# dict

Words: flesh wound
Meaning:
flesh wound  flesh wounds\n  A flesh wound is a wound that breaks the skin but does not damage the bones or any of the body’s important internal organs.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flesh-coloured
Meaning:
flesh-coloured\nin AM, use flesh-colored\n  Something that is flesh-coloured is yellowish pink in colour.\n  ADJ


Words: fleshy
Meaning:
fleshy\n1. If you describe someone as fleshy, you mean that they are slightly too fat.\nHe was well-built, but too fleshy to be impressive.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Fleshy parts of the body or fleshy plants are thick and soft.\n...fleshy fruits like apples, plums, pears, peaches.\n  ADJ


Words: flex
Meaning:
flex  flexes  flexing  flexed\n1. A flex is an electric cable containing two or more wires that is connected to an electrical appliance. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use cord)\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you flex your muscles or parts of your body, you bend, move, or stretch them for a short time in order to exercise them.\nHe slowly flexed his muscles and tried to stand.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3.\nto flex your muscles: see muscle


Words: flexible
Meaning:
flex.ible\n   flexible\n1. A flexible object or material can be bent easily without breaking.\n...brushes with long, flexible bristles.\n  ADJ\n  = pliable\n=>  flexi.bil.ity\nThe flexibility of the lens decreases with age.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Something or someone that is flexible is able to change easily and adapt to different conditions and circumstances as they occur.\nLook for software that’s flexible enough for a range of abilities.\n...flexible working hours.\n  ADJ  approval\n  = adaptable\n=>  flexi.bil.ity\nThe flexibility of distance learning would be particularly suited to busy managers.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: flexitime
Meaning:
flexi.time\n   flexitime\nin AM, use flextime\n  Flexitime is a system that allows employees to vary the time that they start or finish work, provided that an agreed total number of hours are spent at work. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: flick
Meaning:
flick  flicks  flicking  flicked\n1. If something flicks in a particular direction, or if someone flicks it, it moves with a short, sudden movement.\nHis tongue flicked across his lips...\nHe flicked his cigarette out of the window.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V n prep/adv, also V, V n\n\n  Flick is also a noun.\n...a flick of a paintbrush.\n  N-COUNT: oft a N of n\n\n2. If you flick something away, or off something else, you remove it with a quick movement of your hand or finger.\nShirley flicked a speck of fluff from the sleeve of her black suit...\nAlan stretched out his hand and flicked the letter away.\n  VERB: V n from/off n, V n away\n\n3. If you flick something such as a whip or a towel, or flick something with it, you hold one end of it and move your hand quickly up and then forward, so that the other end moves.\nHe helped her up before flicking the reins...\nShe sighed and flicked a dishcloth at the counter...\n  VERB: V n, V n prep\n\n  Flick is also a noun.\n...a flick of the whip.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you flick a switch, or flick an electrical appliance on or off, you press the switch sharply so that it moves into a different position and works the equipment.\nHe flicked a light-switch on the wall beside the door...\nSam was flicking a flashlight on and off...\n  VERB: V n, V n with on/off\n\n5. If you flick through a book or magazine, you turn its pages quickly, for example to get a general idea of its contents or to look for a particular item. If you flick through television channels, you continually change channels very quickly, for example using a remote control.\nShe was flicking through some magazines on a table...\n  VERB: V through n\n\n  Flick is also a noun.\nI thought I’d have a quick flick through some recent issues.\n  N-SING: a N


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


Words: flicker
Meaning:
flick.er\n   flicker  flickers  flickering  flickered\n1. If a light or flame flickers, it shines unsteadily.\nA television flickered in the corner.\n  VERB: V\n\n  Flicker is also a noun.\nLooking through the cabin window I saw the flicker of flames.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you experience a flicker of emotion, you feel that emotion only for a very short time, and not very strongly.\nHe felt a flicker of regret...\nHe looked at me, a flicker of amusement in his cold eyes.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N of n\n\n3. If something flickers, it makes very slight, quick movements.\nIn a moment her eyelids flickered, then opened...\nA few moments later Mrs Tenney’s eyelids flickered open.\n  VERB: V, V adj


Words: flight
Meaning:
flight  flights\n1. A flight is a journey made by flying, usually in an aeroplane.\nThe flight will take four hours.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to an aeroplane carrying passengers on a particular journey as a particular flight.\nI’ll try to get on the flight down to Karachi tonight...\nBA flight 286 was two hours late.\n  N-COUNT: also N num\n\n3. Flight is the action of flying, or the ability to fly.\nThese hawks are magnificent in flight, soaring and circling for long periods...\nSupersonic flight could become a routine form of travel in the 21st century.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. A flight of birds is a group of them flying together.\nA flight of green parrots shot out of the cedar forest.\n  N-COUNT: N of n\n\n5. Flight is the act of running away from a dangerous or unpleasant situation or place.\nThe family was often in flight, hiding out in friends’ houses.\n...her hurried flight from the palace in a cart.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N\n\n6. A flight of steps or stairs is a set of steps or stairs that lead from one level to another without changing direction.\nWe walked in silence up a flight of stairs and down a long corridor.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n7. If someone takes flight, they run away from an unpleasant situation or place.\nHe was told of the raid and decided to take flight immediately.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = flee


Words: flight attendant
Meaning:
flight at.tend.ant\n   flight attendant  flight attendants\n  On an aeroplane, the flight attendants are the people whose job is to look after the passengers and serve their meals.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flight deck
Meaning:
flight deck  flight decks   also flight-deck\n1. On an aircraft carrier, the flight deck is the flat open surface on the deck where aircraft take off and land.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. On a large aeroplane, the flight deck is the area at the front where the pilot works and where all the controls are.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flight lieutenant
Meaning:
flight lieu.ten.ant\n   flight lieutenant  flight lieutenants   also flight-lieutenant\n  In the British air force, a flight lieutenant is an officer of the rank below squadron leader.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE


Words: flight of capital
Meaning:
flight of capi.tal\n\n  When people lose confidence in a particular economy or market and withdraw their investment from it, you can refer to a flight of capital from that economy or market. (BUSINESS)\nTI has seen its shares suffer because of a flight of capital to telecom and Internet-related businesses...\n  N-SING


Words: flight recorder
Meaning:
flight re.cord.er\n   flight recorder  flight recorders\n  On an aeroplane, the flight recorder is the same as the black box.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flightless
Meaning:
flight.less\n   flightless\n  A flightless bird or insect is unable to fly because it does not have the necessary type of wings.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: flighty
Meaning:
flighty  flightier  flightiest\n  If you say that someone is flighty, you disapprove of them because they are not very serious or reliable and keep changing from one activity, idea, or partner to another.\nIsabelle was a frivolous little fool, vain and flighty.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: flimsy
Meaning:
flim.sy\n   flimsy  flimsier  flimsiest\n1. A flimsy object is weak because it is made of a weak material, or is badly made.\n...a flimsy wooden door.\n...a pair of flimsy shoes.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Flimsy cloth or clothing is thin and does not give much protection.\n...a very flimsy pink chiffon nightgown.\n  ADJ\n\n3. If you describe something such as evidence or an excuse as flimsy, you mean that it is not very good or convincing.\nThe charges were based on very flimsy evidence.\n  ADJ\n  = weak, unconvincing


Words: flinch
Meaning:
flinch  flinches  flinching  flinched\n1. If you flinch, you make a small sudden movement, especially when something surprises you or hurts you.\nMurat had looked into the eyes of the firing squad without flinching...\nThe sharp surface of the rock caught at her skin, making her flinch.\n  VERB: usu neg, V, V\n\n2. If you flinch from something unpleasant, you are unwilling to do it or think about it, or you avoid doing it.\nThe world community should not flinch in the face of this challenge...\nHe has never flinched from harsh financial decisions.\n  VERB: V, V from n


Words: fling
Meaning:
fling  flings  flinging  flung\n1. If you fling something somewhere, you throw it there using a lot of force.\nThe woman flung the cup at him...\nHe once seized my knitting, flinging it across the room.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv\n\n2. If you fling yourself somewhere, you move or jump there suddenly and with a lot of force.\nHe flung himself to the floor.\n  VERB: V pron-refl prep/adv\n\n3. If you fling a part of your body in a particular direction, especially your arms or head, you move it there suddenly.\nShe flung her arms around my neck and kissed me.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n  = throw\n4. If you fling someone to the ground, you push them very roughly so that they fall over.\nThe youth got him by the front of his shirt and flung him to the ground.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n5. If you fling something into a particular place or position, you put it there in a quick or angry way.\nPeter flung his shoes into the corner...\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n6. If you fling yourself into a particular activity, you do it with a lot of enthusiasm and energy.\nShe flung herself into her career...\n  VERB: V pron-refl into n\n\n7. If two people have a fling, they have a brief sexual relationship. (INFORMAL)\nShe claims she had a brief fling with him 30 years ago.\n  N-COUNT: oft N with n\n  = affair\n8. Fling can be used instead of `throw’ in many expressions that usually contain `throw’.


Words: flint
Meaning:
flint  flints\n1. Flint is a very hard greyish-black stone that was used in former times for making tools.\n...a flint arrowhead.\n...eyes the colour of flint.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A flint is a small piece of flint which can be struck with a piece of steel to produce sparks.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flintlock
Meaning:
flint.lock\n   flintlock  flintlocks\n  A flintlock gun is a type of gun that was used in former times. It is fired by pressing a trigger which causes a spark struck from a flint to light gunpowder.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: flinty
Meaning:
flinty\n  If you describe a person or someone’s character or expression as flinty, you mean they are harsh and show no emotion.\n...her flinty stare.\n...a man of flinty determination.\n  ADJ\n  = stony


Words: flip
Meaning:
flip  flips  flipping  flipped\n1. If you flip a device on or off, or if you flip a switch, you turn it on or off by pressing the switch quickly.\nThen he walked out, flipping the lights off...\nHe flipped the timer switch.\n  VERB: V n with on/off, V n\n  = flick\n2. If you flip through the pages of a book, for example, you quickly turn over the pages in order to find a particular one or to get an idea of the contents.\nHe was flipping through a magazine in the living room...\nHe flipped the pages of the diary and began reading the last entry.\n  VERB: V through n, V n\n\n3. If something flips over, or if you flip it over or into a different position, it moves or is moved into a different position.\nThe plane then flipped over and burst into flames...\nHe flipped it neatly on to the plate.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V n prep/adv\n\n4. If you flip something, especially a coin, you use your thumb to make it turn over and over, as it goes through the air.\nI pulled a coin from my pocket and flipped it...\n  VERB: V n\n  = toss\n5. If you say that someone is being flip, you disapprove of them because you think that what they are saying shows they are not being serious enough about something.\n...a flip answer...\nThe tone of the book is sometimes too flip.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: flip chart
Meaning:
flip chart flip charts  also flipchart\n  A flip chart is a stand with large sheets of paper which is used when presenting information at a meeting.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flip side
Meaning:
flip side   also flipside\n1. The flip side of a record is the side that does not have the main song on it.\n`What’s on the flip side?’\n  N-SING: the N\n\n2. The flip side of a situation consists of the less obvious or less pleasant aspects of it.\nThe trade deficit is the flip side of a rapidly expanding economy.\n  N-SING


Words: flip-flop
Meaning:
flip-flop  flip-flops  flip-flopping  flip-flopped\n1. Flip-flops are open shoes which are held on your feet by a strap that goes between your toes. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use thongs)\n  N-PLURAL\n\n2. If you say that someone, especially a politician, flip-flops on a decision, you are critical of them because they change their decision, so that they do or think the opposite. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nHe has been criticized for flip-flopping on several key issues...\nHe seemed so sure of his decision, how could he flip-flop so dramatically now?\n  VERB: V on n, V  disapproval\n\n  Flip-flop is also a noun.\nThe President’s flip-flops on taxes made him appear indecisive.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flippant
Meaning:
flip.pant\n   flippant\n  If you describe a person or what they say as flippant, you are criticizing them because you think they are not taking something as seriously as they should.\nDon’t be flippant, damn it! This is serious!...\nHe now dismisses that as a flippant comment.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = flip, glib


Words: flipper
Meaning:
flip.per\n   flipper  flippers\n1. Flippers are flat pieces of rubber that you can wear on your feet to help you swim more quickly, especially underwater.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. The flippers of an animal that lives in water, for example a seal or a penguin, are the two or four flat limbs which it uses for swimming.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: flipping
Meaning:
flip.ping\n   flipping\n  Some people use flipping to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are annoyed. (BRIT INFORMAL, SPOKEN)\nThis is such a flipping horrible picture.\n  ADV: ADV adj  emphasis\n  = flaming\n  Flipping is also an adjective.\nI even washed the flipping bed sheets yesterday.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: flirt
Meaning:
flirt  flirts  flirting  flirted\n1. If you flirt with someone, you behave as if you are sexually attracted to them, in a playful or not very serious way.\nDad’s flirting with all the ladies, or they’re all flirting with him, as usual...\nHe flirts outrageously.\n  V-RECIP: V with n, V (non-recip)\n\n=>  flir.ta.tion      flirtations\n...a professor who has a flirtation with a student...\nShe was aware of his attempts at flirtation.\n  N-VAR: oft N with n\n\n2. Someone who is a flirt likes to flirt a lot.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you flirt with the idea of something, you consider it but do not do anything about it.\nDi Pietro, 45, has been flirting with the idea of a political career.\n  VERB: V with n\n\n=>  flir.ta.tion\n...the party’s brief flirtation with economic liberalism.\n  N-VAR


Words: flirtatious
Meaning:
flir.ta.tious\n   flirtatious\n  Someone who is flirtatious behaves towards someone else as if they are sexually attracted to them, usually not in a very serious way.\nHe was dashing, self-confident and flirtatious.\n  ADJ


Words: flirty
Meaning:
flir.ty\n   flirty\n1. If you describe someone as flirty, you mean that they behave towards people in a way which suggests they are sexually attracted to them, usually in a playful or not very serious way.\nShe is amazingly flirty and sensual...\nShe had an appealing flirty smile.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Flirty clothes are feminine and sexy.\n  ADJ


Words: flit
Meaning:
flit  flits  flitting  flitted\n1. If you flit around or flit between one place and another, you go to lots of places without staying for very long in any of them.\nLaura flits about New York hailing taxis at every opportunity...\nHe spends his time flitting between Florence, Rome and Bologna.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv\n\n2. If someone flits from one thing or situation to another, they move or turn their attention from one to the other very quickly.\nShe flits from one dance partner to another...\nHe’s prone to flit between subjects with amazing ease.\n  VERB: V from n to n, V prep\n\n3. If something such as a bird or a bat flits about, it flies quickly from one place to another.\n...the parrot that flits from tree to tree.\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n4. If an expression flits across your face or an idea flits through your mind, it is there for a short time and then goes again.\nHe was unable to prevent a look of interest from flitting across his features...\nImages and memories of the evening flitted through her mind.\n  VERB: V across n, V through n


Words: float
Meaning:
float  floats  floating  floated\n1. If something or someone is floating in a liquid, they are in the liquid, on or just below the surface, and are being supported by it. You can also float something on a liquid.\nThey noticed fifty and twenty dollar bills floating in the water.\n...barges floating quietly by the grassy river banks...\nThey’ll spend some time floating boats in the creek.\n  VERB: V in n, V prep/adv, V n, also V n prep/adv\n\n2. Something that floats lies on or just below the surface of a liquid when it is put in it and does not sink.\nEmpty things float.\n  VERB: V\n  !=sink\n3. A float is a light object that is used to help someone or something float.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A float is a small object attached to a fishing line which floats on the water and moves when a fish has been caught.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. Something that floats in or through the air hangs in it or moves slowly and gently through it.\nThe white cloud of smoke floated away.\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n6. If you float a project, plan, or idea, you suggest it for others to think about.\nThe French had floated the idea of placing the diplomatic work in the hands of the UN.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. If a company director floats their company, they start to sell shares in it to the public. (BUSINESS)\nHe floated his firm on the stock market...\nThe advisers are delaying the key decision on whether to float 60 per cent or 100 per cent of the shares.\n  VERB: V n on n, V n\n\n8. If a government floats its country’s currency or allows it to float, it allows the currency’s value to change freely in relation to other currencies. (BUSINESS)\nA decision by the Finns to float their currency sent a shudder through the foreign exchanges...\n59 per cent of people believed the pound should be allowed to float freely.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n9. A float is a truck on which displays and people in special costumes are carried in a festival procession.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also milk float\n10. A float is a small amount of coins and notes of low value that someone has before they start selling things so that they are able to give customers change if necessary. (BRIT)\n  N-SING


Words: float around
Meaning:
float around\n  A rumour or idea that is floating around is often heard or talked about.\nThere are still some unfounded fears floating around out there about cancer being contagious.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


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


Words: flock
Meaning:
flock  flocks  flocking  flocked\n1. A flock of birds, sheep, or goats is a group of them.\nThey kept a small flock of sheep...\nThey are gregarious birds and feed in flocks.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: usu N of n\n\n2. You can refer to a group of people or things as a flock of them to emphasize that there are a lot of them.\nThese cases all attracted flocks of famous writers.\n...his flock of advisers.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: N of n  emphasis\n\n3. If people flock to a particular place or event, a very large number of them go there, usually because it is pleasant or interesting.\nThe public have flocked to the show...\nThe criticisms will not stop people flocking to see the film...\nHis greatest wish must be that huge crowds flock into the beautiful park.\n  VERB: V to n, V to-inf, V prep/adv


Words: flog
Meaning:
flog  flogs  flogging  flogged\n1. If someone tries to flog something, they try to sell it. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nThey are trying to flog their house.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If someone is flogged, they are hit very hard with a whip or stick as a punishment.\nIn these places people starved, were flogged, were clubbed to death...\nFlog them soundly.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n=>  flog.ging      floggings\nHe was sentenced to a flogging and life imprisonment...\n  N-VAR\n\n3. If you say that someone is flogging a dead horse, you mean that they are trying to achieve something impossible. (INFORMAL)\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: flood
Meaning:
flood  floods  flooding  flooded\n1. If there is a flood, a large amount of water covers an area which is usually dry, for example when a river flows over its banks or a pipe bursts.\nMore than 70 people were killed in the floods, caused when a dam burst...\nThis is the type of flood dreaded by cavers...\nOver 25 people drowned when a schoolbus tried to cross a river and flood waters swept through.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If something such as a river or a burst pipe floods an area that is usually dry or if the area floods, it becomes covered with water.\nThe Chicago River flooded the city’s underground tunnel system...\nThe kitchen flooded.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  flood.ed\nPeople have been mobilised to build defences and drain flooded land as heavy rains continue to fall.\n  ADJ\n\n3. If a river floods, it overflows, especially after very heavy rain.\n...the relentless rain that caused twenty rivers to flood...\nMany streams have flooded their banks, making some roads impassable.\n  VERB: V, V n\n  = overflow\n4. If you say that a flood of people or things arrive somewhere, you are emphasizing that a very large number of them arrive there.\nThe administration is trying to stem the flood of refugees out of Haiti and into Florida...\nHe received a flood of letters from irate constituents.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n  emphasis\n  = tide, torrent\n5. If you say that people or things flood into a place, you are emphasizing that they arrive there in large numbers.\nEnquiries flooded in from all over the world.\n...the refugees flooding out of Kosovo.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv  emphasis\n  = pour\n6. If you flood a place with a particular type of thing, or if a particular type of thing floods a place, the place becomes full of so many of them that it cannot hold or deal with any more.\n...a policy aimed at flooding Europe with exports...\nGerman cameras at knock-down prices flooded the British market.\n  VERB: V n with n, V n\n  = saturate\n=>  flood.ed\n...the danger of Europe becoming flooded with low-cost agricultural imports.\n  ADJ\n\n7. If an emotion, feeling, or thought floods you, you suddenly feel it very intensely. If feelings or memories flood back, you suddenly remember them very clearly. (LITERARY)\nA wave of happiness flooded me...\nMary Ann was flooded with relief ...\nIt was probably the shock which had brought all the memories flooding back.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed with n, V adv\n\n8. If light floods a place or floods into it, it suddenly fills it.\nThe afternoon light flooded the little rooms...\nMorning sunshine flooded in through the open curtains.\n  VERB: V n, V prep/adv\n\n9.\n  see also flash flood\n10. If you say that someone was in floods of tears or in a flood of tears, you are emphasizing that they were crying with great intensity because they were very upset.\nThey said goodbye in a flood of tears.\n  PHRASE: flood inflects, usu in PHR  emphasis


Words: flood out
Meaning:
flood out\n  If people, places, or things are flooded out, the water from a flood makes it impossible for people to stay in that place or to use that thing.\nTrain lines were flooded out...\nThe river flooded them out every few years.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V n P


Words: flood plain
Meaning:
flood plain  flood plains   also floodplain\n  A flood plain is a flat area on the edge of a river, where the ground consists of soil, sand, and rock left by the river when it floods.\n  N-COUNT


Words: floodgates
Meaning:
flood.gates\n   floodgates\n  If events open the floodgates to something, they make it possible for that thing to happen much more often or much more seriously than before.\nA decision against the cigarette companies could open the floodgates to many more lawsuits...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR to/for n


Words: flooding
Meaning:
flood.ing\n   flooding\n  If flooding occurs, an area of land that is usually dry is covered with water after heavy rain or after a river or lake flows over its banks.\nThe flooding, caused by three days of torrential rain, is the worst in sixty-five years.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: floodlight
Meaning:
flood.light\n   floodlight  floodlights  floodlighting  floodlit\n1. Floodlights are very powerful lamps that are used outside to light public buildings, sports grounds, and other places at night.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. If a building or place is floodlit, it is lit by floodlights.\nIn the evening the facade is floodlit...\nA police helicopter hovered above, floodlighting the area.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: floor
Meaning:
floor  floors  flooring  floored\n1. The floor of a room is the part of it that you walk on.\nJack’s sitting on the floor watching TV...\nWe painted the wooden floor with a white stain.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing\n\n2. A floor of a building is all the rooms that are on a particular level.\nIt is on the fifth floor of the hospital...\nThey occupied the first two floors of the tower.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n  = storey\n3. The ocean floor is the ground at the bottom of an ocean. The valley floor is the ground at the bottom of a valley.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp, oft n N\n\n4. The place where official debates and discussions are held, especially between members of parliament, is referred to as the floor.\nThe issues were debated on the floor of the House.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing\n\n5. In a debate or discussion, the floor is the people who are listening to the arguments being put forward but who are not among the main speakers.\nThe president is taking questions from the floor.\n  N-SING-COLL: the N\n\n6. The floor of a stock exchange is the large open area where trading is done.\n...the dealing floor at Standard Chartered Bank.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp\n\n7. The floor in a place such as a club or disco is the area where people dance.\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. If you are floored by something, you are unable to respond to it because you are so surprised by it.\nHe was floored by the announcement...\nHe seemed floored by a string of scandals.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed\n\n9.\n  see also floored, flooring, dance floor, first floor, ground floor, shop floor\n10. If you take the floor, you start speaking in a debate or discussion. If you are given the floor, you are allowed to do this.\nMinisters took the floor to denounce the decision to suspend constitutional rule...\nOnly members would be given the floor.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n11. If you take to the floor, you start dancing at a dance or disco.\nThe happy couple and their respective parents took to the floor.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n12. If you say that prices or sales have fallen through the floor, you mean that they have suddenly decreased.\nProperty prices have dropped through the floor...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n13. If you wipe the floor with someone, you defeat them completely in a competition or discussion. (INFORMAL)\nHe could wipe the floor with the Prime Minister.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n14.\n  see also factory floor


Words: floor lamp
Meaning:
floor lamp  floor lamps\n  A floor lamp is a tall electric light which stands on the floor in a living room. (AM; in BRIT, use standard lamp)\n  N-COUNT


Words: floor show
Meaning:
floor show  floor shows   also floorshow\n  A floor show is a series of performances by dancers, singers, or comedians at a night club.\n  N-COUNT


Words: floorboard
Meaning:
floor.board\n   floorboard  floorboards\n  Floorboards are the long pieces of wood that a wooden floor is made up of.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: floored
Meaning:
floored\n  A room or part of a room that is floored with a particular material has a floor made of that material.\nThe aisle was floored with ancient bricks.\n  ADJ\n\n  Floored is also a combining form.\nThey had to cross the large marble-floored hall.\n  COMB in ADJ


Words: flooring
Meaning:
floor.ing\n   flooring  floorings\n  Flooring is a material that is used to make the floor of a room.\nQuarry tiles are a popular kitchen flooring.\n  N-MASS


Words: floozy
Meaning:
floo.zy\n   floozy  floozies\n  If you refer to a woman as a floozy, you disapprove of her sexual behaviour and the fact that she wears vulgar clothes. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: flop
Meaning:
flop  flops  flopping  flopped\n1. If you flop into a chair, for example, you sit down suddenly and heavily because you are so tired.\nBunbury flopped down upon the bed and rested his tired feet...\nShe flopped, exhausted, on to a sofa.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv\n  = collapse\n2. If something flops onto something else, it falls there heavily or untidily.\nThe briefcase flopped onto the desk...\nHis hair flopped over his left eye.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv\n\n3. If something is a flop, it is completely unsuccessful. (INFORMAL)\nIt is the public who decide whether a film is a hit or a flop.\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N\n  = failure\n4. If something flops, it is completely unsuccessful. (INFORMAL)\nThe film flopped badly at the box office.\n  VERB: V


Words: flophouse
Meaning:
flop.house\n   flophouse  flophouses\n  A flophouse is a kind of cheap hotel in a city for people who have no home and very little money. (AM INFORMAL; in BRIT, use doss-house)\n  N-COUNT


Words: floppy
Meaning:
flop.py\n   floppy\n  Something that is floppy is loose rather than stiff, and tends to hang downwards.\n...the girl with the floppy hat and glasses.\n  ADJ


Words: floppy disk
Meaning:
flop.py disk\n   floppy disk  floppy disks\nin BRIT, also use floppy disc\n  A floppy disk is a small magnetic disk that is used for storing computer data and programs. Floppy disks are used especially with personal computers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flora
Meaning:
flo.ra\n   flora\n  You can refer to plants as flora, especially the plants growing in a particular area. (FORMAL)\n...the variety of food crops and flora which now exists in Dominica.\n  N-UNCOUNT-COLL


Words: floral
Meaning:
flo.ral\n   floral\n1. A floral fabric or design has flowers on it.\n...a bright yellow floral fabric.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. You can use floral to describe something that contains flowers or is made of flowers.\n...eye-catching floral arrangements.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: floret
Meaning:
flo.ret\n   floret  florets\n1. On a flowering plant, a floret is a small flower that is part of a larger flower.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. On vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, a floret is one of the small, flower-shaped pieces which make up the part of the vegetable that you eat.\n  N-COUNT


Words: florid
Meaning:
flor.id\n   florid\n1. If you describe something as florid, you disapprove of the fact that it is complicated and extravagant rather than plain and simple.\n...florid language.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = ornate\n2. Someone who is florid always has a red face.\nJacobs was a stout, florid man.\n  ADJ


Words: florist
Meaning:
flo.rist\n   florist  florists\n1. A florist is a shopkeeper who arranges and sells flowers and sells house plants.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A florist or a florist’s is a shop where flowers and house plants are sold.\n  N-COUNT: oft the N


Words: floss
Meaning:
floss  flosses  flossing  flossed\n1. You can use floss to refer to fine soft threads of some kind.\nCraft Resources also sells yarn and embroidery floss.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also candyfloss, dental floss\n2. When you floss, you use a special kind of strong string to clean between your teeth and gums.\nBrush your teeth after each meal and floss daily...\nShe was flossing her teeth at the time.\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: flotation
Meaning:
flo.ta.tion\n   flotation  flotations\n1. The flotation of a company is the selling of shares in it to the public. (BUSINESS)\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A flotation compartment helps something to float because it is filled with air or gas.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: flotilla
Meaning:
flo.til.la\n   flotilla  flotillas\n  A flotilla is a group of small ships, usually military ships.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flotsam
Meaning:
flot.sam\n   flotsam\n1. Flotsam is rubbish, for example bits of wood and plastic, that is floating on the sea or has been left by the sea on the shore.\nThe water was full of flotsam and refuse.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You can use flotsam and jetsam to refer to small or unimportant items that are found together, especially ones that have no connection with each other.\n...cornflake packets, bottles, and all the flotsam and jetsam of the kitchen.\n  PHRASE


Words: flounce
Meaning:
flounce  flounces  flouncing  flounced\n1. If you flounce somewhere, you walk there quickly with exaggerated movements, in a way that shows you are annoyed or upset.\nShe flounced out of my room in a huff...\nShe will flounce and argue when asked to leave the room.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V\n\n2. A flounce is a piece of cloth that has been sewn into folds and put around the edge of something, for example a skirt, dress, tablecloth, or curtain.\n...a gown with a flounce round the hem.\n  N-COUNT\n  = frill


Words: flounder
Meaning:
floun.der\n   flounder  flounders  floundering  floundered\n1. If something is floundering, it has many problems and may soon fail completely.\nWhat a pity that his career was left to flounder...\nThe economy was floundering.\n  VERB: V, V\n  = founder\n2. If you say that someone is floundering, you are criticizing them for not making decisions or for not knowing what to say or do.\nRight now, you’ve got a president who’s floundering, trying to find some way to get his campaign jump-started...\nI know that you’re floundering around, trying to grasp at any straw.\n  VERB: V, V around  disapproval\n  = dither\n3. If you flounder in water or mud, you move in an uncontrolled way, trying not to sink.\nThree men were floundering about in the water.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, also V


Words: flour
Meaning:
flour  flours  flouring  floured\n1. Flour is a white or brown powder that is made by grinding grain. It is used to make bread, cakes, and pastry.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. If you flour cooking equipment or food, you cover it with flour.\nLightly flour a rolling pin...\nRemove the dough from the bowl and put it on a floured surface.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: flourish
Meaning:
flour.ish\n   flourish  flourishes  flourishing  flourished\n1. If something flourishes, it is successful, active, or common, and developing quickly and strongly.\nBusiness flourished and within six months they were earning 18,000 roubles a day...\n  VERB: V\n  = thrive  !=flounder\n=>  flour.ish.ing\nLondon quickly became a flourishing port.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If a plant or animal flourishes, it grows well or is healthy because the conditions are right for it.\nThe plant flourishes particularly well in slightly harsher climes.\n  VERB: V\n  = thrive\n=>  flour.ish.ing\nBritain has the largest and most flourishing fox population in Europe.\n  ADJ\n\n3. If you flourish an object, you wave it about in a way that makes people notice it.\nHe flourished the glass to emphasize the point.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Flourish is also a noun.\nHe took his peaked cap from under his arm with a flourish and pulled it low over his eyes.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you do something with a flourish, you do in a showy way so that people notice it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: floury
Meaning:
floury\n1. Something that is floury is covered with flour or tastes of flour.\nShe wiped her floury hands on her apron.\n...floury scones.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Floury potatoes go soft round the edges and break up when they are cooked.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: flout
Meaning:
flout  flouts  flouting  flouted\n  If you flout something such as a law, an order, or an accepted way of behaving, you deliberately do not obey it or follow it.\n...illegal campers who persist in flouting the law...\n  VERB: V n\n  = defy  !=observe, respect


Words: flow
Meaning:
flow  flows  flowing  flowed\n1. If a liquid, gas, or electrical current flows somewhere, it moves there steadily and continuously.\nA stream flowed gently down into the valley...\nThe current flows into electric motors that drive the wheels.\n...compressor stations that keep the gas flowing.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V adv/prep, V\n\n  Flow is also a noun.\nIt works only in the veins, where the blood flow is slower.\n  N-VAR: with supp\n\n2. If a number of people or things flow from one place to another, they move there steadily in large groups, usually without stopping.\nLarge numbers of refugees continue to flow from the troubled region into the no-man’s land...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n  Flow is also a noun.\nShe watched the frantic flow of cars and buses along the street...\n  N-VAR: with supp\n\n3. If information or money flows somewhere, it moves freely between people or organizations.\nA lot of this information flowed through other police departments...\nAn interest rate reduction is needed to get more money flowing and create jobs.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V\n\n  Flow is also a noun.\n...the opportunity to control the flow of information.\n  N-VAR: with supp\n\n  see also cash flow\n4. Someone who is in full flow is talking easily and continuously and seems likely to go on talking for some time.\nHe had been replying for some 40 minutes already and was still in full flow.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n5. If you say that an activity, or the person who is performing the activity, is in full flow, you mean that the activity has started and is being carried out with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm.\nLunch at Harry’s Bar was in full flow when Irene made a splendid entrance...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n6. If you go with the flow, you let things happen or let other people tell you what to do, rather than trying to control what happens yourself.\nThere’s nothing I can do about the problem, so I might as well go with the flow.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: flow chart
Meaning:
flow chart  flow charts\n  A flow chart or a flow diagram is a diagram which represents the sequence of actions in a particular process or activity.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flower
Meaning:
flow.er\n   flower  flowers  flowering  flowered\n1. A flower is the part of a plant which is often brightly coloured, grows at the end of a stem, and only survives for a short time.\nEach individual flower is tiny.\n...large, purplish-blue flowers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A flower is a stem of a plant that has one or more flowers on it and has been picked, usually with others, for example to give as a present or to put in a vase.\n...a bunch of flowers sent by a new admirer.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n3. Flowers are small plants that are grown for their flowers as opposed to trees, shrubs, and vegetables.\n...a lawned area surrounded by plants and flowers...\nThe flower garden will be ablaze with colour every day.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n4. When a plant or tree flowers, its flowers appear and open.\nSeveral of these rhododendrons will flower this year for the first time.\n  VERB: V\n\n5. When something flowers, for example a political movement or a relationship, it gets stronger and more successful.\nTheir relationship flowered.\n  VERB: V\n  = blossom\n6. When a plant is in flower or when it has come into flower, its flowers have appeared and opened.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n7.\n  see also flowered


Words: flower arranging
Meaning:
flow.er ar.rang.ing\n   flower arranging\n  Flower arranging is the art or hobby of arranging cut flowers in a way which makes them look attractive.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: flower power
Meaning:
flow.er pow.er\n   flower power\n  Flower power is an old-fashioned way of referring to hippies and the culture associated with hippies in the late 1960s and early 1970s.\n...the era of flower power.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: flowerbed
Meaning:
flower.bed\n   flowerbed  flowerbeds   also flower bed\n  A flowerbed is an area of ground in a garden or park which has been specially prepared so that flowers can be grown in it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flowered
Meaning:
flow.ered\n   flowered\n  Flowered paper or cloth has a pattern of flowers on it.\nShe was wearing a pretty flowered cotton dress.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = floral


Words: flowering
Meaning:
flow.er.ing\n   flowering\n1. The flowering of something such as an idea or artistic style is the development of its popularity and success.\n...the flowering of creative genius.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. Flowering shrubs, trees, or plants are those which produce noticeable flowers.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: flowerpot
Meaning:
flower.pot\n   flowerpot  flowerpots   also flower pot\n  A flowerpot is a container that is used for growing plants.\n  N-COUNT\n  = plant pot


Words: flowery
Meaning:
flow.ery\n   flowery\n1. A flowery smell is strong and sweet, like flowers.\nAmy thought she caught the faintest drift of Isabel’s flowery perfume.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Flowery cloth, paper, or china has a lot of flowers printed or painted on it.\nThe baby, dressed in a flowery jumpsuit, waved her rattle.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = floral\n3. Flowery speech or writing contains long or literary words and expressions.\nThey were using uncommonly flowery language.\n  ADJ\n  = florid


Words: flu
Meaning:
flu\n  Flu is an illness which is similar to a bad cold but more serious. It often makes you feel very weak and makes your muscles hurt.\nI got flu...\nHe had come down with the flu.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also the N


Words: fluctuate
Meaning:
fluc.tu.ate\n   fluctuate  fluctuates  fluctuating  fluctuated\n  If something fluctuates, it changes a lot in an irregular way.\nBody temperature can fluctuate if you are ill.\n...the fluctuating price of oil.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n\n=>  fluc.tua.tion      fluctuations\nDon’t worry about tiny fluctuations in your weight...\nThe calculations do not take into account any fluctuation in the share price.\n  N-VAR: usu N in/of n


Words: flue
Meaning:
flue  flues\n  A flue is a pipe or long tube that acts as a chimney, taking smoke away from a device such as a heater, fire, or cooker.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fluent
Meaning:
flu.ent\n   fluent\n1. Someone who is fluent in a particular language, can speak the language easily and correctly. You can also say that someone speaks fluent French, Chinese, or some other language.\nShe studied eight foreign languages but is fluent in only six of them...\nHe speaks fluent Russian.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ in n\n\n=>  flu.en.cy\nTo work as a translator, you need fluency in at least one foreign language.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  flu.ent.ly\nHe spoke three languages fluently.\n  ADV\n\n2. If your speech, reading, or writing is fluent, you speak, read, or write easily, smoothly, and clearly with no mistakes.\nHe had emerged from being a hesitant and unsure candidate into a fluent debater.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  flu.en.cy\nHis son was praised for speeches of remarkable fluency.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  flu.ent.ly\nAlex didn’t read fluently till he was nearly seven.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: fluff
Meaning:
fluff\n  Fluff consists of soft threads or fibres in the form of small, light balls or lumps. For example, you can refer to the fur of a small animal as fluff.\nShe noticed some bits of fluff on the sleeve of her sweater.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft n of N


Words: fluffy
Meaning:
fluffy  fluffier  fluffiest\n1. If you describe something such as a towel or a toy animal as fluffy, you mean that it is very soft.\n...fluffy white towels...\nIt’s a very fluffy kind of wool.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A cake or other food that is fluffy is very light because it has a lot of air in it.\nCream together the margarine and sugar with a wooden spoon until light and fluffy.\n  ADJ


Words: fluid
Meaning:
flu.id\n   fluid  fluids\n1. A fluid is a liquid. (FORMAL)\nThe blood vessels may leak fluid, which distorts vision...\nMake sure that you drink plenty of fluids.\n...fluid retention.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. Fluid movements or lines or designs are smooth and graceful.\nThe forehand stroke should be fluid and well balanced.\n  ADJ\n\n3. A situation that is fluid is unstable and is likely to change often.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = changeable


Words: fluid ounce
Meaning:
flu.id ounce\n   fluid ounce  fluid ounces\n  A fluid ounce is a measurement of liquid. There are twenty fluid ounces in a British pint, and sixteen in an American pint.\n  N-COUNT: num N, oft N of n


Words: fluke
Meaning:
fluke  flukes\n  If you say that something good is a fluke, you mean that it happened accidentally rather than by being planned or arranged. (INFORMAL)\nThe discovery was something of a fluke...\nBy sheer fluke, one of the shipowner’s employees was in the city.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, also by N


Words: flummox
Meaning:
flum.mox\n   flummox  flummoxes  flummoxing  flummoxed\n  If someone is flummoxed by something, they are confused by it and do not know what to do or say.\nThe two leaders were flummoxed by the suggestion.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n=>  flum.moxed\nNo wonder Josef was feeling a bit flummoxed.\n  ADJ


Words: flunk
Meaning:
flunk  flunks  flunking  flunked\n  If you flunk an exam or a course, you fail to reach the required standard. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nYour son is upset because he flunked a history exam.\n  VERB: V n\n  = fail


Words: flunkey
Meaning:
flunk.ey\n   flunkey  flunkeys   also flunky\n1. Someone who refers to a servant as a flunkey is expressing their dislike for a job that involves doing things for an employer that ordinary people do for themselves.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n  = lackey\n2. If you refer to someone as a flunkey, you disapprove of the fact that they associate themselves with someone who is powerful and carry out small, unimportant jobs for them in the hope of being rewarded.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n  = hanger-on


Words: fluorescent
Meaning:
fluo.res.cent\n   fluorescent\n1. A fluorescent surface, substance, or colour has a very bright appearance when light is directed onto it, as if it is actually shining itself.\n...a piece of fluorescent tape.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  fluo.res.cence\n...the green fluorescence it gives off under ultraviolet radiation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A fluorescent light shines with a very hard, bright light and is usually in the form of a long strip.\n...fluorescent light tubes.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: fluoridation
Meaning:
fluori.da.tion\n   fluoridation\n  Fluoridation is the action or process of adding fluoride to a water supply.\n...fluoridation of the water supply.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: fluoride
Meaning:
fluo.ride\n   fluoride\n  Fluoride is a mixture of chemicals that is sometimes added to drinking water and toothpaste because it is considered to be good for people’s teeth.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: fluorine
Meaning:
fluo.rine\n   fluorine\n  Fluorine is a pale yellow, poisonous gas. It is used in the production of uranium and other chemicals.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: flurry
Meaning:
flur.ry\n   flurry  flurries\n1. A flurry of something such as activity or excitement is a short intense period of it.\n...a flurry of diplomatic activity aimed at ending the war.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. A flurry of something such as snow is a small amount of it that suddenly appears for a short time and moves in a quick, swirling way.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: flush
Meaning:
flush  flushes  flushing  flushed\n1. If you flush, your face goes red because you are hot or ill, or because you are feeling a strong emotion such as embarrassment or anger.\nDo you sweat a lot or flush a lot?...\nHe turned away embarrassed, his face flushing red.\n  VERB: V, V colour\n\n  Flush is also a noun.\nThere was a slight flush on his cheeks.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  flushed\nHer face was flushed with anger.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n\n\n2. When someone flushes a toilet after using it, they fill the toilet bowl with water in order to clean it, usually by pressing a handle or pulling a chain. You can also say that a toilet flushes.\nShe flushed the toilet and went back in the bedroom.\n...the sound of the toilet flushing.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n  Flush is also a noun.\nHe heard the flush of a toilet.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n3. If you flush something down the toilet, you get rid of it by putting it into the toilet bowl and flushing the toilet.\nHe was found trying to flush banknotes down the toilet.\n  VERB: V n down n\n\n4. If you flush a part of your body, you clean it or make it healthier by using a large amount of liquid to get rid of dirt or harmful substances.\nFlush the eye with clean cold water for at least 15 minutes...\n  VERB: V n\n  = cleanse\n  Flush out means the same as flush.\n...an `alternative’ therapy that gently flushes out the colon to remove toxins.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n5. If you flush dirt or a harmful substance out of a place, you get rid of it by using a large amount of liquid.\nThat won’t flush out all the sewage, but it should unclog some stinking drains.\n  VERB: V n with out\n\n6. If you flush people or animals out of a place where they are hiding, you find or capture them by forcing them to come out of that place.\nThey flushed them out of their hiding places...\nThe Guyana Defence Force is engaged in flushing out illegal Brazilian miners operating in the country.\n  VERB: V n out of n, V n with out\n\n7. If one object or surface is flush with another, they are at the same height or distance from something else, so that they form a single smooth surface.\nMake sure the tile is flush with the surrounding tiles.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ with n\n  = level\n8. The flush of something is an intense feeling of excitement or pleasure that you have when you are experiencing it and for a short time afterwards.\n...the first flush of young love.\n...in the flush of victory.\n  N-SING: N of n


Words: flushed
Meaning:
flushed\n  If you say that someone is flushed with success or pride you mean that they are very excited by their success or pride.\nGrace was flushed with the success of the venture...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n


Words: fluster
Meaning:
flus.ter\n   fluster  flusters  flustering  flustered\n  If you fluster someone, you make them feel nervous and confused by rushing them and preventing them from concentrating on what they are doing.\nThe General refused to be flustered...\nShe was a very calm person. Nothing could fluster her.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n=>  flus.tered\nShe was so flustered that she forgot her reply.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: flute
Meaning:
flute  flutes\n  A flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. You play it by blowing over a hole near one end while holding it sideways to your mouth.\n  N-VAR: oft the N


Words: fluted
Meaning:
flut.ed\n   fluted\n  Something that is fluted has shallow curves cut into it.\n...the fluted wooden post of the porch.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = grooved


Words: fluting
Meaning:
flut.ing\n   fluting\n  If you describe someone’s voice as fluting, you mean that it goes up and down a lot, and usually that it is high pitched.\nHer voice, small and fluting, stopped abruptly.\n...a fluting and melodic Scottish accent.\n  ADJ


Words: flutist
Meaning:
flut.ist\n   flutist  flutists\n  A flutist is someone who plays the flute. (AM; in BRIT, use flautist)\n  N-COUNT


Words: flutter
Meaning:
flut.ter\n   flutter  flutters  fluttering  fluttered\n1. If something thin or light flutters, or if you flutter it, it moves up and down or from side to side with a lot of quick, light movements.\nHer chiffon skirt was fluttering in the night breeze.\n...a butterfly fluttering its wings.\n...the fluttering white lace handkerchief.\n  VERB: V, V n, V-ing\n\n  Flutter is also a noun.\n...a flutter of white cloth.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If something light such as a small bird or a piece of paper flutters somewhere, it moves through the air with small quick movements.\nThe paper fluttered to the floor...\nThe birds were active, whirring and fluttering among the trees.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V\n\n3. If you have a flutter, you have a small bet on something such as a horse race. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nI had a flutter on five horses.\n  N-COUNT: oft N on n\n  = bet


Words: flux
Meaning:
flux\n  If something is in a state of flux, it is constantly changing.\nEducation remains in a state of flux which will take some time to settle down.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N


Words: fly
Meaning:
fly  flies  flying  flew  flown\n1. A fly is a small insect with two wings. There are many kinds of flies, and the most common are black in colour.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When something such as a bird, insect, or aircraft flies, it moves through the air.\nThe planes flew through the clouds...\nThe bird flew away.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv, also V\n\n3. If you fly somewhere, you travel there in an aircraft.\nHe flew back to London...\nMr Baker flew in from Moscow.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv\n\n4. When someone flies an aircraft, they control its movement in the air.\nParker had successfully flown both aircraft...\nHe flew a small plane to Cuba...\nHis inspiration to fly came even before he joined the Army.\n  VERB: V n, V n prep/adv, V\n\n=>  fly.ing\n...a flying instructor.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. To fly someone or something somewhere means to take or send them there in an aircraft.\nThe relief supplies are being flown from a warehouse in Pisa.\n  VERB: V n adv/prep\n\n6. If something such as your hair is flying about, it is moving about freely and loosely in the air.\nHis long, uncovered hair flew back in the wind...\nShe was running down the stairs, her hair flying.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V\n\n7. If you fly a flag or if it is flying, you display it at the top of a pole.\nThey flew the flag of the African National Congress...\nA flag was flying on the new military HQ.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n8. If you say that someone or something flies in a particular direction, you are emphasizing that they move there with a lot of speed or force.\nI flew downstairs...\n  VERB: V prep/adv  emphasis\n\n9. The front opening on a pair of trousers is referred to as the fly, or in British English the flies. It usually consists of a zip or row of buttons behind a band of cloth.\n  N-COUNT\n\n10.\n  see also flying, tsetse fly\n11. If you say that someone wouldn’t hurt a fly or wouldn’t harm a fly, you are emphasizing that they are very kind and gentle.\n...a lovely girl, who would not have harmed a fly.\n  PHRASE: with brd-neg, V inflects  emphasis\n\n12. If you let fly, you attack someone, either physically by hitting them, or with words by insulting them.\nA simmering row ended with her letting fly with a stream of obscenities.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n13. If you send someone or something flying or if they go flying, they move through the air and fall down with a lot of force.\nThe blow sent the young man flying.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR after v\n\n14. If you say that you would like to be a fly on the wall in a situation that does not involve you, you mean that you would like to see or hear what happens in that situation.\nWhat I’d give to be a fly on the wall when Davis finds out what’s happened to his precious cargo.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n  see also fly-on-the-wall\n15.\nas the crow flies: see crow\nto fly in the face of: see face\nto fly the flag: see flag\nto fly off the handle: see handle\na fly in the ointment: see ointment\npigs might fly: see pig\nsparks fly: see spark\ntime flies: see time


Words: fly at
Meaning:
fly at\n  If you fly at someone, you attack them, either physically by hitting them, or with words by insulting them.\nShe flew at him for making a very anti-British remark.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n  = let fly at


Words: fly into
Meaning:
fly into\n  If you fly into a bad temper or a panic, you suddenly become very angry or anxious and show this in your behaviour.\nLosing a game would cause him to fly into a rage.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: fly-by-night
Meaning:
fly-by-night\n  A fly-by-night businessman is someone who wants to make money very quickly, without caring about the quality or honesty of the service they offer. (INFORMAL)\n...fly-by-night operators who fail to complete jobs.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  disapproval\n  = cowboy


Words: fly-drive
Meaning:
fly-drive\n  On a fly-drive holiday, you travel part of the way to your destination by aeroplane, and collect a hired car at the airport so that you can drive the rest of the way.\n...a fly-drive break in New Zealand.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: fly-fishing
Meaning:
fly-fishing   also fly fishing\n  Fly-fishing is a method of fishing in which a silk or nylon model of a small winged insect is used as bait.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: fly-on-the-wall
Meaning:
fly-on-the-wall\n  A fly-on-the-wall documentary is made by filming people as they do the things they normally do, rather than by interviewing them or asking them to talk directly to the camera.\n...a fly-on-the-wall documentary about the Queen’s life.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\na fly on the wall: see fly


Words: flyby
Meaning:
fly.by\n   flyby  flybys   also fly-by\n  A flyby is a flight made by an aircraft or a spacecraft over a particular place in order to record details about it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flyer
Meaning:
fly.er\n   flyer  flyers   also flier\n1. A flyer is a pilot of an aircraft.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to someone who travels by aeroplane as a flyer.\n...regular business flyers.\n...nervous fliers.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n3. A flyer is a small printed notice which is used to advertise a particular company, service, or event.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4.\n  see also high-flyer


Words: flying
Meaning:
fly.ing\n   flying\n1. A flying animal has wings and is able to fly.\n...species of flying insects.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If someone or something gets off to a flying start, or makes a flying start, they start very well, for example in a race or a new job.\nAdvertising revenue in the new financial year has got off to a flying start...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: flying doctor
Meaning:
fly.ing doc.tor\n   flying doctor  flying doctors\n  A flying doctor is a doctor, especially in Australia, who travels by aircraft to visit patients who live in distant or isolated areas.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flying fish
Meaning:
fly.ing fish\n   flying fish  flying fish  or flying fishes\n  Flying fish are a type of fish that live in warm seas. They have large fins that enable them to move forward in the air when they jump out of the water.\n  N-VAR


Words: flying saucer
Meaning:
fly.ing sau.cer\n   flying saucer  flying saucers\n  A flying saucer is a round, flat object which some people say they have seen in the sky and which they believe to be a spacecraft from another planet. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: Flying Squad
Meaning:
Fly.ing Squad\n   Flying Squad\n  The Flying Squad is a group of police officers who are always ready to travel quickly to the scene of a serious crime. (BRIT)\n  N-PROPER-COLL: the N


Words: flying visit
Meaning:
fly.ing vis.it\n   flying visit  flying visits\n  A flying visit is a visit that only lasts a very short time.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flyleaf
Meaning:
fly.leaf\n   flyleaf  flyleaves\n  The flyleaf of a book is a page at the front that has nothing printed on it, or just the title and the author’s name.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flyover
Meaning:
fly.over\n   flyover  flyovers\n1. A flyover is a structure which carries one road over the top of another road. (BRIT; in AM, use overpass)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A flyover is the same as a flypast. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: flypast
Meaning:
fly.past\n   flypast  flypasts   also fly-past\n  A flypast is a flight by a group of aircraft in a special formation which takes place on a ceremonial occasion or as a display. (BRIT; in AM, use flyover)\n  N-COUNT


Words: flyweight
Meaning:
fly.weight\n   flyweight  flyweights\n  A flyweight is a boxer who weighs 112 pounds or less.\n  N-COUNT


Words: flywheel
Meaning:
fly.wheel\n   flywheel  flywheels\n  A flywheel is a heavy wheel that is part of some engines. It regulates the engine’s rotation, making it operate at a steady speed.\n  N-COUNT


Words: FM
Meaning:
FM\n  FM is a method of transmitting radio waves that can be used to broadcast high quality sound. FM is an abbreviation for `frequency modulation’.


Words: FMCG
Meaning:
FMCG FMCGs\n  FMCGs are inexpensive products that people usually buy on a regular basis, such as supermarket foods or toiletries. FMCG is an abbreviation for `fast-moving consumer goods’. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: foal
Meaning:
foal  foals  foaling  foaled\n1. A foal is a very young horse.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When a female horse foals, it gives birth.\nThe mare is due to foal today.\n  VERB: V


Words: foam
Meaning:
foam  foams\n1. Foam consists of a mass of small bubbles that are formed when air and a liquid are mixed together.\nThe water curved round the rocks in great bursts of foam.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = froth\n2. Foam is used to refer to various kinds of manufactured products which have a soft, light texture like a thick liquid.\n...shaving foam.\n  N-MASS\n  = cream\n3. Foam or foam rubber is soft rubber full of small holes which is used, for example, to make mattresses and cushions.\n...modern three-piece suites filled with foam rubber...\nWe had given him a large foam mattress to sleep on.\n  N-MASS\n\n4. If a liquid foams, it is full of small bubbles and keeps moving slightly.\nI let the water run into it and we watched as it foamed and bubbled.\n...ravines with foaming rivers rushing through them.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n  = froth


Words: foamy
Meaning:
foamy\n  A foamy liquid has a mass of small bubbles on its surface or consists of a mass of bubbles.\n...foamy waves...\nWhisk the egg whites until they are foamy but not stiff.\n  ADJ\n  = frothy


Words: fob
Meaning:
fob  fobs  fobbing  fobbed\n  In former times, a fob was a short chain or piece of cloth which fastened a man’s watch to his clothing.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fob off
Meaning:
fob off\n  If someone fobs you off, they tell you something just to stop you asking questions.\nI’ve asked her about it but she fobs me off...\nDon’t be fobbed off with excuses.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, be V-ed P with n


Words: focal
Meaning:
fo.cal\n   focal\n1. Focal is used to describe something that relates to the point where a number of rays or lines meet.\n...the focal plane of the telescope.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Focal is used to describe something that is very important.\n...one of the focal centres of the Far East.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: focal point
Meaning:
fo.cal point\n   focal point  focal points\n  The focal point of something is the thing that people concentrate on or pay most attention to.\n...the focal point for the town’s many visitors.the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.\n  N-COUNT


Words: focus
Meaning:
fo.cus\n   focus  foci  focuses  focusing  focused\n\n  The spellings focusses, focussing, focussed are also used. The plural of the noun can be either foci or focuses.\n\n1. If you focus on a particular topic or if your attention is focused on it, you concentrate on it and think about it, discuss it, or deal with it, rather than dealing with other topics.\nHe is currently focusing on assessment and development...\nMany of the papers focus their attention on the controversy surrounding the Foreign Secretary.\n  VERB: V on n, V n on n\n  = concentrate\n2. The focus of something is the main topic or main thing that it is concerned with.\nThe new system is the focus of controversy...\nHer children are the main focus of her life.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp\n\n3. Your focus on something is the special attention that you pay it.\nIBM has also shifted its focus from mainframes to personal computers.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp, oft N on n\n\n4. If you say that something has a focus, you mean that you can see a purpose in it.\nSomehow, though, their latest album has a focus that the others have lacked...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. If you focus your eyes or if your eyes focus, your eyes adjust so that you can clearly see the thing that you want to look at. If you focus a camera, telescope, or other instrument, you adjust it so that you can see clearly through it.\nKelly couldn’t focus his eyes well enough to tell if the figure was male or female...\nHis eyes slowly began to focus on what looked like a small dark ball...\nHe found the binoculars and focused them on the boat...\nHad she kept the camera focused on the river bank she might have captured a vital scene.\n  VERB: V n, V on n, V n on n, V-ed, also V\n\n6. You use focus to refer to the fact of adjusting your eyes or a camera, telescope, or other instrument, and to the degree to which you can see clearly.\nHis focus switched to the little white ball...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n7. If you focus rays of light on a particular point, you pass them through a lens or reflect them from a mirror so that they meet at that point.\nMagnetic coils focus the electron beams into fine spots.\n  VERB: V n prep\n\n8. The focus of a number of rays or lines is the point at which they meet. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT\n\n9. If an image or a camera, telescope, or other instrument is in focus, the edges of what you see are clear and sharp.\nPictures should be in focus, with realistic colours and well composed groups.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n10. If something is in focus, it is being discussed or its purpose and nature are clear.\nThis aggression is the real issue the world should be concerned about. We want to keep that in focus...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n11. If an image or a camera, telescope, or other instrument is out of focus, the edges of what you see are unclear.\nIn some of the pictures the subjects are out of focus while the background is sharp.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v


Words: focus group
Meaning:
fo.cus group\n   focus group  focus groups\n  A focus group is a specially selected group of people who are intended to represent the general public. Focus groups have discussions in which their opinions are recorded as a form of market research.\n  N-COUNT


Words: focused
Meaning:
fo.cused\n   focused   also focussed\n  If you describe someone or something as focused, you approve of the fact that they have a clear and definite purpose.\nI spent the next year just wandering. I wasn’t focused...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ  approval


Words: fodder
Meaning:
fod.der\n   fodder\n1. Fodder is food that is given to cows, horses, and other animals.\nThe alfalfa plant is widely used as animal fodder.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = feed\n2. If you say that something is fodder for a particular purpose, you mean that it is useful for that purpose and perhaps nothing else.\nThe press conference simply provided more fodder for another attack on his character...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp  disapproval


Words: foetal
Meaning:
foe.tal\n   foetal   also fetal\n  Foetal is used to describe something that relates to or is like a foetus.\n...an early stage of foetal development...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: foetus
Meaning:
foe.tus\n   foetus  foetuses   also fetus\n  A foetus is an animal or human being in its later stages of development before it is born.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fog
Meaning:
fog  fogs\n1. When there is fog, there are tiny drops of water in the air which form a thick cloud and make it difficult to see things.\nThe crash happened in thick fog...\nThese ocean fogs can last for days.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A fog is an unpleasant cloud of something such as smoke inside a building or room.\n...a fog of stale cigarette smoke.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n\n3. You can use fog to refer to a situation which stops people from being able to notice things, understand things, or think clearly.\nThe most basic facts about him are lost in a fog of mythology...\nSynchronizing these attacks may be difficult in the fog of war...\nHis mind was in a fog when he finally got up.\n  N-SING: oft in N, N of n


Words: fogbound
Meaning:
fog.bound\n   fogbound   also fog-bound\n  If you are fogbound in a place or if the place is fogbound, thick fog makes it dangerous or impossible to go anywhere.\nHe was fog-bound at London airport.\n...a fogbound motorway.\n  ADJ


Words: fogey
Meaning:
fo.gey\n   fogey  fogies  or fogeys\nin AM usually use, and in BRIT sometimes use fogy\n  If you describe someone as a fogey or an old fogey, you mean that they are boring and old-fashioned. (INFORMAL)\nI don’t want to sound like I’m some old fogy.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: foggy
Meaning:
fog.gy\n   foggy  foggier  foggiest\n1. When it is foggy, there is fog.\nConditions were damp and foggy after morning sleet.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ\n\n2. If you say that you haven’t the foggiest or you haven’t the foggiest idea, you are emphasizing that you do not know something. (INFORMAL)\nI did not have the foggiest idea what he meant...\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis


Words: foghorn
Meaning:
fog.horn\n   foghorn  foghorns   also fog horn\n  A foghorn is a piece of equipment that makes a loud noise and is used to warn ships about the position of land and other ships in fog.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foible
Meaning:
foi.ble\n   foible  foibles\n  A foible is a habit or characteristic that someone has which is considered rather strange, foolish, or bad but which is also considered unimportant.\n...human foibles and weaknesses.\n  N-COUNT\n  = quirk


Words: foie gras
Meaning:
foie gras\n  Foie gras is a food made from the livers of geese that were specially fed so that their livers became very large.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: foil
Meaning:
foil  foils  foiling  foiled\n1. Foil consists of sheets of metal as thin as paper. It is used to wrap food in.\nPour cider around the meat and cover with foil.\n...aluminium foil.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you foil someone’s plan or attempt to do something, for example to commit a crime, you succeed in stopping them from doing what they want. (JOURNALISM)\nA brave police chief foiled an armed robbery on a jewellers’ by grabbing the raiders’ shotgun...\n  VERB: V n\n  = thwart\n3. If you refer to one thing or person as a foil for another, you approve of the fact that they contrast with each other and go well together, often in a way that makes the second thing or person seem better or less harmful.\nHe thought of her serenity as a foil for his intemperance...\nA cold beer is the perfect foil for a curry.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, N for n  approval\n  = complement


Words: foist
Meaning:
foist  foists  foisting  foisted\n=>  foist on\n  If you say that someone foists something on you, or foists it upon you, you dislike the way that they force you to listen to it or experience it.\nI don’t see my role as foisting my beliefs on them...\nWhat this amounts to is foisting onto women the responsibility for reducing `the opportunities for crime’ by changing their behaviour.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n, V P n n (not pron)  disapproval


Words: fold
Meaning:
fold  folds  folding  folded\n1. If you fold something such as a piece of paper or cloth, you bend it so that one part covers another part, often pressing the edge so that it stays in place.\nHe folded the paper carefully...\nFold the omelette in half...\n...a folded towel.\n  VERB: V n, V n prep/adv, V-ed\n\n2. A fold in a piece of paper or cloth is a bend that you make in it when you put one part of it over another part and press the edge.\nMake another fold and turn the ends together.\n  N-COUNT\n  = crease\n3. The folds in a piece of cloth are the curved shapes which are formed when it is not hanging or lying flat.\nThe priest fumbled in the folds of his gown.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n4. If a piece of furniture or equipment folds or if you can fold it, you can make it smaller by bending or closing parts of it.\nThe back of the bench folds forward to make a table...\nThis portable seat folds flat for easy storage...\nCheck if you can fold the buggy without having to remove the raincover.\n...a folding beach chair.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V adj, V n, V-ing, also V n adj\n\n  Fold up means the same as fold.\nWhen not in use it folds up out of the way...\nFold the ironing board up so that it is flat.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V n P\n  !=unfold\n5. If you fold your arms or hands, you bring them together and cross or link them, for example over your chest.\nMeer folded his arms over his chest and turned his head away...\nMrs Ringrose sat down and folded her hands in her lap.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n6. If a business or organization folds, it is unsuccessful and has to close. (mainly BRIT BUSINESS)\n2,500 small businesses were folding each week.\n  VERB: V\n\n7. When someone joins an organization or group, you can say that they have come into the fold. When they leave the organization or group, you can say that they leave the fold.\nThe EU wanted to bring the US back into the fold...\nHe might find it difficult to return to the family fold when he realizes his mistake.\n  N-SING: the/poss N, usu the supp N


Words: fold in
Meaning:
fold in   or fold into\n  In cooking, if you fold in an ingredient or fold it into the other ingredients, you mix it very gently into the other ingredients.\nFold in the flour...\nFold the cream into the egg yolk mixture.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P n


Words: fold up
Meaning:
fold up\n  If you fold something up, you make it into a smaller, neater shape by folding it, usually several times.\nShe folded it up, and tucked it into her purse...\nHe folded up his paper and put it away.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  !=unfold\n  see also fold 4, fold-up


Words: fold-up
Meaning:
fold-up\n  A fold-up piece of furniture or equipment is one that is specially designed so that it can be folded into a smaller shape in order to be stored.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: folder
Meaning:
fold.er\n   folder  folders\n1. A folder is a thin piece of cardboard in which you can keep loose papers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A folder is a group of files that are stored together on a computer.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foliage
Meaning:
fo.li.age\n   foliage\n  The leaves of a plant are referred to as its foliage.\n...shrubs with grey or silver foliage.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: folic acid
Meaning:
fo.lic acid\n   folic acid\n  Folic acid is one of the B group of vitamins. It is found in green vegetables and fruit.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: folio
Meaning:
fo.lio\n   folio  folios\n  A folio is a book made with paper of a large size, used especially in the early centuries of European printing.\nRichard told me of three 16th-century folio volumes on alchemy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: folk
Meaning:
folk  folks\n\n  folk can also be used as the plural form for meaning 1.\n\n1. You can refer to people as folk or folks.\nCountry folk can tell you that there are certain places which animals avoid...\n...old folks.\n  N-PLURAL: usu with supp\n  = people\n2. You can refer to your close family, especially your mother and father, as your folks. (INFORMAL)\nI’ve been avoiding my folks lately.\n  N-PLURAL: usu poss N\n\n3. You can use folks as a term of address when you are talking to several people. (INFORMAL)\nThis is it, folks: the best record guide in the business.\n  N-VOC\n\n4. Folk art and customs are traditional or typical of a particular community or nation.\n...traditional Chinese folk medicine.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n5. Folk music is music which is traditional or typical of a particular community or nation.\n...Irish folk music.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Folk is also a noun.\n...a variety of music including classical, jazz, and folk.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n6. Folk can be used to describe something that relates to the beliefs and opinions of ordinary people.\nJack was a folk hero in the Greenwich Village bars...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: folk song
Meaning:
folk song  folk songs   also folksong\n  A folk song is a traditional song that is typical of a particular community or nation.\n  N-COUNT


Words: folklore
Meaning:
folk.lore\n   folklore\n  Folklore is the traditional stories, customs, and habits of a particular community or nation.\nIn Chinese folklore the bat is an emblem of good fortune.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: folksy
Meaning:
folk.sy\n   folksy\n1. If you describe something as folksy, you mean that it is simple and has a style characteristic of folk craft and tradition. You sometimes use folksy to show disapproval of something because it seems unsophisticated.\n...folksy country furniture.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe someone as folksy, you mean that they are friendly and informal in their behaviour. (AM)\n...an elderly, folksy postman.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval


Words: follicle
Meaning:
fol.li.cle\n   follicle  follicles\n  A follicle is one of the small hollows in the skin which hairs grow from.\n  N-COUNT


Words: follow
Meaning:
fol.low\n   follow  follows  following  followed\n1. If you follow someone who is going somewhere, you move along behind them because you want to go to the same place.\nWe followed him up the steps into a large hall...\nPlease follow me, madam...\nThey took him into a small room and I followed.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n, V, also V after n\n\n2. If you follow someone who is going somewhere, you move along behind them without their knowledge, in order to catch them or find out where they are going.\nShe realized that the Mercedes was following her...\nI think we’re being followed.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = trail\n3. If you follow someone to a place where they have recently gone and where they are now, you go to join them there.\nHe followed Janice to New York, where she was preparing an exhibition.\n  VERB: V n to n\n\n4. An event, activity, or period of time that follows a particular thing happens or comes after that thing, at a later time.\n...the rioting and looting that followed the verdict...\nOther problems may follow...\nEyewitnesses spoke of a noise followed by a huge red light.\n  VERB: V n, V, V-ed\n\n5. If you follow one thing with another, you do or say the second thing after you have done or said the first thing.\nHer first major role was in Martin Scorsese’s `Goodfellas’ and she followed this with a part in Spike Lee’s `Jungle Fever’.\n  VERB: V n with n\n\n  Follow up means the same as follow.\nThe book proved such a success that the authors followed it up with `The Messianic Legacy’.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P with n, also V P n (not pron) with n\n\n6. If it follows that a particular thing is the case, that thing is a logical result of something else being true or being the case.\nJust because a bird does not breed one year, it does not follow that it will fail the next...\nIf the explanation is right, two things follow...\nIt is easy to see the conclusions described in the text follow from this equation.\n  VERB: it V that, V, V from n\n\n7. If you refer to the words that follow or followed, you are referring to the words that come next or came next in a piece of writing or speech.\nWhat follows is an eye-witness account...\nThere followed a list of places where Hans intended to visit...\nGeneral analysis is followed by five case studies.\n  VERB: V, there V n, be V-ed by n\n\n8. If you follow a path, route, or set of signs, you go somewhere using the path, route, or signs to direct you.\nIf they followed the road, they would be certain to reach a village...\nI followed the signs to Metrocity.\n  VERB: V n, V n prep/adv\n\n9. If something such as a path or river follows a particular route or line, it goes along that route or line.\nOur route follows the Pacific coast through densely populated neighbourhoods...\n  VERB: V n\n\n10. If you follow something with your eyes, or if your eyes follow it, you watch it as it moves or you look along its route or course.\nAnn’s eyes followed a police car as it drove slowly past.\n  VERB: V n\n\n11. Something that follows a particular course of development happens or develops in that way.\nHis release turned out to follow the pattern set by that of the other six hostages.\n  VERB: V n\n\n12. If you follow advice, an instruction, or a recipe, you act or do something in the way that it indicates.\nTake care to follow the instructions carefully...\n  VERB: V n\n\n13. If you follow what someone else has done, you do it too because you think it is a good thing or because you want to copy them.\nHis admiration for the athlete did not extend to the point where he would follow his example in taking drugs...\nWhere eastern Germany goes the rest will surely follow.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n14. If you follow someone in what you do, you do the same thing or job as they did previously.\nHe followed his father and became a surgeon...\nAnni-Frid’s son has followed her into the music business.\n  VERB: V n, V n into n\n\n15. If you are able to follow something such as an explanation or the story of a film, you understand it as it continues and develops.\n(next)


Words: follow .1
Meaning:
Can you follow the plot so far?...\nI’m afraid I don’t follow.\n  VERB: V n, V\n  = understand\n16. If you follow something, you take an interest in it and keep informed about what happens.\n...the millions of people who follow football because they genuinely love it...\nShe was following Laura’s progress closely.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n17. If you follow a particular religion or political belief, you have that religion or belief.\n`Do you follow any particular religion?’.`Yes, we’re all Hindus.’\n  VERB: V n\n\n18.\n  see also following\n19. You use as follows in writing or speech to introduce something such as a list, description, or explanation.\nThe winners are as follows: E. Walker; R. Foster; R. Gates; A. Mackintosh...\nThis can be done if you proceed as follows.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n20. You use followed by to say what comes after something else in a list or ordered set of things.\nPotatoes are still the most popular food, followed by white bread.\n  PHRASE: PHR n\n\n21. After mentioning one course of a meal, you can mention the next course by saying what you will have to follow or what there will be to follow.\nHe decided on roast chicken and vegetables, with apple pie to follow.\n  PHRASE: n PHR\n\n22.\nto follow in someone’s footsteps: see footstep\nto follow your nose: see nose\nto follow suit: see suit


Words: follow through
Meaning:
follow through\n  If you follow through an action, plan, or idea or follow through with it, you continue doing or thinking about it until you have done everything possible.\nThe leadership has been unwilling to follow through the implications of these ideas...\nI was trained to be an actress but I didn’t follow it through...\nHe decided to follow through with his original plan.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P, V P with n/-ing, also V P, V P on n\n  = pursue


Words: follow up
Meaning:
follow up\n  If you follow up something that has been said, suggested, or discovered, you try to find out more about it or take action about it.\nState security police are following up several leads...\nAn officer took a statement from me, but no one’s bothered to follow it up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = investigate\n  see also follow 5, follow-up


Words: follow-on
Meaning:
follow-on\n  A follow-on is something that is done to continue or add to something done previously.\nThis course for bridge players with some experience is intended as a follow-on to the Beginners’ course.\n  N-SING: also no det, usu N to n


Words: follow-through
Meaning:
follow-through  follow-throughs\n1. A follow-through is something that completes an action or a planned series of actions.\n...the task of finding a durable solution to the refugee problem as a follow-through to the very temporary measures.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, oft N prep\n\n2. A follow-through is a movement that completes an action such as hitting a ball.\nFocus on making a short, firm follow-through.\n  N-VAR


Words: follow-up
Meaning:
follow-up  follow-ups\n  A follow-up is something that is done to continue or add to something done previously.\nThey are recording a follow-up to their successful 1989 album...\nOne man was arrested during the raid and another during a follow-up operation.\n  N-VAR: oft N n


Words: follower
Meaning:
fol.low.er\n   follower  followers\n  A follower of a particular person, group, or belief is someone who supports or admires this person, group, or belief.\n...the Democratic Party’s most loyal followers.\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss\n  = supporter\n  see also camp follower


Words: following
Meaning:
fol.low.ing\n   following  followings\n1. Following a particular event means after that event.\nIn the centuries following Christ’s death, Christians genuinely believed the world was about to end...\nFollowing a day of medical research, the conference focused on educational practices.\n  PREP\n\n2. The following day, week, or year is the day, week, or year after the one you have just mentioned.\nWe went to dinner the following Monday evening...\nThe following year she joined the Royal Opera House.\n  ADJ: det ADJ\n  !=previous\n3. You use following to refer to something that you are about to mention.\nWrite down the following information: name of product, type, date purchased and price...\nThe method of helping such patients is explained in the following chapters.\n  ADJ: det ADJ\n\n  The following refers to the thing or things that you are about to mention.\nDo you use any of the following? Pager, Answering machine, Mobile phone, Car phone.\n  PRON: the PRON\n\n4. A person or organization that has a following has a group of people who support or admire their beliefs or actions.\nAustralian rugby league enjoys a huge following in New Zealand.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, usu adj N\n\n5. If a boat or vehicle has a following wind, the wind is moving in the same direction as the boat or vehicle.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: folly
Meaning:
fol.ly\n   folly  follies\n1. If you say that a particular action or way of behaving is folly or a folly, you mean that it is foolish.\nIt’s sheer folly to build nuclear power stations in a country that has dozens of earthquakes every year.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n/-ing, it v-link N to-inf\n\n2. A folly is a small tower or other unusual building that is built as a decoration in a large garden or park, especially in Britain in former times.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foment
Meaning:
fo.ment\n   foment  foments  fomenting  fomented\n  If someone or something foments trouble or violent opposition, they cause it to develop. (FORMAL)\nThey accused strike leaders of fomenting violence.\n  VERB: V n\n  = incite


Words: fond
Meaning:
fond  fonder  fondest\n1. If you are fond of someone, you feel affection for them.\nI am very fond of Michael...\nShe was especially fond of a little girl named Betsy.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of n\n\n=>  fond.ness\n...a great fondness for children.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You use fond to describe people or their behaviour when they show affection.\n...a fond father...\nHe gave him a fond smile.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  fond.ly\nLiz saw their eyes meet fondly across the table.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n3. If you are fond of something, you like it or you like doing it very much.\nHe was fond of marmalade...\nShe is fond of collecting rare carpets.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of n/-ing\n\n=>  fond.ness\nI’ve always had a fondness for jewels.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N for n/-ing\n\n4. If you have fond memories of someone or something, you remember them with pleasure.\nI have very fond memories of living in our village.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = pleasant\n=>  fond.ly\nMy dad took us there when I was about four and I remembered it fondly.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n5. You use fond to describe hopes, wishes, or beliefs which you think are foolish because they seem unlikely to be fulfilled.\nMy fond hope is that we will be ready by Christmastime.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  fond.ly\nI fondly imagined that surgery meant a few stitches and an overnight stay in hospital.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: fondant
Meaning:
fon.dant\n   fondant\n  Fondant is a sweet paste made from sugar and water.\n...fondant cakes.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: fondle
Meaning:
fon.dle\n   fondle  fondles  fondling  fondled\n  If you fondle someone or something, you touch them gently with a stroking movement, usually in a sexual way.\nHe tried to kiss her and fondle her.\n  VERB: V n


Words: fondue
Meaning:
fon.due\n   fondue  fondues\n  A fondue is a sauce made from melted cheese into which you dip bread, or a pot of hot oil into which you dip pieces of meat or vegetables.\n  N-VAR


Words: font
Meaning:
font  fonts\n1. In printing, a font is a set of characters of the same style and size.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In a church, a font is a bowl which holds the water used for baptisms.\n  N-COUNT


Words: food
Meaning:
food  foods\n1. Food is what people and animals eat.\nEnjoy your food.\n...supplies of food and water.\n...emergency food aid.\n...frozen foods.\n  N-MASS\n\n  see also convenience food, fast food, health food, junk food, wholefood\n2. If you are off your food, you do not want to eat, usually because you are ill.\nIt’s not like you to be off your food.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n3. If you give someone food for thought, you make them think carefully about something.\nLord Fraser’s speech offers much food for thought...\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v


Words: food chain
Meaning:
food chain  food chains\n  The food chain is a series of living things which are linked to each other because each thing feeds on the one next to it in the series.\nThe whole food chain is affected by the over use of chemicals in agriculture.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: food mixer
Meaning:
food mix.er\n   food mixer  food mixers   also food-mixer\n  A food mixer is a piece of electrical equipment that is used to mix food such as cake mixture.\n  N-COUNT


Words: food poisoning
Meaning:
food poi.son.ing\n   food poisoning\n  If you get food poisoning, you become ill because you have eaten food that has gone bad.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: food processor
Meaning:
food pro.ces.sor\n   food processor  food processors\n  A food processor is a piece of electrical equipment that is used to mix, chop, or beat food, or to make it into a liquid.\n  N-COUNT


Words: food stamp
Meaning:
food stamp  food stamps\n  In the United States, food stamps are official vouchers that are given to people with low incomes to be exchanged for food.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: food value
Meaning:
food value  food values\n  The food value of a particular food is a measure of how good it is for you, based on its level of vitamins, minerals, or calories.\n  N-VAR


Words: foodie
Meaning:
foodie  foodies   also foody\n  Foodies are people who enjoy cooking and eating different kinds of food. (INFORMAL)\nOther neighbourhoods in the city offer foodies a choice of Chinese, Portuguese or Greek food.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foodstuff
Meaning:
food.stuff\n   foodstuff  foodstuffs\n  Foodstuffs are substances which people eat.\n...basic foodstuffs such as sugar, cooking oil and cheese.\n  N-VAR: usu pl


Words: fool
Meaning:
fool  fools  fooling  fooled\n1. If you call someone a fool, you are indicating that you think they are not at all sensible and show a lack of good judgment.\n`You fool!’ she shouted...\nHe’d been a fool to get involved with her!\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n  = idiot\n2. Fool is used to describe an action or person that is not at all sensible and shows a lack of good judgment. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nWhat a damn fool thing to do!...\n  ADJ: ADJ n  disapproval\n\n3. If someone fools you, they deceive or trick you.\nArt dealers fool a lot of people...\nDon’t be fooled by his appearance...\nThey tried to fool you into coming after us.\n  VERB: V n, V n, V n into -ing\n  = trick, con\n4. If you say that a person is fooling with something or someone, you mean that the way they are behaving is likely to cause problems.\nWhat are you doing fooling with such a staggering sum of money?...\n  VERB: V with n\n\n5. If you make a fool of someone, you make them seem silly by telling people about something stupid that they have done, or by tricking them.\nYour brother is making a fool of you...\nHe’d been made a fool of.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n6. If you make a fool of yourself, you behave in a way that makes other people think that you are silly or lacking in good judgment.\nHe was drinking and making a fool of himself.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n7. If you say to someone `More fool you’ when they tell you what they have done or what they plan to do, you are indicating that you think that it is silly and shows a lack of judgment. (BRIT)\nMost managers couldn’t care less about information technology. More fool them.\n  PHRASE  disapproval\n\n8. If you play the fool or act the fool, you behave in a playful, childish, and foolish way, usually in order to make other people laugh.\nThey used to play the fool together, calling each other silly names and giggling.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: fool around
Meaning:
fool around\n1. If you fool around, you behave in a silly, dangerous, or irresponsible way.\nThey were fooling around on an Army firing range...\nHave you been fooling around with something you shouldn’t?\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P with n\n\n2. If someone fools around with another person, especially when one of them is married, they have a casual sexual relationship.\nNever fool around with the clients’ wives...\nHer husband was fooling around.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P with n, V P\n\n3. If you fool around, you behave in a playful, childish, and silly way, often in order to make people laugh. In British English, you can also say you fool about.\nThey fooled around for the camera.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n  = mess about


Words: fool’s gold
Meaning:
fool’s gold\n1. Fool’s gold is a substance that is found in rock and that looks very like gold.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you say that a plan for getting money is fool’s gold, you mean that it is foolish to carry it out because you are sure that it will fail or cause problems.\nThe British establishment seems to be off on another quest for fool’s gold.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: fool’s paradise
Meaning:
fool’s para.dise\n   fool’s paradise\n  If you say that someone is living in a fool’s paradise, you are criticizing them because they are not aware that their present happy situation is likely to change and get worse.\n...living in a fool’s paradise of false prosperity.\n  N-SING: a N  disapproval


Words: foolhardy
Meaning:
fool.hardy\n   foolhardy\n  If you describe behaviour as foolhardy, you disapprove of it because it is extremely risky.\nWhen he tested an early vaccine on himself, some described the act as foolhardy...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf  disapproval


Words: foolish
Meaning:
fool.ish\n   foolish\n1. If someone’s behaviour or action is foolish, it is not sensible and shows a lack of good judgment.\nIt would be foolish to raise hopes unnecessarily...\nIt is foolish to risk skin cancer.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  fool.ish.ly\nHe admitted that he had acted foolishly.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n=>  fool.ish.ness\nThey don’t accept any foolishness when it comes to spending money.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you look or feel foolish, you look or feel so silly or ridiculous that people are likely to laugh at you.\nI didn’t want him to look foolish and be laughed at.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = ridiculous\n=>  fool.ish.ly\nHe saw me standing there, grinning foolishly at him.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: foolproof
Meaning:
fool.proof\n   foolproof\n  Something such as a plan or a machine that is foolproof is so well designed, easy to understand, or easy to use that it cannot go wrong or be used wrongly.\nThe system is not 100 per cent foolproof...\nI spent the day working out a foolproof plan to save him.\n  ADJ


Words: foolscap
Meaning:
fools.cap\n   foolscap\n  Foolscap is paper which is about 34 centimetres by 43 centimetres in size. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: foot
Meaning:
foot  feet\n1. Your feet are the parts of your body that are at the ends of your legs, and that you stand on.\nShe stamped her foot again.\n...a foot injury.\n...his aching arms and sore feet.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  -footed\nShe was bare-footed.\n...pink-footed geese.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n2. The foot of something is the part that is farthest from its top.\nDavid called to the children from the foot of the stairs...\nA single word at the foot of a page caught her eye.\n  N-SING: usu the N of n\n  = bottom  !=head, top\n3. The foot of a bed is the end nearest to the feet of the person lying in it.\nFriends stood at the foot of the bed, looking at her with serious faces.\n  N-SING: usu the N of n\n  !=head\n4. A foot is a unit for measuring length, height, or depth, and is equal to 12 inches or 30.48 centimetres. When you are giving measurements, the form `foot’ is often used as the plural instead of the plural form `feet’.\nThis beautiful and curiously shaped lake lies at around fifteen thousand feet...\nHe occupies a cell 10 foot long, 6 foot wide and 10 foot high...\nI have to give my height in feet and inches.\n  N-COUNT: usu num N, oft num N adj\n\n5. A foot brake or foot pump is operated by your foot rather than by your hand.\nI tried to reach the foot brakes but I couldn’t.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n6. A foot patrol or foot soldiers walk rather than travelling in vehicles or on horseback.\nParatroopers and foot-soldiers entered the building on the government’s behalf.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n7.\n  see also footing\n8. If you get cold feet about something, you become nervous or frightened about it because you think it will fail.\nThe Government is getting cold feet about the reforms.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR about n\n\n9. If you say that someone is finding their feet in a new situation, you mean that they are starting to feel confident and to deal with things successfully.\nI don’t know anyone in England but I am sure I will manage when I find my feet...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n10. If you say that someone has their feet on the ground, you approve of the fact that they have a sensible and practical attitude towards life, and do not have unrealistic ideas.\nIn that respect he needs to keep his feet on the ground and not get carried away...\nKevin was always level-headed with both feet on the ground.\n  PHRASE: usu v PHR  approval\n\n11. If you go somewhere on foot, you walk, rather than using any form of transport.\nWe rowed ashore, then explored the island on foot for the rest of the day.\n  PHRASE\n\n12. If you are on your feet, you are standing up.\nEveryone was on their feet applauding wildly.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\n13. If you say that someone or something is on their feet again after an illness or difficult period, you mean that they have recovered and are back to normal.\nHe said they all needed to work together to put the country on its feet again.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n14. If you say that someone always falls or lands on their feet, you mean that they are always successful or lucky, although they do not seem to achieve this by their own efforts.\nHe has good looks and charm, and always falls on his feet...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n15. If you say that someone has one foot in the grave, you mean that they are very old or very ill and will probably die soon. (INFORMAL)\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n16. If you say, in British English, the boot is on the other foot or, mainly in American English, the shoe is on the other foot, you mean that a situation has been reversed completely, so that the person who was in the better position before is now in the worse one.\nYou’re not in a position to remove me. The boot is now on the other foot.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n17. If someone puts their foot down, they use their authority in order to stop something happening.\nHe had planned to go skiing on his own in March but his wife had decided to put her foot down.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n18. If someone puts their foot down when they are driving, they drive as fast as they can.\n(next)


Words: foot .1
Meaning:
I asked the driver to put his foot down for Nagchukha.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n19. If someone puts their foot in it or puts their foot in their mouth, they accidentally do or say something which embarrasses or offends people. (INFORMAL)\nOur chairman has really put his foot in it, poor man, though he doesn’t know it.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n20. If you put your feet up, you relax or have a rest, especially by sitting or lying with your feet supported off the ground.\nAfter supper he’d put his feet up and read. It was a pleasant prospect.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = rest\n21. If you never put a foot wrong, you never make any mistakes.\nWhen he’s around, we never put a foot wrong...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, with brd-neg\n\n22. If you say that someone sets foot in a place, you mean that they enter it or reach it, and you are emphasizing the significance of their action. If you say that someone never sets foot in a place, you are emphasizing that they never go there.\n...the day the first man set foot on the moon...\nA little later I left that place and never set foot in Texas again.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft with brd-neg  emphasis\n\n23. If someone has to stand on their own two feet, they have to be independent and manage their lives without help from other people.\nMy father didn’t mind whom I married, so long as I could stand on my own two feet and wasn’t dependent on my husband.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n24. If you get or rise to your feet, you stand up.\nMalone got to his feet and followed his superior out of the suite...\nHe sprang to his feet and ran outside.\n  PHRASE: v PHR\n\n25. If someone gets off on the wrong foot in a new situation, they make a bad start by doing something in completely the wrong way.\nEven though they called the election and had been preparing for it for some time, they got off on the wrong foot.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n26.\nto foot the bill: see bill\nfoot in the door: see door\ndrag your feet: see drag\nto vote with your feet: see vote


Words: foot soldier
Meaning:
foot sol.dier\n   foot soldier  foot soldiers\n  The foot soldiers of a particular organization are people who seem unimportant and who do not have a high position but who do a large amount of very important and often very boring work.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foot-and-mouth disease
Meaning:
foot-and-mouth dis.ease\n   foot-and-mouth disease\n  Foot-and-mouth disease or foot-and-mouth is a serious and highly infectious disease that affects cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: foot-dragging
Meaning:
foot-dragging\n  Foot-dragging is the action of deliberately slowing down a plan or process.\nTheir bargaining position with America was weakened by their foot-dragging over the Gulf...\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: footage
Meaning:
foot.age\n   footage\n  Footage of a particular event is a film of it or the part of a film which shows this event.\nThey are planning to show exclusive footage from this summer’s festivals.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: football
Meaning:
foot.ball\n   football  footballs\n1. Football is a game played by two teams of eleven players using a round ball. Players kick the ball to each other and try to score goals by kicking the ball into a large net. (BRIT; in AM, use soccer)\nSeveral boys were still playing football on the waste ground.\n...Arsenal Football Club.\n...Italian football fans.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = soccer\n2. Football is a game played by two teams of eleven players using an oval ball. Players carry the ball in their hands or throw it to each other as they try to score goals that are called touchdowns. (AM; in BRIT, use American football)\nTwo blocks beyond our school was a field where boys played football...\nThis year’s national college football championship was won by Princeton.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A football is a ball that is used for playing football.\n  N-COUNT


Words: football pools
Meaning:
foot.ball pools\n   football pools\n  If you do the football pools, you take part in a gambling competition in which people try to win money by guessing the results of football matches. (BRIT)\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n  = pools


Words: footballer
Meaning:
foot.ball.er\n   footballer  footballers\n  A footballer is a person who plays football, especially as a profession. (BRIT; in AM, use soccer player)\n  N-COUNT


Words: footballing
Meaning:
foot.balling\n   footballing\n  Footballing means relating to the playing of football. (BRIT)\nMy two years at Farnham were the best of my footballing life.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: footbridge
Meaning:
foot.bridge\n   footbridge  footbridges\n  A footbridge is a narrow bridge for people travelling on foot.\n  N-COUNT


Words: footer
Meaning:
foot.er\n   footer footers\n  A footer is text such as a name or page number that can be automatically displayed at the bottom of each page of a printed document. Compare header. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: footfall
Meaning:
foot.fall\n   footfall  footfalls\n  A footfall is the sound that is made by someone walking each time they take a step. (LITERARY)\nShe heard the priest’s familiar, flat footfall on the staircase.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foothills
Meaning:
foot.hills\n   foothills\n  The foothills of a mountain or a range of mountains are the lower hills or mountains around its base.\nPasadena lies in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains.\n  N-PLURAL: oft N of n


Words: foothold
Meaning:
foot.hold\n   foothold  footholds\n1. A foothold is a strong or favourable position from which further advances or progress may be made.\nIf British business is to have a successful future, companies must establish a firm foothold in Europe.\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N, N in n\n\n2. A foothold is a place such as a small hole or area of rock where you can safely put your foot when climbing.\nHe lowered his legs until he felt he had a solid foothold on the rockface beneath him.\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N, N on n


Words: footie
Meaning:
also footy\n  Footie is the same as football. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n...footie fans.\n...a game of footie.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: footing
Meaning:
foot.ing\n   footing\n1. If something is put on a particular footing, it is defined, established, or changed in a particular way, often so that it is able to develop or exist successfully.\nThe new law will put official corruption on the same legal footing as treason.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp, usu on N\n  = basis\n2. If you are on a particular kind of footing with someone, you have that kind of relationship with them.\nThey decided to put their relationship on a more formal footing...\nThey are now trying to compete on an equal footing.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp, usu on N\n  = basis\n3. If a country or armed force is on a war footing, it is ready to fight a war.\nThe president placed the republic on a war footing.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n4. You refer to your footing when you are referring to your position and how securely your feet are placed on the ground. For example, if you lose your footing, your feet slip and you fall.\nHe was cautious of his footing, wary of the edge...\nHe lost his footing and slid into the water.\n  N-UNCOUNT: poss N


Words: footlights
Meaning:
foot.lights\n   footlights\n  In a theatre, the footlights are the row of lights along the front of the stage.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: footlocker
Meaning:
foot.locker\n   footlocker  footlockers   also foot locker\n  A footlocker is a large box for keeping personal possessions in, especially one that is placed at the end of a bed. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: footloose
Meaning:
foot.loose\n   footloose\n1. If you describe someone as footloose, you mean that they have no responsibilities or commitments, and are therefore free to do what they want and go where they want.\nPeople that are single tend to be more footloose.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe someone as footloose and fancy-free, you mean that they are not married or in a similar relationship, and you therefore consider them to have very few responsibilities or commitments.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: footman
Meaning:
foot.man\n   footman  footmen\n  A footman is a male servant who typically does jobs such as opening doors or serving food, and who often wears a special uniform.\n  N-COUNT


Words: footnote
Meaning:
foot.note\n   footnote  footnotes\n1. A footnote is a note at the bottom of a page in a book which provides more detailed information about something that is mentioned on that page.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you refer to what you are saying as a footnote, you mean that you are adding some information that is related to what has just been mentioned.\nAs a footnote, I should add that there was one point on which his bravado was more than justified.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you describe an event as a footnote, you mean that it is fairly unimportant although it will probably be remembered.\nI’m afraid that his name will now become a footnote in history.\n  N-COUNT


Words: footpath
Meaning:
foot.path\n   footpath  footpaths\n  A footpath is a path for people to walk on, especially in the countryside.\n  N-COUNT


Words: footplate
Meaning:
foot.plate\n   footplate  footplates\n  On a steam train, the footplate is the place where the driver and fireman stand. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing


Words: footprint
Meaning:
foot.print\n   footprint  footprints\n  A footprint is a mark in the shape of a foot that a person or animal makes in or on a surface.\n  N-COUNT


Words: footsie
Meaning:
foot.sie\n   footsie\n  If someone plays footsie with you, they touch your feet with their own feet, for example under a table, often as a playful way of expressing their romantic or sexual feelings towards you. (INFORMAL)\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR with n


Words: footsore
Meaning:
foot.sore\n   footsore\n  If you are footsore, you have sore or tired feet after walking a long way.\n  ADJ


Words: footstep
Meaning:
foot.step\n   footstep  footsteps\n1. A footstep is the sound or mark that is made by someone walking each time their foot touches the ground.\nI heard footsteps outside.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. If you follow in someone’s footsteps, you do the same things as they did earlier.\nMy father is extremely proud that I followed in his footsteps and became a doctor.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: footstool
Meaning:
foot.stool\n   footstool  footstools\n  A footstool is a small low stool that you can rest your feet on when you are sitting in a chair.\n  N-COUNT


Words: footwear
Meaning:
foot.wear\n   footwear\n  Footwear refers to things that people wear on their feet, for example shoes and boots.\nSome footballers get paid millions for endorsing footwear.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: footwork
Meaning:
foot.work\n   footwork\n1. Footwork is the way in which you move your feet, especially in sports such as boxing, football, or tennis, or in dancing.\nThis exercise improves your coordination, balance, timing and footwork.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N\n\n2. If you refer to someone’s footwork in a difficult situation, you mean the clever way they deal with it.\nIn the end, his brilliant legal footwork paid off.\n  N-UNCOUNT: supp N


Words: foppish
Meaning:
fop.pish\n   foppish\n  If you describe a man as foppish, you disapprove of the fact that he dresses in beautiful, expensive clothes and is very proud of his appearance. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: for
Meaning:
for  WEAK   STRONG\nIn addition to the uses shown below, for is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information, and in phrasal verbs such as `account for’ and `make up for’. It is also used with some verbs that have two objects in order to introduce the second object.\n1. If something is for someone, they are intended to have it or benefit from it.\nIsn’t that enough for you?...\nI have some free advice for you.\n...a table for two...\nYour mother is only trying to make things easier for you...\nWhat have you got for me this morning, Patrick?...\nHe wanted all the running of the business for himself.\n  PREP\n\n2. If you work or do a job for someone, you are employed by them.\nI knew he worked for a security firm...\nHave you had any experience writing for radio?\n...a buyer for one of the largest chain stores in the south.\n  PREP\n\n3. If you speak or act for a particular group or organization, you represent them.\nShe appears nightly on the television news, speaking for the State Department.\n...the spokesman for the Democrats.\n  PREP\n\n4. If someone does something for you, they do it so that you do not have to do it.\nIf your pharmacy doesn’t stock the product you want, have them order it for you...\nHe picked the bracelet up for me.\n  PREP\n\n5. If you feel a particular emotion for someone, you feel it on their behalf.\nThis is the best thing you’ve ever done.I am so happy for you!...\nHe felt a great sadness for this little girl.\n  PREP: adj PREP\n\n6. If you feel a particular emotion for someone or something, they are the object of that emotion, and you feel it when you think about them.\nJohn, I’m sorry for Steve, but I think you’ve made the right decisions...\nMack felt a pitiless contempt for her.\n  PREP: adj PREP\n\n7. You use for after words such as `time’, `space’, `money’, or `energy’ when you say how much there is or whether there is enough of it in order to be able to do or use a particular thing.\nMany new trains have space for wheelchair users...\nIt would take three to six hours for a round trip...\nChris couldn’t even raise the energy for a smile.\n  PREP\n\n8. If something is for sale, hire, or use, it is available to be sold, hired, or used.\n...fishmongers displaying freshwater fish for sale...\n...a room for rent.\n...a comfortable chair, suitable for use in the living room.\n  PREP\n\n9. You use for when you state or explain the purpose of an object, action, or activity.\n...drug users who use unsterile equipment for injections of drugs...\nThe knife for cutting sausage was sitting in the sink.\n...economic aid for the future reconstruction of the country.\n  PREP: PREP n/-ing\n\n10. You use for after nouns expressing reason or cause.\nHe’s soon to make a speech in parliament explaining his reasons for going...\nThe county hospital could find no physical cause for Sumner’s problems...\nHe has now been formally given the grounds for his arrest.\n  PREP: n PREP n/-ing\n\n11. For is used in conditional sentences, in expressions such as `if not for’ and `were it not for’, to introduce the only thing which prevents the main part of the sentence from being true.\nIf not for John, Brian wouldn’t have learned the truth...\nThe earth would be a frozen ball if it were not for the radiant heat of the sun...\nShe might have forgotten her completely had it not been for recurrent nightmares.\n  PREP\n\n12. You use for to say how long something lasts or continues.\nThe toaster remained on for more than an hour...\nFor a few minutes she sat on her bed watching the clock...\nThey talked for a bit.\n  PREP: PREP amount\n\n13. You use for to say how far something extends.\nWe drove on for a few miles...\nGreat clouds of black smoke were rising for several hundred feet or so.\n  PREP: PREP amount\n\n14. If something is bought, sold, or done for a particular amount of money, that amount of money is its price.\nWe got the bus back to Tange for 30 cents...\nThe Martins sold their house for about 1.4 million pounds...\n(next)


Words: for .1
Meaning:
The doctor was prepared to do the operation for a large sum.\n  PREP: PREP amount\n\n15. If something is planned for a particular time, it is planned to happen then.\n...the Welsh Boat Show, planned for July 30.August 1...\nMarks & Spencer will be unveiling its latest fashions for autumn and winter...\n  PREP\n\n16. If you do something for a particular occasion, you do it on that occasion or to celebrate that occasion.\nHe asked his daughter what she would like for her birthday...\nI’ll be home for Christmas.\n  PREP\n\n17. If you leave for a particular place or if you take a bus, train, plane, or boat for a place, you are going there.\nThey would be leaving for Rio early the next morning.\n  PREP\n\n18. You use for when you make a statement about something in order to say how it affects or relates to someone, or what their attitude to it is.\nWhat matters for most scientists is money and facilities...\nFor her, books were as necessary to life as bread...\nIt would be excellent experience for him to travel a little.\n  PREP\n\n19. After some adjective, noun, and verb phrases, you use for to introduce the subject of the action indicated by the following infinitive verb.\nIt might be possible for a single woman to be accepted as a foster parent...\nI had made arrangements for my affairs to be dealt with by one of my children...\nHe held out his glass for an old waiter to refill.\n  PREP: PREP n to-inf\n\n20. You use for when you say that an aspect of something or someone is surprising in relation to other aspects of them.\nHe was tall for an eight-year-old...\nHe had too much money for a young man.\n  PREP\n\n21. If you say that you are for a particular activity, you mean that this is what you want or intend to do.\nRight, who’s for a toasted sandwich then?...\n`What’ll it be?’ Paul said..`I’m for halibut.’\n  PREP: v-link PREP n/-ing\n\n22. If you say that something is not for you, you mean that you do not enjoy it or that it is not suitable for you. (INFORMAL)\nWendy decided the sport was not for her...\n  PREP: with neg\n\n23. If it is for you to do something, it is your responsibility or right to do it.\nI wish you would come back to Washington with us, but that’s for you to decide...\nIt is not for me to arrange such matters.\n  PREP: PREP n to-inf\n\n24. If you are for something, you agree with it or support it.\nAre you for or against public transport?...\nI’m for a government that the people respect and that respects the people...\n  PREP: v-link PREP n/-ing\n  !=against\n25. You use for after words such as `argue’, `case’, `evidence’, or `vote’ in order to introduce the thing that is being supported or proved.\nAnother union has voted for industrial action in support of a pay claim...\nThe case for nuclear power is impressive...\nWe have no real, objective, scientific evidence for our belief.\n  PREP: n/v PREP n\n  !=against\n  For is also an adverb.\n833 delegates voted for, and only 432 against.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n26. For is the preposition that is used after some nouns, adjectives, or verbs in order to introduce more information or to indicate what a quality, thing, or action relates to.\nReduced-calorie cheese is a great substitute for cream cheese...\nCar park owners should be legally responsible for protecting vehicles...\nBe prepared for both warm and cool weather...\nMake sure you have ample time to prepare for the new day ahead...\n  PREP: n/adj/v PREP n/-ing\n\n27. To be named for someone means to be given the same name as them. (AM; in BRIT, use after)\nThe Brady Bill is named for former White House Press Secretary James Brady...\n  PREP\n\n28. You use for with `every’ when you are stating a ratio, to introduce one of the things in the ratio.\nFor every farm job that is lost, two or three other jobs in the area are put at risk...\nWhere there had been one divorce for every 100 marriages before the war, now there were five.\n  PREP\n\n(next)


Words: for .2
Meaning:
29. You can use for in expressions such as pound for pound or mile for mile when you are making comparisons between the values or qualities of different things.\n...the Antarctic, mile for mile one of the planet’s most lifeless areas...\nHe insists any tax cut be matched dollar-for-dollar with cuts in spending.\n  PREP: n PREP n\n\n30. If a word or expression has the same meaning as another word or expression, you can say that the first one is another word or expression for the second one.\nThe technical term for sunburn is erythema...\n  PREP\n\n31. You use for in a piece of writing when you mention information which will be found somewhere else.\nFor further information on the life of William James Sidis, see Amy Wallace, `The Prodigy’.\n  PREP\n\n32. If you say that you are all for doing something, you agree or strongly believe that it should be done, but you are also often suggesting that other people disagree with you or that there are practical difficulties.\nHe is all for players earning what they can while they are in the game...\nI was all for it, but Wolfe said no.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR -ing\n\n33. If you are in for it or, in British English, if you are for it, you are likely to get into trouble because of something you have done. (INFORMAL)\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n34. You use expressions such as for the first time and for the last time when you are talking about how often something has happened before.\nHe was married for the second time, this time to a Belgian...\nFor the first time in my career, I was failing.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n35.\nas for: see as\nbut for: see but\nfor all: see all


Words: forage
Meaning:
for.age\n   forage  forages  foraging  foraged\n1. If someone forages for something, they search for it in a busy way.\nThey were forced to forage for clothing and fuel.\n  VERB: V for n\n\n2. When animals forage, they search for food.\nWe disturbed a wild boar that had been foraging by the roadside...\nThe cat forages for food.\n  VERB: V, V for n


Words: foray
Meaning:
for.ay\n   foray  forays\n1. If you make a foray into a new or unfamiliar type of activity, you start to become involved in it.\nEmporio Armani, the Italian fashion house, has made a discreet foray into furnishings.\n...her first forays into politics.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N, usu N into n\n\n2. You can refer to a short journey that you make as a foray if it seems to involve excitement or risk, for example because it is to an unfamiliar place or because you are looking for a particular thing.\nMost guests make at least one foray into the town...\n  N-COUNT: usu N into/to n\n\n3. If a group of soldiers make a foray into enemy territory, they make a quick attack there, and then return to their own territory.\nThese base camps were used by the PKK guerrillas to make forays into Turkey.\n  N-COUNT: oft N into n\n  = raid


Words: forbear
Meaning:
for.bear\n   forbear  forbears  forbearing  forbore  forborne\n  If you forbear to do something, you do not do it although you have the opportunity or the right to do it. (FORMAL)\nI forbore to comment on this...\nProtesters largely forbore from stone-throwing and vandalism.\n  VERB: V to-inf, V from -ing


Words: forbearance
Meaning:
for.bear.ance\n   forbearance\n  If you say that someone has shown forbearance, you admire them for behaving in a calm and sensible way about something that they have a right to be very upset or angry about. (FORMAL)\nAll the Greenpeace people behaved with impressive forbearance and dignity.\n  N-UNCOUNT  approval


Words: forbearing
Meaning:
for.bear.ing\n   forbearing\n  Someone who is forbearing behaves in a calm and sensible way at a time when they would have a right to be very upset or angry. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ  approval\n  = tolerant


Words: forbid
Meaning:
for.bid\n   forbid  forbids  forbidding  forbade   forbidden\n1. If you forbid someone to do something, or if you forbid an activity, you order that it must not be done.\nThey’ll forbid you to marry...\nBrazil’s constitution forbids the military use of nuclear energy.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, V n\n  = prohibit\n2. If something forbids a particular course of action or state of affairs, it makes it impossible for the course of action or state of affairs to happen.\nHis own pride forbids him to ask Arthur’s help...\nCustom forbids any modernisation.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, V n\n\n3.\nGod forbid: see god\nheaven forbid: see heaven


Words: forbidden
Meaning:
for.bid.den\n   forbidden\n1. If something is forbidden, you are not allowed to do it or have it.\nSmoking was forbidden everywhere...\nIt is forbidden to drive faster than 20mph.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n\n2. A forbidden place is one that you are not allowed to visit or enter.\nThis was a forbidden area for foreigners.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. Forbidden is used to describe things that people strongly disapprove of or feel guilty about, and that are not often mentioned or talked about.\nThe war was a forbidden subject...\nDivorce? It was such a forbidden word.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = taboo


Words: forbidden fruit
Meaning:
for.bid.den fruit\n   forbidden fruit  forbidden fruits\n  Forbidden fruit is a source of pleasure that involves breaking a rule or doing something that you are not supposed to do.\n...the forbidden fruit of an illicit romance.\n  N-VAR


Words: forbidding
Meaning:
for.bid.ding\n   forbidding\n  If you describe a person, place, or thing as forbidding, you mean they have a severe, unfriendly, or threatening appearance.\nThere was something a little severe and forbidding about her face.\n...a huge, forbidding building.\n  ADJ


Words: force
Meaning:
force  forces  forcing  forced\n1. If someone forces you to do something, they make you do it even though you do not want to, for example by threatening you.\nHe was forced to resign by Russia’s conservative parliament...\nI cannot force you in this. You must decide...\nThey were grabbed by three men who appeared to force them into a car.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, V n, V n prep/adv\n\n2. If a situation or event forces you to do something, it makes it necessary for you to do something that you would not otherwise have done.\nA back injury forced her to withdraw from Wimbledon...\nHe turned right, down a dirt road that forced him into four-wheel drive...\nShe finally was forced to the conclusion that she wouldn’t get another paid job in her field.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, V n into/to/out of n, V n into/to/out of n\n\n3. If someone forces something on or upon you, they make you accept or use it when you would prefer not to.\nTo force this agreement on the nation is wrong.\n  VERB: V n on/upon n\n  = impose\n4. If you force something into a particular position, you use a lot of strength to make it move there.\nThey were forcing her head under the icy waters, drowning her.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n5. If someone forces a lock, a door, or a window, they break the lock or fastening in order to get into a building without using a key.\nThat evening police forced the door of the flat and arrested Mr Roberts...\nHe tried to force the window open but it was jammed shut.\n  VERB: V n, V n adj\n\n6. If someone uses force to do something, or if it is done by force, strong and violent physical action is taken in order to achieve it.\nThe government decided against using force to break-up the demonstrations.\n...the guerrillas’ efforts to seize power by force.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n7. Force is the power or strength which something has.\nThe force of the explosion shattered the windows of several buildings...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n8. If you refer to someone or something as a force in a particular type of activity, you mean that they have a strong influence on it.\nFor years the army was the most powerful political force in the country...\nOne of the driving forces behind this recent expansion is the growth of services.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft N in/behind n\n\n9. The force of something is the powerful effect or quality that it has.\nHe changed our world through the force of his ideas...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n10. You can use forces to refer to processes and events that do not appear to be caused by human beings, and are therefore difficult to understand or control.\n...the protection of mankind against the forces of nature: epidemics, predators, floods, hurricanes...\nThe principle of market forces was applied to some of the countries most revered institutions...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu with supp\n\n11. In physics, a force is the pulling or pushing effect that something has on something else.\n...the earth’s gravitational force.\n...protons and electrons trapped by magnetic forces in the Van Allen belts.\n  N-VAR\n\n12. Force is used before a number to indicate a wind of a particular speed or strength, especially a very strong wind.\nNortherly winds will increase to force six by midday.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N num\n\n13. If you force a smile or a laugh, you manage to smile or laugh, but with an effort because you are unhappy.\nJoe forced a smile, but underneath he was a little disturbed...\n`Why don’t you offer me a drink?’ he asked, with a forced smile.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n14. Forces are groups of soldiers or military vehicles that are organized for a particular purpose.\n...the deployment of American forces in the region.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n15. The forces means the army, the navy, or the air force, or all three.\nThe more senior you become in the forces, the more likely you are to end up in a desk job.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n16. The force is sometimes used to mean the police force.\nIt was hard for a police officer to make friends outside the force.\n  N-SING: det N\n\n17.\n(next)


Words: force .1
Meaning:
see also air force, armed forces, labour force, peacekeeping, task force, tour de force, workforce\n18. If you do something from force of habit, you do it because you have always done it in the past, rather than because you have thought carefully about it.\nUnconsciously, by force of habit, she plugged the coffee pot in.\n  PHRASE: usu from/by PHR\n\n19. A law, rule, or system that is in force exists or is being used.\nAlthough the new tax is already in force, you have until November to lodge an appeal.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n20. When people do something in force, they do it in large numbers.\nVoters turned out in force for their first taste of multi-party elections.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n21. If you join forces with someone, you work together in order to achieve a common aim or purpose.\nWilliam joined forces with businessman Nicholas Court to launch the new vehicle.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, pl-n PHR, PHR with n\n\n22. If you force your way through or into somewhere, you have to push or break things that are in your way in order to get there.\nThe miners were armed with clubs as they forced their way through a police cordon...\nHe forced his way into a house shouting for help.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR through/into n\n\n23.\nto force someone’s hand: see hand


Words: force back
Meaning:
force back\n  If you force back an emotion or desire, you manage, with an effort, not to experience it.\nNancy forced back tears. She wasn’t going to cry in front of all those people.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = fight back


Words: force-feed
Meaning:
force-feed  force-feeds  force-feeding  force-fed\n  If you force-feed a person or animal, you make them eat or drink by pushing food or drink down their throat.\nProduction of the foie gras pate involves force-feeding geese and ducks so that their livers swell.\n  VERB: V n


Words: forced
Meaning:
forced\n1. A forced action is something that you do because someone else makes you do it.\nA system of forced labour was used on the cocoa plantations.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A forced action is something that you do because circumstances make it necessary.\nHe made a forced landing on a highway.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. If you describe something as forced, you mean it does not happen naturally and easily.\n...a forced smile...\nShe called him darling. It sounded so forced.\n  ADJ\n  !=natural


Words: forceful
Meaning:
force.ful\n   forceful\n1. If you describe someone as forceful, you approve of them because they express their opinions and wishes in a strong, emphatic, and confident way.\nHe was a man of forceful character, with considerable insight and diplomatic skills.\n  ADJ  approval\n\n=>  force.ful.ly\nMrs. Dambar was talking very rapidly and somewhat forcefully.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  force.ful.ness\nShe had inherited her father’s forcefulness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Something that is forceful has a very powerful effect and causes you to think or feel something very strongly.\nIt made a very forceful impression on me...\nFor most people a heart attack is a forceful reminder that they are mortal.\n  ADJ\n  = powerful\n=>  force.ful.ly\nDaytime television tended to remind her too forcefully of her own situation.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. A forceful point or argument in a discussion is one that is good, valid, and convincing.\n  ADJ\n  = powerful


Words: forceps
Meaning:
for.ceps\n   forceps\n  Forceps are an instrument consisting of two long narrow arms. Forceps are used by a doctor to hold things.\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N


Words: forcible
Meaning:
for.cible\n   forcible\n  Forcible action involves physical force or violence.\nReports are coming in of the forcible resettlement of villagers from the countryside into towns.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: ford
Meaning:
ford  fords  fording  forded\n1. A ford is a shallow place in a river or stream where it is possible to cross safely without using a boat.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you ford a river or stream, you cross it without using a boat, usually at a shallow point.\nThey were guarding the bridge, so we forded the river.\n  VERB: V n


Words: fore
Meaning:
fore\n1. If someone or something comes to the fore in a particular situation or group, they become important or popular.\nA number of low-budget independent films brought new directors and actors to the fore.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n2. Fore is used to refer to parts at the front of an animal, ship, or aircraft.\nThere had been no direct damage in the fore part of the ship.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = front


Words: forearm
Meaning:
fore.arm\n   forearm  forearms\n  Your forearm is the part of your arm between your elbow and your wrist.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N


Words: forearmed
Meaning:
fore.armed\n   forearmed\n  If you say `Forewarned is forearmed’, you are saying that if you know about a problem or situation in advance, you will be able to deal with it when you need to.\n  PHRASE


Words: forebear
Meaning:
fore.bear\n   forebear  forebears\n  Your forebears are your ancestors. (LITERARY)\nI’ll come back to the land of my forebears.\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss\n  = forefather


Words: foreboding
Meaning:
fore.bod.ing\n   foreboding  forebodings\n  Foreboding is a strong feeling that something terrible is going to happen.\nHis triumph was overshadowed by an uneasy sense of foreboding.\n  N-VAR


Words: forecast
Meaning:
fore.cast\n   forecast  forecasts  forecasting  forecasted\n\n  The forms forecast and forecasted can both be used for the past tense and past participle.\n\n1. A forecast is a statement of what is expected to happen in the future, especially in relation to a particular event or situation.\n...a forecast of a 2.25 per cent growth in the economy...\nHe delivered his election forecast...\nThe weather forecast is better for today.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. If you forecast future events, you say what you think is going to happen in the future.\nThey forecast a humiliating defeat for the Prime Minister...\nHe forecasts that average salary increases will remain around 4 per cent.\n  VERB: V n, V that\n\n3.\n  see also weather forecast


Words: forecaster
Meaning:
fore.cast.er\n   forecaster  forecasters\n  A forecaster is someone who uses detailed knowledge about a particular activity in order to work out what they think will happen in that activity in the future.\nSome of the nation’s top economic forecasters say the economic recovery is picking up speed.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also weather forecaster


Words: forecastle
Meaning:
fore.cas.tle\n   forecastle  forecastles   or fo’c’sle\n  The forecastle is the part at the front of a ship where the sailors live.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing


Words: foreclose
Meaning:
fore.close\n   foreclose  forecloses  foreclosing  foreclosed\n  If the person or organization that lent someone money forecloses, they take possession of a property that was bought with the borrowed money, for example because regular repayments have not been made. (BUSINESS)\nThe bank foreclosed on the mortgage for his previous home.\n  VERB: V on n, also V


Words: foreclosure
Meaning:
fore.clo.sure\n   foreclosure  foreclosures\n  Foreclosure is when someone who has lent money to a person or organization so that they can buy property takes possession of the property because the money has not been repaid. (BUSINESS)\nIf homeowners can’t keep up the payments, they face foreclosure...\nIf interest rates go up, won’t foreclosures rise?\n  N-VAR


Words: forecourt
Meaning:
fore.court\n   forecourt  forecourts\n  The forecourt of a large building or petrol station is the open area at the front of it. (mainly BRIT)\nI locked the bike in the forecourt of the Kirey Hotel...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n, n N


Words: foredeck
Meaning:
fore.deck\n   foredeck  foredecks\n  The foredeck is the part of the deck at the front of a ship.\n  N-COUNT: usu N SING, the N


Words: forefather
Meaning:
fore.father\n   forefather  forefathers\n  Your forefathers are your ancestors, especially your male ancestors. (LITERARY)\nThey were determined to go back to the land of their forefathers.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu poss N\n  = forebear


Words: forefinger
Meaning:
fore.finger\n   forefinger  forefingers\n  Your forefinger is the finger that is next to your thumb.\nHe took the pen between his thumb and forefinger.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N


Words: forefoot
Meaning:
fore.foot\n   forefoot  forefeet\n  A four-legged animal’s forefeet are its two front feet.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: forefront
Meaning:
fore.front\n   forefront\n1. If you are at the forefront of a campaign or other activity, you have a leading and influential position in it.\nThey have been at the forefront of the campaign for political change.\n  N-SING: the N, usu at/in/to N, N of/in n/-ing\n\n2. If something is at the forefront of people’s minds or attention, they think about it a lot because it is particularly important to them.\nThe pension issue was not at the forefront of his mind in the spring of 1985.\n  N-SING: the N, usu at/in/to N of n


Words: forego
Meaning:
fore.go\n   forego  foregoes  foregoing   forewent  foregone   also forgo\n  If you forego something, you decide to do without it, although you would like it. (FORMAL)\nKeen skiers are happy to forego a summer holiday to go skiing.\n  VERB: V n\n  = do without


Words: foregoing
Meaning:
fore.going\n   foregoing\n  You can refer to what has just been stated or mentioned as the foregoing. (FORMAL)\nYou might think from the foregoing that the French want to phase accents out. Not at all.\n  PRON: the PRON\n\n  Foregoing is also an adjective.\nThe foregoing paragraphs were written in 1985.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: foregone
Meaning:
fore.gone\n   foregone\n1. Foregone is the past participle of forego.\n\n2. If you say that a particular result is a foregone conclusion, you mean you are certain that it will happen.\nMost voters believe the result is a foregone conclusion...\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, oft it v-link PHR that


Words: foreground
Meaning:
fore.ground\n   foreground  foregrounds\n1. The foreground of a picture or scene you are looking at is the part or area of it that appears nearest to you.\nHe is the bowler-hatted figure in the foreground of Orpen’s famous painting.\n  N-VAR: oft in the N\n  !=background\n2. If something or someone is in the foreground, or comes to the foreground, they receive a lot of attention.\nThis is another worry that has come to the foreground in recent years.\n  N-SING: usu the N, oft in/to N


Words: forehand
Meaning:
fore.hand\n   forehand  forehands\n  A forehand is a shot in tennis or squash in which the palm of your hand faces the direction in which you are hitting the ball.\nAgassi saw his chance and, with another lightning forehand, reached match point.\n  N-COUNT


Words: forehead
Meaning:
fore.head\n   forehead   foreheads\n  Your forehead is the area at the front of your head between your eyebrows and your hair.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N\n  = brow


Words: foreign
Meaning:
for.eign\n   foreign\n1. Something or someone that is foreign comes from or relates to a country that is not your own.\n...in Frankfurt, where a quarter of the population is foreign...\nShe was on her first foreign holiday without her parents.\n...a foreign language...\nIt is the largest ever private foreign investment in the Bolivian mining sector.\n  ADJ\n\n2. In politics and journalism, foreign is used to describe people, jobs, and activities relating to countries that are not the country of the person or government concerned.\n...the German foreign minister...\nI am the foreign correspondent in Washington of La Tribuna newspaper of Honduras.\n...the effects of US foreign policy in the `free world’.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. A foreign object is something that has got into something else, usually by accident, and should not be there. (FORMAL)\nThe patient’s immune system would reject the transplanted organ as a foreign object.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4. Something that is foreign to a particular person or thing is not typical of them or is unknown to them.\nThe very notion of price competition is foreign to many schools...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ to n


Words: foreign body
Meaning:
for.eign body\n   foreign body  foreign bodies\n  A foreign body is an object that has come into something else, usually by accident, and should not be in it. (FORMAL)\n...a foreign body in the eye.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foreign exchange
Meaning:
for.eign ex.change\n   foreign exchange  foreign exchanges\n1. Foreign exchanges are the institutions or systems involved with changing one currency into another.\nOn the foreign exchanges, the US dollar is up point forty-five.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n2. Foreign exchange is used to refer to foreign currency that is obtained through the foreign exchange system.\n...an important source of foreign exchange.\n...foreign-exchange traders.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: Foreign Office
Meaning:
For.eign Of.fice\n   Foreign Office  Foreign Offices\n  The Foreign Office is the government department, especially in Britain, which has responsibility for the government’s dealings and relations with foreign governments.\n...a Foreign Office spokesman.\n  N-COUNT: the N, oft N n


Words: foreign service
Meaning:
for.eign ser.vice\n   foreign service\n  The foreign service is the government department that employs diplomats to work in foreign countries. (AM; in BRIT, use diplomatic service)\n  N-SING: the N


Words: foreigner
Meaning:
for.eign.er\n   foreigner  foreigners\n  A foreigner is someone who belongs to a country that is not your own.\nThey are discouraged from becoming close friends with foreigners.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foreknowledge
Meaning:
fore.knowl.edge\n   foreknowledge\n  If you have foreknowledge of an event or situation, you have some knowledge of it before it actually happens.\nShe has maintained that the General had foreknowledge of the plot.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: foreleg
Meaning:
fore.leg\n   foreleg  forelegs\n  A four-legged animal’s forelegs are its two front legs.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: forelock
Meaning:
fore.lock\n   forelock  forelocks\n1. A forelock is a piece of hair that falls over your forehead. People often used to pull their forelocks to show respect for other people of a higher class than they were.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that a person tugs their forelock to another person, you are criticizing them for showing too much respect to the second person or being unnecessarily worried about their opinions. (mainly BRIT)\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect, oft PHR to n  disapproval


Words: foreman
Meaning:
fore.man\n   foreman  foremen\n1. A foreman is a person, especially a man, in charge of a group of workers.\nHe still visited the dairy daily, but left most of the business details to his manager and foreman.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The foreman of a jury is the person who is chosen as their leader.\nThere was applause from the public gallery as the foreman of the jury announced the verdict.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foremost
Meaning:
fore.most\n   foremost\n1. The foremost thing or person in a group is the most important or best.\nHe was one of the world’s foremost scholars of ancient Indian culture...\n  ADJ\n\n2. You use first and foremost to emphasize the most important quality of something or someone.\nIt is first and foremost a trade agreement...\n  PHRASE: PHR n/prep, PHR with cl, PHR after v  emphasis


Words: forename
Meaning:
fore.name\n   forename  forenames\n  Your forename is your first name. Your forenames are your names other than your surname. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N\n  = first name


Words: forensic
Meaning:
fo.ren.sic\n   forensic  forensics\n1. Forensic is used to describe the work of scientists who examine evidence in order to help the police solve crimes.\nThey were convicted on forensic evidence alone...\nForensic experts searched the area for clues.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Forensics is the use of scientific techniques to solve crimes.\n...the newest advances in forensics.\n...federal forensics legislation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: foreplay
Meaning:
fore.play\n   foreplay\n  Foreplay is activity such as kissing and stroking when it takes place before sexual intercourse.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: forerunner
Meaning:
fore.run.ner\n   forerunner  forerunners\n  If you describe a person or thing as the forerunner of someone or something similar, you mean they existed before them and either influenced their development or were a sign of what was going to happen.\n...a machine which, in some respects, was the forerunner of the modern helicopter...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = precursor


Words: foresee
Meaning:
fore.see\n   foresee  foresees  foreseeing  foresaw  foreseen\n  If you foresee something, you expect and believe that it will happen.\nHe did not foresee any problems...\nHe could never have foreseen that one day his books would sell in millions.\n  VERB: V n, V that, also V wh\n  = predict


Words: foreseeable
Meaning:
fore.see.able\n   foreseeable\n1. If a future event is foreseeable, you know that it will happen or that it can happen, because it is a natural or obvious consequence of something else that you know.\nIt seems to me that this crime was foreseeable and this death preventable...\n  ADJ\n  = predictable\n2. If you say that something will happen for the foreseeable future, you think that it will continue to happen for a long time.\nProfit and dividend growth looks like being above average for the foreseeable future.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, PHR with cl\n\n3. If you say that something will happen in the foreseeable future you mean that you think it will happen fairly soon.\nSo, might they finally have free elections in the foreseeable future?\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, PHR with cl


Words: foreshadow
Meaning:
fore.shad.ow\n   foreshadow  foreshadows  foreshadowing  foreshadowed\n  If something foreshadows an event or situation, it suggests that it will happen.\nThe disappointing sales figures foreshadow more redundancies...\n  VERB: V n


Words: foreshore
Meaning:
fore.shore\n   foreshore  foreshores\n  Beside the sea, a lake, or a wide river, the foreshore is the part of the shore which is between the highest and lowest points reached by the water.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: foreshorten
Meaning:
fore.short.en\n   foreshorten  foreshortens  foreshortening  foreshortened\n  To foreshorten someone or something means to draw them, photograph them, or see them from an unusual angle so that the parts of them that are furthest away seem smaller than they really are.\nShe could see herself in the reflecting lenses, which had grotesquely foreshortened her.\n  VERB: V n


Words: foresight
Meaning:
fore.sight\n   foresight\n  Someone’s foresight is their ability to see what is likely to happen in the future and to take appropriate action.\nHe was later criticised for his lack of foresight...\nThey had the foresight to invest in new technology.\n  N-UNCOUNT  approval


Words: foreskin
Meaning:
fore.skin\n   foreskin  foreskins\n  A man’s foreskin is the skin that covers the end of his penis.\n  N-VAR


Words: forest
Meaning:
for.est\n   forest  forests\n1. A forest is a large area where trees grow close together.\nParts of the forest are still dense and inaccessible.\n...25 million hectares of forest.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A forest of tall or narrow objects is a group of them standing or sticking upright. (LITERARY)\nThey descended from the plane into a forest of microphones and cameras.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, usu N of n


Words: forestall
Meaning:
fore.stall\n   forestall  forestalls  forestalling  forestalled\n  If you forestall someone, you realize what they are likely to do and prevent them from doing it.\nLarge numbers of police were in the square to forestall any demonstrations.\n  VERB: V n\n  = stop


Words: forested
Meaning:
for.est.ed\n   forested\n  A forested area is an area covered in trees growing closely together.\n...a thickly forested valley...\nOnly 8 per cent of Britain is forested.\n  ADJ


Words: forester
Meaning:
for.est.er\n   forester  foresters\n  A forester is a person whose job is to look after the trees in a forest and to plant new ones.\n  N-COUNT


Words: forestry
Meaning:
for.est.ry\n   forestry\n  Forestry is the science or skill of growing and taking care of trees in forests, especially in order to obtain wood.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: foretaste
Meaning:
fore.taste\n   foretaste  foretastes\n  If you describe an event as a foretaste of a future situation, you mean that it suggests to you what that future situation will be like.\nIt was a foretaste of things to come...\n  N-COUNT: usu a N of n\n  = indication


Words: foretell
Meaning:
fore.tell\n   foretell  foretells  foretelling  foretold\n  If you foretell a future event, you predict that it will happen. (LITERARY)\n...prophets who have foretold the end of the world.\n  VERB: V n, also V that/wh


Words: forethought
Meaning:
fore.thought\n   forethought\n  If you act with forethought, you think carefully before you act about what will be needed, or about what the consequences will be.\nWith a little forethought many accidents could be avoided.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: forever
Meaning:
for.ever\n   forever   also for ever\n1. If you say that something will happen or continue forever, you mean that it will always happen or continue.\nI think that we will live together forever...\nI will forever be grateful for his considerable input.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If something has gone or changed forever, it has gone or changed completely and permanently.\nThe old social order was gone forever...\nTheir lives changed forever.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n3. If you say that something takes forever or lasts forever, you are emphasizing that it takes or lasts a very long time, or that it seems to. (INFORMAL)\nThe drive seemed to take forever...\n  ADV: ADV after v  emphasis


Words: forewarn
Meaning:
fore.warn\n   forewarn  forewarns  forewarning  forewarned\n  If you forewarn someone about something, you warn them in advance that it is going to happen.\nThe Macmillan Guide had forewarned me of what to expect.\n  VERB: V n of/about n, also V n that, V n\n  = alert\nforewarned is forearmed: see forearmed


Words: foreword
Meaning:
fore.word\n   foreword  forewords\n  The foreword to a book is an introduction by the author or by someone else.\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n


Words: forfeit
Meaning:
for.feit\n   forfeit  forfeits  forfeiting  forfeited\n1. If you forfeit something, you lose it or are forced to give it up because you have broken a rule or done something wrong.\nHe was ordered to forfeit more than .1.5m in profits...\nHe argues that murderers forfeit their own right to life.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n2. If you forfeit something, you give it up willingly, especially so that you can achieve something else.\nHe has forfeited a lucrative fee but feels his well-being is more important...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. A forfeit is something that you have to give up because you have done something wrong.\nThat is the forfeit he must pay.\n  N-COUNT\n  = penalty


Words: forfeiture
Meaning:
for.fei.ture\n   forfeiture  forfeitures\n  Forfeiture is the action of forfeiting something. (LEGAL)\n...the forfeiture of illegally obtained profits...\nBoth face maximum forfeitures of about $1.2 million.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n


Words: forge
Meaning:
forge  forges  forging  forged\n1. If one person or institution forges an agreement or relationship with another, they create it with a lot of hard work, hoping that it will be strong or lasting.\nThe Prime Minister is determined to forge a good relationship with America’s new leader...\nThey agreed to forge closer economic ties...\nThe programme aims to forge links between higher education and small businesses...\nThe Community was trying to forge a common foreign and security policy.\n  V-RECIP: V n with n, pl-n V n, NON-RECIP: V n between pl-n, V n\n\n2. If someone forges something such as a banknote, a document, or a painting, they copy it or make it so that it looks genuine, in order to deceive people.\nShe alleged that Taylor had forged her signature on the form...\nThey used forged documents to leave the country.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n=>  forg.er      forgers\n...the most prolific art forger in the country.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A forge is a place where someone makes metal goods and equipment by heating pieces of metal and then shaping them.\n...the blacksmith’s forge.\n...Woodbury Blacksmith & Forge Co.\n  N-COUNT: oft in names\n\n4. If someone forges an object out of metal, they heat the metal and then hammer and bend it into the required shape.\nTo forge a blade takes great skill.\n  VERB: V n


Words: forge ahead
Meaning:
forge ahead\n  If you forge ahead with something, you continue with it and make a lot of progress with it.\nHe again pledged to forge ahead with his plans for reform...\nThe two companies forged ahead, innovating and expanding.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P with n, V P


Words: forgery
Meaning:
for.gery\n   forgery  forgeries\n1. Forgery is the crime of forging money, documents, or paintings.\nHe was found guilty of forgery.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You can refer to a forged document, banknote, or painting as a forgery.\nThe letter was a forgery.\n  N-COUNT


Words: forget
Meaning:
for.get\n   forget  forgets  forgetting  forgot  forgotten\n1. If you forget something or forget how to do something, you cannot think of it or think how to do it, although you knew it or knew how to do it in the past.\nSometimes I improvise and change the words because I forget them...\nShe forgot where she left the car and it took us two days to find it.\n  VERB: V n, V wh\n  !=remember\n2. If you forget something or forget to do it, you fail to think about it or fail to remember to do it, for example because you are thinking about other things.\nShe never forgets her daddy’s birthday...\nShe forgot to lock her door one day and two men got in...\nDon’t forget that all dogs need a supply of fresh water to drink...\nShe forgot about everything but the sun and the wind and the salt spray.\n  VERB: V n, V to-inf, V that, V about n\n  !=remember\n3. If you forget something that you had intended to bring with you, you do not bring it because you did not think about it at the right time.\nOnce when we were going to Paris, I forgot my passport.\n  VERB: V n, also V about n\n\n4. If you forget something or someone, you deliberately put them out of your mind and do not think about them any more.\nI hope you will forget the bad experience you had today...\nI found it very easy to forget about Sumner...\nShe tried to forget that sometimes she heard them quarrelling.\n  VERB: V n, V about n, V that\n\n5. You say `Forget it’ in reply to someone as a way of telling them not to worry or bother about something, or as an emphatic way of saying no to a suggestion. (SPOKEN)\n`Sorry, Liz. I think I was a bit rude to you.’.`Forget it, but don’t do it again!’...\n`You want more?’ roared Claire. `Forget it, honey.’\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n\n6. You say not forgetting a particular thing or person when you want to include them in something that you have already talked about.\nThe first thing is to support as many shows as one can, not forgetting the small local ones.\n  PHRASE: PHR n


Words: forget-me-not
Meaning:
forget-me-not  forget-me-nots\n  A forget-me-not is a small plant with tiny blue flowers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: forgetful
Meaning:
for.get.ful\n   forgetful\n  Someone who is forgetful often forgets things.\nMy mother has become very forgetful and confused recently.\n  ADJ\n  = absent-minded


Words: forgettable
Meaning:
for.get.table\n   forgettable\n  If you describe something or someone as forgettable, you mean that they do not have any qualities that make them special, unusual, or interesting.\nHe has acted in three forgettable action films...\n  ADJ\n  !=unforgettable


Words: forgivable
Meaning:
for.giv.able\n   forgivable\n  If you say that something bad is forgivable, you mean that you can understand it and can forgive it in the circumstances.\nIs infidelity ever forgivable?\n  ADJ\n  !=unforgivable


Words: forgive
Meaning:
for.give\n   forgive  forgives  forgiving  forgave  forgiven\n1. If you forgive someone who has done something bad or wrong, you stop being angry with them and no longer want to punish them.\nHopefully she’ll understand and forgive you, if she really loves you...\nShe’d find a way to forgive him for the theft of the money...\nStill, for those flashes of genius, you can forgive him anything.\n  VERB: V n, V n for n/-ing, V n n, also V\n\n2. If you say that someone could be forgiven for doing something, you mean that they were wrong or mistaken, but not seriously, because many people would have done the same thing in those circumstances.\nLooking at the figures, you could be forgiven for thinking the recession is already over...\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed for -ing\n\n3. Forgive is used in polite expressions and apologies like `forgive me’ and `forgive my ignorance’ when you are saying or doing something that might seem rude, silly, or complicated.\nForgive me, I don’t mean to insult you...\nI do hope you’ll forgive me but I’ve got to leave...\n`Forgive my manners,’ she said calmly. `I neglected to introduce myself.’\n  VERB: V n, V n, V n  politeness\n\n4. If an organization such as a bank forgives someone’s debt, they agree not to ask for that money to be repaid.\nThe American Congress has agreed to forgive Egypt’s military debt.\n  VERB: V n


Words: forgiveness
Meaning:
for.give.ness\n   forgiveness\n  If you ask for forgiveness, you ask to be forgiven for something wrong that you have done.\nI offered up a short prayer for forgiveness.\n...a spirit of forgiveness and national reconciliation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: forgiving
Meaning:
for.giv.ing\n   forgiving\n  Someone who is forgiving is willing to forgive.\nVoters can be remarkably forgiving of presidents who fail to keep their campaign promises...\n  ADJ


Words: fork
Meaning:
fork  forks  forking  forked\n1. A fork is a tool used for eating food which has a row of three or four long metal points at the end.\n...knives and forks.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you fork food into your mouth or onto a plate, you put it there using a fork.\nAnn forked some fish into her mouth...\nHe forked an egg onto a piece of bread and folded it into a sandwich.\n  VERB: V n into/onto n, V n into/onto n\n\n3. A garden fork is a tool used for breaking up soil which has a row of three or four long metal points at the end.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A fork in a road, path, or river is a point at which it divides into two parts and forms a `Y’ shape.\nWe arrived at a fork in the road...\nThe road divides; you should take the right fork.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n5. If a road, path, or river forks, it forms a fork.\nBeyond the village the road forked...\nThe path dipped down to a sort of cove, and then it forked in two directions.\n  VERB: no cont, V, V prep/adv\n\n6.\n  see also tuning fork


Words: fork out
Meaning:
fork out\n  If you fork out for something, you spend a lot of money on it. (INFORMAL)\nHe will have to fork out for private school fees for Nina...\nYou don’t ask people to fork out every time they drive up the motorways...\nBritons fork out more than a billion pounds a year on toys.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P for/on n, V P, V P n for/on n\n  = cough up


Words: forked
Meaning:
forked\n  Something that divides into two parts and forms a `Y’ shape can be described as forked.\nJaegers are swift black birds with long forked tails.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: forked lightning
Meaning:
forked light.ning\n   forked lightning\n  Forked lightning is lightning that divides into two or more parts near the ground.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: forkful
Meaning:
fork.ful\n   forkful  forkfuls\n  You can refer to an amount of food on a fork as a forkful of food.\nI put a forkful of fillet steak in my mouth...\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: forklift truck
Meaning:
fork.lift truck\n   forklift truck  forklift trucks\nin BRIT, also use fork-lift truck\n  A forklift truck or a forklift is a small vehicle with two movable parts on the front that are used to lift heavy loads.\n  N-COUNT


Words: forlorn
Meaning:
for.lorn\n   forlorn\n1. If someone is forlorn, they feel alone and unhappy. (LITERARY)\nOne of the demonstrators, a young woman, sat forlorn on the pavement...\n  ADJ: ADJ n, v-link ADJ, ADJ after v\n\n2. A forlorn hope or attempt is one that you think has no chance of success.\nPeasants have left the land in the forlorn hope of finding a better life in cities.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: form
Meaning:
form  forms  forming  formed\n1. A form of something is a type or kind of it.\nHe contracted a rare form of cancer...\nDoctors are willing to take some form of industrial action...\nI am against hunting in any form.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft N of n\n\n2. When something can exist or happen in several possible ways, you can use form to refer to one particular way in which it exists or happens.\nValleys often take the form of deep canyons...\nThey received a benefit in the form of a tax reduction...\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft N of n\n\n3. When a particular shape forms or is formed, people or things move or are arranged so that this shape is made.\nA queue forms outside Peter’s study...\nThey formed a circle and sang `Auld Lang Syne’...\nThe General gave orders for the cadets to form into lines.\n  VERB: V, V n, V into n, also V n into n\n\n4. The form of something is its shape.\n...the form of the body.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n5. You can refer to something that you can see as a form if you cannot see it clearly, or if its outline is the clearest or most striking aspect of it.\nShe thought she’d never been so glad to see his bulky form.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n6. If something is arranged or changed so that it becomes similar to a thing with a particular structure or function, you can say that it forms that thing.\nThese panels folded up to form a screen some five feet tall...\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. If something consists of particular things, people, or features, you can say that they form that thing.\nCereals form the staple diet of an enormous number of people around the world.\n  VERB: V n\n\n8. If you form an organization, group, or company, you start it.\nThey tried to form a study group on human rights...\nThey formed themselves into teams.\n  VERB: V n, V pron-refl into n\n\n9. When something natural forms or is formed, it begins to exist and develop.\nThe stars must have formed 10 to 15 billion years ago...\nHuge ice sheets were formed.\n  VERB: V, be V-ed\n\n10. If you form a relationship, a habit, or an idea, or if it forms, it begins to exist and develop.\nThis should help him form lasting relationships...\nAn idea formed in his mind.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n11. If you say that something forms a person’s character or personality, you mean that it has a strong influence on them and causes them to develop in a particular way.\nAnger at injustice formed his character.\n  VERB: V n\n  = mould\n12. In sport, form refers to the ability or success of a person or animal over a period of time.\nHis form this season has been brilliant...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N\n\n13. A form is a paper with questions on it and spaces marked where you should write the answers. Forms usually ask you to give details about yourself, for example when you are applying for a job or joining an organization.\nYou will be asked to fill in a form with details of your birth and occupation.\n...application forms.\n  N-COUNT\n\n14.\n  see also sixth form\n15. If you say that it is bad form to behave in a particular way, you mean that it is rude and impolite. (BRIT OLD-FASHIONED)\nIt was thought bad form to discuss business on social occasions.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n16. If you say that someone is in good form, you mean that they seem healthy and cheerful. (BRIT)\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n17. If you say that someone is off form, you think they are not performing as well as they usually do. (BRIT)\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n  = below par\n18. If you say that someone is on form, you think that they are performing their usual activity very well. (BRIT)\nRobert Redford is back on form in his new movie `Sneakers’.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n19. When something takes form, it develops or begins to be visible.\nAs plans took form in her mind, she realized the need for an accomplice...\nThe face of Mrs Lisbon took form in the dimness.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n20. If someone or something behaves true to form, they do what is expected and is typical of them.\nMy luck was running true to form...\n(next)


Words: formal
Meaning:
for.mal\n   formal  formals\n1. Formal speech or behaviour is very correct and serious rather than relaxed and friendly, and is used especially in official situations.\nHe wrote a very formal letter of apology to Douglas...\nBusiness relationships are necessarily a bit more formal.\n  ADJ\n  !=informal\n=>  for.mal.ly\nHe took her back to Vincent Square in a taxi, saying goodnight formally on the doorstep.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  for.mal.ity\nLillith’s formality and seriousness amused him.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A formal action, statement, or request is an official one.\nUN officials said a formal request was passed to American authorities...\nNo formal announcement had been made.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=informal\n=>  for.mal.ly\nDiplomats haven’t formally agreed to Anderson’s plan...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. Formal occasions are special occasions at which people wear smart clothes and behave according to a set of accepted rules.\nOne evening the film company arranged a formal dinner after the play.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=informal\n  Formal is also a noun.\n...a wide array of events, including school formals and speech nights, weddings, and balls.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. Formal clothes are very smart clothes that are suitable for formal occasions.\nThey wore ordinary ties instead of the more formal high collar and cravat.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=informal, casual\n=>  for.mal.ly\nIt was really too warm for her to dress so formally.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV -ed\n\n5. Formal education or training is given officially, usually in a school, college, or university.\nLeroy didn’t have any formal dance training.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  for.mal.ly\nMr Dawe was the ancient, formally trained head gardener.\n  ADV: ADV -ed\n\n6.\n  see also formality


Words: formaldehyde
Meaning:
for.mal.de.hyde\n   formaldehyde\n  Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling gas, used especially to preserve parts of animals or plants for biological study.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: formalism
Meaning:
for.mal.ism\n   formalism\n  Formalism is a style, especially in art, in which great attention is paid to the outward form or appearance rather than to the inner reality or significance of things.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  for.mal.ist\n...art based on formalist principles.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: formality
Meaning:
for.mal.ity\n   formality  formalities\n1. If you say that an action or procedure is just a formality, you mean that it is done only because it is normally done, and that it will not have any real effect on the situation.\nWith the Cold War almost over, the talks were a mere formality.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Formalities are formal actions or procedures that are carried out as part of a particular activity or event.\nThey are whisked through the immigration and customs formalities in a matter of minutes.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n3.\n  see also formal


Words: formalize
Meaning:
for.mal.ize\n   formalize  formalizes  formalizing  formalized\nin BRIT, also use formalise\n  If you formalize a plan, idea, arrangement, or system, you make it formal and official.\nA recent treaty signed by Russia, Canada and Japan formalized an agreement to work together to stop the pirates...\n  VERB: V n


Words: format
Meaning:
for.mat\n   format  formats  formatting  formatted\n1. The format of something is the way or order in which it is arranged and presented.\nI had met with him to explain the format of the programme and what we had in mind.\n...a large-format book.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The format of a piece of computer software or a musical recording is the type of equipment on which it is designed to be used or played. For example, possible formats for a musical recording are CD and cassette.\nHis latest album is available on all formats.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. To format a computer disk means to run a program so that the disk can be written on. (COMPUTING)\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. To format a piece of computer text or graphics means to arrange the way in which it appears when it is printed or is displayed on a screen. (COMPUTING)\nWhen text is saved from a Web page, it is often very badly formatted with many short lines.\n  VERB: V n


Words: formation
Meaning:
for.ma.tion\n   formation  formations\n1. The formation of something is the starting or creation of it.\n...the formation of a new government.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp, usu the N of n\n  = creation\n2. The formation of an idea, habit, relationship, or character is the process of developing and establishing it.\nMy profession had an important influence in the formation of my character and temperament.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n  = development\n3. If people or things are in formation, they are arranged in a particular pattern as they move.\nHe was flying in formation with seven other jets...\n  N-COUNT: also a N, usu in N\n\n4. A rock or cloud formation is rock or cloud of a particular shape or structure.\n...a vast rock formation shaped like a pillar...\nEnormous cloud formations formed a purple mass.\n  N-COUNT: n N


Words: formative
Meaning:
forma.tive\n   formative\n  A formative period of time or experience is one that has an important and lasting influence on a person’s character and attitudes.\nShe was born in Barbados but spent her formative years in east London.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: former
Meaning:
for.mer\n   former\n1. Former is used to describe someone who used to have a particular job, position, or role, but no longer has it.\n...former President Richard Nixon...\nHe pleaded not guilty to murdering his former wife.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Former is used to refer to countries which no longer exist or whose boundaries have changed.\n...the former Soviet Union.\n...the former Yugoslavia.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Former is used to describe something which used to belong to someone or which used to be a particular thing.\n...the former home of Sir Christopher Wren.\n...a former monastery.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. Former is used to describe a situation or period of time which came before the present one. (FORMAL)\nHe would want you to remember him as he was in former years.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n5. When two people, things, or groups have just been mentioned, you can refer to the first of them as the former.\nGiven the choice between a pure white T-shirt and a more expensive, dirty cream one, most people can be forgiven for choosing the former...\n  PRON: the PRON\n  !=latter


Words: formerly
Meaning:
for.mer.ly\n   formerly\n  If something happened or was true formerly, it happened or was true in the past.\nHe had formerly been in the Navy.\n...east Germany’s formerly state-controlled companies.\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group, ADV before v


Words: Formica
Meaning:
For.mi.ca\n   Formica\n  Formica is a hard plastic that is used for covering surfaces such as kitchen tables or counters. (TRADEMARK)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: formidable
Meaning:
for.mi.dable\n   formidable\n  If you describe something or someone as formidable, you mean that you feel slightly frightened by them because they are very great or impressive.\nWe have a formidable task ahead of us...\nMarsalis has a formidable reputation in both jazz and classical music...\n  ADJ


Words: formless
Meaning:
form.less\n   formless\n  Something that is formless does not have a clear or definite structure or shape.\nA series of largely formless images rushed across the screen.\n  ADJ\n  = amorphous


Words: formula
Meaning:
for.mu.la\n   formula  formulae  or formulas\n1. A formula is a plan that is invented in order to deal with a particular problem.\nIt is difficult to imagine how the North and South could ever agree on a formula to unify the divided peninsula.\n...a peace formula.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. A formula for a particular situation, usually a good one, is a course of action or a combination of actions that is certain or likely to result in that situation.\nClever exploitation of the latest technology would be a sure formula for success...\n  N-SING: N for n\n  = recipe\n3. A formula is a group of letters, numbers, or other symbols which represents a scientific or mathematical rule.\nHe developed a mathematical formula describing the distances of the planets from the Sun.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. In science, the formula for a substance is a list of the amounts of various substances which make up that substance, or an indication of the atoms that it is composed of.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. Formula is a powder which you mix with water to make artificial milk for babies.\n...bottles of formula.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: formulaic
Meaning:
for.mu.laic\n   formulaic\n  If you describe a way of saying or doing something as formulaic, you are criticizing it because it is not original and has been used many times before in similar situations.\nHis paintings are contrived and formulaic.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = conventional


Words: formulate
Meaning:
for.mu.late\n   formulate  formulates  formulating  formulated\n1. If you formulate something such as a plan or proposal, you invent it, thinking about the details carefully.\nLittle by little, he formulated his plan for escape.\n  VERB: V n\n  = devise\n2. If you formulate a thought, opinion, or idea, you express it or describe it using particular words.\nI was impressed by the way he could formulate his ideas.\n  VERB: V n\n  = articulate


Words: formulation
Meaning:
for.mu.la.tion\n   formulation  formulations\n1. The formulation of something such as a medicine or a beauty product is the way in which different ingredients are combined to make it. You can also say that the finished product is a formulation.\nThere have been problems with the formulation of the vaccine...\nYou can buy a formulation containing royal jelly, pollen and vitamin C.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. The formulation of something such as a policy or plan is the process of creating or inventing it.\n...the process of policy formulation and implementation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A formulation is the way in which you express your thoughts and ideas.\nThis is a far weaker formulation than is in the draft resolution which is being proposed.\n  N-VAR


Words: fornicate
Meaning:
for.ni.cate\n   fornicate  fornicates  fornicating  fornicated\n  To fornicate means to have sex with someone you are not married to. (FORMAL)\n  V-RECIP: pl-n V, V with n, V (non-recip)  disapproval\n\n=>  for.ni.ca.tion\nFornication is a crime in some American states.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: forsake
Meaning:
for.sake\n   forsake  forsakes  forsaking  forsook  forsaken\n1. If you forsake someone, you leave them when you should have stayed, or stop you helping them or looking after them. (LITERARY)\nI still love him and I would never forsake him.\n  VERB: V n  disapproval\n\n2. If you forsake something, you stop doing it, using it, or having it. (LITERARY)\nHe doubted their claim to have forsaken military solutions to the civil war...\n  VERB: V n


Words: forsaken
Meaning:
for.sak.en\n   forsaken\n1. A forsaken place is not lived in, used, or looked after. (LITERARY)\nThe delta region of the Rio Grande river was a forsaken land of thickets and swamps.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2.\n  see also godforsaken


Words: forswear
Meaning:
for.swear\n   forswear  forswears  forswearing  forswore  forsworn\n  If you forswear something, you promise that you will stop doing it, having it, or using it. (FORMAL or LITERARY)\nThe party was offered a share of government if it forswore violence.\n  VERB: V n\n  = renounce


Words: forsythia
Meaning:
for.sythia\n   forsythia  forsythias\n  Forsythia is a bush whose yellow flowers appear in the spring before the leaves have grown.\n  N-VAR


Words: fort
Meaning:
fort  forts\n1. A fort is a strong building or a place with a wall or fence around it where soldiers can stay and be safe from the enemy.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n\n2. If you hold the fort for someone, or, in American English, if you hold down the fort, you look after things for them while they are somewhere else or are busy doing something else.\nHis business partner is holding the fort while he is away.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR for n


Words: forte
Meaning:
forte  fortes\n1. You can say that a particular activity is your forte if you are very good at it.\nOriginality was never his forte.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, poss N\n  = strong point\n2. A piece of music that is played forte is played loudly. (TECHNICAL)\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: forth
Meaning:
forth\nIn addition to the uses shown below, forth is also used in the phrasal verbs `put forth’ and `set forth’.\n1. When someone goes forth from a place, they leave it. (LITERARY)\nGo forth into the desert...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  = out\n2. If one thing brings forth another, the first thing produces the second. (LITERARY)\nMy reflections brought forth no conclusion.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n3. When someone or something is brought forth, they are brought to a place or moved into a position where people can see them. (LITERARY)\nPilate ordered Jesus to be brought forth...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  = out\n4.\nback and forth: see back\nto hold forth: see hold


Words: forthcoming
Meaning:
forth.com.ing\n   forthcoming\n1. A forthcoming event is planned to happen soon.\n...his opponents in the forthcoming elections.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If something that you want, need, or expect is forthcoming, it is given to you or it happens. (FORMAL)\nThey promised that the money would be forthcoming...\nWe must first see some real evidence. So far it has not been forthcoming...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n3. If you say that someone is forthcoming, you mean that they willingly give information when you ask them.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: forthright
Meaning:
forth.right\n   forthright\n  If you describe someone as forthright, you admire them because they show clearly and strongly what they think and feel.\n  ADJ  approval\n  = outspoken


Words: forthwith
Meaning:
forth.with\n   forthwith\n  Forthwith means immediately. (FORMAL)\nI could have you arrested forthwith!\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: fortieth
Meaning:
for.ti.eth\n   fortieth\n  The fortieth item in a series is the one that you count as number forty.\nIt was the fortieth anniversary of the death of the composer.\n  ORD


Words: fortification
Meaning:
for.ti.fi.ca.tion\n   fortification  fortifications\n  Fortifications are buildings, walls, or ditches that are built to protect a place and make it more difficult to attack.\nThe government has started building fortifications along its eastern border.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = defence\n  see also fortify


Words: fortified wine
Meaning:
for.ti.fied wine\n   fortified wine  fortified wines\n  Fortified wine is an alcoholic drink such as sherry or port that is made by mixing wine with a small amount of brandy or strong alcohol.\n  N-MASS


Words: fortify
Meaning:
for.ti.fy\n   fortify  fortifies  fortifying  fortified\n1. To fortify a place means to make it stronger and more difficult to attack, often by building a wall or ditch round it.\n...British soldiers working to fortify an airbase in Bahrain.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If food or drink is fortified, another substance is added to it to make it healthier or stronger.\nIt has also been fortified with vitamin C...\n...fortified cereal products.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed with n, V-ed


Words: fortissimo
Meaning:
for.tis.si.mo\n   fortissimo\n  A piece of music that is played fortissimo is played very loudly. (TECHNICAL)\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: fortitude
Meaning:
for.ti.tude\n   fortitude\n  If you say that someone has shown fortitude, you admire them for being brave, calm, and uncomplaining when they have experienced something unpleasant or painful. (FORMAL)\nHe suffered a long series of illnesses with tremendous dignity and fortitude.\n  N-UNCOUNT  approval\n  = courage, grit


Words: fortnight
Meaning:
fort.night\n   fortnight  fortnights\n  A fortnight is a period of two weeks. (mainly BRIT)\nI hope to be back in a fortnight.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fortnightly
Meaning:
fort.night.ly\n   fortnightly\n  A fortnightly event or publication happens or appears once every two weeks. (BRIT)\n...an exciting new fortnightly magazine.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Fortnightly is also an adverb. (in AM, use biweekly)\nThey recently put my rent up and I pay it fortnightly.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: fortress
Meaning:
for.tress\n   fortress  fortresses\n  A fortress is a castle or other large strong building, or a well-protected place, which is intended to be difficult for enemies to enter.\n...a 13th-century fortress.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fortuitous
Meaning:
for.tui.tous\n   fortuitous\n  You can describe something as fortuitous if it happens, by chance, to be very successful or pleasant.\nTheir success is the result of a fortuitous combination of circumstances.\n  ADJ\n  = lucky


Words: fortunate
Meaning:
for.tu.nate\n   fortunate\n  If you say that someone or something is fortunate, you mean that they are lucky.\nHe was extremely fortunate to survive...\nIt was fortunate that the water was shallow...\nShe is in the fortunate position of having plenty of choice.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ in -ing, it v-link ADJ that\n  = lucky  !=unfortunate


Words: fortunately
Meaning:
for.tu.nate.ly\n   fortunately\n  Fortunately is used to introduce or indicate a statement about an event or situation that is good.\nFortunately, the weather that winter was reasonably mild...\n  ADV: ADV with cl, oft ADV for n\n  = luckily  !=unfortunately


Words: fortune
Meaning:
for.tune\n   fortune  fortunes\n1. You can refer to a large sum of money as a fortune or a small fortune to emphasize how large it is.\nWe had to eat out all the time. It ended up costing a fortune...\nHe made a small fortune in the London property boom.\n  N-COUNT  emphasis\n\n2. Someone who has a fortune has a very large amount of money.\nHe made his fortune in car sales...\nHaving spent his rich wife’s fortune, the Major ended up in a debtors’ prison.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N\n\n3. Fortune or good fortune is good luck. Ill fortune is bad luck.\nGovernment ministers are starting to wonder how long their good fortune can last.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. If you talk about someone’s fortunes or the fortunes of something, you are talking about the extent to which they are doing well or being successful.\nThe electoral fortunes of the Liberal Democratic party may decline...\nThe company had to do something to reverse its sliding fortunes.\n  N-PLURAL: with poss\n\n5. When someone tells your fortune, they tell you what they think will happen to you in the future, which they say is shown, for example, by the lines on your hand.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: fortune cookie
Meaning:
for.tune cookie\n   fortune cookie  fortune cookies\n  A fortune cookie is a sweet, crisp cake which contains a piece of paper which is supposed to say what will happen to you in the future. Fortune cookies are often served in Chinese restaurants.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fortune-teller
Meaning:
fortune-teller  fortune-tellers\n  A fortune-teller is a person who tells you what they think will happen to you in the future, after looking at something such as the lines on your hand.\n  N-COUNT


Words: forty
Meaning:
for.ty\n   forty  forties\n1. Forty is the number 40.\n  NUM\n\n2. When you talk about the forties, you are referring to numbers between 40 and 49. For example, if you are in your forties, you are aged between 40 and 49. If the temperature is in the forties, the temperature is between 40 and 49 degrees.\nHe was a big man in his forties, smartly dressed in a suit and tie.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. The forties is the decade between 1940 and 1949.\nSteel cans were introduced sometime during the forties.\n  N-PLURAL: the N


Words: forum
Meaning:
fo.rum\n   forum  forums\n  A forum is a place, situation, or group in which people exchange ideas and discuss issues, especially important public issues.\nMembers of the council agreed that it still had an important role as a forum for discussion...\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft N for n/-ing


Words: forward
Meaning:
for.ward\n   forward  forwards  forwarding  forwarded\nIn addition to the uses shown below, forward is also used in phrasal verbs such as `bring forward’ and `look forward to’. In British English, forwards is often used as an adverb instead of forward in senses 1, 3, and 6.\n1. If you move or look forward, you move or look in a direction that is in front of you. In British English, you can also move or look forwards.\nHe came forward with his hand out. `Mr and Mrs Selby?’ he enquired...\nShe fell forwards on to her face...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  !=backwards\n2. Forward means in a position near the front of something such as a building or a vehicle.\nThe best seats are in the aisle and as far forward as possible...\nThe other car had a 3-inch lower driving seat and had its engine mounted further forward.\n  ADV: be ADV, ADV after v\n\n  Forward is also an adjective.\nReinforcements were needed to allow more troops to move to forward positions.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. If you say that someone looks forward, you approve of them because they think about what will happen in the future and plan for it. In British English, you can also say that someone looks forwards.\nNow the leadership wants to look forward, and to outline a strategy for the rest of the century...\nPeople should forget and look forwards...\nManchester United has always been a forward-looking club.\n  ADV: usu ADV after v, also ADV adj  approval\n\n  Forward is also an adjective.\nThe university system requires more forward planning.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. If you put a clock or watch forward, you change the time shown on it so that it shows a later time, for example when the time changes to summer time or daylight saving time.\nWhen we put the clocks forward in March we go into British Summer Time.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n5. When you are referring to a particular time, if you say that something was true from that time forward, you mean that it became true at that time, and continued to be true afterwards.\nVelazquez’s work from that time forward was confined largely to portraits of the royal family.\n  ADV: from n ADV\n  = on\n6. You use forward to indicate that something progresses or improves. In British English, you can also use forwards.\nAnd by boosting economic prosperity in Mexico, Canada and the United States, it will help us move forward on issues that concern all of us...\nThey just couldn’t see any way forward...\nSpace scientists and astronomers have taken another step forwards.\n  ADV: ADV after v, n ADV\n\n7. If something or someone is put forward, or comes forward, they are suggested or offered as suitable for a particular purpose.\nOver the years several similar theories have been put forward...\nNext month the Commission is to bring forward its first proposals for action...\nHe was putting himself forward as a Democrat...\nInvestigations have ground to a standstill because no witnesses have come forward.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n8. If a letter or message is forwarded to someone, it is sent to the place where they are, after having been sent to a different place earlier.\nWhen he’s out on the road, office calls are forwarded to the cellular phone in his truck...\n  VERB: be V-ed from/to n, also V n, V n from/to n\n\n9. In football, basketball, or hockey, a forward is a player whose usual position is in the opponents’ half of the field, and whose usual job is to attack or score goals.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also centre-forward\n10.\nbackwards and forwards: see backwards


Words: forward-looking
Meaning:
forward-looking\n  If you describe a person or organization as forward-looking, you approve of the fact that they think about the future or have modern ideas.\n  ADJ  approval


Words: forwarding address
Meaning:
for.ward.ing ad.dress\n   forwarding address  forwarding addresses\n  A forwarding address is an address that you give to someone when you go and live somewhere else so that they can send your mail on to you.\nThe former owner had not left any forwarding address.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fossil
Meaning:
fos.sil\n   fossil  fossils\n  A fossil is the hard remains of a prehistoric animal or plant that are found inside a rock.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fossil fuel
Meaning:
fos.sil fuel\n   fossil fuel  fossil fuels   also fossil-fuel\n  Fossil fuel is fuel such as coal or oil that is formed from the decayed remains of plants or animals.\n  N-MASS


Words: fossilize
Meaning:
fos.sil.ize\n   fossilize  fossilizes  fossilizing  fossilized\nin BRIT, also use fossilise\n1. If the remains of an animal or plant fossilize or are fossilized, they become hard and form fossils, instead of decaying completely.\nThe most important parts, the flowers, rarely fossilise...\nThe survival of the proteins depends on the way in which bones are fossilised.\n...fossilized dinosaur bones.\n  VERB: V, be V-ed, V-ed\n\n2. If you say that ideas, attitudes, or ways of behaving have fossilized or have been fossilized, you are criticizing the fact that they are fixed and unlikely to change, in spite of changing situations or circumstances.\nWhat they seem to want to do in fact is fossilize the particular environment in which people live and work...\nNeeds change while policies fossilize.\n  VERB: V n, V  disapproval\n\n=>  fos.sil.ized\n...these fossilized organisations.\n  ADJ


Words: foster
Meaning:
fos.ter\n   foster  fosters  fostering  fostered\n1. Foster parents are people who officially take a child into their family for a period of time, without becoming the child’s legal parents. The child is referred to as their foster child.\nLittle Jack was placed with foster parents...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If you foster a child, you take it into your family for a period of time, without becoming its legal parent.\nShe has since gone on to find happiness by fostering more than 100 children.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. To foster something such as an activity or idea means to help it to develop.\nHe said that developed countries had a responsibility to foster global economic growth to help new democracies...\n  VERB: V n


Words: foul
Meaning:
foul  fouler  foulest  fouls  fouling  fouled\n1. If you describe something as foul, you mean it is dirty and smells or tastes unpleasant.\n...foul polluted water...\nThe smell was quite foul.\n  ADJ\n  = disgusting\n2. Foul language is offensive and contains swear words or rude words.\nHe was sent off for using foul language in a match last Sunday...\nHe had a foul mouth.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = filthy\n3. If someone has a foul temper or is in a foul mood, they become angry or violent very suddenly and easily.\nCollins was in a foul mood even before the interviews began.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = bad\n4. Foul weather is unpleasant, windy, and stormy.\n  ADJ\n\n5. If an animal fouls a place, it drops faeces onto the ground.\nIt is an offence to let your dog foul a footpath.\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. In a game or sport, if a player fouls another player, they touch them or block them in a way which is not allowed according to the rules.\nMiddlesbrough’s Jimmy Phillips was sent off for fouling Steve Tilson.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. A foul is an act in a game or sport that is not allowed according to the rules.\nHe picked up his first booking for a 45th-minute foul on Bull.\n  N-COUNT: oft N on n\n\n  Foul is also an adjective.\n...a foul tackle.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n8. If you fall foul of someone or run foul of them, you do something which gets you into trouble with them. (mainly BRIT)\nHe had fallen foul of the FBI.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n


Words: foul play
Meaning:
foul play\n1. Foul play is criminal violence or activity that results in a person’s death.\nThe report says it suspects foul play was involved in the deaths of two journalists.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Foul play is unfair or dishonest behaviour, especially during a sports game.\nPlayers were warned twice for foul play.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: foul-mouthed
Meaning:
foul-mouthed\n  If you describe someone as foul-mouthed, you disapprove of them because they use offensive words or say very rude things.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: foul-up
Meaning:
foul-up  foul-ups\n  A foul-up is something that has gone badly wrong as a result of someone’s mistakes or carelessness. (INFORMAL)\nA series of technical foul-ups delayed the launch of the new product.\n  N-COUNT\n  = bungle


Words: found
Meaning:
found  founds  founding  founded\n1. Found is the past tense and past participle of find.\n\n2. When an institution, company, or organization is founded by someone or by a group of people, they get it started, often by providing the necessary money.\nThe Independent Labour Party was founded in Bradford on January 13, 1893...\nHe founded the Centre for Journalism Studies at University College Cardiff...\nThe business, founded by Dawn and Nigel, suffered financial setbacks.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n, V-ed\n  = set up, establish\n=>  foun.da.tion\n...the 150th anniversary of the foundation of Kew Gardens.\n  N-SING: with poss\n\n=>  found.ing\nI have been a member of The Sunday Times Wine Club since its founding in 1973.\n  N-SING: with poss\n\n3. When a town, important building, or other place is founded by someone or by a group of people, they cause it to be built.\nThe town was founded in 1610.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n4.\n  see also founded, founding


Words: foundation
Meaning:
foun.da.tion\n   foundation  foundations\n1. The foundation of something such as a belief or way of life is the things on which it is based.\nThe issue strikes at the very foundation of our community...\nThis laid the foundations for later modern economic growth.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N of/for n\n\n  If an event shakes the foundations of a society or a system of beliefs, it causes great uncertainty and makes people question their most deeply held beliefs.\nThe destruction of war and the death of millions of young people shook the foundations of Western idealism...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n2. The foundations of a building or other structure are the layer of bricks or concrete below the ground that it is built on.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. A foundation is an organization which provides money for a special purpose such as research or charity.\n...the National Foundation for Educational Research.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If a story, idea, or argument has no foundation, there are no facts to prove that it is true.\nThe allegations were without foundation...\nEach complaint is analysed very closely, and if it has no foundation it is rejected.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with brd-neg\n\n5. Foundation is a skin-coloured cream that you put on your face before putting on the rest of your make-up.\n  N-MASS\n\n6.\n  see also found


Words: foundation course
Meaning:
foun.da.tion course\n   foundation course  foundation courses\n  A foundation course is a course that you do at some colleges and universities in order to prepare yourself for a longer or more advanced course. (BRIT; in AM, use basic course)\n  N-COUNT


Words: foundation stone
Meaning:
foun.da.tion stone\n   foundation stone  foundation stones\n1. A foundation stone is a large block of stone built into a large public building near the bottom. It is often involved in a ceremony for the opening of the building, and has writing on it recording this. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use cornerstone)\nThe Princess of Wales laid the foundation stone for the extension to the Cathedral.\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss\n\n2. The foundation stone of something is the basic, important thing which its existence or success depends on.\n...these foundation stones of the future: education, training, research, development.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: founded
Meaning:
found.ed\n   founded\n  If something is founded on a particular thing, it is based on it.\nThe criticisms are founded on facts as well as on convictions...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ on n\n\n  see also found


Words: founder
Meaning:
found.er\n   founder  founders  foundering  foundered\n1. The founder of an institution, organization, or building is the person who got it started or caused it to be built, often by providing the necessary money.\nHe was one of the founders of the university’s medical faculty.\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss\n\n2. If something such as a plan or project founders, it fails because of a particular point, difficulty, or problem.\nThe talks have foundered, largely because of the reluctance of some members of the government to do a deal with criminals.\n  VERB: V\n  = fail


Words: founder member
Meaning:
found.er mem.ber\n   founder member  founder members\n  A founder member of a club, group, or organization is one of the first members, often one who was involved in setting it up. (BRIT; in AM, use charter member)\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: founding
Meaning:
found.ing\n   founding\n  Founding means relating to the starting of a particular institution or organization.\nThe committee held its founding congress in the capital, Riga...\nHe is founding director of The Conservation Foundation.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  see also found


Words: founding father
Meaning:
found.ing fa.ther\n   founding father  founding fathers\n1. The founding father of an institution, organization, or idea is the person who sets it up or who first develops it. (LITERARY)\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = founder\n2. The Founding Fathers of the United States were the members of the American Constitutional Convention of 1787.\n  N-PROPER-PLURAL


Words: foundling
Meaning:
found.ling\n   foundling  foundlings\n  A foundling is a baby that has been abandoned by its parents, often in a public place, and that has then been found by someone. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: foundry
Meaning:
found.ry\n   foundry  foundries\n  A foundry is a place where metal or glass is melted and formed into particular shapes.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fount
Meaning:
fount  founts\n  If you describe a person or thing as the fount of something, you are saying that they are an important source or supply of it. (LITERARY)\nTo the young boy his father was the fount of all knowledge.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, N of n\n  = source


Words: fountain
Meaning:
foun.tain\n   fountain  fountains\n1. A fountain is an ornamental feature in a pool or lake which consists of a long narrow stream of water that is forced up into the air by a pump.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A fountain of a liquid is an amount of it which is sent up into the air and falls back. (LITERARY)\nThe volcano spewed a fountain of molten rock 650 feet in the air.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n  = jet


Words: fountain pen
Meaning:
foun.tain pen\n   fountain pen  fountain pens\n  A fountain pen is a pen which uses ink that you have drawn up inside it from a bottle.\n  N-COUNT


Words: four
Meaning:
four  fours\n1. Four is the number 4.\nJudith is married with four children.\n  NUM\n\n2. If you are on all fours, your knees, feet, and hands are on the ground.\nShe crawled on all fours over to the window.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR


Words: four-letter word
Meaning:
four-letter word  four-letter words\n  A four-letter word is a short word that people consider to be rude or offensive, usually because it refers to sex or other bodily functions.\n  N-COUNT\n  = swear word


Words: four-poster bed
Meaning:
four-poster bed  four-poster beds\n  A four-poster bed or a four-poster is a large old-fashioned bed that has a tall post at each corner and curtains that can be drawn around it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: four-square
Meaning:
four-square   also foursquare\n  To stand four-square behind someone or something means to be firm in your support of that person or thing.\nThey stood four-square behind their chief, and they would not accept pressure on him to resign...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ prep


Words: four-wheel drive
Meaning:
four-wheel drive  four-wheel drives\n  A four-wheel drive is a vehicle in which all four wheels receive power from the engine to help with steering. This makes the vehicle easier to drive on rough roads or surfaces such as sand or snow.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foursome
Meaning:
four.some\n   foursome  foursomes\n  A foursome is a group of four people or things.\nThe London-based foursome are set to release their fourth single this month.\n  N-COUNT-COLL


Words: fourteenth
Meaning:
four.teenth\n   fourteenth\n  The fourteenth item in a series is the one that you count as number fourteen.\nThe Festival, now in its fourteenth year, has become a major international jazz event.\n  ORD


Words: fourth
Meaning:
fourth  fourths\n1. The fourth item in a series is the one that you count as number four.\nLast year’s winner Greg Lemond of the United States is in fourth place.\n  ORD\n\n2. A fourth is one of four equal parts of something. (AM; in BRIT, use quarter)\nThree-fourths of the public say they favor a national referendum on the issue.\n  FRACTION


Words: fourth dimension
Meaning:
fourth di.men.sion\n   fourth dimension\n  In physics, the fourth dimension is time. The other three dimensions, which exist in space, are length, width, and height. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-SING: the N


Words: Fourth of July
Meaning:
Fourth of July\n  In the United States, the Fourth of July is a public holiday when people celebrate the Declaration of Independence in 1776.\n...a Fourth of July picnic.\n  N-SING: usu the N


Words: fourth official
Meaning:
fourth of.fi.cial\n   fourth official fourth officials\n  In football, the fourth official is an official who assists the referee and assistant referees from the side of the pitch.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fourthly
Meaning:
fourth.ly\n   fourthly\n  You say fourthly when you want to make a fourth point or give a fourth reason for something.\nFourthly, the natural enthusiasm of the student teachers should be maintained.\n  ADV: ADV with cl


Words: fowl
Meaning:
fowl  fowls  or fowl\n  A fowl is a bird, especially one that can be eaten as food, such as a duck or a chicken.\nCarve the fowl into 8 pieces.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fox
Meaning:
fox  foxes  foxing  foxed\n1. A fox is a wild animal which looks like a dog and has reddish-brown fur, a pointed face and ears, and a thick tail. Foxes eat smaller animals.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you are foxed by something, you cannot understand it or solve it. (mainly BRIT)\nI admit I was foxed for some time...\nOnly once did we hit on a question which foxed one of the experts...\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: fox-hunting
Meaning:
fox-hunting   also foxhunting\n  Fox-hunting is a sport in which people riding horses chase a fox across the countryside. Dogs called hounds are used to find the fox.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: foxglove
Meaning:
fox.glove\n   foxglove  foxgloves\n  A foxglove is a tall plant that has pink or white flowers shaped like bells growing up its stem.\n  N-VAR


Words: foxhole
Meaning:
fox.hole\n   foxhole  foxholes\n  A foxhole is a small hole which soldiers dig as a shelter from the enemy and from which they can shoot.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foxhound
Meaning:
fox.hound\n   foxhound  foxhounds\n  A foxhound is a type of dog that is trained to hunt foxes.\n  N-COUNT


Words: foxtrot
Meaning:
fox.trot\n   foxtrot  foxtrots\n  The foxtrot is a type of dance which involves a combination of long slow steps and short fast steps.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: foxy
Meaning:
foxy  foxier  foxiest\n1. If you describe someone as foxy, you mean that they are deceitful in a clever, secretive way.\nHe had wary, foxy eyes.\n  ADJ\n  = crafty\n2. If a man calls a woman foxy, he means that she is physically attractive. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\n  ADJ


Words: foyer
Meaning:
foy.er\n   foyer  foyers\n  The foyer is the large area where people meet or wait just inside the main doors of a building such as a theatre, cinema, or hotel.\n  N-COUNT\n  = lobby


Words: Fr
Meaning:
The spelling Fr. is used in American English for meaning 2.\n\n1. Fr is a written abbreviation for French or franc.\n\n2. Fr is a written abbreviation for Father when it is used in titles before the name of a Catholic priest.


Words: fractal
Meaning:
frac.tal\n   fractal  fractals\n  In geometry, a fractal is a shape made up of parts that are the same shape as itself and are of smaller and smaller sizes.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: fraction
Meaning:
frac.tion\n   fraction  fractions\n1. A fraction of something is a tiny amount or proportion of it.\nShe hesitated for a fraction of a second before responding...\nI opened my eyes just a fraction.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. A fraction is a number that can be expressed as a proportion of two whole numbers. For example, . and . are both fractions.\nThe students had a grasp of decimals, percentages and fractions.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fractional
Meaning:
frac.tion.al\n   fractional\n  If something is fractional, it is very small in size or degree.\n...a fractional hesitation.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  frac.tion.al.ly\nMurphy, Sinclair’s young team-mate, was fractionally behind him.\n  ADV: ADV group


Words: fractious
Meaning:
frac.tious\n   fractious\n  If you describe someone as fractious, you disapprove of them because they become upset or angry very quickly about small unimportant things.\nNancy was in a fractious mood...\nThe children were predictably fractious.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: fracture
Meaning:
frac.ture\n   fracture  fractures  fracturing  fractured\n1. A fracture is a slight crack or break in something, especially a bone.\nAt least one-third of all women over ninety have sustained a hip fracture.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If something such as a bone is fractured or fractures, it gets a slight crack or break in it.\nYou’ve fractured a rib, maybe more than one...\nOne strut had fractured and been crudely repaired in several places...\nHe suffered a fractured skull.\n  VERB: V n, V, V-ed\n\n3. If something such as an organization or society is fractured or fractures, it splits into several parts or stops existing. (FORMAL)\nHis policy risks fracturing the coalition...\nIt might be a society that could fracture along class lines.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: fragile
Meaning:
frag.ile\n   fragile\n1. If you describe a situation as fragile, you mean that it is weak or uncertain, and unlikely to be able to resist strong pressure or attack. (JOURNALISM)\nThe fragile economies of several southern African nations could be irreparably damaged...\nHis overall condition remained fragile.\n  ADJ\n  = unstable\n=>  fra.gil.ity\nBy mid-1988 there were clear indications of the extreme fragility of the Right-wing coalition.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. Something that is fragile is easily broken or damaged.\nHe leaned back in his fragile chair.\n  ADJ\n  !=sturdy\n=>  fra.gil.ity\nOlder drivers are more likely to be seriously injured because of the fragility of their bones.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: fragment
Meaning:
frag.ment\n   fragment fragments fragmenting  fragmented\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. A fragment of something is a small piece or part of it.\n...fragments of metal in my shoulder...\nShe read everything, digesting every fragment of news.\n...glass fragments.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = piece\n2. If something fragments or is fragmented, it breaks or separates into small pieces or parts.\nThe clouds fragmented and out came the sun...\nFierce rivalries have traditionally fragmented the region...\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  frag.men.ta.tion\n...the extraordinary fragmentation of styles on the music scene.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: fragmentary
Meaning:
frag.men.tary\n   fragmentary\n  Something that is fragmentary is made up of small or unconnected pieces.\nAny action on the basis of such fragmentary evidence would be foolish.\n  ADJ


Words: fragrance
Meaning:
fra.grance\n   fragrance  fragrances\n1. A fragrance is a pleasant or sweet smell.\n...a shrubby plant with a strong characteristic fragrance.\n...the fragrance of his cologne.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n2. Fragrance is a pleasant-smelling liquid which people put on their bodies to make themselves smell nice.\nThe advertisement is for a male fragrance.\n  N-MASS\n  = perfume


Words: fragrant
Meaning:
fra.grant\n   fragrant\n  Something that is fragrant has a pleasant, sweet smell.\n...fragrant oils and perfumes...\nThe air was fragrant with the smell of orange blossoms.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n


Words: frail
Meaning:
frail  frailer  frailest\n1. Someone who is frail is not very strong or healthy.\nShe lay in bed looking particularly frail.\n  ADJ\n  = weak\n2. Something that is frail is easily broken or damaged.\nThe frail craft rocked as he clambered in.\n  ADJ\n  = fragile


Words: frailty
Meaning:
frail.ty\n   frailty  frailties\n1. If you refer to the frailties or frailty of people, you are referring to their weaknesses.\n...the frailties of human nature.\n...a triumph of will over human frailty.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Frailty is the condition of having poor health.\nShe died after a long period of increasing frailty.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: frame
Meaning:
frame  frames  framing  framed\n1. The frame of a picture or mirror is the wood, metal, or plastic that is fitted around it, especially when it is displayed or hung on a wall.\nEstelle kept a photograph of her mother in a silver frame on the kitchen mantelpiece.\n...a pair of picture frames.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The frame of an object such as a building, chair, or window is the arrangement of wooden, metal, or plastic bars between which other material is fitted, and which give the object its strength and shape.\nHe supplied housebuilders with modern timber frames...\nWe painted our table to match the window frame in the bedroom.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. The frames of a pair of glasses are all the metal or plastic parts of it, but not the lenses.\nHe was wearing new spectacles with gold wire frames.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n4. You can refer to someone’s body as their frame, especially when you are describing the general shape of their body.\nTheir belts are pulled tight against their bony frames.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N\n\n5. A frame of cinema film is one of the many separate photographs that it consists of.\nStandard 8mm projects at 16 frames per second.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. When a picture or photograph is framed, it is put in a frame.\nThe picture is now ready to be mounted and framed...\nOn the wall is a large framed photograph.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed\n\n7. If an object is framed by a particular thing, it is surrounded by that thing in a way that makes the object more striking or attractive to look at.\nThe swimming pool is framed by tropical gardens...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed prep\n\n8. If someone frames an innocent person, they make other people think that that person is guilty of a crime, by lying or inventing evidence. (INFORMAL)\nI need to find out who tried to frame me...\n  VERB: V n\n\n9. If someone is in the frame for something such as a job or position, they are being considered for it.\nWe need a win to keep us in the frame for the title.\n  PHRASE\n  = in the running\n10.\n  see also cold frame


Words: frame of mind
Meaning:
frame of mind  frames of mind\n  Your frame of mind is the mood that you are in, which causes you to have a particular attitude to something.\nLewis was not in the right frame of mind to continue.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp


Words: frame of reference
Meaning:
frame of ref.er.ence\n   frame of reference  frames of reference\n  A frame of reference is a particular set of beliefs or ideas on which you base your judgment of things.\nWe know we’re dealing with someone with a different frame of reference.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: frame-up
Meaning:
frame-up  frame-ups\n  A frame-up is a situation where someone pretends that an innocent person has committed a crime by deliberately lying or inventing evidence. (INFORMAL)\nHe was innocent and the victim of a frame-up.\n  N-COUNT


Words: framework
Meaning:
frame.work\n   framework  frameworks\n1. A framework is a particular set of rules, ideas, or beliefs which you use in order to deal with problems or to decide what to do.\n... within the framework of federal regulations.\n  N-COUNT: usu adj N, N of n\n\n2. A framework is a structure that forms a support or frame for something.\n...wooden shelves on a steel framework.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: franc
Meaning:
franc  francs\n  The franc was the unit of currency that was used in France and Belgium, before it was replaced by the euro. It is also the unit of currency in some other countries where French is spoken.\nThe price of grapes had shot up to 32 francs a kilo.\n  N-COUNT: num N\n\n  The franc was used to refer to the currency systems of France and Belgium, before it was replaced by the euro. It is also used to refer to the currency systems of some other countries where French is spoken.\nThe Swiss franc has remained surprisingly strong.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: franchise
Meaning:
fran.chise\n   franchise  franchises  franchising  franchised\n1. A franchise is an authority that is given by an organization to someone, allowing them to sell its goods or services or to take part in an activity which the organization controls. (BUSINESS)\n...fast-food franchises...\nTalk to other franchise holders and ask them what they think of the parent company.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N, N to n, N n\n\n2. If a company franchises its business, it sells franchises to other companies, allowing them to sell its goods or services. (BUSINESS)\nShe has recently franchised her business...\nIt takes hundreds of thousands of dollars to get into the franchised pizza business.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n=>  fran.chis.ing\nOne of the most important aspects of franchising is the reduced risk of business failure it offers to franchisees.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Franchise is the right to vote in an election, especially one in which people elect a parliament.\n...the introduction of universal franchise...\nThe 1867 Reform Act extended the franchise to much of the male working class.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also the N


Words: franchisee
Meaning:
fran.chi.see\n   franchisee  franchisees\n  A franchisee is a person or group of people who buy a particular franchise. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: franchiser
Meaning:
fran.chi.ser\n   franchiser  franchisers\n  A franchiser is an organization which sells franchises. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: Franco-
Meaning:
1. Franco- occurs in words connected with France and the French language. For example, a Francophile is someone who likes France and French culture.\n  PREFIX\n\n2. Franco- combines with adjectives indicating nationality to form adjectives which describe something connected with relations between France and another country.\nMinisters expressed broad support for the Franco-German plan.\n  COMB in ADJ: ADJ n


Words: Francophone
Meaning:
Fran.co.phone\n   Francophone  Francophones\n  A Francophone is someone who speaks French, especially someone who speaks it as their first language. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: frank
Meaning:
frank  franker  frankest  franks  franking  franked\n1. If someone is frank, they state or express things in an open and honest way.\n`It is clear that my client has been less than frank with me,’ said his lawyer...\nThey had a frank discussion about the issue.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ about/with n\n  = candid\n=>  frank.ly\nHe now frankly admits that much of his former playboy lifestyle was superficial.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  frank.ness\nThe reaction to his frankness was hostile.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss\n\n2. When a letter or parcel is franked, it is marked with a symbol that shows that the proper charge has been paid or that no stamp is needed.\nThe letter was franked in London on August 6.\n...a self-addressed, franked envelope.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed


Words: frankfurter
Meaning:
frank.fur.ter\n   frankfurter  frankfurters\n  A frankfurter is a type of smoked sausage.\n  N-COUNT


Words: frankincense
Meaning:
frank.in.cense\n   frankincense\n  Frankincense is a substance which is obtained from a tree and which smells pleasant when it is burned. It is used especially in religious ceremonies.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: frankly
Meaning:
frank.ly\n   frankly\n  You use frankly when you are expressing an opinion or feeling to emphasize that you mean what you are saying, especially when the person you are speaking to may not like it.\n`You don’t give a damn about my feelings, do you.’.`Quite frankly, I don’t.’...\nFrankly, Thomas, this question of your loan is beginning to worry me...\n  ADV: ADV with cl, ADV adj/-ed  emphasis\n\n  see also frank


Words: frantic
Meaning:
fran.tic\n   frantic\n1. If you are frantic, you are behaving in a wild and uncontrolled way because you are frightened or worried.\nA bird had been locked in and was by now quite frantic.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  fran.ti.cal.ly\nShe clutched frantically at Emily’s arm.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If an activity is frantic, things are done quickly and in an energetic but disorganized way, because there is very little time.\nA busy night in the restaurant can be frantic in the kitchen.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  fran.ti.cal.ly\nWe have been frantically trying to save her life.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: fraternal
Meaning:
fra.ter.nal\n   fraternal\n1. Fraternal actions show strong links of friendship between two people or groups of people. (FORMAL)\n...the fraternal assistance of our colleagues and comrades...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Fraternal twins are twins born from two eggs, so they are not exactly the same. They look different from each other and may be different sexes.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: fraternity
Meaning:
fra.ter.nity\n   fraternity  fraternities\n1. Fraternity refers to friendship and support between people who feel they are closely linked to each other. (FORMAL)\nBob needs the fraternity of others who share his mission.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You can refer to people who have the same profession or the same interests as a particular fraternity.\n...the spread of stolen guns among the criminal fraternity.\n...the sailing fraternity.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n  = set\n3. In the United States, a fraternity is a society of male university or college students.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fraternize
Meaning:
frat.er.nize\n   fraternize  fraternizes  fraternizing  fraternized\nin BRIT, also use fraternise\n  If you fraternize with someone, you associate with them in a friendly way.\nAt these conventions, executives fraternized with the key personnel of other banks...\nMrs Zuckerman does not fraternize widely...\nThe recession has created an atmosphere where disparate groups fraternise in an atmosphere of mutual support.\n  V-RECIP: V with n, V (non-recip), pl-n V\n  = mix


Words: fratricidal
Meaning:
frat.ri.cid.al\n   fratricidal\n  A fratricidal war or conflict is one in which people kill members of their own society or social group. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: fratricide
Meaning:
frat.ri.cide\n   fratricide\n  If someone commits fratricide, they kill their brother. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: fraud
Meaning:
fraud  frauds\n1. Fraud is the crime of gaining money or financial benefits by a trick or by lying.\nHe was jailed for two years for fraud and deception...\nTax frauds are dealt with by the Inland Revenue.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A fraud is something or someone that deceives people in a way that is illegal or dishonest.\nHe believes many `psychics’ are frauds who rely on perception and subtle deception.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you call someone or something a fraud, you are criticizing them because you think that they are not genuine, or are less good than they claim or appear to be.\n...all those fashion frauds who think they are being original by raiding the tired old styles of the ’60s.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: fraud squad
Meaning:
fraud squad  fraud squads\n  The fraud squad is a part of a police force whose job is to investigate crimes involving fraud.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: fraudster
Meaning:
fraud.ster\n   fraudster  fraudsters\n  A fraudster is someone who commits the crime of fraud. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: fraudulent
Meaning:
fraudu.lent\n   fraudulent\n  A fraudulent activity is deliberately deceitful, dishonest, or untrue.\n...fraudulent claims about being a nurse.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  fraudu.lent.ly\nThe report concludes that I acted neither fraudulently nor improperly.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: fraught
Meaning:
fraught\n1. If a situation or action is fraught with problems or risks, it is filled with them.\nThe earliest operations employing this technique were fraught with dangers.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n\n\n2. If you say that a situation or action is fraught, you mean that it is worrying or difficult.\nIt has been a somewhat fraught day.\n  ADJ


Words: fray
Meaning:
fray  frays  fraying  frayed\n1. If something such as cloth or rope frays, or if something frays it, its threads or fibres start to come apart from each other and spoil its appearance.\nThe fabric is very fine or frays easily...\nThe stitching had begun to fray at the edges...\nHer washing machine tends to fray edges on intricate designs.\n...fraying edges in the stair carpet...\nHe wore frayed jeans and cowboy shirts.\n  VERB: V, V at n, V n, V-ing, V-ed\n\n2. If your nerves or your temper fray, or if something frays them, you become nervous or easily annoyed because of mental strain and anxiety.\nTempers began to fray as the two teams failed to score...\nThis kind of living was beginning to fray her nerves.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n3. The fray is an exciting or challenging activity, situation, or argument that you are involved in.\nThere will have to be a second round of voting when new candidates can enter the fray...\nHe would be inspiring young people to get into the political fray.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: freak
Meaning:
freak  freaks  freaking  freaked\n1. A freak event or action is one that is a very unusual or extreme example of its type.\nWeir broke his leg in a freak accident playing golf...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe someone as a particular kind of freak, you are emphasizing that they are very enthusiastic about a thing or activity, and often seem to think about nothing else. (INFORMAL)\nOat bran became the darling of health freaks last year.\n...computer freaks.\n  N-COUNT: n N\n  = fanatic\n  see also control freak\n3. People are sometimes referred to as freaks when their behaviour or attitude is very different from that of the majority of people.\nNot so long ago, transsexuals were regarded as freaks.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n4. If you refer to someone as a freak, you mean that they are physically abnormal in some way. This use could cause offence.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: freak out
Meaning:
freak out\n  If someone freaks out, or if something freaks them out, they suddenly feel extremely surprised, upset, angry, or confused.\nI remember the first time I went onstage. I freaked out completely...\nI think our music freaks people out sometimes...\nIt sort of frightens me. I guess I am kind of freaked out by it.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V n P, be V-ed P, also V P n (not pron)


Words: freakish
Meaning:
freak.ish\n   freakish\n  Something that is freakish is remarkable because it is not normal or natural.\n...his freakish voice varying from bass to soprano.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: freaky
Meaning:
freaky  freakier  freakiest\n  If someone or something is freaky, they are very unusual in some way. (INFORMAL)\nThis guy bore a really freaky resemblance to Jones.\n  ADJ\n  = weird


Words: freckle
Meaning:
freck.le\n   freckle  freckles\n  Freckles are small light brown spots on someone’s skin, especially on their face.\nHe had short ginger-coloured hair and freckles.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: freckled
Meaning:
freck.led\n   freckled\n  If a part of your body is freckled, it has freckles on it.\n...a slight man with auburn hair and a freckled face.\n  ADJ


Words: free
Meaning:
free  freer  freest  frees  freeing  freed\n1. If something is free, you can have it or use it without paying for it.\nThe seminars are free, with lunch provided.\n...a free brochure with details of gift vouchers.\n  ADJ\n\nfree of charge: see charge\n2. Someone or something that is free is not restricted, controlled, or limited, for example by rules, customs, or other people.\nThe government will be free to pursue its economic policies...\nThe elections were free and fair...\nEconomists argued that freer markets would quickly revive the region’s economy...\nHe fears that until state subsidies are removed, Russia will never have a truly free press...\nDogs were allowed to roam free and 48 sheep were killed.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  free.ly\nThey cast their votes freely and without coercion on election day...\nMerchandise can now circulate freely among the EU countries.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. If you free someone of something that is unpleasant or restricting, you remove it from them.\nThe 30-year-old star is trying to free himself from his recording contract.\n  VERB: V n of/from n\n\n4. Someone who is free is no longer a prisoner or a slave.\nMore than ninety prisoners have been set free so far under a government amnesty.\n  ADJ: ADJ n, v-link ADJ, ADJ after v\n\n5. To free a prisoner or a slave means to let them go or release them from prison.\nIsrael is set to free more Lebanese prisoners...\nThe act had a specific intent, to protect freed slaves from white mobs.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n6. If someone or something is free of or free from an unpleasant thing, they do not have it or they are not affected by it.\n...a future far more free of fear...\nThe filtration system provides the crew with clean air free from fumes.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of/from n\n\n7. A sum of money or type of goods that is free of tax or duty is one that you do not have to pay tax on.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of n\n\n  see also duty-free, interest-free, tax-free\n8. To free someone or something means to make them available for a task or function that they were previously not available for.\nToolbelts free both hands and lessen the risk of dropping hammers...\nHis deal with Disney will run out shortly, freeing him to pursue his own project...\nThere were more civilians working for the police, freeing officers from desk jobs.\n  VERB: V n, V n to-inf, V n from/of/for n\n\n  Free up means the same as free.\nIt can handle even the most complex graphic jobs, freeing up your computer for other tasks.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n9. If you have a free period of time or are free at a particular time, you are not working or occupied then.\nShe spent her free time shopping...\nI am always free at lunchtime.\n  ADJ\n\n10. If something such as a table or seat is free, it is not being used or occupied by anyone, or is not reserved for anyone to use.\nThere was only one seat free on the train...\n  ADJ\n\n11. If you get something free or if it gets free, it is no longer trapped by anything or attached to anything.\nHe pulled his arm free, and strode for the door...\nThe shark was writhing around wildly, trying to get free.\n  ADJ: v n ADJ, v-link ADJ, oft ADJ of n\n\n12. If you free someone or something, you remove them from the place in which they have been trapped or become fixed.\nIt took firemen two hours to cut through the drive belt to free him...\n  VERB: V n\n\n13. When someone is using one hand or arm to hold or move something, their other hand or arm is referred to as their free one.\nHe snatched up the receiver and his free hand groped for the switch on the bedside lamp...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n14. If you say that someone is free with something such as advice or money, you mean that they give a lot of it, sometimes when it is not wanted.\nThey weren’t always so free with their advice...\nThey would often be free with criticism, some of it unjustified.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n  disapproval\n\n15. You say `feel free’ when you want to give someone permission to do something, in a very willing way. (INFORMAL)\n(next)


Words: free .1
Meaning:
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask me.\n  PHRASE: oft PHR to-inf  formulae\n\n16. If you do something or get something for free, you do it without being paid or get it without having to pay for it. (INFORMAL)\nI wasn’t expecting you to do it for free...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n17.\nto give someone a free hand: see hand


Words: free agent
Meaning:
free agent  free agents\n1. If you say that someone is a free agent, you are emphasizing that they can do whatever they want to do, because they are not responsible to anyone or for anyone.\nWe are not free agents; we abide by the decisions of our president.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If a sports player is a free agent, he or she is free to sign a contract with any team. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: free and easy
Meaning:
free and easy   also free-and-easy\n  Someone or something that is free and easy is casual and informal.\n...the free and easy atmosphere of these cafes.\n  ADJ\n  = easy-going, laid-back


Words: free enterprise
Meaning:
free en.ter.prise\n   free enterprise\n  Free enterprise is an economic system in which businesses compete for profit without much government control. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: free fall
Meaning:
free fall  free falls   also free-fall\n1. If the value or price of something goes into free fall, it starts to fall uncontrollably. (JOURNALISM)\nSterling went into free fall...\nThe price did a free fall.\n  N-VAR: oft into/in N\n\n2. In parachuting, free fall is the part of the jump before the parachute opens.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: free form
Meaning:
free form   also free-form\n  A free form work of art or piece of music has not been created according to a standard style or convention.\n...free-form jazz.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: free house
Meaning:
free house  free houses\n  In Britain, a free house is a pub which is not owned by a particular company and so can sell whatever beers it chooses.\n  N-COUNT


Words: free kick
Meaning:
free kick  free kicks\n  In a game of football, when there is a free kick, the ball is given to a member of one side to kick because a member of the other side has broken a rule.\n  N-COUNT


Words: free love
Meaning:
free love\n  A belief in free love is the belief that it is acceptable and good to have sexual relationships without marrying, often several relationships at the same time. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: free market
Meaning:
free mar.ket\n   free market free markets\n  A free market is an economic system in which business organizations decide things such as prices and wages, and are not controlled by the government. (BUSINESS)\n...the creation of a free market.\n...free market economies.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: free pass
Meaning:
free pass  free passes\n  A free pass is an official document that allows a person to travel or to enter a particular building without having to pay.\n  N-COUNT


Words: free port
Meaning:
free port  free ports\n  A free port is a port or airport where goods can be brought in from foreign countries without payment of duty if they are going to be exported again. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: free radical
Meaning:
free radi.cal\n   free radical  free radicals\n  Free radicals are atoms that contain one or more unpaired electrons. Free radicals are believed to be a cause of ageing, heart disease, and some cancers. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: free spirit
Meaning:
free spir.it\n   free spirit  free spirits\n  If you describe someone as a free spirit, you admire them because they are independent and live as they want to live rather than in a conventional way.\n  N-COUNT  approval


Words: free up
Meaning:
free up\n1.\nsee free 8\n2. To free up a market, economy, or system means to make it operate with fewer restrictions and controls. (BUSINESS)\n...policies for freeing up markets and extending competition.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: free will
Meaning:
free will\n1. If you believe in free will, you believe that people have a choice in what they do and that their actions have not been decided in advance by God or by any other power.\n...the free will of the individual.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you do something of your own free will, you do it by choice and not because you are forced to do it.\nWould Bethany return of her own free will, as she had promised?\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: free-floating
Meaning:
free-floating\n  Free-floating things or people are able to move freely and are not controlled or directed by anything.\n...a system of free-floating exchange rates.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: free-for-all
Meaning:
free-for-all  free-for-alls\n1. A free-for-all is a situation in which several people or groups are trying to get something for themselves and there are no controls on how they do it.\n  N-SING\n\n2. A free-for-all is a disorganized fight or argument which lots of people join in.\n  N-COUNT


Words: free-marketeer
Meaning:
free-marketeer  free-marketeers\n  A free-marketeer is someone, especially a politician, who is in favour of letting market forces control the economy. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: free-range
Meaning:
free-range\n  Free-range means relating to a system of keeping animals in which they can move and feed freely on an area of open ground.\n...free-range eggs.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: free-standing
Meaning:
free-standing\n  A free-standing piece of furniture or other object is not fixed to anything, or stands on its own away from other things.\n...a free-standing cooker.\n  ADJ


Words: free-thinker
Meaning:
free-thinker  free-thinkers\n  If you refer to someone as a free-thinker, you admire them because they work out their own ideas rather than accepting generally accepted views.\n  N-COUNT  approval


Words: free-to-air
Meaning:
Free-to-air television programmes and channels are broadcast to all televisions and do not require a subscription or payment.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  Free to air is also an adverb.\nFor a change, the fight will be televised free to air on the Fox Network.\n  ADV


Words: freebie
Meaning:
free.bie\n   freebie  freebies\n  A freebie is something that you are given, usually by a company, without having to pay for it. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: freedom
Meaning:
free.dom\n   freedom  freedoms\n1. Freedom is the state of being allowed to do what you want to do. Freedoms are instances of this.\n...freedom of speech...\nThey want greater political freedom...\nToday we have the freedom to decide our own futures...\nThe United Nations Secretary-General has spoken of the need for individual freedoms and human rights.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n2. When prisoners or slaves are set free or escape, they gain their freedom.\n...the agreement worked out by the UN, under which all hostages and detainees would gain their freedom.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N\n  = liberty\n3. Freedom from something you do not want means not being affected by it.\n...all the freedom from pain that medicine could provide.\n...freedom from government control.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N from n\n\n4. The freedom of a particular city is a special honour which is given to a famous person who is connected with that city, or to someone who has performed some special service for the city.\n  N-SING: the N of n


Words: freedom fighter
Meaning:
free.dom fight.er\n   freedom fighter  freedom fighters\n  If you refer to someone as a freedom fighter, you mean that they belong to a group that is trying to change the government of their country using violent methods, and you agree with or approve of this.\n  N-COUNT  approval


Words: Freefone
Meaning:
Free.fone\n  also freefone; freephone\n  A Freefone telephone number is one which you can dial without having to pay for the call. (TRADEMARK) (BRIT; in AM, use toll-free)\n...London’s Freefone emergency housing helpline.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N num, N n


Words: freehand
Meaning:
free.hand\n   freehand\n  A freehand drawing is drawn without using instruments such as a ruler or a pair of compasses.\n...freehand sketches.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Freehand is also an adverb.\nUse a template or stencil or simply do it freehand.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: freehold
Meaning:
free.hold\n   freehold  freeholds\n1. If you have the freehold of a building or piece of land, it is yours for life and there are no conditions regarding your ownership.\nPeople owning leasehold homes will be given a new right to buy the freehold of their property.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If a building or piece of land is freehold, you can own it for life.\nThe property register will also say whether the property is freehold or leasehold.\n  ADJ


Words: freeholder
Meaning:
free.holder\n   freeholder  freeholders\n  A freeholder is someone who owns the freehold to a particular piece of land.\n  N-COUNT


Words: freelance
Meaning:
free.lance\n   freelance  freelances  freelancing  freelanced\n1. Someone who does freelance work or who is, for example, a freelance journalist or photographer is not employed by one organization, but is paid for each piece of work they do by the organization they do it for. (BUSINESS)\nMichael Cross is a freelance journalist...\nShe had a baby and decided to go freelance.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  Freelance is also an adverb.\nHe is now working freelance from his home in Hampshire.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. A freelance is the same as a freelancer.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you freelance, you do freelance work.\nShe has freelanced as a writer and researcher.\n  VERB: V as n, also V


Words: freelancer
Meaning:
free.lancer\n   freelancer  freelancers\n  A freelancer is someone who does freelance work.\n  N-COUNT


Words: freeloader
Meaning:
free.loader\n   freeloader  freeloaders\n  If you refer to someone as a freeloader, you disapprove of them because they take advantage of other people’s kindness, for example by accepting food or accommodation from them, without giving anything in return. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: freely
Meaning:
free.ly\n   freely\n1. Freely means many times or in large quantities.\nWe have referred freely to his ideas...\n...the United States, where consumer goods are freely available.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV adj\n\n2. If you can talk freely, you can talk without needing to be careful about what you say.\nShe wondered whether he had someone to whom he could talk freely.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n3. If someone gives or does something freely, they give or do it willingly, without being ordered or forced to do it.\nDanny shared his knowledge freely with anyone interested...\nWilliams freely admits he lives for racing.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4. If something or someone moves freely, they move easily and smoothly, without any obstacles or resistance.\nYou must allow the clubhead to swing freely.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n5.\n  see also free


Words: freeman
Meaning:
free.man\n   freeman  freemen\n  Someone who is a freeman of a particular city has been given a special honour by that city, known as the freedom of the city.\nPeter was made a Freeman of the City of London.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: Freemason
Meaning:
Free.mason\n   Freemason  Freemasons\n  A Freemason is a man who is a member of a large secret society. Freemasons promise to help each other, and use a system of secret signs in order to recognize each other.\n  N-COUNT


Words: freemasonry
Meaning:
free.masonry\n   freemasonry\n1. Freemasonry is the organization of the Freemasons and their beliefs and practices.\nHe was very active in Freemasonry.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Freemasonry is the friendly feeling that exists between people who are of the same kind or who have the same interests.\n...the freemasonry of sailors.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, usu with supp


Words: Freepost
Meaning:
Free.post\n   Freepost\n  Freepost is a system in Britain which allows you to send mail to certain organizations without paying for the postage. `Freepost’ is written on the envelope as part of the address. (TRADEMARK)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: freesia
Meaning:
free.sia\n   freesia  freesias\n  Freesias are small plants with yellow, pink, white, or purple flowers that are shaped like tubes.\n  N-VAR


Words: freestyle
Meaning:
free.style\n   freestyle\n  Freestyle is used to describe sports competitions, especially in swimming, wrestling, and skiing, in which competitors can use any style or method that they like when they take part.\n...the 100m freestyle swimming event.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Freestyle is also a noun.\nShe won the 800 metres freestyle.\n  N-SING


Words: freeware
Meaning:
free.ware\n\n  Freeware is computer software that you can use without payment. (COMPUTING)\nIs there a freeware program that I can use to produce my own clip art?\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: freeway
Meaning:
free.way\n   freeway  freeways\n  A freeway is a major road that has been specially built for fast travel over long distances. Freeways have several lanes and special places where traffic gets on and leaves. (AM; in BRIT, usually use motorway)\nThe speed limit on the freeway is 55mph.\n...Boston’s freeway system.\n  N-COUNT


Words: freewheel
Meaning:
free.wheel\n   freewheel  freewheels  freewheeling  freewheeled   also free-wheel\n  If you freewheel, you travel, usually downhill, on a bicycle without using the pedals, or in a vehicle without using the engine.\nHe freewheeled back down the course.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, also V


Words: freewheeling
Meaning:
free.wheeling\n   freewheeling   also free-wheeling\n  If you refer to someone’s freewheeling lifestyle or attitudes, you mean that they behave in a casual, relaxed way without feeling restricted by rules or accepted ways of doing things.\nHe has given up his freewheeling lifestyle to settle down with his baby daughter.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: freeze
Meaning:
freeze  freezes  freezing  froze  frozen\n1. If a liquid or a substance containing a liquid freezes, or if something freezes it, it becomes solid because of low temperatures.\nIf the temperature drops below 0.C, water freezes...\nThe ground froze solid.\n...the discovery of how to freeze water at higher temperatures.\n...frozen puddles.\n  VERB: V, V adj, V n, V-ed, also V n adj\n\n2. If you freeze something such as food, you preserve it by storing it at a temperature below freezing point. You can also talk about how well food freezes.\nYou can freeze the soup at this stage...\nMost fresh herbs will freeze successfully.\n  VERB: V n, V adv\n\n3. When it freezes outside, the temperature falls below freezing point.\nWhat if it rained and then froze all through those months?\n  VERB: it V\n\n  Freeze is also a noun.\nThe trees were damaged by a freeze in December.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you freeze, you feel extremely cold.\nThe windows didn’t fit at the bottom so for a while we froze even in the middle of summer...\n  VERB: V\n\n5. If someone who is moving freezes, they suddenly stop and become completely still and quiet. (WRITTEN)\nShe froze when the beam of the flashlight struck her.\n  VERB: V\n\n6. If the government or a company freeze things such as prices or wages, they state officially that they will not allow them to increase for a fixed period of time. (BUSINESS)\nThey want the government to freeze prices...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Freeze is also a noun.\nA wage freeze was imposed on all staff earlier this month.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n7. If a government freezes a plan or process, they state officially that they will not allow it to continue for a period of time.\nBritain has already frozen its aid programme...\nDiplomatic relations were frozen until August this year.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n  Freeze is also a noun.\n...a freeze in nuclear weapons programs.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n8. If someone in authority freezes something such as a bank account, fund, or property, they obtain a legal order which states that it cannot be used or sold for a particular period of time. (BUSINESS)\nThe governor’s action freezes 300,000 accounts...\nUnder these laws, he said, Mr. Rice’s assets could have been frozen.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n  Freeze is also a noun.\n...a freeze on private savings.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n9.\n  see also freezing, frozen


Words: freeze out
Meaning:
freeze out\n  If you freeze someone out of an activity or situation, you prevent them from being involved in it by creating difficulties or by being unfriendly.\nOther traders did everything they could to freeze us out of the business.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P of n, also V n P\n  = squeeze out


Words: freeze over
Meaning:
freeze over\n  If something freezes over, it becomes covered with a layer of ice or other frozen substance.\nThe air temperature was well below freezing, and lakes and rivers froze over...\nThe lakes are still frozen over.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V-ed P


Words: freeze up
Meaning:
freeze up\n  If something freezes up or if something freezes it up, it becomes completely covered or blocked with ice.\n...lavatories that often freeze up in winter...\nIce could freeze up their torpedo release mechanisms.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = ice up


Words: freeze-dried
Meaning:
freeze-dried\n  Freeze-dried food has been preserved by a process of rapid freezing and drying.\n...freeze-dried instant mashed potato.\n...freeze-dried coffee granules.\n  ADJ


Words: freeze-frame
Meaning:
freeze-frame  freeze-frames\n  A freeze-frame from a film is an individual picture from it, produced by stopping the film or video tape at that point.\n  N-COUNT


Words: freezer
Meaning:
freez.er\n   freezer  freezers\n  A freezer is a large container like a fridge in which the temperature is kept below freezing point so that you can store food inside it for long periods.\n  N-COUNT


Words: freezing
Meaning:
freez.ing\n   freezing\n1. If you say that something is freezing or freezing cold, you are emphasizing that it is very cold.\nThe cinema was freezing.\n...a freezing January afternoon.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n\n2. If you say that you are freezing or freezing cold, you emphasizing that you feel very cold.\n`You must be freezing,’ she said.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ  emphasis\n\n3. Freezing means the same as freezing point.\nIt’s 15 degrees below freezing.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4.\n  see also freeze


Words: freezing point
Meaning:
freez.ing point\n   freezing point  freezing points   also freezing-point\n1. Freezing point is 0. Celsius, the temperature at which water freezes. Freezing point is often used when talking about the weather.\nThe temperature remained below freezing point throughout the day.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu above/below/to N\n\n2. The freezing point of a particular substance is the temperature at which it freezes.\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss


Words: freight
Meaning:
freight  freights  freighting  freighted\n1. Freight is the movement of goods by lorries, trains, ships, or aeroplanes.\nFrance derives 16% of revenue from air freight.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Freight is goods that are transported by lorries, trains, ships, or aeroplanes.\n90% of managers wanted to see more freight carried by rail.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. When goods are freighted, they are transported in large quantities over a long distance.\nFrom these ports the grain is freighted down to Addis Ababa.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed adv/prep


Words: freight car
Meaning:
freight car  freight cars\n  On a train, a freight car is a large container in which goods are transported. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: freight train
Meaning:
freight train  freight trains\n  A freight train is a train on which goods are transported.\n  N-COUNT


Words: freighter
Meaning:
freight.er\n   freighter  freighters\n  A freighter is a large ship or aeroplane that is designed for carrying freight.\n  N-COUNT


Words: French
Meaning:
French\n1. French means belonging or relating to France, or its people, language, or culture.\n  ADJ\n\n2. The French are the people who come from France.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. French is the language spoken by people who live in France and in parts of some other countries, including Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland.\nThe villagers spoke French.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: French bean
Meaning:
French bean  French beans\n  French beans are narrow green beans that are eaten as a vegetable. They grow on a tall climbing plant and are the cases that contain the seeds of the plant. (BRIT; in AM, use string beans)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: French Canadian
Meaning:
French Ca.na.dian\n   French Canadian  French Canadians   also French-Canadian\n1. French Canadian means belonging or relating to people who come from the part of Canada where French is spoken.\n  ADJ\n\n2. French Canadians are Canadians whose native language is French.\n  N-COUNT


Words: French dressing
Meaning:
French dress.ing\n   French dressing\n  French dressing is a thin sauce made of oil, vinegar, salt, and spices which you put on salad.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: French horn
Meaning:
French horn  French horns\n  A French horn is a musical instrument of the brass family. It is shaped like a long metal tube with one wide end, wound round in a circle. You play the French horn by blowing into it and moving valves in order to obtain different notes.\n  N-VAR: oft the N\n  = horn


Words: French polish
Meaning:
French pol.ish\n   French polish\n  French polish is a type of varnish which is painted onto wood so that the wood has a hard shiny surface.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: French window
Meaning:
French win.dow\n   French window  French windows\n  French windows are a pair of glass doors which you go through into a garden or onto a balcony.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = French door


Words: Frenchwoman
Meaning:
French.woman\n   Frenchwoman  Frenchwomen\n  A Frenchwoman is a woman who comes from France.\n  N-COUNT


Words: frenetic
Meaning:
fre.net.ic\n   frenetic\n  If you describe an activity as frenetic, you mean that it is fast and energetic, but rather uncontrolled.\n...the frenetic pace of life in New York...\n  ADJ\n  = frantic


Words: frenzied
Meaning:
fren.zied\n   frenzied\n  Frenzied activities or actions are wild, excited, and uncontrolled.\n...the frenzied activity of the general election...\nThe man was stabbed to death in a frenzied attack.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: frenzy
Meaning:
frenzy  frenzies\n  Frenzy or a frenzy is great excitement or wild behaviour that often results from losing control of your feelings.\nThe country was gripped by a frenzy of nationalism.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n


Words: frequency
Meaning:
fre.quen.cy\n   frequency  frequencies\n1. The frequency of an event is the number of times it happens during a particular period.\nThe frequency of Kara’s phone calls increased rapidly...\nThe tanks broke down with increasing frequency.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. In physics, the frequency of a sound wave or a radio wave is the number of times it vibrates within a specified period of time.\nYou can’t hear waves of such a high frequency.\n...a frequency of 24 kilohertz.\n...low frequency waves.\n  N-VAR


Words: frequent
Meaning:
fre.quent\n   frequent frequents  frequenting  frequented\nThe adjective is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. If something is frequent, it happens often.\nBordeaux is on the main Paris-Madrid line so there are frequent trains...\nHe is a frequent visitor to the house.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  fre.quent.ly\nIron and folic acid supplements are frequently given to pregnant women.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n2. If someone frequents a particular place, they regularly go there. (FORMAL)\nI hear he frequents the Cajun restaurant in Hampstead.\n  VERB: V n


Words: fresco
Meaning:
fres.co\n   fresco  frescoes  or frescos\n  A fresco is a picture that is painted on a plastered wall when the plaster is still wet.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also alfresco


Words: fresh
Meaning:
fresh  fresher  freshest\n1. A fresh thing or amount replaces or is added to a previous thing or amount.\nHe asked Strathclyde police, which carried out the original investigation, to make fresh inquiries...\nI need a new challenge and a fresh start somewhere else.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = new\n2. Something that is fresh has been done, made, or experienced recently.\nThere were no fresh car tracks or footprints in the snow...\nWith the memory of the bombing fresh in her mind, Eleanor became increasingly agitated.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Fresh food has been picked or produced recently, and has not been preserved, for example by being frozen or put in a tin.\n...locally caught fresh fish.\n...fresh fruit.\n  ADJ\n\n4. If you describe something as fresh, you like it because it is new and exciting.\nThese designers are full of fresh ideas.\n...a fresh image.\n  ADJ\n  = original\n5. If you describe something as fresh, you mean that it is pleasant, bright, and clean in appearance.\nGingham fabrics always look fresh and pretty.\n  ADJ\n\n6. If something smells, tastes, or feels fresh, it is clean or cool.\nThe air was fresh and for a moment she felt revived.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n7. Fresh water is water that is not salty, for example the water from rivers or lakes.\n  ADJ\n\n8. If you say that the weather is fresh, you mean that it is fairly cold and windy.\nIt was a fine, fresh summer morning...\nOutside the breeze was fresh and from the north.\n  ADJ\n\n9. If you feel fresh, you feel full of energy and enthusiasm.\nIt’s vital we are as fresh as possible for those matches...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n10. Fresh paint is not yet dry. (AM; in BRIT, use wet)\n  ADJ\n\n11. If you are fresh from a particular place or experience, you have just come from that place or you have just had that experience. You can also say that someone is fresh out of a place.\nI returned to the office, fresh from Heathrow...\nFrom what I’ve heard he started wheeling and dealing fresh out of college.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ from/out of n\n  = straight


Words: fresh air
Meaning:
fresh air\n  You can describe the air outside as fresh air, especially when you mean that it is good for you because it does not contain dirt or dangerous substances.\n`Let’s take the baby outside,’ I suggested. `We all need some fresh air.’\n  N-UNCOUNT: also the N


Words: fresh-
Meaning:
fresh-\n  Fresh- is added to past participles in order to form adjectives which describe something as having been recently made or done.\n...a vase of fresh-cut flowers.\n...a meadow of fresh-mown hay.\n  COMB in ADJ: ADJ n


Words: freshen
Meaning:
fresh.en\n   freshen  freshens  freshening  freshened\n  If the wind freshens, it becomes stronger and colder.\nThe wind had freshened.\n  VERB: V


Words: freshen up
Meaning:
freshen up\n1. If you freshen something up, you make it clean and pleasant in appearance or smell.\nA thorough brushing helps to freshen up your mouth...\nMy room needed a lick of paint to freshen it up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If you freshen up, you wash your hands and face and make yourself look neat and tidy.\nAfter Martine had freshened up, they went for a long walk.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: fresher
Meaning:
fresh.er\n   fresher  freshers\n1. Fresher is the comparative form of fresh.\n\n2. Freshers are students who have just started their first year at university or college. (BRIT INFORMAL; in AM, use freshmen)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: freshly
Meaning:
fresh.ly\n   freshly\n  If something is freshly made or done, it has been recently made or done.\n...freshly baked bread.\n...freshly cut grass.\n  ADV: ADV -ed\n  = recently


Words: freshman
Meaning:
fresh.man\n   freshman  freshmen\n  In America, a freshman is a student who is in his or her first year at university or college.\n  N-COUNT


Words: freshwater
Meaning:
fresh.water\n   freshwater\n  A freshwater lake contains water that is not salty, usually in contrast to the sea. Freshwater creatures live in water that is not salty.\n...Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in Europe...\nThe perch is a freshwater fish.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: fret
Meaning:
fret  frets  fretting  fretted\n1. If you fret about something, you worry about it.\nI was working all hours and constantly fretting about everyone else’s problems...\nBut congressional staffers fret that the project will eventually cost billions more...\nDon’t fret, Mary. This is all some crazy mistake.\n  VERB: V about/over n, V that, V\n  = worry\n2. The frets on a musical instrument such as a guitar are the raised lines across its neck.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fretful
Meaning:
fret.ful\n   fretful\n  If someone is fretful, they behave in a way that shows that they worried or unhappy about something.\nDon’t assume your baby automatically needs feeding if she’s fretful.\n  ADJ


Words: fretwork
Meaning:
fret.work\n   fretwork\n  Fretwork is wood or metal that has been decorated by cutting bits of it out to make a pattern.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: Freudian
Meaning:
Freud.ian\n   Freudian\n  Freudian means relating to the ideas and methods of the psychiatrist Freud, especially to his ideas about people’s subconscious sexual feelings.\n...the Freudian theory about daughters falling in love with their father.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Freudian slip
Meaning:
Freud.ian slip\n   Freudian slip  Freudian slips\n  If someone accidentally says something that reveals their subconscious feelings, especially their sexual feelings, this is referred to as a Freudian slip.\n  N-COUNT


Words: friar
Meaning:
fri.ar\n   friar  friars\n  A friar is a member of one of several Catholic religious orders.\n  N-COUNT


Words: friction
Meaning:
fric.tion\n   friction  frictions\n1. If there is friction between people, there is disagreement and argument between them.\nSara sensed that there had been friction between her children...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n  = conflict\n2. Friction is the force that makes it difficult for things to move freely when they are touching each other.\nThe pistons are graphite-coated to reduce friction.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Friday
Meaning:
Fri.day\n   Friday   Fridays\n  Friday is the day after Thursday and before Saturday.\nMr Cook is intending to go to the Middle East on Friday.\n...Friday 6 November...\nI get home at half seven on a Friday.\n  N-VAR


Words: fridge
Meaning:
fridge  fridges\n  A fridge is a large metal container which is kept cool, usually by electricity, so that food that is put in it stays fresh. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use refrigerator)\n  N-COUNT\n  = refrigerator


Words: friend
Meaning:
friend  friends\n1. A friend is someone who you know well and like, but who is not related to you.\nI had a long talk about this with my best friend...\nShe never was a close friend of mine.\n...Sara’s old friend, Ogden.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you are friends with someone, you are their friend and they are yours.\nI still wanted to be friends with Alison...\nWe remained good friends...\nSally and I became friends.\n  N-PLURAL: oft N with n\n\n3. The friends of a country, cause, organization, or a famous politician are the people and organizations who help and support them.\n...The Friends of Birmingham Royal Ballet.\n  N-PLURAL; N-IN-NAMES\n\n4. If one country refers to another as a friend, they mean that the other country is not an enemy of theirs.\nThe president said that Japan is now a friend and international partner.\n  N-COUNT\n  = ally\n5. If you make friends with someone, you begin a friendship with them. You can also say that two people make friends.\nHe has made friends with the kids on the street...\nHe had made a friend of both girls.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR with n


Words: friendless
Meaning:
friend.less\n   friendless\n  Someone who is friendless has no friends.\nThe boy was unhappy because he thought he was friendless.\n  ADJ


Words: friendly
Meaning:
friend.ly\n   friendly  friendlier  friendliest  friendlies\n1. If someone is friendly, they behave in a pleasant, kind way, and like to be with other people.\nGodfrey had been friendly to me.\n...a man with a pleasant, friendly face...\nRobert has a friendly relationship with his customers.\n...a friendly atmosphere...\nYour cat isn’t very friendly.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  friend.li.ness\nShe also loves the friendliness of the people.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you are friendly with someone, you like each other and enjoy spending time together.\nI’m friendly with his mother...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ with n\n\n3. You can describe another country or their government as friendly when they have good relations with your own country rather than being an enemy.\n...a worsening in relations between the two previously friendly countries.\n  ADJ\n\n4. In sport, a friendly is a match which is not part of a competition, and is played for entertainment or practice, often without any serious effort to win. (BRIT)\nAthletic Bilbao agreed to play a friendly at Real Sociedad.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Friendly is also an adjective. (in AM, use exhibition game)\nAustria beat Hungary 3-nil in a friendly match at Salzburg on Wednesday.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: friendly society
Meaning:
friend.ly so.ci.ety\n   friendly society  friendly societies\n  A friendly society is an organization to which people regularly pay small amounts of money and which then gives them money when they retire or when they are ill. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: friendship
Meaning:
friend.ship\n   friendship  friendships\n1. A friendship is a relationship between two or more friends.\nShe struck up a close friendship with Desiree during the week of rehearsals...\nAfter seven years of friendship, she still couldn’t tell when he was kidding.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. You use friendship to refer in a general way to the state of being friends, or the feelings that friends have for each other.\n...a hobby which led to a whole new world of friendship and adventure.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Friendship is a relationship between two countries in which they help and support each other.\nThe President set the targets for the future to promote friendship with East Europe...\n  N-VAR\n  = goodwill


Words: frieze
Meaning:
frieze  friezes\n  A frieze is a decoration high up on the walls of a room or just under the roof of a building. It consists of a long panel of carving or a long strip of paper with a picture or pattern on it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: frigate
Meaning:
frig.ate\n   frigate  frigates\n  A frigate is a fairly small ship owned by the navy that can move at fast speeds. Frigates are often used to protect other ships.\n  N-COUNT


Words: frigging
Meaning:
frig.ging\n   frigging\n  Frigging is used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are angry or annoyed about something. (INFORMAL, RUDE)\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis


Words: fright
Meaning:
fright  frights\n1. Fright is a sudden feeling of fear, especially the fear that you feel when something unpleasant surprises you.\nThe steam pipes rattled suddenly, and Franklin uttered a shriek and jumped with fright...\nThe birds smashed into the top of their cages in fright...\nTo hide my fright I asked a question.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A fright is an experience which makes you suddenly afraid.\nThe snake picked up its head and stuck out its tongue which gave everyone a fright...\nThe last time you had a real fright, you nearly crashed the car.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n  = scare\n3. If a person or animal takes fright at something, they are suddenly frightened by it, and want to run away or to stop doing what they are doing.\nAn untrained horse had taken fright at the sound of gunfire...\nWhen costs soared, the studio took fright and recalled the company from Rome.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: frighten
Meaning:
fright.en\n   frighten  frightens  frightening  frightened\n1. If something or someone frightens you, they cause you to suddenly feel afraid, anxious, or nervous.\nHe knew that Soli was trying to frighten him, so he smiled to hide his fear...\nMost children are frightened by the sight of blood.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = scare\n2. If something frightens the life out of you, frightens the wits out of you, or frightens you out of your wits, it causes you to feel suddenly afraid or gives you a very unpleasant shock.\nFairground rides are intended to frighten the life out of you.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis


Words: frighten away
Meaning:
frighten away   or frighten off\n1. If you frighten away a person or animal or frighten them off, you make them afraid so that they run away or stay some distance away from you.\nThe fishermen said the company’s seismic survey was frightening away fish...\nHe fired into the air, hoping that the noise would frighten them off.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = scare off\n2. To frighten someone away or frighten them off means to make them nervous so that they decide not to become involved with a particular person or activity.\nBuilding society repossessions have frightened buyers off...\nThe government is convinced that the bombers want to frighten away foreign investors.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = scare off


Words: frightened
Meaning:
fright.ened\n   frightened\n  If you are frightened, you are anxious or afraid, often because of something that has just happened or that you think may happen.\nShe was frightened of flying...\nMiriam was too frightened to tell her family what had happened.\n  ADJ: oft v-link ADJ of n/-ing, ADJ to-inf


Words: frightening
Meaning:
fright.en.ing\n   frightening\n  If something is frightening, it makes you feel afraid, anxious, or nervous.\nIt was a very frightening experience and they were very courageous...\nThe number of youngsters involved in crime is frightening.\n  ADJ\n  = alarming\n=>  fright.en.ing.ly\nThe country is frighteningly close to possessing nuclear weapons.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj


Words: frightful
Meaning:
fright.ful\n   frightful\n1. Frightful means very bad or unpleasant. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nMy father was unable to talk about the war, it was so frightful.\n  ADJ\n  = terrible\n2. Frightful is used to emphasize the extent or degree of something, usually something bad. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe got himself into a frightful muddle...\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n  = dreadful


Words: frigid
Meaning:
frig.id\n   frigid\n1. Frigid means extremely cold. (FORMAL)\nA snowstorm hit the West today, bringing with it frigid temperatures...\n  ADJ\n  = icy\n2. If a woman is frigid, she finds it difficult to become sexually aroused. You can often use frigid to show disapproval.\nMy husband says I am frigid.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n=>  fri.gid.ity\n...an inability to experience orgasm (often called frigidity).\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: frill
Meaning:
frill  frills\n1. A frill is a long narrow strip of cloth or paper with many folds in it, which is attached to something as a decoration.\n...net curtains with frills.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe something as having no frills, you mean that it has no extra features, but is acceptable or good if you want something simple.\nThis booklet restricts itself to facts without frills.\n  N-COUNT: usu with brd-neg, usu pl  approval


Words: frilly
Meaning:
frilly\n  Frilly items of clothing or fabric have a lot of frills on them.\n...maids in frilly aprons.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: fringe
Meaning:
fringe  fringes\n1. A fringe is hair which is cut so that it hangs over your forehead. (BRIT; in AM, use bangs)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A fringe is a decoration attached to clothes, or other objects such as curtains, consisting of a row of hanging strips or threads.\nThe jacket had leather fringes.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. To be on the fringe or the fringes of a place means to be on the outside edge of it, or to be in one of the parts that are farthest from its centre.\n...black townships located on the fringes of the city...\nThey lived together in a mixed household on the fringe of a campus.\n  N-COUNT: usu on the N of n\n\n4. The fringe or the fringes of an activity or organization are its less important, least typical, or most extreme parts, rather than its main and central part.\nThe party remained on the fringe of the political scene until last year.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, the N of n\n\n5. Fringe groups or events are less important or popular than other related groups or events.\nThe monarchists are a small fringe group who quarrel fiercely among themselves.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: fringe benefit
Meaning:
fringe ben.efit\n   fringe benefit  fringe benefits\n1. Fringe benefits are extra things that some people get from their job in addition to their salary, for example a car. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. The fringe benefits of doing something are the extra advantages which you get from it, although you may not have expected them and they were not the main reason for doing it.\nHis support was one of the nicest fringe benefits of pursuing this research.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of -ing\n  = bonus


Words: fringed
Meaning:
fringed\n1. Fringed clothes, curtains, or lampshades are decorated with fringes.\nEmma wore a fringed scarf round her neck.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If a place or object is fringed with something, that thing forms a border around it or is situated along its edges.\nHer eyes were large and brown and fringed with incredibly long lashes.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n\n  = edged


Words: frippery
Meaning:
frip.pery\n   frippery  fripperies\n  If you refer to something as frippery, you mean that it is silly or unnecessary, and only done or worn for pleasure (mainly BRIT)\n...all the fripperies with which the Edwardian woman indulged herself.\n...a sombre display, with no frills or frippery.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl  disapproval


Words: Frisbee
Meaning:
Fris.bee\n   Frisbee  Frisbees\n  A frisbee is a light plastic disc that one person throws to another as a game. (TRADEMARK)\n  N-COUNT


Words: frisk
Meaning:
frisk  frisks  frisking  frisked\n  If someone frisks you, they search you, usually with their hands in order to see if you are hiding a weapon or something else such as drugs in your clothes.\nDrago pushed him up against the wall and frisked him.\n  VERB: V n\n  = body-search


Words: frisky
Meaning:
frisky  friskier  friskiest\n  A frisky animal or person is energetic and playful, and may be difficult to control.\nHis horse was feeling frisky, and he had to hold the reins tightly.\n  ADJ\n  = spirited


Words: frisson
Meaning:
fris.son\n   frisson  frissons\n  A frisson is a short, sudden feeling of excitement or fear. (LITERARY)\nA frisson of apprehension rippled round the theatre.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n


Words: fritter
Meaning:
frit.ter\n   fritter  fritters  frittering  frittered\n  Fritters are round pieces of fruit, vegetables, or meat that are dipped in batter and fried.\n...apple fritters.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N


Words: fritter away
Meaning:
fritter away\n  If someone fritters away time or money, they waste it on unimportant or unnecessary things.\nThe firm soon started frittering away the cash it was generating...\nI seem to fritter my time away at coffee mornings.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = squander


Words: frivolity
Meaning:
fri.vol.ity\n   frivolity  frivolities\n  If you refer to an activity as a frivolity, you think that it is amusing and rather silly, rather than serious and sensible.\nThere is a serious message at the core of all this frivolity...\nHe was one of my most able pupils, but far too easily distracted by frivolities.\n  N-VAR


Words: frivolous
Meaning:
frivo.lous\n   frivolous\n1. If you describe someone as frivolous, you mean they behave in a silly or light-hearted way, rather than being serious and sensible.\nI just decided I was a bit too frivolous to be a doctor...\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe an activity as frivolous, you disapprove of it because it is not useful and wastes time or money.\nThe group says it wants politicians to stop wasting public money on what it believes are frivolous projects.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: frizzy
Meaning:
friz.zy\n   frizzy  frizzier  frizziest\n  Frizzy hair is very tightly curled.\nCarol’s hair had a slightly frizzy perm.\n  ADJ


Words: frock coat
Meaning:
frock coat  frock coats   also frock-coat\n  A frock coat was a long coat that was worn by men in the 19th century.\n  N-COUNT


Words: frog
Meaning:
frog  frogs\n1. A frog is a small creature with smooth skin, big eyes, and long back legs which it uses for jumping. Frogs usually live near water.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Frogs is sometimes used to refer to French people. This use could cause offence. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: frog-march
Meaning:
frog-march  frog-marches  frog-marching  frog-marched   also frogmarch\n  If you are frog-marched somewhere, someone takes you there by force, holding you by the arms or another part of your body so that you have to walk along with them.\nHe was frog-marched through the kitchen and out into the yard...\nThey arrested the men and frog-marched them to the local police station.\n  VERB: be V-ed prep/adv, V n prep/adv


Words: frogman
Meaning:
frog.man\n   frogman  frogmen\n  A frogman is someone whose job involves diving and working underwater, especially in order to mend or search for something. Frogmen wear special rubber suits and shoes, and carry equipment to help them to breathe underwater.\n  N-COUNT\n  = diver


Words: frogspawn
Meaning:
frog.spawn\n   frogspawn   also frog spawn\n  Frogspawn is a soft substance like jelly which contains the eggs of a frog.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: frolic
Meaning:
frol.ic\n   frolic  frolics  frolicking  frolicked\n  When people or animals frolic, they play or move in a lively, happy way.\n...lambs frolicking in the fields.\n  VERB: V


Words: from
Meaning:
from  WEAK   STRONG\nIn addition to the uses shown below, from is used in phrasal verbs such as `date from’ and `grow away from’.\n1. If something comes from a particular person or thing, or if you get something from them, they give it to you or they are the source of it.\nHe appealed for information from anyone who saw the attackers.\n...an anniversary present from his wife...\nThe results were taken from six surveys...\nThe dirt from the fields drifted like snow.\n  PREP\n\n2. Someone who comes from a particular place lives in that place or originally lived there. Something that comes from a particular place was made in that place.\nKaty Jones is nineteen and comes from Birmingham.\n...wines from Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence.\n  PREP\n\n3. A person from a particular organization works for that organization.\n...a representative from the Israeli embassy.\n  PREP\n\n4. If someone or something moves or is moved from a place, they leave it or are removed, so that they are no longer there.\nThe guests watched as she fled from the room.\n  PREP\n\n5. If you take one thing or person from another, you move that thing or person so that they are no longer with the other or attached to the other.\nIn many bone transplants, bone can be taken from other parts of the patient’s body...\nRemove the bowl from the ice and stir in the cream.\n  PREP\n\n6. If you take something from an amount, you reduce the amount by that much.\nThe .103 is deducted from Mrs Adams’ salary every month...\nThree from six leaves three.\n  PREP\n\n7. From is used in expressions such as away from or absent from to say that someone or something is not present in a place where they are usually found.\nHer husband worked away from home a lot...\nJo was absent from the house all the next day.\n  PREP\n\n8. If you return from a place or an activity, you return after being in that place or doing that activity.\n...a group of men travelling home from a darts match.\n  PREP\n\n9. If you are back from a place or activity, you have left it and have returned to your former place.\nOur economics correspondent, James Morgan, is just back from Germany...\nOne afternoon when I was home from school, he asked me to come to see a movie with him.\n  PREP\n\n10. If you see or hear something from a particular place, you are in that place when you see it or hear it.\nVisitors see the painting from behind a plate glass window...\n  PREP: PREP n, PREP prep, PREP adv\n\n11. If something hangs or sticks out from an object, it is attached to it or held by it.\nHanging from his right wrist is a heavy gold bracelet.\n...large fans hanging from ceilings...\nHe saw the corner of a magazine sticking out from under the blanket.\n  PREP: v PREP n\n\n12. You can use from when giving distances. For example, if a place is fifty miles from another place, the distance between the two places is fifty miles.\nThe centre of the town is 4 kilometres from the station...\nHow far is it from here?\n  PREP: amount PREP n\n\n13. If a road or railway line goes from one place to another, you can travel along it between the two places.\n...the road from St Petersburg to Tallinn.\n  PREP\n\n14. From is used, especially in the expression made from, to say what substance has been used to make something.\n...bread made from white flour.\n...a luxurious resort built from the island’s native coral stone.\n  PREP: v PREP n\n  = out of\n15. You can use from when you are talking about the beginning of a period of time.\nBreakfast is available to fishermen from 6 a.m...\nFrom 1922 till 1925 she lived in Prague.\n  PREP\n\n16. You say from one thing to another when you are stating the range of things that are possible, or when saying that the range of things includes everything in a certain category.\nOver 150 companies will be there, covering everything from finance to fixtures and fittings.\n  PREP: PREP n/-ing\n\n17. If something changes from one thing to another, it stops being the first thing and becomes the second thing.\nThe expression on his face changed from sympathy to surprise...\n(next)


Words: from .1
Meaning:
Unemployment has fallen from 7.5 to 7.2%...\n  PREP\n\n18. You use from after some verbs and nouns when mentioning the cause of something.\nThe problem simply resulted from a difference of opinion...\nHe is suffering from eye ulcers, brought on by the intense light in Australia...\nThey really do get pleasure from spending money on other people...\nMost of the wreckage from the 1985 quake has been cleared.\n  PREP: PREP n/-ing\n\n19. You use from when you are giving the reason for an opinion.\nShe knew from experience that Dave was about to tell her the truth...\nHe sensed from the expression on her face that she had something to say...\n  PREP\n\n20. From is used after verbs with meanings such as `protect’, `free’, `keep’, and `prevent’ to introduce the action that does not happen, or that someone does not want to happen.\nSuch laws could protect the consumer from harmful or dangerous remedies...\n300 tons of Peruvian mangoes were kept from entering France.\n  PREP


Words: fromage frais
Meaning:
fro.mage frais\n   fromage frais  fromage frais\n  Fromage frais is a thick, creamy dessert that is made from milk and often flavoured with fruit. A fromage frais is a small pot of fromage frais.\n  N-VAR


Words: frond
Meaning:
frond  fronds\n  A frond is a long leaf which has an edge divided into lots of thin parts.\n...palm fronds.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: front
Meaning:
front  fronts  fronting  fronted\n1. The front of something is the part of it that faces you, or that faces forward, or that you normally see or use.\nOne man sat in an armchair, and the other sat on the front of the desk...\nStand at the front of the line...\nHer cotton dress had ripped down the front.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft the N of n\n  !=back\n2. The front of a building is the side or part of it that faces the street.\nAttached to the front of the house, there was a large veranda.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft the N of n\n\n3. A person’s or animal’s front is the part of their body between their head and their legs that is on the opposite side to their back.\nIf you lie your baby on his front, he’ll lift his head and chest up.\n  N-SING: poss N\n  !=back\n4. Front is used to refer to the side or part of something that is towards the front or nearest to the front.\nI went out there on the front porch...\nShe was only six and still missing her front teeth...\nChildren may be tempted to climb into the front seat while the car is in motion.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=back\n5. The front page of a newspaper is the outside of the first page, where the main news stories are printed.\nThe Guardian’s front page carries a photograph of the two foreign ministers...\nThe violence in the Gaza Strip makes the front page of most of the newspapers.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  see also front-page\n6. The front is a road next to the sea in a seaside town. (BRIT)\nAmy went out for a last walk along the sea front.\n  N-SING: the N\n  = promenade\n7. In a war, the front is a line where two opposing armies are facing each other.\nSonja’s husband is fighting at the front.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing\n\n  see also front line\n8. If you say that something is happening on a particular front, you mean that it is happening with regard to a particular situation or field of activity.\nWe’re moving forward on a variety of fronts.\n  N-COUNT\n\n9. If someone puts on a particular kind of front, they pretend to have a particular quality.\nMichael kept up a brave front both to the world and in his home...\n  N-COUNT: usu adj N\n\n10. An organization or activity that is a front for one that is illegal or secret is used to hide it.\n...a firm later identified by the police as a front for crime syndicates...\n  N-COUNT: usu N for n\n  = cover\n11. In relation to the weather, a front is a line where a mass of cold air meets a mass of warm air.\nA very active cold front brought dramatic weather changes to Kansas on Wednesday.\n  N-COUNT\n\n12. A building or an area of land that fronts a particular place or fronts onto it is next to it and faces it.\n...real estate, which includes undeveloped land fronting the city convention center...\nThere are some delightful Victorian houses fronting onto the pavement.\n...quaint cottages fronted by lawns and flowerbeds.\n  VERB: V n, V onto n, V-ed\n  = face\n13. The person who fronts an organization is the most senior person in it. (BRIT; in AM, use head)\nHe fronted a formidable band of fighters...\nThe commission, fronted by Sir Isaac Hayatali, was set up in June 1992.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  = head\n14. If a person or thing is in front, they are ahead of others in a moving group, or further forward than someone or something else.\nOfficers will crack down on lunatic motorists who speed or drive too close to the car in front...\n`What’s with this guy?’ demanded an American voice in the row in front.\n  PHRASE\n\n15. Someone who is in front in a competition or contest at a particular point is winning at that point.\nRichard Dunwoody is in front in the jockeys’ title race...\nSome preliminary polls show him out in front.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n  = leading\n16. If someone or something is in front of a particular thing, they are facing it, ahead of it, or close to the front part of it.\nShe sat down in front of her dressing-table mirror to look at herself...\nSomething darted out in front of my car, and my car hit it...\nA police car was parked in front of the house.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n(next)


Words: front .1
Meaning:
17. If you do or say something in front of someone else, you do or say it when they are present.\nThey never argued in front of their children...\nHe has been brought up not to swear in front of women.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n18. On the home front or on the domestic front means with regard to your own country rather than foreign countries. (JOURNALISM)\nIts present economic ills on the home front are largely the result of overspending...\nOn the domestic front, the president got his way with his budget proposals.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl


Words: front bench
Meaning:
front bench  front benches\n  In Britain, the front bench or people who sit on the front bench are members of Parliament who are ministers in the Government or who hold official positions in an opposition party.\nSome of the Government front bench still believe our relationship with the US is paramount...\n  N-COUNT-COLL


Words: front burner
Meaning:
front burn.er\n   front burner\n  If an issue is on the front burner, it receives a lot of attention because it is considered to be more urgent or important than other issues.\nIt helps to put an important issue back on the front burner...\n  N-SING: usu on the N\n  !=back burner


Words: front door
Meaning:
front door  front doors\n  The front door of a house or other building is the main door, which is usually in the wall that faces a street.\n  N-COUNT


Words: front line
Meaning:
front line  front lines   also front-line\n1. The front line is the place where two opposing armies are facing each other and where fighting is going on.\n...a massive concentration of soldiers on the front line.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N\n\n2. A front line state shares a border with a country that it is at war with or is in conflict with.\n...the front-line states bordering South Africa.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Someone who is in the front line has to play a very important part in defending or achieving something.\nInformation officers are in the front line of putting across government policies.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v


Words: front man
Meaning:
front man  front men\n  If you say that someone is a front man for a group or organization, you mean that their role is to represent and give a good impression of it to the public, especially when it is not very respectable or popular.\nTremaine is the company’s front man in Washington.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n  disapproval


Words: front-page
Meaning:
front-page\n  A front-page article or picture appears on the front page of a newspaper because it is very important or interesting.\n...a front-page article in last week’s paper.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: front-runner
Meaning:
front-runner  front-runners\n  In a competition or contest, the front-runner is the person who seems most likely to win it.\nNeither of the front-runners in the presidential election is a mainstream politician.\n  N-COUNT\n  = favourite


Words: frontage
Meaning:
front.age\n   frontage  frontages\n  A frontage of a building is a wall which faces a public place such as a street or a river.\nThe restaurant has a river frontage.\n  N-COUNT: also no det


Words: frontal
Meaning:
front.al\n   frontal\n1. Frontal means relating to or involving the front of something, for example the front of an army, a vehicle, or the brain. (FORMAL)\nMilitary leaders are not expecting a frontal assault by the rebels...\nHe pioneered the surgical technique called frontal lobotomy.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2.\n  see also full-frontal


Words: frontbencher
Meaning:
front.bencher\n   frontbencher  frontbenchers\n  In Britain, a frontbencher is a member of Parliament who is a minister in the Government or who holds an official position in an opposition party.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: frontier
Meaning:
fron.tier\n   frontier   frontiers\n1. A frontier is a border between two countries. (BRIT; in AM, usually use border)\nIt wasn’t difficult then to cross the frontier.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When you are talking about the western part of America before the twentieth century, you use frontier to refer to the area beyond the part settled by Europeans.\n...a far-flung outpost on the frontier.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. The frontiers of something, especially knowledge, are the limits to which it extends.\n...pushing back the frontiers of science.\n...technological frontiers.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu N of n, adj N


Words: frontispiece
Meaning:
fron.tis.piece\n   frontispiece  frontispieces\n  The frontispiece of a book is a picture at the beginning, opposite the page with the title on.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: frost
Meaning:
frost  frosts\n  When there is frost or a frost, the temperature outside falls below freezing point and the ground becomes covered in ice crystals.\nThere is frost on the ground and snow is forecast...\nThe wind had veered to north, bringing clear skies and a keen frost.\n  N-VAR


Words: frostbite
Meaning:
frost.bite\n   frostbite\n  Frostbite is a condition in which parts of your body, such as your fingers or toes, become seriously damaged as a result of being very cold.\nThe survivors suffered from frostbite.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: frostbitten
Meaning:
frost.bitten\n   frostbitten\n  If a person or a part of their body is frostbitten, they are suffering from frostbite.\n  ADJ


Words: frosted
Meaning:
frost.ed\n   frosted\n1. Frosted glass is glass that you cannot see through clearly.\nThe top half of the door to his office was of frosted glass.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Frosted means covered with frost.\n...the frosted trees.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Frosted means covered with something that looks like frost.\n...frosted blue eye shadow.\n  ADJ\n\n4. Frosted means covered with icing. (AM; in BRIT, usually use iced)\n...a plate of frosted cupcakes.\n  ADJ


Words: frosting
Meaning:
frost.ing\n   frosting\n  Frosting is a sweet substance made from powdered sugar that is used to cover and decorate cakes. (AM; in BRIT, usually use icing)\n...a huge pastry with green frosting on it.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: frosty
Meaning:
frosty  frostier  frostiest\n1. If the weather is frosty, the temperature is below freezing.\n...sharp, frosty nights.\n  ADJ\n\n2. You describe the ground or an object as frosty when it is covered with frost.\nThe street was deserted except for a cat lifting its paws off the frosty stones.\n  ADJ


Words: froth
Meaning:
froth  froths  frothing  frothed\n1. Froth is a mass of small bubbles on the surface of a liquid.\n...the froth of bubbles on the top of a glass of beer...\nThe froth is blown away.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = foam\n2. If a liquid froths, small bubbles appear on its surface.\nThe sea froths over my feet...\nAdd a little of the warmed milk and allow to froth a little.\n  VERB: V prep, V\n\n3. If you refer to an activity or object as froth, you disapprove of it because it appears exciting or attractive, but has very little real value or importance.\nNo substance at all, just froth...\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: frothy
Meaning:
frothy  frothier  frothiest\n  A frothy liquid has lots of bubbles on its surface.\n...frothy milk shakes.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: frown
Meaning:
frown  frowns  frowning  frowned\n  When someone frowns, their eyebrows become drawn together, because they are annoyed, worried, or puzzled, or because they are concentrating.\nNancy shook her head, frowning...\nHe frowned at her anxiously.\n...a frowning man.\n  VERB: V, V at n, V-ing\n\n  Frown is also a noun.\nThere was a deep frown on the boy’s face.\n  N-COUNT


Words: frown upon
Meaning:
frown upon   or frown on\n  If something is frowned upon or is frowned on people disapprove of it.\nThis practice is frowned upon as being wasteful...\nMany teachers frown on such practices.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V P n (not pron)


Words: frozen
Meaning:
fro.zen\n   frozen\n1. Frozen is the past participle of freeze.\n\n2. If the ground is frozen it has become very hard because the weather is very cold.\nIt was bitterly cold now and the ground was frozen hard.\n...the frozen bleakness of the Far North.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Frozen food has been preserved by being kept at a very low temperature.\n...frozen desserts like ice cream.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4. If you say that you are frozen, or a part of your body is frozen, you are emphasizing that you feel very cold.\nHe put one hand up to his frozen face...\n  ADJ  emphasis\n\n  Frozen stiff means the same as frozen.\nIt was cold and damp; he pulled up his collar and was aware of being frozen stiff.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: fructose
Meaning:
fruc.tose\n   fructose\n  Fructose is a sweet substance which occurs naturally in fruit and vegetables. It is sometimes used to make food sweeter.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: frugal
Meaning:
fru.gal\n   frugal\n1. People who are frugal or who live frugal lives do not eat much or spend much money on themselves.\nShe lives a frugal life.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  fru.gal.ity\nWe must practise the strictest frugality and economy.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  fru.gal.ly\nWe lived fairly frugally...\nHe frugally saved various bits of the machine in carefully marked boxes.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. A frugal meal is small and not expensive.\nThe diet was frugal: cheese and water, rice and beans.\n  ADJ


Words: fruit
Meaning:
fruit  fruit  or fruits  fruits  fruiting  fruited\n1. Fruit or a fruit is something which grows on a tree or bush and which contains seeds or a stone covered by a substance that you can eat.\nFresh fruit and vegetables provide fibre and vitamins.\n...bananas and other tropical fruits...\nTry to eat at least one piece of fruit a day.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If a plant fruits, it produces fruit.\nThe scientists will study the variety of trees and observe which are fruiting.\n  VERB: V\n\n3. The fruits or the fruit of someone’s work or activity are the good things that result from it.\nThe team have really worked hard and Mansell is enjoying the fruits of that labour...\nThe findings are the fruit of more than three years research.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N of n\n\n4.\n  see also dried fruit, forbidden fruit, kiwi fruit, passion fruit\n5. If the effort that you put into something or a particular way of doing something bears fruit, it is successful and produces good results.\nHe was naturally disappointed when the talks failed to bear fruit.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n6. The first fruits or the first fruit of a project or activity are its earliest results or profits.\nThis project is one of the first fruits of commercial co-operation between the two countries.\n  PHRASE: oft PHR of n


Words: fruit bowl
Meaning:
fruit bowl  fruit bowls\n  A fruit bowl is a large bowl in which fruit is kept and displayed.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fruit cocktail
Meaning:
fruit cock.tail\n   fruit cocktail  fruit cocktails\n  Fruit cocktail is a mixture of pieces of different kinds of fruit eaten as part of a meal.\n  N-VAR


Words: fruit fly
Meaning:
fruit fly  fruit flies\n  Fruit flies are very small flies which eat fruit and rotting plants.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fruit machine
Meaning:
fruit ma.chine\n   fruit machine  fruit machines\n  A fruit machine is a machine used for gambling. You put money into it and if a particular combination of symbols, especially fruit, appears, you win money. (BRIT; in AM, use slot machine)\n  N-COUNT


Words: fruit salad
Meaning:
fruit sal.ad\n   fruit salad  fruit salads\n  Fruit salad is a mixture of pieces of different kinds of fruit. It is usually eaten as a dessert.\n  N-VAR


Words: fruitcake
Meaning:
fruit.cake\n   fruitcake  fruitcakes   also fruit cake\n1. A fruitcake is a cake that contains raisins, currants, and other dried fruit.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you refer to someone as a fruitcake, you mean that they are mad or that their behaviour is very strange. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: fruitful
Meaning:
fruit.ful\n   fruitful\n1. Something that is fruitful produces good and useful results.\nWe had a long, happy, fruitful relationship...\nThe talks had been fruitful, but much remained to be done.\n  ADJ\n  = productive\n=>  fruit.ful.ly\n...taking their skills where they can be applied most fruitfully.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Fruitful land or trees produce a lot of crops.\n...a landscape that was fruitful and lush.\n  ADJ\n  = fertile


Words: fruition
Meaning:
frui.tion\n   fruition\n  If something comes to fruition, it starts to succeed and produce the results that were intended or hoped for. (FORMAL)\nThese plans take time to come to fruition...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu to N


Words: fruitless
Meaning:
fruit.less\n   fruitless\n  Fruitless actions, events, or efforts do not achieve anything at all.\nIt was a fruitless search...\nTalks have so far have been fruitless.\n  ADJ\n  = unproductive


Words: fruity
Meaning:
fruity  fruitier  fruitiest\n1. Something that is fruity smells or tastes of fruit.\nThis shampoo smells fruity and leaves the hair beautifully silky.\n...a lovely rich fruity wine.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A fruity voice or laugh is pleasantly rich and deep.\nJerrold laughed again, a solid, fruity laugh.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: frumpy
Meaning:
frumpy\n  If you describe a woman or her clothes as frumpy, you mean that her clothes are dull and not fashionable.\nI looked so frumpy next to these women.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = dowdy


Words: frustrate
Meaning:
frus.trate\n   frustrate  frustrates  frustrating  frustrated\n1. If something frustrates you, it upsets or angers you because you are unable to do anything about the problems it creates.\nThese questions frustrated me...\nDoesn’t it frustrate you that audiences in the theatre are so restricted?\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n=>  frus.trat.ed\nRoberta felt frustrated and angry.\n...voters who are frustrated with the council.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n=>  frus.tra.tion      frustrations\nThe results show the level of frustration among hospital doctors.\n...a man fed up with the frustrations of everyday life.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If someone or something frustrates a plan or attempt to do something, they prevent it from succeeding.\nThe government has deliberately frustrated his efforts to gain work permits for his foreign staff.\n...her frustrated attempt to become governor.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: frustrating
Meaning:
frus.trat.ing\n   frustrating\n  Something that is frustrating annoys you or makes you angry because you cannot do anything about the problems it causes.\nThe current situation is very frustrating for us...\n...It is a frustrating and difficult time for Pat.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  frus.trat.ing.ly\nPoverty and unemployment are frustratingly hard to tackle.\n  ADV


Words: fry
Meaning:
fry  fries  frying  fried\n1. When you fry food, you cook it in a pan that contains hot fat or oil.\nFry the breadcrumbs until golden brown.\n...fried rice.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n2. Fry are very small, young fish.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. Fries are the same as French fries.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n4.\n  see also small fry


Words: fry-up
Meaning:
fry-up  fry-ups\n  A fry-up is a meal consisting of a mixture of foods such as sausages, bacon, and eggs that have been fried. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: fryer
Meaning:
fry.er\n   fryer  fryers\n  A fryer is a type of deep pan which you can use to fry food in hot oil.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N


Words: frying pan
Meaning:
fry.ing pan\n   frying pan  frying pans\n  A frying pan is a flat metal pan with a long handle, in which you fry food.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ft
Meaning:
ft\n  ft is a written abbreviation for feet or foot.\nFlying at 1,000 ft, he heard a peculiar noise from the rotors.\n...an area of 2,750 sq ft.


Words: fuchsia
Meaning:
fuch.sia\n   fuchsia  fuchsias\n  A fuchsia is a plant or a small bush which has pink, purple, or white flowers. The flowers hang downwards, with their outer petals curved backwards.\n  N-VAR


Words: fuck
Meaning:
fuck  fucks  fucking  fucked\n\n  Fuck is a rude and offensive word which you should avoid using.\n\n1. Fuck is used to express anger or annoyance. ( VERY RUDE)\n  EXCLAM  feelings\n\n2. To fuck someone means to have sex with them. ( VERY RUDE)\n  V-RECIP\n\n  Fuck is also a noun.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Fuck all is used to mean `nothing at all’. ( VERY RUDE)\n  PHRASE  emphasis


Words: fuck off
Meaning:
fuck off\n  Telling someone to fuck off is an insulting way of telling them to go away. ( VERY RUDE)\n  PHRASAL VERB: usu imper, V P


Words: fuck up
Meaning:
fuck up\n  If you fuck something up, you make a mistake or do something badly. ( VERY RUDE)\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: fucker
Meaning:
fuck.er\n   fucker  fuckers\n  If someone calls a person a fucker, they are insulting them. ( VERY RUDE)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: fucking
Meaning:
fuck.ing\n   fucking\n  Fucking is used by some people to emphasize a word or phrase, especially when they are feeling angry or annoyed. ( VERY RUDE)\n  ADJ: ADJ n; ADV: ADV adj  emphasis


Words: fuddled
Meaning:
fud.dled\n   fuddled\n  Someone who is fuddled cannot think clearly, for example because they are very tired or slightly drunk.\nFuddled by brandy, her brain fumbled over the events of the night.\n  ADJ


Words: fuddy-duddy
Meaning:
fuddy-duddy  fuddy-duddies\n  If you describe someone as a fuddy-duddy, you are criticizing or making fun of them because they are old-fashioned in their appearance or attitudes. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe didn’t want all those old fuddy-duddies around.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: fudge
Meaning:
fudge  fudges  fudging  fudged\n1. Fudge is a soft brown sweet that is made from butter, cream, and sugar.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you fudge something, you avoid making a clear and definite decision, distinction, or statement about it.\nBoth have fudged their calculations and avoided specifics.\n  VERB: V n


Words: fuel
Meaning:
fuel  fuels  fuelling  fuelled\nin AM, use fueling, fueled\n1. Fuel is a substance such as coal, oil, or petrol that is burned to provide heat or power.\nThey ran out of fuel.\n...industrial research into cleaner fuels.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. To fuel a situation means to make it become worse or more intense.\nThe result will inevitably fuel speculation about the Prime Minister’s future...\nThe economic boom was fueled by easy credit.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed\n  = feed\n3. If something adds fuel to a conflict or debate, or adds fuel to the fire, it makes the conflict or debate more intense.\nHis comments are bound to add fuel to the debate...\nThe decision to raise tariffs on imports will only add fuel to the fire.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: fuel injection
Meaning:
fuel in.jec.tion\n   fuel injection\n  Fuel injection is a system in the engines of some vehicles which forces fuel directly into the part of the engine where it is burned.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: fuel rod
Meaning:
fuel rod  fuel rods\n  Fuel rods are metal tubes containing nuclear fuel. They are used in some nuclear reactors.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fuelled
Meaning:
fuelled\nin AM, use fueled\n  A machine or vehicle that is fuelled by a particular substance works by burning that substance.\nIt is less polluting than power stations fuelled by oil, coal and gas.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ by n


Words: fug
Meaning:
fug\n  People refer to the atmosphere somewhere as a fug when it is smoky and smelly and there is no fresh air. (mainly BRIT)\n...the fug of cigarette smoke.\n  N-SING: oft N of n


Words: fugitive
Meaning:
fu.gi.tive\n   fugitive  fugitives\n  A fugitive is someone who is running away or hiding, usually in order to avoid being caught by the police.\n...the fugitive train robber.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fugue
Meaning:
fugue  fugues\n  A fugue is a piece of music that begins with a simple tune which is then repeated by other voices or instrumental parts with small variations. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: fulcrum
Meaning:
ful.crum\n   fulcrum\n  If you say that someone or something is the fulcrum of an activity or situation, you mean that they have a very important effect on what happens. (FORMAL)\nThe decision is the strategic fulcrum of the Budget.\n  N-SING: oft N of n\n  = pivot


Words: fulfil
Meaning:
ful.fil\n   fulfil  fulfils  fulfilling  fulfilled\nin AM and sometimes in BRIT, use fulfill, fulfills\n1. If you fulfil something such as a promise, dream, or hope, you do what you said or hoped you would do.\nPresident Kaunda fulfilled his promise of announcing a date for the referendum.\n  VERB: V n\n  = carry out\n2. To fulfil a task, role, or requirement means to do or be what is required, necessary, or expected.\nWithout them you will not be able to fulfil the tasks you have before you...\nAll the necessary conditions were fulfilled.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n3. If something fulfils you, or if you fulfil yourself, you feel happy and satisfied with what you are doing or with what you have achieved.\nThe war was the biggest thing in her life and nothing after that quite fulfilled her...\nThey don’t like the idea that women can fulfil themselves without the assistance of a man.\n  VERB: V n, V pron-refl\n  = satisfy\n=>  ful.filled\nI feel more fulfilled doing this than I’ve ever done.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  ful.fil.ling\n...a fulfilling career...\nI found it all very fulfilling.\n  ADJ


Words: fulfilment
Meaning:
ful.fil.ment\n   fulfilment\nin AM and sometimes in BRIT, use fulfillment\n1. Fulfilment is a feeling of satisfaction that you get from doing or achieving something, especially something useful.\n...professional fulfilment.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = satisfaction\n2. The fulfilment of a promise, threat, request, hope, or duty is the event or act of it happening or being made to happen.\nVisiting Angkor was the fulfilment of a childhood dream.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n  = realization


Words: full
Meaning:
full  fuller  fullest\n1. If something is full, it contains as much of a substance or as many objects as it can.\nOnce the container is full, it stays shut until you turn it clockwise.\n...a full tank of petrol.\n  ADJ\n  !=empty\n2. If a place or thing is full of things or people, it contains a large number of them.\nThe case was full of clothes...\nThe streets are still full of debris from two nights of rioting.\n...a useful recipe leaflet full of ideas for using the new cream.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of n\n  = filled\n3. If someone or something is full of a particular feeling or quality, they have a lot of it.\nI feel full of confidence and so open to possibilities...\nMom’s face was full of pain.\n...an exquisite mousse, incredibly rich and full of flavour.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of n\n\n4. You say that a place or vehicle is full when there is no space left in it for any more people or things.\nThe main car park was full when I left about 10.45...\nThey stay here a few hours before being sent to refugee camps, which are now almost full...\nThe bus was completely full, and lots of people were standing.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n5. If your hands or arms are full, you are carrying or holding as much as you can carry.\nSylvia entered, her arms full of packages...\nPeople would go into the store and come out with their arms full.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n6. If you feel full, you have eaten or drunk so much that you do not want anything else.\nIt’s healthy to eat when I’m hungry and to stop when I’m full.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n=>  full.ness\nHigh fibre diets give the feeling of fullness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n7. You use full before a noun to indicate that you are referring to all the details, things, or people that it can possibly include.\nFull details will be sent to you once your application has been accepted...\nMay I have your full name?...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = complete\n8. Full is used to describe a sound, light, or physical force which is being produced with the greatest possible power or intensity.\nFrom his study came the sound of Mahler, playing at full volume...\nThen abruptly he revved the engine to full power.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Full is also an adverb.\n...a two-seater Lotus, parked with its headlamps full on.\n  ADV: ADV adv\n\n9. You use full to emphasize the completeness, intensity, or extent of something.\nWe should conserve oil and gas by making full use of other energy sources...\nTelevision cameras are carrying the full horror of this war into homes around the world...\nThe lane leading to the farm was in full view of the house windows...\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n\n10. A full statement or report contains a lot of information and detail.\nMr Primakov gave a full account of his meeting with the President.\n...the enormous detail in this very full document.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n11. If you say that someone has or leads a full life, you approve of the fact that they are always busy and do a lot of different things.\nYou will be successful in whatever you do and you will have a very full and interesting life.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval\n\n12. You use full to emphasize the force or directness with which someone or something is hit or looked at.\nShe kissed him full on the mouth...\n  ADV: ADV prep  emphasis\n\n13. You use full to refer to something which gives you all the rights, status, or importance for a particular position or activity, rather than just some of them.\nHow did the meeting go, did you get your full membership?...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n14. A full flavour is strong and rich.\nItalian plum tomatoes have a full flavour, and are best for cooking.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n15. If you describe a part of someone’s body as full, you mean that it is rounded and rather large.\nThe Juno Collection specialises in large sizes for ladies with a fuller figure.\n...his strong chin, his full lips, his appealing mustache.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n16. A full skirt or sleeve is wide and has been made from a lot of fabric.\nMy wedding dress has a very full skirt.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  full.ness\n(next)


Words: full .1
Meaning:
The coat has raglan sleeves, and is cut to give fullness at the back.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n17. When there is a full moon, the moon appears as a bright, complete circle.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n18. You say that something has been done or described in full when everything that was necessary has been done or described.\nThe medical experts have yet to report in full...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n  = fully\n19. If you say that a person knows full well that something is true, especially something unpleasant, you are emphasizing that they are definitely aware of it, although they may behave as if they are not.\nHe knew full well he’d be ashamed of himself later.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis\n\n20. Something that is done or experienced to the full is done to as great an extent as is possible.\nShe probably has a good mind, which should be used to the full...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n21.\nto be full of beans: see bean\nfull blast: see blast\nto come full circle: see circle\nto have your hands full: see hand\nin full swing: see swing


Words: full board
Meaning:
full board   also full-board\n  If the price at a hotel includes full board, it includes all your meals. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: full dress
Meaning:
full dress\n  Someone who is in full dress is wearing all the clothes needed for a ceremony or formal occasion.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: full house
Meaning:
full house  full houses\n  If a theatre has a full house for a particular performance, it has as large an audience as it can hold.\n...playing to a full house.\n  N-COUNT


Words: full marks
Meaning:
full marks\n  If you get full marks in a test or exam, you get everything right and gain the maximum number of marks. (BRIT; in AM, use a perfect score)\nMost people in fact got full marks in one question and zero in the other.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: full monty
Meaning:
full monty\n  You use the full monty to describe something that impresses you because it includes everything that you could possibly expect it to include. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nThere was everything from simple piano to a full orchestral finish. The full monty.\n  N-SING: the N  approval


Words: full stop
Meaning:
full stop  full stops\n  A full stop is the punctuation mark . which you use at the end of a sentence when it is not a question or exclamation. (BRIT; in AM, use period)\n  N-COUNT


Words: full up
Meaning:
full up   also full-up\n1. Something that is full up has no space left for any more people or things.\nThe prisons are all full up.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n2. If you are full up you have eaten or drunk so much that you do not want to eat or drink anything else. (INFORMAL)\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: full-back
Meaning:
full-back  full-backs   also fullback\n  In rugby or football, a full-back is a defending player whose position is towards the goal which their team is defending.\n  N-COUNT


Words: full-blooded
Meaning:
full-blooded\n  Full-blooded behaviour and actions are carried out with great commitment and enthusiasm.\nExperts are agreed that full-blooded market reform is the only way to save the economy.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=half-hearted


Words: full-blown
Meaning:
full-blown\n  Full-blown means having all the characteristics of a particular type of thing or person.\nBefore becoming a full-blown director, he worked as the film editor on Citizen Kane.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: full-flavoured
Meaning:
full-flavoured\nin AM, use full-flavored\n  Full-flavoured food or wine has a pleasant fairly strong taste.\n  ADJ


Words: full-frontal
Meaning:
full-frontal   also full frontal\n1. If there is full-frontal nudity in a photograph or film, you can see the whole of the front part of someone’s naked body, including the genitals.\nWhy is full-frontal male nudity still so scarce in films?\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you use full-frontal to describe someone’s criticism or way of dealing with something, you are emphasizing that it is very strong and direct.\nThe Tories believe a full-frontal attack on the opposition leader is their best hope...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  emphasis


Words: full-grown
Meaning:
full-grown\n  An animal or plant that is full-grown has reached its full adult size and stopped growing.\n...a full-grown male orang-utan.\n  ADJ


Words: full-length
Meaning:
full-length\n1. A full-length book, record, or film is the normal length, rather than being shorter than normal.\n...his first full-length recording in well over a decade.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A full-length coat or skirt is long enough to reach the lower part of a person’s leg, almost to the ankles. A full-length sleeve reaches a person’s wrist.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Full-length curtains or other furnishings reach to the floor.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. A full-length mirror or painting shows the whole of a person.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n5. Someone who is lying full-length, is lying down flat and stretched out.\nShe stretched herself out full-length.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: full-on
Meaning:
full-on\n  Full-on is used to describe things or activities that have all the characteristics of their type, or are done in the strongest or most extreme way possible. (INFORMAL)\nWhat they were really good at was full-on rock’n’roll...\n  ADJ


Words: full-page
Meaning:
full-page\n  A full-page advertisement, picture, or article in a newspaper or magazine uses a whole page.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: full-scale
Meaning:
full-scale\n1. Full-scale means as complete, intense, or great in extent as possible.\n...the possibility of a full-scale nuclear war.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=limited\n2. A full-scale drawing or model is the same size as the thing that it represents.\n...working, full-scale prototypes.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: full-size
Meaning:
full-size   or full-sized\n  A full-size or full-sized model or picture is the same size as the thing or person that it represents.\nI made a full-size cardboard model.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: full-throated
Meaning:
full-throated\n  A full-throated sound coming from someone’s mouth, such as a shout or a laugh, is very loud.\n...full-throated singing.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: full-time
Meaning:
full-time   also full time\n1. Full-time work or study involves working or studying for the whole of each normal working week rather than for part of it.\n...a full-time job.\n...full-time staff.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=part-time\n  Full-time is also an adverb.\nDeirdre works full-time.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. In games such as football, full-time is the end of a match. (BRIT)\nThe score at full-time was Arsenal 1, Sampdoria 1.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: full-timer
Meaning:
full-timer  full-timers\n  A full-timer is someone who works full-time.\nThe company employs six full-timers and one part-time worker.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fullness
Meaning:
full.ness\n   fullness\n1.\nsee full\n2. If you say that something will happen in the fullness of time, you mean that it will eventually happen after a long time or after a long series of events. (WRITTEN)\n...a mystery that will be revealed in the fullness of time.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR after v


Words: fully
Meaning:
ful.ly\n   fully\n1. Fully means to the greatest degree or extent possible.\nShe was fully aware of my thoughts...\nI don’t fully agree with that.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v\n  = completely\n2. You use fully to say that a process is completely finished.\nHe had still not fully recovered.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. If you describe, answer, or deal with something fully, you leave out nothing that should be mentioned or dealt with.\nMajor elements of these debates are discussed more fully later in this book.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4. Fully is used to emphasize how great an amount is. (WRITTEN)\nFully 30% of the poor could not even afford access to illegal shanties.\n  ADV: ADV amount  emphasis


Words: fully fledged
Meaning:
ful.ly fledged\n   fully fledged   also fully-fledged\n  Fully fledged means complete or fully developed.\nHungary is to have a fully-fledged Stock Exchange from today.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: fulminate
Meaning:
ful.mi.nate\n   fulminate  fulminates  fulminating  fulminated\n  If you fulminate against someone or something, you criticize them angrily. (FORMAL)\nThey all fulminated against the new curriculum.\n  VERB: V against/about n


Words: fulsome
Meaning:
ful.some\n   fulsome\n  If you describe expressions of praise, apology, or gratitude as fulsome, you disapprove of them because they are exaggerated and elaborate, so that they sound insincere.\nNewspapers have been fulsome in their praise of the former president.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = extravagant


Words: fumble
Meaning:
fum.ble\n   fumble  fumbles  fumbling  fumbled\n1. If you fumble for something or fumble with something, you try and reach for it or hold it in a clumsy way.\nShe crept from the bed and fumbled for her dressing gown...\n  VERB: V for/with/in n\n\n2. When you are trying to say something, if you fumble for the right words, you speak in a clumsy and unclear way.\nI fumbled for something to say...\nHe fumbled his lines, not knowing what he was going to say.\n  VERB: V for n, V n, also V


Words: fume
Meaning:
fume  fumes  fuming  fumed\n1. Fumes are the unpleasant and often unhealthy smoke and gases that are produced by fires or by things such as chemicals, fuel, or cooking.\n...car exhaust fumes...\n  N-PLURAL\n\n2. If you fume over something, you express annoyance and anger about it.\nHe was still fuming over the remark...\n`It’s monstrous!’ Jackie fumed...\n  VERB: V over/at/about n, V with quote


Words: fumigate
Meaning:
fu.mi.gate\n   fumigate  fumigates  fumigating  fumigated\n  If you fumigate something, you get rid of germs or insects from it using special chemicals.\n...fruit which has been treated with insecticide and fumigated.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  fu.mi.ga.tion\nMethods of control involved poisoning and fumigation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: fun
Meaning:
fun\n1. You refer to an activity or situation as fun if you think it is pleasant and enjoyable and it causes you to feel happy.\nIt was such a success and we had so much fun doing it...\nIt could be fun to watch them...\nYou still have time to join in the fun.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone is fun, you mean that you enjoy being with them because they say and do interesting or amusing things.\nLiz was wonderful fun to be with.\n  N-UNCOUNT  approval\n\n3. If you describe something as a fun thing, you mean that you think it is enjoyable. If you describe someone as a fun person, you mean that you enjoy being with them. (INFORMAL)\nIt was a fun evening...\nWhat a fun person he is!\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = entertaining\n4. Someone who is a figure of fun is considered ridiculous, so that people laugh at them or make jokes about them.\n  PHRASE: figure inflects, v-link PHR\n\n5. If you do something for fun or for the fun of it, you do it in order to enjoy yourself rather than because it is important or necessary.\nI took my M. A. just for fun really...\nHe had just come for the fun of it.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n6. If you do something in fun, you do it as a joke or for amusement, without intending to cause any harm.\nDon’t say such things, even in fun.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n7. If you make fun of someone or something or poke fun at them, you laugh at them, tease them, or make jokes about them in a way that causes them to seem ridiculous.\nDon’t make fun of me...\nShe poked fun at people’s shortcomings.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n


Words: fun run
Meaning:
fun run  fun runs\n  A fun run is a long distance race which anyone can take part in. Fun runs are often held to raise money for charity. (BRIT, AUSTRALIAN)\n  N-COUNT


Words: function
Meaning:
func.tion\n   function  functions  functioning  functioned\n1. The function of something or someone is the useful thing that they do or are intended to do.\nThe main function of the merchant banks is to raise capital for industry.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n  = purpose, role\n2. If a machine or system is functioning, it is working or operating.\nThe authorities say the prison is now functioning normally...\n  VERB: V\n\n3. If someone or something functions as a particular thing, they do the work or fulfil the purpose of that thing.\nOn weekdays, one third of the room functions as workspace.\n  VERB: V as n\n\n4. A function is a series of operations that a computer performs, for example when a single key or a combination of keys is pressed.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If you say that one thing is a function of another, you mean that its amount or nature depends on the other thing. (FORMAL)\nInvestment is a function of the interest rate.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, N of n\n\n6. A function is a large formal dinner or party.\n  N-COUNT


Words: function key
Meaning:
func.tion key\n   function key function keys\n  Function keys are the keys along the top of a computer keyboard, usually numbered from F1 to F12. Each key is designed to make a particular thing happen when you press it. (COMPUTING)\nJust hit the F5 function key to send and receive your e-mails.\n  N-COUNT


Words: functional
Meaning:
func.tion.al\n   functional\n1. Functional things are useful rather than decorative.\n...modern, functional furniture...\nThe decor is functional.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Functional means relating to the way in which something works or operates, or relating to how useful it is.\n...rules defining the territorial boundaries and functional limits of the local state.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Functional equipment works or operates in the way that it is supposed to.\nWe have fully functional smoke alarms on all staircases.\n  ADJ\n  = operational


Words: functionalism
Meaning:
func.tion.al.ism\n   functionalism\n  Functionalism is the idea that the most important aspect of something, especially the design of a building or piece of furniture, is how it is going to be used or its usefulness. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: functionality
Meaning:
func.tion.al.ity\n   functionality\n  The functionality of a computer or other machine is how useful it is or how many functions it can perform.\nIt is significantly more compact than any comparable laptop, with no loss in functionality.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: functionary
Meaning:
func.tion.ary\n   functionary  functionaries\n  A functionary is a person whose job is to do administrative work, especially for a government or a political party. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: fund
Meaning:
fund  funds  funding  funded\n1. Funds are amounts of money that are available to be spent, especially money that is given to an organization or person for a particular purpose.\nThe concert will raise funds for research into Aids.\n...government funds.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n  see also fund-raising\n2. A fund is an amount of money that is collected or saved for a particular purpose.\n...a scholarship fund for undergraduate engineering students.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n  see also trust fund\n3. When a person or organization funds something, they provide money for it.\nThe airport is being privately funded by a construction group.\n...a new privately funded scheme.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  = finance\n=>  -funded\n...government-funded institutions.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n4. If you have a fund of something, you have a lot of it.\nHe is possessed of an extraordinary fund of energy.\n  N-COUNT: N of n


Words: fund-raising
Meaning:
fund-raising   also fundraising\n  Fund-raising is the activity of collecting money to support a charity or political campaign or organization.\nEncourage her to get involved in fund-raising for charity.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: fundamental
Meaning:
fun.da.men.tal\n   fundamental\n1. You use fundamental to describe things, activities, and principles that are very important or essential. They affect the basic nature of other things or are the most important element upon which other things depend.\nOur constitution embodies all the fundamental principles of democracy...\nA fundamental human right is being withheld from these people...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = basic\n2. You use fundamental to describe something which exists at a deep and basic level, and is therefore likely to continue.\nBut on this question, the two leaders have very fundamental differences...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = profound\n3. If one thing is fundamental to another, it is absolutely necessary to it, and the second thing cannot exist, succeed, or be imagined without it.\nThe method they pioneered remains fundamental to research into the behaviour of nerve cells.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n\n  = vital\n4. You can use fundamental to show that you are referring to what you consider to be the most important aspect of a situation, and that you are not concerned with less important details.\nThe fundamental problem lies in their inability to distinguish between reality and invention...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = basic


Words: fundamentalism
Meaning:
fun.da.men.tal.ism\n   fundamentalism\n  Fundamentalism is the belief in the original form of a religion or theory, without accepting any later ideas.\nReligious fundamentalism was spreading in the region.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  fun.da.men.tal.ist      fundamentalists\nHe will try to satisfy both wings of the party, the fundamentalists and the realists.\n...fundamentalist Christians.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: fundamentally
Meaning:
fun.da.men.tal.ly\n   fundamentally\n1. You use fundamentally for emphasis when you are stating an opinion, or when you are making an important or general statement about something.\nFundamentally, women like him for his sensitivity and charming vulnerability...\nHe can be very charming, but he is fundamentally a bully...\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group  emphasis\n  = basically\n2. You use fundamentally to indicate that something affects or relates to the deep, basic nature of something.\nHe disagreed fundamentally with the President’s judgment...\nEnvironmentalists say the treaty is fundamentally flawed.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = profoundly


Words: fundamentals
Meaning:
fun.da.men.tals\n   fundamentals\n  The fundamentals of something are its simplest, most important elements, ideas, or principles, in contrast to more complicated or detailed ones.\n...teaching small children the fundamentals of road safety...\nThey agree on fundamentals, like the need for further political reform.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N, oft N of n\n  = basics


Words: funding
Meaning:
fund.ing\n   funding\n  Funding is money which a government or organization provides for a particular purpose.\nThey hope for government funding for the scheme...\nMany colleges have seen their funding cut.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: fundraiser
Meaning:
fund.rais.er\n   fundraiser  fundraisers   also fund-raiser\n1. A fundraiser is an event which is intended to raise money for a particular purpose, for example, for a charity.\nOrganize a fundraiser for your church.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A fundraiser is someone who works to raise money for a particular purpose, for example, for a charity.\nSir Anthony was a keen fundraiser for the Liberal Democrats.\n  N-COUNT


Words: funeral
Meaning:
fu.ner.al\n   funeral  funerals\n  A funeral is the ceremony that is held when the body of someone who has died is buried or cremated.\nHis funeral will be on Thursday at Blackburn Cathedral...\nHe was given a state funeral.\n  N-COUNT


Words: funeral director
Meaning:
fu.ner.al di.rec.tor\n   funeral director  funeral directors\n  A funeral director is a person whose job is to arrange funerals.\n  N-COUNT


Words: funeral home
Meaning:
fu.ner.al home\n   funeral home  funeral homes\n  A funeral home is a place where a funeral director works and where dead people are prepared for burial or cremation.\n  N-COUNT


Words: funeral parlour
Meaning:
fu.ner.al par.lour\n   funeral parlour  funeral parlours\n  A funeral parlour is a place where a funeral director works and where dead people are prepared for burial or cremation. (BRIT; in AM, use funeral home)\n  N-COUNT


Words: funerary
Meaning:
fu.ner.ary\n   funerary\n  Funerary means relating to funerals, burials, or cremations. (FORMAL)\n...funerary monuments.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: funereal
Meaning:
fu.nereal\n   funereal\n  A funereal tone, atmosphere, or colour is very sad and serious and would be suitable for a funeral.\nHe addressed the group in funereal tones.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = solemn


Words: funfair
Meaning:
fun.fair\n   funfair  funfairs\n  A funfair is an event held in a park or field at which people pay to ride on various machines for amusement or try to win prizes in games. The people who organize and operate it usually take it from one place to another. (BRIT; in AM, use carnival)\n  N-COUNT\n  = fair


Words: fungal
Meaning:
fun.gal\n   fungal\n  Fungal means caused by, consisting of, or relating to fungus.\nAthlete’s foot is a fungal infection.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: fungicide
Meaning:
fun.gi.cide\n   fungicide   fungicides\n  A fungicide is a chemical that can be used to kill fungus or to prevent it from growing.\n  N-MASS


Words: fungus
Meaning:
fun.gus\n   fungus  fungi\n  A fungus is a plant that has no flowers, leaves, or green colouring, such as a mushroom or a toadstool. Other types of fungus such as mould are extremely small and look like a fine powder.\n  N-MASS


Words: funicular
Meaning:
fu.nicu.lar\n   funicular\n  A funicular or a funicular railway is a type of railway which goes up a very steep hill or mountain. A machine at the top of the slope pulls the carriage up the rails by a steel rope.\n  N-SING


Words: funk
Meaning:
funk\n  Funk is a style of dance music based on jazz and blues, with a strong, repeated bass part.\n...a mixture of experimental jazz, soul and funk.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: funky
Meaning:
funky  funkier  funkiest\n1. Funky jazz, blues, or pop music has a very strong, repeated bass part.\nIt’s a funky sort of rhythm.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe something or someone as funky, you like them because they are unconventional or unusual. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nIt had a certain funky charm, I guess, but it wasn’t much of a place to raise a kid.\n  ADJ  approval


Words: funnel
Meaning:
fun.nel\n   funnel  funnels  funnelling  funnelled\nin AM, use funneling, funneled\n1. A funnel is an object with a wide, circular top and a narrow short tube at the bottom. Funnels are used to pour liquids into containers which have a small opening, for example bottles.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A funnel is a metal chimney on a ship or railway engine powered by steam.\n...a merchantman with three masts and two funnels.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. You can describe as a funnel something that is narrow, or narrow at one end, through which a substance flows and is directed.\nThese fires create convection funnels, and throw a lot of particles into the upper atmosphere.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If something funnels somewhere or is funnelled there, it is directed through a narrow space.\nThe winds came from the north, across the plains, funnelling down the valley...\nHigh tides in the North Sea were funnelled down into the English Channel by a storm.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, be V-ed adv/prep, also V n adv/prep\n\n5. If you funnel money, goods, or information from one place or group to another, you cause it to be sent there as it becomes available.\nIts Global Programme on AIDS funnelled money from donors to governments...\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n  = channel


Words: funnily
Meaning:
fun.ni.ly\n   funnily\n  You use funnily enough to indicate that, although something is surprising, it is true or really happened.\nFunnily enough I can remember what I had for lunch on July 5th, 1906, but I’ve forgotten what I had for breakfast today.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n  = oddly


Words: funny
Meaning:
fun.ny\n   funny  funnier  funniest  funnies\n1. Someone or something that is funny is amusing and likely to make you smile or laugh.\nWade was smart and not bad-looking, and he could be funny when he wanted to...\nI’ll tell you a funny story.\n  ADJ\n  = amusing, comical\n2. If you describe something as funny, you think it is strange, surprising, or puzzling.\nChildren get some very funny ideas sometimes!...\nThere’s something funny about him...\nIt’s funny how love can come and go.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ how/that\n  = odd, curious\n3. If you feel funny, you feel slightly ill. (INFORMAL)\nMy head had begun to ache and my stomach felt funny.\n  ADJ: usu feel ADJ\n\n4. The funnies are humorous drawings or a series of humorous drawings in a newspaper or magazine. (AM INFORMAL)\n  N-PLURAL: the N


Words: funny bone
Meaning:
fun.ny bone\n   funny bone  funny bones\n  Your funny bone is the soft part of your elbow which gives you an uncomfortable feeling on your skin if it is hit. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: funnyman
Meaning:
funny.man\n   funnyman  funnymen\n  A funnyman is a male comedian. (JOURNALISM)\n...Hollywood funnyman Billy Crystal.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: fur
Meaning:
fur  furs\n1. Fur is the thick and usually soft hair that grows on the bodies of many mammals.\nThis creature’s fur is short, dense and silky.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. Fur is the fur-covered skin of an animal that is used to make clothing or small carpets.\nShe had on a black coat with a fur collar...\n...the trading of furs from Canada.\n  N-VAR: oft N n\n\n3. A fur is a coat made from real or artificial fur, or a piece of fur worn round your neck.\nThere were women in furs and men in comfortable overcoats.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. Fur is an artificial fabric that looks like fur and is used, for example, to make clothing, soft toys, and seat covers.\n  N-MASS


Words: furious
Meaning:
fu.ri.ous\n   furious\n1. Someone who is furious is extremely angry.\nHe is furious at the way his wife has been treated...\nI am furious that it has taken so long to uncover what really happened.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ at/with n, ADJ that\n\n=>  fu.ri.ous.ly\nHe stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door furiously behind him.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n2. Furious is also used to describe something that is done with great energy, effort, speed, or violence.\nA furious gunbattle ensued.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  fu.ri.ous.ly\nOfficials worked furiously to repair the centre court.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: furl
Meaning:
furl  furls  furling  furled\n  When you furl something made of fabric such as an umbrella, sail, or flag, you roll or fold it up because it is not going to be used.\nAn attempt was made to furl the headsail.\n...a furled umbrella.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: furlong
Meaning:
fur.long\n   furlong  furlongs\n  A furlong is a unit of length that is equal to 220 yards or 201.2 metres.\n  N-COUNT: usu num N


Words: furlough
Meaning:
fur.lough\n   furlough  furloughs  furloughing  furloughed\n1. If workers are given furlough, they are told to stay away from work for a certain period because there is not enough for them to do. (AM)\nThis could mean a massive furlough of government workers.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If people who work for a particular organization are furloughed, they are given a furlough. (AM)\nWe regret to inform you that you are being furloughed indefinitely...\nThe factories have begun furloughing hundreds of workers.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n  = lay off\n3. When soldiers are given furlough, they are given official permission to leave the area where they are based or are fighting, for a certain period. (AM; in BRIT, use leave)\nI was at home on furlough.\n  N-VAR


Words: furnace
Meaning:
fur.nace\n   furnace  furnaces\n  A furnace is a container or enclosed space in which a very hot fire is made, for example to melt metal, burn rubbish, or produce steam.\n  N-COUNT


Words: furnish
Meaning:
fur.nish\n   furnish  furnishes  furnishing  furnished\n1. If you furnish a room or building, you put furniture and furnishings into it.\nMany proprietors try to furnish their hotels with antiques.\n  VERB: V n with n, also V n\n\n2. If you furnish someone with something, you provide or supply it. (FORMAL)\nThey’ll be able to furnish you with the rest of the details.\n  VERB: V n with n


Words: furnished
Meaning:
fur.nished\n   furnished\n1. A furnished room or house is available to be rented together with the furniture in it.\n  ADJ\n\n2. When you say that a room or house is furnished in a particular way, you are describing the kind or amount of furniture that it has in it.\nWe took tea by lamplight in his sparsely furnished house...\n  ADJ: adv ADJ


Words: furnishings
Meaning:
fur.nish.ings\n   furnishings\n  The furnishings of a room or house are the furniture, curtains, carpets, and decorations such as pictures.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: furniture
Meaning:
fur.ni.ture\n   furniture\n  Furniture consists of large objects such as tables, chairs, or beds that are used in a room for sitting or lying on or for putting things on or in.\nEach piece of furniture in their home suited the style of the house.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: furore
Meaning:
fu.ro.re\n   furore\nin AM, use furor\n  A furore is a very angry or excited reaction by people to something.\nThe disclosure has already caused a furore among MPs.\n  N-SING: usu with supp, oft adj N, N over n\n  = uproar


Words: furrier
Meaning:
fur.ri.er\n   furrier  furriers\n  A furrier is a person who makes or sells clothes made from fur.\n  N-COUNT


Words: furrow
Meaning:
fur.row\n   furrow  furrows  furrowing  furrowed\n1. A furrow is a long, thin line in the earth which a farmer makes in order to plant seeds or to allow water to flow along.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A furrow is a deep, fairly wide line in the surface of something.\nDirt bike trails crisscrossed the grassy furrows.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A furrow is a deep fold or line in the skin of someone’s face.\n...the deep furrows that marked the corners of his mouth.\n  N-COUNT\n  = wrinkle\n4. If someone furrows their brow or forehead or if it furrows, deep folds appear in it because the person is annoyed, unhappy, or confused. (WRITTEN)\nMy bank manager furrowed his brow, fingered his calculator and finally pronounced `Aha!’...\nMidge’s forehead furrowed as she saw that several were drinking...\nFatigue and stress quickly result in a dull complexion and a furrowed brow.\n  VERB: V n, V, V-ed\n  = crease\n5. If you say that someone ploughs a particular furrow or ploughs their own furrow, you mean that their activities or interests are different or isolated from those of other people. (BRIT)\nThe government is more than adept at ploughing its own diplomatic furrow.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: furry
Meaning:
fur.ry\n   furry\n1. A furry animal is covered with thick, soft hair.\n...the coyote’s furry tail.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe something as furry, you mean that it has a soft rough texture like fur.\n...his herringbone tweed coat with its furry lining.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: further
Meaning:
fur.ther\n   further  furthers  furthering  furthered\nFurther is a comparative form of far. It is also a verb.\n1. Further means to a greater extent or degree.\nInflation is below 5% and set to fall further...\nThe rebellion is expected to further damage the country’s image...\nThe government’s economic policies have further depressed living standards.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you go or get further with something, or take something further, you make some progress.\nThey lacked the scientific personnel to develop the technical apparatus much further.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. If someone goes further in a discussion, they make a more extreme statement or deal with a point more thoroughly.\nOn February 7th the Post went further, claiming that Mr Wood had grabbed and kissed another 13 women...\nTo have a better comparison, we need to go further and address such issues as repairs and insurance.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n4. A further thing, number of things, or amount of something is an additional thing, number of things, or amount.\nHis speech provides further evidence of his increasingly authoritarian approach...\nThere was nothing further to be done for this man.\n  ADJ: ADJ n, pron-indef ADJ\n  = more\n5. Further means a greater distance than before or than something else.\nNow we live further away from the city centre...\nHe came to a halt at a crossroads fifty yards further on...\nFurther to the south are some of the island’s loveliest unspoilt coves.\n  ADV: ADV adv/prep\n\n6. Further is used in expressions such as `further back’ and `further ahead’ to refer to a point in time that is earlier or later than the time you are talking about.\nLooking still further ahead, by the end of the next century world population is expected to be about ten billion.\n  ADV: ADV adv/prep\n\n7. If you further something, you help it to progress, to be successful, or to be achieved.\nEducation needn’t only be about furthering your career.\n  VERB: V n\n\n8. You use further to introduce a statement that relates to the same general topic and that gives additional information or makes an additional point. (FORMAL)\nDodd made no appeal of his death sentence and, further, instructed his attorney to sue anyone who succeeds in delaying his execution.\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n  = moreover\n9. Further to is used in letters in expressions such as `further to your letter’ or `further to our conversation’, in order to indicate what you are referring to in the letter. (BRIT FORMAL)\nFurther to your letter, I agree that there are some presentational problems, politically speaking.\n  PREP-PHRASE


Words: further education
Meaning:
fur.ther edu.ca.tion\n   further education\n  Further education is the education of people who have left school but who are not at a university or a college of education. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use continuing education)\nMost further-education colleges offer A-level courses.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: furtherance
Meaning:
fur.ther.ance\n   furtherance\n  The furtherance of something is the activity of helping it to be successful or be achieved. (FORMAL)\nThe thing that matters is the furtherance of research in this country.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N of n\n  = advancement


Words: furthermore
Meaning:
further.more\n   furthermore\n  Furthermore is used to introduce a piece of information or opinion that adds to or supports the previous one. (FORMAL)\nFurthermore, they claim that any such interference is completely ineffective.\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n  = moreover


Words: furthermost
Meaning:
further.most\n   furthermost\n  The furthermost one of a number of similar things is the one that is the greatest distance away from a place.\nWe walked to the furthermost point and then sat on the sand dunes.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: furthest
Meaning:
fur.thest\n   furthest\nFurthest is a superlative form of far.\n1. Furthest means to a greater extent or degree than ever before or than anything or anyone else.\nThe south of England, where prices have fallen furthest, will remain the weakest market...\nThese institutional reforms have gone furthest in Poland.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Furthest means at a greater distance from a particular point than anyone or anything else, or for a greater distance than anyone or anything else.\nThe risk of thunder is greatest in those areas furthest from the coast...\nAmongst those who have travelled furthest to take part in the Festival are a group from Northern Ireland.\n  ADV: n ADV, ADV after v, be ADV, ADV prep/adv\n\n  Furthest is also an adjective.\n...the furthest point from earth that any controlled spacecraft has ever been.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: furtive
Meaning:
fur.tive\n   furtive\n  If you describe someone’s behaviour as furtive, you disapprove of them behaving as if they want to keep something secret or hidden.\nWith a furtive glance over her shoulder, she unlocked the door and entered the house.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: fury
Meaning:
fury\n  Fury is violent or very strong anger.\nShe screamed, her face distorted with fury and pain.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = rage


Words: fuse
Meaning:
fuse  fuses  fusing  fused\n1. A fuse is a safety device in an electric plug or circuit. It contains a piece of wire which melts when there is a fault so that the flow of electricity stops.\nThe fuse blew as he pressed the button to start the motor...\nRemove the circuit fuse before beginning electrical work.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When an electric device fuses or when you fuse it, it stops working because of a fault. (BRIT)\nThe wire snapped at the wall plug and the light fused...\nRainwater had fused the bulbs.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n3. A fuse is a device on a bomb or firework which delays the explosion so that people can move a safe distance away.\nA bomb was deactivated at the last moment, after the fuse had been lit.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. When things fuse or are fused, they join together physically or chemically, usually to become one thing. You can also say that one thing fuses with another.\nThe skull bones fuse between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five...\nConception occurs when a single sperm fuses with an egg...\nManufactured glass is made by fusing various types of sand...\nTheir solution was to isolate specific clones of B cells and fuse them with cancer cells...\nThe flakes seem to fuse together and produce ice crystals.\n  V-RECIP: pl-n V, V with n, V pl-n, V n with n, pl-n V together, also V pl-n together\n\n5. If something fuses two different qualities, ideas, or things, or if they fuse, they join together, especially in order to form a pleasing or satisfactory combination.\nHis music fused the rhythms of jazz with classical forms...\nWhat they have done is fuse two different types of entertainment, the circus and the rock concert...\nPast and present fuse.\n  V-RECIP: V n with n, V pl-n, pl-n V, also V with n\n  = combine\n6. If you blow a fuse, you suddenly become very angry and are unable to stay calm. (INFORMAL)\nFor all my experience, I blew a fuse in the quarter-final and could have been sent off.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n7. If someone or something lights the fuse of a particular situation or activity, they suddenly get it started.\nHopes for an early cut in German interest rates lit the market’s fuse early on.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8. If you say that someone has a short fuse or is on a short fuse you mean that they are quick to react angrily when something goes wrong.\nI have a very short fuse and a violent temper.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: fuse box
Meaning:
fuse box  fuse boxes\n  The fuse box is the box that contains the fuses for all the electric circuits in a building. It is usually fixed to a wall.\n  N-COUNT: oft the N in sing


Words: fuselage
Meaning:
fu.selage\n   fuselage  fuselages\n  The fuselage is the main body of an aeroplane, missile, or rocket. It is usually cylindrical in shape.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fusillade
Meaning:
fu.sil.lade\n   fusillade\n  A fusillade of shots or objects is a large number of them fired or thrown at the same time. (FORMAL)\nBoth were killed in a fusillade of bullets fired at close range.\n  N-SING: usu N of n


Words: fusion
Meaning:
fu.sion\n   fusion  fusions\n1. A fusion of different qualities, ideas, or things is something new that is created by joining them together.\nHis previous fusions of jazz, pop and African melodies have proved highly successful.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of pl-n\n\n2. The fusion of two or more things involves joining them together to form one thing.\nHis final reform was the fusion of regular and reserve forces.\n  N-VAR: oft N of pl-n\n\n3. In physics, fusion is the process in which atomic particles combine and produce a large amount of nuclear energy.\n...research into nuclear fusion.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: fuss
Meaning:
fuss  fusses  fussing  fussed\n1. Fuss is anxious or excited behaviour which serves no useful purpose.\nI don’t know what all the fuss is about...\nHe just gets down to work without any fuss.\n  N-SING: also no det\n\n2. If you fuss, you worry or behave in a nervous, anxious way about unimportant matters or rush around doing unnecessary things.\nCarol fussed about getting me a drink...\nMy wife was fussing over the food and clothing we were going to take...\nA team of waiters began fussing around the table...\n`Stop fussing,’ he snapped.\n  VERB: V about, V over n, V prep, V\n\n3. If you fuss over someone, you pay them a lot of attention and do things to make them happy or comfortable.\nAuntie Hilda and Uncle Jack couldn’t fuss over them enough.\n  VERB: V over n\n\n4. If you make a fuss or kick up a fuss about something, you become angry or excited about it and complain. (INFORMAL)\nI kick up a fuss if my wife wants to spend time alone.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n5. If you make a fuss of someone, you pay them a lot of attention and do things to make them happy or comfortable. (BRIT)\nWhen I arrived my nephews made a big fuss of me.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n


Words: fussed
Meaning:
fussed\n  If you say you are not fussed about something, you mean you do not mind about it or do not mind what happens. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nI’m not fussed as long as we get where we want to go.\n  ADJ: with brd-neg, v-link ADJ\n  = bothered


Words: fussy
Meaning:
fussy  fussier  fussiest\n1. Someone who is fussy is very concerned with unimportant details and is difficult to please.\nShe is not fussy about her food...\nHer aunt was small, with a rather fussy manner.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ about n  disapproval\n\n2. If you describe things such as clothes and furniture as fussy, you are criticizing them because they are too elaborate or detailed.\nWe are not very keen on floral patterns and fussy designs.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: fusty
Meaning:
fus.ty\n   fusty  fustier  fustiest\n1. If you describe something or someone as fusty, you disapprove of them because they are old-fashioned in attitudes or ideas.\nThe fusty old establishment refused to recognise the demand for popular music.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n2. A fusty place or thing has a smell that is not fresh or pleasant.\n...fusty old carpets.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: futile
Meaning:
fu.tile\n   futile\n  If you say that something is futile, you mean there is no point in doing it, usually because it has no chance of succeeding.\nHe brought his arm up in a futile attempt to ward off the blow...\nIt would be futile to sustain his life when there is no chance of any improvement.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n  = pointless


Words: futility
Meaning:
fu.til.ity\n   futility\n  Futility is a total lack of purpose or usefulness.\n...the injustice and futility of terrorism.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n/-ing


Words: futon
Meaning:
fu.ton\n   futon  futons\n  A futon is a piece of furniture which consists of a thin mattress on a low wooden frame which can be used as a bed or folded up to make a chair.\n  N-COUNT


Words: future
Meaning:
fu.ture\n   future  futures\n1. The future is the period of time that will come after the present, or the things that will happen then.\nThe spokesman said no decision on the proposal was likely in the immediate future...\nHe was making plans for the future...\nI had little time to think about what the future held for me.\n  N-SING: the N\n  !=past\n2. Future things will happen or exist after the present time.\nShe said if the world did not act conclusively now, it would only bequeath the problem to future generations...\nMeanwhile, the domestic debate on Denmark’s future role in Europe rages on.\n...the future King and Queen.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\nfor future reference: see reference\n3. Someone’s future, or the future of something, is what will happen to them or what they will do after the present time.\nHis future as prime minister depends on the outcome of the elections...\n...a proposed national conference on the country’s political future...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp\n\n4. If you say that someone or something has a future, you mean that they are likely to be successful or to survive.\nThese abandoned children have now got a future...\nThere’s no future in this relationship.\n  N-COUNT: usu a N in sing\n\n5. When people trade in futures, they buy stocks and shares, commodities such as coffee or oil, or foreign currency at a price that is agreed at the time of purchase for items which are delivered some time in the future. (BUSINESS)\nThis report could spur some buying in corn futures when the market opens today...\n  N-PLURAL: usu with supp\n\n6. In grammar, the future tense of a verb is the one used to talk about things that are going to happen. In English, this applies to verb groups consisting of `will’ or `shall’ and the base form of a verb. The future perfect tense of a verb is used to talk about things that will have happened at some time in the future.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n7. You use in future when saying what will happen from now on, which will be different from what has previously happened. The form in the future is sometimes used instead, especially in American English.\nI asked her to be more careful in future...\nIn the future, Mr. Fernandes says, he won’t rely on others to handle this.\n  PHRASE


Words: futurism
Meaning:
fu.tur.ism\n   futurism\n  Futurism was a modern artistic and literary movement in the early twentieth century.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: futurist
Meaning:
fu.tur.ist\n   futurist  futurists\n1. Futurists were artists and writers who were followers of futurism.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A futurist is someone who makes predictions about what is going to happen, on the basis of facts about what is happening now. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT\n  = futurologist


Words: futuristic
Meaning:
fu.tur.is.tic\n   futuristic\n1. Something that is futuristic looks or seems very modern and unusual, like something from the future.\nThe theatre is a futuristic steel and glass structure.\n...futuristic cars.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A futuristic film or book tells a story that is set in the future, when things are different.\n...the futuristic hit film, `Terminator 2’.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: futurology
Meaning:
fu.tur.ol.ogy\n   futurology\n  Futurology is the activity of trying to predict what is going to happen, on the basis of facts about what is happening now.\nThe way a good investor does really well is by engaging in successful futurology.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  fu.tur.olo.gist      futurologists\nIn his March 1984 report Wanger analyzed some predictions made by futurologists in 1972.\n  N-COUNT


Words: fuzz
Meaning:
fuzz\n1. Fuzz is a mass of short, curly hairs.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N\n\n2. The fuzz are the police. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N


Words: fuzzy
Meaning:
fuzzy  fuzzier  fuzziest\n1. Fuzzy hair sticks up in a soft, curly mass.\nHe had fuzzy black hair and bright black eyes.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If something is fuzzy, it has a covering that feels soft and like fur.\n...fuzzy material.\n  ADJ\n\n3. A fuzzy picture, image, or sound is unclear and hard to see or hear.\nA couple of fuzzy pictures have been published.\n...fuzzy bass lines.\n  ADJ\n\n4. If you or your thoughts are fuzzy, you are confused and cannot think clearly.\nHe had little patience for fuzzy ideas.\n  ADJ\n  !=clear\n5. You describe something as fuzzy when it is vague and not clearly defined.\nThe border between science fact and science fiction gets a bit fuzzy.\n  ADJ\n  = hazy\n6. Fuzzy logic is a type of computer logic that is supposed to imitate the way that humans think, for example by adapting to changing circumstances rather than always following the same procedure.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: G-string
Meaning:
G-string  G-strings\n  A G-string is a narrow band of cloth that is worn between a person’s legs to cover his or her sexual organs, and that is held up by a narrow string round the waist.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gab
Meaning:
gab\n  If someone has the gift of the gab, they are able to speak easily and confidently, and to persuade people. Also the gift of gab, mainly in American English.\nThey are naturally good salesmen with the gift of the gab.\n  PHRASE  approval


Words: gabardine
Meaning:
gab.ar.dine\n   gabardine  gabardines\nin BRIT, also use gaberdine\n1. Gabardine is a fairly thick cloth which is used for making coats, suits, and other clothes.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, oft N n\n\n2. A gabardine is a coat made from gabardine.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gabble
Meaning:
gab.ble\n   gabble  gabbles  gabbling  gabbled\n  If you gabble, you say things so quickly that it is difficult for people to understand you. (INFORMAL)\nMarcello sat on his knee and gabbled excitedly...\nShe gabbles on about drug dealers and journalists...\nOne of the soldiers gabbled something and pointed at the front door.\n  VERB: V, V adv, V n, also V with quote\n  = babble


Words: gable
Meaning:
ga.ble\n   gable  gables\n  A gable is the triangular part at the top of the end wall of a building, between the two sloping sides of the roof.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gad
Meaning:
gad  gads  gadding  gadded\n  If you gad about, you go to a lot of different places looking for amusement or entertainment. (INFORMAL)\nDon’t think you’ll keep me here while you gad about.\n  VERB: V about/out, also V adv/prep, V


Words: gadfly
Meaning:
gad.fly\n   gadfly  gadflies\n  If you refer to someone as a gadfly, you believe that they deliberately annoy or challenge other people, especially people in authority.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gadget
Meaning:
gadg.et\n   gadget  gadgets\n  A gadget is a small machine or device which does something useful. You sometimes refer to something as a gadget when you are suggesting that it is complicated and unnecessary.\n...kitchen gadgets including toasters, kettles and percolators.\n...the latest gadget for the technology obsessed: pocket-sized computers that you write on with a pen.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: gadgetry
Meaning:
gadg.et.ry\n   gadgetry\n  Gadgetry is small machines or devices which do something useful.\n...a passion for the latest electronic gadgetry.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft adj N


Words: Gaelic
Meaning:
Gael.ic\n   Gaelic\n1. Gaelic is a language spoken by people in parts of Scotland and Ireland.\nWe weren’t allowed to speak Gaelic at school.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  Gaelic is also an adjective.\n...the Gaelic language.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Gaelic means coming from or relating to Scotland and Ireland, especially the parts where Gaelic is spoken.\n...an evening of Gaelic music and drama.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: gaff
Meaning:
gaff  gaffs\n1. On a boat, a gaff is a pole which is attached to a mast in order to support a particular kind of sail.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n2. A gaff is a pole with a point or hook at one end, which is used for catching large fish.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3.\n  see also gaffe


Words: gaffe
Meaning:
gaffe  gaffes   also gaff\n1. A gaffe is a stupid or careless mistake, for example when you say or do something that offends or upsets people.\nHe made an embarrassing gaffe at the convention last weekend.\n...social gaffes committed by high-ranking individuals.\n  N-COUNT\n  = blunder\n2. If you blow the gaffe or blow the gaff, you tell someone something that other people wanted you to keep secret. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: gaffer
Meaning:
gaf.fer\n   gaffer  gaffers\n  People use gaffer to refer to the the person in charge of the workers at a place of work such as a factory. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nThe gaffer said he’d been fined for not doing the contract on time.\n  N-COUNT; N-VOC: usu the N in sing; N-VOC\n  = boss


Words: gag
Meaning:
gag  gags  gagging  gagged\n1. A gag is something such as a piece of cloth that is tied around or put inside someone’s mouth in order to stop them from speaking.\nHis captors had put a gag of thick leather in his mouth.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone gags you, they tie a piece of cloth around your mouth in order to stop you from speaking or shouting.\nI gagged him with a towel.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If a person is gagged by someone in authority, they are prevented from expressing their opinion or from publishing certain information.\nJudges must not be gagged.\n  VERB: be V-ed, also V n  disapproval\n\n4. If you gag, you cannot swallow and nearly vomit.\nI knelt by the toilet and gagged.\n  VERB: V\n\n5. A gag is a joke. (INFORMAL)\n...a gag about policemen giving evidence in court.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = joke\n6. If you say that someone is gagging for something or is gagging to do something, you are emphasizing that they want to have it or do it very much. (INFORMAL)\nGirls everywhere are gagging for a car like this...\nThere are thousands of students absolutely gagging to come to this university.\n  VERB: only cont, V for n, V to-inf


Words: gaga
Meaning:
gaga\n1. If you say that someone is gaga, you mean that they cannot think clearly any more, especially because they are old. (INFORMAL)\nIf you don’t keep your brain working you go gaga.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = dotty\n2. If someone goes gaga over a person or thing, they like them very much. (INFORMAL)\nMy daughter is just gaga over men with hairy chests.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = crazy


Words: gaggle
Meaning:
gag.gle\n   gaggle  gaggles\n  You can use gaggle to refer to a group of people, especially if they are noisy or disorganized.\nA gaggle of journalists sit in a hotel foyer waiting impatiently.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: usu N of n  disapproval


Words: gaiety
Meaning:
gai.ety\n   gaiety\n  Gaiety is a feeling, attitude, or atmosphere of liveliness and fun.\nMusic rang out adding to the gaiety and life of the market.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = joyfulness


Words: gaily
Meaning:
gai.ly\n   gaily\n1. If you do something gaily, you do it in a lively, happy way.\nMagda laughed gaily.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Something that is gaily coloured or gaily decorated is coloured or decorated in a bright, pretty way.\nHe put on a gaily coloured shirt.\n...gaily painted front doors.\n  ADV: ADV -ed\n  = brightly


Words: gain
Meaning:
gain  gains  gaining  gained\n1. If a person or place gains something such as an ability or quality, they gradually get more of it.\nStudents can gain valuable experience by working on the campus radio or magazine...\nWhile it has lost its tranquility, the area has gained in liveliness.\n  VERB: V n, V in n\n\n2. If you gain from something such as an event or situation, you get some advantage or benefit from it.\nThe company didn’t disclose how much it expects to gain from the two deals...\nThere is absolutely nothing to be gained by feeling bitter...\nIt is sad that a major company should try to gain from other people’s suffering.\n  VERB: V n from/by n/-ing, V n from/by n/-ing, V from n\n\n3. To gain something such as weight or speed means to have an increase in that particular thing.\nSome people do gain weight after they stop smoking...\nShe gained some 25lb in weight during her pregnancy.\n  VERB: V n, V amount\n  !=lose\n  Gain is also a noun.\nExcessive weight gain doesn’t do you any good.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n  = increase\n4. If you gain something, you obtain it, especially after a lot of hard work or effort.\nThey realise that passing exams is no longer enough to gain a place at university...\n  VERB: V n\n  = obtain\n5. If you do something for gain, you do it in order to get some advantage or profit for yourself, and for no other reason. (FORMAL)\n...buying art solely for financial gain.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v  disapproval\n\n6. If something such as an idea or an ideal gains ground, it gradually becomes more widely known or more popular.\nThe Christian right has been steadily gaining ground in state politics.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n7. If you do something in order to gain time, you do it in order to give yourself enough time to think of an excuse or a way out of a difficult situation.\n...I hoped to gain time by keeping him talking.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR to-inf


Words: gain on
Meaning:
gain on\n  If you gain on someone or something that is moving in front of you, you gradually get closer to them.\nThe Mercedes began to gain on the van.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: gainer
Meaning:
gain.er\n   gainer  gainers\n  A gainer is a person or organization who gains something from a particular situation.\nOverall, there were more losers than gainers...\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N\n  !=loser


Words: gainful
Meaning:
gain.ful\n   gainful\n  If you are in gainful employment, you have a job for which you are paid. (FORMAL)\n...opportunities for gainful employment.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  gain.ful.ly\nBoth parents were gainfully employed.\n  ADV: ADV -ed


Words: gainsay
Meaning:
gain.say\n   gainsay  gainsays  gainsaying  gainsaid\n  If there is no gainsaying something, it is true or obvious and everyone would agree with it. (FORMAL)\nThere is no gainsaying the fact that they have been responsible for a truly great building.\n  VERB: with brd-neg, V n\n  = deny


Words: gait
Meaning:
gait  gaits\n  A particular kind of gait is a particular way of walking. (WRITTEN)\nHis movements were clumsy, and his gait peculiarly awkward.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp


Words: gal
Meaning:
gal gals\n  Gal is used in written English to represent the word `girl’ as it is pronounced in a particular accent.\n...a Southern gal who wants to make it in the movies.\n  N-COUNT; N-VOC\n\nalso gal.\n  gal is a written abbreviation for gallon or gallons.\nDiesel cost 60p/gal in some places.


Words: gala
Meaning:
gala  galas\n  A gala is a special public celebration, entertainment, performance, or festival.\n...a gala evening at the Royal Opera House.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: galaxy
Meaning:
gal.axy\n   galaxy  galaxies   also Galaxy\n1. A galaxy is an extremely large group of stars and planets that extends over many billions of light years.\nAstronomers have discovered a distant galaxy.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The Galaxy is the extremely large group of stars and planets to which the Earth and the Solar System belong.\nThe Galaxy consists of 100 billion stars.\n  N-PROPER: the N\n\n3. If you talk about a galaxy of people from a particular profession, you mean a group of them who are all famous or important.\nHe is one of a small galaxy of Dutch stars on German television.\n  N-SING: N of n\n  = array


Words: gale
Meaning:
gale  gales\n1. A gale is a very strong wind.\n...forecasts of fierce gales over the next few days.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to the loud noise made by a lot of people all laughing at the same time as a gale of laughter or gales of laughter. (WRITTEN)\nThis was greeted with gales of laughter from the audience.\n  N-COUNT: N of n


Words: gall
Meaning:
gall  galls  galling  galled\n1. If you say that someone has the gall to do something, you are criticizing them for behaving in a rude or disrespectful way.\nShe had the gall to suggest that I might supply her with information about what Steve was doing.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft the N of n, the N to-inf  disapproval\n  = nerve\n2. If someone’s action galls you, it makes you feel very angry or annoyed, often because it is unfair to you and you cannot do anything about it.\nIt must have galled him that Bardo thwarted each of these measures...\nIt was their serenity which galled her most.\n  VERB: it V n that, V n, also it V n to-inf\n\n=>  gall.ing\nIt was especially galling to be criticised by this scoundrel.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n3. A gall is a growth on the surface of a plant that is caused by an insect, disease, fungus, or injury.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gall bladder
Meaning:
gall blad.der\n   gall bladder  gall bladders\n  Your gall bladder is the organ in your body which contains bile and is next to your liver.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gallant
Meaning:
gal.lant\n   gallant\nAlso pronounced   for meaning 3.\n1. If someone is gallant, they behave bravely and honourably in a dangerous or difficult situation. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nThe gallant soldiers lost their lives so that peace might reign again.\n  ADJ\n  = brave\n=>  gal.lant.ly\nThe town responded gallantly to the War.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = bravely\n2. A gallant effort or fight is one in which someone tried very hard to do something difficult, although in the end they failed. (WRITTEN)\nHe died at the age of 82, after a gallant fight against illness.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  approval\n  = valiant, brave\n3. If a man is gallant, he is kind, polite, and considerate towards women. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nDouglas was a complex man, thoughtful, gallant, and generous.\n  ADJ\n  = courteous\n=>  gal.lant.ly\nHe gallantly kissed Marie’s hand as we prepared to leave.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = courteously


Words: gallantry
Meaning:
gal.lant.ry\n   gallantry\n1. Gallantry is bravery shown by someone who is in danger, for example when they are fighting in a war. (FORMAL)\nFor his gallantry he was awarded a Victoria Cross.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = bravery\n2. Gallantry is kind, polite, and considerate behaviour towards other people, especially women. (FORMAL)\nIt’s that time of year again, when thoughts turn to romance and gallantry.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = courtesy


Words: galleon
Meaning:
gal.leon\n   galleon  galleons\n  A galleon is a sailing ship with three masts. Galleons were used mainly in the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gallery
Meaning:
gal.lery\n   gallery  galleries\n1. A gallery is a place that has permanent exhibitions of works of art in it.\n...an art gallery.\n...the National Gallery.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n\n2. A gallery is a privately owned building or room where people can look at and buy works of art.\nThe painting is in the gallery upstairs.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A gallery is an area high above the ground at the back or at the sides of a large room or hall.\nA crowd already filled the gallery.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. The gallery in a theatre or concert hall is an area high above the ground that usually contains the cheapest seats.\nThey had been forced to find cheap tickets in the gallery.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing\n\n  If you play to the gallery, you do something in public in a way which you hope will impress people.\n...but I must tell you that in my opinion you’re both now playing to the gallery.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: galley
Meaning:
gal.ley\n   galley  galleys\n1. On a ship or aircraft, the galley is the kitchen.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In former times, a galley was a ship with sails and a lot of oars, which was often rowed by slaves or prisoners.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Gallic
Meaning:
Gal.lic\n   Gallic\n  Gallic means the same as French. You sometimes use Gallic to describe ideas, feelings, or actions that you think are very typical of France and French people.\nThe proposal has provoked howls of Gallic indignation...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: gallivant
Meaning:
gal.li.vant\n   gallivant  gallivants  gallivanting  gallivanted\n  Someone who is gallivanting around goes to a lot of different places looking for amusement and entertainment. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nA girl’s place is in the home, not gallivanting around and filling her head with nonsense.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, also V\n  = gad


Words: gallon
Meaning:
gal.lon\n   gallon  gallons\n  A gallon is a unit of measurement for liquids that is equal to eight pints. In Britain, it is equal to 4.564 litres. In America, it is equal to 3.785 litres.\n...80 million gallons of water a day.\n...a gasoline tax of 4.3 cents a gallon.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: gallop
Meaning:
gal.lop\n   gallop  gallops  galloping  galloped\n1. When a horse gallops, it runs very fast so that all four legs are off the ground at the same time. If you gallop a horse, you make it gallop.\nThe horses galloped away...\nStaff officers galloped fine horses down the road.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V n prep/adv\n\n2. If you gallop, you ride a horse that is galloping.\nMajor Winston galloped into the distance.\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n3. A gallop is a ride on a horse that is galloping.\nI was forced to attempt a gallop.\n  N-SING\n\n4. If something such as a process gallops, it develops very quickly and is often difficult to control.\nIn spite of the recession, profits have galloped ahead.\n...galloping inflation.\n  VERB: V adv, V-ing\n\n5. If you gallop, you run somewhere very quickly.\nThey are galloping around the garden playing football.\n  VERB: V prep\n\n6. If you do something at a gallop, you do it very quickly.\nI read the book at a gallop.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: gallows
Meaning:
gal.lows\n   gallows  gallows\n  A gallows is a wooden frame used to execute criminals by hanging.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gallstone
Meaning:
gall.stone\n   gallstone  gallstones\n  A gallstone is a small, painful lump which can develop in your gall bladder.\n  N-COUNT


Words: galore
Meaning:
ga.lore\n   galore\n  You use galore to emphasize that something you like exists in very large quantities. (INFORMAL, WRITTEN)\nYou’ll be able to win prizes galore.\n...a popular resort with beaches galore.\n  ADJ: n ADJ  emphasis


Words: galoshes
Meaning:
ga.loshes\n   galoshes\n  Galoshes are waterproof shoes, usually made of rubber, which you wear over your ordinary shoes to prevent them getting wet.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: galvanize
Meaning:
gal.va.nize\n   galvanize  galvanizes  galvanizing  galvanized\nin BRIT, also use galvanise\n  To galvanize someone means to cause them to take action, for example by making them feel very excited, afraid, or angry.\nThe aid appeal has galvanised the German business community...\nThey have been galvanised into collective action.militarily, politically and economically.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed into n/-ing, also V n into n/-ing\n  = stir


Words: galvanized
Meaning:
gal.va.nized\n   galvanized\nin BRIT, also use galvanised\n  Galvanized metal, especially iron and steel, has been covered with zinc in order to protect it from rust and other damage.\n...corrosion-resistant galvanized steel.\n...75mm galvanised nails.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: gambit
Meaning:
gam.bit\n   gambit  gambits\n1. A gambit is an action or set of actions, which you carry out in order to try to gain an advantage in a situation or game.\nHe sees the proposal as more of a diplomatic gambit than a serious defense proposal...\nCampaign strategists are calling the plan a clever political gambit.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = ploy, tactic\n2. A gambit is a remark which you make to someone in order to start or continue a conversation with them.\nHis favourite opening gambit is: `You are so beautiful, will you be my next wife?’...\nBernard made no response to Tom’s conversational gambits.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: gamble
Meaning:
gam.ble\n   gamble  gambles  gambling  gambled\n1. A gamble is a risky action or decision that you take in the hope of gaining money, success, or an advantage over other people.\n...the French president’s risky gamble in calling a referendum.\n  N-COUNT\n  = risk\n2. If you gamble on something, you take a risky action or decision in the hope of gaining money, success, or an advantage over other people.\nFew firms will be willing to gamble on new products...\nThey are not prepared to gamble their careers on this matter...\nWho wants to gamble with the life of a friend?\n  VERB: V on n/-ing, V n on n, V with n, also V, V n, V that\n\n3. If you gamble an amount of money, you bet it in a game such as cards or on the result of a race or competition. People who gamble usually do it frequently.\nMost people visit Las Vegas to gamble their hard-earned money...\nJohn gambled heavily on the horses...\nBritain is the only country in Europe that allows minors to gamble...\nHe gambled away his family estate on a single throw of the dice.\n  VERB: V n, V on n, V, V n with away


Words: gambler
Meaning:
gam.bler\n   gambler  gamblers\n1. A gambler is someone who gambles regularly, for example in card games or horse racing.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe someone as a gambler, you mean that they are ready to take risks in order to gain advantages or success.\nHe had never been afraid of failure: he was a gambler, ready to go off somewhere else and start all over again.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gambling
Meaning:
gam.bling\n   gambling\n  Gambling is the act or activity of betting money, for example in card games or on horse racing.\nGambling is a form of entertainment.\n...gambling casinos.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gambol
Meaning:
gam.bol\n   gambol  gambols  gambolling  gambolled\nin AM, use gamboling, gamboled\n  If animals or people gambol, they run or jump about in a playful way.\n...the sight of newborn lambs gambolling in the fields.\n  VERB: V prep/adv


Words: game
Meaning:
game  games\n1. A game is an activity or sport usually involving skill, knowledge, or chance, in which you follow fixed rules and try to win against an opponent or to solve a puzzle.\n...the wonderful game of football.\n...a playful game of hide-and-seek.\n...a video game.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A game is one particular occasion on which a game is played.\nIt was the first game of the season...\nHe regularly watched our games from the stands...\nWe won three games against Australia.\n  N-COUNT\n  = match\n3. A game is a part of a match, for example in tennis or bridge, consisting of a fixed number of points.\nShe won six games to love in the second set.\n...the last three points of the second game.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. Games are an organized event in which competitions in several sports take place.\n...the 2000 Olympic Games at Sydney.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n5. Games are organized sports activities that children do at school. (BRIT)\nAt his grammar school he is remembered for being bad at games but good in debates.\n  N-PLURAL\n  = sport\n6. Someone’s game is the degree of skill or the style that they use when playing a particular game.\nOnce I was through the first set my game picked up.\n  N-SING: usu poss N\n\n7. You can describe a situation that you do not treat seriously as a game.\nMany people regard life as a game: you win some, you lose some...\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. You can use game to describe a way of behaving in which a person uses a particular plan, usually in order to gain an advantage for himself or herself.\nUntil now, the Americans have been playing a very delicate political game.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n9. Wild animals or birds that are hunted for sport and sometimes cooked and eaten are referred to as game.\n...men who shot game for food.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n10. If you are game for something, you are willing to do something new, unusual, or risky.\nAfter all this time he still had new ideas and was game to try them...\nHe said he’s game for a similar challenge next year.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ for n\n\n11.\n  see also gamely\n12. If someone or something gives the game away, they reveal a secret or reveal their feelings, and this puts them at a disadvantage.\nThe faces of the two conspirators gave the game away.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n13. If you are new to a particular game, you have not done a particular activity or been in a particular situation before.\nDon’t forget that she’s new to this game and will take a while to complete the task.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n14. If you beat someone at their own game, you use the same methods that they have used, but more successfully, so that you gain an advantage over them.\nHe must anticipate the maneuvers of the other lawyers and beat them at their own game...\nThe police knew that to trap the killer they had to play him at his own game.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n15. If you say that someone is playing games or playing silly games, you mean that they are not treating a situation seriously and you are annoyed with them.\n`Don’t play games with me’ he thundered...\nFrom what I know of him he doesn’t play silly games.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  disapproval\n\n16. If you say that someone has raised their game, you mean that they have begun to perform better, usually because they were under pressure to do so.\nThe world No. 9 had to raise his game to see off a strong challenge from Dale...\nAs it expands its services around the continent, the competition it offers should force the other airlines to raise their game.\n  PHRASE\n\n17. If you say the game is up, you mean that someone’s secret plans or activities have been revealed and therefore must stop because they cannot succeed.\nSome thought they would hold out until Sunday. The realists knew that the game was already up.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: game bird
Meaning:
game bird  game birds\n  Game birds are birds which are shot for food or for sport.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: game park
Meaning:
game park  game parks\n  A game park is a large area of land, especially in Africa, where wild animals can live safely.\n  N-COUNT\n  = game reserve


Words: game plan
Meaning:
game plan  game plans   also game-plan\n1. In sport, a team’s game plan is their plan for winning a match.\nLeeds kept quiet, stuck to their game plan and quietly racked up the points.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N\n\n2. Someone’s game plan is the actions they intend to take and the policies they intend to adopt in order to achieve a particular thing.\nIf he has a game plan for winning the deal, only he understands it...\nHe is unlikely to alter his game plan.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N


Words: game reserve
Meaning:
game re.serve\n   game reserve  game reserves\n  A game reserve is a large area of land, especially in Africa, where wild animals can live safely.\n  N-COUNT\n  = game park


Words: game show
Meaning:
game show  game shows\n  Game shows are television programmes on which people play games in order to win prizes.\nBeing a good game-show host means getting to know your contestants.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Gameboy
Meaning:
Game.boy\n   Gameboy  Gameboys\n  A Gameboy is a small portable computer that is specially designed for people to play games on. (TRADEMARK)\n  N-VAR


Words: gamekeeper
Meaning:
game.keeper\n   gamekeeper  gamekeepers\n  A gamekeeper is a person who takes care of the wild animals or birds that are kept on someone’s land for hunting.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gamely
Meaning:
game.ly\n   gamely\n  If you do something gamely, you do it bravely or with a lot of effort.\nHe gamely defended his organisation’s decision.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = resolutely


Words: gameplay
Meaning:
game.play\n   gameplay\n  The gameplay of a computer game is the way that it is designed and the skills that you need in order to play it.\nOn PC, the game had it all.imaginative storyline and characters, challenging gameplay, superb graphics.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gamesmanship
Meaning:
games.man.ship\n   gamesmanship\n  Gamesmanship is the art or practice of winning a game by clever methods which are not against the rules but are very close to cheating.\n...a remarkably successful piece of diplomatic gamesmanship.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gamete
Meaning:
gam.ete\n   gamete  gametes\n  Gamete is the name for the two types of male and female cell that join together to make a new creature. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: gamine
Meaning:
gam.ine\n   gamine\n  If you describe a girl or a woman as gamine, you mean that she is attractive in a boyish way.\nShe had a gamine charm which men found irresistibly attractive.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = boyish\n  Gamine is also a noun.\n...a snub-nosed gamine.\n  N-SING


Words: gaming
Meaning:
gam.ing\n   gaming\n1. Gaming means the same as gambling.\n...offences connected with vice, gaming and drugs.\n...the most fashionable gaming club in London.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. Gaming is the activity of playing computer games.\nOnline gaming allows players from around the world to challenge each other.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gamma rays
Meaning:
gam.ma rays\n   gamma rays\n  Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than X-rays.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: gammon
Meaning:
gam.mon\n   gammon\n  Gammon is smoked or salted meat, similar to bacon, from the back leg or the side of a pig. (BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gamut
Meaning:
gam.ut\n   gamut\n1. The gamut of something is the complete range of things of that kind, or a wide variety of things of that kind.\nAs the story unfolded throughout the past week, I experienced the gamut of emotions: shock, anger, sadness, disgust, confusion.\n  N-SING: usu the N of n\n  = range\n2. To run the gamut of something means to include, express, or experience all the different things of that kind, or a wide variety of them.\nThe show runs the gamut of 20th century design...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: gang
Meaning:
gang  gangs  ganging  ganged\n1. A gang is a group of people, especially young people, who go around together and often deliberately cause trouble.\nDuring the fight with a rival gang he lashed out with his flick knife...\nGang members were behind a lot of the violence...\nHe was attacked by a gang of youths.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. A gang is a group of criminals who work together to commit crimes.\nPolice were hunting for a gang who had allegedly stolen fifty-five cars.\n...an underworld gang.\n...a gang of masked robbers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. The gang is a group of friends who frequently meet. (INFORMAL)\nCome on over, we’ve got lots of the old gang here.\n  N-SING: usu the N\n\n4. A gang is a group of workers who do physical work together.\n...a gang of labourers.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: gang rape
Meaning:
gang rape  gang rapes  gang raping  gang raped   also gang-rape\n  If a woman is gang raped, several men force her to have sex with them.\nFor five hours, the women were gang-raped.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, also V n\n\n  Gang rape is also a noun.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gang up
Meaning:
gang up\n  If people gang up on someone, they unite against them for a particular reason, for example in a fight or argument. (INFORMAL)\nHarrison complained that his colleagues ganged up on him...\nAll the other parties ganged up to keep them out of power...\nAll the girls in my class seemed to gang up against me.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P on n, V P to-inf, V P against n


Words: gangbuster
Meaning:
gang.buster\n   gangbuster  gangbusters\n  If something is going gangbusters, it is going strongly and doing very well. If someone comes on like gangbusters, they behave very energetically and sometimes aggressively. (AM)\nThe economy was still going gangbusters...\nThe team, who struggled early, came on like gangbusters at precisely the right time.\n  PHRASE: Vs inflect


Words: gangland
Meaning:
gang.land\n   gangland\n  Gangland is used to describe activities or people that are involved in organized crime.\nIt’s been suggested they were gangland killings...\n...one of Italy’s top gangland bosses.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: gangling
Meaning:
gan.gling\n   gangling\n  Gangling is used to describe a young person, especially a man, who is tall, thin, and clumsy in their movements.\nHis gangling, awkward gait has earned him the name Spiderman.\n...his gangling, bony frame.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: gangly
Meaning:
gan.gly\n   gangly\n  If you describe someone as gangly, you mean that they are tall and thin and have a slightly awkward or clumsy manner.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = gangling


Words: gangplank
Meaning:
gang.plank\n   gangplank  gangplanks\n  The gangplank is a short bridge or platform that can be placed between the side of a ship or boat and the shore, so that people can get on or off.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing\n  = gangway


Words: gangrene
Meaning:
gan.grene\n   gangrene\n  Gangrene is the decay that can occur in a part of a person’s body if the blood stops flowing to it, for example as a result of illness or injury.\nOnce gangrene has developed the tissue is dead.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gangrenous
Meaning:
gan.gre.nous\n   gangrenous\n  Gangrenous is used to describe a part of a person’s body that has been affected by gangrene.\n...patients with gangrenous limbs.\n  ADJ


Words: gangsta
Meaning:
gang.sta\n   gangsta   or gangsta rap\n  Gangsta or gangsta rap is a form of rap music in which the words often refer to crime and violence.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gangster
Meaning:
gang.ster\n   gangster  gangsters\n  A gangster is a member of an organized group of violent criminals.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gangway
Meaning:
gang.way\n   gangway  gangways\n  The gangway is the passage between rows of seats, for example in a theatre or aircraft, for people to walk along. (BRIT)\nA man in the gangway suddenly stood up to reach for something in the overhead locker.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing\n  = aisle


Words: gantry
Meaning:
gan.try\n   gantry  gantries\n  A gantry is a high metal structure that supports a set of road signs, railway signals, or other equipment.\nOn top of the gantry the American flag flew.\n...the lighting gantries.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gap
Meaning:
gap  gaps\n1. A gap is a space between two things or a hole in the middle of something solid.\nHe pulled the thick curtains together, leaving just a narrow gap.\n...the wind tearing through gaps in the window frames.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A gap is a period of time when you are not busy or when you stop doing something that you normally do.\nThere followed a gap of four years, during which William joined the Army.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = break\n3. If there is something missing from a situation that prevents it being complete or satisfactory, you can say that there is a gap.\nWe need more young scientists to fill the gap left by a wave of retirements expected over the next decade...\nLike a good businessman, Stewart identified a gap in the market.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n4. A gap between two groups of people, things, or sets of ideas is a big difference between them.\n...the gap between rich and poor...\nAmerica’s trade gap widened...\nBritain needs to bridge the technology gap between academia and industry.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft N between pl-n


Words: gap year
Meaning:
gap year\n  A gap year is a period of time during which a student takes a break from studying after they have finished school and before they start college or university. (BRIT)\nI went around the world in my gap year.\n  N-SING


Words: gap-fill
Meaning:
gap-fill  gap-fills\n  In language teaching, a gap-fill test is an exercise in which words are removed from a text and replaced with spaces. The learner has to fill each space with the missing word or a suitable word.\n  N-COUNT: usu N n\n  = cloze


Words: gap-toothed
Meaning:
gap-toothed\n  If you describe a person or their smile as gap-toothed, you mean that some of that person’s teeth are missing.\n...a broad, gap-toothed grin.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: gape
Meaning:
gape  gapes  gaping  gaped\n1. If you gape, you look at someone or something in surprise, usually with an open mouth.\nHis secretary stopped taking notes to gape at me...\n...a grotesque face with its gaping mouth.\n  VERB: V at n, V-ing, also V\n\n2. If you say that something such as a hole or a wound gapes, you are emphasizing that it is big or wide.\nThe front door was missing. A hole gaped in the roof.\n  VERB: V  emphasis\n\n=>  gap.ing\nThe aircraft took off with a gaping hole in its fuselage.\n...a gaping wound in her back.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: garage
Meaning:
gar.age\n   garage  garages\n1. A garage is a building in which you keep a car. A garage is often built next to or as part of a house.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A garage is a place where you can get your car repaired. In Britain, you can also buy fuel for your car, or buy cars.\nNancy took her car to a local garage for a check-up...\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES


Words: garage sale
Meaning:
gar.age sale\n   garage sale  garage sales\n  If you have a garage sale, you sell things such as clothes, toys and household items that you do not want, usually in your garage. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: garb
Meaning:
garb\n  Someone’s garb is the clothes they are wearing, especially when these are unusual. (WRITTEN)\n...a familiar figure in civilian garb...\nHe wore the garb of a scout, not a general.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in adj N, oft with poss\n  = attire


Words: garbage
Meaning:
gar.bage\n   garbage\n1. Garbage is rubbish, especially waste from a kitchen. (mainly AM)\n...a garbage bag.\n...rotting piles of garbage.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If someone says that an idea or opinion is garbage, they are emphasizing that they believe it is untrue or unimportant. (INFORMAL)\nI personally think this is complete garbage...\nFurious government officials branded her story `garbage’.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n  = rubbish


Words: garbage can
Meaning:
gar.bage can\n   garbage can  garbage cans\n  A garbage can is a container that you put rubbish into. (AM; in BRIT, use dustbin)\nA bomb planted in a garbage can exploded early today.\n  N-COUNT


Words: garbage collector
Meaning:
gar.bage col.lec.tor\n   garbage collector  garbage collectors\n  A garbage collector is a person whose job is to take people’s garbage away. (AM; in BRIT, use dustman)\n  N-COUNT


Words: garbage disposal
Meaning:
gar.bage dis.pos.al\n   garbage disposal  garbage disposals\n  A garbage disposal or a garbage disposal unit is a small machine in the kitchen sink that breaks down waste matter so that it does not block the sink. (AM; in BRIT, use waste disposal)\n  N-COUNT


Words: garbage man
Meaning:
gar.bage man\n   garbage man  garbage men\n  A garbage man is the same as a garbage collector. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: garbage truck
Meaning:
gar.bage truck\n   garbage truck  garbage trucks\n  A garbage truck is a large truck which collects the garbage from outside people’s houses. (AM; in BRIT, use dustcart)\n  N-COUNT


Words: garbed
Meaning:
garbed\n  If someone is garbed in particular clothes, they are wearing those clothes. (LITERARY)\nHe was garbed in sweater, tweed jacket, and flying boots.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ in n\n\n  Garbed is also a combining form.\n...the small blue-garbed woman with a brown wrinkled face.\n  COMB in ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: garbled
Meaning:
gar.bled\n   garbled\n  A garbled message or report contains confused or wrong details, often because it is spoken by someone who is nervous or in a hurry.\nThe Coastguard needs to decipher garbled messages in a few minutes.\n...his own garbled version of the El Greco story.\n  ADJ


Words: garden
Meaning:
gar.den\n   garden  gardens  gardening  gardened\n1. In British English, a garden is a piece of land next to a house, with flowers, vegetables, other plants, and often grass. In American English, the usual word is yard, and a garden refers only to land which is used for growing flowers and vegetables.\n...the most beautiful garden on Earth.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you garden, you do work in your garden such as weeding or planting.\nJim gardened at the homes of friends on weekends.\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  gar.den.ing\nI have taken up gardening again.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Gardens are places like a park that have areas of plants, trees, and grass, and that people can visit and walk around.\nThe Gardens are open from 10.30am until 5pm.\n...Kensington Gardens.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n4. Gardens is sometimes used as part of the name of a street.\nHe lives at 9, Acacia Gardens.\n  N-IN-NAMES


Words: garden centre
Meaning:
gar.den cen.tre\n   garden centre  garden centres\n  A garden centre is a large shop, usually with an outdoor area, where you can buy things for your garden such as plants and gardening tools. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: garden party
Meaning:
gar.den par.ty\n   garden party  garden parties\n  A garden party is a formal party that is held out of doors, especially in a large private garden, during the afternoon.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: garden-variety
Meaning:
garden-variety\n  You can use garden-variety to describe something you think is ordinary and not special in any way. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use common-or-garden)\nThe experiment itself is garden-variety science.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: gardener
Meaning:
gar.den.er\n   gardener  gardeners\n1. A gardener is a person who is paid to work in someone else’s garden.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A gardener is someone who enjoys working in their own garden growing flowers or vegetables.\n...enthusiastic amateur gardeners.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gardenia
Meaning:
gar.denia\n   gardenia  gardenias\n  A gardenia is a type of large, white, or yellow flower with a very pleasant smell. A gardenia is also the bush on which these flowers grow.\n  N-COUNT


Words: gardening leave
Meaning:
gar.den.ing leave\n\n  If someone who leaves their job is given gardening leave, they continue to receive their salary and in return they agree not to work for anyone else for a period of time. (BRIT BUSINESS)\nThe settlement means that the three executives can return from gardening leave and start their new jobs.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: gargantuan
Meaning:
gar.gan.tuan\n   gargantuan\n  If you say that something is gargantuan, you are emphasizing that it is very large. (WRITTEN)\n...a marketing event of gargantuan proportions.\n...a gargantuan corruption scandal.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  emphasis\n  = huge, colossal


Words: gargle
Meaning:
gar.gle\n   gargle  gargles  gargling  gargled\n  If you gargle, you wash your mouth and throat by filling your mouth with a liquid, tipping your head back and using your throat to blow bubbles through the liquid, and finally spitting it out.\nTry gargling with salt water as soon as a cough begins...\nAt the sink, Neil noisily gargled something medicinal.\n  VERB: V, V n


