at someone to relieve my feelings.\n  N-COUNT\n  = swipe\n6. A swing is a seat hanging by two ropes or chains from a metal frame or from the branch of a tree. You can sit on the seat and move forwards and backwards through the air.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. Swing is a style of jazz dance music that was popular in the 1930’s. It was played by big bands.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n8. A swing in people’s opinions, attitudes, or feelings is a change in them, especially a sudden or big change.\nThere was a massive twenty per cent swing away from the Conservatives to the Liberal Democrats...\nDieters suffer from violent mood swings.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n9. If people’s opinions, attitudes, or feelings swing, they change, especially in a sudden or extreme way.\nIn two years’ time there is a presidential election, and the voters could swing again...\nThe mood amongst Tory MPs seems to be swinging away from their leader.\n  VERB: V, V adv/prep\n\n10. If something is in full swing, it is operating fully and is no longer in its early stages.\nWhen we returned, the party was in full swing and the dance floor was crowded...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n11. If you get into the swing of something, you become very involved in it and enjoy what you are doing.\nEveryone understood how hard it was to get back into the swing of things after such a long absence.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n12. If you say that a situation is swings and roundabouts, you mean that there are as many gains as there are losses. (BRIT)\n  PHRASE\n\n13.\nno room to swing a cat: see cat


Words: swing bridge
Meaning:
swing bridge  swing bridges\n  A swing bridge is a low bridge that can be opened either in the middle or on one side in order to let ships pass through.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swing door
Meaning:
swing door  swing doors\n  Swing doors are doors that can open both towards you and away from you. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use swinging door)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: swing vote
Meaning:
swing vote  swing votes\n  In a situation when people are about to vote, the swing vote is used to talk about the vote of a person or group which is difficult to predict and which will be important in deciding the result. (mainly AM JOURNALISM)\n...a Democrat who holds the swing vote on the committee.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swing voter
Meaning:
swing vot.er\n   swing voter  swing voters\n  A swing voter is a person who is not a firm supporter of any political party, and whose vote in an election is difficult to predict. (AM; in BRIT, use floating voter)\n  N-COUNT


Words: swingeing
Meaning:
swinge.ing\n   swingeing\n  A swingeing action, such as an attack or cut, is very great or severe. (BRIT mainly JOURNALISM)\n...the book mounted a swingeing attack on the materialist, growth-oriented economics of the day...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: swinger
Meaning:
swing.er\n   swinger  swingers\n1. A swinger is a person who is lively and fashionable. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Swingers are people who are married or in a long-term relationship and who like to have sex with other couples.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swinging
Meaning:
swing.ing\n   swinging\n  If you describe something or someone as swinging, you mean that they are lively and fashionable. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\nThe stuffy ’50s gave way to the swinging ’60s.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: swinging door
Meaning:
swing.ing door\n   swinging door  swinging doors\n  Swinging doors are doors that can open both towards you and away from you. (AM; in BRIT, use swing door)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: swipe
Meaning:
swipe  swipes  swiping  swiped\n1. If you swipe at a person or thing, you try to hit them with a stick or other object, making a swinging movement with your arm.\nShe swiped at Rusty as though he was a fly...\nHe swiped me across the shoulder with the poker.\n  VERB: V at n, V n\n\n  Swipe is also a noun.\nHe took a swipe at Andrew that deposited him on the floor.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you swipe something, you steal it quickly. (INFORMAL)\nFive soldiers were each fined .140 for swiping a wheelchair from a disabled tourist...\n  VERB: V n\n  = pinch\n3. If you take a swipe at a person or an organization, you criticize them, usually in an indirect way.\nIn a swipe at the president, he called for an end to `begging for aid around the world’.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you swipe a credit card or swipe card through a machine, you pass it through a narrow space in the machine so that the machine can read information on the card’s magnetic strip.\nSwipe your card through the phone, then dial.\n  VERB: V n through n, also V n


Words: swipe card
Meaning:
swipe card  swipe cards   also swipecard\n  A swipe card is a plastic card with a magnetic strip on it which contains information that can be read or transferred by passing the card through a special machine.\nThey use a swipe card to go in and out of their offices.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swirl
Meaning:
swirl  swirls  swirling  swirled\n  If you swirl something liquid or flowing, or if it swirls, it moves round and round quickly.\nShe smiled, swirling the wine in her glass...\nThe black water swirled around his legs, reaching almost to his knees...\nShe swirled the ice-cold liquid around her mouth.\n...Carmen with her swirling gypsy skirts.\n  VERB: V n, V prep/adv, V n prep, V-ing\n\n  Swirl is also a noun.\n...small swirls of chocolate cream...\nHe breathes out a swirl of cigarette smoke.\n  N-COUNT


Words: swish
Meaning:
swish  swishes  swishing  swished  swisher  swishest\n1. If something swishes or if you swish it, it moves quickly through the air, making a soft sound.\nA car swished by heading for the coast...\nHe swished his cape around his shoulders...\nHe heard a swishing sound.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V n prep/adv, V-ing\n\n  Swish is also a noun.\nShe turned with a swish of her skirt.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe something as swish, you mean that it is smart and fashionable. (BRIT INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\n...a swish cocktail bar.\n  ADJ


Words: Swiss
Meaning:
Swiss  Swiss\n1. Swiss means belonging or relating to Switzerland, or to its people or culture.\n  ADJ\n\n2. The Swiss are the people of Switzerland.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, the N


Words: swiss roll
Meaning:
swiss roll  swiss rolls   also swiss-roll\n  A swiss roll is a cylindrical cake made from a thin flat sponge which is covered with jam or cream on one side, then rolled up. (BRIT; in AM, use jelly roll)\n  N-VAR


Words: switch
Meaning:
switch  switches  switching  switched\n1. A switch is a small control for an electrical device which you use to turn the device on or off.\nLeona put some detergent into the dishwasher, shut the door and pressed the switch.\n...a light switch.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you switch to something different, for example to a different system, task, or subject of conversation, you change to it from what you were doing or saying before.\nEstonia is switching to a market economy...\nThe law would encourage companies to switch from coal to cleaner fuels...\nThe encouragement of a friend spurred Chris into switching jobs.\n  VERB: V to n, V from n to n, V pl-n\n  = change\n  Switch is also a noun.\nNew technology made a switch to oil possible...\nThe spokesman implicitly condemned the United States policy switch.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n  Switch over means the same as switch.\n...a professional man who started out in law but switched over to medicine.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P to n\n\n3. If you switch your attention from one thing to another or if your attention switches, you stop paying attention to the first thing and start paying attention to the second.\nMy mother’s interest had switched to my health...\nAs the era wore on, she switched her attention to films.\n  VERB: V to n, V n to n\n\n4. If you switch two things, you replace one with the other.\nIn half an hour, they’d switched the tags on every cable...\nThe ballot boxes have been switched.\n  VERB: V pl-n, V pl-n\n  = swap


Words: switch off
Meaning:
switch off\n1. If you switch off a light or other electrical device, you stop it working by operating a switch.\nShe switched off the coffee-machine...\nGlass parked the car and switched the engine off.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = turn off\n2. If you switch off, you stop paying attention or stop thinking or worrying about something. (INFORMAL)\nYou may find you’ve got so many things to think about that it’s difficult to switch off.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: switch on
Meaning:
switch on\n  If you switch on a light or other electrical device, you make it start working by operating a switch.\nShe emptied both their mugs and switched on the electric kettle...\nHe pointed the light at his feet and tried to switch it on.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = turn on


Words: switch over
Meaning:
switch over\n1. If you switch over when you are watching television, you change to another channel.\nI just happened to switch over although I haven’t been watching the Olympics...\nLet’s switch over to Channel 4.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P to n\n\n2.\nsee switch 2


Words: switchback
Meaning:
switch.back\n   switchback  switchbacks\n1. A switchback is a road which rises and falls sharply many times, or a sharp rise and fall in a road. (BRIT)\n...a dizzy bus ride over a switchback road.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n2. A switchback is a road which goes up a steep hill in a series of sharp bends, or a sharp bend in a road. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: switchblade
Meaning:
switch.blade\n   switchblade  switchblades\n  A switchblade is a knife with a blade that is hidden in the handle and that springs out when a button is pressed. (AM; in BRIT, use flick-knife)\n  N-COUNT


Words: switchboard
Meaning:
switch.board\n   switchboard  switchboards\n  A switchboard is a place in a large office or business where all the telephone calls are connected.\nHe asked to be connected to the central switchboard at London University...\n  N-COUNT


Words: switched-on
Meaning:
If you describe someone as switched-on, you mean that they are aware of the latest developments in a particular area or activity. (INFORMAL)\nI am very impressed with Brian Hanlon, who seems a switched-on sort of guy.\n  ADJ


Words: swivel
Meaning:
swiv.el\n   swivel  swivels  swivelling  swivelled\nin AM, use swiveling, swiveled\n1. If something swivels or if you swivel it, it turns around a central point so that it is facing in a different direction.\nShe swivelled her chair round and stared out across the back lawn...\nHis chairs can swivel, but they can’t move up or down.\n  VERB: V n adv/prep, V, also V n\n\n2. If you swivel in a particular direction, you turn suddenly in that direction.\nHe swivelled round to face Sarah.\n  VERB: V adv/prep


Words: swivel chair
Meaning:
swiv.el chair\n   swivel chair  swivel chairs\n  A swivel chair is a chair whose seat can be turned around a central point to face in a different direction without moving the legs.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: swollen
Meaning:
swol.len\n   swollen\n1. If a part of your body is swollen, it is larger and rounder than normal, usually as a result of injury or illness.\nMy eyes were so swollen I could hardly see.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A swollen river has more water in it and flows faster than normal, usually because of heavy rain.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Swollen is the past participle of swell.


Words: swoon
Meaning:
swoon  swoons  swooning  swooned\n  If you swoon, you are strongly affected by your feelings for someone you love or admire very much.\nVirtually every woman in the ’20s swooned over Valentino...\nThe ladies shriek and swoon at his every word.\n  VERB: V over n, V, also V adv


Words: swoop
Meaning:
swoop  swoops  swooping  swooped\n1. If police or soldiers swoop on a place, they go there suddenly and quickly, usually in order to arrest someone or to attack the place. (JOURNALISM)\nThe terror ended when armed police swooped on the car...\nThe drugs squad swooped and discovered 240 kilograms of cannabis.\n  VERB: V on n, V\n\n  Swoop is also a noun.\nPolice held 10 suspected illegal immigrants after a swoop on a German lorry.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When a bird or aeroplane swoops, it suddenly moves downwards through the air in a smooth curving movement.\nMore than 20 helicopters began swooping in low over the ocean...\nThe hawk swooped and soared away carrying something.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V\n\n3. If something is done in one fell swoop or at one fell swoop, it is done on a single occasion or by a single action.\nIn one fell swoop the bank wiped away the tentative benefits of this policy.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl


Words: sword
Meaning:
sword  swords\n1. A sword is a weapon with a handle and a long sharp blade.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you cross swords with someone, you disagree with them and argue with them about something.\n...a candidate who’s crossed swords with Labor by supporting the free-trade pact...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR with n, pl-n PHR\n\n3. If you say that something is a double-edged sword or a two-edged sword, you mean that it has negative effects as well as positive effects.\n  PHRASE: N inflects\n\n4.\nSword of Damocles: see Damocles


Words: swordfish
Meaning:
sword.fish\n   swordfish  swordfish\n  A swordfish is a large sea fish with a very long upper jaw.\n  N-VAR\n\n  Swordfish is this fish eaten as food.\n...grilled swordfish with a yogurt dressing.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: swordsman
Meaning:
swords.man\n   swordsman  swordsmen\n  A swordsman is a man who is skilled at fighting with a sword.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sworn
Meaning:
sworn\n1. Sworn is the past participle of swear.\n\n2. If you make a sworn statement or declaration, you swear that everything that you have said in it is true.\nThe allegations against them were made in sworn evidence to the inquiry.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. If two people or two groups of people are sworn enemies, they dislike each other very much.\nIt somehow seems hardly surprising that Ms Player is now his sworn enemy.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: swot
Meaning:
swot  swots  swotting  swotted\n1. If you swot, you study very hard, especially when you are preparing for an examination. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nThey swotted for their A levels.\n  VERB: V for n\n\n2. If you call someone a swot, you disapprove of the fact that they study extremely hard and are not interested in other things. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: sybaritic
Meaning:
syba.rit.ic\n   sybaritic\n  Someone who has a sybaritic way of life spends a lot of time relaxing in a luxurious way. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: sycamore
Meaning:
syca.more\n   sycamore  sycamores\n  A sycamore or a sycamore tree is a tree that has yellow flowers and large leaves with five points.\n  N-VAR\n\n  Sycamore is the wood of this tree.\nThe furniture is made of sycamore, beech and leather.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sycophancy
Meaning:
syco.phan.cy\n   sycophancy\n  Sycophancy is the quality or action of being sycophantic. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: sycophant
Meaning:
syco.phant\n   sycophant  sycophants\n  A sycophant is a person who behaves in a sycophantic way. (FORMAL)\n...a dictator surrounded by sycophants, frightened to tell him what he may not like.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: sycophantic
Meaning:
syco.phan.tic\n   sycophantic\n  If you describe someone as sycophantic, you disapprove of them because they flatter people who are more important and powerful than they are in order to gain an advantage for themselves.\n...his clique of sycophantic friends...\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: syllable
Meaning:
syl.la.ble\n   syllable  syllables\n  A syllable is a part of a word that contains a single vowel sound and that is pronounced as a unit. So, for example, `book’ has one syllable, and `reading’ has two syllables.\nWe children called her Oma, accenting both syllables.\n  N-COUNT


Words: syllabus
Meaning:
syl.la.bus\n   syllabus  syllabuses\n1. You can refer to the subjects that are studied in a particular course as the syllabus. (mainly BRIT)\n...the GCSE history syllabus.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A syllabus is an outline or summary of the subjects to be covered in a course. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sylvan
Meaning:
syl.van\n   sylvan\n  Sylvan is used to describe things that have an association with woods and trees. (LITERARY)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: symbiosis
Meaning:
sym.bio.sis\n   symbiosis\n1. Symbiosis is a close relationship between two organisms of different kinds which benefits both organisms. (TECHNICAL)\n...the link between bacteria, symbiosis, and the evolution of plants and animals.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Symbiosis is any relationship between different things, people, or groups that benefits all the things or people concerned.\n...the cosy symbiosis of the traditional political parties.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: symbiotic
Meaning:
sym.bi.ot.ic\n   symbiotic\n  A symbiotic relationship is one in which organisms, people, or things exist together in a way that benefits them all.\n...fungi that have a symbiotic relationship with the trees of these northwestern forests...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: symbol
Meaning:
sym.bol\n   symbol  symbols\n1. Something that is a symbol of a society or an aspect of life seems to represent it because it is very typical of it.\nTo them, the monarchy is the special symbol of nationhood...\nShe was put under house arrest two years ago but remained a powerful symbol in last year’s election.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n2. A symbol of something such as an idea is a shape or design that is used to represent it.\nI frequently use sunflowers as symbols of strength.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n3. A symbol for an item in a calculation or scientific formula is a number, letter, or shape that represents that item.\nWhat’s the chemical symbol for mercury?\n  N-COUNT\n\n4.\n  see also sex symbol, status symbol


Words: symbolic
Meaning:
sym.bol.ic\n   symbolic\n1. If you describe an event, action, or procedure as symbolic, you mean that it represents an important change, although it has little practical effect.\nA lot of Latin-American officials are stressing the symbolic importance of the trip...\nThe move today was largely symbolic.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sym.boli.cal.ly\nIt was a simple enough gesture, but symbolically important.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with cl\n\n2. Something that is symbolic of a person or thing is regarded or used as a symbol of them.\nYellow clothes are worn as symbolic of spring...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ of n\n\n=>  sym.boli.cal.ly\nEach circle symbolically represents the whole of humanity.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. Symbolic is used to describe things involving or relating to symbols.\n...symbolic representations of landscape.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: symbolism
Meaning:
sym.bol.ism\n   symbolism\n1. Symbolism is the use of symbols in order to represent something.\nThe scene is so rich in symbolism that any explanation risks spoiling the effect.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You can refer to the symbolism of an event or action when it seems to show something important about a situation.\nThe symbolism of every gesture will be of vital importance during the short state visit.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: symbolize
Meaning:
sym.bol.ize\n   symbolize  symbolizes  symbolizing  symbolized\nin BRIT, also use symbolise\n  If one thing symbolizes another, it is used or regarded as a symbol of it.\nThe fall of the Berlin Wall symbolised the end of the Cold War between East and West.\n...the post-war world order symbolised by the United Nations.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: symmetrical
Meaning:
sym.met.ri.cal\n   symmetrical\n  If something is symmetrical, it has two halves which are exactly the same, except that one half is the mirror image of the other.\n...the neat rows of perfectly symmetrical windows.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sym.met.ri.cal.ly\nThe south garden at Sissinghurst was composed symmetrically.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: symmetry
Meaning:
sym.me.try\n   symmetry  symmetries\n1. Something that has symmetry is symmetrical in shape, design, or structure.\n...the incredible beauty and symmetry of a snowflake...\nI loved the house because it had perfect symmetry...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Symmetry in a relationship or agreement is the fact of both sides giving and receiving an equal amount.\nThe superpowers pledged to maintain symmetry in their arms shipments.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sympathetic
Meaning:
sym.pa.thet.ic\n   sympathetic\n1. If you are sympathetic to someone who is in a bad situation, you are kind to them and show that you understand their feelings.\nShe was very sympathetic to the problems of adult students...\nIt may be that he sees you only as a sympathetic friend.\n  ADJ: oft v-link ADJ to n\n\n=>  sym.pa.theti.cal.ly\nShe nodded sympathetically.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you are sympathetic to a proposal or action, you approve of it and are willing to support it.\nShe met people in London who were sympathetic to the Indian freedom struggle...\n  ADJ: oft v-link ADJ to n\n\n=>  sym.pa.theti.cal.ly\nAfter a year we will sympathetically consider an application for reinstatement.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. You describe someone as sympathetic when you like them and approve of the way that they behave.\nShe sounds a most sympathetic character.\n  ADJ


Words: sympathize
Meaning:
sym.pa.thize\n   sympathize  sympathizes  sympathizing  sympathized\nin BRIT, also use sympathise\n1. If you sympathize with someone who is in a bad situation, you show that you are sorry for them.\nI must tell you how much I sympathize with you for your loss, Professor...\nHe would sympathize but he wouldn’t understand.\n  VERB: V with n, V\n\n2. If you sympathize with someone’s feelings, you understand them and are not critical of them.\nSome Europeans sympathize with the Americans over the issue...\nHe liked Max, and sympathized with his ambitions.\n  VERB: V with n, V with n\n\n3. If you sympathize with a proposal or action, you approve of it and are willing to support it.\nMost of the people living there sympathized with the guerrillas.\n  VERB: V with n


Words: sympathizer
Meaning:
sym.pa.thiz.er\n   sympathizer  sympathizers\nin BRIT, also use sympathiser\n  The sympathizers of an organization or cause are the people who approve of it and support it.\nThese villagers are guerrilla sympathizers.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft supp N


Words: sympathy
Meaning:
sym.pa.thy\n   sympathy  sympathies\n1. If you have sympathy for someone who is in a bad situation, you are sorry for them, and show this in the way you behave towards them.\nI have had very little help from doctors and no sympathy whatsoever...\nI wanted to express my sympathies on your resignation.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n2. If you have sympathy with someone’s ideas or opinions, you agree with them.\nI have some sympathy with this point of view...\nLithuania still commands considerable international sympathy for its cause...\nShe has frequently expressed Republican sympathies.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, oft N with/for n\n\n3. If you take some action in sympathy with someone else, you do it in order to show that you support them.\nMilne resigned in sympathy because of the way Donald had been treated.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N with n


Words: symphony
Meaning:
sym.pho.ny\n   symphony  symphonies\n  A symphony is a piece of music written to be played by an orchestra. Symphonies are usually made up of four separate sections called movements.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES


Words: symphony orchestra
Meaning:
sym.pho.ny or.ches.tra\n   symphony orchestra  symphony orchestras\n  A symphony orchestra is a large orchestra that plays classical music.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES


Words: symposium
Meaning:
sym.po.sium\n   symposium  symposia  or symposiums\n  A symposium is a conference in which experts or academics discuss a particular subject.\nHe had been taking part in an international symposium on population.\n  N-COUNT: oft N on n


Words: symptom
Meaning:
symp.tom\n   symptom  symptoms\n1. A symptom of an illness is something wrong with your body or mind that is a sign of the illness.\nOne of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia is hearing imaginary voices.\n...patients with flu symptoms...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A symptom of a bad situation is something that happens which is considered to be a sign of this situation.\nYour problem with keeping boyfriends is just a symptom of a larger problem: making and keeping friends...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: symptomatic
Meaning:
symp.to.mat.ic\n   symptomatic\n  If something is symptomatic of something else, especially something bad, it is a sign of it. (FORMAL)\nThe city’s problems are symptomatic of the crisis that is spreading throughout the country.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ of n


Words: synagogue
Meaning:
syna.gogue\n   synagogue  synagogues\n  A synagogue is a building where Jewish people meet to worship or to study their religion.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES


Words: synapse
Meaning:
syn.apse\n   synapse  synapses\n  A synapse is one of the points in the nervous system at which a signal passes from one nerve cell to another. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sync
Meaning:
sync   also synch\n  If two things are out of sync, they do not match or do not happen together as they should. If two things are in sync, they match or happen together as they should. (INFORMAL)\nNormally, when demand and supply are out of sync, you either increase the supply, or you adjust the price mechanism...\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, oft PHR with n


Words: synchronize
Meaning:
syn.chro.nize\n   synchronize  synchronizes  synchronizing  synchronized\nin BRIT, also use synchronise\n  If you synchronize two activities, processes, or movements, or if you synchronize one activity, process, or movement with another, you cause them to happen at the same time and speed as each other.\nIt was virtually impossible to synchronise our lives so as to take holidays and weekends together...\nSynchronise the score with the film action.\n...a series of unexpected, synchronized attacks.\n  V-RECIP: V pl-n, V n with n, V-ed


Words: synchronized swimming
Meaning:
syn.chro.nized swim.ming\n   synchronized swimming\nin BRIT, also use synchronised swimming\n  Synchronized swimming is a sport in which two or more people perform complicated and carefully planned movements in water in time to music.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: syncopated
Meaning:
syn.co.pat.ed\n   syncopated\n  In syncopated music, the weak beats in the bar are stressed instead of the strong beats.\nSome spirituals are based on syncopated rhythms.\n  ADJ


Words: syncopation
Meaning:
syn.co.pa.tion\n   syncopation  syncopations\n  Syncopation is the quality that music has when the weak beats in a bar are stressed instead of the strong ones.\n  N-VAR


Words: syndicate
Meaning:
syn.di.cate\n   syndicate syndicates syndicating  syndicated\n1. A syndicate is an association of people or organizations that is formed for business purposes or in order to carry out a project.\n...a syndicate of 152 banks.\n...a major crime syndicate.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When newspaper articles or television programmes are syndicated, they are sold to several different newspapers or television stations, who then publish the articles or broadcast the programmes.\nToday his programme is syndicated to 500 stations...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed prep/adv\n\n=>  syn.di.ca.tion\nThe show was ready for syndication in early 1987...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A press syndicate is a group of newspapers or magazines that are all owned by the same person or company.\n  N-COUNT


Words: syndrome
Meaning:
syn.drome\n   syndrome  syndromes\n1. A syndrome is a medical condition that is characterized by a particular group of signs and symptoms.\nIrritable bowel syndrome seems to affect more women than men...\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n\n  see also Down’s syndrome, premenstrual syndrome\n2. You can refer to an undesirable condition that is characterized by a particular type of activity or behaviour as a syndrome.\nIt’s a bit like the exam syndrome where you write down everything you know regardless of what has been asked...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu supp N


Words: synergy
Meaning:
syn.er.gy\n   synergy  synergies\n  If there is synergy between two or more organizations or groups, they are more successful when they work together than when they work separately. (BUSINESS)\nOf course, there’s quite obviously a lot of synergy between the two companies...\nThe synergies gained from the merger, Pirelli claimed, would create savings of about .130m over four years.\n  N-VAR


Words: synod
Meaning:
syn.od\n   synod  synods\n  A synod is a special council of members of a Church, which meets regularly to discuss religious issues.\n  N-COUNT


Words: synonym
Meaning:
syno.nym\n   synonym  synonyms\n  A synonym is a word or expression which means the same as another word or expression.\nThe term `industrial democracy’ is often used as a synonym for worker participation.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n


Words: synonymous
Meaning:
syn.ony.mous\n   synonymous\n  If you say that one thing is synonymous with another, you mean that the two things are very closely associated with each other so that one suggests the other or one cannot exist without the other.\nParis has always been synonymous with elegance, luxury and style...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ with n


Words: synopsis
Meaning:
syn.op.sis\n   synopsis  synopses\n  A synopsis is a summary of a longer piece of writing or work.\nFor each title there is a brief synopsis of the book.\n  N-COUNT\n  = summary


Words: syntactic
Meaning:
syn.tac.tic\n   syntactic\n  Syntactic means relating to syntax. (TECHNICAL)\n...three common syntactic devices in English.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: syntax
Meaning:
syn.tax\n   syntax\n  Syntax is the ways that words can be put together, or are put together, in order to make sentences. (TECHNICAL)\nHis grammar and syntax, both in oral and written expression, were much better than the average.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: synthesis
Meaning:
syn.the.sis\n   synthesis  syntheses\n1. A synthesis of different ideas or styles is a mixture or combination of these ideas or styles. (FORMAL)\nHis novels are a rich synthesis of Balkan history and mythology...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, N of n\n\n2. The synthesis of a substance is the production of it by means of chemical or biological reactions. (TECHNICAL)\n...the genes that regulate the synthesis of these compounds...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp


Words: synthesize
Meaning:
syn.the.size\n   synthesize  synthesizes  synthesizing  synthesized\nin BRIT, also use synthesise\n1. To synthesize a substance means to produce it by means of chemical or biological reactions. (TECHNICAL)\nAfter extensive research, Albert Hoffman first succeeded in synthesizing the acid in 1938...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you synthesize different ideas, facts, or experiences, you combine them to form a single idea or impression. (FORMAL)\nThe movement synthesised elements of modern art that hadn’t been brought together before, such as Cubism and Surrealism.\n  VERB: V n\n  = fuse


Words: synthesized
Meaning:
syn.the.sized\n   synthesized\nin BRIT, also use synthesised\n  Synthesized sounds are produced electronically using a synthesizer.\n...synthesised dance music.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: synthesizer
Meaning:
syn.the.siz.er\n   synthesizer  synthesizers\nin BRIT, also use synthesiser\n  A synthesizer is an electronic machine that produces speech, music, or other sounds, usually by combining individual syllables or sounds that have been previously recorded.\nNow he can only communicate through a voice synthesiser.\n  N-COUNT


Words: synthetic
Meaning:
syn.thet.ic\n   synthetic\n  Synthetic products are made from chemicals or artificial substances rather than from natural ones.\nBoots made from synthetic materials can usually be washed in a machine.\n...synthetic rubber.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = man-made, artificial\n=>  syn.theti.cal.ly\n...the therapeutic use of natural and synthetically produced hormones.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: synthetics
Meaning:
syn.thet.ics\n   synthetics\n  You can refer to synthetic clothing, fabric, or materials as synthetics.\nNatural fabrics like silk and wool are better insulators than synthetics.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: syphilis
Meaning:
syphi.lis\n   syphilis\n  Syphilis is a serious disease which is passed on through sexual intercourse.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Syrian
Meaning:
Syr.ian\n   Syrian  Syrians\n1. Syrian means belonging or relating to Syria, or to its people or culture.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A Syrian is a Syrian citizen, or a person of Syrian origin.\n  N-COUNT


Words: syringe
Meaning:
sy.ringe\n   syringe  syringes\n  A syringe is a small tube with a thin hollow needle at the end. Syringes are used for putting liquids into things and for taking liquids out, for example for injecting drugs or for taking blood from someone’s body.\n  N-COUNT


Words: syrup
Meaning:
syr.up\n   syrup  syrups\n1. Syrup is a sweet liquid made by cooking sugar with water, and sometimes with fruit juice as well.\n...canned fruit with sugary syrup.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. Syrup is a very sweet thick liquid made from sugar.\n...a heavy syrup pudding.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft supp N\n\n  see also golden syrup, maple syrup\n3. Syrup is a medicine in the form of a thick, sweet liquid.\n...cough syrup.\n  N-MASS: usu supp N


Words: syrupy
Meaning:
syr.upy\n   syrupy\n1. Liquid that is syrupy is sweet or thick like syrup.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe something as syrupy, you dislike it because it is too sentimental.\n...this syrupy film version of Conroy’s novel.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: system
Meaning:
sys.tem\n   system  systems\n1. A system is a way of working, organizing, or doing something which follows a fixed plan or set of rules. You can use system to refer to an organization or institution that is organized in this way.\n...a flexible and relatively efficient filing system.\n...a multi-party system of government...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. A system is a set of devices powered by electricity, for example a computer or an alarm.\nViruses tend to be good at surviving when a computer system crashes.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n3. A system is a set of equipment or parts such as water pipes or electrical wiring, which is used to supply water, heat, or electricity.\n...a central heating system.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n4. A system is a network of things that are linked together so that people or things can travel from one place to another or communicate.\n...Australia’s road and rail system.\n...a news channel on a local cable system.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n  = network\n5. Your system is your body’s organs and other parts that together perform particular functions.\nThese gases would seriously damage the patient’s respiratory system.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n6. A system is a particular set of rules, especially in mathematics or science, which is used to count or measure things.\n...the decimal system of metric weights and measures.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n7. People sometimes refer to the government or administration of a country as the system.\nThese feelings are likely to make people attempt to overthrow the system...\n  N-SING: the N\n\n8.\n  see also central nervous system, digestive system, ecosystem, immune system, metric system, nervous system, public address system, solar system, sound system\n9. If you get something out of your system, you take some action so that you no longer want to do it or no longer have strong feelings about it.\nI want to get boxing out of my system and settle down to enjoy family life.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: systematic
Meaning:
sys.tem.at.ic\n   systematic\n  Something that is done in a systematic way is done according to a fixed plan, in a thorough and efficient way.\nThey had not found any evidence of a systematic attempt to rig the ballot.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  sys.tem.ati.cal.ly\nThe army has systematically violated human rights...\nShe began applying systematically to colleges.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: systematize
Meaning:
sys.tema.tize\n   systematize  systematizes  systematizing  systematized\nin BRIT, also use systematise\n  If you systematize things, you make them organized. (FORMAL)\nYou need to systematize your approach to problem solving.\n  VERB: V n, also V\n\n=>  sys.tema.ti.za.tion\n...a systematization of management practice.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: systemic
Meaning:
sys.tem.ic\n   systemic\n1. Systemic means affecting the whole of something. (FORMAL)\nThe economy is locked in a systemic crisis.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Systemic chemicals or drugs are absorbed into the whole of an organism such as a plant or person, rather than being applied to one area. (TECHNICAL)\n  ADJ


Words: systems analyst
Meaning:
sys.tems ana.lyst\n   systems analyst  systems analysts\n  A systems analyst is someone whose job is to decide what computer equipment and software a company needs, and to provide it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: T-bone steak
Meaning:
T-bone steak  T-bone steaks\n  A T-bone steak is a thick piece of beef that contains a T-shaped bone.\n  N-VAR


Words: T-junction
Meaning:
T-junction  T-junctions\n  If you arrive at a T-junction, the road that you are on joins at right angles to another road, so that you have to turn either left or right to continue. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: T-shirt
Meaning:
T-shirt  T-shirts   also tee-shirt\n  A T-shirt is a cotton shirt with no collar or buttons. T-shirts usually have short sleeves.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ta-ta
Meaning:
ta-ta   also ta ta\n  Ta-ta is used to say goodbye. (BRIT INFORMAL or DIALECT)\nOkay John. See you again. Ta-ta...\nTa-ta for now.\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n  = bye


Words: tab
Meaning:
tab  tabs\n1. A tab is a small piece of cloth or paper that is attached to something, usually with information about that thing written on it.\nA stupid medical clerk had slipped the wrong tab on his X-ray.\n  N-COUNT\n  = label\n2. A tab is the total cost of goods or services that you have to pay, or the bill or check for those goods or services. (mainly AM)\nAt least one estimate puts the total tab at $7 million...\n  N-COUNT\n  = bill\n3. A tab is a metal strip that you pull off the top of a can of drink in order to open it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A tab is a drug, especially one that is sold illegally, which is in tablet form. (INFORMAL)\nOne tab of Ecstasy costs at least .15.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If someone keeps tabs on you, they make sure that they always know where you are and what you are doing, often in order to control you. (INFORMAL)\n  PHRASE: V inflects: PHR n\n\n6. If you pick up the tab, you pay a bill on behalf of a group of people or provide the money that is needed for something. (INFORMAL)\nPollard picked up the tab for dinner that night...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: tabby
Meaning:
tab.by\n   tabby  tabbies\n  A tabby or a tabby cat is a cat whose fur has dark stripes on a lighter background.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tabernacle
Meaning:
tab.er.nac.le\n   tabernacle  tabernacles\n1. A tabernacle is a church used by certain Christian Protestant groups and by Mormons.\n  N-COUNT: oft in names\n\n2. The Tabernacle was a small tent which contained the most holy writings of the ancient Jews and which they took with them when they were travelling.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: table
Meaning:
ta.ble\n   table  tables  tabling  tabled\n1. A table is a piece of furniture with a flat top that you put things on or sit at.\nShe was sitting at the kitchen table eating a currant bun...\nI placed his drink on the small table at his elbow.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone tables a proposal, they say formally that they want it to be discussed at a meeting. (mainly BRIT)\nThey’ve tabled a motion criticising the Government for doing nothing about the problem.\n  VERB: V n\n  = propose\n3. If someone tables a proposal or plan which has been put forward, they decide to discuss it or deal with it at a later date, rather than straight away. (AM)\nWe will table that for later.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. A table is a written set of facts and figures arranged in columns and rows.\nConsult the table on page 104...\nOther research supports the figures in Table 3.3.\n  N-COUNT: also N num\n\n5.\n  see also coffee table, dressing table, negotiating table, round table, tea table\n6. If you put something on the table, you present it at a meeting for it to be discussed.\nThis is one of the best packages we’ve put on the table in years...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n7. If you turn the tables on someone, you change the situation completely, so that instead of them causing problems for you, you are causing problems for them.\nThe only question is whether the President can use his extraordinary political skills to turn the tables on his opponents.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR on n\n\n8.\nto put your cards on the table: see card


Words: table dancing
Meaning:
ta.ble danc.ing\n   table dancing\n  Table dancing is a type of entertainment in a bar or club in which a woman who is wearing very few clothes dances in a sexy way close to a customer or group of customers.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: table lamp
Meaning:
ta.ble lamp\n   table lamp  table lamps\n  A table lamp is a small electric lamp which stands on a table or other piece of furniture.\n  N-COUNT


Words: table manners
Meaning:
ta.ble man.ners\n   table manners\n  You can use table manners to refer to the way you behave when you are eating a meal at a table.\nHe attacked the food as quickly as decent table manners allowed.\n  N-PLURAL: usu supp N


Words: table tennis
Meaning:
ta.ble ten.nis\n   table tennis   also table-tennis\n  Table tennis is a game played inside by two or four people. The players stand at each end of a table which has a low net across the middle and hit a small light ball over the net, using small bats.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: table top
Meaning:
ta.ble top\n   table top  table tops   also tabletop\n  A table top is the flat surface on a table.\n  N-COUNT


Words: table wine
Meaning:
ta.ble wine\n   table wine  table wines\n  Table wine is fairly cheap wine that is drunk with meals.\n  N-MASS


Words: tableau
Meaning:
tab.leau\n   tableau  tableaux\n1. A tableau is a scene, for example from the Bible, history, or mythology, that consists of a group of people in costumes who do not speak or move. The people are sometimes on a float in a procession.\n...tableaux depicting the foundation of Barcelona.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A tableau is a piece of art such as a sculpture or painting that shows a scene, especially one from the Bible, history, or mythology.\n...Gaudi’s luxuriant stone tableau of the Nativity on the cathedral’s east face.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tablecloth
Meaning:
table.cloth\n   tablecloth  tablecloths\n  A tablecloth is a cloth used to cover a table.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tablespoon
Meaning:
table.spoon\n   tablespoon  tablespoons\n1. A tablespoon is a fairly large spoon used for serving food and in cooking.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to an amount of food resting on a tablespoon as a tablespoon of food.\n...a tablespoon of sugar.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: tablespoonful
Meaning:
table.spoon.ful\n   tablespoonful  tablespoonfuls  or tablespoonsful\n  You can refer to an amount of food resting on a tablespoon as a tablespoonful of food.\nGrate a tablespoonful of fresh ginger into a pan.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: tablet
Meaning:
tab.let\n   tablet  tablets\n1. A tablet is a small solid round mass of medicine which you swallow.\nIt is never a good idea to take sleeping tablets regularly.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n  = pill\n2. Clay tablets or stone tablets are the flat pieces of clay or stone which people used to write on before paper was invented.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\ntablets of stone: see stone


Words: tableware
Meaning:
table.ware\n   tableware\n  Tableware consists of the objects used on the table at meals, for example plates, glasses, or cutlery. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tabloid
Meaning:
tab.loid\n   tabloid  tabloids\n  A tabloid is a newspaper that has small pages, short articles, and lots of photographs. Tabloids are often considered to be less serious than other newspapers. Compare broadsheet.\n  N-COUNT


Words: taboo
Meaning:
ta.boo\n   taboo  taboos\n  If there is a taboo on a subject or activity, it is a social custom to avoid doing that activity or talking about that subject, because people find them embarrassing or offensive.\nThe topic of addiction remains something of a taboo...\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Taboo is also an adjective.\nCancer is a taboo subject and people are frightened or embarrassed to talk openly about it.\n  ADJ


Words: tabulate
Meaning:
tabu.late\n   tabulate  tabulates  tabulating  tabulated\n  To tabulate information means to arrange it in columns on a page so that it can be analysed.\nResults for the test program haven’t been tabulated.\n  VERB: V n


Words: tachograph
Meaning:
tacho.graph\n   tachograph  tachographs\n  A tachograph is a device that is put in vehicles such as lorries and coaches in order to record information such as how fast the vehicle goes, how far it travels, and the number of breaks the driver takes. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tacit
Meaning:
tac.it\n   tacit\n  If you refer to someone’s tacit agreement or approval, you mean they are agreeing to something or approving it without actually saying so, often because they are unwilling to admit to doing so.\nThe question was a tacit admission that a mistake had indeed been made...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  tac.it.ly\nHe tacitly admitted that the government had breached regulations.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: taciturn
Meaning:
taci.turn\n   taciturn\n  A taciturn person does not say very much and can seem unfriendly.\nA taciturn man, he replied to my questions in monosyllables.\n  ADJ


Words: tack
Meaning:
tack  tacks  tacking  tacked\n1. A tack is a short nail with a broad, flat head, especially one that is used for fastening carpets to the floor.\n  N-COUNT\n\nto get down to brass tacks: see brass\n  see also thumbtack\n2. If you tack something to a surface, you pin it there with tacks or drawing pins.\nHe had tacked this note to her door...\nShe had recently taken a canvas from the theater and tacked it up on the wall.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n with adv\n\n3. If you change tack or try a different tack, you try a different method for dealing with a situation.\nIn desperation I changed tack...\nThis report takes a different tack from the 20 that have come before.\n  N-SING: also no det\n  = approach\n4. If a sailing boat is tacking or if the people in it tack it, it is sailing towards a particular point in a series of sideways movements rather than in a straight line.\nWe were tacking fairly close inshore...\nThe helmsman could tack the boat singlehanded.\n  VERB: V, V n, also V n prep/adv\n\n5. If you tack pieces of material together, you sew them together with big, loose stitches in order to hold them firmly or check that they fit, before sewing them properly.\nTack them together with a 1.5 cm seam...\nTack the cord around the cushion.\n  VERB: V pl-n with together, V n prep/adv


Words: tack on
Meaning:
tack on\n  If you say that something is tacked on to something else, you think that it is added in a hurry and in an unsatisfactory way.\nThe child-care bill is to be tacked on to the budget plan now being worked out in the Senate.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P to n, also V n P


Words: tackle
Meaning:
tack.le\n   tackle  tackles  tackling  tackled\n1. If you tackle a difficult problem or task, you deal with it in a very determined or efficient way.\nThe first reason to tackle these problems is to save children’s lives...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you tackle someone in a game such as hockey or football, you try to take the ball away from them. If you tackle someone in rugby or American football, you knock them to the ground.\nFoley tackled the quarterback.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Tackle is also a noun.\n...a tackle by full-back Brian Burrows.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you tackle someone about a particular matter, you speak to them honestly about it, usually in order to get it changed or done.\nI tackled him about how anyone could live amidst so much poverty.\n  VERB: V n about wh\n  = confront\n4. If you tackle someone, you attack them and fight them.\nHe claims Pasolini overtook and tackled him, pushing him into the dirt.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. Tackle is the equipment that you need for a sport or activity, especially fishing.\n...fishing tackle.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tacky
Meaning:
tacky  tackier  tackiest\n1. If you describe something as tacky, you dislike it because it is cheap and badly made or vulgar. (INFORMAL)\n...a woman in a fake leopard-skin coat and tacky red sunglasses...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n\n2. If something such as paint or glue is tacky, it is slightly sticky and not yet dry.\nTest to see if the finish is tacky, and if it is, leave it to harden.\n  ADJ\n  = sticky


Words: taco
Meaning:
taco  tacos\n  A taco is a crispy Mexican pancake made from corn and eggs, which is folded and filled with meat, vegetables, and a spicy sauce.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tact
Meaning:
tact\n  Tact is the ability to avoid upsetting or offending people by being careful not to say or do things that would hurt their feelings.\nOn this occasion the press have not been intrusive and they have shown great tact.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = diplomacy


Words: tactful
Meaning:
tact.ful\n   tactful\n  If you describe a person or what they say as tactful you approve of them because they are careful not to offend or upset another person.\nHe had been extremely tactful in dealing with the financial question...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf  approval\n  = diplomatic\n=>  tact.ful.ly\nAlex tactfully refrained from further comment.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: tactic
Meaning:
tac.tic\n   tactic  tactics\n  Tactics are the methods that you choose to use in order to achieve what you want in a particular situation.\nWhat sort of tactics will the President use to rally the people behind him?\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: tactical
Meaning:
tac.ti.cal\n   tactical\n1. You use tactical to describe an action or plan which is intended to help someone achieve what they want in a particular situation.\nIt’s not yet clear whether the Prime Minister’s resignation offer is a serious one, or whether it’s simply a tactical move...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  tac.ti.cal.ly\nThe electorate is astute enough to vote tactically against the Government...\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV adj, ADV with cl\n\n2. Tactical weapons or forces are those which a military leader can decide for themselves to use in a battle, rather than waiting for a decision by a political leader.\nThey have removed all tactical nuclear missiles that could strike Europe.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: tactical voting
Meaning:
tac.ti.cal vot.ing\n   tactical voting\n  Tactical voting is the act of voting for a particular person or political party in order to prevent someone else from winning, rather than because you support that person or party. (BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tactician
Meaning:
tac.ti.cian\n   tactician  tacticians\n  If you say that someone is a good tactician, you mean that they are skilful at choosing the best methods in order to achieve what they want.\nHe is an extremely astute political tactician...\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: tactile
Meaning:
tac.tile\n   tactile\n1. If you describe someone as tactile, you mean that they tend to touch other people a lot when talking to them.\nThe children are very tactile with warm, loving natures.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Something such as fabric which is tactile is pleasant or interesting to touch.\nTweed is timeless, tactile and tough.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Tactile experiences or sensations are received or felt by touch. (FORMAL)\nBabies who sleep with their parents receive much more tactile stimulation than babies who sleep in a cot...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: tactless
Meaning:
tact.less\n   tactless\n  If you describe someone as tactless, you think what they say or do is likely to offend other people.\nHe had alienated many people with his tactless remarks.\n  ADJ\n  !=tactful


Words: tad
Meaning:
tad\n  You can use a tad in expressions such as a tad big or a tad small when you mean that it is slightly too big or slightly too small. (INFORMAL)\nIt was a tad confusing...\n  PHRASE: PHR adj/adv


Words: tadpole
Meaning:
tad.pole\n   tadpole  tadpoles\n  Tadpoles are small water creatures which grow into frogs or toads.\n  N-COUNT


Words: taffeta
Meaning:
taf.fe.ta\n   taffeta\n  Taffeta is shiny stiff material made of silk or nylon that is used mainly for making women’s clothes.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: taffy
Meaning:
taf.fy\n   taffy\n  Taffy is a sticky sweet that you chew. It is made by boiling sugar and butter together with water. (AM; in BRIT, use toffee)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tag
Meaning:
tag  tags  tagging  tagged\n1. A tag is a small piece of card or cloth which is attached to an object or person and has information about that object or person on it.\nStaff wore name tags.\n...baggage tags.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also dog tag, price tag\n2. An electronic tag is a device that is firmly attached to someone or something and sets off an alarm if that person or thing moves away or is removed.\nA hospital is to fit new-born babies with electronic tags to foil kidnappers...\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also electronic tagging\n3. If you tag something, you attach something to it or mark it so that it can be identified later.\nProfessor Orr has developed interesting ways of tagging chemical molecules using existing laboratory lasers...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. You can refer to a phrase that is used to describe someone or something as a tag. (JOURNALISM)\nIn Britain, jazz is losing its elitist tag and gaining a much broader audience.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = label\n5. If you tag someone in a particular way, you keep describing them using a particular phrase or thinking of them as a particular thing. (JOURNALISM)\n...the pundits were still tagging him with that age-old label, `best of a bad bunch’...\nShe has always lived in John’s house and is still tagged `Dad’s girlfriend’ by his children.\n  VERB: V n with n, be V-ed n, also V n as n, V n\n  = label\n6.\n  see also question tag


Words: tag along
Meaning:
tag along\n  If someone goes somewhere and you tag along, you go with them, especially when they have not asked you to.\nI let him tag along because he had not been too well recently...\nShe seems quite happy to tag along with them.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P with n


Words: tag line
Meaning:
tag line  tag lines   also tag-line\n  The tag line of something such as a television commercial or a joke is the phrase that comes at the end and is meant to be amusing or easy to remember.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tag on
Meaning:
tag on\n  If you tag something on, you add it. (INFORMAL)\nIt is also worth tagging on an extra day or two to see the capital...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n  = tack on


Words: Tai Chi
Meaning:
Tai Chi   also tai chi\n  Tai Chi is a type of Chinese physical exercise in which you make slow, controlled movements.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tail
Meaning:
tail  tails  tailing  tailed\n1. The tail of an animal, bird, or fish is the part extending beyond the end of its body.\n...a black dog with a long tail.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  -tailed\n...white-tailed deer.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n2. You can use tail to refer to the end or back of something, especially something long and thin.\n...the horizontal stabilizer bar on the plane’s tail...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. If a man is wearing tails, he is wearing a formal jacket which has two long pieces hanging down at the back.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n4. To tail someone means to follow close behind them and watch where they go and what they do. (INFORMAL)\nOfficers had tailed the gang from London during a major undercover inquiry...\nHe trusted her so little that he had her tailed.\n  VERB: V n, have n V-ed\n  = shadow\n5. If you toss a coin and it comes down tails, you can see the side of it that does not have a picture of a head on it.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n6. If you say that you have your tail between your legs, you are emphasizing that you feel defeated and ashamed.\nHis team retreated last night with tails tucked firmly between their legs.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, with PHR  emphasis\n\n7.\ncannot make head or tail of something: see head


Words: tail away
Meaning:
tail away   or tail off\n  When a person’s voice tails away or tails off, it gradually becomes quieter and then silent.\nHis voice tailed away in the bitter cold air...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: tail end
Meaning:
tail end   also tail-end\n  The tail end of an event, situation, or period of time is the last part of it.\nBarry had obviously come in on the tail-end of the conversation...\n  N-SING: usu N of n


Words: tail off
Meaning:
tail off\n  When something tails off, it gradually becomes less in amount or value, often before coming to an end completely.\nLast year, economic growth tailed off to below four percent...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n  see also tail away


Words: tail-light
Meaning:
tail-light  tail-lights   also taillight\n  The tail-lights on a car or other vehicle are the two red lights at the back.\n  N-COUNT\n  = rear light


Words: tailback
Meaning:
tail.back\n   tailback  tailbacks\n  A tailback is a long line of traffic stretching back along a road, which moves very slowly or not at all, for example because of road works or an accident. (BRIT; in AM, use backup)\nThe flooding led to six-mile tailbacks between west London and Heathrow Airport.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tailcoat
Meaning:
tail.coat\n   tailcoat  tailcoats   also tail coat\n  A tailcoat is a man’s coat which is short at the front with long pieces at the back. Tailcoats were popular in the 19th century and are now worn only for very formal occasions, such as weddings.\n  N-COUNT\n  = tails


Words: tailgate
Meaning:
tail.gate\n   tailgate  tailgates  tailgating  tailgated\n1. A tailgate is a door at the back of a truck or car, that is hinged at the bottom so that it opens downwards.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you tailgate someone, you drive very closely behind them.\nPerhaps the fact that the car was tailgating him made him accelerate...\nPolice pulled him over doing 120km/h, making rapid changes and tailgating.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: tailor
Meaning:
tai.lor\n   tailor  tailors  tailoring  tailored\n1. A tailor is a person whose job is to make men’s clothes.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you tailor something such as a plan or system to someone’s needs, you make it suitable for a particular person or purpose by changing the details of it.\nWe can tailor the program to the patient’s needs.\n  VERB: V n to n


Words: tailor-made
Meaning:
tailor-made\n1. If something is tailor-made, it has been specially designed for a particular person or purpose.\nEach client’s portfolio is tailor-made.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you say that someone or something is tailor-made for a particular task, purpose, or need, you are emphasizing that they are perfectly suitable for it.\nHe was tailor-made, it was said, for the task ahead...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ for n  emphasis\n\n3. Tailor-made clothes have been specially made to fit a particular person.\nHe was wearing a tweed suit that looked tailor-made.\n  ADJ


Words: tailor-make
Meaning:
tailor-make  tailor-makes  tailor-making  tailor-made\n  If someone tailor-makes something for you, they make or design it to suit your requirements.\nThe company can tailor-make your entire holiday...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  see also tailor-made


Words: tailored
Meaning:
tai.lored\n   tailored\n  Tailored clothes are designed to fit close to the body, rather than being loose.\n...a white tailored shirt.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = fitted


Words: tailpipe
Meaning:
tail.pipe\n   tailpipe  tailpipes\n  A tailpipe is the end pipe of a car’s exhaust system. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tailwind
Meaning:
tail.wind\n   tailwind  tailwinds   also tail wind\n  A tailwind is a wind that is blowing from behind an aeroplane, boat, or other vehicle, making it move faster.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=headwind


Words: taint
Meaning:
taint  taints  tainting  tainted\n1. If a person or thing is tainted by something bad or undesirable, their status or reputation is harmed because they are associated with it.\nOpposition leaders said that the elections had been tainted by corruption.\n...a series of political scandals that has tainted the political stars of a generation.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n=>  taint.ed\nHe came out only slightly tainted by telling millions of viewers he and his wife had had marital problems.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A taint is an undesirable quality which spoils the status or reputation of someone or something.\nHer government never really shook off the taint of corruption...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp\n\n3. If an unpleasant substance taints food or medicine, the food or medicine is spoiled or damaged by it.\nRancid oil will taint the flavour.\n...blood tainted with the AIDS and hepatitis viruses.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: take
Meaning:
USED WITH NOUNS DESCRIBING ACTIONS\n   take  takes  taking  took  taken\nTake is used in combination with a wide range of nouns, where the meaning of the combination is mostly given by the noun. Many of these combinations are common idiomatic expressions whose meanings can be found at the appropriate nouns. For example, the expression take care is explained at care.\n1. You can use take followed by a noun to talk about an action or event, when it would also be possible to use the verb that is related to that noun. For example, you can say `she took a shower’ instead of `she showered’.\nBetty took a photograph of us...\nI’ve never taken a holiday since starting this job...\nThere’s not enough people willing to take the risk...\n  VERB: V n, V n, V n\n\n2. In ordinary spoken or written English, people use take with a range of nouns instead of using a more specific verb. For example people often say `he took control’ or `she took a positive attitude’ instead of `he assumed control’ or `she adopted a positive attitude’.\nThe Patriotic Front took power after a three-month civil war...\nI felt it was important for women to join and take a leading role...\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\nOTHER USES\n   take  takes  taking  took  taken\n\nPlease look at category 46 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.\n1. If you take something, you reach out for it and hold it.\nHere, let me take your coat...\nColette took her by the shoulders and shook her...\nShe took her in her arms and tried to comfort her.\n  VERB: V n, V n by n, V n prep\n\n2. If you take something with you when you go somewhere, you carry it or have it with you.\nMark often took his books to Bess’s house to study...\nYou should take your passport with you when changing money...\nDon’t forget to take your camera.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n with n, V n\n\n3. If a person, vehicle, or path takes someone somewhere, they transport or lead them there.\nThe school bus takes them to school and brings them back...\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n4. If something such as a job or interest takes you to a place, it is the reason for you going there.\nHe was a poor student from Madras whose genius took him to Cambridge...\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n5. If you take something such as your problems or your business to someone, you go to that person when you have problems you want to discuss or things you want to buy.\nYou need to take your problems to a trained counsellor...\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n6. If one thing takes another to a particular level, condition, or state, it causes it to reach that level or condition.\nHer latest research takes her point further.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n7. If you take something from a place, you remove it from there.\nHe took a handkerchief from his pocket and lightly wiped his mouth...\nOpening a drawer, she took out a letter.\n  VERB: V n with prep/adv, V n with prep/adv\n\n8. If you take something from someone who owns it, you steal it or go away with it without their permission.\nHe has taken my money, and I have no chance of getting it back...\n  VERB: V n\n\n9. If an army or political party takes something or someone, they win them from their enemy or opponent.\nMarines went in, taking 15 prisoners...\n  VERB: V n\n\n10. If you take one number or amount from another, you subtract it or deduct it.\nTake off the price of the house, that’s another hundred thousand.\n  VERB: V n with adv/prep\n\n11. If you cannot take something difficult, painful, or annoying, you cannot tolerate it without becoming upset, ill, or angry.\nDon’t ever ask me to look after those kids again. I just can’t take it!...\n  VERB: no passive, usu with brd-neg, V n\n  = stand, bear\n12. If you take something such as damage or loss, you suffer it, especially in war or in a battle.\nThey have taken heavy casualties.\n  VERB: V n\n\n13. If something takes a certain amount of time, that amount of time is needed in order to do it.\nSince the roads are very bad, the journey took us a long time...\nI had heard an appeal could take years...\nThe sauce takes 25 minutes to prepare and cook...\nThe game took her less than an hour to finish...\nYou must beware of those traps.you could take all day getting out of them...\nIt takes 15 minutes to convert the plane into a car by removing the wings and the tail...\nIt had taken Masters about twenty hours to reach the house...\nIt took thirty-five seconds for the hour to strike.\n  VERB: no passive, V n n, V n, V n to-inf, V n n to-inf, V n -ing, it V n to-inf, it V n n to-inf, it V n for n to-inf\n\n14. If something takes a particular quality or thing, that quality or thing is needed in order to do it.\nAt one time, walking across the room took all her strength...\nIt takes courage to say what you think...\nIt takes a pretty bad level of performance before the teachers will criticize the students.\n  VERB: no passive, V n, it V n to-inf, it V n before cl\n  = need\n15. If you take something that is given or offered to you, you agree to accept it.\nHis sons took his advice.\n  VERB: V n\n  = accept\n16. If you take a feeling such as pleasure, pride, or delight in a particular thing or activity, the thing or activity gives you that feeling.\n(next)


Words: take .1
Meaning:
They take great pride in their heritage...\nThe government will take comfort from the latest opinion poll.\n  VERB: V n in n/-ing, V n from n/-ing\n  = derive\n17. If a shop, restaurant, theatre, or other business takes a certain amount of money, they get that amount from people buying goods or services. (mainly BRIT BUSINESS; in AM, usually use take in)\nThe firm took .100,000 in bookings.\n  VERB: V amount\n\n18. You can use take to refer to the amount of money that a business such as a store or theatre gets from selling its goods or tickets during a particular period. (mainly AM BUSINESS; in BRIT, usually use takings)\nIt added another $11.8 million to the take, for a grand total of $43 million.\n  N-SING: usu the N\n\n19. If you take a prize or medal, you win it.\n`Poison’ took first prize at the 1991 Sundance Film Festival...\n  VERB: V n\n\n20. If you take the blame, responsibility, or credit for something, you agree to accept it.\nHis brother Raoul did it, but Leonel took the blame and kept his mouth shut...\n  VERB: V n\n  = accept\n21. If you take patients or clients, you accept them as your patients or clients.\nSome universities would be forced to take more students than they wanted...\n  VERB: V n\n\n22. If you take a telephone call, you speak to someone who is telephoning you.\nDouglas telephoned Catherine at her office. She refused to take his calls.\n  VERB: V n\n\n23. If you take something in a particular way, you react in the way mentioned to a situation or to someone’s beliefs or behaviour.\nUnfortunately, no one took my messages seriously...\n  VERB: V n adv/prep\n\n24. You use take when you are discussing or explaining a particular question, in order to introduce an example or to say how the question is being considered.\nThere’s confusion and resentment, and it’s almost never expressed out in the open. Take this office, for example...\n  VERB: usu imper, V n\n  = consider\n25. If you take someone’s meaning or point, you understand and accept what they are saying.\nThey’ve turned sensible, if you take my meaning...\n  VERB: V n\n\n26. If you take someone for something, you believe wrongly that they are that thing.\nShe had taken him for a journalist...\nI naturally took him to be the owner of the estate.\n  VERB: V n for n, V n to-inf\n\n27. If you take something from among a number of things, you choose to have or buy it.\n`I’ll take the grilled tuna,’ Mary Ann told the waiter.\n  VERB: V n\n\n28. If you take a road or route, you choose to travel along it.\nFrom Wrexham centre take the Chester Road to the outskirts of town...\nThe road forked in two directions. He had obviously taken the wrong fork.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n\n\n29. If you take a car, train, bus, or plane, you use it to go from one place to another.\nIt’s the other end of the High Street. We’ll take the car, shall we?...\nShe took the train to New York every weekend...\n  VERB: V n, V n prep/adv\n\n30. If you take a subject or course at school or university, you choose to study it.\nStudents are allowed to take European history and American history.\n  VERB: V n\n\n31. If you take a test or examination, you do it in order to obtain a qualification.\nShe took her driving test in Greenford...\n  VERB: V n\n\n32. If you take someone for a subject, you give them lessons in that subject. (mainly BRIT)\nThe teacher who took us for economics was Miss Humphrey.\n  VERB: V n for n\n  = teach\n33. If someone takes drugs, pills, or other medicines, they take them into their body, for example by swallowing them.\nShe’s been taking sleeping pills...\n  VERB: V n\n\n34. If you take a note or a letter, you write down something you want to remember or the words that someone says.\nShe sat expressionless, carefully taking notes...\n  VERB: V n\n\n35. If you take a particular measurement, you use special equipment to find out what something measures.\nIf he feels hotter than normal, take his temperature.\n  VERB: V n\n\n36. If a place or container takes a particular amount or number, there is enough space for that amount or number.\n(n


Words: take .2
Meaning:
The place could just about take 2,000 people.\n  VERB: no passive, V amount\n\n37. If you take a particular size in shoes or clothes, that size fits you.\n47 per cent of women in the UK take a size 16 or above.\n  VERB: V n\n\n38. A take is a short piece of action which is filmed in one continuous process for a cinema or television film.\nShe couldn’t get it right.she never knew the lines and we had to do several takes.\n  N-COUNT\n\n39. Someone’s take on a particular situation or fact is their attitude to it or their interpretation of it.\nWhat’s your take on the new government? Do you think it can work?...\n  N-SING: N on n, usu supp N\n  = perspective\n40. You can say `I take it’ to check with someone that what you believe to be the case or what you understand them to mean is in fact the case, or is in fact what they mean.\nI take it you’re a friend of the Kellings, Mr Burr...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl, oft PHR that\n  = I presume\n41. You can say `take it from me’ to tell someone that you are absolutely sure that what you are saying is correct, and that they should believe you.\nTake it from me.this is the greatest achievement by any Formula One driver ever.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n  = believe me\n42. If you say to someone `take it or leave it’, you are telling them that they can accept something or not accept it, but that you are not prepared to discuss any other alternatives.\nA 72-hour week, 12 hours a day, six days a week, take it or leave it.\n  CONVENTION\n\n43. If someone takes an insult or attack lying down, they accept it without protesting.\nThe government is not taking such criticism lying down.\n  PHRASE: take inflects\n\n44. If something takes a lot out of you or takes it out of you, it requires a lot of energy or effort and makes you feel very tired and weak afterwards.\nHe looked tired, as if the argument had taken a lot out of him...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n45. If someone tells you to take five or to take ten, they are telling you to have a five or ten minute break from what you are doing. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n46.\nto be taken aback: see aback\nto take up arms: see arm\nto take the biscuit: see biscuit\nto take the bull by the horns: see bull\nto take your hat off to someone: see hat\nto take the mickey: see mickey\nto take the piss out of someone: see piss\nto take something as read: see read\nto be taken for a ride: see ride\nto take someone by surprise: see surprise\ntake my word for it: see word


Words: take after
Meaning:
take after\n  If you take after a member of your family, you resemble them in your appearance, your behaviour, or your character.\nTed’s always been difficult, Mr Kemp.he takes after his dad.\n  PHRASAL VERB: no passive, V P n


Words: take apart
Meaning:
take apart\n1. If you take something apart, you separate it into the different parts that it is made of.\nWhen the clock stopped, he took it apart, found what was wrong, and put the whole thing together again.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P\n  = dismantle\n2. If you take apart something such as an argument or an idea, you show what its weaknesses are, usually by analyzing it carefully.\nThey will take that problem apart and analyze it in great detail...\nHe proceeds to take apart every preconception anyone might have ever had about him.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: take away
Meaning:
take away\n1. If you take something away from someone, you remove it from them, so that they no longer possess it or have it with them.\nThey’re going to take my citizenship away...\n`Give me the knife,’ he said softly, `or I’ll take it away from you.’...\nIn prison they’d taken away his watch and everything he possessed.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V n P from n, V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If you take one number or amount away from another, you subtract one number from the other.\nAdd up the bills for each month. Take this away from the income.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P from n, also V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = subtract  !=add\n3. To take someone away means to bring them from their home to an institution such as a prison or hospital.\nTwo men claiming to be police officers called at the pastor’s house and took him away...\nSoldiers took away four people one of whom was later released.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = take off\n4.\n  see also takeaway


Words: take away from
Meaning:
take away from\n  If something takes away from an achievement, success, or quality, or takes something away from it, it makes it seem lower in value or worth than it should be.\n`It’s starting to rain again.’.`Not enough to take away from the charm of the scene.’...\nThe victory looks rather hollow. That takes nothing away from the courage and skill of the fighting forces.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P P n, V n P P n\n  = detract


Words: take back
Meaning:
take back\n1. If you take something back, you return it to the place where you bought it or where you borrowed it from, because it is unsuitable or broken, or because you have finished with it.\nIf I buy something and he doesn’t like it I’ll take it back...\nI once took back a pair of shoes that fell apart after a week.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If you take something back, you admit that something that you said or thought is wrong.\nI take it back, I think perhaps I am an extrovert...\nTake back what you said about Jeremy!\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n3. If you take someone back, you allow them to come home again, after they have gone away because of a quarrel or other problem.\nWhy did she take him back?...\nThe government has agreed to take back those people who are considered economic rather than political refugees.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n4. If you say that something takes you back, you mean that it reminds you of a period of your past life and makes you think about it again.\nI enjoyed experimenting with colours.it took me back to being five years old...\nThis takes me back.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P to n/-ing, V n P


Words: take down
Meaning:
take down\n1. If you take something down, you reach up and get it from a high place such as a shelf.\nAlberg took the portrait down from the wall...\nGil rose and went to his bookcase and took down a volume.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If you take down a structure, you remove each piece of it.\nThe Canadian army took down the barricades erected by the Indians...\nThey put up the bird table, but it got in everyone else’s way so Les tried to take it down.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  !=put up\n3. If you take down a piece of information or a statement, you write it down.\nWe’ve been trying to get back to you, Tom, but we think we took your number down incorrectly...\nI took down his comments in shorthand.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = write down


Words: take in
Meaning:
take in\n1. If you take someone in, you allow them to stay in your house or your country, especially when they do not have anywhere to stay or are in trouble.\nHe persuaded Jo to take him in...\nThe monastery has taken in 26 refugees.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If the police take someone in, they remove them from their home in order to question them.\nThe police have taken him in for questioning in connection with the murder of a girl.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, also V P n (not pron)\n\n3. If you are taken in by someone or something, you are deceived by them, so that you get a false impression of them.\nI married in my late teens and was taken in by his charm.which soon vanished...\nI know I was a naive fool to trust him but he is a real charmer who totally took me in.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V n P\n\n4. If you take something in, you pay attention to it and understand it when you hear it or read it.\nLesley explains possible treatments but you can tell she’s not taking it in...\nGazing up into his eyes, she seemed to take in all he said.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n5. If you take something in, you see all of it at the same time or with just one look.\nThe eyes behind the lenses were dark and quick-moving, taking in everything at a glance.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n6. If you take in something such as a film or a museum, you go to see it. (INFORMAL)\nI was wondering if you might want to take in a movie with me this evening.\n  PHRASAL VERB: no passive, V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n7. If people, animals, or plants take in air, drink, or food, they allow it to enter their body, usually by breathing or swallowing.\nThey will certainly need to take in plenty of liquid.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n8. If you take in a dress, jacket, or other item of clothing, you make it smaller and tighter.\nShe had taken in the grey dress so that it hugged her thin body.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  !=let out\n9. If a store, restaurant, theatre, or other business takes in a certain amount of money, they get that amount from people buying goods or services. (mainly AM BUSINESS; in BRIT, usually use take)\nThey plan to take in $1.6 billion.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P amount


Words: take off
Meaning:
take off\n1. When an aeroplane takes off, it leaves the ground and starts flying.\nWe eventually took off at 11 o’clock and arrived in Venice at 1.30.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n  !=land\n2. If something such as a product, an activity, or someone’s career takes off, it suddenly becomes very successful.\nIn 1944, he met Edith Piaf, and his career took off.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n3. If you take off or take yourself off, you go away, often suddenly and unexpectedly.\nHe took off at once and headed back to the motel...\nHe took himself off to Mexico.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V pron-refl P\n\n4. If you take a garment off, you remove it.\nHe wouldn’t take his hat off...\nShe took off her spectacles.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  !=put on\n5. If you take time off, you obtain permission not to go to work for a short period of time.\nMitchel’s schedule had not permitted him to take time off...\nShe took two days off work.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V n P n\n\n6. If you take someone off, you make them go with you to a particular place, especially when they do not want to go there.\nThe police stopped her and took her off to a police station...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P prep/adv\n  = take away\n7. If you take someone off, you imitate them and the things that they do and say, in such a way that you make other people laugh. (mainly BRIT)\nMike can take off his father to perfection.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = mimic\n8.\n  see also takeoff


Words: take on
Meaning:
take on\n1. If you take on a job or responsibility, especially a difficult one, you accept it.\nNo other organisation was able or willing to take on the job...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If something takes on a new appearance or quality, it develops that appearance or quality.\nBelieving he had only a year to live, his writing took on a feverish intensity.\n  PHRASAL VERB: no passive, V P n (not pron)\n  = assume\n3. If a vehicle such as a bus or ship takes on passengers, goods, or fuel, it stops in order to allow them to get on or to be loaded on.\nThis is a brief stop to take on passengers and water.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n4. If you take someone on, you employ them to do a job.\nHe’s spoken to a publishing firm. They’re going to take him on...\nThe party has been taking on staff, including temporary organisers.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n5. If you take someone on, you fight them or compete against them, especially when they are bigger or more powerful than you are.\nDemocrats were reluctant to take on a president whose popularity ratings were historically high...\nI knew I couldn’t take him on.\n  PHRASAL VERB: no passive, V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n6. If you take something on or upon yourself, you decide to do it without asking anyone for permission or approval.\nKnox had taken it on himself to choose the wine...\nHe took upon himself the responsibility for protecting her...\nThe President absolved his officers and took the blame upon himself.\n  PHRASAL VERB: no passive, V it P pron-refl to-inf, V P pron-refl n, V n P pron-refl


Words: take out
Meaning:
take out\n1. If you take something out, you remove it permanently from its place.\nI got an abscess so he took the tooth out...\nWhen you edit the tape you can take out the giggles.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If you take out something such as a loan, a licence, or an insurance policy, you obtain it by fulfilling the conditions and paying the money that is necessary.\nThey find a house, agree a price, and take out a mortgage through their building society.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n3. If you take someone out, they go to something such as a restaurant or theatre with you after you have invited them, and usually you pay for them.\nJessica’s grandparents took her out for the day...\nReichel took me out to lunch.\n...a father taking out his daughter for a celebratory dinner.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V n P to n, V P n (not pron)


Words: take out on
Meaning:
take out on\n  If you take something out on someone, you behave in an unpleasant way towards them because you feel angry or upset, even though this is not their fault.\nJane’s always annoying her and she takes it out on me sometimes.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P P n


Words: take over
Meaning:
take over\n1. If you take over a company, you get control of it, for example by buying its shares. (BUSINESS)\nA British newspaper says British Airways plan to take over Trans World Airways.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n2. If someone takes over a country or building, they get control of it by force, for example with the help of the army.\nThe Belgians took over Rwanda under a League of Nations mandate...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n3. If you take over a job or role or if you take over, you become responsible for the job after someone else has stopped doing it.\nHis widow has taken over the running of his empire, including six London theatres...\nIn 1966, Pastor Albertz took over from him as governing mayor...\nShe took over as chief executive of the Book Trust.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P from n, V P\n\n4. If one thing takes over from something else, it becomes more important, successful, or powerful than the other thing, and eventually replaces it.\nCars gradually took over from horses...\nWhen the final vote came, rationality took over.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P from n, V P\n\n5.\n  see also takeover


Words: take to
Meaning:
take to\n1. If you take to someone or something, you like them, especially after knowing them or thinking about them for only a short time.\nDid the children take to him?...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n\n2. If you take to doing something, you begin to do it as a regular habit.\nThey had taken to wandering through the streets arm-in-arm.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P -ing


Words: take up
Meaning:
take up\n1. If you take up an activity or a subject, you become interested in it and spend time doing it, either as a hobby or as a career.\nHe did not particularly want to take up a competitive sport...\nAngela used to be a model and has decided to take it up again.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If you take up a question, problem, or cause, you act on it or discuss how you are going to act on it.\nMost scientists who can present evidence of an environmental threat can reasonably assume that a pressure group will take up the issue...\nDr Mahathir intends to take up the proposal with the prime minister...\nIf the bank is unhelpful take it up with the Ombudsman.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P n with n, V n P with n, also V n P\n\n3. If you take up a job, you begin to work at it.\nHe will take up his post as the head of the civil courts at the end of next month.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n4. If you take up an offer or a challenge, you accept it.\nIncreasingly, more wine-makers are taking up the challenge of growing Pinot Noir...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n5. If something takes up a particular amount of time, space, or effort, it uses that amount.\nI know how busy you must be and naturally I wouldn’t want to take up too much of your time...\nA good deal of my time is taken up with reading critical essays and reviews...\nThe aim was not to take up valuable time with the usual boring pictures.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), be V-ed P with -ing, V P n with n/-ing\n\n6. If you take up a particular position, you get into a particular place in relation to something else.\nHe had taken up a position in the centre of the room...\n  PHRASAL VERB: no passive, V P n (not pron)\n\n7. If you take up something such as a task or a story, you begin doing it after it has been interrupted or after someone else has begun it.\nGerry’s wife Jo takes up the story...\n`No, no, no,’ says Damon, taking up where Dave left off.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P wh, also V n P\n\n8.\n  see also take-up


Words: take up on
Meaning:
take up on\n  If you take someone up on their offer or invitation, you accept it.\nSince she’d offered to babysit, I took her up on it.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P P n


Words: take up with
Meaning:
take up with\n  If you are taken up with something, it keeps you busy or fully occupied.\nHis mind was wholly taken up with the question.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P P n


Words: take-home pay
Meaning:
take-home pay\n  Your take-home pay is the amount of your wages or salary that is left after income tax and other payments have been subtracted. (BUSINESS)\nHe was earning .215 a week before tax: take-home pay, .170.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: take-up
Meaning:
take-up\n  Take-up is the rate at which people apply for or buy something which is offered, for example financial help from the government or shares in a company. (mainly BRIT)\n...a major campaign to increase the take-up of welfare benefits.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n


Words: takeaway
Meaning:
take.away\n   takeaway  takeaways\n1. A takeaway is a shop or restaurant which sells hot cooked food that you eat somewhere else. (BRIT; in AM, use takeout)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A takeaway is hot cooked food that you buy from a shop or restaurant and eat somewhere else. (BRIT; in AM, use takeout)\n...a Chinese takeaway.\n  N-COUNT


Words: taken
Meaning:
tak.en\n   taken\n1. Taken is the past participle of take.\n\n2. If you are taken with something or someone, you are very interested in them or attracted to them. (INFORMAL)\nShe seems very taken with the idea...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ with n


Words: takeoff
Meaning:
take.off\n   takeoff  takeoffs   also take-off\n1. Takeoff is the beginning of a flight, when an aircraft leaves the ground.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A takeoff of someone is a humorous imitation of the way in which they behave.\nThe programme was worth watching for an inspired takeoff of the Collins sisters.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu N of n


Words: takeout
Meaning:
take.out\n   takeout  takeouts\n1. A takeout is a store or restaurant which sells hot cooked food that you eat somewhere else. (AM; in BRIT, use takeaway)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A takeout or takeout food is hot cooked food which you buy from a store or restaurant and eat somewhere else. (AM; in BRIT, use takeaway)\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: takeover
Meaning:
take.over\n   takeover  takeovers\n1. A takeover is the act of gaining control of a company by buying more of its shares than anyone else. (BUSINESS)\n...the government’s takeover of the Bank of New England Corporation.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A takeover is the act of taking control of a country, political party, or movement by force.\nThere’s been a military takeover of some kind.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = coup


Words: taker
Meaning:
tak.er\n   taker  takers\n  If there are no takers for something such as an investment or a challenge, nobody is willing to accept it.\nOver 100 buyers or investors were approached, but there were no takers...\n  N-COUNT: usu with brd-neg, usu pl, oft N for n


Words: takings
Meaning:
tak.ings\n   takings\n  You can use takings to refer to the amount of money that a business such as a shop or a cinema gets from selling its goods or tickets during a particular period. (BUSINESS)\nThe pub said that their takings were fifteen to twenty thousand pounds a week.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: talcum powder
Meaning:
tal.cum pow.der\n   talcum powder\n  Talcum powder is fine powder with a pleasant smell which people put on their bodies after they have had a bath or a shower.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tale
Meaning:
tale  tales\n1. A tale is a story, often involving magic or exciting events.\n...a collection of stories, poems and folk tales...\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n\n2. You can refer to an interesting, exciting, or dramatic account of a real event as a tale.\nThe media have been filled with tales of horror and loss resulting from Monday’s earthquake.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n\n  = story\n3.\n  see also fairy tale, old wives’ tale, tall tale\n4. If you survive a dangerous or frightening experience and so are able to tell people about it afterwards, you can say that you lived to tell the tale.\nYou lived to tell the tale this time but who knows how far you can push your luck.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n5. If someone tells tales about you, they tell other people things about you which are untrue or which you wanted to be kept secret.\nI hesitated, not wanting to tell tales about my colleague.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n  see also tell-tale


Words: talent
Meaning:
tal.ent\n   talent  talents\n  Talent is the natural ability to do something well.\nThe player was given hardly any opportunities to show off his talents...\nHe’s got lots of talent.\n  N-VAR: oft N for n\n\n  see also talent show


Words: talent scout
Meaning:
tal.ent scout\n   talent scout  talent scouts\n  A talent scout is someone whose job is to find people who have talent, for example as actors, footballers, or musicians, so that they can be offered work.\n  N-COUNT


Words: talent show
Meaning:
tal.ent show\n   talent show  talent shows\n  A talent show, talent competition, or talent contest is a show where ordinary people perform an act on stage, usually in order to try to win a prize for the best performance.\n  N-COUNT


Words: talented
Meaning:
tal.ent.ed\n   talented\n  Someone who is talented has a natural ability to do something well.\nHoward is a talented pianist...\n  ADJ\n  = gifted


Words: talisman
Meaning:
tal.is.man\n   talisman  talismans\n  A talisman is an object which you believe has magic powers to protect you or bring you luck.\n  N-COUNT\n  = charm


Words: talk
Meaning:
talk  talks  talking  talked\n1. When you talk, you use spoken language to express your thoughts, ideas, or feelings.\nHe was too distressed to talk...\nThe boys all began to talk at once...\n  VERB: V, V\n\n  Talk is also a noun.\nThat’s not the kind of talk one usually hears from accountants.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you talk to someone, you have a conversation with them. You can also say that two people talk.\nWe talked and laughed a great deal...\nI talked to him yesterday...\nWhen she came back, they were talking about American food...\nCan’t you see I’m talking? Don’t interrupt.\n  V-RECIP: pl-n V, V to/with n, pl-n V about n, V (non-recip), also V to n about n\n\n  Talk is also a noun.\nWe had a long talk about her father, Tony, who was a friend of mine.\n  N-COUNT\n  = conversation\n3. If you talk to someone, you tell them about the things that are worrying you. You can also say that two people talk.\nYour first step should be to talk to a teacher or school counselor...\nWe need to talk alone...\nDo ring if you want to talk about it...\nI have to sort some things out. We really needed to talk.\n  V-RECIP: V to n, pl-n V, V about n (non-recip), V (non-recip)\n\n  Talk is also a noun.\nI think it’s time we had a talk.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you talk on or about something, you make an informal speech telling people what you know or think about it.\nShe will talk on the issues she cares passionately about including education and nursery care...\nHe intends to talk to young people about the dangers of AIDS.\n  VERB: V on/about n, V to n\n  = speak\n  Talk is also a noun.\nA guide gives a brief talk on the history of the site...\n  N-COUNT: oft N on/about n\n\n5. Talks are formal discussions intended to produce an agreement, usually between different countries or between employers and employees.\nTalks between striking railway workers and the Polish government have broken down...\n  N-PLURAL: oft N with/between n, N on/about n\n\n6. If one group of people talks to another, or if two groups talk, they have formal discussions in order to do a deal or produce an agreement.\nWe’re talking to some people about opening an office in London...\nThe company talked with many potential investors...\nIt triggered broad speculation that GM and Jaguar might be talking.\n  V-RECIP: V to n about n/-ing, V with/to n, pl-n V\n\n7. When different countries or different sides in a dispute talk, or talk to each other, they discuss their differences in order to try and settle the dispute.\nThe Foreign Minister said he was ready to talk to any country that had no hostile intentions...\nThey are collecting information in preparation for the day when the two sides sit down and talk...\nJohn Reid has to find a way to make both sides talk to each other...\nThe speed with which the two sides came to the negotiating table shows that they are ready to talk.\n  V-RECIP: V to n, pl-n V, V to/with pron-recip, V (non-recip)\n\n8. If people are talking about another person or are talking, they are discussing that person.\nEveryone is talking about him...\nPeople will talk, but you have to get on with your life.\n  VERB: V about/of n, V\n\n  Talk is also a noun.\nThere has been a lot of talk about me getting married...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N about/of n/-ing, N that\n\n9. If someone talks when they are being held by police or soldiers, they reveal important or secret information, usually unwillingly.\nThey’ll talk, they’ll implicate me.\n  VERB: V\n\n10. If you talk a particular language or talk with a particular accent, you use that language or have that accent when you speak.\nYou don’t sound like a foreigner talking English...\nThey were amazed that I was talking in an Irish accent.\n  VERB: no passive, V n, V prep/adv\n\n11. If you talk something such as politics or sport, you discuss it.\nThe guests were mostly middle-aged men talking business.\n  VERB: no passive, V n\n\n(next)


Words: talk .1
Meaning:
12. You can use talk to say what you think of the ideas that someone is expressing. For example, if you say that someone is talking sense, you mean that you think the opinions they are expressing are sensible.\nYou must admit George, you’re talking absolute rubbish.\n  VERB: V n\n\n13. You can say that you are talking a particular thing to draw attention to your topic or to point out a characteristic of what you are discussing. (SPOKEN)\nWe’re talking megabucks this time.\n  VERB: no passive, V n\n\n14. If you say that something such as an idea or threat is just talk, or all talk, you mean that it does not mean or matter much, because people are exaggerating about it or do not really intend to do anything about it.\nHas much of this actually been tried here? Or is it just talk?...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n15. You can say talk about before mentioning a particular expression or situation, when you mean that something is a very striking or clear example of that expression or situation. (INFORMAL)\nTook us quite a while to get here, didn’t it? Talk about Fate moving in a mysterious way!...\n  PHRASE: PHR n/-ing  emphasis\n\n16. You can use the expression talking of to introduce a new topic that you want to discuss, and to link it to something that has already been mentioned.\nBelvoir Farms produce a delicious elderflower tea. Talking of elderflower, you might wish to try Elderflower Champagne.\n  PHRASE: PHR n/-ing\n\n17.\nto talk shop: see shop


Words: talk back
Meaning:
talk back\n  If you talk back to someone in authority such as a parent or teacher, you answer them in a rude way.\nHow dare you talk back to me!...\nI talked back and asked questions.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P to n, V P


Words: talk down
Meaning:
talk down\n1. To talk down someone who is flying an aircraft in an emergency means to give them instructions so that they can land safely.\nThe pilot began to talk him down by giving instructions over the radio.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P\n\n2. If someone talks down a particular thing, they make it less interesting, valuable, or likely than it originally seemed.\nThey even blame the government for talking down the nation’s fourth biggest industry...\nBusinessmen are tired of politicians talking the economy down.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  !=talk up


Words: talk down to
Meaning:
talk down to\n  If you say that someone talks down to you, you disapprove of the way they talk to you, treating you as if you are not very intelligent or not very important.\nShe was a gifted teacher who never talked down to her students.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P P n\n  = patronize


Words: talk into
Meaning:
talk into\n  If you talk a person into doing something they do not want to do, especially something wrong or stupid, you persuade them to do it.\nHe talked me into marrying him. He also talked me into having a baby...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P -ing\n  !=talk out of


Words: talk out
Meaning:
talk out\n  If you talk out something such as a problem, you discuss it thoroughly in order to settle it.\nTalking things out with someone else can be helpful...\nTalk out your problems. Do not keep them bottled up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = talk through


Words: talk out of
Meaning:
talk out of\n  If you talk someone out of doing something they want or intend to do, you persuade them not to do it.\nMy mother tried to talk me out of getting a divorce...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P P -ing\n  !=talk into


Words: talk over
Meaning:
talk over\n  If you talk something over, you discuss it thoroughly and honestly.\nHe always talked things over with his friends...\nWe should go somewhere quiet, and talk it over...\nTalk over problems, don’t bottle them up inside.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P with n, V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: talk round
Meaning:
talk round\n  If you talk someone round, you persuade them to change their mind so that they agree with you, or agree to do what you want them to do (in AM, usually use talk around)\nHe went to the house to try to talk her round...\nIt advises salesmen to talk round reluctant customers over a cup of tea.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: talk show
Meaning:
talk show  talk shows   also talk-show\n  A talk show is a television or radio show in which famous people talk to each other in an informal way and are asked questions about different topics.\n  N-COUNT\n  = chat show


Words: talk through
Meaning:
talk through\n1. If you talk something through with someone, you discuss it with them thoroughly.\nHe and I have talked through this whole tricky problem...\nNow her children are grown-up and she has talked through with them what happened...\nIt had all seemed so simple when they’d talked it through, so logical...\nHe had talked it through with Judith.\n  PHRASAL VERB: pl-n V P n (not pron), V P with n n, pl-n V n P, V n P with n\n\n2. If someone talks you through something that you do not know, they explain it to you carefully.\nNow she must talk her sister through the process a step at a time.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n


Words: talk up
Meaning:
talk up\n1. If someone talks up a particular thing, they make it sound more interesting, valuable, or likely than it originally seemed.\nPoliticians accuse the media of talking up the possibility of a riot...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n2. To talk someone or something up in negotiations means to persuade someone to pay more money than they originally offered or wanted to. (mainly BRIT)\nClarke kept talking the price up, while Wilkinson kept knocking it down.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, also V P n (not pron)


Words: talkative
Meaning:
talka.tive\n   talkative\n  Someone who is talkative talks a lot.\nHe suddenly became very talkative, his face slightly flushed, his eyes much brighter.\n  ADJ


Words: talker
Meaning:
talk.er\n   talker  talkers\n  You can use talker to refer to someone when you are considering how much they talk, or how good they are at talking to people.\n...a fluent talker.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: talkie
Meaning:
talkie  talkies\n  A talkie is a cinema film made with sound, as opposed to a silent film. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: talking head
Meaning:
talk.ing head\n   talking head  talking heads\n  Talking heads are people who appear in television discussion programmes and interviews to give their opinions about a topic. (JOURNALISM)\n  N-COUNT\n  = pundit


Words: talking point
Meaning:
talk.ing point\n   talking point  talking points\n  A talking point is an interesting subject for discussion or argument.\nIt’s bound to be the main talking point during discussions between the Prime Minister and the President.\n  N-COUNT


Words: talking shop
Meaning:
talk.ing shop\n   talking shop  talking shops\n  If you say that a conference or a committee is just a talking shop, you disapprove of it because nothing is achieved as a result of what is discussed. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: talking-to
Meaning:
talking-to\n  If you give someone a talking-to, you speak to them severely, usually about something unacceptable that they have done, in order to show them they were wrong. (INFORMAL)\n  N-SING: a N


Words: tall
Meaning:
tall  taller  tallest\n1. Someone or something that is tall has a greater height than is normal or average.\nBeing tall can make you feel incredibly self-confident...\nThe windows overlooked a lawn of tall waving grass.\n  ADJ\n\n2. You use tall to ask or talk about the height of someone or something.\nHow tall are you?...\nI’m only 5ft tall, and I look younger than my age...\n  ADJ: how ADJ, amount ADJ, as ADJ as, ADJ-compar than\n\n3. If something is a tall order, it is very difficult.\nFinancing your studies may seem like a tall order, but there is plenty of help available.\n  PHRASE: N inflects, v-link PHR\n\n4. If you say that someone walks tall, you mean that they behave in a way that shows that they have pride in themselves and in what they are doing.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: tall ship
Meaning:
tall ship  tall ships\n  A tall ship is a sailing ship which has very tall masts and square sails.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tall tale
Meaning:
tall tale  tall tales\n  A tall tale is a long and complicated story that is difficult to believe because most of the events it describes seem unlikely or impossible.\n...the imaginative tall tales of sailors.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tallow
Meaning:
tal.low\n   tallow\n  Tallow is hard animal fat that is used for making candles and soap.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tally
Meaning:
tal.ly\n   tally  tallies  tallying  tallied\n1. A tally is a record of amounts or numbers which you keep changing and adding to as the activity which affects it progresses.\nThey do not keep a tally of visitors to the palace, but it is very popular...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N of n\n\n2. If one number or statement tallies with another, they agree with each other or are exactly the same. You can also say that two numbers or statements tally.\nIts own estimate of three hundred tallies with that of another survey...\nThe figures didn’t seem to tally.\n  V-RECIP: V with n, pl-n V\n  = correspond\n3. If you tally numbers, items, or totals, you count them.\n...as we tally the number of workers who have been laid off this year...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Tally up means the same as tally.\nBookkeepers haven’t yet tallied up the total cost.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: Talmud
Meaning:
Tal.mud\n   Talmud\n  The Talmud is the collection of ancient Jewish laws which governs the religious and non-religious life of Orthodox Jews.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: tamarind
Meaning:
tama.rind\n   tamarind  tamarinds\n  A tamarind is a fruit which grows on a tropical evergreen tree which has pleasant-smelling flowers. You can also refer to the tree on which this fruit grows as a tamarind.\n  N-VAR


Words: tamarisk
Meaning:
tama.risk\n   tamarisk  tamarisks\n  A tamarisk is a bush or small tree which grows mainly around the Mediterranean and in Asia, and has pink or white flowers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tambourine
Meaning:
tam.bou.rine\n   tambourine  tambourines\n  A tambourine is a musical instrument which you shake or hit with your hand. It consists of a drum skin on a circular frame with pairs of small round pieces of metal all around the edge.\n  N-COUNT: oft the N


Words: tame
Meaning:
tame  tamer  tamest  tames  taming  tamed\n1. A tame animal or bird is one that is not afraid of humans.\nThe deer never became tame; they would run away if you approached them.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you say that something or someone is tame, you are criticizing them for being weak and uninteresting, rather than forceful or shocking.\nSome of today’s political demonstrations look rather tame...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  tame.ly\nThere was no excuse though when Thomas shot tamely wide from eight yards.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. If someone tames a wild animal or bird, they train it not to be afraid of humans and to do what they say.\nThe Amazons were believed to have been the first to tame horses.\n  VERB: V n


Words: tamoxifen
Meaning:
ta.moxi.fen\n   tamoxifen\n  Tamoxifen is a drug that is used for treating women who have breast cancer.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tamp
Meaning:
tamp  tamps  tamping  tamped\n  If you tamp something, you press it down by tapping it several times so that it becomes flatter and more solid.\nThen I tamp down the soil with the back of a rake...\nPhilpott tamped a wad of tobacco into his pipe.\n  VERB: V n with adv, V n prep/adv, also V n


Words: tamper
Meaning:
tam.per\n   tamper  tampers  tampering  tampered\n  If someone tampers with something, they interfere with it or try to change it when they have no right to do so.\nI don’t want to be accused of tampering with the evidence...\n  VERB: V with n


Words: tampon
Meaning:
tam.pon\n   tampon  tampons\n  A tampon is a tube made of cotton wool that a woman puts inside her vagina in order to absorb blood during menstruation.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tan
Meaning:
tan  tans  tanning  tanned\n1. If you have a tan, your skin has become darker than usual because you have been in the sun.\nShe is tall and blonde, with a permanent tan.\n  N-SING: usu a N\n  = suntan\n2. If a part of your body tans or if you tan it, your skin becomes darker than usual because you spend a lot of time in the sun.\nI have very pale skin that never tans...\nLeigh rolled over on her stomach to tan her back.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  tanned\nTheir skin was tanned and glowing from their weeks at the sea.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Something that is tan is a light brown colour.\n...a tan leather jacket.\n  COLOUR\n\n4. To tan animal skins means to make them into leather by treating them with tannin or other chemicals.\n...the process of tanning animal hides.\n  VERB: V n


Words: tandem
Meaning:
tan.dem\n   tandem  tandems\n1. A tandem is a bicycle designed for two riders, on which one rider sits behind the other.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If one thing happens or is done in tandem with another thing, the two things happen at the same time.\nMalcolm’s contract will run in tandem with his existing one.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, oft PHR with n\n\n3. If one person does something in tandem with another person, the two people do it by working together.\nHe is working in tandem with officials of the Serious Fraud Office.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, oft PHR with n


Words: tandoori
Meaning:
tan.doori\n   tandoori\n  Tandoori dishes are Indian meat dishes which are cooked in a clay oven.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: tang
Meaning:
tang\n  A tang is a strong, sharp smell or taste.\nShe could smell the salty tang of the sea.\n  N-SING


Words: tangent
Meaning:
tan.gent\n   tangent  tangents\n1. A tangent is a line that touches the edge of a curve or circle at one point, but does not cross it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone goes off at a tangent, they start saying or doing something that is not directly connected with what they were saying or doing before.\nThe conversation went off at a tangent.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect


Words: tangential
Meaning:
tan.gen.tial\n   tangential\n1. If you describe something as tangential, you mean that it has only a slight or indirect connection with the thing you are concerned with, and is therefore not worth considering seriously. (FORMAL)\nToo much time was spent discussing tangential issues...\n  ADJ\n\n2. If something is tangential to something else, it is at a tangent to it.\n...point T, where the demand curve is tangential to the straight line L.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n


Words: tangible
Meaning:
tan.gible\n   tangible\n  If something is tangible, it is clear enough or definite enough to be easily seen, felt, or noticed.\nThere should be some tangible evidence that the economy is starting to recover...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  tan.gibly\nThis tangibly demonstrated that the world situation could be improved.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: tangle
Meaning:
tan.gle\n   tangle  tangles  tangling  tangled\n1. A tangle of something is a mass of it twisted together in an untidy way.\nA tangle of wires is all that remains of the computer and phone systems...\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. If something is tangled or tangles, it becomes twisted together in an untidy way.\nAnimals get tangled in fishing nets and drown...\nShe tried to kick the pajamas loose, but they were tangled in the satin sheet...\nHer hair tends to tangle...\nHe suggested that tangling fishing gear should be made a criminal offence.\n  VERB: get/be V-ed in n, V-ed, V, V n, also get/be V-ed\n\n3. You can refer to a confusing or complicated situation as a tangle.\nI was thinking what a tangle we had got ourselves into.\n  N-SING: oft N of n\n\n4. If ideas or situations are tangled, they become confused and complicated.\nThe themes get tangled in Mr. Mahfouz’s epic storytelling...\nYou are currently in a muddle where financial and emotional concerns are tangled together.\n  VERB: usu passive, get/be V-ed, V-ed\n\n=>  tan.gled\nHis personal life has become more tangled than ever.\n  ADJ


Words: tangle up
Meaning:
tangle up\n1. If a person or thing is tangled up in something such as wire or ropes, they are caught or trapped in it.\nSheep kept getting tangled up in it and eventually the wire was removed...\nThe teeth are like razors. Once you get tangled up it will never let you go.\n  PHRASAL VERB: usu passive, get/be V-ed P in n, get/be V-ed P\n\n2. If you are tangled up in a complicated or unpleasant situation, you are involved in it and cannot get free of it.\nPoliticians normally avoid getting tangled up in anything to do with their electorate’s savings.\n  PHRASAL VERB: usu passive, get/be V-ed P in/with n\n\n=>  tan.gled up\nFor many days now Buddy and Joe had appeared to be more and more tangled up in secrets.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: tango
Meaning:
tan.go\n   tango  tangos  tangoing  tangoed\n1. The tango is a South American dance in which two people hold each other closely, walk quickly in one direction, then walk quickly back again.\n  N-SING: usu the N\n\n2. A tango is a piece of music intended for tango dancing.\nA tango was playing on the jukebox...\nThe sounds of tango filled the air.\n  N-VAR\n\n3. If you tango, you dance the tango.\nThey can rock and roll, they can tango, but they can’t bop.\n  VERB: V\n\n4.\nit takes two to tango: see two


Words: tangy
Meaning:
tangy  tangier  tangiest\n  A tangy flavour or smell is one that is sharp, especially a flavour like that of lemon juice or a smell like that of sea air.\n  ADJ


Words: tank
Meaning:
tank  tanks\n1. A tank is a large container for holding liquid or gas.\n...an empty fuel tank...\nTwo water tanks provide a total capacity of 400 litres.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n2. A tank is a large military vehicle that is equipped with weapons and moves along on metal tracks that are fitted over the wheels.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3.\n  see also septic tank, think-tank


Words: tank top
Meaning:
tank top  tank tops\n1. A tank top is a knitted piece of clothing that covers the upper part of your body and has no sleeves. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A tank top is a soft cotton shirt with no sleeves, collar, or buttons. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tankard
Meaning:
tank.ard\n   tankard  tankards\n  A tankard is a large metal cup with a handle, which you can drink beer from.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  A tankard of beer is an amount of it contained in a tankard.\n...a tankard of ale.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: tanked
Meaning:
tanked\n  If someone is tanked, or in British English tanked up, they are drunk. (INFORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: tanker
Meaning:
tank.er\n   tanker  tankers\n1. A tanker is a very large ship used for transporting large quantities of gas or liquid, especially oil.\nA Greek oil tanker has run aground.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N, also by N\n\n2. A tanker is a large truck, railway vehicle, or aircraft used for transporting large quantities of a substance.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N, also by N


Words: tanner
Meaning:
tan.ner\n   tanner  tanners\n  A tanner is someone whose job is making leather from animal skins.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tannin
Meaning:
tan.nin\n   tannin\n  Tannin is a yellow or brown chemical that is found in plants such as tea. It is used in the process of making leather and in dyeing.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Tannoy
Meaning:
Tan.noy\n   Tannoy\n  A Tannoy is a system of loudspeakers used to make public announcements, for example at a fair or at a sports stadium. (TRADEMARK) (BRIT; in AM, use public address system)\n  N-SING: oft over N


Words: tantalize
Meaning:
tan.ta.lize\n   tantalize  tantalizes  tantalizing  tantalized\nin BRIT, also use tantalise\n  If someone or something tantalizes you, they make you feel hopeful and excited about getting what you want, usually before disappointing you by not letting you have what they appeared to offer.\n...the dreams of democracy that have so tantalized them.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  tan.ta.liz.ing\nA tantalising aroma of roast beef fills the air.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  tan.ta.liz.ing.ly\nShe went away disappointed after getting tantalisingly close to breaking the record...\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v, ADV with cl


Words: tantamount
Meaning:
tan.ta.mount\n   tantamount\n  If you say that one thing is tantamount to a second, more serious thing, you are emphasizing how bad, unacceptable, or unfortunate the first thing is by comparing it to the second. (FORMAL)\nWhat Bracey is saying is tantamount to heresy...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n/-ing  emphasis


Words: tantric
Meaning:
tan.tric\n   tantric   also Tantric\n  Tantric is used to describe things relating to or connected with a particular movement in Buddhism and Hinduism.\n...tantric yoga.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: tantrum
Meaning:
tan.trum\n   tantrum  tantrums\n  If a child has a tantrum, they lose their temper in a noisy and uncontrolled way. If you say that an adult is throwing a tantrum, you are criticizing them for losing their temper and acting in a childish way.\nHe immediately threw a tantrum, screaming and stomping up and down like a child.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: Taoiseach
Meaning:
Taoi.seach\n   Taoiseach\n  The prime minister of the Republic of Ireland is called the Taoiseach.\n  N-SING: usu the N


Words: Taoism
Meaning:
Tao.ism\n   Taoism\n  Taoism is a Chinese religious philosophy which believes that people should lead a simple honest life and not interfere with the course of natural events.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tap
Meaning:
tap  taps  tapping  tapped\n1. A tap is a device that controls the flow of a liquid or gas from a pipe or container, for example on a sink. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use faucet)\nShe turned on the taps.\n...a cold-water tap...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you tap something, you hit it with a quick light blow or a series of quick light blows.\nHe tapped the table to still the shouts of protest...\nGrace tapped on the bedroom door and went in...\n  VERB: V n, V adv/prep\n\n  Tap is also a noun.\nA tap on the door interrupted him and Sally Pierce came in.\n  N-COUNT: usu N on/at n\n\n3. If you tap your fingers or feet, you make a regular pattern of sound by hitting a surface lightly and repeatedly with them, especially while you are listening to music.\nThe song’s so catchy it makes you bounce round the living room or tap your feet.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you tap a resource or situation, you make use of it by getting from it something that you need or want.\nHe owes his election to having tapped deep public disillusion with professional politicians...\nThe company is tapping shareholders for .15.8 million...\nThe Campbell Soup Company says it will try to tap into Japan’s rice market.\n  VERB: V n, V n for n, V into n\n\n5. If someone taps your telephone, they attach a special device to the line so that they can secretly listen to your conversations.\nThe government passed laws allowing the police to tap telephones...\n  VERB: V n\n  = bug\n  see also phone-tapping, wiretap\n  Tap is also a noun.\nHe assured MPs that ministers and MPs were not subjected to phone taps.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n6. If drinks are on tap, they come from a tap rather than from a bottle.\nFiltered water is always on tap, making it very convenient to use.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\n7. If something is on tap, you can have as much of it as you want whenever you want. (INFORMAL)\nThe advantage of group holidays is company on tap but time alone if you want it.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: tap dancer
Meaning:
tap danc.er\n   tap dancer  tap dancers\n  A tap dancer is a dancer who does tap dancing.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tap dancing
Meaning:
tap danc.ing\n   tap dancing   also tap-dancing\n  Tap dancing is a style of dancing in which the dancers wear special shoes with pieces of metal on the heels and toes. The shoes make loud sharp sounds as the dancers move their feet.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tap water
Meaning:
tap wa.ter\n   tap water\n  Tap water is the water that comes out of a tap in a building such as a house or a hotel.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tapas
Meaning:
tap.as\n   tapas\n  In Spain, tapas are small plates of food that are served with drinks or before a main meal.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: tape
Meaning:
tape  tapes  taping  taped\n1. Tape is a narrow plastic strip covered with a magnetic substance. It is used to record sounds, pictures, and computer information.\nMany students declined to be interviewed on tape.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft on N\n\n2. A tape is a cassette or spool with magnetic tape wound round it.\nShe still listens to the tapes I made her.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you tape music, sounds, or television pictures, you record them using a tape recorder or a video recorder.\nShe has just taped an interview...\nHe shouldn’t be taping without the singer’s permission.\n...taped evidence from prisoners.\n  VERB: V n, V, V-ed\n\n4. A tape is a strip of cloth used to tie things together or to identify who a piece of clothing belongs to.\nThe books were all tied up with tape.\n  N-VAR\n\n5. A tape is a ribbon that is stretched across the finishing line of a race.\n...the finishing tape.\n  N-COUNT: supp N\n\n6. Tape is a sticky strip of plastic used for sticking things together.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n7. If you tape one thing to another, you attach it using sticky tape.\nI taped the base of the feather onto the velvet...\nThe envelope has been tampered with and then taped shut again.\n  VERB: V n onto/to n, be V-ed adj\n\n8.\n  see also magnetic tape, masking tape, red tape, sticky tape, videotape


Words: tape deck
Meaning:
tape deck  tape decks   also tape-deck\n  A tape deck is the machine on which you can play or record cassette tapes.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tape measure
Meaning:
tape meas.ure\n   tape measure  tape measures\n  A tape measure is a strip of metal, plastic, or cloth which has numbers marked on it and is used for measuring.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tape recorder
Meaning:
tape re.cord.er\n   tape recorder  tape recorders   also tape-recorder\n  A tape recorder is a machine used for recording and playing music, speech, or other sounds.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tape recording
Meaning:
tape re.cord.ing\n   tape recording  tape recordings\n  A tape recording is a recording of sounds that has been made on tape.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: tape streamer
Meaning:
tape stream.er\n   tape streamer tape streamers\n  A tape streamer is a piece of computer equipment that you use for copying data from a hard disk onto magnetic tape for security or storage. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tape-record
Meaning:
tape-record  tape-records  tape-recording  tape-recorded   also tape record\n  If you tape-record speech, music, or another kind of sound, you record it on tape, using a tape recorder or a tape deck.\nThe conversation was tape-recorded and played in court.\n...a tape-recorded interview.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V-ed\n  = tape


Words: taper
Meaning:
ta.per\n   taper  tapers  tapering  tapered\n1. If something tapers, or if you taper it, it becomes gradually thinner at one end.\nUnlike other trees, it doesn’t taper very much. It stays fat all the way up...\nTaper the shape of your eyebrows towards the outer corners.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  ta.pered\n...the elegantly tapered legs of the dressing-table.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If something tapers or is tapered, it gradually becomes reduced in amount, number, or size until it is greatly reduced.\nThere are signs that inflation is tapering...\nIf you take these drugs continuously, withdrawal must be tapered.\n  VERB: V, be V-ed\n\n  Taper off means the same as taper.\nImmigration is expected to taper off...\nI suggested that we start to taper off the counseling sessions.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n3. A taper is a long, thin candle or a thin wooden strip that is used for lighting fires.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tapestry
Meaning:
tap.es.try\n   tapestry  tapestries\n1. A tapestry is a large piece of heavy cloth with a picture sewn on it using coloured threads.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. You can refer to something as a tapestry when it is made up of many varied types of people or things. (LITERARY)\nHedgerows and meadows are thick with a tapestry of wild flowers.\n  N-COUNT: with supp


Words: tapeworm
Meaning:
tape.worm\n   tapeworm  tapeworms\n  A tapeworm is a long, flat parasite which lives in the stomach and intestines of animals or people.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tapioca
Meaning:
tapio.ca\n   tapioca\n  Tapioca is a food consisting of white grains, rather like rice, which come from the cassava plant.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tar
Meaning:
tar  tars  tarring  tarred\n1. Tar is a thick black sticky substance that is used especially for making roads.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Tar is one of the poisonous substances contained in tobacco.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If some people in a group behave badly and if people then wrongly think that all of the group is equally bad, you can say that the whole group is tarred with the same brush.\nI am a football supporter and I have to often explain that I’m not one of the hooligan sort because we’ll all get tarred with the same brush when there’s trouble.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n4.\n  see also tarred


Words: taramasalata
Meaning:
ta.ra.ma.sa.la.ta\n   taramasalata\n  Taramasalata is a pink creamy food made from the eggs of a fish such as cod or mullet. It is usually eaten at the beginning of a meal.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tarantula
Meaning:
ta.ran.tu.la\n   tarantula  tarantulas\n  A tarantula is a large hairy spider which has a poisonous bite.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tardy
Meaning:
tar.dy\n   tardy  tardier  tardiest\n1. If you describe something or someone as tardy, you think that they are later than they should be or later than expected. (LITERARY)\nHe wept for the loss of his mother and his tardy recognition of her affection...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  tar.di.ness\nHis legendary tardiness left audiences waiting for hours.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you describe someone or something as tardy, you are criticizing them because they are slow to act.\n...companies who are tardy in paying bills...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ in -ing  disapproval\n\n=>  tar.di.ness\n...England’s tardiness in giving talented young players greater international experience.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N in -ing


Words: target
Meaning:
tar.get\n   target  targets  targeting  or targetting targeted  or targetted\n1. A target is something at which someone is aiming a weapon or other object.\nThe missiles missed their target...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A target is a result that you are trying to achieve.\nHe’s won back his place too late to achieve his target of 20 goals this season.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. To target a particular person or thing means to decide to attack or criticize them.\nHe targets the economy as the root cause of the deteriorating law and order situation.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Target is also a noun.\nIn the past they have been the target of racist abuse...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of/for n\n\n4. If you target a particular group of people, you try to appeal to those people or affect them.\nThe campaign will target American insurance companies...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Target is also a noun.\nYuppies are a prime target group for marketing strategies.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If someone or something is on target, they are making good progress and are likely to achieve the result that is wanted.\nWe were still right on target for our deadline.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: target market
Meaning:
tar.get mar.ket\n   target market target markets\n  A target market is a market in which a company is trying to sell its products or services. (BUSINESS)\nWe decided that we needed to change our target market from the over-45s to the 35-45s.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tariff
Meaning:
tar.iff\n   tariff  tariffs\n1. A tariff is a tax that a government collects on goods coming into a country. (BUSINESS)\nAmerica wants to eliminate tariffs on items such as electronics.\n  N-COUNT: oft N on n\n\n2. A tariff is the rate at which you are charged for public services such as gas and electricity, or for accommodation and services in a hotel. (BRIT FORMAL)\nThe daily tariff includes accommodation and unlimited use of the pool and gymnasium.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: tarmac
Meaning:
tar.mac\n   tarmac\n1. Tarmac is a material used for making road surfaces, consisting of crushed stones mixed with tar. (TRADEMARK) (BRIT; in AM, usually use blacktop)\n...a strip of tarmac.\n...tarmac paths.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The tarmac is an area with a surface made of tarmac, especially the area from which planes take off at an airport.\nStanding on the tarmac were two American planes.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: tarnish
Meaning:
tar.nish\n   tarnish  tarnishes  tarnishing  tarnished\n1. If you say that something tarnishes someone’s reputation or image, you mean that it causes people to have a worse opinion of them than they would otherwise have had.\nThe affair could tarnish the reputation of the prime minister...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  tar.nished\nHe says he wants to improve the tarnished image of his country.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If a metal tarnishes or if something tarnishes it, it becomes stained and loses its brightness.\nIt never rusts or tarnishes...\nWear cotton gloves when cleaning silver, because the acid in your skin can tarnish the metal.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  tar.nished\n...its brown surfaces of tarnished brass.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Tarnish is a substance which forms of the surface of some metals and which stains them or causes them to lose their brightness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Tarot
Meaning:
Ta.rot\n   Tarot\n  The Tarot is a pack of cards with pictures on them that is used to predict what will happen to people in the future. Tarot is also used to refer to the system of predicting people’s futures using these cards.\n...tarot cards.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also the N, oft N n


Words: tarp
Meaning:
tarp  tarps\n  A tarp is a sheet of heavy waterproof material that is used as a protective cover. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use tarpaulin)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tarpaulin
Meaning:
tar.pau.lin\n   tarpaulin  tarpaulins\n1. Tarpaulin is a fabric made of canvas or similar material coated with tar, wax, paint, or some other waterproof substance.\n...a piece of tarpaulin.\n...tarpaulin covers.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. A tarpaulin is a sheet of heavy waterproof material that is used as a protective cover.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tarragon
Meaning:
tar.ra.gon\n   tarragon\n  Tarragon is a European herb with narrow leaves which are used to add flavour to food.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tarry
Meaning:
tar.ry\n   tarry tarries  tarrying  tarried\nThe verb is pronounced   The adjective is pronounced\n1. If you tarry somewhere, you stay there longer than you meant to and delay leaving. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nTwo old boys tarried on the street corner discussing cattle.\n  VERB: V\n  = linger\n2. If you describe something as tarry, you mean that it has a lot of tar in it or is like tar.\nI smelled tarry melted asphalt.\n...cups of tarry coffee.\n  ADJ


Words: tart
Meaning:
tart  tarts  tarting  tarted\n1. A tart is a shallow pastry case with a filling of food, especially sweet food.\n...jam tarts.\n...a slice of home-made tart.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If something such as fruit is tart, it has a sharp taste.\nThe blackberries were a bit too tart on their own, so we stewed them gently with some apples.\n  ADJ\n  = sharp\n3. A tart remark or way of speaking is sharp and unpleasant, often in a way that is rather cruel.\nThe words were more tart than she had intended...\n  ADJ\n  = acid\n=>  tart.ly\n`There are other patients on the ward, Lovell,’ the staff nurse reminded her tartly.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n4. If someone refers to a woman or girl as a tart, they are criticizing her because they think she is sexually immoral or dresses in a way that makes her look sexually immoral. (INFORMAL, OFFENSIVE)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: tart up
Meaning:
tart up\n  If someone tarts up a room or building, they try to improve its appearance, often with the result that it looks vulgar. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n`Have you ever wondered why British Rail would rather tart up their stations than improve services?’ he asked.\n...tarted-up pubs.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V-ed P, also V n P


Words: tartan
Meaning:
tar.tan\n   tartan  tartans\n  Tartan is a design for cloth traditionally associated with Scotland, and which has a number of distinctive types. The design is made up of lines of different widths and colours crossing each other at right angles. Tartan is also used to refer to cloth which has this pattern.\n  N-VAR: oft N n


Words: tartar
Meaning:
tar.tar\n   tartar  tartars\n1. Tartar is a hard yellowish substance that forms on your teeth and causes them to decay if it is not removed.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you describe someone, especially a woman in a position of authority, as a tartar, you mean that they are fierce, bad-tempered, and strict. (INFORMAL)\nShe can be quite a tartar.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3.\n  see also cream of tartar


Words: tartare sauce
Meaning:
tar.tare sauce\n   tartare sauce   also tartar sauce\n  Tartare sauce is a thick cold sauce, usually eaten with fish, consisting of chopped onions and capers mixed with mayonnaise.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tarty
Meaning:
tarty  tartiest\n  If you describe a woman or her clothes as tarty, you are critical of her because she tries to make herself look sexually attractive in a vulgar way. (INFORMAL)\nThat coat made her look so tarty.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: task
Meaning:
task  tasks  tasking tasked\n1. A task is an activity or piece of work which you have to do, usually as part of a larger project.\nShe used the day to catch up with administrative tasks.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of -ing, supp N\n\n2. If you are tasked with doing a particular activity or piece of work, someone in authority asks you to do it.\nThe minister was tasked with checking that British aid money was being spent wisely.\n  VERB: be V-ed with n/-ing\n\n3. If you take someone to task, you criticize them or tell them off because of something bad or wrong that they have done.\nThe country’s intellectuals are also being taken to task for their failure to speak out against the regime.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR for n/-ing\n  = rebuke


Words: task force
Meaning:
task force  task forces   also taskforce\n1. A task force is a small section of an army, navy, or air force that is sent to a particular place to deal with a military crisis.\nThe United States is sending a naval task force to the area to evacuate American citizens.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A task force is a group of people working together on a particular task.\nWe have set up a task force to look at the question of women returning to work.\n  N-COUNT


Words: taskmaster
Meaning:
task.master\n   taskmaster  taskmasters\n  If you refer to someone as a hard taskmaster, you mean that they expect the people they supervise to work very hard.\n  N-COUNT: usu adj N


Words: tassel
Meaning:
tas.sel\n   tassel  tassels\n  Tassels are bunches of short pieces of wool or other material tied together at one end and attached as decorations to something such as a piece of clothing or a lampshade.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tasselled
Meaning:
tas.selled\n   tasselled\nin AM, use tasseled\n  Tasselled means decorated with tassels.\n...tasselled cushions.\n  ADJ


Words: taste
Meaning:
taste  tastes  tasting  tasted\n1. Taste is one of the five senses that people have. When you have food or drink in your mouth, your sense of taste makes it possible for you to recognize what it is.\n...a keen sense of taste.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The taste of something is the individual quality which it has when you put it in your mouth and which distinguishes it from other things. For example, something may have a sweet, bitter, sour, or salty taste.\nI like the taste of wine and enjoy trying different kinds...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. If you have a taste of some food or drink, you try a small amount of it in order to see what the flavour is like.\nWe have a taste of the white wine he’s brought.\n  N-SING\n\n4. If food or drink tastes of something, it has that particular flavour, which you notice when you eat or drink it.\nIt tastes like chocolate...\nThe pizza tastes delicious without any cheese at all.\n  VERB: no cont, V of/like n, V adj\n\n5. If you taste some food or drink, you eat or drink a small amount of it in order to try its flavour, for example to see if you like it or not.\nHe finished his aperitif and tasted the wine the waiter had produced...\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. If you can taste something that you are eating or drinking, you are aware of its flavour.\nYou can taste the chilli in the dish but it is a little sweet.\n  VERB: no passive, V n\n\n7. If you have a taste of a particular way of life or activity, you have a brief experience of it.\nThis voyage was his first taste of freedom.\n  N-SING: N of n\n\n8. If you taste something such as a way of life or a pleasure, you experience it for a short period of time.\nAnyone who has tasted this life wants it to carry on for as long as possible.\n  VERB: no passive, V n\n\n9. If you have a taste for something, you have a liking or preference for it.\nThat gave me a taste for reading.\n  N-SING: N for n/-ing\n\n10. A person’s taste is their choice in the things that they like or buy, for example their clothes, possessions, or music. If you say that someone has good taste, you mean that you approve of their choices. If you say that they have poor taste, you disapprove of their choices.\nHis taste in clothes is extremely good...\nOxford’s social circle was far too liberal for her taste.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n11. If you say that something that is said or done is in bad taste or in poor taste, you mean that it is offensive, often because it concerns death or sex and is inappropriate for the situation. If you say that something is in good taste, you mean that it is not offensive and that it is appropriate for the situation.\nHe rejects the idea that his film is in bad taste...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n12. When a recipe tells you to add a particular spice or other flavouring to taste, it means that you can add as much of that ingredient as you like.\nAdd tomato paste, salt and pepper to taste.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: taste bud
Meaning:
taste bud  taste buds   also tastebud\n  Your taste buds are the little points on the surface of your tongue which enable you to recognize the flavour of a food or drink.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft poss N


Words: tasteful
Meaning:
taste.ful\n   tasteful\n  If you say that something is tasteful, you consider it to be attractive, elegant, and in good taste.\nThe decor is tasteful and restrained.\n  ADJ\n  !=tasteless\n=>  taste.ful.ly\n...a large and tastefully decorated home...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: tasteless
Meaning:
taste.less\n   tasteless\n1. If you describe something such as furniture, clothing, or the way that a house is decorated as tasteless, you consider it to be vulgar and unattractive.\n...a flat crammed with spectacularly tasteless objets d’art.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe something such as a remark or joke as tasteless, you mean that it is offensive.\nI think that is the most vulgar and tasteless remark I ever heard in my life.\n  ADJ\n\n3. If you describe food or drink as tasteless, you mean that it has very little or no flavour.\nThe fish was mushy and tasteless.\n  ADJ\n  = flavourless  !=tasty


Words: taster
Meaning:
tast.er\n   taster  tasters\n1. A taster is someone whose job is to taste different wines, teas, or other foods or drinks, in order to test their quality.\n...a wine taster.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you refer to something as a taster of something greater, or of something that will come later, you mean that it gives you an idea what that thing is like, and often makes you interested in it or want more of it. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use taste)\nThe book is essentially a taster for those unfamiliar with the subject.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N of n


Words: tasting
Meaning:
tast.ing\n   tasting  tastings\n  Tasting is used in expressions such as wine tasting to refer to a social event at which people try different kinds of the specified drink or food in small amounts.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: tasty
Meaning:
tasty  tastier  tastiest\n  If you say that food, especially savoury food, is tasty, you mean that it has a fairly strong and pleasant flavour which makes it good to eat.\nTry this tasty dish for supper with a crispy salad...\n  ADJ


Words: tat
Meaning:
tat\n  You can use tat to refer to ornaments, used goods, cheap clothes, or other items which you think are cheap and of bad quality. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n...souvenir shops selling an astounding variety of tat.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tattered
Meaning:
tat.tered\n   tattered\n1. If something such as clothing or a book is tattered, it is damaged or torn, especially because it has been used a lot over a long period of time.\nHe fled wearing only a sarong and a tattered shirt.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe something as tattered, you mean that it has been badly damaged or has failed completely.\nBut, two-and-a-half years later, things haven’t quite gone to plan and Stanley’s dreams of fame and fortune lie tattered and torn.\n  ADJ


Words: tatters
Meaning:
tat.ters\n   tatters\n1. Clothes that are in tatters are badly torn in several places, so that pieces can easily come off.\nHis jersey was left in tatters.\n  N-PLURAL: usu in N\n\n2. If you say that something such as a plan or a person’s state of mind is in tatters, you are emphasizing that it is weak, has suffered a lot of damage, and is likely to fail completely.\nThe economy is in tatters.\n  N-PLURAL: usu in N  emphasis


Words: tattoo
Meaning:
tat.too\n   tattoo  tattoos  tattooing  tattooed\n1. A tattoo is a design that is drawn on someone’s skin using needles to make little holes and filling them with coloured dye.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone tattoos you, they give you a tattoo.\nIn the old days, they would paint and tattoo their bodies for ceremonies...\nHe had the words `Angie loves Ian’ tattooed on his left shin.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n3. A military tattoo is a public display of exercises and music given by members of the armed forces. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tatty
Meaning:
tat.ty\n   tatty\n  If you describe something as tatty, you think it is untidy, rather dirty, and looks as if it has not been cared for. (mainly BRIT)\n...a very tatty old bathrobe.\n  ADJ\n  = scruffy


Words: taunt
Meaning:
taunt  taunts  taunting  taunted\n  If someone taunts you, they say unkind or insulting things to you, especially about your weaknesses or failures.\nA gang taunted a disabled man...\nOther youths taunted him about his clothes.\n  VERB: V n, V n about n\n\n  Taunt is also a noun.\nFor years they suffered racist taunts.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Taurus
Meaning:
Tau.rus\n   Taurus\n1. Taurus is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a bull. People who are born approximately between the 20th of April and the 20th of May come under this sign.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A Taurus is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Taurus.\n  N-SING: a N


Words: taut
Meaning:
taut  tauter  tautest\n1. Something that is taut is stretched very tight.\nThe clothes line is pulled taut and secured.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If someone has a taut expression, they look very worried and tense.\nBen sat up quickly, his face taut and terrified...\n  ADJ


Words: tauten
Meaning:
taut.en\n   tauten  tautens  tautening  tautened\n  If a part of your body tautens or if you tauten it, it becomes stiff or firm.\nHer whole body tautened violently...\nThere are exercises that tauten facial muscles.\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: tautology
Meaning:
tau.tol.ogy\n   tautology  tautologies\n  Tautology is the use of different words to say the same thing twice in the same statement. `The money should be adequate enough’ is an example of tautology.\n  N-VAR


Words: tawdry
Meaning:
taw.dry\n   tawdry  tawdrier  tawdriest\n1. If you describe something such as clothes or decorations as tawdry, you mean that they are cheap and show a lack of taste.\n...tawdry jewellery.\n  ADJ\n  = tacky\n2. If you describe something such as a story or an event as tawdry, you mean that it is unpleasant or immoral.\n...the yawning gulf between her fantasies and the tawdry reality.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: tax
Meaning:
tax  taxes  taxing  taxed\n1. Tax is an amount of money that you have to pay to the government so that it can pay for public services.\nThey are calling for large spending cuts and tax increases.\n...a pledge not to raise taxes on people below a certain income...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. When a person or company is taxed, they have to pay a part of their income or profits to the government. When goods are taxed, a percentage of their price has to be paid to the government.\nHusband and wife are now taxed separately on their incomes...\nThe Bonn government taxes profits of corporations at a rate that is among the highest in Europe.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n, also V\n\n3. If something taxes your strength, your patience, or your resources, it uses nearly all of them, so that you have great difficulty in carrying out what you are trying to do.\nOvercrowding has taxed the city’s ability to deal with waste...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4.\n  see also taxing, council tax, income tax, poll tax, value added tax


Words: tax avoidance
Meaning:
tax avoid.ance\n   tax avoidance\n  Tax avoidance is the use of legal methods to pay the smallest possible amount of tax.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tax break
Meaning:
tax break  tax breaks\n  If the government gives a tax break to a particular group of people or type of organization, it reduces the amount of tax they have to pay or changes the tax system in a way that benefits them. (mainly AM)\nToday they’ll consider tax breaks for businesses that create jobs in inner cities.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tax credit
Meaning:
tax cred.it\n   tax credit tax credits\n  A tax credit is an amount of money on which you do not have to pay tax.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tax disc
Meaning:
tax disc  tax discs\n  In Britain, a tax disc is a small round piece of paper displayed on cars and motorcycles which proves that the owner has paid road tax.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tax evasion
Meaning:
tax eva.sion\n   tax evasion\n  Tax evasion is the crime of not paying the full amount of tax that you should pay.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tax haven
Meaning:
tax ha.ven\n   tax haven  tax havens\n  A tax haven is a country or place which has a low rate of tax so that people choose to live there or register companies there in order to avoid paying higher tax in their own countries.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tax relief
Meaning:
tax re.lief\n   tax relief\n  Tax relief is a reduction in the amount of tax that a person or company has to pay, for example because of expenses associated with their business or property.\n...mortgage interest tax relief.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tax return
Meaning:
tax re.turn\n   tax return  tax returns\n  A tax return is an official form that you fill in with details about your income and personal situation, so that the tax you owe can be calculated.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tax shelter
Meaning:
tax shel.ter\n   tax shelter tax shelters\n  A tax shelter is a way of arranging the finances of a business or a person so that they have to pay less tax.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tax year
Meaning:
tax year  tax years\n  A tax year is a particular period of twelve months which is used by the government as a basis for calculating taxes and for organizing its finances and accounts. In Britain, the tax year begins on April 6th and ends on April 5th. In the United States, the tax year begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tax-deductible
Meaning:
tax-deductible\n  If an expense is tax-deductible, it can be paid out of the part of your income on which you do not pay tax, so that the amount of tax you pay is reduced.\nKeep track of tax-deductible expenses, such as the supplies and equipment you buy.\n  ADJ


Words: tax-free
Meaning:
tax-free\n  Tax-free is used to describe income on which you do not have to pay tax.\n...a tax-free investment plan.\n  ADJ: ADJ n, amount ADJ, v-link ADJ


Words: taxation
Meaning:
taxa.tion\n   taxation\n1. Taxation is the system by which a government takes money from people and spends it on things such as education, health, and defence.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Taxation is the amount of money that people have to pay in taxes.\nThe result will be higher taxation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: taxi
Meaning:
taxi  taxis  taxiing  taxied\n1. A taxi is a car driven by a person whose job is to take people where they want to go in return for money.\nThe taxi drew up in front of the Riviera Club...\nHe set off by taxi.\n  N-COUNT: also by N\n  = cab\n2. When an aircraft taxis along the ground, or when a pilot taxis a plane somewhere, it moves slowly along the ground.\nShe gave permission to the plane to taxi into position and hold for takeoff...\nThe pilot taxied the plane to the end of the runway.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V n prep/adv, also V, V n


Words: taxi rank
Meaning:
taxi rank  taxi ranks\n  A taxi rank is a place where taxis wait for passengers, for example at an airport or outside a station. (BRIT; in AM, use taxi stand)\n  N-COUNT


Words: taxicab
Meaning:
taxi.cab\n   taxicab  taxicabs   also taxi-cab\n  A taxicab is the same as a taxi. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT\n  = cab


Words: taxidermist
Meaning:
taxi.der.mist\n   taxidermist  taxidermists\n  A taxidermist is a person whose job is to prepare the skins of dead animals and birds and fill them with a special material to make them look as if they are alive.\n  N-COUNT


Words: taxidermy
Meaning:
taxi.der.my\n   taxidermy\n  Taxidermy is the craft of preparing the skins of dead animals and birds and filling them with a special material to make them look as if they are alive.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: taxing
Meaning:
tax.ing\n   taxing\n  A taxing task or problem is one that requires a lot of mental or physical effort.\nIt’s unlikely that you’ll be asked to do anything too taxing.\n  ADJ\n  = demanding


Words: taxonomy
Meaning:
tax.ono.my\n   taxonomy  taxonomies\n  Taxonomy is the process of naming and classifying things such as animals and plants into groups within a larger system, according to their similarities and differences. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-VAR


Words: taxpayer
Meaning:
tax.payer\n   taxpayer  taxpayers\n  Taxpayers are people who pay a percentage of their income to the government as tax.\n  N-COUNT


Words: TB
Meaning:
TB\n  TB is an extremely serious infectious disease that affects someone’s lungs and other parts of their body. TB is an abbreviation for `tuberculosis’.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tba
Meaning:
also TBA\n  tba is sometimes written in announcements to indicate that something such as the place where something will happen or the people who will take part is not yet known and will be announced at a later date. tba is an abbreviation for `to be announced’.\nJuly 24: Australia v New Zealand (venue TBA).


Words: tbc
Meaning:
also TBC\n  tbc is sometimes written in announcements about future events to indicate that details of the event are not yet certain and will be confirmed later. tbc is an abbreviation for `to be confirmed’.


Words: tea
Meaning:
tea  teas\n1. Tea is a drink made by adding hot water to tea leaves or tea bags. Many people add milk to the drink and some add sugar.\n...a cup of tea...\nWould you like some tea?...\nFour or five men were drinking tea from flasks.\n  N-MASS\n\n  A cup of tea can be referred to as a tea.\nWould anybody like a tea or coffee?\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The chopped dried leaves of the plant that tea is made from is referred to as tea.\n...a packet of tea...\n  N-MASS\n\n3. Tea is a meal some people eat in the late afternoon. It consists of food such as sandwiches and cakes, with tea to drink. (BRIT)\nI’m doing the sandwiches for tea...\n  N-VAR\n\n  see also afternoon tea, high tea\n4. Some people refer to the main meal that they eat in the early part of the evening as tea. (BRIT)\nAt five o’clock he comes back for his tea.\n  N-VAR\n\n5. If you say that someone or something is not your cup of tea, you mean that they are not the kind of person or thing that you like.\nPolitics was not his cup of tea...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, usu with brd-neg


Words: tea bag
Meaning:
tea bag  tea bags   also teabag\n  Tea bags are small paper bags with tea leaves in them. You put them into hot water to make tea.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tea break
Meaning:
tea break  tea breaks\n  If you have a tea break, you stop working and have a cup of tea or coffee. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use coffee break)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tea caddy
Meaning:
tea cad.dy\n   tea caddy  tea caddies\n  A tea caddy is a small tin in which you keep tea. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tea chest
Meaning:
tea chest  tea chests\n  A tea chest is a large wooden box in which tea is packed when it is exported. People also use tea chests for putting things in when they move from one house to another. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tea cosy
Meaning:
tea cosy  tea cosies   also tea-cosy\n  A tea cosy is a soft knitted or fabric cover which you put over a teapot in order to keep the tea hot. (BRIT; in AM, use tea cozy)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tea dance
Meaning:
tea dance  tea dances\n  A tea dance is a social event that takes place in the afternoon, where people meet to dance and have tea. Tea dances are especially popular with older people.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tea leaf
Meaning:
tea leaf  tea leaves   also tea-leaf\n  Tea leaves are the small pieces of dried leaves that you use to make tea.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: tea party
Meaning:
tea par.ty\n   tea party  tea parties   also tea-party\n  A tea party is a social gathering in the afternoon at which tea, cakes, and sandwiches are served. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tea set
Meaning:
tea set  tea sets\n  A tea set is a set of cups, saucers, and plates, with a milk jug, sugar bowl, and teapot.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tea shop
Meaning:
tea shop  tea shops   also teashop\n  A tea shop is a small restaurant where tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and light meals are served. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n  = tea room


Words: tea table
Meaning:
tea ta.ble\n   tea table   also tea-table\n  You refer to a table as the tea table when it is being used for a meal eaten in the late afternoon or early evening. (mainly BRIT)\n...cakes and sandwiches on the tea-table.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: tea towel
Meaning:
tea tow.el\n   tea towel  tea towels\n  A tea towel is a cloth used to dry dishes after they have been washed. (BRIT; in AM, use dish towel)\n  N-COUNT\n  = tea cloth


Words: teacake
Meaning:
tea.cake\n   teacake  teacakes\n  Teacakes are round flat bread cakes. They usually contain raisins and are often toasted and eaten with butter. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: teach
Meaning:
teach  teaches  teaching  taught\n1. If you teach someone something, you give them instructions so that they know about it or how to do it.\nThe trainers have a programme to teach them vocational skills...\nGeorge had taught him how to ride a horse...\nShe taught Julie to read...\nThe computer has simplified the difficult task of teaching reading to the deaf.\n  VERB: V n n, V n wh, V n to-inf, V n to n\n\n2. To teach someone something means to make them think, feel, or act in a new or different way.\nTheir daughter’s death had taught him humility...\nHe taught his followers that they could all be members of the kingdom of God...\nTeach them to voice their feelings.\n  VERB: V n n, V n that, V n to-inf, also V n wh, V n about n\n\n3. If you teach or teach a subject, you help students to learn about it by explaining it or showing them how to do it, usually as a job at a school, college, or university.\nIngrid is currently teaching Mathematics at Shimla Public School...\nShe taught English to Japanese business people...\nShe has taught for 34 years...\nShe taught children French.\n...this twelve month taught course.\n  VERB: V n, V n to n, V, V n n, V-ed\n\n4.\nto teach someone a lesson: see lesson\n  see also teaching


Words: teach-in
Meaning:
teach-in  teach-ins\n  A teach-in is a meeting, usually between students and teachers, with discussions on important and interesting topics. Teach-ins are not usually part of a formal academic course.\n  N-COUNT


Words: teacher
Meaning:
teach.er\n   teacher  teachers\n  A teacher is a person who teaches, usually as a job at a school or similar institution.\n...her chemistry teacher.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also supply teacher


Words: teaching
Meaning:
teach.ing\n   teaching  teachings\n1. Teaching is the work that a teacher does in helping students to learn.\nThe Government funds university teaching.\n...the teaching of English in schools.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The teachings of a particular person, group of people, or religion are all the ideas and principles that they teach.\n...their teachings on sexuality and marriage.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, with poss


Words: teaching hospital
Meaning:
teach.ing hos.pi.tal\n   teaching hospital  teaching hospitals\n  A teaching hospital is a hospital that is linked with a medical school, where medical students and newly qualified doctors receive practical training.\n  N-COUNT


Words: teaching practice
Meaning:
teach.ing prac.tice\n   teaching practice\n  Teaching practice is a period that a student teacher spends teaching at a school as part of his or her training. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use practice teaching)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: teacup
Meaning:
tea.cup\n   teacup  teacups   also tea-cup\n1. A teacup is a cup that you use for drinking tea.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe a situation as a storm in a teacup, you think that a lot of fuss is being made about something that is not important. (BRIT; in AM, use a tempest in a teapot)\nBoth are trying to present the disagreement as a storm in a teacup.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR


Words: teak
Meaning:
teak\n  Teak is the wood of a tall tree with very hard, light-coloured wood which grows in South-East Asia.\nThe door is beautifully made in solid teak.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: teakettle
Meaning:
tea.kettle\n   teakettle  teakettles   also tea kettle\n  A teakettle is a kettle that is used for boiling water to make tea. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: team
Meaning:
team  teams  teaming  teamed\n1. A team is a group of people who play a particular sport or game together against other similar groups of people.\nThe team failed to qualify for the African Nations Cup finals...\nHe had lost his place in the England team.\n  N-COUNT-COLL\n\n2. You can refer to any group of people who work together as a team.\nEach specialist consultant has a team of doctors under him...\n  N-COUNT-COLL


Words: team player
Meaning:
team play.er\n   team player  team players\n  If you refer to someone as a team player, you mean that they work well with other people in order to achieve things.\n  N-COUNT  approval


Words: team spirit
Meaning:
team spir.it\n   team spirit\n  Team spirit is the feeling of pride and loyalty that exists among the members of a team and that makes them want their team to do well or to be the best.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: team up
Meaning:
team up\n  If you team up with someone, you join them in order to work together for a particular purpose. You can also say that two people or groups team up.\nElton teamed up with Eric Clapton to wow thousands at a Wembley rock concert...\nRecently a friend suggested that we team up for a working holiday in Europe in the summer.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P with n, pl-n V


Words: team-mate
Meaning:
team-mate  team-mates   also teammate\n  In a game or sport, your team-mates are the other members of your team.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N


Words: teamster
Meaning:
team.ster\n   teamster  teamsters\n  A teamster is a person who drives a truck. (AM; in BRIT, use lorry driver)\n  N-COUNT\n  = trucker


Words: teamwork
Meaning:
team.work\n   teamwork\n  Teamwork is the ability a group of people have to work well together.\nToday’s complex buildings require close teamwork between the architect and the builders.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: teapot
Meaning:
tea.pot\n   teapot  teapots   also tea pot\n1. A teapot is a container with a lid, a handle, and a spout, used for making and serving tea.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe a situation as a tempest in a teapot, you think that a lot of fuss is being made about something that is not important. (AM; in BRIT, use a storm in a teacup)\nOn Capitol Hill, senators today appear to view the matter as something of a tempest in a teapot.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR


Words: tear
Meaning:
DAMAGING OR MOVING\n   tear  tears  tearing  tore  torn\n\nPlease look at category 8 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.\n1. If you tear paper, cloth, or another material, or if it tears, you pull it into two pieces or you pull it so that a hole appears in it.\nShe very nearly tore my overcoat...\nMary Ann tore the edge off her napkin...\nHe took a small notebook from his jacket pocket and tore out a page...\nToo fine a material may tear...\nNancy quickly tore open the envelope...\nHe noticed that fabric was tearing away from the plane’s wing...\nHe went ashore leaving me to start repairing the torn sail.\n  VERB: V n, V n prep, V n with adv, V, V n with adj, V prep/adv, V-ed\n\n  Tear up means the same as tear.\nShe tore the letter up...\nDon’t you dare tear up her ticket.\n...a torn up photograph.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron), V-ed P\n\n2. A tear in paper, cloth, or another material is a hole that has been made in it.\nI peered through a tear in the van’s curtains.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you tear one of your muscles or ligaments, or if it tears, you injure it by accidentally moving it in the wrong way.\nHe tore a muscle in his right thigh...\nIf the muscle is stretched again it could even tear.\n...torn ligaments.\n  VERB: V n, V, V-ed\n\n4. To tear something from somewhere means to remove it roughly and violently.\nShe tore the windscreen wipers from his car...\nHe tore down the girl’s photograph, and crumpled it into a ball.\n  VERB: V n prep, V n with adv\n\n5. If a person or animal tears at something, they pull it violently and try to break it into pieces.\nFemale fans fought their way past bodyguards and tore at his clothes.\n  VERB: V at n\n  = rip\n6. If you tear somewhere, you move there very quickly, often in an uncontrolled or dangerous way.\nThe door flew open and Miranda tore into the room...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n  = rush\n7. If you say that a place is torn by particular events, you mean that unpleasant events which cause suffering and division among people are happening there.\n...a country that has been torn by civil war and foreign invasion since its independence.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed by n\n\n=>  -torn\n...the riot-torn areas of Los Angeles.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n8.\n  see also torn, wear and tear\n\nCRYING\n   tear  tears\n1. Tears are the drops of salty liquid that come out of your eyes when you are crying.\nHer eyes filled with tears...\nI didn’t shed a single tear.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. You can use tears in expressions such as in tears, burst into tears, and close to tears to indicate that someone is crying or is almost crying.\nHe was in floods of tears on the phone...\nShe burst into tears and ran from the kitchen...\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3.\n  see also crocodile tears


Words: tear apart
Meaning:
tear apart\n1. If something tears people apart, it causes them to quarrel or to leave each other.\nWar and revolution have torn families apart.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P\n\n2. If something tears you apart, it makes you feel very upset, worried, and unhappy.\nDon’t think it hasn’t torn me apart to be away from you.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P


Words: tear away
Meaning:
tear away\n  If you tear someone away from a place or activity, you force them to leave the place or stop doing the activity, even though they want to remain there or carry on.\nFame hasn’t torn her away from her beloved Liverpool...\nJapan’s education ministry ordered the change to encourage students to tear themselves away from textbooks...\nI stared at the man, couldn’t tear my eyes away.\n  PHRASAL VERB: oft with brd-neg, V n P from n, V pron-refl P from n, V n P, also V pron-refl P


Words: tear down
Meaning:
tear down\n  If you tear something down, you destroy it or remove it completely.\nAngry Russians may have torn down the statue of Felix Dzerzhinsky...\nI imagine they’ll be tearing the building down sooner or later.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = pull down


Words: tear gas
Meaning:
tear gas\n  Tear gas is a gas that causes your eyes to sting and fill with tears so that you cannot see. It is sometimes used by the police or army to control crowds.\nPolice used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tear into
Meaning:
tear into\n  If you tear into someone, you criticize them very angrily and strongly. (INFORMAL)\nI had a real row with him. I tore into him.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: tear off
Meaning:
tear off\n  If you tear off your clothes, you take them off in a rough and violent way.\nTotally exhausted, he tore his clothes off and fell into bed...\nFuentes tore off his hat and flung it to the ground.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: tear up
Meaning:
tear up\n1. If something such as a road, railway, or area of land is torn up, it is completely removed or destroyed.\nDozens of miles of railway track have been torn up...\nThe company came under furious attack from environmentalists for tearing up the forests.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V P n (not pron)\n\n2.\nsee tear 1


Words: tear-jerker
Meaning:
tear-jerker  tear-jerkers   also tearjerker\n  If you refer to a play, film, or book as a tear-jerker, you are indicating that it is very sad or sentimental. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tearaway
Meaning:
tear.away\n   tearaway  tearaways\n  If you refer to a young person as a tearaway, you mean that they behave in a wild and uncontrolled way. (BRIT)\nHe blamed lack of parental control for the young tearaways’ behaviour.\n  N-COUNT


Words: teardrop
Meaning:
tear.drop\n   teardrop  teardrops\n  A teardrop is a large tear that comes from your eye when you are crying quietly.\n  N-COUNT\n  = tear


Words: tearful
Meaning:
tear.ful\n   tearful\n  If someone is tearful, their face or voice shows signs that they have been crying or that they want to cry.\nShe became very tearful when pressed to talk about it.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  tear.ful.ly\nGwendolen smiled tearfully.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: tease
Meaning:
tease  teases  teasing  teased\n1. To tease someone means to laugh at them or make jokes about them in order to embarrass, annoy, or upset them.\nHe told her how the boys in East Poldown had set on him, teasing him...\nHe teased me mercilessly about going Hollywood...\n`You must be expecting a young man,’ she teased.\n  VERB: V n, V n about n/-ing, V with quote\n\n  Tease is also a noun.\nCalling her by her real name had always been one of his teases.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  teas.ing\nShe tolerated the teasing, until the fourth grade.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also the N\n\n2. If you refer to someone as a tease, you mean that they like laughing at people or making jokes about them.\nMy brother’s such a tease...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n3. If you say that someone is teasing, you mean that they are pretending to offer you something that you want, especially sex, but then not giving it to you.\nI thought she was teasing, playing the innocent, but looking back, I’m not so sure...\nWhen did you last flirt with him or tease him?\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n4. If you refer to someone as a tease, you mean that they pretend to offer someone what they want, especially sex, but then do not give it to them.\nLater she heard he had told one of her friends she was a tease.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing  disapproval\n\n5.\n  see also teasing, striptease


Words: tease out
Meaning:
tease out\n  If you tease out information or a solution, you succeed in obtaining it even though this is difficult.\nThey try to tease out the answers without appearing to ask...\nThere had to be an answer.he was sure he could tease it out if only he had time.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P, also V n P of n


Words: teaser
Meaning:
teas.er\n   teaser  teasers\n1. A teaser is a difficult question, especially one in a competition. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = poser\n2. A teaser is someone who makes fun of people in a slightly cruel way.\n  N-COUNT


Words: teasing
Meaning:
teas.ing\n   teasing\n  A teasing expression or manner shows that the person is not completely serious about what they are saying or doing.\n`But we’re having such fun, aren’t we?’ he protested with a teasing smile...\n  ADJ


Words: teaspoon
Meaning:
tea.spoon\n   teaspoon  teaspoons\n1. A teaspoon is a small spoon that you use to put sugar into tea or coffee.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to an amount of food resting on a teaspoon as a teaspoon of food.\nHe wants three teaspoons of sugar in his coffee.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: teaspoonful
Meaning:
tea.spoon.ful\n   teaspoonful  teaspoonfuls  or teaspoonsful\n  You can refer to an amount of food resting on a teaspoon as a teaspoonful of food.\n...a heaped teaspoonful of salt.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: teat
Meaning:
teat  teats\n1. A teat is a pointed part on the body of a female animal which her babies suck in order to get milk.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A teat is a piece of rubber or plastic that is shaped like a teat, especially one that is fitted to a bottle so that a baby can drink from it. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: teatime
Meaning:
tea.time\n   teatime  teatimes\n  Teatime is the period of the day when people have their tea. It can be eaten in the late afternoon or in the early part of the evening. (BRIT)\n  N-VAR


Words: techie
Meaning:
techie  techies\n  Some people refer to someone who works in a technological industry, especially computing, as a techie. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: technical
Meaning:
tech.ni.cal\n   technical\n1. Technical means involving the sorts of machines, processes, and materials that are used in industry, transport, and communications.\n...jobs that require technical knowledge...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  tech.ni.cal.ly\n...the largest and most technically advanced furnace company in the world.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n2. You use technical to describe the practical skills and methods used to do an activity such as an art, a craft, or a sport.\nTheir technical ability is exceptional...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  tech.ni.cal.ly\nWhile Sade’s voice isn’t technically brilliant it has a quality which is unmistakable.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n3. Technical language involves using special words to describe the details of a specialized activity.\nThe technical term for sunburn is erythema...\n  ADJ\n\n4.\n  see also technically


Words: technical college
Meaning:
tech.ni.cal col.lege\n   technical college  technical colleges\n  In Britain, a technical college is a college where you can study arts and technical subjects, often as part of the qualifications and training required for a particular job.\n  N-VAR: oft in names


Words: technical support
Meaning:
tech.ni.cal sup.port\n   technical support\n  Technical support is a repair and advice service that some companies such as computer companies provide for their customers, usually by telephone, fax, or e-mail.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: technicality
Meaning:
tech.ni.cal.ity\n   technicality  technicalities\n1. The technicalities of a process or activity are the detailed methods used to do it or to carry it out.\n...the technicalities of classroom teaching.\n  N-PLURAL: usu N of n\n\n2. A technicality is a point, especially a legal one, that is based on a strict interpretation of the law or of a set of rules.\nThe earlier verdict was overturned on a legal technicality.\n  N-COUNT


Words: technically
Meaning:
tech.ni.cal.ly\n   technically\n  If something is technically the case, it is the case according to a strict interpretation of facts, laws, or rules, but may not be important or relevant in a particular situation.\nNude bathing is technically illegal but there are plenty of unspoilt beaches where no one would ever know...\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with cl\n\n  see also technical


Words: technician
Meaning:
tech.ni.cian\n   technician  technicians\n1. A technician is someone whose job involves skilled practical work with scientific equipment, for example in a laboratory.\n...a laboratory technician.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A technician is someone who is very good at the detailed technical aspects of an activity.\n...a versatile, veteran player, a superb technician.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Technicolor
Meaning:
Tech.ni.col.or\n   Technicolor\n\n  The spelling technicolour is also used in British English for meaning 2.\n\n1. Technicolor is a system of colour photography used in making cinema films. (TRADEMARK)\n...films in Technicolor.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You can use technicolor to describe real or imagined scenes when you want to emphasize that they are very colourful, especially in an exaggerated way. (INFORMAL)\nI was seeing it all in glorious technicolour: mountains, valleys, lakes, summer sunshine.\n...Technicolor dreams.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: technique
Meaning:
tech.nique\n   technique  techniques\n1. A technique is a particular method of doing an activity, usually a method that involves practical skills.\n...tests performed using a new technique.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n2. Technique is skill and ability in an artistic, sporting, or other practical activity that you develop through training and practice.\nHe went off to the Amsterdam Academy to improve his technique.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: techno
Meaning:
tech.no\n   techno\n  Techno is a form of modern electronic music with a very fast beat.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: techno-
Meaning:
techno-\n  Techno- is used at the beginning of words that refer to technology.\nHe tried to implement a technocratic economic policy.\n...a group of futurist technofreaks.\n  PREFIX


Words: technocracy
Meaning:
tech.noc.ra.cy\n   technocracy  technocracies\n1. A technocracy is a group of scientists, engineers, and other experts who have political power as well as technical knowledge.\n...the power of the Brussels technocracy.\n  N-COUNT-COLL\n\n2. A technocracy is a country or society that is controlled by scientists, engineers, and other experts.\n...a centralised technocracy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: technocrat
Meaning:
tech.no.crat\n   technocrat  technocrats\n  A technocrat is a scientist, engineer, or other expert who is one of a group of similar people who have political power as well as technical knowledge.\n  N-COUNT


Words: technocratic
Meaning:
tech.no.crat.ic\n   technocratic\n  Technocratic means consisting of or influenced by technocrats.\n...the current technocratic administration.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: technological
Meaning:
tech.no.logi.cal\n   technological\n  Technological means relating to or associated with technology.\n...an era of very rapid technological change.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  tech.no.logi.cal.ly\n...technologically advanced aircraft.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj


Words: technology
Meaning:
tech.nol.ogy\n   technology  technologies\n  Technology refers to methods, systems, and devices which are the result of scientific knowledge being used for practical purposes.\nTechnology is changing fast...\nThey should be allowed to wait for cheaper technologies to be developed.\n  N-VAR\n\n=>  tech.nolo.gist      technologists\n...the scientists and technologists that we will need for the future.\n  N-COUNT


Words: technophobe
Meaning:
tech.no.phobe\n   technophobe  technophobes\n  If you refer to someone as a technophobe, you mean that they do not like new technology, such as computers or mobile telephones, and are afraid to use it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: tectonic
Meaning:
tec.ton.ic\n   tectonic\n  Tectonic means relating to the structure of the earth’s surface or crust. (TECHNICAL)\n...the tectonic plates of the Pacific region.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: teddy
Meaning:
ted.dy\n   teddy  teddies\n  A teddy is the same as a teddy bear. Children often call their teddies `Teddy’ when they are talking to them or about them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: teddy bear
Meaning:
ted.dy bear\n   teddy bear  teddy bears   also teddy-bear\n  A teddy bear is a children’s toy, made from soft or furry material, which looks like a friendly bear.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Teddy boy
Meaning:
Teddy boy  Teddy boys\n  A Teddy boy is a man who dresses in a style that became popular in the 1950’s. Teddy boys were associated with early rock and roll music, and often regarded as bad or violent. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: tedious
Meaning:
te.di.ous\n   tedious\n  If you describe something such as a job, task, or situation as tedious, you mean it is boring and rather frustrating.\nSuch lists are long and tedious to read.\n  ADJ\n  = boring\n=>  te.di.ous.ly\n...the most tediously boring aspects of international relations.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj


Words: tedium
Meaning:
te.dium\n   tedium\n  If you talk about the tedium of a job, task, or situation, you think it is boring and rather frustrating.\nShe began to wonder whether she wouldn’t go mad with the tedium of the job.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n  = boredom


Words: tee
Meaning:
tee  tees  teeing  teed\n1. In golf, a tee is a small piece of wood or plastic which is used to support the ball before it is hit at the start of each hole.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. On a golf course, a tee is one of the small flat areas of ground from which people hit the ball at the start of each hole.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3.\nto a tee: see T


Words: tee off
Meaning:
tee off\n1. If someone or something tees you off, they make you angry or annoyed. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nSomething the boy said to him teed him off...\nThat really teed off the old boy.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V pron P, V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = tick off\n2. In golf, when you tee off, you hit the ball from a tee at the start of a hole.\nIn a few hours time most of the world’s top golfers tee off in the US Masters.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: teem
Meaning:
teem  teems  teeming  teemed\n  If you say that a place is teeming with people or animals, you mean that it is crowded and the people and animals are moving around a lot.\nFor most of the year, the area is teeming with tourists.\n  VERB: usu cont, V with n\n  = swarm


Words: teen
Meaning:
teen  teens\n1. If you are in your teens, you are between thirteen and nineteen years old.\nMost people who smoke began smoking in their teens...\n  N-PLURAL: with supp, usu poss N\n\n2. Teen is used to describe things such as films, magazines, bands, or activities that are aimed at or are done by people who are in their teens.\n...a teen movie starring George Carlin...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = teenage


Words: teenage
Meaning:
teen.age\n   teenage\n1. Teenage children are aged between thirteen and nineteen years old.\nAlmost one in four teenage girls now smoke.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Teenage is used to describe things such as films, magazines, bands, or activities that are aimed at or are done by teenage children.\n...`Smash Hits’, a teenage magazine.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: teenaged
Meaning:
teen.aged\n   teenaged\n  Teenaged people are aged between thirteen and nineteen.\nShe is the mother of two teenaged daughters.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: teenager
Meaning:
teen.ager\n   teenager  teenagers\n  A teenager is someone who is between thirteen and nineteen years old.\nAs a teenager he attended Tulse Hill Senior High School.\n  N-COUNT


Words: teeny
Meaning:
tee.ny\n   teeny  teenier  teeniest\n  If you describe something as teeny, you are emphasizing that it is very small. (INFORMAL)\n...little teeny bugs...\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n  = tiny


Words: teenybopper
Meaning:
teeny.bopper\n   teenybopper  teenyboppers   also teeny-bopper\n  A teenybopper is a teenager, usually a girl, who is very interested in pop music. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: teeter
Meaning:
tee.ter\n   teeter  teeters  teetering  teetered\n1. Teeter is used in expressions such as teeter on the brink and teeter on the edge to emphasize that something seems to be in a very unstable situation or position.\nThree of the hotels are in receivership, and others are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy...\nHis voice teetered on the edge of hysteria.\n  VERB: V on n, V on n  emphasis\n\n2. If someone or something teeters, they shake in an unsteady way, and seem to be about to lose their balance and fall over.\nHyde shifted his weight and felt himself teeter forward, beginning to overbalance...\n  VERB: V adv/prep


Words: teething
Meaning:
teeth.ing\n   teething\n  When babies are teething, their teeth are starting to appear through their gums, often causing them pain.\nEmma broke off a bit of rusk and gave it to Jacinta, who was teething...\n  VERB: only cont, V\n\n  Teething is also a noun.\nTeething can be painful and make your baby irritable.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: teething problems
Meaning:
teeth.ing prob.lems\n   teething problems\n  If a project or new product has teething problems, it has problems in its early stages or when it first becomes available. (BRIT)\nThere are bound to be teething problems with something so new.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: teething troubles
Meaning:
teeth.ing trou.bles\n   teething troubles\n  Teething troubles are the same as teething problems. (BRIT)\nAs the director of the project explains, there are still a few teething troubles to overcome.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: teetotaller
Meaning:
tee.to.tal.ler\n   teetotaller  teetotallers\n  A teetotaller is someone who does not drink alcohol.\n  N-COUNT


Words: TEFL
Meaning:
TEFL\n  TEFL is the teaching of English to people whose first language is not English, especially people from a country where English is not spoken. TEFL is an abbreviation for `teaching English as a foreign language’.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Teflon
Meaning:
Tef.lon\n   Teflon\n  Teflon is a type of plastic which is often used to coat pans. Teflon provides a very smooth surface which food does not stick to, so the pan can be cleaned easily. (TRADEMARK)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: telecast
Meaning:
tele.cast\n   telecast  telecasts\n  A telecast is a programme that is broadcast on the television, especially a programme that is broadcast live. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: telecommunications
Meaning:
tele.com.mu.ni.ca.tions\n   telecommunications\n  Telecommunications is the technology of sending signals and messages over long distances using electronic equipment, for example by radio and telephone.\n...a Japanese telecommunication company.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n\n  The form telecommunication is used as a modifier.


Words: telecommuter
Meaning:
tele.com.mut.er\n   telecommuter  telecommuters\n  Telecommuters are the same as teleworkers. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: telecommuting
Meaning:
tele.com.mut.ing\n   telecommuting\n  Telecommuting is the same as teleworking. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: teleconference
Meaning:
tele.con.fer.ence\n   teleconference  teleconferences\n  A teleconference is a meeting involving people in various places around the world who use telephones or video links to communicate with each other. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  tele.con.fer.enc.ing\n...teleconferencing facilities.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: telegenic
Meaning:
tele.gen.ic\n   telegenic\n  Someone who is telegenic behaves confidently and looks attractive when they are on the television.\nThe bright and telegenic Miss Foster is being paid around .90,000 a year for her exclusive deal.\n  ADJ


Words: telegram
Meaning:
tele.gram\n   telegram  telegrams\n  A telegram is a message that is sent by telegraph and then printed and delivered to someone’s home or office.\nThe President received a briefing by telegram.\n  N-COUNT: also by N


Words: telegraph
Meaning:
tele.graph\n   telegraph  telegraphs  telegraphing  telegraphed\n1. Telegraph is a system of sending messages over long distances, either by means of electricity or by radio signals. Telegraph was used more often before the invention of telephones.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also the N\n\n2. To telegraph someone means to send them a message by telegraph.\nChurchill telegraphed an urgent message to Wavell...\n  VERB: V n to n\n\n3. If someone telegraphs something that they are planning or intending to do, they make it obvious, either deliberately or accidentally, that they are going to do it.\nThe commission telegraphed its decision earlier this month by telling an official to prepare the order.\n  VERB: V n


Words: telegraph pole
Meaning:
tele.graph pole\n   telegraph pole  telegraph poles\n  A telegraph pole is a tall wooden pole with telephone wires attached to it, connecting several different buildings to the telephone system. (BRIT; in AM, use telephone pole)\n  N-COUNT


Words: telemarketing
Meaning:
tele.mar.ket.ing\n   telemarketing\n  Telemarketing is a method of selling in which someone employed by a company telephones people to try and persuade them to buy the company’s products or services. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: telemetry
Meaning:
te.lem.etry\n   telemetry\n  Telemetry is the science of using automatic equipment to make scientific measurements and transmit them by radio to a receiving station. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: telepathic
Meaning:
tele.path.ic\n   telepathic\n  If you believe that someone is telepathic, you believe that they have mental powers which cannot be explained by science, such as being able to communicate with other people’s minds, and know what other people are thinking.\nI could not know that. I’m not telepathic.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  tele.pathi.cal.ly\nI used to communicate with her telepathically.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: telepathy
Meaning:
te.lepa.thy\n   telepathy\n  If you refer to telepathy, you mean the direct communication of thoughts and feelings between people’s minds, without the need to use speech, writing, or any other normal signals.\nMany of us find it very difficult to state our needs. We expect people to know by telepathy what we are feeling.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: telephone
Meaning:
tele.phone\n   telephone  telephones  telephoning  telephoned\n1. The telephone is the electrical system of communication that you use to talk directly to someone else in a different place. You use the telephone by dialling a number on a piece of equipment and speaking into it.\nThey usually exchanged messages by telephone...\nI dread to think what our telephone bill is going to be...\nShe was wanted on the telephone.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = phone\n2. A telephone is the piece of equipment that you use when you talk to someone by telephone.\nHe got up and answered the telephone...\n  N-COUNT\n  = phone\n3. If you telephone someone, you dial their telephone number and speak to them by telephone.\nI felt so badly I had to telephone Owen to say I was sorry...\nThey usually telephone first to see if she is at home.\n  VERB: V n, V\n  = call, ring, phone\n4. If you are on the telephone, you are speaking to someone by telephone.\nLinda remained on the telephone to the police for three hours...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v


Words: telephone book
Meaning:
tele.phone book\n   telephone book  telephone books\n  The telephone book is a book that contains an alphabetical list of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the people in a particular area.\n  N-COUNT\n  = telephone directory, phone book


Words: telephone booth
Meaning:
tele.phone booth\n   telephone booth  telephone booths\n  A telephone booth is a place in a public building or in the street where there is a telephone that can be used by the public. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: telephone box
Meaning:
tele.phone box\n   telephone box  telephone boxes\n  A telephone box is a small shelter in the street in which there is a public telephone. (BRIT; in AM, use phone booth)\n  N-COUNT\n  = phone box, call box


Words: telephone directory
Meaning:
tele.phone di.rec.tory\n   telephone directory  telephone directories\n  A telephone directory is the same as a telephone book.\n  N-COUNT


Words: telephone exchange
Meaning:
tele.phone ex.change\n   telephone exchange  telephone exchanges\n  A telephone exchange is a building where connections are made between telephone lines. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: telephone number
Meaning:
tele.phone num.ber\n   telephone number  telephone numbers\n  Your telephone number is the number that other people dial when they want to talk to you on the telephone.\n  N-COUNT\n  = phone number


Words: telephone pole
Meaning:
tele.phone pole\n   telephone pole  telephone poles\n  A telephone pole is a tall wooden pole with telephone wires attached to it, connecting several different buildings to the telephone system. (AM; in BRIT, use telegraph pole)\n  N-COUNT


Words: telephonist
Meaning:
te.lepho.nist\n   telephonist  telephonists\n  A telephonist is someone who works at a telephone exchange or whose job is to answer the telephone for a business or other organization. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n  = operator


Words: telephony
Meaning:
te.lepho.ny\n   telephony\n  Telephony is a system of sending voice signals using electronic equipment.\nThese optical fibres may be used for new sorts of telephony.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: telephoto lens
Meaning:
tele.photo lens\n   telephoto lens  telephoto lenses\n  A telephoto lens is a powerful camera lens which allows you to take close-up pictures of something that is far away.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Teleprompter
Meaning:
Tele.prompt.er\n   Teleprompter  Teleprompters\n  A Teleprompter is a device used by people speaking on television or at a public event, which displays words for them to read. (TRADEMARK) (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use Autocue)\n  N-COUNT


Words: telesales
Meaning:
tele.sales\n   telesales\n  Telesales is the selling of a company’s products or services by telephone, either by phoning possible customers or by answering calls from customers. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: telescope
Meaning:
tele.scope\n   telescope  telescopes\n  A telescope is a long instrument shaped like a tube. It has lenses inside it that make distant things seem larger and nearer when you look through it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: telescopic
Meaning:
tele.scop.ic\n   telescopic\n1. Telescopic lenses and instruments are used to make things seem larger and nearer, and are usually longer than others of the same type.\n...a sporting rifle fitted with a telescopic sight.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A telescopic object is made of cylindrical sections that fit or slide into each other, so that it can be made longer or shorter, for example to save space when it is not being used.\n...this new lightweight telescopic ladder.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: televangelist
Meaning:
tele.van.gelist\n   televangelist  televangelists\n  A televangelist is someone who makes regular television broadcasts to promote a particular form of Christianity and raise money for particular Christian groups or projects.\n  N-COUNT


Words: televise
Meaning:
tele.vise\n   televise  televises  televising  televised\n  If an event or programme is televised, it is broadcast so that it can be seen on television.\nThe Grand Prix will be televised by the BBC.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: television
Meaning:
tele.vi.sion\n   television  televisions\n1. A television or television set is a piece of electrical equipment consisting of a box with a glass screen on it on which you can watch programmes with pictures and sounds.\nShe turned the television on and flicked around between news programmes.\n  N-COUNT\n  = TV, telly\n2. Television is the system of sending pictures and sounds by electrical signals over a distance so that people can receive them on a television in their home.\nToy manufacturers began promoting some of their products on television...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = TV\n3. Television refers to all the programmes that you can watch.\nI don’t have much time to watch very much television.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = TV\n4. Television is the business or industry concerned with making programmes and broadcasting them on television.\nBritish commercial television has been steadily losing its lead as the most advanced sector of the industry in Europe.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: televisual
Meaning:
tele.vis.ual\n   televisual\n  Televisual means broadcast on or related to television. (mainly BRIT)\n...a televisual masterpiece...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = television


Words: teleworker
Meaning:
tele.work.er\n   teleworker  teleworkers\n  Teleworkers are people who work from home using equipment such as telephones, fax machines, and modems to contact the people they work with and their customers. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT\n  = telecommuter


Words: teleworking
Meaning:
tele.work.ing\n   teleworking\n  Teleworking is working from home using equipment such as telephones, fax machines, and modems to contact people. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = telecommuting


Words: telex
Meaning:
tel.ex\n   telex  telexes  telexing  telexed\n1. Telex is an international system of sending written messages. Messages are converted into signals which are transmitted, either by electricity or by radio signals, and then printed out by a machine in another place.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A telex is a machine that transmits and receives telex messages.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A telex is a message that you send or that has been received and printed by telex.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you telex a message to someone, you send it to them by telex.\nThe embassy says it has telexed their demands to the foreign ministry...\nThey telexed British Airways.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n


Words: tell
Meaning:
tell  tells  telling  told\n1. If you tell someone something, you give them information.\nIn the evening I returned to tell Phyllis our relationship was over...\nI called Andie to tell her how spectacular the stuff looked...\nClaire had made me promise to tell her the truth...\nI only told the truth to the press when the single was released as it seemed the perfect time to do it...\nTell us about your moment on the summit...\nHer voice breaking with emotion, she told him: `It doesn’t seem fair’.\n  VERB: V n that, V n wh, V n n, V n to n, V n about n, V with quote\n\n2. If you tell something such as a joke, a story, or your personal experiences, you communicate it to other people using speech.\nHis friends say he was always quick to tell a joke...\nHe told his story to The Sunday Times and produced photographs...\nWill you tell me a story?\n  VERB: V n, V n to n, V n n\n\n3. If you tell someone to do something, you order or advise them to do it.\nA passer-by told the driver to move his car so that it was not causing an obstruction...\n  VERB: V n to-inf\n\n4. If you tell yourself something, you put it into words in your own mind because you need to encourage or persuade yourself about something.\n`Come on’, she told herself...\nI told myself I would be satisfied with whatever I could get.\n  VERB: V pron-refl with quote, V pron-refl that\n\n5. If you can tell what is happening or what is true, you are able to judge correctly what is happening or what is true.\nIt was already impossible to tell where the bullet had entered...\nYou can tell he’s joking.\n  VERB: no cont, oft with brd-neg, V wh, V that\n\n6. If you can tell one thing from another, you are able to recognize the difference between it and other similar things.\nI can’t really tell the difference between their policies and ours...\nHow do you tell one from another?...\nI had to look twice to tell which was Martinez; they all looked alike.\n  VERB: no cont, oft with brd-neg, V n between pl-n, V n from n, V wh\n\n7. If you tell, you reveal or give away a secret. (INFORMAL)\nMany of the children know who they are but are not telling.\n  VERB: V\n\n8. If facts or events tell you something, they reveal certain information to you through ways other than speech.\nThe facts tell us that this is not true...\nI don’t think the unemployment rate ever tells us much about the future...\nThe evidence of our eyes tells us a different story...\nWhile most of us feel fairly complacent about the nutrients we’re getting from our diets, the facts tell a very different story.\n  VERB: V n that, V n amount, V n n, V n\n\n9. If an unpleasant or tiring experience begins to tell, it begins to have a serious effect.\nThe pressure began to tell as rain closed in after 20 laps...\n  VERB: V\n\n10.\n  see also telling, kiss and tell\n11. You use as far as I can tell or so far as I could tell to indicate that what you are saying is based on the information you have, but that there may be things you do not know.\nAs far as I can tell, Jason is basically a nice guy...\n  PHRASE  vagueness\n\n12. You can say `I tell you’, `I can tell you’, or `I can’t tell you’ to add emphasis to what you are saying. (INFORMAL)\nI tell you this, I will not rest until that day has come...\nThis little letter gave us a few chuckles, I can tell you...\n  CONVENTION  emphasis\n\n13. If you say `You never can tell’, you mean that the future is always uncertain and it is never possible to know exactly what will happen.\nYou never can tell what life is going to bring you.\n  CONVENTION\n\n14. If someone disagrees with you or refuses to do what you suggest and you are eventually proved to be right, you can say `I told you so’. (INFORMAL)\nHer parents did not approve of her decision and, if she failed, her mother would say, `I told you so.’\n  CONVENTION\n\n15. You use I’ll tell you what or I tell you what to introduce a suggestion or a new topic of conversation. (SPOKEN)\nI tell you what, I’ll bring the water in a separate glass.\n  CONVENTION\n\n16.\nto tell the time: see time\n(next)


Words: tell apart
Meaning:
tell apart\n  If you can tell people or things apart, you are able to recognize the differences between them and can therefore identify each of them.\nPerhaps it is the almost universal use of flavourings that makes it so hard to tell the products apart.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P


Words: tell off
Meaning:
tell off\n  If you tell someone off, you speak to them angrily or seriously because they have done something wrong.\nHe never listened to us when we told him off...\nI’m always being told off for being so awkward...\nDutch police told off two of the gang, aged 10 and 11.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V n P for n/-ing, V P n (not pron)


Words: tell on
Meaning:
tell on\n  If you tell on someone, you give information about them to a person in authority, especially if they have done something wrong. (INFORMAL)\nNever mind, I won’t tell on you...\nI’ll tell my mummy on you.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, V n P n


Words: tell-tale
Meaning:
tell-tale   also telltale\n  Something that is described as telltale gives away information, often about something bad that would otherwise not be noticed.\nOnly occasionally did the telltale redness around his eyes betray the fatigue he was suffering.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: teller
Meaning:
tell.er\n   teller  tellers\n  A teller is someone who works in a bank and who customers pay money to or get money from. (mainly AM or SCOTTISH)\n  N-COUNT\n  = cashier


Words: telling
Meaning:
tell.ing\n   telling  tellings\n1. The telling of a story or of something that has happened is the reporting of it to other people.\nHerbert sat quietly through the telling of this saga...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If something is telling, it shows the true nature of a person or situation.\nHow a man shaves may be a telling clue to his age.\n  ADJ\n  = revealing\n=>  tell.ing.ly\nMost tellingly, perhaps, chimpanzees do not draw as much information from the world around them as we do.\n  ADV: ADV with cl, ADV with v\n\n3. A telling argument or criticism is a very effective one.\nThe most telling condemnation of the system was that it failed to fulfil its function.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4. You use there’s no telling to introduce a statement when you want to say that it is impossible to know what will happen in a situation.\nThere’s no telling how long the talks could drag on...\n  PHRASE: usu PHR wh


Words: telling-off
Meaning:
telling-off  tellings-off   also telling off\n  If you give someone a telling-off, you tell them that you are very angry with them about something they have done. (INFORMAL)\nI got a severe telling off for not phoning him.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: telly
Meaning:
tel.ly\n   telly  tellies\n  A telly is a television. (BRIT INFORMAL; in AM, use TV)\nAfter a hard day’s work most people want to relax in front of the telly.\n  N-VAR\n  = box, TV


Words: temazepam
Meaning:
te.maze.pam\n   temazepam\n  Temazepam is a drug that is used to make people feel calmer or less anxious.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: temerity
Meaning:
te.mer.ity\n   temerity\n  If you say that a person has the temerity to do something, you are annoyed about something they have done which you think showed a lack of respect.\n...`difficult’ patients who have the temerity to challenge their doctors’ decisions.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N to-inf  disapproval\n  = presumption


Words: temp
Meaning:
temp  temps  temping  temped\n1. A temp is a person who is employed by an agency that sends them to work in different offices for short periods of time, for example to replace someone who is ill or on holiday.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone is temping, they are working as a temp.\nMrs Reynolds has been temping since losing her job.\n  VERB: only cont, V


Words: temper
Meaning:
tem.per\n   temper  tempers  tempering  tempered\n1. If you refer to someone’s temper or say that they have a temper, you mean that they become angry very easily.\nHe had a temper and could be nasty...\nI hope he can control his temper.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Your temper is the way you are feeling at a particular time. If you are in a good temper, you feel cheerful. If you are in a bad temper, you feel angry and impatient.\nI was in a bad temper last night...\n  N-VAR: with supp, oft adj N, oft in N\n\n3. To temper something means to make it less extreme. (FORMAL)\nFor others, especially the young and foolish, the state will temper justice with mercy...\nHe had to learn to temper his enthusiasm.\n  VERB: V n with n, V n\n\n4. If someone is in a temper or gets into a temper, the way that they are behaving shows that they are feeling angry and impatient.\nShe was still in a temper when Colin arrived...\nWhen I try to explain how I feel he just flies into a temper.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n5. If you lose your temper, you become so angry that you shout at someone or show in some other way that you are no longer in control of yourself.\nI’ve never seen him get cross or lose his temper...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: temperament
Meaning:
tem.pera.ment\n   temperament  temperaments\n1. Your temperament is your basic nature, especially as it is shown in the way that you react to situations or to other people.\nHis impulsive temperament regularly got him into difficulties...\nShe was furtive and vicious by temperament.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Temperament is the tendency to behave in an uncontrolled, bad-tempered, or unreasonable way.\nSome of the models were given to fits of temperament.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: temperamental
Meaning:
tem.pera.men.tal\n   temperamental\n1. If you say that someone is temperamental, you are criticizing them for not being calm or quiet by nature, but having moods that change often and suddenly.\nHe is very temperamental and critical.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n2. If you describe something such as a machine or car as temperamental, you mean that it often does not work properly.\nI first started cruising in yachts with temperamental petrol engines...\n  ADJ


Words: temperamentally
Meaning:
tem.pera.men.tal.ly\n   temperamentally\n  Temperamentally means because of someone’s basic nature or related to someone’s basic nature.\nHe is a quitter who is temperamentally unsuited to remaining a champion.\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group, ADV after v


Words: temperance
Meaning:
tem.per.ance\n   temperance\n1. If you believe in temperance, you disapprove of drinking alcohol.\n...a reformed alcoholic extolling the joys of temperance.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A person who shows temperance has a strong mind and does not eat too much, drink too much, or do too much of anything. (FORMAL)\nThe age of hedonism is being ushered out by a new era of temperance.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = moderation


Words: temperate
Meaning:
tem.per.ate\n   temperate\n1. Temperate is used to describe a climate or a place which is never extremely hot or extremely cold.\nThe Nile Valley keeps a temperate climate throughout the year.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If a person’s behaviour is temperate, it is calm and reasonable, so that they do not get angry or lose their temper easily. (FORMAL)\nHis final report to the President was far more temperate and balanced than the earlier memorandum.\n  ADJ\n  = moderate


Words: temperature
Meaning:
tem.pera.ture\n   temperature  temperatures\n1. The temperature of something is a measure of how hot or cold it is.\nThe temperature soared to above 100 degrees in the shade...\nCoping with severe drops in temperature can be very difficult.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Your temperature is the temperature of your body. A normal temperature is about 37. centigrade.\nHis temperature continued to rise alarmingly.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N\n\n3. You can use temperature to talk about the feelings and emotions that people have in particular situations.\nThere’s also been a noticeable rise in the political temperature.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n4. If something is at room temperature, its temperature is neither hot nor cold.\nStir the parsley into the potatoes and serve at room temperature.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n5. If you are running a temperature or if you have a temperature, your temperature is higher than it usually is.\nHe began to run an extremely high temperature...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n6. If you take someone’s temperature you use an instrument called a thermometer to measure the temperature of their body in order to see if they are ill.\nHe will probably take your child’s temperature too.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: tempest
Meaning:
tem.pest\n   tempest  tempests\n1. A tempest is a very violent storm. (LITERARY)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to a situation in which people are very angry or excited as a tempest. (LITERARY)\nI hadn’t foreseen the tempest my request would cause...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = storm\na tempest in a teapot: see teapot


Words: tempestuous
Meaning:
tem.pes.tu.ous\n   tempestuous\n  If you describe a relationship or a situation as tempestuous, you mean that very strong and intense emotions, especially anger, are involved.\nFor years, the couple’s tempestuous relationship made the headlines...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = stormy


Words: template
Meaning:
tem.plate\n   template  templates\n1. A template is a thin piece of metal or plastic which is cut into a particular shape. It is used to help you cut wood, paper, metal, or other materials accurately, or to reproduce the same shape many times.\nTrace around your template and transfer the design onto a sheet of card.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If one thing is a template for something else, the second thing is based on the first thing.\nThe deal is likely to provide a template for other agreements.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: temple
Meaning:
tem.ple\n   temple  temples\n1. A temple is a building used for the worship of a god or gods, especially in the Buddhist and Hindu religions, and in ancient Greek and Roman times.\n...a small Hindu temple.\n...the Temple of Diana at Ephesus.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n\n2. Your temples are the flat parts on each side of the front part of your head, near your forehead.\nThreads of silver ran through his beard and the hair at his temples.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: tempo
Meaning:
tem.po\n   tempo  tempos  or tempi\n1. The tempo of an event is the speed at which it happens.\n...owing to the slow tempo of change in an overwhelmingly rural country...\n  N-SING\n  = pace\n2. The tempo of a piece of music is the speed at which it is played.\nIn a new recording, the Boston Philharmonic tried the original tempo...\n  N-VAR


Words: temporal
Meaning:
tem.po.ral\n   temporal\n1. Temporal powers or matters relate to ordinary institutions and activities rather than to religious or spiritual ones. (FORMAL)\n...the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = secular  !=spiritual\n2. Temporal means relating to time. (FORMAL)\nOne is also able to see how specific acts are related to a temporal and spatial context...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: temporary
Meaning:
tem.po.rary\n   temporary\n  Something that is temporary lasts for only a limited time.\nHis job here is only temporary...\n...a temporary loss of memory.\n  ADJ\n  !=permanent\n=>  tem.po.rari.ly\nThe peace agreement has at least temporarily halted the civil war...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n  !=permanently


Words: temporize
Meaning:
tem.po.rize\n   temporize  temporizes  temporizing  temporized\nin BRIT, also use temporise\n  If you say that someone is temporizing, you mean that they keep doing unimportant things in order to delay something important such as making a decision or stating their real opinion. (FORMAL)\nThey are still temporizing in the face of what can only be described as a disaster...\n`Not exactly, sir,’ temporized Sloan.\n  VERB: V, V with quote


Words: tempt
Meaning:
tempt  tempts  tempting  tempted\n1. Something that tempts you attracts you and makes you want it, even though it may be wrong or harmful.\nReducing the income will further impoverish these families and could tempt an offender into further crime...\nIt is the fresh fruit that tempts me at this time of year...\nCan I tempt you with a little puff pastry?...\nThe fact that she had become wealthy did not tempt her to alter her frugal way of life.\n  VERB: V n into n/-ing, V n, V n with n, V n to-inf\n\n2. If you tempt someone, you offer them something they want in order to encourage them to do what you want them to do.\n...a million dollar marketing campaign to tempt American tourists back to Britain...\nDon’t let credit tempt you to buy something you can’t afford...\nShe will be offering a package worth about 40 million dollars, to tempt the rebels into agreeing to disarm.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n to-inf, V n into -ing\n\n3.\n  see also tempted\n4. If someone says that something they say or do is tempting fate or is tempting providence, they mean they are worried that it may cause the good luck they have had so far to end.\nAs soon as you start to talk about never having played on a losing side, it is tempting fate.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: temptation
Meaning:
temp.ta.tion\n   temptation  temptations\n  If you feel you want to do something or have something, even though you know you really should avoid it, you can refer to this feeling as temptation. You can also refer to the thing you want to do or have as a temptation.\nWill they be able to resist the temptation to buy?\n  N-VAR


Words: tempted
Meaning:
tempt.ed\n   tempted\n  If you say that you are tempted to do something, you mean that you would like to do it.\nI’m very tempted to sell my house...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to-inf


Words: tempting
Meaning:
tempt.ing\n   tempting\n  If something is tempting, it makes you want to do it or have it.\nIn the end, I turned down Raoul’s tempting offer of the Palm Beach trip...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  tempt.ing.ly\nThe good news is that prices are still temptingly low.\n  ADV


Words: temptress
Meaning:
tempt.ress\n   temptress  temptresses\n  If you describe a woman as a temptress, you mean that she uses her female charm to encourage men to have sexual relations with her.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ten
Meaning:
ten  tens\n  Ten is the number 10.\nOver the past ten years things have changed.\n  NUM\n\nten a penny: see penny\n  see also Number Ten


Words: ten-pin bowling
Meaning:
ten-pin bowl.ing\n   ten-pin bowling   also tenpin bowling\n  Ten-pin bowling is a game in which you try to knock down ten objects shaped like bottles by rolling a heavy ball towards them. It is usually played in a place called a bowling alley. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use bowling)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tenable
Meaning:
ten.able\n   tenable\n  If you say that an argument, point of view, or situation is tenable, you believe that it is reasonable and could be successfully defended against criticism.\nThis argument is simply not tenable...\n  ADJ\n  !=untenable


Words: tenacious
Meaning:
te.na.cious\n   tenacious\n1. If you are tenacious, you are very determined and do not give up easily.\nHe is regarded at the BBC as a tenacious and persistent interviewer.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  te.na.cious.ly\nIn spite of his illness, he clung tenaciously to his job.\n  ADV: usu ADV after v\n\n2. If you describe something such as an idea or belief as tenacious, you mean that it has a strong influence on people and is difficult to change or remove.\n...a remarkably tenacious belief that was to dominate future theories of military strategy.\n  ADJ\n  = deep-seated


Words: tenacity
Meaning:
te.nac.ity\n   tenacity\n  If you have tenacity, you are very determined and do not give up easily.\nTalent, hard work and sheer tenacity are all crucial to career success.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: tenancy
Meaning:
ten.an.cy\n   tenancy  tenancies\n  Tenancy is the use that you have of land or property belonging to someone else, for which you pay rent.\nHis father took over the tenancy of the farm 40 years ago...\n  N-VAR


Words: tenant
Meaning:
ten.ant\n   tenant  tenants\n  A tenant is someone who pays rent for the place they live in, or for land or buildings that they use.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also sitting tenant


Words: tend
Meaning:
tend  tends  tending  tended\n1. If something tends to happen, it usually happens or it often happens.\nA problem for manufacturers is that lighter cars tend to be noisy...\n  VERB: V to-inf\n\n2. If you tend towards a particular characteristic, you often display that characteristic.\nArtistic and intellectual people tend towards left-wing views.\n  VERB: V towards n, also V to n\n\n3. You can say that you tend to think something when you want to give your opinion, but do not want it to seem too forceful or definite.\nI tend to think that members of parliament by and large do a good job.\n  VERB: V to-inf  vagueness\n\n4. If you tend someone or something, you do what is necessary to keep them in a good condition or to improve their condition. (FORMAL)\nFor years he tended her in her painful illness...\n  VERB: V n\n  = look after\n5. If you tend to someone or something, you pay attention to them and deal with their problems and needs.\nIn our culture, girls are brought up to tend to the needs of others...\n  VERB: V to n\n  = attend


Words: tendency
Meaning:
ten.den.cy\n   tendency  tendencies\n1. A tendency is a worrying or unpleasant habit or action that keeps occurring.\n...the government’s tendency towards secrecy in recent years.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n2. A tendency is a part of your character that makes you behave in an unpleasant or worrying way.\nHe is spoiled, arrogant and has a tendency towards snobbery...\n  N-COUNT: with supp


Words: tendentious
Meaning:
ten.den.tious\n   tendentious\n  Something that is tendentious expresses a particular opinion or point of view very strongly, especially one that many people disagree with. (FORMAL)\nHis analysis was rooted in a somewhat tendentious reading of French history.\n  ADJ\n  = controversial


Words: tender
Meaning:
NOUN AND VERB USES\nten.der  NOUN AND VERB USES\n   tender  tenders  tendering  tendered\n1. A tender is a formal offer to supply goods or to do a particular job, and a statement of the price that you or your company will charge. If a contract is put out to tender, formal offers are invited. If a company wins a tender, their offer is accepted. (BUSINESS)\nBuilders will then be sent the specifications and asked to submit a tender for the work...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If a company tenders for something, it makes a formal offer to supply goods or do a job for a particular price. (BUSINESS)\nThe staff are forbidden to tender for private-sector work...\n  VERB: V for n\n\n3. If you tender something such as a suggestion, your resignation, or money, you formally offer or present it.\nShe quickly tendered her resignation...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4.\n  see also legal tender\n\nADJECTIVE USES\nten.der  ADJECTIVE USES\n   tender  tenderer  tenderest\n1. Someone or something that is tender expresses gentle and caring feelings.\nHer voice was tender, full of pity...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  ten.der.ly\nMr. White tenderly embraced his wife.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  ten.der.ness\nShe smiled, politely rather than with tenderness or gratitude.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone does something at a tender age, you mean that they do it when they are still young and have not had much experience.\nHe had become attracted to the game at the tender age of seven.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Meat or other food that is tender is easy to cut or chew.\nCook for a minimum of 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.\n  ADJ\n  !=tough\n4. If part of your body is tender, it is sensitive and painful when it is touched.\nMy tummy felt very tender...\n  ADJ\n  = sore\n=>  ten.der.ness\nThere is still some tenderness in her tummy.\n  N-UNCOUNT


