# dict

Words: round .1
Meaning:
It’s six feet high and five feet round.\n  ADV\n\n15. You use round in front of times or amounts to indicate that they are approximate.\nI go to bed round 11:00 at night.\n  ADV: ADV amount  vagueness\n\n16. In spoken English, round about means approximately. (mainly BRIT)\nRound about one and a half million people died.\n  PREP-PHRASE  vagueness\n\n17. You say all round to emphasize that something affects all parts of a situation or all members of a group. (mainly BRIT)\nIt ought to make life much easier all round...\n  PHRASE: cl PHR  emphasis\n\n18. If you say that something is going round and round in your head, you mean that you can’t stop thinking about it.\nIt all keeps going round and round in my head till I don’t know where I am.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n19. If something happens all year round, it happens throughout the year.\nMany of these plants are evergreen, so you can enjoy them all year round...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n20.\nround the corner: see corner\nthe other way round: see way


Words: round off
Meaning:
round off\n  If you round off an activity with something, you end the activity by doing something that provides a clear or satisfactory conclusion to it.\nThe Italian way is to round off a meal with an ice-cream...\nThis rounded the afternoon off perfectly...\nHe rounds off by proposing a toast to the attendants.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P, V P by -ing


Words: round on
Meaning:
round on\n  If someone rounds on you, they criticize you fiercely and attack you with aggressive words.\nThe Conservative Party rounded angrily on him for damaging the Government...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n  = attack


Words: round table
Meaning:
round ta.ble\n   round table  round tables   also round-table; roundtable\n  A round table discussion is a meeting where experts gather together in order to discuss a particular topic.\n...a round-table conference of the leading heart specialists of America.\n  N-COUNT: usu N n


Words: round trip
Meaning:
round trip  round trips\n1. If you make a round trip, you travel to a place and then back again.\nThe train operates the 2,400-mile round trip once a week.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A round-trip ticket is a ticket for a train, bus, or plane that allows you to travel to a particular place and then back again. (AM; in BRIT, use return)\nMexicana Airlines has announced cheaper round-trip tickets between Los Angeles and cities it serves in Mexico.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: round up
Meaning:
round up\n1. If the police or army round up a number of people, they arrest or capture them.\nThe police rounded up a number of suspects...\nShe says the patrolmen rounded them up at the village school and beat them with rifle butts.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If you round up animals or things, you gather them together.\nHe had sought work as a cowboy, rounding up cattle...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n3.\n  see also round 2, roundup


Words: round-robin
Meaning:
round-robin  round-robins   also round robin\n  A round-robin is a sports competition in which each player or team plays against every other player or team.\nThey beat England 4-1 in their last round-robin match at Nagoya in Japan.\n  N-COUNT: usu N n\n  !=knock-out


Words: round-shouldered
Meaning:
round-shouldered\n  If someone is round-shouldered, they bend forward when they sit or stand, and their shoulders are curved rather than straight.\nCissie was round-shouldered and dumpy.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: roundabout
Meaning:
round.about\n   roundabout  roundabouts\n1. A roundabout is a circular structure in the road at a place where several roads meet. You drive round it until you come to the road that you want. (BRIT; in AM, use traffic circle)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A roundabout at a fair is a large, circular mechanical device with seats, often in the shape of animals or cars, on which children sit and go round and round. (BRIT; in AM, use merry-go-round, carousel)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A roundabout in a park or school play area is a circular platform that children sit or stand on. People push the platform to make it spin round. (BRIT; in AM, use merry-go-round)\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you go somewhere by a roundabout route, you do not go there by the shortest and quickest route.\nHe left today on a roundabout route for Jordan and is also due soon in Egypt.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n5. If you do or say something in a roundabout way, you do not do or say it in a simple, clear, and direct way.\nWe made a bit of a fuss in a roundabout way.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n6.\nround about: see round\nswings and roundabouts: see swing


Words: rounded
Meaning:
round.ed\n   rounded\n1. Something that is rounded is curved in shape, without any points or sharp edges.\n...a low rounded hill...\n  ADJ\n\n2. You describe something or someone as rounded or well-rounded when you are expressing approval of them because they have a personality which is fully developed in all aspects.\n...his carefully organised narrative, full of rounded, believable and interesting characters.\n  ADJ  approval


Words: roundel
Meaning:
roun.del\n   roundel  roundels\n  A roundel is a circular design, for example one painted on a military aircraft.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rounders
Meaning:
round.ers\n   rounders\n  Rounders is a game played by two teams of children, in which a player scores points by hitting a ball thrown by a member of the other team and then running round all four sides of a square.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: roundly
Meaning:
round.ly\n   roundly\n  If you are roundly condemned or criticized, you are condemned or criticized forcefully or by many people. If you are roundly defeated, you are defeated completely.\nPolitical leaders have roundly condemned the shooting...\n  ADV: usu ADV before v


Words: roundup
Meaning:
round.up\n   roundup  roundups   also round-up\n1. In journalism, especially television or radio, a roundup of news is a summary of the main events that have happened.\nFirst, we have this roundup of the day’s news...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n, adj N\n  = summary\n2. When there is a roundup of people, they are arrested or captured by the police or army and brought to one place.\nThere are reports that round ups of westerners are still taking place.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A roundup is an occasion when cattle, horses, or other animals are collected together so that they can be counted or sold. (AM)\nWhat is it that keeps a cowboy looking strong, young and ready for another roundup?\n  N-COUNT


Words: roundworm
Meaning:
round.worm\n   roundworm  roundworms\n  A roundworm is a very small worm that lives in the intestines of people, pigs, and other animals.\n  N-VAR


Words: rouse
Meaning:
rouse  rouses  rousing  roused\n1. If someone rouses you when you are sleeping or if you rouse, you wake up. (LITERARY)\nHilton roused him at eight-thirty by rapping on the door...\nWhen I put my hand on his, he stirs but doesn’t quite rouse.\n  VERB: V n, V\n  = wake\n2. If you rouse yourself, you stop being inactive and start doing something.\nShe seemed to be unable to rouse herself to do anything...\nHe roused himself from his lazy contemplation of the scene beneath him...\n  VERB: V pron-refl to-inf, V pron-refl from n\n\n3. If something or someone rouses you, they make you very emotional or excited.\nHe did more to rouse the crowd there than anybody else...\nBen says his father was good-natured, a man not quickly roused to anger or harsh opinions.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed to n\n\n=>  rous.ing\n...a rousing speech to the convention in support of the president.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = stirring\n4. If something rouses a feeling in you, it causes you to have that feeling.\nIt roused a feeling of rebellion in him...\n  VERB: V n


Words: roust
Meaning:
roust  rousts  rousting  rousted\n  If you roust someone, you disturb, upset, or hit them, or make them move from their place. (AM)\nRelax, kid, we’re not about to roust you. We just want some information...\nBruce had gone to bed, but they rousted him out.\n  VERB: V n, V n out, also V n from n


Words: roustabout
Meaning:
roust.about\n   roustabout  roustabouts\n  A roustabout is a unskilled worker, especially one who works in a port or at an oil well. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rout
Meaning:
rout  routs  routing  routed\n  If an army, sports team, or other group routs its opponents, it defeats them completely and easily.\n...the Battle of Hastings at which the Norman army routed the English opposition.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Rout is also a noun.\nZidane completed the rout with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.\n  N-COUNT


Words: route
Meaning:
route  routes  routing  routed\n1. A route is a way from one place to another.\n...the most direct route to the town centre...\nAll escape routes were blocked by armed police...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A bus, air, or shipping route is the way between two places along which buses, planes, or ships travel regularly.\n...the main shipping routes to Japan.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N\n\n3. In the United States, Route is used in front of a number in the names of main roads between major cities.\n...the Broadway-Webster exit on Route 580.\n  N-IN-NAMES: N num\n\n4. Your route is the series of visits you make to different people or places, as part of your job. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use round, rounds)\nHe began cracking open big blue tins of butter cookies and feeding the dogs on his route...\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. You can refer to a way of achieving something as a route.\nResearchers are trying to get at the same information through an indirect route...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = road\n6. If vehicles, goods, or passengers are routed in a particular direction, they are made to travel in that direction.\nDouble-stack trains are taking a lot of freight that used to be routed via trucks...\nApproaching cars will be routed into two lanes.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed prep/adv, be V-ed prep/adv\n\n7. En route to a place means on the way to that place. En route is sometimes spelled on route in non-standard English.\nThey have arrived in London en route to the United States...\nOne of the bags was lost en route.\n  PHRASE: oft PHR to/from/for n\n\n8. Journalists sometimes use en route when they are mentioning an event that happened as part of a longer process or before another event.\nThe German set three tournament records and equalled two others en route to grabbing golf’s richest prize.\n  PHRASE: oft PHR to n/-ing\n\n9. If you go the route, you do something fully or continue with a task until you have completely finished. (AM)\nThey have gone the route, in many cases, of just big.big bowls, big statues, big masks, big everything.\n  PHRASE: go inflects


Words: route map
Meaning:
route map route maps\n1. A route map is a map that shows the main roads in a particular area or the main routes used by buses, trains and other forms of transport in a particular area.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe one thing as a route map for another thing, you mean that it provides a model showing the best way to achieve or describe it.\nNowhere could you find a better route map of the troubles of Northern Ireland than in the articles of The Independent’s David McKittrick.\n  N-COUNT


Words: router
Meaning:
rout.er\n   router  routers\n  On a computer or network of computers, a router is a piece of equipment which allows access to other computers or networks, for example the Internet.\n  N-COUNT


Words: routine
Meaning:
rou.tine\n   routine  routines\n1. A routine is the usual series of things that you do at a particular time. A routine is also the practice of regularly doing things in a fixed order.\nThe players had to change their daily routine and lifestyle...\nHe checked up on you as a matter of routine.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft N n, adj N\n\n2. You use routine to describe activities that are done as a normal part of a job or process.\n...a series of routine medical tests...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. A routine situation, action, or event is one which seems completely ordinary, rather than interesting, exciting, or different.\nSo many days are routine and uninteresting, especially in winter.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = ordinary\n4. You use routine to refer to a way of life that is uninteresting and ordinary, or hardly ever changes.\n...the mundane routine of her life...\n  N-VAR  disapproval\n\n5. A routine is a computer program, or part of a program, that performs a specific function. (COMPUTING)\n... an installation routine.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. A routine is a short sequence of jokes, remarks, actions, or movements that forms part of a longer performance.\n...an athletic dance routine.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N


Words: routinely
Meaning:
rou.tine.ly\n   routinely\n1. If something is routinely done, it is done as a normal part of a job or process.\nVitamin K is routinely given in the first week of life to prevent bleeding.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj\n\n2. If something happens routinely, it happens repeatedly and is not surprising, unnatural, or new.\nAny outside criticism is routinely dismissed as interference...\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: rove
Meaning:
rove  roves  roving  roved\n1. If someone roves about an area or roves an area, they wander around it. (LITERARY)\n...roving about the town in the dead of night and seeing something peculiar...\nShe became a photographer, roving the world with her camera in her hand.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V n\n  = roam\n2.\n  see also roving


Words: roving
Meaning:
rov.ing\n   roving\n  You use roving to describe a person who travels around, rather than staying in a fixed place.\n...a roving reporter...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: row
Meaning:
ARRANGEMENT OR SEQUENCE\n   row  rows\n1. A row of things or people is a number of them arranged in a line.\n...a row of pretty little cottages...\nSeveral men are pushing school desks and chairs into neat rows.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. Row is sometimes used in the names of streets.\n...the house at 236 Larch Row.\n  N-IN-NAMES: n N\n\n3.\n  see also death row, skid row\n4. If something happens several times in a row, it happens that number of times without a break. If something happens several days in a row, it happens on each of those days.\nThey have won five championships in a row...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\nDISAGREEMENT OR NOISE\n   row  rows  rowing  rowed\n1. A row is a serious disagreement between people or organizations. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nThis is likely to provoke a further row about the bank’s role in the affair...\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N, N prep\n  = dispute\n2. If two people row or if one person rows with another, they have a noisy argument. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nThey rowed all the time...\nHe had earlier rowed with his girlfriend.\n  V-RECIP: pl-n V, V with n\n\n3. If you say that someone is making a row, you mean that they are making a loud, unpleasant noise. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n`Whatever is that row?’ she demanded. `Pop festival,’ he answered.\n  N-SING\n  = din, racket\n\nMAKING A BOAT MOVE\n   row  rows  rowing  rowed\n  When you row, you sit in a boat and make it move through the water by using oars. If you row someone somewhere, you take them there in a boat, using oars.\nHe rowed as quickly as he could to the shore...\nWe could all row a boat and swim almost before we could walk...\nThe boatman refused to row him back.\n  VERB: V prep, V n, V n adv/prep\n\n  Row is also a noun.\nI took Daniel for a row.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also rowing


Words: row back
Meaning:
If you row back on something you have said or written, you express a different or contrary opinion about it.\nThe administration has been steadily rowing back from its early opposition to his attendance in London...\nThe government was forced to row back on an austerity plan that would have involved wage cuts.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P from n, V P on n


Words: row house
Meaning:
row house  row houses   also rowhouse\n  A row house is one of a row of similar houses that are joined together by both of their side walls. (AM; in BRIT, use terraced house)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rowan
Meaning:
ro.wan\n   rowan  rowans\n  A rowan or a rowan tree is a tree with a silvery trunk that has red berries in autumn.\n  N-VAR\n  = mountain ash\n  Rowan is the wood of this tree.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rowboat
Meaning:
row.boat\n   rowboat  rowboats\n  A rowboat is a small boat that you move through the water by using oars. (AM; in BRIT, use rowing boat)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rowdy
Meaning:
row.dy\n   rowdy  rowdier  rowdiest\n  When people are rowdy, they are noisy, rough, and likely to cause trouble.\nHe has complained to the police about rowdy neighbours...\n  ADJ\n  = noisy\n=>  row.di.ness\n...adolescent behaviour like vandalism and rowdiness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rower
Meaning:
row.er\n   rower  rowers\n  A rower is a person who rows a boat, especially as a sport.\n...the first rower ever to win golds at four Olympic Games.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rowing
Meaning:
row.ing\n   rowing\n  Rowing is a sport in which people or teams race against each other in boats with oars.\n...competitions in rowing, swimming and water skiing.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rowing boat
Meaning:
row.ing boat\n   rowing boat  rowing boats   also rowing-boat\n  A rowing boat is a small boat that you move through the water by using oars. (BRIT; in AM, use rowboat)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rowing machine
Meaning:
row.ing ma.chine\n   rowing machine  rowing machines\n  A rowing machine is an exercise machine with moving parts which you move as if you were rowing a rowing boat.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rowlock
Meaning:
row.lock\n   rowlock   rowlocks\n  The rowlocks on a rowing boat are the U-shaped pieces of metal that keep the oars in position while you move them backwards and forwards. (BRIT; in AM, use oarlock)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: royal
Meaning:
roy.al\n   royal  royals\n1. Royal is used to indicate that something is connected with a king, queen, or emperor, or their family. A royal person is a king, queen, or emperor, or a member of their family.\n...an invitation to a royal garden party.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Royal is used in the names of institutions or organizations that are officially appointed or supported by a member of a royal family.\n...the Royal Academy of Music.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Members of the royal family are sometimes referred to as royals. (INFORMAL)\nThe royals have always been patrons of charities pulling in large donations.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: royal family
Meaning:
roy.al fami.ly\n   royal family  royal families\n  The royal family of a country is the king, queen, or emperor, and all the members of their family.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Royal Highness
Meaning:
Roy.al High.ness\n   Royal Highness  Royal Highnesses\n  Expressions such as Your Royal Highness and Their Royal Highnesses are used to address or refer to members of royal families who are not kings or queens.\n  N-VOC: poss N; PRON: poss PRON  politeness


Words: royal jelly
Meaning:
roy.al jel.ly\n   royal jelly\n  Royal jelly is a substance that bees make in order to feed young bees and queen bees.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: royalist
Meaning:
roy.al.ist\n   royalist  royalists\n  A royalist is someone who supports their country’s royal family or who believes that their country should have a king or queen.\nHe was hated by the royalists.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n  = monarchist  !=republican


Words: royally
Meaning:
roy.al.ly\n   royally\n  If you say that something is done royally, you are emphasizing that it is done in an impressive or grand way, or that it is very great in degree.\nThey were royally received in every aspect...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj  emphasis


Words: royalty
Meaning:
roy.al.ty\n   royalty  royalties\n1. The members of royal families are sometimes referred to as royalty.\nRoyalty and government leaders from all around the world are gathering in Japan.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Royalties are payments made to authors and musicians when their work is sold or performed. They usually receive a fixed percentage of the profits from these sales or performances.\nI lived on about .3,000 a year from the royalties on my book.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. Payments made to someone whose invention, idea, or property is used by a commercial company can be referred to as royalties.\nThe royalties enabled the inventor to re-establish himself in business.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: RP
Meaning:
RP\n  RP is a way of pronouncing British English that is often considered to be the standard accent. Pronunciations in this dictionary are given in RP. RP is an abbreviation for `Received Pronunciation’.


Words: rpm
Meaning:
rpm   also r.p.m.\n  rpm is used to indicate the speed of something by saying how many times per minute it will go round in a circle. rpm is an abbreviation for `revolutions per minute’.\nBoth engines were running at 2500 rpm.


Words: RSI
Meaning:
RSI\n  People who suffer from RSI have pain in their hands and arms as a result of repeating similar movements over a long period of time, usually as part of their job. RSI is an abbreviation for `repetitive strain injury’.\nThe women developed painful RSI because of poor working conditions.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: RSVP
Meaning:
RSVP   also R.S.V.P.\n  RSVP is an abbreviation for `repondez s’il vous plait’, which means `please reply’. It is written on the bottom of a card inviting you to a party or special occasion. (FORMAL)


Words: Rt Hon.
Meaning:
Rt Hon. is used in Britain as part of the formal title of some members of the Privy Council and some judges. Rt Hon. is an abbreviation for `Right Honourable’.\n...the Rt Hon. Tony Blair.\n  ADJ: the ADJ n


Words: rub
Meaning:
rub  rubs  rubbing  rubbed\n1. If you rub a part of your body, you move your hand or fingers backwards and forwards over it while pressing firmly.\nHe rubbed his arms and stiff legs...\n`I fell in a ditch’, he said, rubbing at a scrape on his hand.\n  VERB: V n, V prep/adv\n\n2. If you rub against a surface or rub a part of your body against a surface, you move it backwards and forwards while pressing it against the surface.\nA cat was rubbing against my leg...\nHe kept rubbing his leg against mine.\n  VERB: V prep, V n prep\n\n3. If you rub an object or a surface, you move a cloth backward and forward over it in order to clean or dry it.\nShe took off her glasses and rubbed them hard...\nHe rubbed and rubbed but couldn’t seem to get clean.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n4. If you rub a substance into a surface or rub something such as dirt from a surface, you spread it over the surface or remove it from the surface using your hand or something such as a cloth.\nHe rubbed oil into my back...\n  VERB: V n prep\n\n5. If you rub two things together or if they rub together, they move backwards and forwards, pressing against each other.\nHe rubbed his hands together a few times.\n...the 650-mile rift that separates the Pacific and North American geological plates as they rub together.\n  VERB: V n together, V together\n\n6. If something you are wearing or holding rubs, it makes you sore because it keeps moving backwards and forwards against your skin.\nSmear cream on to your baby’s skin at the edges of the plaster to prevent it from rubbing.\n  VERB: V\n\n7. Rub is used in expressions such as there’s the rub and the rub is when you are mentioning a difficulty that makes something hard or impossible to achieve. (FORMAL)\n`What do you want to write about?’. And there was the rub, because I didn’t yet know.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n8. A massage can be referred to as a rub.\nShe sometimes asks if I want a back rub.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n9.\n  see also rubbing\n10. If you rub shoulders with famous people, you meet them and talk to them. You can also say that you rub elbows with someone, especially in American English.\nHe regularly rubbed shoulders with the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Kylie Minogue.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n11. If you rub someone up the wrong way in British English, or rub someone the wrong way in American English, you offend or annoy them without intending to. (INFORMAL)\nWhat are you going to get out of him if you rub him up the wrong way?\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = annoy\n12.\nto rub someone’s nose in it: see nose\nto rub salt into the wound: see salt


Words: rub in
Meaning:
rub in\n1. If you rub a substance in, you press it into something by continuously moving it over its surface.\nWhen hair is dry, rub in a little oil to make it smooth and glossy.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n2. If someone keeps reminding you of something you would rather forget you can say that they are rubbing it in.\nOfficials couldn’t resist rubbing it in...\nThe home side rubbed in their superiority with a further goal.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: rub off
Meaning:
rub off\n  If someone’s qualities or habits rub off on you, you develop some of their qualities or habits after spending time with them.\nHe was a tremendously enthusiastic teacher and that rubbed off on all the children...\nI was hoping some of his genius might rub off.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P on n, V P


Words: rub out
Meaning:
rub out\n  If you rub out something that you have written on paper or a board, you remove it using a rubber or eraser.\nShe began rubbing out the pencilled marks in the margin.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n  = erase


Words: rubber
Meaning:
rub.ber\n   rubber  rubbers\n1. Rubber is a strong, waterproof, elastic substance made from the juice of a tropical tree or produced chemically. It is used for making tyres, boots, and other products.\n...the smell of burning rubber.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Rubber things are made of rubber.\n...rubber gloves.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. A rubber is a small piece of rubber or other material that is used to remove mistakes that you have made while writing, drawing, or typing. (BRIT; in AM, use eraser)\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A rubber is a condom. (AM INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rubber band
Meaning:
rub.ber band\n   rubber band  rubber bands\n  A rubber band is a thin circle of very elastic rubber. You put it around things such as papers in order to keep them together.\n  N-COUNT\n  = elastic band


Words: rubber boot
Meaning:
rub.ber boot\n   rubber boot  rubber boots\n  Rubber boots are long boots made of rubber that you wear to keep your feet dry. (AM; in BRIT, use wellington)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: rubber bullet
Meaning:
rub.ber bul.let\n   rubber bullet  rubber bullets\n  A rubber bullet is a bullet made of a metal ball coated with rubber. It is intended to injure people rather than kill them, and is used by police or soldiers to control crowds during a riot.\nRubber bullets were used to break up the demonstration.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rubber plant
Meaning:
rub.ber plant\n   rubber plant  rubber plants\n  A rubber plant is a type of plant with shiny leaves. It grows naturally in Asia but is also grown as a house plant in other parts of the world.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rubber stamp
Meaning:
rub.ber stamp\n   rubber stamp  rubber stamps  rubber stamping  rubber stamped   also rubber-stamp\n1. A rubber stamp is a small device with a name, date, or symbol on it. You press it on to an ink pad and then on to a document in order to show that the document has been officially dealt with.\nIn Post Offices, virtually every document that’s passed across the counter is stamped with a rubber stamp.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When someone in authority rubber-stamps a decision, plan, or law, they agree to it without thinking about it much.\nParliament’s job is to rubber-stamp his decisions...\n  VERB: V n


Words: rubberneck
Meaning:
rubber.neck\n   rubberneck  rubbernecks  rubbernecking  rubbernecked   also rubber-neck\n  If someone is rubbernecking, they are staring at someone or something, especially in a rude or silly way. (INFORMAL)\nThe accident was caused by people slowing down to rubber-neck.\n  VERB: V  disapproval\n\n=>  rubber.necker      rubberneckers\nPitt planted tall trees outside his home to block rubberneckers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rubbery
Meaning:
rub.bery\n   rubbery\n1. Something that is rubbery looks or feels soft or elastic like rubber.\nThe mask is left on for about 15 minutes while it sets to a rubbery texture.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Food such as meat that is rubbery is difficult to chew.\n  ADJ\n  = tough


Words: rubbing
Meaning:
rub.bing\n   rubbing  rubbings\n1. A rubbing is a picture that you make by putting a piece of paper over a carved surface and then rubbing wax or chalk over it.\n...a brass rubbing.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n2.\n  see also rub


Words: rubbing alcohol
Meaning:
rub.bing al.co.hol\n   rubbing alcohol\n  Rubbing alcohol is a liquid which is used to clean wounds or surgical instruments. (AM; in BRIT, use surgical spirit)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rubbish
Meaning:
rub.bish\n   rubbish  rubbishes  rubbishing  rubbished\n1. Rubbish consists of unwanted things or waste material such as used paper, empty tins and bottles, and waste food. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use garbage, trash)\n...unwanted household rubbish...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = refuse\n2. If you think that something is of very poor quality, you can say that it is rubbish. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nHe described her book as absolute rubbish.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you think that an idea or a statement is foolish or wrong, you can say that it is rubbish. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)\nHe’s talking rubbish...\nThese reports are total and utter rubbish.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = nonsense\n4. If you think that someone is not very good at something, you can say that they are rubbish at it. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nHe was rubbish at his job...\nI tried playing golf, but I was rubbish.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ at n\n  !=great\n5. If you rubbish a person, their ideas or their work, you say they are of little value. (BRIT INFORMAL; in AM, use trash)\nFive whole pages of script were devoted to rubbishing her political opponents...\n  VERB: V n


Words: rubbishy
Meaning:
rub.bishy\n   rubbishy\n  If you describe something as rubbishy, you think it is of very poor quality. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n...some old rubbishy cop movie.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: rubble
Meaning:
rub.ble\n   rubble\n1. When a building is destroyed, the pieces of brick, stone, or other materials that remain are referred to as rubble.\nThousands of bodies are still buried under the rubble...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Rubble is used to refer to the small pieces of bricks and stones that are used as a bottom layer on which to build roads, paths, or houses.\nBrick rubble is useful as the base for paths and patios.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rube
Meaning:
rube  rubes\n  If you refer to a man or boy as a rube, you consider him stupid and uneducated because he comes from the countryside. (AM INFORMAL)\nHe’s no rube. He’s a very smart guy.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n  = hick


Words: rubella
Meaning:
ru.bel.la\n   rubella\n  Rubella is a disease. The symptoms are a cough, a sore throat, and red spots on your skin. (MEDICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = German measles


Words: Rubicon
Meaning:
Ru.bi.con\n   Rubicon\n  If you say that someone has crossed the Rubicon, you mean that they have reached a point where they cannot change a decision or course of action. (JOURNALISM)\nHe’s crossed the Rubicon with regard to the use of military force as an option.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: rubric
Meaning:
ru.bric\n   rubric  rubrics\n1. A rubric is a set of rules or instructions, for example the rules at the beginning of an examination paper. (FORMAL)\nThere was a firm rubric in the book about what had to be observed when interrogating anyone under seventeen.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A rubric is a title or heading under which something operates or is studied. (FORMAL)\nThe aid comes under the rubric of technical co-operation between governments.\n  N-COUNT\n  = title, heading


Words: ruck
Meaning:
ruck  rucks  rucking  rucked\n1. A ruck is a situation where a group of people are fighting or struggling. (BRIT)\nThere’ll be a huge ruck with the cops as they try to take photographs...\n  N-COUNT\n  = scrap\n2. In the sport of rugby, a ruck is a situation where a group of players struggle for possession of the ball.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rucksack
Meaning:
ruck.sack\n   rucksack  rucksacks\n  A rucksack is a bag with straps that go over your shoulders, so that you can carry things on your back, for example when you are walking or climbing. (BRIT; in AM, usually use knapsack, pack, backpack)\n  N-COUNT


Words: ruckus
Meaning:
ruck.us\n   ruckus\n  If someone or something causes a ruckus, they cause a great deal of noise, argument, or confusion. (AM INFORMAL)\nThis caused such a ruckus all over Japan that they had to change their mind.\n  N-SING


Words: ruction
Meaning:
ruc.tion\n   ruction  ructions\n  If someone or something causes ructions, they cause strong protests, quarrels, or other trouble. (INFORMAL)\nBoth activities have caused some ructions.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: rudder
Meaning:
rud.der\n   rudder  rudders\n1. A rudder is a device for steering a boat. It consists of a vertical piece of wood or metal at the back of the boat.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An aeroplane’s rudder is a vertical piece of metal at the back which is used to make the plane turn to the right or to the left.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rudderless
Meaning:
rud.der.less\n   rudderless\n  A country or a person that is rudderless does not have a clear aim or a strong leader to follow.\nThe country was politically rudderless for almost three months.\n  ADJ


Words: ruddy
Meaning:
rud.dy\n   ruddy  ruddier  ruddiest\n  If you describe someone’s face as ruddy, you mean that their face is a reddish colour, usually because they are healthy or have been working hard, or because they are angry or embarrassed.\nHe had a naturally ruddy complexion...\n  ADJ


Words: rude
Meaning:
rude  ruder  rudest\n1. When people are rude, they act in an impolite way towards other people or say impolite things about them.\nHe’s rude to her friends and obsessively jealous...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to/about n\n  !=polite\n=>  rude.ly\nI could not understand why she felt compelled to behave so rudely to a friend.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n=>  rude.ness\nShe was angry at Steve’s rudeness, but I could forgive it.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss\n\n2. Rude is used to describe words and behaviour that are likely to embarrass or offend people, because they relate to sex or to body functions. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use dirty)\nFred keeps cracking rude jokes with the guests...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = obscene\n3. If someone receives a rude shock, something unpleasant happens unexpectedly.\nIt will come as a rude shock when their salary or income-tax refund cannot be cashed.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  rude.ly\nPeople were awakened rudely by a siren just outside their window.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4.\nrude awakening: see awakening


Words: rudimentary
Meaning:
ru.di.men.ta.ry\n   rudimentary\n1. Rudimentary things are very basic or simple and are therefore unsatisfactory. (FORMAL)\n...a kind of rudimentary kitchen...\n  ADJ\n\n2. Rudimentary knowledge includes only the simplest and most basic facts. (FORMAL)\nHe had only a rudimentary knowledge of French.\n  ADJ\n  = basic


Words: rudiments
Meaning:
ru.di.ments\n   rudiments\n  When you learn the rudiments of something, you learn the simplest or most essential things about it.\nShe helped to build a house, learning the rudiments of brick-laying as she went along.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N of n\n  = basics


Words: rue
Meaning:
rue  rues  ruing  rued\n1. If you rue something that you have done, you are sorry that you did it, because it has had unpleasant results. (LITERARY)\nTavare was probably ruing his decision.\n  VERB: V n\n  = regret\n2. If you rue the day that you did something, you are sorry that you did it, because it has had unpleasant results. (LITERARY)\nYou’ll live to rue the day you said that to me, my girl.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: rueful
Meaning:
rue.ful\n   rueful\n  If someone is rueful, they feel or express regret or sorrow in a quiet and gentle way. (LITERARY)\nHe shook his head and gave me a rueful smile...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  rue.ful.ly\nHe grinned at her ruefully.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: ruff
Meaning:
ruff  ruffs\n1. A ruff is a stiff strip of cloth or other material with many small folds in it, which some people wore round their neck in former times.\n...an Elizabethan ruff.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A ruff is a thick band of feathers or fur round the neck of a bird or animal.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ruffian
Meaning:
ruf.fian\n   ruffian  ruffians\n  A ruffian is a man who behaves violently and is involved in crime. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n...gangs of ruffians who lurk about intent on troublemaking.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ruffle
Meaning:
ruf.fle\n   ruffle  ruffles  ruffling  ruffled\n1. If you ruffle someone’s hair, you move your hand backwards and forwards through it as a way of showing your affection towards them.\n`Don’t let that get you down,’ he said ruffling Ben’s dark curls.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. When the wind ruffles something such as the surface of the sea, it causes it to move gently in a wave-like motion. (LITERARY)\nThe evening breeze ruffled the pond...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If something ruffles someone, it causes them to panic and lose their confidence or to become angry or upset.\nI could tell that my refusal to allow him to ruffle me infuriated him.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If a bird ruffles its feathers or if its feathers ruffle, they stand out on its body, for example when it is cleaning itself or when it is frightened.\nTame birds, when approached, will stretch out their necks and ruffle their neck feathering...\nIts body plumage suddenly began to ruffle and swell.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n5. Ruffles are folds of cloth at the neck or the ends of the arms of a piece of clothing, or are sometimes sewn on things as a decoration.\n...a white blouse with ruffles at the neck and cuffs.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n6. To ruffle someone’s feathers means to cause them to become very angry, nervous, or upset.\nHis direct, often abrasive approach will doubtless ruffle a few feathers...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: ruffled
Meaning:
ruf.fled\n   ruffled\n  Something that is ruffled is no longer smooth or neat.\nHer short hair was oddly ruffled and then flattened around her head.\n  ADJ\n\n  see also ruffle


Words: rug
Meaning:
rug  rugs\n1. A rug is a piece of thick material that you put on a floor. It is like a carpet but covers a smaller area.\nA Persian rug covered the hardwood floors.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A rug is a small blanket which you use to cover your shoulders or your knees to keep them warm. (mainly BRIT)\nThe old lady was seated in her chair at the window, a rug over her knees.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If someone pulls the rug from under a person or thing or pulls the rug from under someone’s feet, they stop giving their help or support.\nIf the banks opt to pull the rug from under the ill-fated project, it will go into liquidation.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\nto sweep something under the rug: see sweep


Words: rugby
Meaning:
rug.by\n   rugby\n  Rugby or rugby football is a game played by two teams using an oval ball. Players try to score points by carrying the ball to their opponents’ end of the field, or by kicking it over a bar fixed between two posts.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rugby tackle
Meaning:
rug.by tack.le\n   rugby tackle  rugby tackles  rugby tackling  rugby tackled\n1. A rugby tackle is a way of making someone fall over by throwing your arms around their legs or hips.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. To rugby tackle someone means to make them fall over by throwing your arms around their legs or hips.\nHe rugby tackled her and stole her bag...\nHe was rugby tackled by a policeman after breaking through police lines.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed


Words: rugged
Meaning:
rug.ged\n   rugged\n1. A rugged area of land is uneven and covered with rocks, with few trees or plants. (LITERARY)\n...rugged mountainous terrain.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  rug.ged.ly\n...a ruggedly beautiful wilderness.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n=>  rug.ged.ness\nThe island’s ruggedness symbolises our history and the character of the people.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you describe a man as rugged, you mean that he has strong, masculine features. (LITERARY)\nA look of pure disbelief crossed Shankly’s rugged face.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval\n\n=>  rug.ged.ly\nHe was six feet tall and ruggedly handsome.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV -ed\n\n3. If you describe someone’s character as rugged, you mean that they are strong and determined, and have the ability to cope with difficult situations.\nRugged individualism forged America’s frontier society.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval\n\n4. A rugged piece of equipment is strong and is designed to last a long time, even if it is treated roughly.\nThe camera combines rugged reliability with unequalled optical performance and speed.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  rug.ged.ness\nThe body is 90% titanium for ruggedness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ruin
Meaning:
ruin  ruins  ruining  ruined\n1. To ruin something means to severely harm, damage, or spoil it.\nMy wife was ruining her health through worry...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. To ruin someone means to cause them to no longer have any money.\nShe accused him of ruining her financially with his taste for the high life.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. Ruin is the state of no longer having any money.\nThe farmers say recent inflation has driven them to the brink of ruin.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. Ruin is the state of being severely damaged or spoiled, or the process of reaching this state.\nThe vineyards were falling into ruin...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. The ruins of something are the parts of it that remain after it has been severely damaged or weakened.\nThe new Turkish republic he helped to build emerged from the ruins of a great empire...\n  N-PLURAL: the N of n\n\n6. The ruins of a building are the parts of it that remain after the rest has fallen down or been destroyed.\nOne dead child was found in the ruins almost two hours after the explosion...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n7.\n  see also ruined\n8. If something is in ruins, it is completely spoiled.\nIts heavily-subsidized economy is in ruins...\n  PHRASE: oft v-link PHR\n\n9. If a building or place is in ruins, most of it has been destroyed and only parts of it remain.\nThe abbey was in ruins...\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: ruination
Meaning:
ru.ina.tion\n   ruination\n  The ruination of someone or something is the act of ruining them or the process of being ruined.\nMoney was the ruination of him...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft the N of n


Words: ruined
Meaning:
ruined\n  A ruined building or place has been very badly damaged or has gradually fallen down because no-one has taken care of it.\n...a ruined church.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: ruinous
Meaning:
ru.in.ous\n   ruinous\n1. If you describe the cost of something as ruinous, you mean that it costs far more money than you can afford or than is reasonable.\nMany Britons will still fear the potentially ruinous costs of their legal system.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  ru.in.ous.ly\n...a ruinously expensive court case.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n2. A ruinous process or course of action is one that is likely to lead to ruin.\nThe economy of the state is experiencing the ruinous effects of the conflict.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  ru.in.ous.ly\n...cities ruinously choked by uncontrolled traffic.\n  ADV: usu ADV -ed


Words: rule
Meaning:
rule  rules  ruling  ruled\n1. Rules are instructions that tell you what you are allowed to do and what you are not allowed to do.\n...a thirty-two-page pamphlet explaining the rules of basketball...\nStrictly speaking, this was against the rules.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n, N num\n\n2. A rule is a statement telling people what they should do in order to achieve success or a benefit of some kind.\nAn important rule is to drink plenty of water during any flight...\n  N-COUNT: oft N for/of n\n\n3. The rules of something such as a language or a science are statements that describe the way that things usually happen in a particular situation.\n...according to the rules of quantum theory.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n4. If something is the rule, it is the normal state of affairs.\nHowever, for many Americans today, weekend work has unfortunately become the rule rather than the exception.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n5. The person or group that rules a country controls its affairs.\nFor four centuries, he says, foreigners have ruled Angola...\nHe ruled for eight months.\n...the long line of feudal lords who had ruled over this land.\n  VERB: V n, V, V over n\n\n  Rule is also a noun.\n...demands for an end to one-party rule.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N\n\n6. If something rules your life, it influences or restricts your actions in a way that is not good for you.\nScientists have always been aware of how fear can rule our lives and make us ill.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. When someone in authority rules that something is true or should happen, they state that they have officially decided that it is true or should happen. (FORMAL)\nThe court ruled that laws passed by the assembly remained valid...\nThe Israeli court has not yet ruled on the case...\nA provincial magistrates’ court last week ruled it unconstitutional...\nThe committee ruled against all-night opening mainly on safety grounds.\n  VERB: V that, V on n, V n adj, V against n, also V in favour of n\n  = pronounce\n8. If you rule a straight line, you draw it using something that has a straight edge.\n...a ruled grid of horizontal and vertical lines.\n  VERB: V-ed, also V n\n\n9.\n  see also golden rule, ground rule, ruling, slide rule\n10. If you say that something happens as a rule, you mean that it usually happens.\nAs a rule, however, such attacks have been aimed at causing damage rather than taking life.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n  = generally, usually\n11. If someone in authority bends the rules or stretches the rules, they do something even though it is against the rules.\nThere is a particular urgency in this case, and it would help if you could bend the rules.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n12. A rule of thumb is a rule or principle that you follow which is not based on exact calculations, but rather on experience.\nA good rule of thumb is that a broker must generate sales of ten times his salary if his employer is to make a profit...\n  PHRASE: rule inflects\n\n13. If workers work to rule, they protest by working according to the rules of their job without doing any extra work or taking any new decisions. (BRIT)\nNurses are continuing to work to rule.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: rule book
Meaning:
rule book  rule books\n1. A rule book is a book containing the official rules for a particular game, job, or organization.\n...one of the most serious offences mentioned in the Party rule book.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone is doing something by the rule book, you mean that they are doing it in the normal, accepted way.\nThis was not the time to take risks; he knew he should play it by the rule book.\n  N-COUNT: the N


Words: rule in
Meaning:
If you say that you are not ruling in a particular course of action, you mean that you have not definitely decided to take that action.\nWe have made no decisions on restructuring yet. We are ruling nothing out and we are ruling nothing in...\nWe must, as I said, take care not to rule in or rule out any one solution.\n  PHRASAL VERB: usu with brd neg, V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: rule of law
Meaning:
rule of law\n  The rule of law refers to a situation in which the people in a society obey its laws and enable it to function properly. (FORMAL)\nI am confident that we can restore peace, stability and respect for the rule of law.\n  N-SING: usu the N


Words: rule out
Meaning:
rule out\n1. If you rule out a course of action, an idea, or a solution, you decide that it is impossible or unsuitable.\nThe Prime Minister is believed to have ruled out cuts in child benefit or pensions...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If something rules out a situation, it prevents it from happening or from being possible.\nA serious car accident in 1986 ruled out a permanent future for him in farming.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: rule out of
Meaning:
rule out of\n  If someone rules you out of a contest or activity, they say that you cannot be involved in it. If something rules you out of a contest or activity, it prevents you from being involved in it.\nHe has ruled himself out of the world championships next year in Stuttgart...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P P n


Words: ruler
Meaning:
rul.er\n   ruler  rulers\n1. The ruler of a country is the person who rules the country.\n...the former military ruler of Lesotho...\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss\n\n2. A ruler is a long flat piece of wood, metal, or plastic with straight edges marked in centimetres or inches. Rulers are used to measure things and to draw straight lines.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ruling
Meaning:
rul.ing\n   ruling  rulings\n1. The ruling group of people in a country or organization is the group that controls its affairs.\n...the Mexican voters’ growing dissatisfaction with the ruling party.\n...the sport’s ruling body, the International Cricket Council.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A ruling is an official decision made by a judge or court.\nGoodwin tried to have the court ruling overturned...\n  N-COUNT: oft N that\n\n3. Someone’s ruling passion or emotion is the feeling they have most strongly, which influences their actions.\nTheir ruling passion is that of carnal love.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: rumba
Meaning:
rum.ba\n   rumba  rumbas\n  The rumba is a popular dance that comes from Cuba, or the music that the dance is performed to.\n  N-COUNT: oft the N


Words: rumble
Meaning:
rum.ble\n   rumble  rumbles  rumbling  rumbled\n1. A rumble is a low continuous noise.\nThe silence of the night was punctuated by the distant rumble of traffic...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. If a vehicle rumbles somewhere, it moves slowly forward while making a low continuous noise.\nA bus rumbled along the road at the top of the path...\n  VERB: V adv/prep\n\n3. If something rumbles, it makes a low, continuous noise.\nThe sky, swollen like a black bladder, rumbled and crackled...\n  VERB: V\n\n4. If your stomach rumbles, it makes a vibrating noise, usually because you are hungry.\nHer stomach rumbled. She hadn’t eaten any breakfast.\n  VERB: V\n\n5. If someone is rumbled, the truth about them or something they were trying to hide is discovered. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nWhen his fraud was rumbled he had just .20.17 in the bank.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: rumble on
Meaning:
rumble on\n  If you say that something such as an argument rumbles on, you mean that it continues for a long time after it should have been settled. (BRIT JOURNALISM)\nAnd still the row rumbles on over who is to blame for the steadily surging crime statistics...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: rumbling
Meaning:
rum.bling\n   rumbling  rumblings\n1. A rumbling is a low continuous noise.\n...the rumbling of an empty stomach...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. Rumblings are signs that a bad situation is developing or that people are becoming annoyed or unhappy.\nThere were rumblings of discontent within the ranks.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft N prep


Words: rumbustious
Meaning:
rum.bus.tious\n   rumbustious\n  A rumbustious person is energetic in a cheerful, noisy way. (BRIT; in AM, use rambunctious)\n...the flamboyant and somewhat rumbustious prime minister.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = boisterous


Words: ruminate
Meaning:
ru.mi.nate\n   ruminate  ruminates  ruminating  ruminated\n1. If you ruminate on something, you think about it very carefully. (FORMAL)\nHe ruminated on the terrible wastage that typified American life...\n  VERB: V on/about/over n\n\n2. When animals ruminate, they bring food back from their stomach into their mouth and chew it again. (TECHNICAL)\n  VERB


Words: rumination
Meaning:
ru.mi.na.tion\n   rumination  ruminations\n  Your ruminations are your careful thoughts about something. (FORMAL)\nMany of Vasari’s ruminations on the subject are not always to be believed.\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss\n  = thoughts


Words: ruminative
Meaning:
ru.mi.na.tive\n   ruminative\n  If you are ruminative, you are thinking very deeply and carefully about something. (FORMAL)\nHe was uncharacteristically depressed and ruminative.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  ru.mi.na.tive.ly\nHe smiles and swirls the ice ruminatively around his almost empty glass.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: rummage
Meaning:
rum.mage\n   rummage  rummages  rummaging  rummaged\n  If you rummage through something, you search for something you want by moving things around in a careless or hurried way.\nThey rummage through piles of second-hand clothes for something that fits...\n  VERB: V prep\n  = root\n  Rummage is also a noun.\nA brief rummage will provide several pairs of gloves.\n  N-SING: a N\n\n  Rummage about and rummage around mean the same as rummage.\nI opened the fridge and rummaged about...\nHe rummaged around the post room and found the document.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P n (not pron)


Words: rummage sale
Meaning:
rum.mage sale\n   rummage sale  rummage sales\n  A rummage sale is a sale of cheap used goods that is usually held to raise money for charity. (AM; in BRIT, use jumble sale)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rummy
Meaning:
rum.my\n   rummy\n  Rummy is a card game in which players try to collect cards of the same value or cards in a sequence in the same suit.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rumour
Meaning:
ru.mour\n   rumour  rumours\nin AM, use rumor\n  A rumour is a story or piece of information that may or may not be true, but that people are talking about.\nSimon denied rumours that he was planning to visit Bulgaria later this month...\n  N-VAR: oft N that, N of/about n


Words: rumour mill
Meaning:
ru.mour mill\n   rumour mill  rumour mills\nin AM, use rumor mill\n  You can refer to the people in a particular place or profession who spread rumours as the rumour mill. (mainly JOURNALISM)\nThe Washington rumour mill suggests that the president secured his narrow majority only by promising all sorts of concessions.\n  N-COUNT: oft the N


Words: rumour-monger
Meaning:
rumour-monger  rumour-mongers\nin AM, use rumormonger\n  If you call someone a rumour-monger, you disapprove of the fact that they spread rumours.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: rumoured
Meaning:
ru.moured\n   rumoured\nin AM, use rumored\n  If something is rumoured to be the case, people are suggesting that it is the case, but they do not know for certain.\nHer parents are rumoured to be on the verge of splitting up...\nIt was rumoured that he had been interned in an asylum for a while.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed to-inf, it be V-ed that


Words: rump
Meaning:
rump  rumps\n1. The rump of a group, organization, or country consists of the members who remain in it after the rest have left. (mainly BRIT)\nThe rump of the party does in fact still have considerable assets...\n  N-SING: with supp\n\n2. An animal’s rump is its rear end.\nThe cows’ rumps were marked with a number.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N\n\n3. Rump or rump steak is meat cut from the rear end of a cow.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rumple
Meaning:
rum.ple\n   rumple  rumples  rumpling  rumpled\n  If you rumple someone’s hair, you move your hand backwards and forwards through it as your way of showing affection to them.\nI leaned forward to rumple his hair, but he jerked out of the way.\n  VERB: V n\n  = ruffle


Words: rumpled
Meaning:
rum.pled\n   rumpled\n  Rumpled means creased or untidy.\nI hurried to the tent and grabbed a few clean, if rumpled, clothes.\n  ADJ


Words: rumpus
Meaning:
rum.pus\n   rumpus  rumpuses\n  If someone or something causes a rumpus, they cause a lot of noise or argument.\nHe had actually left the company a year before the rumpus started.\n  N-COUNT


Words: run
Meaning:
run  runs  running  ran\n\n  The form run is used in the present tense and is also the past participle of the verb.\n\n1. When you run, you move more quickly than when you walk, for example because you are in a hurry to get somewhere, or for exercise.\nI excused myself and ran back to the telephone...\nHe ran the last block to the White House with two cases of gear...\nAntonia ran to meet them.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V n/amount, V\n\n  Run is also a noun.\nAfter a six-mile run, Jackie returns home for a substantial breakfast.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n2. When someone runs in a race, they run in competition with other people.\n...when I was running in the New York Marathon...\nPhyllis Smith ran a controlled race to qualify in 51.32 sec.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n3. When a horse runs in a race or when its owner runs it, it competes in a race.\nThe owner insisted on Cool Ground running in the Gold Cup...\nIf we have a wet spell, Cecil could also run Armiger in the Derby.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n4. If you say that something long, such as a road, runs in a particular direction, you are describing its course or position. You can also say that something runs the length or width of something else.\n...the sun-dappled trail which ran through the beech woods.\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n5. If you run a wire or tube somewhere, you fix it or pull it from, to, or across a particular place.\nOur host ran a long extension cord out from the house and set up a screen and a projector.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n6. If you run your hand or an object through something, you move your hand or the object through it.\nHe laughed and ran his fingers through his hair...\n  VERB: V n prep\n\n7. If you run something through a machine, process, or series of tests, you make it go through the machine, process, or tests.\nThey have gathered the best statistics they can find and run them through their own computers.\n  VERB: V n through n\n\n8. If someone runs for office in an election, they take part as a candidate.\nIt was only last February that he announced he would run for president...\nIt is no easy job to run against John Glenn, Ohio’s Democratic senator...\nWomen are running in nearly all the contested seats in Los Angeles.\n  VERB: V for n, V against n, V\n  = stand\n9. A run for office is an attempt to be elected to office. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use bid)\nHe was already preparing his run for the presidency.\n  N-SING: N for n\n\n10. If you run something such as a business or an activity, you are in charge of it or you organize it.\nHis stepfather ran a prosperous paint business...\nIs this any way to run a country?...\n...a well-run, profitable organisation.\n  VERB: V n, V n, V-ed\n\n11. If you talk about how a system, an organization, or someone’s life is running, you are saying how well it is operating or progressing.\nOfficials in charge of the camps say the system is now running extremely smoothly.\n...the staff who have kept the bank running.\n  VERB: usu cont, V adv, V\n\n12. If you run an experiment, computer program, or other process, or start it running, you start it and let it continue.\nHe ran a lot of tests and it turned out I had an infection called mycoplasma...\nYou can check your program one command at a time while it’s running.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n13. When you run a cassette or video tape or when it runs, it moves through the machine as the machine operates.\nHe pushed the play button again and ran the tape...\nThe tape had run to the end but recorded nothing.\n  VERB: V n, V\n  = play\n14. When a machine is running or when you are running it, it is switched on and is working.\nWe told him to wait out front with the engine running.\n...with everybody running their appliances all at the same time.\n  VERB: usu cont, V, V n\n\n15. A machine or equipment that runs on or off a particular source of energy functions using that source of energy.\nBlack cabs run on diesel...\n  VERB: V on/off n\n\n16. If you run a car or a piece of equipment, you have it and use it. (mainly BRIT)\n(next)


Words: run .1
Meaning:
I ran a 1960 Rover 100 from 1977 until 1983.\n  VERB: V n\n\n17. When you say that vehicles such as trains and buses run from one place to another, you mean they regularly travel along that route.\nA shuttle bus runs frequently between the Inn and the Country Club.\n...a government which can’t make the trains run on time.\n  VERB: V prep, V\n\n18. If you run someone somewhere in a car, you drive them there. (INFORMAL)\nCould you run me up to Baltimore?\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n  = drive\n19. If you run over or down to a place that is quite near, you drive there. (INFORMAL)\nI’ll run over to Short Mountain and check on Mrs Adams.\n  VERB: V adv\n  = drive\n20. A run is a journey somewhere.\n...doing the morning school run.\n  N-COUNT\n\n21. If a liquid runs in a particular direction, it flows in that direction.\nTears were running down her cheeks...\nWash the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V adj\n  = flow\n22. If you run water, or if you run a tap or a bath, you cause water to flow from a tap.\nShe went to the sink and ran water into her empty glass...\n  VERB: V n\n\n23. If a tap or a bath is running, water is coming out of a tap.\nYou must have left a tap running in the bathroom...\n  VERB: only cont, V\n\n24. If your nose is running, liquid is flowing out of it, usually because you have a cold.\nTimothy was crying, mostly from exhaustion, and his nose was running.\n  VERB: usu cont, V\n\n25. If a surface is running with a liquid, that liquid is flowing down it.\nAfter an hour he realised he was completely running with sweat...\n  VERB: usu cont, V with n\n\n26. If the dye in some cloth or the ink on some paper runs, it comes off or spreads when the cloth or paper gets wet.\nThe ink had run on the wet paper.\n  VERB: V\n\n27. If a feeling runs through your body or a thought runs through your mind, you experience it or think it quickly.\nShe felt a surge of excitement run through her...\n  VERB: V through n\n  = go\n28. If a feeling or noise runs through a group of people, it spreads among them.\nA buzz of excitement ran through the crowd.\n  VERB: V through n\n  = go\n29. If a theme or feature runs through something such as someone’s actions or writing, it is present in all of it.\nAnother thread running through this series is the role of doctors in the treatment of the mentally ill...\nThere was something of this mood running throughout the Congress’s deliberations.\n  VERB: V through n, V throughout n\n\n30. When newspapers or magazines run a particular item or story or if it runs, it is published or printed.\nThe newspaper ran a series of four editorials entitled `The Choice of Our Lives.’\n...an editorial that ran this weekend entitled `Mr. Cuomo Backs Out.’\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n31. If an amount is running at a particular level, it is at that level.\nToday’s RPI figure shows inflation running at 10.9 per cent...\n  VERB: V at n\n  = stand\n32. If a play, event, or legal contract runs for a particular period of time, it lasts for that period of time.\nIt pleased critics but ran for only three years in the West End...\nThe contract was to run from 1992 to 2020...\nI predict it will run and run.\n  VERB: V for amount, V prep, V\n\n33. If someone or something is running late, they have taken more time than had been planned. If they are running to time or ahead of time, they have taken the time planned or less than the time planned.\nTell her I’ll call her back later, I’m running late again...\n  VERB: usu cont, V adv/prep\n\n34. If you are running a temperature or a fever, you have a high temperature because you are ill.\nThe little girl is running a fever and she needs help.\n  VERB: V n\n\n35. A run of a play or television programme is the period of time during which performances are given or programmes are shown.\nThe show will transfer to the West End on October 9, after a month’s run in Birmingham...\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n36. A run of successes or failures is a series of successes or failures.\nThe England skipper is haunted by a run of low scores...\n(next)


Words: run .2
Meaning:
N-SING: usu N of n\n\n37. A run of a product is the amount that a company or factory decides to produce at one time.\nWayne plans to increase the print run to 1,000...\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n38. In cricket or baseball, a run is a score of one, which is made by players running between marked places on the field after hitting the ball.\nAt 20 he became the youngest player to score 2,000 runs in a season.\n  N-COUNT\n\n39. If someone gives you the run of a place, they give you permission to go where you like in it and use it as you wish.\nHe had the run of the house and the pool.\n  N-SING: the N of n\n\n40. If there is a run on something, a lot of people want to buy it or get it at the same time.\nA run on sterling has killed off hopes of a rate cut...\n  N-SING: N on n\n\n41. A ski run or bobsleigh run is a course or route that has been designed for skiing or for riding in a bobsleigh.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N\n\n42.\n  see also running, dummy run, test run, trial run\n43. If something happens against the run of play or against the run of events, it is different from what is generally happening in a game or situation. (BRIT)\nThe decisive goal arrived against the run of play...\n  PHRASE\n\n44. If you run someone close, run them a close second, or run a close second, you almost beat them in a race or competition.\nThe Under-21 team has defeated Wales and Scotland this season, and ran England very close...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n45. If a river or well runs dry, it no longer has any water in it. If an oil well runs dry, it no longer produces any oil.\nStreams had run dry for the first time in memory.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = dry up\n46. If a source of information or money runs dry, no more information or money can be obtained from it.\nThree days into production, the kitty had run dry.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = dry up\n47. If a characteristic runs in someone’s family, it often occurs in members of that family, in different generations.\nThe insanity which ran in his family haunted him.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n48. If you make a run for it or if you run for it, you run away in order to escape from someone or something.\nA helicopter hovered overhead as one of the gang made a run for it...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n49. If people’s feelings are running high, they are very angry, concerned, or excited.\nFeelings there have been running high in the wake of last week’s killing.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n50. If you talk about what will happen in the long run, you are saying what you think will happen over a long period of time in the future. If you talk about what will happen in the short run, you are saying what you think will happen in the near future.\nSometimes expensive drugs or other treatments can be economical in the long run...\nIn fact, things could get worse in the short run.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR with v\n\n51. If you say that someone would run a mile if faced with something, you mean that they are very frightened of it and would try to avoid it.\nYasmin admits she would run a mile if Mark asked her out.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n52. If you say that someone could give someone else a run for their money, you mean you think they are almost as good as the other person.\n...a youngster who even now could give Meryl Streep a run for her money.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n53. If someone is on the run, they are trying to escape or hide from someone such as the police or an enemy.\nFifteen-year-old Danny is on the run from a local authority home.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n54. If someone is on the run, they are being severely defeated in a contest or competition.\nHis opponents believe he is definitely on the run...\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\n55. If you say that a person or group is running scared, you mean that they are frightened of what someone might do to them or what might happen.\nThe administration is running scared.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n(next)


Words: run .3
Meaning:
56. If you are running short of something or running low on something, you do not have much of it left. If a supply of something is running short or running low, there is not much of it left.\nGovernment forces are running short of ammunition and fuel...\nWe are running low on drinking water...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n57.\nto run amok: see amok\nto make your blood run cold: see blood\nto run counter to something: see counter\nto run its course: see course\nto run deep: see deep\nto run an errand: see errand\nto run the gamut of something: see gamut\nto run the gauntlet: see gauntlet\nto run rings around someone: see ring\nto run riot: see riot\nto run a risk: see risk\nto run to seed: see seed\nto run wild: see wild


Words: run across
Meaning:
run across\n  If you run across someone or something, you meet them or find them unexpectedly.\nWe ran across some old friends in the village.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n  = come across


Words: run after
Meaning:
run after\n  If you are running after someone, you are trying to start a relationship with them, usually a sexual relationship.\nBy the time she was fifteen Maria was already running after men twice her age.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: run around
Meaning:
run around\n  If you run around, you go to a lot of places and do a lot of things, often in a rushed or disorganized way.\nNo one noticed we had been running around emptying bins and cleaning up...\nI spend all day running around after the family...\nI will not have you running around the countryside without my authority.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P after/with n, V P n (not pron)


Words: run away
Meaning:
run away\n1. If you run away from a place, you leave it because you are unhappy there.\nI ran away from home when I was sixteen...\nAfter his beating Colin ran away and hasn’t been heard of since...\nThree years ago I ran away to Mexico to live with a circus.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P from n, V P, V P to n\n\n2. If you run away with someone, you secretly go away with them in order to live with them or marry them.\nShe ran away with a man called McTavish last year...\nHe and I were always planning to run away together.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P with n, pl-n V P together\n  = run off\n3. If you run away from something unpleasant or new, you try to avoid dealing with it or thinking about it.\nThey run away from the problem, hoping it will disappear of its own accord...\nYou can’t run away for ever.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P from n, V P\n\n4.\n  see also runaway


Words: run away with
Meaning:
run away with\n  If you let your imagination or your emotions run away with you, you fail to control them and cannot think sensibly.\nYou’re letting your imagination run away with you...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P P pron


Words: run by
Meaning:
run by\n  If you run something by someone, you tell them about it or mention it, to see if they think it is a good idea, or can understand it.\nRun that by me again.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n


Words: run down
Meaning:
run down\n1. If you run people or things down, you criticize them strongly.\nHe last night denounced the British `genius for running ourselves down’.\n...that chap who was running down state schools.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If people run down an industry or an organization, they deliberately reduce its size or the amount of work that it does. (mainly BRIT)\nThe government is cynically running down Sweden’s welfare system...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n3. If someone runs down an amount of something, they reduce it or allow it to decrease. (mainly BRIT)\nBut the survey also revealed firms were running down stocks instead of making new products...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n4. If a vehicle or its driver runs someone down, the vehicle hits them and injures them.\nLozano claimed that motorcycle driver Clement Lloyd was trying to run him down.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P\n  = knock down, run over\n5. If a machine or device runs down, it gradually loses power or works more slowly.\nThe batteries are running down.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n6.\n  see also run-down


Words: run into
Meaning:
run into\n1. If you run into problems or difficulties, you unexpectedly begin to experience them.\nThey agreed to sell last year after they ran into financial problems...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If you run into someone, you meet them unexpectedly.\nHe ran into Krettner in the corridor a few minutes later.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n  = meet, bump into\n3. If a vehicle runs into something, it accidentally hits it.\nThe driver failed to negotiate a bend and ran into a tree.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n\n4. You use run into when indicating that the cost or amount of something is very great.\nHe said companies should face punitive civil penalties running into millions of pounds.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P amount


Words: run off
Meaning:
run off\n1. If you run off with someone, you secretly go away with them in order to live with them or marry them.\nThe last thing I’m going to do is run off with somebody’s husband...\nWe could run off together, but neither of us wants to live the rest of our lives abroad.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P with n, pl-n V P together\n  = run away\n2. If you run off copies of a piece of writing, you produce them using a machine.\nIf you want to run off a copy sometime today, you’re welcome to.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: run out
Meaning:
run out\n1. If you run out of something, you have no more of it left.\nThey have run out of ideas...\nWe had lots before but now we’ve run out.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P of n, V P\n\nto run out of steam: see steam\n2. If something runs out, it becomes used up so that there is no more left.\nConditions are getting worse and supplies are running out...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n3. When a legal document runs out, it stops being valid.\nWhen the lease ran out the family moved to Campigny.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n  = expire


Words: run over
Meaning:
run over\n  If a vehicle or its driver runs a person or animal over, it knocks them down or drives over them.\nYou can always run him over and make it look like an accident...\nHe ran over a six-year-old child as he was driving back from a party.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n\n  = knock down, run down


Words: run past
Meaning:
run past\n  To run something past someone means the same as to run it by them.\nBefore agreeing, he ran the idea past Johnson.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n


Words: run through
Meaning:
run through\n1. If you run through a list of items, you read or mention all the items quickly.\nI ran through the options with him.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n  = go through\n2. If you run through a performance or a series of actions, you practise it.\nDoug stood still while I ran through the handover procedure.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n  = go through\n3.\n  see also run-through


Words: run time
Meaning:
run time run times\n  Run time is the time during which a computer program is running. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: run to
Meaning:
run to\n1. If you run to someone, you go to them for help or to tell them something.\nIf you were at a party and somebody was getting high, you didn’t go running to a cop.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n\n2. If something runs to a particular amount or size, it is that amount or size.\nThe finished manuscript ran to the best part of fifty double-sided pages.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n3. If you cannot run to a particular item, you cannot afford to buy it or pay for it. (mainly BRIT)\nIf you can’t run to champagne, buy sparkling wine.\n  PHRASAL VERB: with brd-neg, V P n\n  = afford


Words: run up
Meaning:
run up\n1. If someone runs up bills or debts, they acquire them by buying a lot of things or borrowing money.\nHe ran up a .1,400 bill at the Britannia Adelphi Hotel...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n2.\n  see also run-up


Words: run up against
Meaning:
run up against\n  If you run up against problems, you suddenly begin to experience them.\nI ran up against the problem of getting taken seriously long before I became a writer...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P P n\n  = encounter


Words: run-down
Meaning:
also rundown\nThe adjective is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. If someone is run-down, they are tired or slightly ill. (INFORMAL)\n...times when you are feeling tired and run-down.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n2. A run-down building or area is in very poor condition.\n...one of the most run-down areas in Scotland.\n...a run-down block of flats.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. A run-down place of business is not as active as it used to be or does not have many customers.\n...a run-down slate quarry...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4. When the run-down of an industry or organization takes place, its size or the amount of work that it does is reduced. (mainly BRIT)\n...the impetus behind the rundown of the coal industry.\n  N-SING: N of n\n\n5. If you give someone a run-down of a group of things or a run-down on something, you give them details about it. (INFORMAL)\nHere’s a rundown of the options...\n  N-SING: usu N of/on n


Words: run-in
Meaning:
run-in  run-ins\n  A run-in is an argument or quarrel with someone. (INFORMAL)\nI had a monumental run-in with him a couple of years ago.\n  N-COUNT: oft N with n\n  = row


Words: run-of-the-mill
Meaning:
run-of-the-mill   also run of the mill\n  A run-of-the-mill person or thing is very ordinary, with no special or interesting features.\nI was just a very average run-of-the-mill kind of student...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: run-off
Meaning:
run-off  run-offs   also runoff\n  A run-off is an extra vote or contest which is held in order to decide the winner of an election or competition, because no-one has yet clearly won.\nThere will be a run-off between these two candidates on December 9th...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N between pl-n


Words: run-through
Meaning:
run-through  run-throughs\n  A run-through for a show or event is a practice for it.\nCharles and Eddie are getting ready for their final run-through before the evening’s recording.\n  N-COUNT\n  = rehearsal


Words: run-up
Meaning:
run-up  run-ups\n1. The run-up to an event is the period of time just before it. (mainly BRIT)\nThe company believes the products will sell well in the run-up to Christmas.\n  N-SING: usu the N to n\n\n2. In sport, a run-up is the run made by a player or athlete, for example before throwing a ball or a javelin, or before jumping.\nWhen I began to compete again, I was struggling with my run-up.\n  N-COUNT


Words: runabout
Meaning:
run.about\n   runabout  runabouts\n1. A runabout is a small car used mainly for short journeys. In American English, runabout is used of cars with open tops.\n...a small 1-litre runabout.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A runabout is a small, light boat with a motor. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: runaround
Meaning:
run.around\n   runaround   also run-around\n  If someone gives you the runaround, they deliberately do not give you all the information or help that you want, and send you to another person or place to get it. (INFORMAL)\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: runaway
Meaning:
run.away\n   runaway  runaways\n1. You use runaway to describe a situation in which something increases or develops very quickly and cannot be controlled.\nOur Grand Sale in June was a runaway success.\n...a runaway best-seller.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A runaway is someone, especially a child, who leaves home without telling anyone or without permission.\n...a teenage runaway.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n3. A runaway vehicle or animal is moving forward quickly, and its driver or rider has lost control of it.\nThe runaway car careered into a bench, hitting an elderly couple...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: rune
Meaning:
rune  runes\n  Runes are letters from an alphabet that was used by people in Northern Europe in former times. They were carved on wood or stone and were believed to have magical powers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rung
Meaning:
rung  rungs\n1. Rung is the past participle of ring.\n\n2. The rungs on a ladder are the wooden or metal bars that form the steps.\nI swung myself onto the ladder and felt for the next rung.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you reach a particular rung in your career, in an organization, or in a process, you reach that level in it.\nI first worked with him in 1971 when we were both on the lowest rung of our careers...\n  N-COUNT: with supp


Words: runner
Meaning:
run.ner\n   runner  runners\n1. A runner is a person who runs, especially for sport or pleasure.\n...a marathon runner...\nI am a very keen runner and am out training most days.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The runners in a horse race are the horses taking part.\nThere are 18 runners in the top race of the day.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A drug runner or gun runner is someone who illegally takes drugs or guns into a country.\n  N-COUNT: n N\n\n4. Someone who is a runner for a particular person or company is employed to take messages, collect money, or do other small tasks for them.\n...a bookie’s runner.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. Runners are thin strips of wood or metal underneath something which help it to move smoothly.\n...the runners of his sled.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n6. If someone does a runner, they leave a place in a hurry, for example in order to escape arrest or to avoid paying for something. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nAt this point, the accountant did a runner.with all my bank statements, expenses and receipts.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = do a bunk


Words: runner bean
Meaning:
run.ner bean\n   runner bean  runner beans\n  Runner beans are long 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 pole beans, scarlet runners)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = French bean


Words: runner-up
Meaning:
runner-up  runners-up\n  A runner-up is someone who has finished in second place in a race or competition.\nThe ten runners-up will receive a case of wine.\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n


Words: running
Meaning:
run.ning\n   running\n1. Running is the activity of moving fast on foot, especially as a sport.\nWe chose to do cross-country running.\n...running shoes.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The running of something such as a business is the managing or organizing of it.\n...the committee in charge of the day-to-day running of the party.\n  N-SING: the N of n\n\n3. You use running to describe things that continue or keep occurring over a period of time.\nHe also began a running feud with Dean Acheson...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = ongoing\n4. A running total is a total which changes because numbers keep being added to it as something progresses.\nHe kept a running tally of who had called him, who had visited, who had sent flowers...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n5. You can use running when indicating that something keeps happening. For example, if something has happened every day for three days, you can say that it has happened for the third day running or for three days running.\nHe said drought had led to severe crop failure for the second year running...\n  ADV: n ADV\n\n6. Running water is water that is flowing rather than standing still.\nThe forest was filled with the sound of running water...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n7. If a house has running water, water is supplied to the house through pipes and taps.\n...a house without electricity or running water in a tiny African village.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n8. If someone is in the running for something, they have a good chance of winning or obtaining it. If they are out of the running for something, they have no chance of winning or obtaining it.\nUntil this week he appeared to have ruled himself out of the running because of his age.\n  PHRASE\n\n9. If someone is making the running in a situation, they are more active than the other people involved. (mainly BRIT)\nRepublicans are furious that the Democrats currently seem to be making all the running.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n10. If something such as a system or place is up and running, it is operating normally.\nWe’re trying to get the medical facilities up and running again.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v


Words: running battle
Meaning:
run.ning bat.tle\n   running battle  running battles\n  When two groups of people fight a running battle, they keep attacking each other in various parts of a place.\nThey fought running battles in the narrow streets with police.\n  N-COUNT


Words: running commentary
Meaning:
run.ning com.men.tary\n   running commentary  running commentaries\n  If someone provides a running commentary on an event, they give a continuous description of it while it is taking place.\nJohn gave the police control room a running commentary on the driver’s antics as he followed him at 90mph.\n  N-COUNT


Words: running costs
Meaning:
run.ning costs\n   running costs\n1. The running costs of a business are the amount of money that is regularly spent on things such as salaries, heating, lighting, and rent. (BUSINESS)\nThe aim is to cut running costs by .90 million per year.\n  N-PLURAL\n  = overheads\n2. The running costs of a device such as a heater or a fridge are the amount of money that you spend on the gas, electricity, or other type of energy that it uses.\nAlways buy a heater with thermostat control to save on running costs.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: running mate
Meaning:
run.ning mate\n   running mate  running mates\n  In an election campaign, a candidate’s running mate is the person that they have chosen to help them in the election. If the candidate wins, the running mate will become the second most important person after the winner. (mainly AM)\n...Clinton’s selection of Al Gore as his running mate.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N


Words: running order
Meaning:
run.ning or.der\n   running order\n  The running order of the items in a broadcast, concert, or show is the order in which the items will come.\nWe had reversed the running order.\n  N-SING: usu the N


Words: running time
Meaning:
run.ning time\n   running time  running times\n  The running time of something such as a film, video, or CD is the time it takes to play from start to finish.\n  N-COUNT


Words: runny
Meaning:
run.ny\n   runny  runnier  runniest\n1. Something that is runny is more liquid than usual or than was intended.\nWarm the honey until it becomes runny.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If someone has a runny nose or runny eyes, liquid is flowing from their nose or eyes.\nSymptoms are streaming eyes, a runny nose, headache and a cough.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: runt
Meaning:
runt  runts\n  The runt of a group of animals born to the same mother at the same time is the smallest and weakest of them.\nAnimals reject the runt of the litter.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: runway
Meaning:
run.way\n   runway  runways\n  At an airport, the runway is the long strip of ground with a hard surface which an aeroplane takes off from or lands on.\nThe plane started taxiing down the runway.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N


Words: rupee
Meaning:
ru.pee\n   rupee  rupees\n  A rupee is a unit of money that is used in India, Pakistan, and some other countries.\nHe earns 20 rupees a day.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rupture
Meaning:
rup.ture\n   rupture  ruptures  rupturing  ruptured\n1. A rupture is a severe injury in which an internal part of your body tears or bursts open, especially the part between the bowels and the abdomen.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If a person or animal ruptures a part of their body or if it ruptures, it tears or bursts open.\nHis stomach might rupture from all the acid...\nWhilst playing badminton, I ruptured my Achilles tendon.\n...a ruptured appendix.\n  VERB: V, V n, V-ed\n\n3. If you rupture yourself, you rupture a part of your body, usually because you have lifted something heavy.\nHe ruptured himself playing football.\n  VERB: V pron-refl\n\n4. If an object ruptures or if something ruptures it, it bursts open.\nCertain truck gasoline tanks can rupture and burn in a collision...\nSloshing liquids can rupture the walls of their containers.\n  VERB: V, V n\n  = burst\n5. If there is a rupture between people, relations between them get much worse or end completely.\nThe incidents have not yet caused a major rupture in the political ties between countries.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n6. If someone or something ruptures relations between people, they damage them, causing them to become worse or to end.\nThe incident ruptures a recent and fragile cease-fire.\n  VERB: V n


Words: rural
Meaning:
ru.ral\n   rural\n1. Rural places are far away from large towns or cities.\nThese plants have a tendency to grow in the more rural areas.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=urban\n2. Rural means having features which are typical of areas that are far away from large towns or cities.\n...the old rural way of life...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: ruse
Meaning:
ruse  ruses\n  A ruse is an action or plan which is intended to deceive someone. (FORMAL)\nIt is now clear that this was a ruse to divide them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rush
Meaning:
rush  rushes  rushing  rushed\n1. If you rush somewhere, you go there quickly.\nA schoolgirl rushed into a burning flat to save a man’s life...\nI’ve got to rush. Got a meeting in a few minutes...\nShop staff rushed to get help.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V, V to-inf\n\n2. If people rush to do something, they do it as soon as they can, because they are very eager to do it.\nRussian banks rushed to buy as many dollars as they could...\n  VERB: V to-inf\n\n3. A rush is a situation in which you need to go somewhere or do something very quickly.\nThe men left in a rush...\nIt was all rather a rush...\n  N-SING\n\n4. If there is a rush for something, many people suddenly try to get it or do it.\nRecord stores are expecting a huge rush for the single.\n  N-SING: usu N for n\n\n5. The rush is a period of time when many people go somewhere or do something.\nThe shop’s opening coincided with the Christmas rush...\n  N-SING: the N, oft supp N\n\n6. If you rush something, you do it in a hurry, often too quickly and without much care.\nYou can’t rush a search...\nInstead of rushing at life, I wanted something more meaningful.\n  VERB: V n, V at n\n\n=>  rushed\nThe report had all the hallmarks of a rushed job.\n  ADJ\n\n7. If you rush someone or something to a place, you take them there quickly.\nWe got an ambulance and rushed her to hospital...\nWe’ll rush it round today if possible.\n  VERB: V n prep, V n with adv\n\n8. If you rush into something or are rushed into it, you do it without thinking about it for long enough.\nHe will not rush into any decisions...\nThey had rushed in without adequate appreciation of the task...\nMinisters won’t be rushed into a response...\nDon’t rush him or he’ll become confused.\n  VERB: V into n, V in, be V-ed into n, V n\n\n=>  rushed\nAt no time did I feel rushed or under pressure.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n9. If you rush something or someone, you move quickly and forcefully at them, often in order to attack them.\nThey rushed the entrance and forced their way in...\nTom came rushing at him from another direction.\n  VERB: V n, V at n\n\n10. If air or liquid rushes somewhere, it flows there suddenly and quickly.\nWater rushes out of huge tunnels...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n  Rush is also a noun.\nA rush of air on my face woke me.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp\n\n11. If you experience a rush of a feeling, you suddenly experience it very strongly.\nA rush of pure affection swept over him...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp\n\n12. If you are rushed off your feet, you are extremely busy. (INFORMAL)\nWe used to be rushed off our feet at lunchtimes.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: rush hour
Meaning:
rush hour  rush hours   also rush-hour\n  The rush hour is one of the periods of the day when most people are travelling to or from work.\nDuring the evening rush hour it was often solid with vehicles...\nTry to avoid rush-hour traffic...\n  N-COUNT: also at/during N


Words: rush out
Meaning:
rush out\n  If a document or product is rushed out, it is produced very quickly.\nA statement was rushed out...\nStudios are rushing out monster movies to take advantage of our new-found enthusiasm for dinosaurs.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: rush through
Meaning:
rush through\n  If you rush something through, you deal with it quickly so that it is ready in a shorter time than usual.\nThe government rushed through legislation aimed at Mafia leaders...\nThey rushed the burial through so no evidence would show up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: rusk
Meaning:
rusk  rusks\n  Rusks are hard, dry biscuits that are given to babies and young children. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-VAR


Words: russet
Meaning:
rus.set\n   russet  russets\n  Russet is used to describe things that are reddish-brown in colour.\n...a russet apple...\n  COLOUR


Words: Russian
Meaning:
Rus.sian\n   Russian  Russians\n1. Russian means belonging or relating to Russia, or to its people, language, or culture.\n...the Russian parliament.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A Russian is a Russian citizen, or a person of Russian origin.\nThree-quarters of Russians live in cities.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Russian doll
Meaning:
Rus.sian doll\n   Russian doll  Russian dolls\n  A Russian doll is a hollow wooden doll that is made in two halves. Inside it are a series of similar wooden dolls, each smaller than the last, placed one inside the other.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Russian roulette
Meaning:
Rus.sian rou.lette\n   Russian roulette\n1. If you say that someone is playing Russian roulette, or that what they are doing is like playing Russian roulette, you mean that what they are doing is very dangerous because it involves unpredictable risks.\nYou are playing Russian roulette every time you have unprotected sex.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If someone plays Russian roulette, they fire a gun with only one bullet at their head without knowing whether it will shoot them.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rust
Meaning:
rust  rusts  rusting  rusted\n1. Rust is a brown substance that forms on iron or steel, for example when it comes into contact with water.\n...a decaying tractor, red with rust...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. When a metal object rusts, it becomes covered in rust and often loses its strength.\nCopper nails are better than iron nails because the iron rusts...\n  VERB: V\n\n3. Rust is sometimes used to describe things that are reddish-brown in colour.\n...turquoise woodwork with accent colours of rust and ochre.\n  COLOUR


Words: Rust Belt
Meaning:
Rust Belt   also rust belt\n  In the United States and some other countries, the Rust Belt is a region which used to have a lot of manufacturing industry, but whose economy is now in difficulty.\n...in the rust belt of the mid-west.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: rustic
Meaning:
rus.tic\n   rustic\n  You can use rustic to describe things or people that you approve of because they are simple or unsophisticated in a way that is typical of the countryside.\n...the rustic charm of a country lifestyle.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval


Words: rusticity
Meaning:
rus.tic.ity\n   rusticity\n  You can refer to the simple, peaceful character of life in the countryside as rusticity. (WRITTEN)\nIt pleases me to think of young Tyndale growing up here in deep rusticity.\n  N-UNCOUNT  approval


Words: rustle
Meaning:
rus.tle\n   rustle  rustles  rustling  rustled\n  When something thin and dry rustles or when you rustle it, it makes soft sounds as it moves.\nThe leaves rustled in the wind...\nShe rustled her papers impatiently...\nA snake rustled through the dry grass.\n  VERB: V, V n, V prep\n\n  Rustle is also a noun.\nShe sat perfectly still, without even a rustle of her frilled petticoats.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n=>  rus.tling      rustlings\n...a rustling sound coming from beneath one of the seats.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n\n  see also rustling


Words: rustle up
Meaning:
rustle up\n  If you rustle up something to eat or drink, you make or prepare it quickly, with very little planning.\nLet’s see if somebody can rustle up a cup of coffee...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: rustler
Meaning:
rus.tler\n   rustler  rustlers\n  Rustlers are people who steal farm animals, especially cattle, horses, and sheep. (mainly AM)\n...the old Wyoming Trail once used by cattle rustlers and outlaws.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft n N


Words: rustling
Meaning:
rus.tling\n   rustling\n1. Rustling is the activity of stealing farm animals, especially cattle. (mainly AM)\n...cattle rustling and horse stealing.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu n N\n\n2.\n  see also rustle


Words: rusty
Meaning:
rusty  rustier  rustiest\n1. A rusty metal object such as a car or a machine is covered with rust, which is a brown substance that forms on iron or steel when it comes into contact with water.\n...a rusty iron gate.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If a skill that you have or your knowledge of something is rusty, it is not as good as it used to be, because you have not used it for a long time.\nYou may be a little rusty, but past experience and teaching skills won’t have been lost.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Rusty is sometimes used to describe things that are reddish-brown in colour.\n  ADJ


Words: rut
Meaning:
rut  ruts\n1. If you say that someone is in a rut, you disapprove of the fact that they have become fixed in their way of thinking and doing things, and find it difficult to change. You can also say that someone’s life or career is in a rut.\nI don’t like being in a rut.I like to keep moving on...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu in a N  disapproval\n\n2. A rut is a deep, narrow mark made in the ground by the wheels of a vehicle.\nOur driver slowed up as we approached the ruts in the road.\n  N-COUNT: oft N in n\n\n3.\n  see also rutted, rutting


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


Words: ruthless
Meaning:
ruth.less\n   ruthless\n1. If you say that someone is ruthless, you mean that you disapprove of them because they are very harsh or cruel, and will do anything that is necessary to achieve what they want.\nThe President was ruthless in dealing with any hint of internal political dissent.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ in n  disapproval\n\n=>  ruth.less.ly\nThe Party has ruthlessly crushed any sign of organised opposition.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  ruth.less.ness\n...a powerful political figure with a reputation for ruthlessness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A ruthless action or activity is done forcefully and thoroughly, without much concern for its effects on other people.\nHer lawyers have been ruthless in thrashing out a divorce settlement...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ in n\n\n=>  ruth.less.ly\n...a ruthlessly efficient woman.\n  ADV\n\n=>  ruth.less.ness\n...a woman with a brain and business acumen and a certain healthy ruthlessness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rutted
Meaning:
rut.ted\n   rutted\n1. A rutted road or track is very uneven because it has long, deep, narrow marks in it made by the wheels of vehicles.\n...an uncomfortable ride along deeply rutted roads.\n  ADJ: oft adv ADJ\n\n2.\n  see also rut


Words: rutting
Meaning:
rut.ting\n   rutting\n1. Rutting male animals such as deer are in a period of sexual excitement and activity.\n...jokes about bitches in heat and rutting stags.\n  ADJ\n\n  Rutting is also a noun.\nDuring the rutting season the big boars have the most terrible mating battles.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2.\n  see also rut


Words: RV
Meaning:
RV  RVs\n  An RV is a van which is equipped with such things as beds and cooking equipment, so that people can live in it, usually while they are on holiday. RV is an abbreviation for `recreational vehicle’. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use camper, camper van)\n...a group of RVs pulled over on the side of the highway.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rye
Meaning:
rye\n1. Rye is a cereal grown in cold countries. Its grains can be used to make flour, bread, or other foods.\nOne of the first crops that I grew when we came here was rye.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. Rye is bread made from rye. (AM)\nI was eating ham and Swiss cheese on rye.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu on N


Words: rye bread
Meaning:
rye bread\n  Rye bread is brown bread made with rye flour.\n...two slices of rye bread.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rye grass
Meaning:
rye grass   also ryegrass\n  Rye grass is a type of grass that is grown for animals such as cows to eat.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: S, s
Meaning:
S, s  S’s, s’s\n1. S is the nineteenth letter of the English alphabet.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. S or s is an abbreviation for words beginning with s, such as `south’, `seconds’, and `son’.


Words: s.a.e.
Meaning:
s.a.e.  s.a.e.s\n  An s.a.e. is an envelope on which you have stuck a stamp and written your own name and address. You send it to an organization so that they can reply to you in it. s.a.e. is an abbreviation for `stamped addressed envelope’ or `self addressed envelope’. (BRIT; in AM, use SASE)\nSend an s.a.e. for a free information pack.\n  N-COUNT


Words: s/he
Meaning:
s/he\n  Some writers use s/he instead of either `he’ or `she’ when they are referring to someone who might exist but who has not been identified. By using s/he, the writer does not need to say whether the person is male or female.\nTalk to your doctor and see if s/he knows of any local groups.\n  PRON\n  = he or she


Words: Sabbath
Meaning:
Sab.bath\n   Sabbath\n  The Sabbath is the day of the week when members of some religious groups do not work. The Jewish Sabbath is on Saturday and the Christian Sabbath is on Sunday.\n...a religious man who kept the Sabbath...\n  N-PROPER: the N, oft N n


Words: sabbatical
Meaning:
sab.bati.cal\n   sabbatical  sabbaticals\n  A sabbatical is a period of time during which someone such as a university teacher can leave their ordinary work and travel or study.\nHe took a year’s sabbatical from the Foreign Office...\nHe’s been on sabbatical writing a novel.\n  N-COUNT: also on N


Words: sable
Meaning:
sa.ble\n   sable  sables\n  A sable is a small furry animal with valued fur.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Sable is the fur of a sable.\n...a full-length sable coat.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: sabotage
Meaning:
sabo.tage\n   sabotage  sabotages  sabotaging  sabotaged\n1. If a machine, railway line, or bridge is sabotaged, it is deliberately damaged or destroyed, for example in a war or as a protest.\nThe main pipeline supplying water was sabotaged by rebels.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n  Sabotage is also a noun.\nThe bombing was a spectacular act of sabotage.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If someone sabotages a plan or a meeting, they deliberately prevent it from being successful.\nHe accused the opposition of trying to sabotage the election...\n  VERB: V n


Words: saboteur
Meaning:
sabo.teur\n   saboteur  saboteurs\n  A saboteur is a person who deliberately damages or destroys things such as machines, railway lines, and bridges in order to weaken an enemy or to make a protest. In Britain, people who try to stop blood sports such as fox hunting are also referred to as saboteurs.\nThe saboteurs had planned to bomb buses and offices.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sabre
Meaning:
sa.bre\n   sabre  sabres\nin AM, use saber\n  A sabre is a heavy sword with a curved blade that was used in the past by soldiers on horseback.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sabre-rattling
Meaning:
sabre-rattling\nin AM, use saber-rattling\n  If you describe a threat, especially a threat of military action, as sabre-rattling, you do not believe that the threat will actually be carried out.\nIt is too early to say whether the threats are mere sabre-rattling.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sac
Meaning:
sac  sacs\n  A sac is a small part of an animal’s body, shaped like a little bag. It contains air, liquid, or some other substance.\nThe lungs consist of millions of tiny air sacs.\n  N-COUNT


Words: saccharin
Meaning:
sac.cha.rin\n   saccharin   also saccharine\n  Saccharin is a very sweet chemical substance that some people use instead of sugar, especially when they are trying to lose weight.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: saccharine
Meaning:
sac.cha.rine\n   saccharine\n  You describe something as saccharine when you find it unpleasantly sweet and sentimental.\n...a saccharine sequel to the Peter Pan story...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n  = sickly


Words: sachet
Meaning:
sa.chet\n   sachet  sachets\n  A sachet is a small closed plastic or paper bag, containing a small quantity of something.\n...individual sachets of instant coffee.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = packet


Words: sack
Meaning:
sack  sacks  sacking  sacked\n1. A sack is a large bag made of rough woven material. Sacks are used to carry or store things such as vegetables or coal.\n...a sack of potatoes.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. If your employers sack you, they tell you that you can no longer work for them because you have done something that they did not like or because your work was not good enough. (BUSINESS)\nEarlier today the Prime Minister sacked 18 government officials for corruption...\n  VERB: V n\n  = fire\n  Sack is also a noun.\nPeople who make mistakes can be given the sack the same day.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n3. Some people refer to bed as the sack. (INFORMAL)\n  N-SING: the N


Words: sackcloth
Meaning:
sack.cloth\n   sackcloth\n1. Sackcloth is rough woven material that is used to make sacks.\nHe kept the club wrapped in sackcloth.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = hessian\n2. If you talk about sackcloth or sackcloth and ashes you are referring to an exaggerated attempt by someone to show that they are sorry for doing something wrong.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sackful
Meaning:
sack.ful\n   sackful  sackfuls\n  A sackful is the amount of something that a sack contains or could contain.\n...a sackful of presents...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = sack


Words: sacking
Meaning:
sack.ing\n   sacking  sackings\n1. Sacking is rough woven material that is used to make sacks.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A sacking is when an employer tells a worker to leave their job. (BUSINESS)\n...the sacking of twenty-three thousand miners.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sacrament
Meaning:
sac.ra.ment\n   sacrament  sacraments\n1. A sacrament is a Christian religious ceremony such as communion, baptism, or marriage.\n...the holy sacrament of baptism.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In the Roman Catholic church, the Sacrament is the holy bread eaten at the Eucharist. In the Anglican church, the Sacrament is the holy bread and wine taken at Holy Communion.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: sacramental
Meaning:
sac.ra.men.tal\n   sacramental\n1. Something that is sacramental is connected with a Christian religious ceremony.\n...the sacramental wine.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Sacramental is used to describe something that is considered holy or religious.\n...her view that music is a sacramental art.\n  ADJ


Words: sacred
Meaning:
sa.cred\n   sacred\n1. Something that is sacred is believed to be holy and to have a special connection with God.\nThe owl is sacred for many Californian Indian people.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Something connected with religion or used in religious ceremonies is described as sacred.\n...sacred songs or music.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. You can describe something as sacred when it is regarded as too important to be changed or interfered with.\nMy memories are sacred...\n  ADJ


Words: sacred cow
Meaning:
sa.cred cow\n   sacred cow  sacred cows\n  If you describe a belief, custom, or institution as a sacred cow, you disapprove of people treating it with too much respect and being afraid to criticize or question it.\n...the sacred cow of monetarism.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: sacrifice
Meaning:
sac.ri.fice\n   sacrifice  sacrifices  sacrificing  sacrificed\n1. If you sacrifice something that is valuable or important, you give it up, usually to obtain something else for yourself or for other people.\nShe sacrificed family life to her career...\nKitty Aldridge has sacrificed all for her first film...\nHe sacrificed himself and so saved his country.\n  VERB: V n to/for n, V n, V pron-refl\n\n  Sacrifice is also a noun.\nShe made many sacrifices to get Anita a good education...\n  N-VAR\n\n  see also self-sacrifice\n2. To sacrifice an animal or person means to kill them in a special religious ceremony as an offering to a god.\nThe priest sacrificed a chicken...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Sacrifice is also a noun.\n...animal sacrifices to the gods.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sacrificial
Meaning:
sac.ri.fi.cial\n   sacrificial\n  Sacrificial means connected with or used in a sacrifice.\n...the sacrificial altar.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: sacrificial lamb
Meaning:
sac.ri.fi.cial lamb\n   sacrificial lamb  sacrificial lambs\n  If you refer to someone as a sacrificial lamb, you mean that they have been blamed unfairly for something they did not do, usually in order to protect another more powerful person or group.\nHe was a sacrificial lamb to a system that destroyed him.\n  N-COUNT\n  = scapegoat


Words: sacrilege
Meaning:
sac.ri.lege\n   sacrilege\n1. Sacrilege is behaviour that shows great disrespect for a holy place or object.\nStealing from a place of worship was regarded as sacrilege.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N\n\n2. You can use sacrilege to refer to disrespect that is shown for someone who is widely admired or for a belief that is widely accepted.\nIt is a sacrilege to offend democracy.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N


Words: sacrilegious
Meaning:
sac.ri.legious\n   sacrilegious\n  If someone’s behaviour or actions are sacrilegious, they show great disrespect towards something holy or towards something that people think should be respected.\nA number of churches were sacked and sacrilegious acts committed.\n  ADJ


Words: sacristy
Meaning:
sac.ris.ty\n   sacristy  sacristies\n  A sacristy is the room in a church where the priest or minister changes into their official clothes and where holy objects are kept.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sacrosanct
Meaning:
sac.ro.sanct\n   sacrosanct\n  If you describe something as sacrosanct, you consider it to be special and are unwilling to see it criticized or changed.\nFreedom of the press is sacrosanct.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = sacred


Words: sad
Meaning:
sad  sadder  saddest\n1. If you are sad, you feel unhappy, usually because something has happened that you do not like.\nThe relationship had been important to me and its loss left me feeling sad and empty...\nI’m sad that Julie’s marriage is on the verge of splitting up...\nI’d grown fond of our little house and felt sad to leave it...\nI’m sad about my toys getting burned in the fire.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ that/to-inf, ADJ about n\n  !=happy\n=>  sad.ly\nJudy said sadly, `He has abandoned me.’\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n=>  sad.ness\nIt is with a mixture of sadness and joy that I say farewell.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=happiness\n2. Sad stories and sad news make you feel sad.\nI received the sad news that he had been killed in a motor-cycle accident.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. A sad event or situation is unfortunate or undesirable.\nIt’s a sad truth that children are the biggest victims of passive smoking.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sad.ly\nSadly, bamboo plants die after flowering...\n  ADV: usu ADV adj, ADV with cl\n\n4. If you describe someone as sad, you do not have any respect for them and think their behaviour or ideas are ridiculous. (INFORMAL)\n...sad old bikers and youngsters who think that Jim Morrison is God.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n  = pathetic


Words: sadden
Meaning:
sad.den\n   sadden  saddens  saddened\n  If something saddens you, it makes you feel sad.\nThe cruelty in the world saddens me incredibly.\n  VERB: no cont, V n\n\n=>  sad.dened\nHe was disappointed and saddened that legal argument had stopped the trial.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n=>  sad.den.ing\n...a saddening experience.\n  ADJ


Words: saddle
Meaning:
sad.dle\n   saddle  saddles  saddling  saddled\n1. A saddle is a leather seat that you put on the back of an animal so that you can ride the animal.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also side-saddle\n2. If you saddle a horse, you put a saddle on it so that you can ride it.\nWhy don’t we saddle a couple of horses and go for a ride?\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Saddle up means the same as saddle.\nI want to be gone from here as soon as we can saddle up...\nShe saddled up a horse.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P n (not pron)\n\n3. A saddle is a seat on a bicycle or motorcycle.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you saddle someone with a problem or with a responsibility, you put them in a position where they have to deal with it.\nThe war devastated the economy and saddled the country with a huge foreign debt.\n  VERB: V n with n


Words: saddlebag
Meaning:
saddle.bag\n   saddlebag  saddlebags   also saddle-bag\n  A saddlebag is a bag fastened to the saddle of a bicycle or motorcycle, or the saddle of a horse.\n  N-COUNT\n  = pannier


Words: saddler
Meaning:
sad.dler\n   saddler  saddlers\n  A saddler is a person who makes, repairs, and sells saddles and other equipment for riding horses.\n  N-COUNT


Words: saddlery
Meaning:
sad.dlery\n   saddlery\n  Saddles and other leather goods made by a saddler can be referred to as saddlery.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: saddo
Meaning:
saddo  saddos\n  If you say that someone is a saddo, you do not have any respect for them and think their behaviour or ideas are ridiculous. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: sadism
Meaning:
sad.ism\n   sadism\n  Sadism is a type of behaviour in which a person obtains pleasure from hurting other people and making them suffer physically or mentally.\nPsychoanalysts tend to regard both sadism and masochism as arising from childhood deprivation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  sad.ist      sadists\nThe man was a sadist who tortured animals and people.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sadistic
Meaning:
sa.dis.tic\n   sadistic\n  A sadistic person obtains pleasure from hurting other people and making them suffer physically or mentally.\nThe prisoners rioted against mistreatment by sadistic guards...\n  ADJ


Words: sado-masochism
Meaning:
sado-masochism   also sadomasochism\n  Sado-masochism is the enjoyment of hurting people and being hurt.\n...the sado-masochism of the Marquis de Sade.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  sado-masochist      sado-masochists\n...an island resort where sado-masochists can act out their sexual fantasies.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sado-masochistic
Meaning:
sado-masochistic   also sadomasochistic\n  Something that is sado-masochistic is connected with the practice of sado-masochism.\n...a sado-masochistic relationship.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: safari
Meaning:
sa.fa.ri\n   safari  safaris\n  A safari is a trip to observe or hunt wild animals, especially in East Africa.\nHe’d like to go on safari to photograph snakes and tigers.\n  N-COUNT: also on N


Words: safari park
Meaning:
sa.fa.ri park\n   safari park  safari parks\n  A safari park is a large enclosed area of land where wild animals, such as lions and elephants, live freely. People can pay to drive through the park and look at the animals. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: safari suit
Meaning:
sa.fa.ri suit\n   safari suit  safari suits\n  A safari suit is a casual suit made from a light-coloured material such as linen or cotton. Safari suits are usually worn in hot weather.\n  N-COUNT


Words: safe
Meaning:
safe  safer  safest  safes\n1. Something that is safe does not cause physical harm or danger.\nOfficials arrived to assess whether it is safe to bring emergency food supplies into the city...\nMost foods that we eat are safe for birds.\n...a safe and reliable birth control option.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n  !=dangerous\n2. If a person or thing is safe from something, they cannot be harmed or damaged by it.\nIn the future people can go to a football match knowing that they are safe from hooliganism...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ from n\n\n3. If you are safe, you have not been harmed, or you are not in danger of being harmed.\nWhere is Sophy? Is she safe?...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n=>  safe.ly\nAll 140 guests were brought out of the building safely by firemen.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4. A safe place is one where it is unlikely that any harm, damage, or unpleasant things will happen to the people or things that are there.\nMany refugees have fled to safer areas...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  safe.ly\nThe banker keeps the money tucked safely under his bed.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n5. If people or things have a safe journey, they reach their destination without harm, damage, or unpleasant things happening to them.\n...the UN plan to deploy 500 troops to ensure the safe delivery of food and other supplies.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  safe.ly\nThe space shuttle returned safely today from a 10-day mission...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adv\n\n6. If you are at a safe distance from something or someone, you are far enough away from them to avoid any danger, harm, or unpleasant effects.\nI shall conceal myself at a safe distance from the battlefield...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n7. If something you have or expect to obtain is safe, you cannot lose it or be prevented from having it.\nWe as consumers need to feel confident that our jobs are safe before we will spend spare cash...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = secure\n8. A safe course of action is one in which there is very little risk of loss or failure.\nElectricity shares are still a safe investment...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n, also it v-link ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  safe.ly\nWe reveal only as much information as we can safely risk at a given time.\n  ADV: usu ADV before v\n\n9. If you disapprove of something because you think it is not very exciting or original, you can describe it as safe.\n...frustrated artists who became lawyers at an early age because it seemed a safe option...\nRock’n’roll has become so commercialised and safe since punk.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n10. If it is safe to say or assume something, you can say it with very little risk of being wrong.\nI think it is safe to say that very few students expend the effort to do quality work in school...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  safe.ly\nI think you can safely say she will not be appearing in another of my films.\n  ADV: ADV before v\n\n11. A safe is a strong metal cupboard with special locks, in which you keep money, jewellery, or other valuable things.\nThe files are now in a safe to which only he has the key.\n  N-COUNT\n\n12.\n  see also safely\n13. If you say that a person or thing is in safe hands, or is safe in someone’s hands, you mean that they are being looked after by a reliable person and will not be harmed.\nI had a huge responsibility to ensure these packets remained in safe hands...\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\n14. If you play safe or play it safe, you do not take any risks.\nIf you want to play safe, cut down on the amount of salt you eat...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n15. If you say you are doing something to be on the safe side, you mean that you are doing it in case something undesirable happens, even though this may be unnecessary.\nYou might still want to go for an X-ray, however, just to be on the safe side.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n16. If you say `it’s better to be safe than sorry’, you are advising someone to take action in order to avoid possible unpleasant consequences later, even if this seems unnecessary.\nDon’t be afraid to have this checked by a doctor.better safe than sorry!\n  PHRASE\n\n(next)


Words: safe .1
Meaning:
17. You say that someone is safe and sound when they are still alive or unharmed after being in danger.\nAll I’m hoping for is that wherever Trevor is he will come home safe and sound.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n18.\na safe pair of hands: see pair\nsafe in the knowledge: see knowledge


Words: safe area
Meaning:
safe area  safe areas\n  If part of a country that is involved in a war is declared to be a safe area, neutral forces will try to keep peace there so that it is safe for people.\nThe UN declared it a safe area.\n  N-COUNT


Words: safe conduct
Meaning:
safe con.duct\n   safe conduct   also safe-conduct\n  If you are given safe conduct, the authorities officially allow you to travel somewhere, guaranteeing that you will not be arrested or harmed while doing so.\nHer family was given safe conduct to Britain when civil war broke out.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N


Words: safe deposit box
Meaning:
safe de.pos.it box\n   safe deposit box  safe deposit boxes\n  A safe deposit box is a small box, usually kept in a special room in a bank, in which you can store valuable objects.\n  N-COUNT


Words: safe haven
Meaning:
safe ha.ven\n   safe haven  safe havens\n1. If part of a country is declared a safe haven, people who need to escape from a dangerous situation such as a war can go there and be protected.\nCountries overwhelmed by the human tide of refugees want safe havens set up at once.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If a country provides safe haven for people from another country who have been in danger, it allows them to stay there under its official protection. (AM)\nSome Democrats support granting the Haitians temporary safe haven in the US.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = asylum\n3. A safe haven is a place, a situation, or an activity which provides people with an opportunity to escape from things that they find unpleasant or worrying.\n...the idea of the family as a safe haven from the brutal outside world.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N from n


Words: safe house
Meaning:
safe house  safe houses   also safe-house\n  You can refer to a building as a safe house when it is used as a place where someone can stay and be protected. Safe houses are often used by spies, criminals, or the police.\n...a farm which operates as a safe house for criminals on the run.\n  N-COUNT


Words: safe passage
Meaning:
safe pas.sage\n   safe passage\n  If someone is given safe passage, they are allowed to go somewhere safely, without being attacked or arrested.\nThey were unwilling, or unable, to guarantee safe passage from the city to the aircraft...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, oft N for/to n


Words: safe seat
Meaning:
safe seat  safe seats\n  In politics, a safe seat is an area in which the candidate from one particular party nearly always wins by a large number of votes. (BRIT)\nThe constituency I live in is a safe Labour seat.\n  N-COUNT


Words: safe sex
Meaning:
safe sex   also safer sex\n  Safe sex is sexual activity in which people protect themselves against the risk of AIDS and other diseases, usually by using condoms.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: safeguard
Meaning:
safe.guard\n   safeguard  safeguards  safeguarding  safeguarded\n1. To safeguard something or someone means to protect them from being harmed, lost, or badly treated. (FORMAL)\nThey will press for international action to safeguard the ozone layer...\nThey are taking precautionary measures to safeguard their forces from the effects of chemical weapons.\n  VERB: V n, V n from n\n  = protect\n2. A safeguard is a law, rule, or measure intended to prevent someone or something from being harmed.\nMany people took second jobs as a safeguard against unemployment...\n  N-COUNT: oft N against n


Words: safekeeping
Meaning:
safe.keeping\n   safekeeping\n  If something is given to you for safekeeping, it is given to you so that you will make sure that it is not harmed or stolen.\nHampton had been given the bills for safekeeping by a business partner.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu for N


Words: safely
Meaning:
safe.ly\n   safely\n1. If something is done safely, it is done in a way that makes it unlikely that anyone will be harmed.\nThe waste is safely locked away until it is no longer radioactive...\n`Drive safely,’ he said and waved goodbye...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n2. You also use safely to say that there is no risk of a situation being changed.\nOnce events are safely in the past, this idea seems to become less alarming...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n3.\n  see also safe


Words: safety
Meaning:
safe.ty\n   safety\n1. Safety is the state of being safe from harm or danger.\nThe report goes on to make a number of recommendations to improve safety on aircraft.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you reach safety, you reach a place where you are safe from danger.\nHe stumbled through smoke and fumes given off from her burning sofa to pull her to safety...\nGuests ran for safety as the device went off in a ground-floor men’s toilet...\nThe refugees were groping their way through the dark, trying to reach safety.\n...the safety of one’s own home.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft prep N\n\n3. If you are concerned about the safety of something, you are concerned that it might be harmful or dangerous.\n...consumers are showing growing concern about the safety of the food they buy...\n  N-SING: with poss\n\n4. If you are concerned for someone’s safety, you are concerned that they might be in danger.\nThe two youths today declined to testify because they said they feared for their safety.\n  N-SING: with poss\n\n5. Safety features or measures are intended to make something less dangerous.\nThe built-in safety device compensates for a fall in water pressure.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n6. If you say that there is safety in numbers, you mean that you are safer doing something if there are a lot of people doing it rather than doing it alone.\nMany people still feel there is safety in numbers when belonging to a union.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: safety belt
Meaning:
safe.ty belt\n   safety belt  safety belts   also safety-belt\n  A safety belt is a strap attached to a seat in a car or aeroplane. You fasten it round your body and it stops you being thrown forward if there is an accident.\n  N-COUNT\n  = seat belt


Words: safety catch
Meaning:
safe.ty catch\n   safety catch  safety catches\n  The safety catch on a gun is a device that stops you firing the gun accidentally.\nEddie slipped the safety catch on his automatic back into place.\n  N-COUNT


Words: safety glass
Meaning:
safe.ty glass\n   safety glass\n  Safety glass is very strong glass that does not break into sharp pieces if it is hit.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: safety net
Meaning:
safe.ty net\n   safety net  safety nets\n1. A safety net is something that you can rely on to help you if you get into a difficult situation.\nWelfare is the only real safety net for low-income workers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In a circus, a safety net is a large net that is placed below performers on a high wire or trapeze in order to catch them and prevent them being injured if they fall off.\n  N-COUNT


Words: safety officer
Meaning:
safe.ty of.fic.er\n   safety officer safety officers\n  The safety officer in a company or an organization is the person who is responsible for the safety of the people who work or visit there.\n  N-COUNT


Words: safety pin
Meaning:
safe.ty pin\n   safety pin  safety pins\n  A safety pin is a bent metal pin used for fastening things together. The point of the pin has a cover so that when the pin is closed it cannot hurt anyone.\n...trousers which were held together with safety pins.\n  N-COUNT


Words: safety valve
Meaning:
safe.ty valve\n   safety valve  safety valves\n1. A safety valve is a device which allows liquids or gases to escape from a machine when the pressure inside it becomes too great.\nResidents heard an enormous bang as a safety valve on the boiler failed.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A safety valve is something that allows you to release strong feelings without hurting yourself or others.\n...crying is a natural safety valve.\n  N-COUNT


Words: safety zone
Meaning:
safe.ty zone\n   safety zone  safety zones   also safety island\n  A safety zone is a place in the middle of a road crossing where you can wait before you cross the other half of the road. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: saffron
Meaning:
saf.fron\n   saffron\n1. Saffron is a yellowish-orange powder obtained from a flower and used to give flavour and colouring to some foods.\n...saffron rice.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Saffron is a yellowish-orange colour.\n...a Buddhist in saffron robes.\n  COLOUR


Words: sag
Meaning:
sag  sags  sagging  sagged\n1. When something sags, it hangs down loosely or sinks downwards in the middle.\nThe shirt’s cuffs won’t sag and lose their shape after washing...\nHe sat down in the sagging armchair.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n\n2. When part of someone’s body begins to sag, it starts to become less firm and hang down.\nHe is heavily built, but beginning to sag.\n  VERB: V\n\n3. To sag means to become weaker.\nThe pound continued to sag despite four interventions by the Bank of England...\n  VERB: V\n  = flag


Words: saga
Meaning:
saga  sagas\n1. A saga is a long story, account, or sequence of events.\n...a 600 page saga about 18th century slavery.\n...the continuing saga of unexpected failures by leading companies.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A saga is a long story composed in medieval times in Norway or Iceland.\n...a Nordic saga of giants and trolls.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sagacious
Meaning:
sa.ga.cious\n   sagacious\n  A sagacious person is intelligent and has the ability to make good decisions. (FORMAL)\n...a sagacious leader.\n  ADJ\n  = wise


Words: sagacity
Meaning:
sa.gac.ity\n   sagacity\n  Sagacity is the quality of being sagacious. (FORMAL)\n...a man of great sagacity and immense experience.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = wisdom


Words: sage
Meaning:
sage  sages\n1. A sage is a person who is regarded as being very wise. (LITERARY)\n...ancient Chinese sages.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Sage means wise and knowledgeable, especially as the result of a lot of experience. (LITERARY)\nHe was famous for his sage advice to younger painters.\n  ADJ\n  = wise\n=>  sage.ly\nSusan nodded sagely as if what I had said was profoundly significant...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = wisely\n3. Sage is a herb used in cooking.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. Sage is a plant with grey-green leaves and purple, blue, or white flowers.\n  N-VAR


Words: saggy
Meaning:
sag.gy\n   saggy  saggier  saggiest\n  If you describe something as saggy, you mean that it has become less firm over a period of time and become unattractive.\nIs the mattress lumpy and saggy?...\n  ADJ


Words: Sagittarius
Meaning:
Sag.it.ta.rius\n   Sagittarius\n1. Sagittarius is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a creature that is half horse, half man, shooting an arrow. People who are born approximately between the 22nd of November and the 21st of December come under this sign.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A Sagittarius is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Sagittarius.\n  N-SING: a N


Words: sago
Meaning:
sago\n  Sago is a white substance obtained from the trunk of some palm trees. Sago is used for making sweet puddings.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sahib
Meaning:
sa.hib\n   sahib   sahibs\n  Sahib is a term used by some people in India to address or to refer to a man in a position of authority. Sahib was used especially of white government officials in the period of British rule.\n  N-TITLE; N-COUNT  politeness


Words: sail
Meaning:
sail  sails  sailing  sailed\n1. Sails are large pieces of material attached to the mast of a ship. The wind blows against the sails and pushes the ship along.\nThe white sails billow with the breezes they catch.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You say a ship sails when it moves over the sea.\nThe trawler had sailed from the port of Zeebrugge...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n3. If you sail a boat or if a boat sails, it moves across water using its sails.\nI shall get myself a little boat and sail her around the world...\nFor nearly two hundred miles she sailed on, her sails hard with ice...\n  VERB: V n prep, V adv/prep\n\n4. If a person or thing sails somewhere, they move there smoothly and fairly quickly.\nWe got into the lift and sailed to the top floor...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n5.\n  see also sailing\n6. When a ship sets sail, it leaves a port.\nChristopher Columbus set sail for the New World in the Santa Maria.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR prep\n\n7.\nto sail close to the wind: see wind


Words: sail through
Meaning:
sail through\n  If someone or something sails through a difficult situation or experience, they deal with it easily and successfully.\nWhile she sailed through her maths exams, he struggled...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: sailboat
Meaning:
sail.boat\n   sailboat  sailboats\n  A sailboat is the same as a sailing boat. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sailcloth
Meaning:
sail.cloth\n   sailcloth\n1. Sailcloth a strong heavy cloth that is used for making things such as sails or tents.\nThe mainsails are hand-cut and sewn from real sailcloth.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Sailcloth is a light canvas material that is used for making clothes.\n...red sailcloth trousers.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sailing
Meaning:
sail.ing\n   sailing  sailings\n1. Sailing is the activity or sport of sailing boats.\nThere was swimming and sailing down on the lake.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Sailings are trips made by a ship carrying passengers.\nFerry companies are providing extra sailings from Calais...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft supp N\n\n3. If you say that a task was not all plain sailing, you mean that it was not very easy.\nPregnancy wasn’t all plain sailing and once again there were problems...\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: sailing boat
Meaning:
sail.ing boat\n   sailing boat  sailing boats   also sailing-boat\n  A sailing boat is a boat with sails. (BRIT; in AM, use sailboat)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sailing ship
Meaning:
sail.ing ship\n   sailing ship  sailing ships\n  A sailing ship is a large ship with sails, especially of the kind that were used to carry passengers or cargo.\nAmerican clippers were the ultimate sailing ships.\n  N-COUNT


Words: saint
Meaning:
saint  saints\nThe title is usually pronounced\n1. A saint is someone who has died and been officially recognized and honoured by the Christian church because his or her life was a perfect example of the way Christians should live.\nEvery parish was named after a saint.\n...Saint John.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE\n\n2. If you refer to a living person as a saint, you mean that they are extremely kind, patient, and unselfish.\nMy girlfriend is a saint to put up with me.\n  N-COUNT  approval


Words: sainthood
Meaning:
saint.hood\n   sainthood\n  Sainthood is the state of being a saint.\nHis elevation to sainthood is entirely justified.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N


Words: saintly
Meaning:
saint.ly\n   saintly\n  A saintly person behaves in a very good or very holy way.\nShe has been saintly in her self-restraint.\n  ADJ  approval


Words: sake
Meaning:
sake     also sake\n  Sake is a Japanese alcoholic drink that is made from rice.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\nsake  sakes\n1. If you do something for the sake of something, you do it for that purpose or in order to achieve that result. You can also say that you do it for something’s sake.\nFor the sake of historical accuracy, please permit us to state the true facts...\nFor safety’s sake, never stand directly behind a horse.\n  PHRASE: PHR n\n\n2. If you do something for its own sake, you do it because you want to, or because you enjoy it, and not for any other reason. You can also talk about, for example, art for art’s sake or sport for sport’s sake.\nEconomic change for its own sake did not appeal to him...\n  PHRASE: usu n PHR\n\n3. When you do something for someone’s sake, you do it in order to help them or make them happy.\nI trust you to do a good job for Stan’s sake...\nLinda knew that for both their sakes she must take drastic action.\n  PHRASE: N inflects, PHR with cl\n\n4. Some people use expressions such as for God’s sake, for heaven’s sake, for goodness sake, or for Pete’s sake in order to express annoyance or impatience, or to add force to a question or request. The expressions `for God’s sake’ and `for Christ’s sake’ could cause offence. (INFORMAL)\nFor goodness sake, why didn’t you ring me?...\n  PHRASE: N inflects, PHR with cl  feelings


Words: salaam
Meaning:
sa.laam\n   salaam  salaams  salaaming  salaamed\n1. When someone salaams, they bow with their right hand on their forehead. This is used as a formal and respectful way of greeting someone in India and Muslim countries.\nHe looked from one to the other of them, then salaamed and left.\n  VERB: V\n\n2. Some Muslims greet people by saying `Salaam’.\n  CONVENTION


Words: salacious
Meaning:
sa.la.cious\n   salacious\n  If you describe something such as a book or joke as salacious, you think that it deals with sexual matters in an unnecessarily detailed way.\nThe newspapers once again filled their columns with salacious details.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = prurient


Words: salad
Meaning:
sal.ad\n   salad  salads\n1. A salad is a mixture of raw or cold foods such as lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes. It is often served with other food as part of a meal.\n...a salad of tomato, onion and cucumber.\n...potato salad.\n  N-VAR\n\n  see also fruit salad\n2. If you refer to your salad days, you are referring to a period of your life when you were young and inexperienced. (LITERARY)\nThe Grand Hotel did not seem to have changed since her salad days.\n  PHRASE


Words: salad bowl
Meaning:
sal.ad bowl\n   salad bowl  salad bowls\n  A salad bowl is a large bowl from which salad is served at a meal.\n  N-COUNT


Words: salad cream
Meaning:
sal.ad cream\n   salad cream  salad creams\n  Salad cream is a pale yellow creamy sauce that you eat with salad.\n  N-MASS


Words: salad dressing
Meaning:
sal.ad dress.ing\n   salad dressing  salad dressings\n  Salad dressing is a mixture of oil, vinegar, herbs, and other flavourings, which you pour over a salad.\n...low-calorie salad dressings.\n  N-MASS


Words: salamander
Meaning:
sala.man.der\n   salamander  salamanders\n  A salamander is an animal that looks rather like a lizard, and that can live both on land and in water.\n  N-COUNT


Words: salami
Meaning:
sa.la.mi\n   salami  salamis\n  Salami is a type of strong-flavoured sausage. It is usually thinly sliced and eaten cold.\n  N-VAR


Words: salaried
Meaning:
sala.ried\n   salaried\n  Salaried people receive a salary from their job. (BUSINESS)\n...salaried employees...\nJames accepted the generously salaried job at the bank.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: salary
Meaning:
sala.ry\n   salary  salaries\n  A salary is the money that someone is paid each month by their employer, especially when they are in a profession such as teaching, law, or medicine. (BUSINESS)\n...the lawyer was paid a huge salary...\nThe government has decided to increase salaries for all civil servants.\n  N-VAR


Words: sale
Meaning:
sale  sales\n1. The sale of goods is the act of selling them for money.\nEfforts were made to limit the sale of alcohol.\n...a proposed arms sale to Saudi Arabia...\n  N-SING: usu with supp\n\n2. The sales of a product are the quantity of it that is sold.\nThe newspaper has sales of 1.72 million.\n...retail sales figures.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. The part of a company that deals with sales deals with selling the company’s products.\nUntil 1983 he worked in sales and marketing...\n  N-PLURAL\n\n4. A sale is an occasion when a shop sells things at less than their normal price.\n...a pair of jeans bought half-price in a sale...\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. A sale is an event when goods are sold to the person who offers the highest price.\nThe painting was bought by dealers at the Christie’s sale.\n  N-COUNT\n  = auction\n6.\n  see also car boot sale, jumble sale\n7. If something is for sale, it is being offered to people to buy.\nHis former home is for sale at .495,000...\n  PHRASE\n\n8. Products that are on sale can be bought in shops. (mainly BRIT)\nEnglish textbooks and dictionaries are on sale everywhere...\n  PHRASE\n\n9. If products in a shop are on sale, they can be bought for less than their normal price. (AM)\nHe bought a sports jacket on sale at Gowings Men’s Store.\n  PHRASE\n\n10. If a property or company is up for sale, its owner is trying to sell it.\nThe castle has been put up for sale.\n  PHRASE


Words: saleable
Meaning:
sale.able\n   saleable   also salable\n  Something that is saleable is easy to sell to people.\nThe Oxfam shops depend on regular supplies of saleable items.\n  ADJ


Words: saleroom
Meaning:
sale.room\n   saleroom  salerooms\n  A saleroom is a place where things are sold by auction. (BRIT; in AM, use salesroom)\n  N-COUNT\n  = auction room


Words: sales clerk
Meaning:
sales clerk  sales clerks   also salesclerk\n  A sales clerk is a person who works in a shop selling things to customers and helping them to find what they want. (AM; in BRIT, use shop assistant)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sales force
Meaning:
sales force  sales forces   also salesforce\n  A company’s sales force is all the people that work for that company selling its products. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sales pitch
Meaning:
sales pitch  sales pitches\n  A salesperson’s sales pitch is what they say in order to persuade someone to buy something from them. (BUSINESS)\nHis sales pitch was smooth and convincing.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sales slip
Meaning:
sales slip  sales slips\n  A sales slip is a piece of paper that you are given when you buy something in a shop, which shows when you bought it and how much you paid. (AM; in BRIT, use receipt)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sales tax
Meaning:
sales tax  sales taxes\n  The sales tax on things that you buy is the amount of money that you pay to the national government, or, in the United States, to the local or state government. (BUSINESS)\n  N-VAR


Words: salesgirl
Meaning:
sales.girl\n   salesgirl  salesgirls\n  A salesgirl is a young woman who sells things, especially in a shop. Many women prefer to be called a saleswoman or a salesperson rather than a salesgirl.\n  N-COUNT


Words: salesman
Meaning:
sales.man\n   salesman  salesmen\n  A salesman is a man whose job is to sell things, especially directly to shops or other businesses on behalf of a company. (BUSINESS)\n...an insurance salesman.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: salesmanship
Meaning:
sales.man.ship\n   salesmanship\n  Salesmanship is the skill of persuading people to buy things.\nI was captured by his brilliant salesmanship.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: salesperson
Meaning:
sales.person\n   salesperson  salespeople  or salespersons\n  A salesperson is a person who sells things, either in a shop or directly to customers on behalf of a company. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: salesroom
Meaning:
sales.room\n   salesroom  salesrooms\n  A salesroom is a place where things are sold by auction. (AM; in BRIT, use saleroom)\n  N-COUNT\n  = auction room


Words: saleswoman
Meaning:
sales.wom.an\n   saleswoman  saleswomen\n  A saleswoman is a woman who sells things, either in a shop or directly to customers on behalf of a company. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: salient
Meaning:
sa.li.ent\n   salient\n  The salient points or facts of a situation are the most important ones. (FORMAL)\nHe read the salient facts quickly...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: saline
Meaning:
sa.line\n   saline\n  A saline substance or liquid contains salt.\n...a saline solution.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: saliva
Meaning:
sa.li.va\n   saliva\n  Saliva is the watery liquid that forms in your mouth and helps you to chew and digest food.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: salivary gland
Meaning:
sali.vary gland\n   salivary gland  salivary glands\n  Your salivary glands are the glands that produce saliva in your mouth.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: salivate
Meaning:
sali.vate\n   salivate  salivates  salivating  salivated\n  When people or animals salivate, they produce a lot of saliva in their mouth, often as a result of seeing or smelling food.\nAny dog will salivate when presented with food.\n  VERB: V\n  = drool


Words: sallow
Meaning:
sal.low\n   sallow\n  If a person has sallow skin, their skin, especially on their face, is a pale yellowish colour and looks unhealthy.\nShe had lank hair and sallow skin.\n  ADJ


Words: sally
Meaning:
sal.ly\n   sally  sallies  sallying  sallied\n1. Sallies are clever and amusing remarks. (LITERARY)\nHe had thus far succeeded in fending off my conversational sallies.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone sallies forth or sallies somewhere, they go out into a rather difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant situation in a brave or confident way. (LITERARY)\n...worrying about her when she sallies forth on her first date...\nTamara would sally out on bitterly cold nights.\n  VERB: V forth, V prep/adv\n\n  Sally is also a noun.\n...their first sallies outside the student world.\n  N-COUNT


Words: salmon
Meaning:
salm.on\n   salmon  salmon\n  A salmon is a large silver-coloured fish.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Salmon is the pink flesh of this fish which is eaten as food. It is often smoked and eaten raw.\n... a splendid lunch of smoked salmon.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: salmon pink
Meaning:
salm.on pink\n   salmon pink\n  Something that is salmon pink or salmon is the orangey-pink colour of a salmon’s flesh.\n  COLOUR


Words: salmonella
Meaning:
sal.mo.nel.la\n   salmonella\n  Salmonella is a disease caused by bacteria in food. You can also refer to the bacteria itself as salmonella.\nHe was suffering from salmonella poisoning.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: salon
Meaning:
sa.lon\n   salon  salons\n1. A salon is a place where people have their hair cut or coloured, or have beauty treatments.\n...a new hair salon.\n...a beauty salon.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N\n\n2. A salon is a shop where smart, expensive clothes are sold.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A salon is a sitting room in a large, grand house.\n  N-COUNT


Words: saloon
Meaning:
sa.loon\n   saloon  saloons\n1. A saloon or a saloon car is a car with seats for four or more people, a fixed roof, and a boot that is separated from the rear seats. (BRIT; in AM, use sedan)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A saloon is a place where alcoholic drinks are sold and drunk. (AM)\n  N-COUNT\n  = bar


Words: salsa
Meaning:
sal.sa\n   salsa  salsas\n1. Salsa is a hot, spicy sauce made from onions and tomatoes, usually eaten with Mexican or Spanish food.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. Salsa is a type of dance music especially popular in Latin America.\nA band played salsa, and spectators danced wildly.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: salt
Meaning:
salt  salts  salting  salted\n1. Salt is a strong-tasting substance, in the form of white powder or crystals, which is used to improve the flavour of food or to preserve it. Salt occurs naturally in sea water.\nSeason lightly with salt and pepper.\n...a pinch of salt.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. When you salt food, you add salt to it.\nSalt the stock to your taste and leave it simmering very gently.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  salt.ed\nPut a pan of salted water on to boil.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. Salts are substances that are formed when an acid reacts with an alkali.\nThe rock is rich in mineral salts.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n4.\n  see also Epsom salts, smelling salts\n5. If you take something with a pinch of salt, you do not believe that it is completely accurate or true.\nThe more miraculous parts of this account should be taken with a pinch of salt.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n6. If you say, for example, that any doctor worth his or her salt would do something, you mean that any doctor who was good at his or her job or who deserved respect would do it.\nAny coach worth his salt would do exactly as I did.\n  PHRASE: n PHR\n\n7. If someone or something rubs salt into the wound, they make the unpleasant situation that you are in even worse, often by reminding you of your failures or faults.\nI had no intention of rubbing salt into a friend’s wounds, so all I said was that I did not give interviews.\n  PHRASE: V and wound inflect


Words: salt cellar
Meaning:
salt cel.lar\n   salt cellar  salt cellars\n  A salt cellar is a small container for salt with a hole or holes in the top for shaking salt onto food. (BRIT; in AM, use salt shaker)\n  N-COUNT


Words: salt marsh
Meaning:
salt marsh  salt marshes\n  A salt marsh is an area of flat, wet ground which is sometimes covered by salt water or contains areas of salt water.\n  N-VAR


Words: salt shaker
Meaning:
salt shak.er\n   salt shaker  salt shakers\n  A salt shaker is the same as a salt cellar. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: salt water
Meaning:
salt wa.ter\n   salt water   also saltwater\n  Salt water is water from the sea, which has salt in it.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=fresh water


Words: saltine
Meaning:
salt.ine\n   saltine  saltines\n  A saltine is a thin square biscuit with salt baked into its surface. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: salty
Meaning:
salty  saltier  saltiest\n  Something that is salty contains salt or tastes of salt.\n...a cool salty sea breeze.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  salti.ness\nThe saltiness of the cheese is balanced by the sweetness of the red peppers.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: salubrious
Meaning:
sa.lu.bri.ous\n   salubrious\n1. A place that is salubrious is pleasant and healthy. (FORMAL)\n...your salubrious lochside hotel.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Something that is described as salubrious is respectable or socially desirable. (FORMAL)\n...London’s less salubrious quarters.\n  ADJ


Words: salutary
Meaning:
salu.tary\n   salutary\n  A salutary experience is good for you, even though it may seem difficult or unpleasant at first. (FORMAL)\nIt was a salutary experience to be in the minority...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: salutation
Meaning:
salu.ta.tion\n   salutation  salutations\n  Salutation or a salutation is a greeting to someone. (FORMAL)\nJackson nodded a salutation...\nThe old man moved away, raising his hand in salutation.\n  N-COUNT: also in/of N


Words: salute
Meaning:
sa.lute\n   salute  salutes  saluting  saluted\n1. If you salute someone, you greet them or show your respect with a formal sign. Soldiers usually salute officers by raising their right hand so that their fingers touch their forehead.\nOne of the company stepped out and saluted the General...\nI stood to attention and saluted.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n  Salute is also a noun.\nThe soldier gave the clenched-fist salute...\nHe raised his hand in salute.\n  N-COUNT: also in N\n\n2. To salute a person or their achievements means to publicly show or state your admiration for them.\nI salute him for the leadership role that he is taking...\n  VERB: V n


Words: salvage
Meaning:
sal.vage\n   salvage  salvages  salvaging  salvaged\n1. If something is salvaged, someone manages to save it, for example from a ship that has sunk, or from a building that has been damaged.\nThe team’s first task was to decide what equipment could be salvaged...\nThe investigators studied flight recorders salvaged from the wreckage.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed\n\n2. Salvage is the act of salvaging things from somewhere such as a damaged ship or building.\nThe salvage operation went on.\n...the cost of salvage.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n3. The salvage from somewhere such as a damaged ship or building is the things that are saved from it.\nThey climbed up on the rock with their salvage.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. If you manage to salvage a difficult situation, you manage to get something useful from it so that it is not a complete failure.\nOfficials tried to salvage the situation...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If you salvage something such as your pride or your reputation, you manage to keep it even though it seems likely you will lose it, or you get it back it after losing it.\nWe definitely wanted to salvage some pride for British tennis...\n  VERB: V n


Words: salvation
Meaning:
sal.va.tion\n   salvation\n1. In Christianity, salvation is the fact that Christ has saved a person from evil.\nThe church’s message of salvation has changed the lives of many.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The salvation of someone or something is the act of saving them from harm, destruction, or an unpleasant situation.\n...those whose marriages are beyond salvation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If someone or something is your salvation, they are responsible for saving you from harm, destruction, or an unpleasant situation.\nThe country’s salvation lies in forcing through democratic reforms...\n  N-SING: with poss


Words: Salvation Army
Meaning:
Sal.va.tion Army\n   Salvation Army\n  The Salvation Army is a Christian organization that aims to spread Christianity and care for the poor. Its members wear military-style uniforms.\n...a Salvation Army hostel.\n  N-PROPER: the N, N n


Words: salve
Meaning:
salve  salves  salving  salved\n1. If you do something to salve your conscience, you do it in order to feel less guilty. (FORMAL)\nI give myself treats and justify them to salve my conscience.\n  VERB: V n\n  = ease\n2. Salve is an oily substance that is put on sore skin or a wound to help it heal.\n...a soothing salve for sore, dry lips.\n  N-MASS\n  = balm


Words: salver
Meaning:
sal.ver\n   salver  salvers\n  A salver is a flat object, usually made of silver, on which things are carried.\n...silver salvers laden with flutes of champagne.\n  N-COUNT


Words: salvo
Meaning:
sal.vo\n   salvo  salvoes\n1. A salvo is the firing of several guns or missiles at the same time in a battle or ceremony.\nThey were to fire a salvo of blanks, after the national anthem.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A salvo of angry words is a lot of them spoken or written at about the same time.\nHis testimony, however, was only one in a salvo of new attacks.\n  N-COUNT: with supp


Words: Samaritan
Meaning:
Sa.mari.tan\n   Samaritan  Samaritans\n  You refer to someone as a Samaritan if they help you when you are in difficulty.\nA good Samaritan offered us a room in his house.\n  N-COUNT


Words: same
Meaning:
same\n1. If two or more things, actions, or qualities are the same, or if one is the same as another, they are very like each other in some way.\nIn essence, all computers are the same...\nPeople with the same experience in the job should be paid the same...\nDriving a boat is not the same as driving a car...\nI want my son to wear the same clothes as everyone else at the school...\n  ADJ: the ADJ, oft ADJ as n/-ing\n\n2. If something is happening the same as something else, the two things are happening in a way that is similar or exactly the same.\nI mean, it’s a relationship, the same as a marriage is a relationship...\nHe just wanted the war to end, the same as Wally did.\n  PHRASE\n\n3. You use same to indicate that you are referring to only one place, time, or thing, and not to different ones.\nBernard works at the same institution as Arlette...\nIt’s impossible to get everybody together at the same time...\nJohn just told me that your birthday is on the same day as mine.\n  ADJ: the ADJ, oft ADJ n as n, ADJ n that\n\n4. Something that is still the same has not changed in any way.\nTaking ingredients from the same source means the beers stay the same...\nOnly 17% said the economy would improve, but 25% believed it would stay the same.\n  ADJ: the ADJ\n\n5. You use the same to refer to something that has previously been mentioned or suggested.\nWe made the decision which was right for us. Other parents must do the same...\nWe like him very much and he says the same about us.\n  PRON: the PRON\n\n  Same is also an adjective.\nDwight Eisenhower possessed much the same ability to appear likeable.\n  ADJ: the ADJ\n\n6. You say `same here’ in order to suggest that you feel the same way about something as the person who has just spoken to you, or that you have done the same thing. (INFORMAL, SPOKEN)\n`Nice to meet you,’ said Michael. `Same here,’ said Mary Ann...\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n  = likewise\n7. You say `same to you’ in response to someone who wishes you well with something. (INFORMAL, SPOKEN)\n`Have a nice Easter.’.`And the same to you Bridie.’\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n\n8. You say `same again’ when you want to order another drink of the same kind as the one you have just had. (INFORMAL, SPOKEN)\nGive Roger another pint, Imogen, and I’ll have the same again.\n  PHRASE\n\n9. You can say all the same or just the same to introduce a statement which indicates that a situation or your opinion has not changed, in spite of what has happened or what has just been said.\n...jokes that she did not understand but laughed at just the same.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n10. If you say `It’s all the same to me’, you mean that you do not care which of several things happens or is chosen. (mainly SPOKEN)\nWhether I’ve got a moustache or not it’s all the same to me...\n  PHRASE\n\n11. When two or more people or things are thought to be separate and you say that they are one and the same, you mean that they are in fact one single person or thing.\nLuckily, Nancy’s father and her attorney were one and the same person...\nI’m willing to work for the party because its interests and my interests are one and the same.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n12.\nat the same time: see time


Words: same-sex
Meaning:
same-sex\n  Same-sex people are the same sex as each other, or the same sex as a particular person.\n...women’s same-sex friends.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: sameness
Meaning:
same.ness\n   sameness\n  The sameness of something is its lack of variety.\nHe grew bored by the sameness of the speeches.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: samey
Meaning:
samey\n  If you describe a set of things as samey, you mean that they are all very similar, and it would be more interesting if they were different from each other.\nHe has written a batch of very samey tunes.\n  ADJ


Words: Sami
Meaning:
Sami Sami\n  A Sami is a member of a people living mainly in northern Scandinavia.\nThe Sami have strong views on environmental matters.\n  N-COUNT\n  = Lapp


Words: samizdat
Meaning:
sa.miz.dat\n   samizdat\n  Samizdat referred to a system in the former USSR and Eastern Europe by which books and magazines forbidden by the state were illegally printed by groups who opposed the state. (FORMAL)\n...a publisher specialising in samizdat literature.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: samosa
Meaning:
sa.mo.sa\n   samosa  samosas\n  A samosa is an Indian food consisting of vegetables, spices, and sometimes meat, wrapped in pastry and fried.\n  N-COUNT


Words: samovar
Meaning:
samo.var\n   samovar  samovars\n  A samovar is a large decorated container for heating water, traditionally used in Russia for making tea.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sample
Meaning:
sam.ple\n   sample  samples  sampling  sampled\n1. A sample of a substance or product is a small quantity of it that shows you what it is like.\nYou’ll receive samples of paint, curtains and upholstery...\nWe’re giving away 2000 free samples...\nThey asked me to do some sample drawings.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A sample of a substance is a small amount of it that is examined and analysed scientifically.\nThey took samples of my blood.\n...urine samples.\n  N-COUNT\n  = specimen\n3. A sample of people or things is a number of them chosen out of a larger group and then used in tests or used to provide information about the whole group.\nWe based our analysis on a random sample of more than 200 males.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you sample food or drink, you taste a small amount of it in order to find out if you like it.\nWe sampled a selection of different bottled waters.\n  VERB: V n\n  = taste\n5. If you sample a place or situation, you experience it for a short time in order to find out about it.\n...the chance to sample a different way of life.\n  VERB: V n\n  = try


Words: sampler
Meaning:
sam.pler\n   sampler  samplers\n1. A sampler is a piece of cloth with words and patterns sewn on it, which is intended to show the skill of the person who made it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A sampler is a piece of equipment that is used for copying a piece of music and using it to make a new piece of music.\n  N-COUNT


Words: samurai
Meaning:
samu.rai\n   samurai  samurai\n  In former times, a samurai was a member of a powerful class of fighters in Japan.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sanatorium
Meaning:
sana.to.rium\n   sanatorium  sanatoriums  or sanatoria\nin AM, also use sanitarium\n  A sanatorium is an institution that provides medical treatment and rest, often in a healthy climate, for people who have been ill for a long time.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sanctify
Meaning:
sanc.ti.fy\n   sanctify  sanctifies  sanctifying  sanctified\n  If something is sanctified by a priest or other holy person, the priest or holy person officially approves of it, or declares it to be holy.\nShe is trying to make amends for her marriage not being sanctified.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: sanctimonious
Meaning:
sanc.ti.mo.ni.ous\n   sanctimonious\n  If you say that someone is sanctimonious, you disapprove of them because you think that they are trying to appear morally better than other people.\nHe writes smug, sanctimonious rubbish...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = self-righteous


Words: sanction
Meaning:
sanc.tion\n   sanction  sanctions  sanctioning  sanctioned\n1. If someone in authority sanctions an action or practice, they officially approve of it and allow it to be done.\nHe may now be ready to sanction the use of force...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Sanction is also a noun.\nThe king could not enact laws without the sanction of Parliament.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n  = approval\n2. Sanctions are measures taken by countries to restrict trade and official contact with a country that has broken international law.\nThe continued abuse of human rights has now led the United States to impose sanctions against the regime...\n  N-PLURAL: oft N against/on n\n\n3. A sanction is a severe course of action which is intended to make people obey instructions, customs, or laws.\nAs an ultimate sanction, they can sell their shares.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If a country or an authority sanctions another country or a person for doing something, it declares that the country or person is guilty of doing it and imposes sanctions on them.\n...their failure to sanction Japan for butchering whales in violation of international conservation treaties.\n  VERB: V n


Words: sanctity
Meaning:
sanc.tity\n   sanctity\n  If you talk about the sanctity of something, you mean that it is very important and must be treated with respect.\n...the sanctity of human life.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft the N of n


Words: sanctuary
Meaning:
sanc.tu.ary\n   sanctuary  sanctuaries\n1. A sanctuary is a place where people who are in danger from other people can go to be safe.\nHis church became a sanctuary for thousands of people who fled the civil war.\n  N-COUNT\n  = haven\n2. Sanctuary is the safety provided in a sanctuary.\nSome of them have sought sanctuary in the church.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A sanctuary is a place where birds or animals are protected and allowed to live freely.\n...a bird sanctuary.\n...a wildlife sanctuary.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N


Words: sanctum
Meaning:
sanc.tum\n   sanctum  sanctums\n1. If you refer to someone’s inner sanctum, you mean a room which is private and sometimes secret, where they can be quiet and alone.\nHis bedroom’s his inner sanctum.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n2. A sanctum is the holiest place inside a holy building such as a temple or mosque.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sand
Meaning:
sand  sands  sanding  sanded\n1. Sand is a substance that looks like powder, and consists of extremely small pieces of stone. Some deserts and many beaches are made up of sand.\nThey all walked barefoot across the damp sand to the water’s edge.\n...grains of sand.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Sands are a large area of sand, for example a beach.\n...miles of golden sands.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. If you sand a wood or metal surface, you rub sandpaper over it in order to make it smooth or clean.\nSand the surface softly and carefully.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Sand down means the same as sand.\nI was going to sand down the chairs and repaint them...\nSimply sand them down with a fine grade of sandpaper.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: sand castle
Meaning:
sand cas.tle\n   sand castle  sand castles\n  A sand castle is a pile of sand, usually shaped like a castle, which children make when they are playing on the beach.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sand dune
Meaning:
sand dune  sand dunes\n  A sand dune is a hill of sand near the sea or in a sand desert.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = dune


Words: sandal
Meaning:
san.dal\n   sandal  sandals\n  Sandals are light shoes that you wear in warm weather, which have straps instead of a solid part over the top of your foot.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sandalwood
Meaning:
sandal.wood\n   sandalwood\n1. Sandalwood is the sweet-smelling wood of a tree that is found in South Asia and Australia. It is also the name of the tree itself.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Sandalwood is the oil extracted from the wood of the tree. It is used to make perfume.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sandbag
Meaning:
sand.bag\n   sandbag  sandbags  sandbagging  sandbagged\n1. A sandbag is a cloth bag filled with sand. Sandbags are usually used to build walls for protection against floods or explosions.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. To sandbag something means to protect or strengthen it using sandbags.\nThey sandbagged their homes to keep out floods.\n  VERB: V n


Words: sandbank
Meaning:
sand.bank\n   sandbank  sandbanks\n  A sandbank is a bank of sand below the surface of the sea or a river.\nThe ship hit a sandbank.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sandbar
Meaning:
sand.bar\n   sandbar  sandbars   also sand bar\n  A sandbar is a sandbank which is found especially at the mouth of a river or harbour.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sandbox
Meaning:
sand.box\n   sandbox  sandboxes\n  A sandbox is a shallow hole or box in the garden with sand in it where small children can play. (AM; in BRIT, use sandpit)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sander
Meaning:
sand.er\n   sander  sanders\n  A sander is a machine for making wood or metal surfaces smoother.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sandpaper
Meaning:
sand.paper\n   sandpaper\n  Sandpaper is strong paper that has a coating of sand on it. It is used for rubbing wood or metal surfaces to make them smoother.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sandpit
Meaning:
sand.pit\n   sandpit  sandpits   also sand-pit\n  A sandpit is a shallow hole or box in the ground with sand in it where small children can play. (BRIT; in AM, use sandbox)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sandstone
Meaning:
sand.stone\n   sandstone  sandstones\n  Sandstone is a type of rock which contains a lot of sand. It is often used for building houses and walls.\n...sandstone cliffs.\n  N-MASS


Words: sandstorm
Meaning:
sand.storm\n   sandstorm  sandstorms\n  A sandstorm is a strong wind in a desert area, which carries sand through the air.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sandwich
Meaning:
sand.wich\n   sandwich  sandwiches  sandwiching  sandwiched\n1. A sandwich usually consists of two slices of bread with a layer of food such as cheese or meat between them.\n...a ham sandwich.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you sandwich two things together with something else, you put that other thing between them. If you sandwich one thing between two other things, you put it between them.\nSandwich the two halves of the sponge together with cream...\n  VERB: V pl-n together\n\n3.\n  see also sandwiched


Words: sandwich course
Meaning:
sand.wich course\n   sandwich course  sandwich courses\n  A sandwich course is an educational course in which you have periods of study between periods of being at work. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sandwiched
Meaning:
sand.wiched\n   sandwiched\n  If something is sandwiched between two other things, it is in a narrow space between them.\nThe original kitchen was sandwiched between the breakfast room and the toilet.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ between pl-n\n\n  see also sandwich


Words: sandy
Meaning:
sandy  sandier  sandiest\n1. A sandy area is covered with sand.\n...long, sandy beaches.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Sandy hair is light orangey-brown in colour.\n  ADJ


Words: sane
Meaning:
sane  saner  sanest\n1. Someone who is sane is able to think and behave normally and reasonably, and is not mentally ill.\nHe seemed perfectly sane...\nIt wasn’t the act of a sane person.\n  ADJ\n  !=insane\n2. If you refer to a sane person, action, or system, you mean one that you think is reasonable and sensible.\nNo sane person wishes to see conflict or casualties.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=insane


Words: sang-froid
Meaning:
sang-froid   also sangfroid\n  A person’s sang-froid is their ability to remain calm in a dangerous or difficult situation. (FORMAL)\nHe behaves throughout with a certain sang-froid.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sangria
Meaning:
san.gria\n   sangria\n  Sangria is a Spanish drink made of red wine, orange or lemon juice, soda, and brandy.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sanguine
Meaning:
san.guine\n   sanguine\n  If you are sanguine about something, you are cheerful and confident that things will happen in the way you want them to.\nHe’s remarkably sanguine about the problems involved...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ about n


Words: sanitary
Meaning:
sani.tary\n   sanitary\n1. Sanitary means concerned with keeping things clean and healthy, especially by providing a sewage system and a clean water supply.\nSanitary conditions are appalling...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If you say that a place is not sanitary, you mean that it is not very clean.\nIt’s not the most sanitary place one could swim.\n  ADJ: usu with brd-neg\n  = hygienic


Words: sanitary napkin
Meaning:
sani.tary nap.kin\n   sanitary napkin  sanitary napkins\n  A sanitary napkin is the same as a sanitary towel. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sanitary protection
Meaning:
sani.tary pro.tec.tion\n   sanitary protection\n  Sanitary protection is sanitary towels or tampons.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sanitary towel
Meaning:
sani.tary tow.el\n   sanitary towel  sanitary towels\n  A sanitary towel is a pad of thick soft material which women wear to absorb the blood during their periods. (BRIT; in AM, use sanitary napkin)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sanitation
Meaning:
sani.ta.tion\n   sanitation\n  Sanitation is the process of keeping places clean and healthy, especially by providing a sewage system and a clean water supply.\n...the hazards of contaminated water and poor sanitation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sanitize
Meaning:
sani.tize\n   sanitize  sanitizes  sanitizing  sanitized\nin BRIT, also use sanitise\n  To sanitize an activity or a situation that is unpleasant or unacceptable means to describe it in a way that makes it seem more pleasant or more acceptable.\n...crime writers who sanitise violence and make it respectable...\n  VERB: V n


Words: sanity
Meaning:
san.ity\n   sanity\n1. A person’s sanity is their ability to think and behave normally and reasonably.\nHe and his wife finally had to move from their apartment just to preserve their sanity.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If there is sanity in a situation or activity, there is a purpose and a regular pattern, rather than confusion and worry.\nRafsanjani has been considering various ways of introducing some sanity into the currency market.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Sanskrit
Meaning:
San.skrit\n   Sanskrit\n  Sanskrit is an ancient language which used to be spoken in India and is now used only in religious writings and ceremonies.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Santa Claus
Meaning:
San.ta Claus\n   Santa Claus\n  Santa Claus or Santa is an imaginary old man with a long white beard and a red coat. Traditionally, young children in many countries are told that he brings their Christmas presents.\n  N-PROPER\n  = Father Christmas


Words: sap
Meaning:
sap  saps  sapping  sapped\n1. If something saps your strength or confidence, it gradually weakens or destroys it.\nI was afraid the sickness had sapped my strength...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. Sap is the watery liquid in plants and trees.\nThe leaves, bark and sap are also common ingredients of local herbal remedies.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sapper
Meaning:
sap.per\n   sapper  sappers\n  A sapper is a soldier whose job is to do building, digging, and similar work.\nThey requested sappers to mend bridges or remove mines.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sapphire
Meaning:
sap.phire\n   sapphire  sapphires\n1. A sapphire is a precious stone which is blue in colour.\n...a sapphire engagement ring.\n  N-VAR: oft N n\n\n2. Something that is sapphire is bright blue in colour. (LITERARY)\n...white snow and sapphire skies.\n  COLOUR


Words: sappy
Meaning:
sap.py\n   sappy\n1. Sappy stems or leaves contain a lot of liquid.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe someone or something as sappy, you think they are foolish. (AM INFORMAL)\nI wrote this sappy love song.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: Saran wrap
Meaning:
Sa.ran wrap\n   Saran wrap\n  Saran wrap is a thin, clear, stretchy plastic which you use to cover food to keep it fresh. (TRADEMARK) (AM; in BRIT, use clingfilm)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sarcasm
Meaning:
sar.casm\n   sarcasm\n  Sarcasm is speech or writing which actually means the opposite of what it seems to say. Sarcasm is usually intended to mock or insult someone.\n`What a pity,’ Graham said with a hint of sarcasm...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sarcastic
Meaning:
sar.cas.tic\n   sarcastic\n  Someone who is sarcastic says or does the opposite of what they really mean in order to mock or insult someone.\nShe poked fun at people’s shortcomings with sarcastic remarks.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sar.cas.ti.cal.ly\n`What a surprise!’ Caroline murmured sarcastically.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: sarcoma
Meaning:
sar.co.ma\n   sarcoma  sarcomas\n  Sarcoma is one of the two main forms of cancer. It affects tissues such as muscle and bone.\n  N-VAR


Words: sarcophagus
Meaning:
sar.copha.gus\n   sarcophagus  sarcophagi  or sarcophaguses\n  A sarcophagus is a large decorative container in which a dead body was placed in ancient times.\n...an Egyptian sarcophagus.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sardine
Meaning:
sar.dine\n   sardine  sardines\n1. Sardines are a kind of small sea fish, often eaten as food.\nThey opened a tin of sardines.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that a crowd of people are packed like sardines, you are emphasizing that they are sitting or standing so close together that they cannot move easily.\nThe refugees were packed like sardines.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR  emphasis


Words: sardonic
Meaning:
sar.don.ic\n   sardonic\n  If you describe someone as sardonic, you mean their attitude to people or things is humorous but rather critical.\n...a big, sardonic man, who intimidated his students.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: sarge
Meaning:
sarge\n  A sergeant is sometimes addressed as sarge or referred to as the sarge. (INFORMAL)\n`Good luck, sarge,’ he said...\n  N-VOC; N-SING: the N


Words: sari
Meaning:
sari  saris\n  A sari is a piece of clothing worn especially by Indian women. It consists of a long piece of thin material that is wrapped around the body.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sarin
Meaning:
sar.in\n   sarin\n  Sarin is an extremely poisonous gas that is used in chemical weapons.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sarnie
Meaning:
sar.nie\n   sarnie  sarnies\n  A sarnie is a sandwich. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n...two crates of beer and a plate of sarnies.\n  N-COUNT\n  = butty


Words: sarong
Meaning:
sa.rong\n   sarong  sarongs\n  A sarong is a piece of clothing that is worn especially by Malaysian men and women. It consists of a long piece of cloth wrapped round the waist or body.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sartorial
Meaning:
sar.to.rial\n   sartorial\n  Sartorial means relating to clothes and to the way they are made or worn. (FORMAL)\n...Sebastian’s sartorial elegance...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: SAS
Meaning:
SAS\n  The SAS is a group of highly trained British soldiers who work on secret or very difficult military operations. SAS is an abbreviation for `Special Air Service’. (BRIT)\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: SASE
Meaning:
SASE  SASEs\n  An SASE is an envelope on which you have stuck a stamp and written your own name and address. You send it to a person or organization so that they can reply to you in it. SASE is an abbreviation for `self-addressed stamped envelope’. (AM; in BRIT, use s.a.e.)\n  N-SING


Words: sash
Meaning:
sash  sashes\n  A sash is a long piece of cloth which people wear round their waist or over one shoulder, especially with formal or official clothes.\nShe wore a white dress with a thin blue sash...\n  N-COUNT


Words: sash window
Meaning:
sash win.dow\n   sash window  sash windows\n  A sash window is a window which consists of two frames placed one above the other. The window can be opened by sliding one frame over the other.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sashay
Meaning:
sash.ay\n   sashay  sashays  sashaying  sashayed\n  If someone sashays, they walk in a graceful but rather noticeable way.\nThe models sashayed down the catwalk.\n  VERB: V prep/adv


Words: sassy
Meaning:
sas.sy\n   sassy\n1. If an older person describes a younger person as sassy, they mean that they are disrespectful in a lively, confident way. (AM INFORMAL)\nAre you that sassy with your parents, young lady?\n  ADJ\n  = cheeky\n2. Sassy is used to describe things that are smart and stylish. (AM INFORMAL)\n...colourful and sassy fashion accessories.\n  ADJ


Words: SAT
Meaning:
SAT SATs  also sat\n  The SAT is an examination which is often taken by students who wish to enter a college or university. SAT is an abbreviation for `Scholastic Aptitude Test’. (AM)\n  N-PROPER


Words: Satan
Meaning:
Satan\n  In the Christian religion, Satan is the Devil, a powerful evil being who is the chief opponent of God.\n  N-PROPER


Words: satanic
Meaning:
sa.tan.ic\n   satanic\n  Something that is satanic is considered to be caused by or influenced by Satan.\n...satanic cults.\n...satanic ritual.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Satanism
Meaning:
Sa.tan.ism\n   Satanism   also satanism\n  Satanism is worship of Satan.\n...black magic and satanism.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  Sa.tan.ist      Satanists\n...a Satanist accused of fire attacks on churches.\n  N-COUNT


Words: satay
Meaning:
sa.tay\n   satay\n  Satay is pieces of meat cooked on thin sticks and served with a peanut sauce.\n...chicken satay.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: satchel
Meaning:
satch.el\n   satchel  satchels\n  A satchel is a bag with a long strap that schoolchildren use for carrying books.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sated
Meaning:
sat.ed\n   sated\n  If you are sated with something, you have had more of it than you can enjoy at one time. (FORMAL)\n...children happily sated with ice cream.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: satellite
Meaning:
sat.el.lite\n   satellite  satellites\n1. A satellite is an object which has been sent into space in order to collect information or to be part of a communications system. Satellites move continually round the earth or around another planet.\nThe rocket launched two communications satellites...\nThe signals are sent by satellite link...\n  N-COUNT: also by N\n\n2. Satellite television is broadcast using a satellite.\nThey have four satellite channels.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. A satellite is a natural object in space that moves round a planet or star.\n...the satellites of Jupiter.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. You can refer to a country, area, or organization as a satellite when it is controlled by or depends on a larger and more powerful one.\nItaly became a satellite state of Germany by the end of the 1930s.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: satellite dish
Meaning:
sat.el.lite dish\n   satellite dish  satellite dishes\n  A satellite dish is a piece of equipment which people need to have on their house in order to receive satellite television.\n  N-COUNT


Words: satiate
Meaning:
sa.ti.ate\n   satiate  satiates  satiating  satiated\n  If something such as food or pleasure satiates you, you have all that you need or all that you want of it, often so much that you become tired of it. (FORMAL)\nThe dinner was enough to satiate the gourmets...\n  VERB: V n


Words: satin
Meaning:
sat.in\n   satin  satins\n1. Satin is a smooth, shiny kind of cloth, usually made from silk.\n...a peach satin ribbon.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. If something such as a paint, wax, or cosmetic gives something a satin finish, it reflects light to some extent but is not very shiny.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: satinwood
Meaning:
satin.wood\n   satinwood\n  Satinwood is a smooth hard wood which comes from an East Indian tree and is used to make furniture.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: satire
Meaning:
sat.ire\n   satire  satires\n1. Satire is the use of humour or exaggeration in order to show how foolish or wicked some people’s behaviour or ideas are.\nThe commercial side of the Christmas season is an easy target for satire.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A satire is a play, film, or novel in which humour or exaggeration is used to criticize something.\n...a sharp satire on the American political process.\n  N-COUNT: oft N on n


Words: satiric
Meaning:
sa.tir.ic\n   satiric\n  Satiric means the same as satirical.\n...Ibsen’s satiric attack on bourgeois convention.\n  ADJ


Words: satirical
Meaning:
sa.tiri.cal\n   satirical\n  A satirical drawing, piece of writing, or comedy show is one in which humour or exaggeration is used to criticize something.\n...a satirical novel about London life in the late 80s.\n  ADJ


Words: satirist
Meaning:
sati.rist\n   satirist  satirists\n  A satirist is someone who writes or uses satire.\nHe built a reputation in the 1970s as a social satirist.\n  N-COUNT


Words: satirize
Meaning:
sati.rize\n   satirize  satirizes  satirizing  satirized\nin BRIT, also use satirise\n  If you satirize a person or group of people, you use satire to criticize them or make fun of them in a play, film, or novel.\nThe newspaper came out weekly. It satirized political leaders.\n  VERB: V n


Words: satisfaction
Meaning:
sat.is.fac.tion\n   satisfaction\n1. Satisfaction is the pleasure that you feel when you do something or get something that you wanted or needed to do or get.\nShe felt a small glow of satisfaction...\nBoth sides expressed satisfaction with the progress so far...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you get satisfaction from someone, you get money or an apology from them because you have been treated badly.\nIf you can’t get any satisfaction, complain to the park owner.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you do something to someone’s satisfaction, they are happy with the way that you have done it.\nIt is hard to see how the issue can be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: satisfactory
Meaning:
sat.is.fac.tory\n   satisfactory\n  Something that is satisfactory is acceptable to you or fulfils a particular need or purpose.\nI never got a satisfactory answer...\n  ADJ\n  = acceptable


Words: satisfied
Meaning:
sat.is.fied\n   satisfied\n1. If you are satisfied with something, you are happy because you have got what you wanted or needed.\nWe are not satisfied with these results.\n...satisfied customers.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ with n\n\n2. If you are satisfied that something is true or has been done properly, you are convinced about this after checking it.\nPeople must be satisfied that the treatment is safe.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ that


Words: satisfy
Meaning:
sat.is.fy\n   satisfy  satisfies  satisfying  satisfied\n1. If someone or something satisfies you, they give you enough of what you want or need to make you pleased or contented.\nThe pace of change has not been quick enough to satisfy everyone...\nWe just can’t find enough good second-hand cars to satisfy demand...\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n2. To satisfy someone that something is true or has been done properly means to convince them by giving them more information or by showing them what has been done.\nHe has to satisfy the environmental lobby that real progress will be made to cut emissions...\n  VERB: V n that\n  = convince\n3. If you satisfy the requirements for something, you are good enough or have the right qualities to fulfil these requirements.\nThe procedures should satisfy certain basic requirements.\n  VERB: V n


Words: satisfying
Meaning:
sat.is.fy.ing\n   satisfying\n  Something that is satisfying makes you feel happy, especially because you feel you have achieved something.\nI found wood carving satisfying.\n  ADJ


Words: saturate
Meaning:
satu.rate\n   saturate  saturates  saturating  saturated\n1. If people or things saturate a place or object, they fill it completely so that no more can be added.\nIn the last days before the vote, both sides are saturating the airwaves...\nAs the market was saturated with goods and the economy became more balanced, inflation went down.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed with n\n\n2. If someone or something is saturated, they become extremely wet.\nIf the filter has been saturated with motor oil, it should be discarded and replaced.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: saturated
Meaning:
satu.rat.ed\n   saturated\n  Saturated fats are types of fat that are found in some foods, especially meat, eggs, and things such as butter and cheese. They are believed to cause heart disease and some other illnesses if eaten too often.\n...foods rich in cholesterol and saturated fats.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: saturation
Meaning:
satu.ra.tion\n   saturation\n1. Saturation is the process or state that occurs when a place or thing is filled completely with people or things, so that no more can be added.\nReforms have led to the saturation of the market with goods...\nRoad traffic has reached saturation point.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Saturation is used to describe a campaign or other activity that is carried out very thoroughly, so that nothing is missed.\nNewspapers, television and radio are all providing saturation coverage.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: Saturday
Meaning:
Sat.ur.day\n   Saturday   Saturdays\n  Saturday is the day after Friday and before Sunday.\nShe had a call from him on Saturday morning at the studio...\nEvery Saturday dad made a beautiful pea and ham soup...\nThe overnight train runs every night of the week except Saturdays.\n  N-VAR


Words: saturnine
Meaning:
sat.ur.nine\n   saturnine\n  Someone who is saturnine is serious and unfriendly. (LITERARY)\nHe had a rather forbidding, saturnine manner.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: satyr
Meaning:
sa.tyr\n   satyr  satyrs\n  In classical mythology a satyr is a creature that is half man and half goat.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sauce
Meaning:
sauce  sauces\n  A sauce is a thick liquid which is served with other food.\n...pasta cooked in a sauce of garlic, tomatoes, and cheese.\n...vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.\n  N-MASS


Words: saucepan
Meaning:
sauce.pan\n   saucepan  saucepans\n  A saucepan is a deep metal cooking pot, usually with a long handle and a lid.\nCook the potatoes and turnips in a large saucepan.\n  N-COUNT\n  = pan


Words: saucer
Meaning:
sau.cer\n   saucer  saucers\n  A saucer is a small curved plate on which you stand a cup.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also flying saucer


Words: saucy
Meaning:
saucy  saucier  sauciest\n  Someone or something that is saucy refers to sex in a light-hearted, amusing way.\n...a saucy joke.\n  ADJ\n  = cheeky


Words: Saudi
Meaning:
Sau.di\n   Saudi  Saudis\n1. Saudi or Saudi Arabian means belonging or relating to Saudi Arabia or to its people, language, or culture.\nSaudi officials have dismissed such reports as rumours.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. The Saudis or Saudi Arabians are the people who come from Saudi Arabia.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sauerkraut
Meaning:
sau.er.kraut\n   sauerkraut\n  Sauerkraut is cabbage which has been cut into very small pieces and pickled. It is eaten mainly in Germany.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sauna
Meaning:
sau.na\n   sauna  saunas\n1. If you have a sauna, you sit or lie in a room that is so hot that it makes you sweat. People have saunas in order to relax and to clean their skin thoroughly.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A sauna is a room or building where you can have a sauna.\n  N-COUNT


Words: saunter
Meaning:
saun.ter\n   saunter  saunters  sauntering  sauntered\n  If you saunter somewhere, you walk there in a slow, casual way.\nWe watched our fellow students saunter into the building...\n  VERB: V prep/adv


Words: sausage
Meaning:
sau.sage\n   sausage  sausages\n  A sausage consists of minced meat, usually pork, mixed with other ingredients and is contained in a tube made of skin or a similar material.\n...sausages and chips.\n  N-VAR


Words: sausage meat
Meaning:
sau.sage meat\n   sausage meat\n  Sausage meat is minced meat, usually pork, mixed with other ingredients and used to make sausages.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sausage roll
Meaning:
sau.sage roll\n   sausage roll  sausage rolls\n  A sausage roll is a small amount of sausage meat which is covered with pastry and cooked. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: saute
Meaning:
sau.te\n   saute  sautes  sauteing  sauteed\n  When you saute food, you fry it quickly in hot oil or butter.\nSaute the chicken until golden brown.\n...sauteed mushrooms.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: savage
Meaning:
sav.age\n   savage  savages  savaging  savaged\n1. Someone or something that is savage is extremely cruel, violent, and uncontrolled.\nThis was a savage attack on a defenceless young girl.\n...a savage dog lunging at the end of a chain.\n  ADJ\n  = vicious\n=>  sav.age.ly\nHe was savagely beaten.\n  ADV\n\n2. If you refer to people as savages, you dislike them because you think that they do not have an advanced society and are violent.\n...their conviction that the area was a frozen desert peopled with uncouth savages.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl  disapproval\n\n3. If someone is savaged by a dog or other animal, the animal attacks them violently.\nThe animal then turned on him and he was savaged to death.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n4. If someone or something that they have done is savaged by another person, that person criticizes them severely.\nThe show had already been savaged by critics...\nSpeakers called for clearer direction and savaged the Chancellor.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: savagery
Meaning:
sav.age.ry\n   savagery\n  Savagery is extremely cruel and violent behaviour.\n...the sheer savagery of war.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: savannah
Meaning:
sa.van.nah\n   savannah  savannahs   also savanna\n  A savannah is a large area of flat, grassy land, usually in Africa.\n  N-VAR


Words: savant
Meaning:
sa.vant\n   savant  savants\n1. A savant is a person of great learning or natural ability. (FORMAL)\nThe opinion of savants on the composition of the lunar surface.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to someone as an idiot savant if they seem to be less intelligent than normal people but are unusually good at doing one particular thing.\n...an idiot savant, an autistic with a gift for numbers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: save
Meaning:
save  saves  saving  saved\n1. If you save someone or something, you help them to avoid harm or to escape from a dangerous or unpleasant situation.\n...a final attempt to save 40,000 jobs in Britain’s troubled aero industry...\nA new machine no bigger than a 10p piece could help save babies from cot death...\nThe national health system saved him from becoming a cripple.\n  VERB: V n, V n from n/-ing, V n from n/-ing\n\n=>  -saving\nHis boxing career was ended after two sight-saving operations.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n2. If you save, you gradually collect money by spending less than you get, usually in order to buy something that you want.\nThe majority of people intend to save, but find that by the end of the month there is nothing left...\nTim and Barbara are now saving for a house in the suburbs...\nThey could not find any way to save money.\n  VERB: V, V for n, V n\n\n  Save up means the same as save.\nJulie wanted to put some of her money aside for holidays or save up for something special...\nPeople often put money aside in order to save up enough to make one major expenditure.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P for n, V P n (not pron)\n\n3. If you save something such as time or money, you prevent the loss or waste of it.\nIt saves time in the kitchen to have things you use a lot within reach...\nI’ll try to save him the expense of a flight from Perth...\nI got the fishmonger to skin the fish which helped save on the preparation time.\n  VERB: V n, V n n, V on n\n  !=waste\n=>  -saving\n...labor-saving devices.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n4. If you save something, you keep it because it will be needed later.\nDrain the beans thoroughly and save the stock for soup...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If someone or something saves you from an unpleasant action or experience, they change the situation so that you do not have to do it or experience it.\nThe scanner will save risk and pain for patients...\nShe was hoping that something might save her from having to make a decision...\nHe arranges to collect the payment from the customer, thus saving the client the paperwork.\n  VERB: V n, V n from n/-ing, V n n\n\n6. If you save data in a computer, you give the computer an instruction to store the data on a tape or disk. (COMPUTING)\nTry to get into the habit of saving your work regularly...\nImport your scanned images from the scanner and save as a JPG file.\n  VERB: V n, V as n\n\n7. If a goalkeeper saves, or saves a shot, they succeed in preventing the ball from going into the goal.\nHe saved one shot when the ball hit him on the head.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Save is also a noun.\nSpurs could have had several goals but for some brilliant saves from John Hallworth.\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. You can use save to introduce the only things, people, or ideas that your main statement does not apply to. (FORMAL)\nThere is almost no water at all in Mochudi save that brought up from bore holes.\n  PREP\n  = apart from\n  Save for means the same as save.\nThe parking lot was virtually empty save for a few cars clustered to one side.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n  = apart from\n9.\nto save the day: see day\nto save face: see face


Words: saver
Meaning:
sav.er\n   saver  savers\n  A saver is a person who regularly saves money by paying it into a bank account or a building society.\nLow interest rates are bad news for savers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: saving
Meaning:
sav.ing\n   saving  savings\n1. A saving is a reduction in the amount of time or money that is used or needed.\nFill in the form below and you will be making a saving of .6.60 on a one-year subscription.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. Your savings are the money that you have saved, especially in a bank or a building society.\nHer savings were in the Post Office Savings Bank.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: saving grace
Meaning:
sav.ing grace\n   saving grace  saving graces\n  A saving grace is a good quality or feature in a person or thing that prevents them from being completely bad or worthless.\nAgeing’s one saving grace is you worry less about what people think.\n  N-COUNT: with supp


Words: savings and loan
Meaning:
sav.ings and loan\n   savings and loan   also savings and loans\n  A savings and loan association is a business where people save money to earn interest, and which lends money to savers to buy houses. Compare building society. (mainly AM BUSINESS)\n  N-SING: usu N n


Words: saviour
Meaning:
sav.iour\n   saviour  saviours\nin AM, use savior\n  A saviour is a person who saves someone or something from danger, ruin, or defeat.\n...the saviour of his country.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: savoir-faire
Meaning:
savoir-faire\n  Savoir-faire is the confidence and ability to do the appropriate thing in a social situation. (FORMAL)\nHe was full of jocularity and savoir-faire.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: savour
Meaning:
sa.vour\n   savour  savours  savouring  savoured\nin AM, use savor\n1. If you savour an experience, you enjoy it as much as you can.\nShe savored her newfound freedom...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you savour food or drink, you eat or drink it slowly in order to taste its full flavour and to enjoy it properly.\nSavour the flavour of each mouthful, and chew your food well.\n  VERB: V n


Words: savoury
Meaning:
sa.voury\n   savoury  savouries\nin AM, use savory\n1. Savoury food has a salty or spicy flavour rather than a sweet one.\nItalian cooking is best known for savoury dishes.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Savouries are small items of savoury food that are usually eaten as a snack, for example with alcoholic drinks at a party or before a meal. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: savvy
Meaning:
sav.vy\n   savvy\n  If you describe someone as having savvy, you think that they have a good understanding and practical knowledge of something. (INFORMAL)\nHe is known for his political savvy and strong management skills.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft supp N


Words: saw
Meaning:
saw  saws  sawing  sawed  sawn\n1. Saw is the past tense of see.\n\n2. A saw is a tool for cutting wood, which has a blade with sharp teeth along one edge. Some saws are pushed backwards and forwards by hand, and others are powered by electricity.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also chain saw\n3. If you saw something, you cut it with a saw.\nHe escaped by sawing through the bars of his cell...\nYour father is sawing wood.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V n


Words: sawdust
Meaning:
saw.dust\n   sawdust\n  Sawdust is dust and very small pieces of wood which are produced when you saw wood.\n...a layer of sawdust.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sawed-off shotgun
Meaning:
sawed-off shot.gun\n   sawed-off shotgun  sawed-off shotguns\n  A sawed-off shotgun is the same as a sawn-off shotgun. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sawmill
Meaning:
saw.mill\n   sawmill  sawmills\n  A sawmill is a factory in which wood from trees is sawn into long flat pieces.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sawn-off shotgun
Meaning:
sawn-off shot.gun\n   sawn-off shotgun  sawn-off shotguns\n  A sawn-off shotgun is a shotgun on which the barrel has been cut short. Guns like this are often used by criminals because they can be easily hidden. (BRIT; in AM, use sawed-off shotgun)\nThe men burst in wearing balaclavas and brandishing sawn-off shotguns.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Saxon
Meaning:
Sax.on\n   Saxon  Saxons\n1. In former times, Saxons were members of a West Germanic tribe. Some members of this tribe settled in Britain and were known as Anglo-Saxons.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Something that is Saxon is related to or characteristic of the ancient Saxons, the Anglo-Saxons, or their descendants.\n...a seventh-century Saxon church.\n  ADJ


Words: saxophone
Meaning:
saxo.phone\n   saxophone  saxophones\n  A saxophone is a musical instrument in the shape of a curved metal tube with a narrower part that you blow into and keys that you press.\n  N-VAR: oft the N


Words: saxophonist
Meaning:
sax.opho.nist\n   saxophonist  saxophonists\n  A saxophonist is someone who plays the saxophone.\n  N-COUNT


Words: say
Meaning:
say  says  saying  said\n1. When you say something, you speak words.\n`I’m sorry,’ he said...\nShe said they were very impressed...\nForty-one people are said to have been seriously hurt...\nI packed and said goodbye to Charlie...\nI hope you didn’t say anything about Gretchen...\nDid he say where he was going?...\nIt doesn’t sound exactly orthodox, if I may say so.\n  VERB: V with quote, V that, be V-ed to-inf, V n to n, V n, V wh, V so\n\n2. You use say in expressions such as I would just like to say to introduce what you are actually saying, or to indicate that you are expressing an opinion or admitting a fact. If you state that you can’t say something or you wouldn’t say something, you are indicating in a polite or indirect way that it is not the case.\nI would just like to say that this is the most hypocritical thing I have ever heard in my life...\nI must say that rather shocked me, too...\nDead? Well, I can’t say I’m sorry.\n  VERB: V that, V that, V that\n\n3. You can mention the contents of a piece of writing by mentioning what it says or what someone says in it.\nThe report says there is widespread and routine torture of political prisoners in the country...\nYou can’t have one without the other, as the song says...\n`Highly inflammable,’ it says on the spare canister...\nJung believed that God speaks to us in dreams. The Bible says so too.\n  VERB: V that, V with quote, it V with quote, V so\n\n4. If you say something to yourself, you think it.\nPerhaps I’m still dreaming, I said to myself...\n  VERB: V to pron-refl with quote\n\n5. If you have a say in something, you have the right to give your opinion and influence decisions relating to it.\nThe students wanted more say in the government of the university.\n  N-SING: usu a N, also more/some N\n\n6. You indicate the information given by something such as a clock, dial, or map by mentioning what it says.\nThe clock said four minutes past eleven...\nThe map says there’s six of them.\n  VERB: V n, V that\n\n7. If something says something about a person, situation, or thing, it gives important information about them.\nI think that says a lot about how well Seles is playing...\nThe appearance of the place and the building says something about the importance of the project.\n  VERB: V amount about n, V pron about n\n\n8. If something says a lot for a person or thing, it shows that this person or thing is very good or has a lot of good qualities.\nIt says a lot for him that he has raised his game to the level required...\nIt says much for Brookner’s skill that the book is sad, but never depressing.\n  VERB: V amount for n, it V amount for n that\n\n9. You use say in expressions such as I’ll say that for them and you can say this for them after or before you mention a good quality that someone has, usually when you think they do not have many good qualities.\nHe’s usually smartly-dressed, I’ll say that for him...\nAt the very least, he is devastatingly sure of himself, you can say that.\n  VERB: V pron for n, V pron\n\n10. You can use say when you want to discuss something that might possibly happen or be true.\nSay you could change anything about the world we live in, what would it be?\n  VERB: only imper, V that\n  = suppose\n11. You can use say or let’s say when you mention something as an example.\nTo see the problem here more clearly, let’s look at a different biological system, say, an acorn...\n\n12. If you say that something says it all, you mean that it shows you very clearly the truth about a situation or someone’s feelings.\nThis is my third visit in a week, which says it all.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n13. You can use `You don’t say’ to express surprise at what someone has told you. People often use this expression to indicate that in fact they are not surprised.\n`I’m a writer.’.`You don’t say. What kind of book are you writing?’\n  CONVENTION  feelings\n\n14. If you say there is a lot to be said for something, you mean you think it has a lot of good qualities or aspects.\nThere’s a lot to be said for being based in the country.\n(next)


Words: say .1
Meaning:
PHRASE: amount PHR\n\n15. If someone asks what you have to say for yourself, they are asking what excuse you have for what you have done.\n`Well,’ she said eventually, `what have you to say for yourself?’\n  PHRASE\n\n16. If something goes without saying, it is obvious.\nIt goes without saying that if someone has lung problems they should not smoke.\n  PHRASE: oft it PHR that\n\n17. When one of the people or groups involved in a discussion has their say, they give their opinion.\nThe Football Association have had their say.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n18. You use `I wouldn’t say no’ to indicate that you would like something, especially something that has just been offered to you. (INFORMAL)\nI wouldn’t say no to a drink.\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n\n19. You use to say nothing of when you mention an additional thing which gives even more strength to the point you are making.\nUnemployment leads to a sense of uselessness, to say nothing of financial problems.\n  PHRASE: PHR n\n\n20. You use that is to say or that’s to say to indicate that you are about to express the same idea more clearly or precisely. (FORMAL)\n...territories that were occupied in 1967, that is to say, in the West Bank and Gaza.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl/group\n\n21. You can use `You can say that again’ to express strong agreement with what someone has just said. (INFORMAL)\n`Must have been a fiddly job.’.`You can say that again.’\n  CONVENTION  emphasis\n\n22.\nto say the least: see least\nneedless to say: see needless


Words: say-so
Meaning:
say-so\n  If you do something on someone’s say-so, they tell you to do it or they give you permission to do it. (INFORMAL)\nDirectors call the shots and nothing happens on set without their say-so.\n  N-SING: oft with poss


Words: saying
Meaning:
say.ing\n   saying  sayings\n1. A saying is a sentence that people often say and that gives advice or information about human life and experience.\nWe also realize the truth of that old saying: Charity begins at home...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The sayings of a person, especially a religious or political leader, are important things that they said or pieces of advice that they gave.\nThe sayings of Confucius offer guidance on this matter.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: scab
Meaning:
scab  scabs\n1. A scab is a hard, dry covering that forms over the surface of a wound.\nThe area can be very painful until scabs form after about ten days.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. People who continue to work during a strike are called scabs by the people who are on strike.\nHe hired scabs to replace strikers.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n  Scab is also an adjective.\nThe mill was started up with scab labor.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: scabbard
Meaning:
scab.bard\n   scabbard  scabbards\n  A scabbard is a container for a sword and can hang from a belt.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scabby
Meaning:
scab.by\n   scabby\n  If a person, an animal, or a part of their body is scabby, it has scabs on it.\nHe had short trousers and scabby knees.\n  ADJ


Words: scabies
Meaning:
sca.bies\n   scabies\n  Scabies is a very infectious skin disease caused by very small creatures and makes you want to scratch a lot.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: scabrous
Meaning:
sca.brous\n   scabrous\n  If you describe something as scabrous, you mean that it deals with sex or describes sex in a shocking way. (LITERARY)\n...the scabrous lower reaches of the film business.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: scaffold
Meaning:
scaf.fold\n   scaffold  scaffolds\n1. A scaffold was a raised platform on which criminals were hanged or had their heads cut off.\nMoore ascended the scaffold and addressed the executioner.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A scaffold is a temporary raised platform on which workers stand to paint, repair, or build high parts of a building.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scaffolding
Meaning:
scaf.fold.ing\n   scaffolding\n  Scaffolding consists of poles and boards made into a temporary framework that is used by workers when they are painting, repairing, or building high parts of a building, usually outside.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: scald
Meaning:
scald  scalds  scalding  scalded\n1. If you scald yourself, you burn yourself with very hot liquid or steam.\nA patient scalded herself in a hot bath.\n...a child with a scalded hand.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n2. A scald is a burn caused by very hot liquid or steam.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scalding
Meaning:
scald.ing\n   scalding\n  Scalding or scalding hot liquids are extremely hot.\nI tried to sip the tea but it was scalding.\n...scalding hot water.\n  ADJ


Words: scale
Meaning:
scale  scales  scaling  scaled\n1. If you refer to the scale of something, you are referring to its size or extent, especially when it is very big.\nHowever, he underestimates the scale of the problem...\nThe break-down of law and order could result in killing on a massive scale...\n  N-SING: also no det, with supp\n\n  see also full-scale, large-scale, small-scale\n2. A scale is a set of levels or numbers which are used in a particular system of measuring things or are used when comparing things.\n...an earthquake measuring five-point-five on the Richter scale...\nThe higher up the social scale they are, the more the men have to lose.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n  see also sliding scale, timescale\n3. A pay scale or scale of fees is a list that shows how much someone should be paid, depending, for example, on their age or what work they do. (BRIT)\n...those on the high end of the pay scale...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n4. The scale of a map, plan, or model is the relationship between the size of something in the map, plan, or model and its size in the real world.\nThe map, on a scale of 1:10,000, shows over 5,000 individual paths.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n  see also full-scale, large-scale\n5. A scale model or scale replica of a building or object is a model of it which is smaller than the real thing but has all the same parts and features.\nFranklin made his mother an intricately detailed scale model of the house.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n6. In music, a scale is a fixed sequence of musical notes, each one higher than the next, which begins at a particular note.\n...the scale of C major.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. The scales of a fish or reptile are the small, flat pieces of hard skin that cover its body.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n8. Scales are a piece of equipment used for weighing things, for example for weighing amounts of food that you need in order to make a particular meal.\n...a pair of kitchen scales.\n...bathroom scales...\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N\n\n9. If you scale something such as a mountain or a wall, you climb up it or over it. (WRITTEN)\n...Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to scale Everest...\n  VERB: V n\n  = climb\n10. If something is out of scale with the things near it, it is too big or too small in relation to them.\nThe tower was surmounted by an enormous statue, utterly out of scale with the building.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, oft PHR with n\n\n11. If the different parts of a map, drawing, or model are to scale, they are the right size in relation to each other.\n...a miniature garden, with little pagodas and bridges all to scale.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v


Words: scale back
Meaning:
scale back\n  To scale back means the same as to scale down. (mainly AM)\nDespite current price advantage, UK manufacturers are still having to scale back production.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = reduce


Words: scale down
Meaning:
scale down\n  If you scale down something, you make it smaller in size, amount, or extent than it used to be.\nOne Peking factory has had to scale down its workforce from six hundred to only six...\nThe Romanian government yesterday unveiled a new, scaled-down security force.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V-ed P\n  = reduce


Words: scale up
Meaning:
scale up\n  If you scale up something, you make it greater in size, amount, or extent than it used to be.\nSince then, Wellcome has been scaling up production to prepare for clinical trials.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = increase


Words: scallion
Meaning:
scal.lion\n   scallion  scallions\n  A scallion is a small onion with long green leaves. (AM; in BRIT, use spring onion)\n  N-COUNT


Words: scallop
Meaning:
scal.lop\n   scallop   scallops\n  Scallops are large shellfish with two flat fan-shaped shells. Scallops can be eaten.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: scalloped
Meaning:
scal.loped\n   scalloped\n  Scalloped objects are decorated with a series of small curves along the edges.\nThe quilt has pretty, scalloped edges and intricate quilting.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: scallywag
Meaning:
scal.ly.wag\n   scallywag  scallywags\n  If you call a boy or a man a scallywag, you mean that he behaves badly but you like him, so you find it difficult to be really angry with him. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\nIt’s his idea of a joke, I suppose, the scallywag.\n  N-COUNT\n  = rascal


Words: scalp
Meaning:
scalp  scalps  scalping  scalped\n1. Your scalp is the skin under the hair on your head.\nHe smoothed his hair back over his scalp...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n2. To scalp someone means to remove the skin and hair from the top of their head.\nHe pretended to scalp me with his sword.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. A scalp is the piece of skin and hair that is removed when someone is scalped.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If someone scalps tickets, they sell them outside a sports ground or theatre, usually for more than their original value. (AM; in BRIT, use tout)\nHe was trying to pick up some cash scalping tickets.\n  VERB: V n


Words: scalpel
Meaning:
scal.pel\n   scalpel  scalpels\n  A scalpel is a knife with a short, thin, sharp blade. Scalpels are used by surgeons during operations.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scalper
Meaning:
scalp.er\n   scalper  scalpers\n  A scalper is someone who sells tickets outside a sports ground or theatre, usually for more than their original value. (AM; in BRIT, use tout)\nAnother scalper said he’d charge $1000 for a $125 ticket.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scaly
Meaning:
scaly\n1. A scaly animal has small pieces of hard skin covering its body.\nThe brown rat has prominent ears and a long scaly tail.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If someone’s skin is scaly, it has dry areas and small pieces of it come off.\nIf your skin becomes red, sore or very scaly, consult your doctor.\n  ADJ


Words: scam
Meaning:
scam  scams\n  A scam is an illegal trick, usually with the purpose of getting money from people or avoiding paying tax. (INFORMAL)\nThey believed they were participating in an insurance scam, not a murder...\n  N-COUNT\n  = swindle


Words: scamp
Meaning:
scamp  scamps\n  If you call a boy a scamp, you mean that he is naughty or disrespectful but you like him, so you find it difficult to be angry with him. (INFORMAL)\nHave some respect for me, you scamp!\n  N-COUNT\n  = rascal


Words: scamper
Meaning:
scamp.er\n   scamper  scampers  scampering  scampered\n  When people or small animals scamper somewhere, they move there quickly with small, light steps.\nChildren scampered off the yellow school bus and into the playground...\n  VERB: V prep/adv


Words: scampi
Meaning:
scam.pi\n   scampi\n  Scampi are large prawns, often served fried in breadcrumbs. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: scan
Meaning:
scan  scans  scanning  scanned\n1. When you scan written material, you look through it quickly in order to find important or interesting information.\nShe scanned the advertisement pages of the newspapers...\nI haven’t read much into it as yet. I’ve only just scanned through it.\n  VERB: V n, V through n\n\n  Scan is also a noun.\nI just had a quick scan through your book again.\n  N-SING\n\n2. When you scan a place or group of people, you look at it carefully, usually because you are looking for something or someone.\nThe officer scanned the room...\nShe was nervous and kept scanning the crowd for Paul...\nHe raised the binoculars to his eye again, scanning across the scene.\n  VERB: no passive, V n, V n for n, V prep\n\n3. If people scan something such as luggage, they examine it using a machine that can show or find things inside it that cannot be seen from the outside.\nTheir approach is to scan every checked-in bag with a bomb detector.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  scan.ning\n...routine scanning of luggage.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. If a computer disk is scanned, a program on the computer checks the disk to make sure that it does not contain a virus. (COMPUTING)\nThe disk has no viruses.I’ve scanned it already.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If a picture or document is scanned into a computer, a machine passes a beam of light over it to make a copy of it in the computer. (COMPUTING)\nThe entire paper contents of all libraries will eventually be scanned into computers...\nDesigns can also be scanned in from paper.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed into/onto n, be V-ed in/on\n\n6. If a radar or sonar machine scans an area, it examines or searches it by sending radar or sonar beams over it.\nThe ship’s radar scanned the sea ahead.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. A scan is a medical test in which a machine sends a beam of X-rays over a part of your body in order to check that it is healthy.\nHe was rushed to hospital for a brain scan.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n8. If a pregnant woman has a scan, a machine using sound waves produces an image of her womb on a screen so that a doctor can see if her baby is developing normally.\n  N-COUNT\n\n9. If a line of a poem does not scan, it is not the right length or does not have emphasis in the right places to match the rest of the poem.\nHe had written a few poems. Sid told him they didn’t scan.\n  VERB: usu with brd-neg, V


Words: scandal
Meaning:
scan.dal\n   scandal  scandals\n1. A scandal is a situation or event that is thought to be shocking and immoral and that everyone knows about.\n...a financial scandal.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. Scandal is talk about the shocking and immoral aspects of someone’s behaviour or something that has happened.\nHe loved gossip and scandal...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you say that something is a scandal, you are angry about it and think that the people responsible for it should be ashamed.\nIt is a scandal that a person can be stopped for no reason by the police.\n  N-SING: oft N that  disapproval\n  = disgrace


Words: scandal sheet
Meaning:
scan.dal sheet\n   scandal sheet  scandal sheets\n  You can refer to newspapers and magazines which print mainly stories about sex and crime as scandal sheets. (AM; in BRIT, use gutter press)\n  N-COUNT


Words: scandalize
Meaning:
scan.dal.ize\n   scandalize  scandalizes  scandalizing  scandalized\nin BRIT, also use scandalise\n  If something scandalizes people, they are shocked or offended by it.\nShe scandalised her family by falling in love with a married man.\n  VERB: V n


Words: scandalous
Meaning:
scan.dal.ous\n   scandalous\n1. Scandalous behaviour or activity is considered immoral and shocking.\nHe spoke of scandalous corruption and incompetence.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  scan.dal.ous.ly\nHe asked only that Ingrid stop behaving so scandalously.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Scandalous stories or remarks are concerned with the immoral and shocking aspects of someone’s behaviour or something that has happened.\nNewspaper columns were full of scandalous tales...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. You can describe something as scandalous if it makes you very angry and you think the people responsible for it should be ashamed.\nIt is absolutely scandalous that a fantastic building like this is just left to rot away.\n...a scandalous waste of money.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = disgraceful


Words: Scandinavian
Meaning:
Scan.di.na.vian\n   Scandinavian  Scandinavians\n1. Scandinavian means belonging or relating to a group of northern European countries that includes Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, or to the people, languages, or culture of those countries.\nThe Baltic republics have called on the Scandinavian countries for help.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Scandinavians are people from Scandinavian countries.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scanner
Meaning:
scan.ner\n   scanner  scanners\n1. A scanner is a machine which is used to examine, identify, or record things, for example by using a beam of light, sound, or X-rays.\n...brain scanners.\n...a security scanner that can see through clothes.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A scanner is a piece of computer equipment that you use for copying a picture or document onto a computer. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: scant
Meaning:
scant\n1. You use scant to indicate that there is very little of something or not as much of something as there should be.\nShe began to berate the police for paying scant attention to the theft from her car.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe an amount as scant, you are emphasizing that it is small.\nThis hole was a scant .23 inches in diameter...\n  ADJ: a ADJ amount  emphasis\n  = mere


Words: scanty
Meaning:
scanty  scantier  scantiest\n1. You describe something as scanty when there is less of it than you think there should be.\nSo far, what scanty evidence we have points to two suspects.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If someone is wearing scanty clothing, he or she is wearing clothes which are sexually revealing.\n...a model in scanty clothing.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  scanti.ly\n...a troupe of scantily-clad dancers.\n  ADV: ADV -ed/adj


Words: scapegoat
Meaning:
scape.goat\n   scapegoat  scapegoats  scapegoating  scapegoated\n1. If you say that someone is made a scapegoat for something bad that has happened, you mean that people blame them and may punish them for it although it may not be their fault.\nI don’t deserve to be made the scapegoat for a couple of bad results.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n\n\n2. To scapegoat someone means to blame them publicly for something bad that has happened, even though it was not their fault.\nEthnic minorities are continually scapegoated for the lack of jobs.\n  VERB: V n


Words: scar
Meaning:
scar  scars  scarring  scarred\n1. A scar is a mark on the skin which is left after a wound has healed.\nHe had a scar on his forehead.\n...facial injuries which have left permanent scars.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If your skin is scarred, it is badly marked as a result of a wound.\nHe was scarred for life during a pub fight...\nHis scarred face crumpled with pleasure.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed\n\n3. If a surface is scarred, it is damaged and there are ugly marks on it.\nThe arena was scarred by deep muddy ruts.\n...scarred wooden table tops.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed\n\n4. If an unpleasant physical or emotional experience leaves a scar on someone, it has a permanent effect on their mind.\nThe early years of fear and the hostility left a deep scar on the young boy.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If an unpleasant physical or emotional experience scars you, it has a permanent effect on your mind.\nThis is something that’s going to scar him forever.\n  VERB: V n


Words: scarce
Meaning:
scarce  scarcer  scarcest\n1. If something is scarce, there is not enough of it.\nFood was scarce and expensive...\n...the allocation of scarce resources.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n2. If you make yourself scarce, you quickly leave the place you are in, usually in order to avoid a difficult or embarrassing situation. (INFORMAL)\nIt probably would be a good idea if you made yourself scarce.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: scarcely
Meaning:
scarce.ly\n   scarcely\n1. You use scarcely to emphasize that something is only just true or only just the case.\nHe could scarcely breathe...\nI scarcely knew him...\nHe was scarcely more than a boy...\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV group, oft ADV amount  emphasis\n\n2. You can use scarcely to say that something is not true or is not the case, in a humorous or critical way.\nIt can scarcely be coincidence...\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV group\n  = hardly\n3. If you say scarcely had one thing happened when something else happened, you mean that the first event was followed immediately by the second.\nScarcely had they left before soldiers arrived armed with rifles...\n  ADV: ADV before v


Words: scarcity
Meaning:
scar.city\n   scarcity  scarcities\n  If there is a scarcity of something, there is not enough of it for the people who need it or want it. (FORMAL)\n...an ever increasing scarcity of water.\n  N-VAR\n  = shortage


Words: scare
Meaning:
scare  scares  scaring  scared\n1. If something scares you, it frightens or worries you.\nYou’re scaring me...\nThe prospect of failure scares me rigid...\nIt scared him to realise how close he had come to losing everything.\n  VERB: V n, V n adj, it V n to-inf\n  = frighten\n  If you want to emphasize that something scares you a lot, you can say that it scares the hell out of you or scares the life out of you.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis\n\n2. If a sudden unpleasant experience gives you a scare, it frightens you.\nDon’t you realize what a scare you’ve given us all?...\nWe got a bit of a scare.\n  N-SING\n\n3. A scare is a situation in which many people are afraid or worried because they think something dangerous is happening which will affect them all.\n...the doctor at the centre of an Aids scare...\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n4. A bomb scare or a security scare is a situation in which there is believed to be a bomb in a place.\nDespite many recent bomb scares, no one has yet been hurt.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N\n  = alert\n5.\n  see also scared


Words: scare off
Meaning:
scare off\n1. If you scare off or scare away a person or animal, you frighten them so that they go away.\n...an alarm to scare off an attacker.\n...the problem of scaring birds away from airport runways.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If you scare someone off, you accidentally make them unwilling to become involved with you.\nI don’t think that revealing your past to your boyfriend scared him off...\nThe new Democratic Party is not likely to scare off voters.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = put off


Words: scare story
Meaning:
scare sto.ry\n   scare story  scare stories\n  A scare story is something that is said or written to make people feel frightened and think that a situation is much more unpleasant or dangerous than it really is.\nHe described talk of sackings as scare stories.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scare up
Meaning:
scare up\n  If you scare up something, you provide, produce, or obtain it, often when it is difficult to do so or when you do not have many resources. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nAn all-star game might scare up a little interest...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: scarecrow
Meaning:
scare.crow\n   scarecrow  scarecrows\n  A scarecrow is an object in the shape of a person, which is put in a field where crops are growing in order to frighten birds away.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scared
Meaning:
scared\n1. If you are scared of someone or something, you are frightened of them.\nI’m certainly not scared of him...\nI was too scared to move...\nWhy are you so scared?\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ of n, ADJ to-inf\n  = frightened\n2. If you are scared that something unpleasant might happen, you are nervous and worried because you think that it might happen.\nI was scared that I might be sick...\nHe was scared of letting us down.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ that, ADJ of -ing\n  = worried


Words: scaremongering
Meaning:
scare.monger.ing\n   scaremongering\n  If one person or group accuses another person or group of scaremongering, they accuse them of deliberately spreading worrying stories to try and frighten people.\nThe Government yesterday accused Greenpeace of scaremongering.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: scarf
Meaning:
scarf  scarfs  or scarves\n  A scarf is a piece of cloth that you wear round your neck or head, usually to keep yourself warm.\nHe reached up to loosen the scarf around his neck.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scarlet
Meaning:
scar.let\n   scarlet  scarlets\n  Something that is scarlet is bright red.\n...her scarlet lipstick.\n  COLOUR


Words: scarlet fever
Meaning:
scar.let fe.ver\n   scarlet fever\n  Scarlet fever is an infectious disease which gives you a painful throat, a high temperature, and red spots on your skin.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: scarper
Meaning:
scarp.er\n   scarper  scarpers  scarpering  scarpered\n  If someone scarpers, they leave a place quickly. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nHe owed Vince money for drugs, so he scarpered.\n  VERB: V


Words: scary
Meaning:
scary  scarier  scariest\n  Something that is scary is rather frightening. (INFORMAL)\nI think prison is going to be a scary thing for Harry...\nThere’s something very scary about him...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  scari.ly\n...the scarily unstable new world order.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj


Words: scat
Meaning:
scat\n  Scat is a type of jazz singing in which the singer sings sounds rather than complete words.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: scathing
Meaning:
scath.ing\n   scathing\n  If you say that someone is being scathing about something, you mean that they are being very critical of it.\nHis report was scathing about Loyalist and Republican terror groups...\n  ADJ


Words: scatological
Meaning:
scato.logi.cal\n   scatological\n  If you describe something as scatological, you mean that it deliberately refers to or represents faeces in some way. (FORMAL)\n...scatological anecdotes.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: scatter
Meaning:
scat.ter\n   scatter  scatters  scattering  scattered\n1. If you scatter things over an area, you throw or drop them so that they spread all over the area.\nShe tore the rose apart and scattered the petals over the grave...\nHe began by scattering seed and putting in plants.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n\n\n2. If a group of people scatter or if you scatter them, they suddenly separate and move in different directions.\nAfter dinner, everyone scattered...\nThe cavalry scattered them and chased them off the field.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n3.\n  see also scattered, scattering


Words: scatter cushion
Meaning:
scat.ter cush.ion\n   scatter cushion  scatter cushions\n  Scatter cushions are small cushions for use on sofas and chairs.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: scatterbrained
Meaning:
scatter.brained\n   scatterbrained   also scatter-brained\n  If you describe someone as scatterbrained, you mean that they often forget things and are unable to organize their thoughts properly.\n  ADJ


Words: scattered
Meaning:
scat.tered\n   scattered\n1. Scattered things are spread over an area in an untidy or irregular way.\nHe picked up the scattered toys...\nThe fridge door was open and food was scattered across the floor.\n  ADJ: ADJ n, v-link ADJ prep/adv\n\n2. If something is scattered with a lot of small things, they are spread all over it.\nEvery surface is scattered with photographs.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n


Words: scattergun
Meaning:
scatter.gun\n   scattergun  scatterguns   also scatter-gun\n1. A scattergun is a gun that fires a lot of small metal balls at the same time. (AM)\n  N-COUNT\n  = shotgun\n2. Scattergun means the same as scattershot.\nThey advocated a scattergun approach of posting dozens of letters.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: scattering
Meaning:
scat.ter.ing\n   scattering  scatterings\n  A scattering of things or people is a small number of them spread over an area.\n...the scattering of houses east of the village...\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: scattershot
Meaning:
scatter.shot\n   scattershot\n  A scattershot approach or method involves doing something to a lot of things or people in disorganized way, rather than focusing on particular things or people.\nThe report condemns America’s scattershot approach to training workers.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: scatty
Meaning:
scat.ty\n   scatty\n  If you describe someone as scatty, you mean that they often forget things or behave in a silly way. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nHer mother is scatty and absent-minded.\n  ADJ\n  = scatterbrained


Words: scavenge
Meaning:
scav.enge\n   scavenge  scavenges  scavenging  scavenged\n  If people or animals scavenge for things, they collect them by searching among waste or unwanted objects.\nMany are orphans, their parents killed as they scavenged for food...\nChildren scavenge through garbage...\nCruz had to scavenge information from newspapers and journals.\n  VERB: V for n, V prep/adv, V n, also V\n\n=>  scav.en.ger      scavengers\n...scavengers such as rats.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scenario
Meaning:
sce.nario\n   scenario  scenarios\n1. If you talk about a likely or possible scenario, you are talking about the way in which a situation may develop.\n...the nightmare scenario of a divided and irrelevant Royal Family...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The scenario of a film is a piece of writing that gives an outline of the story.\n  N-COUNT\n  = outline


Words: scene
Meaning:
scene  scenes\n1. A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place.\nI found the scene in which Percy proposed to Olive tremendously poignant.\n...the opening scene of `A Christmas Carol’.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You refer to a place as a scene when you are describing its appearance and indicating what impression it makes on you.\nIt’s a scene of complete devastation...\nThick black smoke billowed over the scene...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n3. You can describe an event that you see, or that is broadcast or shown in a picture, as a scene of a particular kind.\nThere were emotional scenes as the refugees enjoyed their first breath of freedom...\nTelevision broadcasters were warned to exercise caution over depicting scenes of violence...\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n4. The scene of an event is the place where it happened.\nThe area has been the scene of fierce fighting for three months...\nFire and police crews rushed to the scene, but the couple were already dead...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N of n\n\n5. You can refer to an area of activity as a particular type of scene.\nSandman is a cult figure on the local music scene.\n  N-SING: supp N, usu the supp N\n\n6. Paintings and drawings of places are sometimes called scenes.\n...James Lynch’s country scenes.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n7. If you make a scene, you embarrass people by publicly showing your anger about something.\nI’m sorry I made such a scene.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n8. If something is done behind the scenes, it is done secretly rather than publicly.\nBut behind the scenes Mr Cain will be working quietly to try to get a deal done.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR n\n\n9. If you refer to what happens behind the scenes, you are referring to what happens during the making of a film, play, or radio or television programme.\nIt’s an exciting opportunity to learn what goes on behind the scenes.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR n\n\n10. If you have a change of scene, you go somewhere different after being in a particular place for a long time.\nWhat you need is a change of scene. Why not go on a cruise?\n  PHRASE: usu v PHR\n\n11. If you set the scene for someone, you tell them what they need to know in order to understand what is going to happen or be said next.\nBut first to set the scene: I was having a drink with my ex-boyfriend.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n12. Something that sets the scene for a particular event creates the conditions in which the event is likely to happen.\nGillespie’s goal set the scene for an exciting second half.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n13. When a person or thing appears on the scene, they come into being or become involved in something. When they disappear from the scene, they are no longer there or are no longer involved.\nHe could react rather jealously when and if another child comes on the scene...\n  PHRASE: usu v PHR


Words: scenery
Meaning:
scen.ery\n   scenery\n1. The scenery in a country area is the land, water, or plants that you can see around you.\nSometimes they just drive slowly down the lane enjoying the scenery.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. In a theatre, the scenery consists of the structures and painted backgrounds that show where the action in the play takes place.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you have a change of scenery, you go somewhere different after being in a particular place for a long time.\nA change of scenery might do you the power of good.\n  PHRASE


Words: scenic
Meaning:
sce.nic\n   scenic\n1. A scenic place has attractive scenery.\nThis is an extremely scenic part of America.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A scenic route goes through attractive scenery and has nice views.\nIt was even marked on the map as a scenic route...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: scent
Meaning:
scent  scents  scenting  scented\n1. The scent of something is the pleasant smell that it has.\nFlowers are chosen for their scent as well as their look.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = fragrance\n2. If something scents a place or thing, it makes it smell pleasant.\nJasmine flowers scent the air...\nScent your drawers and wardrobe with your favourite aromas.\n  VERB: V n, V n with n\n\n3. Scent is a liquid which women put on their necks and wrists to make themselves smell nice. (BRIT; in AM, use perfume)\nShe dabbed herself with scent.\n  N-MASS\n  = perfume\n4. The scent of a person or animal is the smell that they leave and that other people sometimes follow when looking for them.\nA police dog picked up the murderer’s scent...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n5. When an animal scents something, it becomes aware of it by smelling it.\n...dogs which scent the hidden birds.\n  VERB: no cont, V n\n  = smell


Words: scented
Meaning:
scent.ed\n   scented\n  Scented things have a pleasant smell, either naturally or because perfume has been added to them.\nThe white flowers are pleasantly scented.\n...scented body lotion.\n  ADJ


Words: sceptic
Meaning:
scep.tic\n   sceptic  sceptics\nin AM, use skeptic\n  A sceptic is a person who has doubts about things that other people believe.\nBut he now has to convince sceptics that he has a serious plan.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sceptical
Meaning:
scep.ti.cal\n   sceptical\nin AM, use skeptical\n  If you are sceptical about something, you have doubts about it.\nOther archaeologists are sceptical about his findings.\n  ADJ: oft v-link ADJ about/of n\n\n=>  scep.ti.cal.ly\nI looked at him skeptically, sure he was exaggerating...\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: scepticism
Meaning:
scep.ti.cism\n   scepticism\nin AM, use skepticism\n  Scepticism is great doubt about whether something is true or useful.\nThere was considerable scepticism about the Chancellor’s forecast of a booming economy...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sceptre
Meaning:
scep.tre\n   sceptre  sceptres\nin AM, use scepter\n  A sceptre is an ornamental rod that a king or queen carries on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of his or her power.\n  N-COUNT


Words: schedule
Meaning:
sched.ule\n   schedule  schedules  scheduling  scheduled\n1. A schedule is a plan that gives a list of events or tasks and the times at which each one should happen or be done.\nHe has been forced to adjust his schedule...\nWe both have such hectic schedules.\n  N-COUNT\n  = timetable\n2. You can use schedule to refer to the time or way something is planned to be done. For example, if something is completed on schedule, it is completed at the time planned.\nThe jet arrived in Johannesburg two minutes ahead of schedule...\nEverything went according to schedule...\n  N-UNCOUNT: prep N\n\n3. If something is scheduled to happen at a particular time, arrangements are made for it to happen at that time.\nThe space shuttle had been scheduled to blast off at 04:38...\nA presidential election was scheduled for last December...\nNo new talks are scheduled.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to-inf, be V-ed for n, V-ed\n\n4. A schedule is a written list of things, for example a list of prices, details, or conditions.\n  N-COUNT\n  = list\n5. A schedule is a list of all the times when trains, boats, buses, or aircraft are supposed to arrive at or leave a particular place. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use timetable)\n...a bus schedule.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. In a school or college, a schedule is a diagram that shows the times in the week at which particular subjects are taught. (AM; in BRIT, usually use timetable)\n  N-COUNT


Words: schema
Meaning:
sche.ma\n   schema  schemas  or schemata\n  A schema is an outline of a plan or theory. (FORMAL)\n...a definite position in the schema of the economic process.\n  N-COUNT\n  = outline


Words: schematic
Meaning:
sche.mat.ic\n   schematic\n  A schematic diagram or picture shows something in a simple way.\nThis is represented in the schematic diagram below.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: scheme
Meaning:
scheme  schemes  scheming  schemed\n1. A scheme is a plan or arrangement involving many people which is made by a government or other organization. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use program)\n...schemes to help combat unemployment.\n...a private pension scheme...\n  N-COUNT: oft N to-inf, n N\n\n2. A scheme is someone’s plan for achieving something.\n...a quick money-making scheme to get us through the summer...\n  N-COUNT: oft N to-inf, N for -ing\n\n3. If you say that people are scheming, you mean that they are making secret plans in order to gain something for themselves.\nEveryone’s always scheming and plotting...\nThe bride’s family were scheming to prevent a wedding...\nThey claimed that their opponents were scheming against them...\nYou’re a scheming little devil, aren’t you?\n  VERB: oft cont, V, V to-inf, V against n, V-ing  disapproval\n\n=>  schem.ing\n...their favourite pastimes of scheming and gossiping.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4.\n  see also colour scheme, pension scheme\n5. When people talk about the scheme of things or the grand scheme of things , they are referring to the way that everything in the world seems to be organized.\nWe realize that we are infinitely small within the scheme of things.\n  PHRASE


Words: schemer
Meaning:
schem.er\n   schemer  schemers\n  If you refer to someone as a schemer, you mean that they make secret plans in order to get some benefit for themselves.\n...office schemers who think of nothing but their own advancement.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: scherzo
Meaning:
scher.zo\n   scherzo  scherzos\n  A scherzo is a short, lively piece of classical music which is usually part of a longer piece of music.\n  N-COUNT


Words: schism
Meaning:
schism   schisms\n  When there is a schism, a group or organization divides into two groups as a result of differences in thinking and beliefs. (FORMAL)\nThe church seems to be on the brink of schism.\n  N-VAR\n  = split


Words: schizoid
Meaning:
schiz.oid\n   schizoid\n1. If you describe someone as schizoid, you mean that they seem to have very different opinions and purposes at different times.\n...a rather schizoid fellow.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Someone who is schizoid suffers from schizophrenia.\n...a schizoid personality.\n  ADJ


Words: schizophrenia
Meaning:
schizo.phre.nia\n   schizophrenia\n  Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness. People who suffer from it are unable to relate their thoughts and feelings to what is happening around them and often withdraw from society.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: schizophrenic
Meaning:
schizo.phren.ic\n   schizophrenic  schizophrenics\n1. A schizophrenic is a person who is suffering from schizophrenia.\nHe was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Schizophrenic is also an adjective.\n...a schizophrenic patient.\n...schizophrenic tendencies.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Someone’s attitude or behaviour can be described as schizophrenic when they seem to have very different opinions or purposes at different times.\n...the schizophrenic mood of the American public.\n  ADJ


Words: schlep
Meaning:
schlep  schleps  schlepping  schlepped   also schlepp\n1. If you schlep something somewhere, you take it there although this is difficult or inconvenient. (AM INFORMAL)\nYou didn’t just schlep your guitar around from folk club to folk club.\n  VERB: V n adv/prep\n  = lug\n2. If you schlep somewhere, you go there. (AM INFORMAL)\nIt’s too cold to schlepp around looking at property.\n  VERB: V adv/prep\n  = trudge\n3. If you describe someone as a schlep, you mean that they are stupid or clumsy. (AM INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: schlock
Meaning:
schlock\n  If you refer to films, pop songs, or books as schlock, you mean that they have no artistic or social value. (INFORMAL)\n...a showman with a good eye for marketable schlock.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: schmaltz
Meaning:
schmaltz\n  If you describe a play, film, or book as schmaltz, you do not like it because it is too sentimental.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n  = slush


Words: schmaltzy
Meaning:
schmaltzy\n  If you describe songs, films, or books as schmaltzy, you do not like them because they are too sentimental.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = slushy


Words: schmooze
Meaning:
schmooze  schmoozes  schmoozing  schmoozed\n  If you schmooze, you talk casually and socially with someone. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\n...those coffee houses where you can schmooze for hours.\n  VERB: V\n  = chat


Words: schnapps
Meaning:
schnapps\n  Schnapps is a strong alcoholic drink made from potatoes.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  A schnapps is a glass of schnapps.\n  N-SING


Words: scholar
Meaning:
schol.ar\n   scholar  scholars\n  A scholar is a person who studies an academic subject and knows a lot about it. (FORMAL)\nThe library attracts thousands of scholars and researchers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scholarly
Meaning:
schol.ar.ly\n   scholarly\n1. A scholarly person spends a lot of time studying and knows a lot about academic subjects.\nHe was an intellectual, scholarly man.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A scholarly book or article contains a lot of academic information and is intended for academic readers.\n...the more scholarly academic journals.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Scholarly matters and activities involve people who do academic research.\nThis has been the subject of intense scholarly debate...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: scholarship
Meaning:
schol.ar.ship\n   scholarship  scholarships\n1. If you get a scholarship to a school or university, your studies are paid for by the school or university or by some other organization.\nHe got a scholarship to the Pratt Institute of Art.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Scholarship is serious academic study and the knowledge that is obtained from it.\nI want to take advantage of your lifetime of scholarship.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: scholastic
Meaning:
scho.las.tic\n   scholastic\n  Your scholastic achievement or ability is your academic achievement or ability while you are at school. (FORMAL)\n...the values which encouraged her scholastic achievement.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = academic


Words: school
Meaning:
school  schools  schooling  schooled\n1. A school is a place where children are educated. You usually refer to this place as school when you are talking about the time that children spend there and the activities that they do there.\n...a boy who was in my class at school...\nEven the good students say homework is what they most dislike about school...\nI took the kids for a picnic in the park after school.\n...a school built in the Sixties...\n...two boys wearing school uniform.\n  N-VAR: usu prep N\n\n2. A school is the pupils or staff at a school.\nDeirdre, the whole school’s going to hate you.\n  N-COUNT-COLL\n\n3. A privately-run place where a particular skill or subject is taught can be referred to as a school.\n...a riding school and equestrian centre near Chepstow.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n\n4. A university, college, or university department specializing in a particular type of subject can be referred to as a school.\n...a lecturer in the school of veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania...\nStella, 21, is at art school training to be a fashion designer.\n  N-VAR; N-IN-NAMES\n\n5. School is used to refer to university or college. (AM)\nMoving rapidly through school, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Kentucky at age 18.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n6. A particular school of writers, artists, or thinkers is a group of them whose work, opinions, or theories are similar.\n...the Chicago school of economists...\n  N-COUNT-COLL: usu with supp\n\n7. A school of fish or dolphins is a large group of them moving through water together.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: N of n\n\n8. If you school someone in something, you train or educate them to have a certain skill, type of behaviour, or way of thinking. (WRITTEN)\nMany mothers schooled their daughters in the myth of female inferiority...\nHe is schooled to spot trouble.\n  VERB: V n in n, be V-ed to-inf\n\n9. To school a child means to educate him or her. (AM; also BRIT FORMAL)\nShe’s been schooling her kids herself.\n  VERB: V n\n  = educate\n10. If you school a horse, you train it so that it can be ridden in races or competitions.\nShe bought him as a .1,000 colt of six months and schooled him.\n  VERB: V n\n  = train\n11.\n  see also schooled, schooling, after-school, approved school, boarding school, church school, convent school, driving school, finishing school, grade school, graduate school, grammar school, high school, infant school, junior school, middle school, night school, nursery school, pre-school, prep school, primary school, private school, public school, special school, state school, summer school, Sunday school


Words: school age
Meaning:
school age\n  When a child reaches school age, he or she is old enough to go to school.\nMost of them have young children below school age.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft prep N\n\n  School age is also an adjective.\n...families with school-age children.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: school board
Meaning:
school board  school boards\n  A school board is a committee in charge of education in a particular city or area, or in a particular school, especially in the United States. (AM)\nColonel Richard Nelson served on the school board until this year.\n  N-COUNT-COLL


Words: school book
Meaning:
school book  school books   also schoolbook\n  School books are books giving information about a particular subject, which children use at school.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: school bus
Meaning:
school bus  school buses\n  A school bus is a special bus which takes children to and from school.\n  N-COUNT


Words: school dinner
Meaning:
school din.ner\n   school dinner  school dinners\n  School dinners are midday meals provided for children at a school. (BRIT; in AM, use school lunch)\nOvercooked greens are my most vivid recollection of school dinners.\n  N-VAR


Words: school friend
Meaning:
school friend  school friends   also schoolfriend\n  A school friend is a friend of yours who is at the same school as you, or who used to be at the same school when you were children.\nI spent the evening with an old school friend.\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss


Words: school kid
Meaning:
school kid  school kids   also schoolkid\n  School kids are schoolchildren. (INFORMAL)\n...young school kids in short pants.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: school leaver
Meaning:
school leav.er\n   school leaver  school leavers\n  School leavers are young people who have just left school, because they have completed their time there. (BRIT; in AM, use high school graduate)\n...the lack of job opportunities, particularly for school-leavers.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: school lunch
Meaning:
school lunch school lunches\n  School lunches are midday meals provided for children at a school.\n  N-VAR\n  = school dinner


Words: school teaching
Meaning:
school teach.ing\n   school teaching\n  School teaching is the work done by teachers in a school. (FORMAL)\nHe returned to school teaching.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = teaching


Words: schoolbag
Meaning:
school.bag\n   schoolbag  schoolbags   also school bag\n  A schoolbag is a bag that children use to carry books and other things to and from school.\n  N-COUNT


Words: schoolboy
Meaning:
school.boy\n   schoolboy  schoolboys\n  A schoolboy is a boy who goes to school.\n...a group of ten-year-old schoolboys.\n  N-COUNT


Words: schoolchild
Meaning:
school.child\n   schoolchild  schoolchildren\n  Schoolchildren are children who go to school.\nLast year I had an audience of schoolchildren and they laughed at everything.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: schooldays
Meaning:
school.days\n   schooldays   also school days\n  Your schooldays are the period of your life when you were at school.\nHe was happily married to a girl he had known since his schooldays.\n  N-PLURAL: usu poss N


Words: schooled
Meaning:
schooled\n  If you are schooled in something, you have learned about it as the result of training or experience. (WRITTEN)\nThey were both well schooled in the ways of the Army...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ in n, oft adv ADJ\n\n  see also school


Words: schoolgirl
Meaning:
school.girl\n   schoolgirl  schoolgirls\n  A schoolgirl is a girl who goes to school.\n...half a dozen giggling schoolgirls.\n  N-COUNT


Words: schoolhouse
Meaning:
school.house\n   schoolhouse  schoolhouses\n  A schoolhouse is a small building used as a school. (AM)\nMcCreary lives in a converted schoolhouse outside Charlottesville.\n  N-COUNT


Words: schooling
Meaning:
school.ing\n   schooling\n  Schooling is education that children receive at school.\nHe had little formal schooling.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss\n  = education


Words: schoolmaster
Meaning:
school.master\n   schoolmaster  schoolmasters\n  A schoolmaster is a man who teaches children in a school. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: schoolmate
Meaning:
school.mate\n   schoolmate  schoolmates\n  A schoolmate is a child who goes to the same school as you, especially one who is your friend.\nHe started the magazine with a schoolmate...\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss\n  = schoolfriend


Words: schoolmistress
Meaning:
school.mistress\n   schoolmistress  schoolmistresses\n  A schoolmistress is a woman who teaches children in a school. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: schoolroom
Meaning:
school.room\n   schoolroom  schoolrooms\n  A schoolroom is a classroom, especially the only classroom in a small school.\n  N-COUNT


Words: schoolteacher
Meaning:
school.teacher\n   schoolteacher  schoolteachers\n  A schoolteacher is a teacher in a school.\n  N-COUNT


Words: schoolwork
Meaning:
school.work\n   schoolwork\n  Schoolwork is the work that a child does at school or is given at school to do at home.\nMy mother would help me with my schoolwork.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: schoolyard
Meaning:
school.yard\n   schoolyard  schoolyards   also school yard\n  The schoolyard is the large open area with a hard surface just outside a school building, where the schoolchildren can play and do other activities.\n...the sound of the kids in the schoolyard.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing\n  = playground


Words: schooner
Meaning:
schoon.er\n   schooner  schooners\n1. A schooner is a medium-sized sailing ship.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A schooner is a large glass used for drinking sherry. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A schooner is a tall glass for beer. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: schtick
Meaning:
schtick  schticks   also shtick\n  An entertainer’s schtick is a series of funny or entertaining things that they say or do. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\n  N-VAR


Words: schwa
Meaning:
schwa  schwas\n  In the study of language, schwa is the name of the neutral vowel sound represented by the symbol . in this dictionary.\n  N-VAR


Words: sciatica
Meaning:
sci.ati.ca\n   sciatica\n  Sciatica is a severe pain in the nerve in your legs or the lower part of your back. (MEDICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: science
Meaning:
sci.ence\n   science  sciences\n1. Science is the study of the nature and behaviour of natural things and the knowledge that we obtain about them.\nThe best discoveries in science are very simple.\n...science and technology.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A science is a particular branch of science such as physics, chemistry, or biology.\nPhysics is the best example of a science which has developed strong, abstract theories.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. A science is the study of some aspect of human behaviour, for example sociology or anthropology.\n...the modern science of psychology.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n4.\n  see also domestic science, exact science, Master of Science, political science, social science


Words: science fiction
Meaning:
sci.ence fic.tion\n   science fiction\n  Science fiction consists of stories in books, magazines, and films about events that take place in the future or in other parts of the universe.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: science park
Meaning:
sci.ence park\n   science park  science parks\n  A science park is an area, usually linked to a university, where there are a lot of private companies, especially ones concerned with high technology. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: scientific
Meaning:
sci.en.tif.ic\n   scientific\n1. Scientific is used to describe things that relate to science or to a particular science.\nScientific research is widely claimed to be the source of the high standard of living in the US.\n...the use of animals in scientific experiments.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  sci.en.tifi.cal.ly\n...scientifically advanced countries.\n  ADV\n\n2. If you do something in a scientific way, you do it carefully and thoroughly, using experiments or tests.\nIt’s not a scientific way to test their opinions.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = systematic\n=>  sci.en.tifi.cal.ly\nEfforts are being made to research it scientifically.\n  ADV


Words: scientist
Meaning:
sci.en.tist\n   scientist  scientists\n  A scientist is someone who has studied science and whose job is to teach or do research in science.\nScientists have collected more data than expected.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also social scientist


Words: scimitar
Meaning:
scimi.tar\n   scimitar  scimitars\n  A scimitar is a sword with a curved blade that was used in former times in some Eastern countries.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scintilla
Meaning:
scin.til.la\n   scintilla\n  If you say that there is not a scintilla of evidence, hope, or doubt about something, you are emphasizing that there is none at all. (LITERARY)\nHe says there is `not a scintilla of evidence’ to link him to any controversy.\n  QUANT: with brd-neg, QUANT of n-uncount  emphasis\n  = shred


Words: scintillating
Meaning:
scin.til.lat.ing\n   scintillating\n  A scintillating conversation or performance is very lively and interesting.\nYou can hardly expect scintillating conversation from a kid that age.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = sparkling


Words: scion
Meaning:
sci.on\n   scion  scions\n  A scion of a rich or famous family is one of its younger or more recent members. (LITERARY)\nNabokov was the scion of an aristocratic family.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: scissors
Meaning:
scis.sors\n   scissors\n  Scissors are a small cutting tool with two sharp blades that are screwed together. You use scissors for cutting things such as paper and cloth.\nHe told me to get some scissors...\nShe picked up a pair of scissors from the windowsill.\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N


Words: sclerosis
Meaning:
scle.ro.sis\n   sclerosis\n  Sclerosis is a medical condition in which a part inside your body becomes hard. (MEDICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also multiple sclerosis


Words: scoff
Meaning:
scoff  scoffs  scoffing  scoffed\n1. If you scoff at something, you speak about it in a way that shows you think it is ridiculous or inadequate.\nAt first I scoffed at the notion...\nYou may scoff but I honestly feel I’m being cruel only to be kind...\n  VERB: V at n, V\n  = mock\n2. If you scoff food, you eat it quickly and greedily. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nThe pancakes were so good that I scoffed the lot.\n  VERB: V n


Words: scold
Meaning:
scold  scolds  scolding  scolded\n  If you scold someone, you speak angrily to them because they have done something wrong. (FORMAL)\nIf he finds out, he’ll scold me...\nLater she scolded her daughter for having talked to her father like that...\n`You should be at school,’ he scolded.\n  VERB: V n, V n for n, V with quote


Words: sconce
Meaning:
sconce  sconces\n  A sconce is a decorated object that holds candles or an electric light, and that is attached to the wall of a room.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scone
Meaning:
scone   scones\n  A scone is a small cake made from flour and fat, usually eaten with butter. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: scoop
Meaning:
scoop  scoops  scooping  scooped\n1. If you scoop a person or thing somewhere, you put your hands or arms under or round them and quickly move them there.\nMichael knelt next to her and scooped her into his arms.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n2. If you scoop something from a container, you remove it with something such as a spoon.\n...the sound of a spoon scooping dog food out of a can.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n3. A scoop is an object like a spoon which is used for picking up a quantity of a food such as ice cream or an ingredient such as flour.\n...a small ice-cream scoop.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. You can use scoop to refer to an exciting news story which is reported in one newspaper or on one television programme before it appears anywhere else.\n...one of the biggest scoops in the history of newspapers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If a newspaper scoops other newspapers, it succeeds in printing an exciting or important story before they do.\nAll the newspapers really want to do is scoop the opposition.\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. If you scoop a prize or award, you win it. (JOURNALISM)\n...films which scooped awards around the world.\n  VERB: V n


Words: scoop up
Meaning:
scoop up\n  If you scoop something up, you put your hands or arms under it and lift it in a quick movement.\nUse both hands to scoop up the leaves...\nHe began to scoop his things up frantically.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: scoot
Meaning:
scoot  scoots  scooting  scooted\n  If you scoot somewhere, you go there very quickly. (INFORMAL)\nSam said, `I’m going to hide,’ and scooted up the stairs.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, also V\n  = rush


Words: scooter
Meaning:
scoot.er\n   scooter  scooters\n1. A scooter is a small light motorcycle which has a low seat.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A scooter is a type of child’s bicycle which has two wheels joined by a wooden board and a handle on a long pole attached to the front wheel. The child stands on the board with one foot, and uses the other foot to move forwards.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scope
Meaning:
scope\n1. If there is scope for a particular kind of behaviour or activity, people have the opportunity to behave in this way or do that activity.\nHe believed in giving his staff scope for initiative...\nBanks had increased scope to develop new financial products.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N for n, N to-inf\n\n2. The scope of an activity, topic, or piece of work is the whole area which it deals with or includes.\nMr Dobson promised to widen the organisation’s scope of activity.\n  N-SING: usu N of n


Words: scorch
Meaning:
scorch  scorches  scorching  scorched\n1. To scorch something means to burn it slightly.\nThe bomb scorched the side of the building.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  scorched\n...scorched black earth.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If something scorches or is scorched, it becomes marked or changes colour because it is affected by too much heat or by a chemical.\nThe leaves are inclined to scorch in hot sunshine...\nIf any of the spray goes onto the lawn it will scorch the grass.\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: scorched earth
Meaning:
scorched earth\n  A scorched earth policy is the deliberate burning, destruction, and removal by an army of everything that would be useful to an enemy coming into the area.\nHe employed a scorched-earth policy, destroying villages and burning crops.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: scorching
Meaning:
scorch.ing\n   scorching\n  Scorching or scorching hot weather or temperatures are very hot indeed. (INFORMAL)\nThat race was run in scorching weather...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  emphasis


Words: score
Meaning:
score  scores  scoring  scored\n\n  In meaning 9, the plural form is score.\n\n1. In a sport or game, if a player scores a goal or a point, they gain a goal or point.\nAgainst which country did Ian Wright score his first international goal?...\nEngland scored 282 in their first innings...\nGascoigne almost scored in the opening minute.\n  VERB: V n, V n, V\n\n2. If you score a particular number or amount, for example as a mark in a test, you achieve that number or amount.\nKelly had scored an average of 147 on three separate IQ tests...\nCongress as an institution scores low in public opinion polls.\n  VERB: V n, V adv\n\n3. Someone’s score in a game or test is a number, for example, a number of points or runs, which shows what they have achieved or what level they have reached.\nThe U.S. Open golf tournament was won by Ben Hogan, with a score of 287...\nThere was also a strong link between children’s low maths scores and parents’ numeracy problems.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. The score in a game is the result of it or the current situation, as indicated by the number of goals, runs, or points obtained by the two teams or players.\n4-1 was the final score...\nThey beat the Giants by a score of 7 to 3...\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If you score a success, a victory, or a hit, you are successful in what you are doing. (WRITTEN)\nIn recent months, the rebels have scored some significant victories...\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. The score of a film, play, or similar production is the music which is written or used for it.\nThe dance is accompanied by an original score by Henry Torgue.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. The score of a piece of music is the written version of it.\nHe recognizes enough notation to be able to follow a score.\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. If you refer to scores of things or people, you are emphasizing that there are very many of them. (WRITTEN)\nCampaigners lit scores of bonfires in ceremonies to mark the anniversary.\n  QUANT: QUANT of pl-n  emphasis\n\n9. A score is twenty or approximately twenty. (WRITTEN)\nA score of countries may be producing or planning to obtain chemical weapons...\n  NUM: usu aum NUM\n\n10. If you score a surface with something sharp, you cut a line or number of lines in it.\nLightly score the surface of the steaks with a knife.\n  VERB: V n\n\n11. If you keep score of the number of things that are happening in a certain situation, you count them and record them.\nYou can keep score of your baby’s movements before birth by recording them on a kick chart.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR of n\n\n12. If you know the score, you know what the real facts of a situation are and how they affect you, even though you may not like them. (SPOKEN)\nI don’t feel sorry for Carl. He knew the score, he knew what he had to do and couldn’t do it.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n13. You can use on that score or on this score to refer to something that has just been mentioned, especially an area of difficulty or concern.\nI became pregnant easily. At least I’ve had no problems on that score...\n  PHRASE\n\n14. If you score a point over someone, or score points off them, you gain an advantage over them, usually by saying something clever or making a better argument.\nThe Prime Minister was trying to score a political point over his rivals...\nThe politicians might be forced to touch on the real issues rather than scoring points off each other.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect, PHR n\n\n15. If you settle a score or settle an old score with someone, you take revenge on them for something they have done in the past.\nThe groups had historic scores to settle with each other.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect


Words: score draw
Meaning:
score draw  score draws\n  A score draw is the result of a football match in which both teams score at least one goal, and they score the same number of goals. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: scoreboard
Meaning:
score.board\n   scoreboard  scoreboards\n  A scoreboard is a large board, for example at a sports ground or stadium, which shows the score in a match or competition.\nThe figures flash up on the scoreboard.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scorecard
Meaning:
score.card\n   scorecard  scorecards   also score card\n1. A scorecard is a printed card that tells you who is taking part in a match, and on which officials, players, or people watching can record each player’s score.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A scorecard is a system or procedure that is used for checking or testing something. (AM)\nThis commission would keep environmental scorecards on UN member nations.\n  N-COUNT: with supp


Words: scoreless
Meaning:
score.less\n   scoreless\n  In football, baseball, and some other sports, a scoreless game is one in which neither team has scored any goals or points. (JOURNALISM)\nNorway had held Holland to a scoreless draw in Rotterdam...\n  ADJ


Words: scoreline
Meaning:
score.line\n   scoreline  scorelines\n  The scoreline of a football, rugby, or tennis match is the score or the final result of it. (BRIT JOURNALISM)\n...the excitingly close scoreline of 2-1.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu the N\n  = score


Words: scorer
Meaning:
scor.er\n   scorer  scorers\n1. In football, cricket, and many other sports and games, a scorer is a player who scores a goal, runs, or points.\n...David Hirst, the scorer of 11 goals this season.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. A scorer is an official who writes down the score of a game or competition as it is being played.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scoresheet
Meaning:
score.sheet\n   scoresheet   also score sheet\n  In football, rugby, and some other sports, if a player gets on the scoresheet, he or she scores one or more goals, tries, or points. (BRIT JOURNALISM)\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: scorn
Meaning:
scorn  scorns  scorning  scorned\n1. If you treat someone or something with scorn, you show contempt for them.\nResearchers greeted the proposal with scorn...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with N, N for n\n  = contempt\n2. If you scorn someone or something, you feel or show contempt for them.\nSeveral leading officers have quite openly scorned the peace talks...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you scorn something, you refuse to have it or accept it because you think it is not good enough or suitable for you.\n...people who scorned traditional methods.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you pour scorn on someone or something or heap scorn on them, you say that you think they are stupid and worthless.\nIt is fashionable these days to pour scorn on those in public life...\nHe used to heap scorn on Dr Vazquez’s socialist ideas.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = deride


Words: scornful
Meaning:
scorn.ful\n   scornful\n  If you are scornful of someone or something, you show contempt for them.\nHe is deeply scornful of politicians.\n...a scornful simile.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n\n  = contemptuous


Words: Scorpio
Meaning:
Scor.pio\n   Scorpio  Scorpios\n1. Scorpio is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a scorpion. People who are born approximately between the 23rd of October and the 21st of November come under this sign.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A Scorpio is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Scorpio.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scorpion
Meaning:
scor.pi.on\n   scorpion  scorpions\n  A scorpion is a small creature which looks like a large insect. Scorpions have a long curved tail, and some of them are poisonous.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Scot
Meaning:
Scot  Scots\n1. A Scot is a person of Scottish origin.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Scots is a dialect of the English language that is spoken in Scotland.\nThere are things you can express in Scots that you can’t say in English.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Scots means the same as Scottish.\n...his guttural Scots accent.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: scot-free
Meaning:
scot-free\n  If you say that someone got away scot-free, you are emphasizing that they escaped punishment for something that you believe they should have been punished for.\nOthers who were guilty were being allowed to get off scot-free.\n  ADV: ADV after v  emphasis


Words: Scotch
Meaning:
Scotch  Scotches\n1. Scotch or Scotch whisky is whisky made in Scotland.\n...a bottle of Scotch.\n  N-MASS\n  = whisky\n  A Scotch is a glass of Scotch.\nHe poured himself a Scotch.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Scotch means the same as Scottish. This use is considered incorrect by many people.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: scotch
Meaning:
scotch  scotches  scotching  scotched\n  If you scotch a rumour, plan, or idea, you put an end to it before it can develop any further.\nThey have scotched rumours that they are planning a special London show.\n  VERB: V n


Words: Scotch egg
Meaning:
Scotch egg  Scotch eggs\n  A Scotch egg is a hard boiled egg that is covered with sausage meat and breadcrumbs, then fried. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: Scotch tape
Meaning:
Scotch tape\n  Scotch tape is a clear sticky tape that is sold in rolls and that you use to stick paper or card together or onto a wall. (TRADEMARK)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Scotch-Irish
Meaning:
Scotch-Irish\n  If someone, especially an American, is Scotch-Irish, they are descended from both Scottish and Irish people, especially from Scottish people who had settled in Northern Ireland. (mainly AM)\n  ADJ\n\n  Scotch-Irish is also a noun.\n...Virginia’s Great Valley, where the Scotch-Irish had settled in the eighteenth century.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N


Words: Scottish
Meaning:
Scot.tish\n   Scottish\n  Something that is Scottish belongs or relates to Scotland, its people, or its language.\n  ADJ


Words: scoundrel
Meaning:
scoun.drel\n   scoundrel  scoundrels\n  If you refer to a man as a scoundrel, you mean that he behaves very badly towards other people, especially by cheating them or deceiving them. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe is a lying scoundrel!\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: scour
Meaning:
scour  scours  scouring  scoured\n1. If you scour something such as a place or a book, you make a thorough search of it to try to find what you are looking for.\nRescue crews had scoured an area of 30 square miles...\nWe scoured the telephone directory for clues.\n  VERB: V n, V n for n\n  = search\n2. If you scour something such as a sink, floor, or pan, you clean its surface by rubbing it hard with something rough.\nHe decided to scour the sink.\n  VERB: V n\n  = scrub


Words: scourge
Meaning:
scourge  scourges  scourging  scourged\n1. A scourge is something that causes a lot of trouble or suffering to a group of people.\n...the best chance in 20 years to end the scourge of terrorism...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. If something scourges a place or group of people, it causes great pain and suffering to people.\nEconomic anarchy scourged the post-war world.\n  VERB: V n


Words: Scout
Meaning:
Scout  Scouts\n1. The Scouts is an organization for children and young people which teaches them to be practical, sensible, and helpful.\n  N-PROPER-COLL: the N\n\n2. A Scout is a member of the Scouts.\n...a party of seven Scouts and three leaders on a camping trip.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scout
Meaning:
scout  scouts  scouting  scouted\n1. A scout is someone who is sent to an area of countryside to find out the position of an enemy army.\nThey sent two men out in front as scouts.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you scout somewhere for something, you go through that area searching for it.\nI wouldn’t have time to scout the area for junk...\nA team of four was sent to scout for a nuclear test site...\nI have people scouting the hills already.\n  VERB: V n for n, V for n, V n\n  = search


Words: scout around
Meaning:
scout around\n  If you scout around or scout round for something, you go to different places looking for it. (in BRIT, also use scout round)\nThey scouted around for more fuel...\nI scouted round in the bushes.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P for n, V P\n  = look around


Words: scoutmaster
Meaning:
scout.master\n   scoutmaster  scoutmasters\n  A scoutmaster is a man who is in charge of a troop of Scouts.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scowl
Meaning:
scowl  scowls  scowling  scowled\n  When someone scowls, an angry or hostile expression appears on their face.\nHe scowled, and slammed the door behind him...\nShe scowled at the two men as they entered the room.\n  VERB: V, V at n\n\n  Scowl is also a noun.\nChris met the remark with a scowl.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scrabble
Meaning:
scrab.ble\n   scrabble  scrabbles  scrabbling  scrabbled\n1. If you scrabble for something, especially something that you cannot see, you move your hands or your feet about quickly and hurriedly in order to find it.\nHe grabbed his jacket and scrabbled in his desk drawer for some loose change...\nI hung there, scrabbling with my feet to find a foothold.\n  VERB: V for n, V to-inf\n\n  Scrabble around or scrabble about means the same as scrabble.\nAlberg scrabbled around for pen and paper...\nGleb scrabbled about in the hay, pulled out a book and opened it.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P for n, V P\n\n2. If you say that someone is scrabbling to do something, you mean that they are having difficulty because they are in too much of a hurry, or because the task is almost impossible.\nThe banks are now desperately scrabbling to recover their costs...\nThe opportunity had gone. His mind scrabbled for alternatives.\n  VERB: V to-inf, V for n\n\n  Scrabble around means the same as scrabble.\nYou get a six-month contract, and then you have to scrabble around for the next job.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P for n, also V P to-inf


Words: scraggly
Meaning:
scrag.gly\n   scraggly  scragglier  scraggliest\n  Scraggly hair or plants are thin and untidy. (mainly AM)\n...a scraggly mustache.\n  ADJ\n  = straggly


Words: scraggy
Meaning:
scrag.gy\n   scraggy  scraggier  scraggiest\n  If you describe a person or animal as scraggy, you mean that they look unattractive because they are so thin. (mainly BRIT)\n...his scraggy neck.\n...a flock of scraggy sheep.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = scrawny


Words: scramble
Meaning:
scram.ble\n   scramble  scrambles  scrambling  scrambled\n1. If you scramble over rocks or up a hill, you move quickly over them or up it using your hands to help you.\nTourists were scrambling over the rocks looking for the perfect camera angle...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n  = clamber\n2. If you scramble to a different place or position, you move there in a hurried, awkward way.\nAnn threw back the covers and scrambled out of bed...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n3. If a number of people scramble for something, they compete energetically with each other for it.\nMore than three million fans are expected to scramble for tickets...\nBusiness is booming and foreigners are scrambling to invest.\n  VERB: V for n, V to-inf\n\n  Scramble is also a noun.\n...a scramble to get a seat on the early morning flight.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N for n, N to-inf\n\n4. If you scramble eggs, you break them, mix them together and then heat and stir the mixture in a pan.\nMake the toast and scramble the eggs.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  scram.bled\n...scrambled eggs and bacon.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n5. If a device scrambles a radio or telephone message, it interferes with the sound so that the message can only be understood by someone with special equipment.\nThe latest machines scramble the messages so that the conversation cannot easily be intercepted.\n  VERB: V n


Words: scrambler
Meaning:
scram.bler\n   scrambler  scramblers\n  A scrambler is an electronic device which alters the sound of a radio or telephone message so that it can only be understood by someone who has special equipment.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scrap
Meaning:
scrap  scraps  scrapping  scrapped\n1. A scrap of something is a very small piece or amount of it.\nA crumpled scrap of paper was found in her handbag...\nThey need every scrap of information they can get.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. Scraps are pieces of unwanted food which are thrown away or given to animals.\n...the scraps from the Sunday dinner table.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. If you scrap something, you get rid of it or cancel it. (JOURNALISM or INFORMAL)\nPresident Hussein called on all countries in the Middle East to scrap nuclear or chemical weapons...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. Scrap metal or paper is no longer wanted for its original purpose, but may have some other use.\nThere’s always tons of scrap paper in Dad’s office.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n5. Scrap is metal from old or damaged machinery or cars.\nThousands of tanks, artillery pieces and armored vehicles will be cut up for scrap.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: scrapbook
Meaning:
scrap.book\n   scrapbook  scrapbooks\n  A scrapbook is a book with empty pages on which you can stick things such as pictures or newspaper articles in order to keep them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scrape
Meaning:
scrape  scrapes  scraping  scraped\n1. If you scrape something from a surface, you remove it, especially by pulling a sharp object over the surface.\nShe went round the car scraping the frost off the windows...\n  VERB: V n with adv\n\n2. If something scrapes against something else or if someone or something scrapes something else, it rubs against it, making a noise or causing slight damage.\nThe only sound is that of knives and forks scraping against china...\nThe car hurtled past us, scraping the wall and screeching to a halt...\nThere was a scraping sound as she dragged the heels of her shoes along the pavement.\n  VERB: V prep, V n, V-ing\n\n3. If you scrape a part of your body, you accidentally rub it against something hard and rough, and damage it slightly.\nShe stumbled and fell, scraping her palms and knees.\n  VERB: V n\n  = graze\n4.\nto scrape the barrel: see barrel


Words: scrape by
Meaning:
scrape by\n  If someone scrapes by, they earn just enough money to live on with difficulty.\nWe’re barely scraping by on my salary.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: scrape through
Meaning:
scrape through\n  If you scrape through an examination, you just succeed in passing it. If you scrape through a competition or a vote, you just succeed in winning it.\nBoth my brothers have university degrees. I just scraped through a couple of A-levels...\nIf we can get a draw, we might scrape through.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, V P


Words: scrape together
Meaning:
scrape together\n  If you scrape together an amount of money or a number of things, you succeed in obtaining it with difficulty.\nThey only just managed to scrape the money together...\nIt’s possible the Congress Party will scrape together a majority.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: scraper
Meaning:
scrap.er\n   scraper  scrapers\n  A scraper is a tool that has a small handle and a metal or plastic blade and can be used for scraping a particular surface clean.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scrapheap
Meaning:
scrap.heap\n   scrapheap   also scrap heap\n1. If you say that someone has been thrown on the scrapheap, you mean that they have been forced to leave their job by an uncaring employer and are unlikely to get other work.\nMiners have been thrown on the scrapheap with no prospects.\n  N-SING: usu prep the N\n\n2. If things such as machines or weapons are thrown on the scrapheap, they are thrown away because they are no longer needed.\nThousands of Europe’s tanks and guns are going to the scrap heap.\n  N-SING: usu prep the N


Words: scrapings
Meaning:
scrap.ings\n   scrapings\n  Scrapings are small amounts or pieces that have been scraped off something.\nThere might be scrapings under his fingernails.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: scrappy
Meaning:
scrap.py\n   scrappy\n  If you describe something as scrappy, you disapprove of it because it seems to be badly planned or untidy.\nThe final chapter is no more than a scrappy addition.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: scrapyard
Meaning:
scrap.yard\n   scrapyard  scrapyards   also scrap yard\n  A scrapyard is a place where old machines such as cars or ships are destroyed and where useful parts are saved. (BRIT; in AM, use junkyard)\n  N-COUNT


Words: scratch
Meaning:
scratch  scratches  scratching  scratched\n1. If you scratch yourself, you rub your fingernails against your skin because it is itching.\nHe scratched himself under his arm...\nThe old man lifted his cardigan to scratch his side...\nI had to wear long sleeves to stop myself scratching.\n  VERB: V pron-refl, V n, V\n\n2. If a sharp object scratches someone or something, it makes small shallow cuts on their skin or surface.\nThe branches tore at my jacket and scratched my hands and face...\nKnives will scratch the worktop.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n3. Scratches on someone or something are small shallow cuts.\nThe seven-year-old was found crying with scratches on his face and neck...\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you do something from scratch, you do it without making use of anything that has been done before.\nBuilding a home from scratch can be both exciting and challenging...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n5. If you say that someone is scratching their head, you mean that they are thinking hard and trying to solve a problem or puzzle.\nThe Institute spends a lot of time scratching its head about how to boost American productivity.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n6. If you only scratch the surface of a subject or problem, you find out or do a small amount, but not enough to understand or solve it.\nOfficials say they’ve only scratched the surface of the drug problem...\nWe had only two weeks to tour Malaysia, which was hardly enough time to scratch the surface.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR of n\n\n7. If you say that someone or something is not up to scratch, you mean that they are not good enough.\nMy mother always made me feel I wasn’t coming up to scratch.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR, usu with brd-neg


Words: scratch card
Meaning:
scratch card  scratch cards   also scratchcard\n  A scratch card is a card with hidden words or symbols on it. You scratch the surface off to reveal the words or symbols and find out if you have won a prize.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scratch file
Meaning:
scratch file scratch files\n  A scratch file is a temporary computer file which you use as a work area or as a store while a program is operating. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: scratch pad
Meaning:
scratch pad scratch pads\n  A scratch pad is a temporary storage memory in a computer. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: scratchy
Meaning:
scratchy\n1. Scratchy sounds are thin and harsh.\nListening to the scratchy recording, I recognized Walt Whitman immediately.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Scratchy clothes or fabrics are rough and uncomfortable to wear next to your skin.\nWool is so scratchy that it irritates the skin.\n  ADJ


Words: scrawl
Meaning:
scrawl  scrawls  scrawling  scrawled\n1. If you scrawl something, you write it in a careless and untidy way.\nHe scrawled a hasty note to his wife...\nSomeone had scrawled `Scum’ on his car.\n...racist graffiti scrawled on school walls.\n  VERB: V n prep, V with quote, V-ed\n\n2. You can refer to writing that looks careless and untidy as a scrawl.\nThe letter was handwritten, in a hasty, barely decipherable scrawl.\n  N-VAR


Words: scrawny
Meaning:
scrawny  scrawnier  scrawniest\n  If you describe a person or animal as scrawny, you mean that they look unattractive because they are so thin.\n...a scrawny woman with dyed black hair...\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: scream
Meaning:
scream  screams  screaming  screamed\n1. When someone screams, they make a very loud, high-pitched cry, for example because they are in pain or are very frightened.\nWomen were screaming; some of the houses nearest the bridge were on fire...\nHe staggered around the playground, screaming in agony...\n  VERB: V, V in n\n\n  Scream is also a noun.\nHilda let out a scream.\n...screams of terror.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you scream something, you shout it in a loud, high-pitched voice.\n`Brigid!’ she screamed. `Get up!’...\nThey started screaming abuse at us.\n  VERB: V with quote, V n\n\n3. When something makes a loud, high-pitched noise, you can say that it screams. (WRITTEN)\nShe slammed the car into gear, the tyres screaming as her foot jammed against the accelerator...\nAs he talked, an airforce jet screamed over the town.\n  VERB: V, V prep/adv\n  = screech\n  Scream is also a noun.\nThere was a scream of brakes from the carriageway outside.\n  N-COUNT\n  = screech


Words: screamingly
Meaning:
scream.ing.ly\n   screamingly\n  If you say that something is, for example, screamingly funny or screamingly boring, you mean that it is extremely funny or extremely boring.\n...a screamingly funny joke.\n  ADV: ADV adj  emphasis


Words: scree
Meaning:
scree  screes\n  Scree is a mass of loose stones on the side of a mountain.\nOccasionally scree fell in a shower of dust and noise...\n  N-VAR


Words: screech
Meaning:
screech  screeches  screeching  screeched\n1. If a vehicle screeches somewhere or if its tyres screech, its tyres make an unpleasant high-pitched noise on the road.\nA black Mercedes screeched to a halt beside the helicopter...\nThe car wheels screeched as they curved and bounced over the rough broken ground.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V\n\n2. When you screech something, you shout it in a loud, unpleasant, high-pitched voice.\n`Get me some water, Jeremy!’ I screeched...\n...a player who screeches at you on the field.\n  VERB: V with quote, V at n\n  = shriek\n  Screech is also a noun.\nThe figure gave a screech.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. When a bird, animal, or thing screeches, it makes a loud, unpleasant, high-pitched noise.\nA macaw screeched at him from its perch.\n  VERB: V at n\n\n  Screech is also a noun.\nHe heard the screech of brakes.\n  N-COUNT


Words: screen
Meaning:
screen  screens  screening  screened\n1. A screen is a flat vertical surface on which pictures or words are shown. Television sets and computers have screens, and films are shown on a screen in cinemas.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also big screen, small screen, widescreen\n2. You can refer to film or television as the screen.\nMany viewers have strong opinions about violence on the screen...\nShe was the ideal American teenager, both on and off screen.\n  N-SING: the N, also on/off N\n\n3. When a film or a television programme is screened, it is shown in the cinema or broadcast on television.\nThe series is likely to be screened in January...\nTV firms were later banned from screening any pictures of the demo.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n=>  screen.ing      screenings\nThe film-makers will be present at the screenings to introduce their works.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A screen is a vertical panel which can be moved around. It is used to keep cold air away from part of a room, or to create a smaller area within a room.\nThey put a screen in front of me so I couldn’t see what was going on.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If something is screened by another thing, it is behind it and hidden by it.\nMost of the road behind the hotel was screened by a block of flats.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed by n\n\n6. To screen for a disease means to examine people to make sure that they do not have it.\n...a quick saliva test that would screen for people at risk of tooth decay.\n  VERB: V for n\n\n=>  screen.ing\nBritain has an enviable record on breast screening for cancer.\n  N-VAR: usu N for n\n\n7. When an organization screens people who apply to join it, it investigates them to make sure that they are not likely to cause problems.\nThey will screen all their candidates.\n...screening procedures for the regiment.\n  VERB: V n, V-ing\n\n8. To screen people or luggage means to check them using special equipment to make sure they are not carrying a weapon or a bomb.\nThe airline had been screening baggage on X-ray machines.\n  VERB: V n\n\n9. If you screen your telephone calls, calls made to you are connected to an answering machine or are answered by someone else, so that you can choose whether or not to speak to the people phoning you.\nI employ a secretary to screen my calls.\n  VERB: V n


Words: screen door
Meaning:
screen door  screen doors\n  A screen door is a door made of fine netting which is on the outside of the main door of a house. It is used to keep insects out when the main door is open.\n  N-COUNT


Words: screen name
Meaning:
screen name screen names\n  Someone’s screen name is a name that they use when communicating with other people on the Internet. (COMPUTING)\n...someone with the screen name of nirvanakcf.\n  N-COUNT


Words: screen out
Meaning:
screen out\n  If an organization or country screens out certain people, it keeps them out because it thinks they may cause problems.\nThe company screened out applicants motivated only by money.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: screen test
Meaning:
screen test  screen tests\n  When a film studio gives an actor a screen test, they film a short scene in order to test how good he or she would be in films.\n  N-COUNT


Words: screenplay
Meaning:
screen.play\n   screenplay  screenplays\n  A screenplay is the words to be spoken in a film, and instructions about what will be seen in it.\n  N-COUNT\n  = script


Words: screensaver
Meaning:
screen.saver\n   screensaver screensavers  also screen saver\n  A screensaver is a picture which appears or is put on a computer screen when the computer is not used for a while. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: screenwriter
Meaning:
screen.writer\n   screenwriter  screenwriters\n  A screenwriter is a person who writes screenplays.\n  N-COUNT


Words: screenwriting
Meaning:
screen.writing\n   screenwriting\n  Screenwriting is the process of writing screenplays.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: screw
Meaning:
screw  screws  screwing  screwed\n1. A screw is a metal object similar to a nail, with a raised spiral line around it. You turn a screw using a screwdriver so that it goes through two things, for example two pieces of wood, and fastens them together.\nEach bracket is fixed to the wall with just three screws.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you screw something somewhere or if it screws somewhere, you fix it in place by means of a screw or screws.\nI had screwed the shelf on the wall myself...\nScrew down any loose floorboards...\nI particularly like the type of shelving that screws to the wall.\n  VERB: V n prep, V n with adv, V prep/adv\n\n3. A screw lid or fitting is one that has a raised spiral line on the inside or outside of it, so that it can be fixed in place by twisting.\n...an ordinary jam jar with a screw lid.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. If you screw something somewhere or if it screws somewhere, you fix it in place by twisting it round and round.\nKelly screwed the silencer onto the pistol...\nScrew down the lid fairly tightly...\n...several aluminium poles that screw together to give a maximum length of 10 yards.\n  VERB: V n prep, V n with adv, V prep/adv\n\n5. If you screw something such as a piece of paper into a ball, you squeeze it or twist it tightly so that it is in the shape of a ball. (BRIT; in AM, use crush)\nHe screwed the paper into a ball and tossed it into the fire.\n  VERB: V n into n\n\n6. If you screw your face or your eyes into a particular expression, you tighten the muscles of your face to form that expression, for example because you are in pain or because the light is too bright.\nHe screwed his face into an expression of mock pain.\n  VERB: V n into n\n\n7. If someone screws someone else or if two people screw, they have sex together. (RUDE)\n  V-RECIP\n\n8. Some people use screw in expressions such as screw you or screw that to show that they are not concerned about someone or something or that they feel contempt for them. (RUDE)\n  VERB: only imper  feelings\n\n9. If someone says that they have been screwed, they mean that someone else has cheated them, especially by getting money from them dishonestly. (INFORMAL, RUDE)\nThey haven’t given us accurate information. We’ve been screwed...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n10. If someone screws something, especially money, out of you, they get it from you by putting pressure on you. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)\nFor decades rich nations have been screwing money out of poor nations.\n  VERB: V n out of n\n\n11. If you turn or tighten the screw on someone, you increase the pressure which is already on them, for example by using threats, in order to force them to do a particular thing.\nParisian taxi drivers are threatening to mount a blockade to turn the screw on the government.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect, oft PHR on n


Words: screw up
Meaning:
screw up\n1. If you screw up your eyes or your face, you tighten your eye or face muscles, for example because you are in pain or because the light is too bright.\nShe had screwed up her eyes, as if she found the sunshine too bright...\nClose your eyes and screw them up tight...\nHis face screwed up in agony.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P, V P\n\n2. If you screw up a piece of paper, you squeeze it tightly so that it becomes very creased and no longer flat, usually when you are throwing it away. (BRIT; in AM, use crush)\nHe would start writing to his family and would screw the letter up in frustration...\nHe screwed up his first three efforts after only a line or two.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n3. To screw something up, or to screw up, means to cause something to fail or be spoiled. (INFORMAL)\nYou can’t open the window because it screws up the air conditioning...\nGet out. Haven’t you screwed things up enough already!...\nSomebody had screwed up; they weren’t there.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P, V P


Words: screwball
Meaning:
screw.ball\n   screwball  screwballs\n1. Screwball comedy is silly and eccentric in an amusing and harmless way. (INFORMAL)\n...a remake of a ’50s classic screwball comedy.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If you say that someone is a screwball, you mean that they do strange or crazy things. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: screwdriver
Meaning:
screw.driver\n   screwdriver  screwdrivers\n  A screwdriver is a tool that is used for turning screws. It consists of a metal rod with a flat or cross-shaped end that fits into the top of the screw.\n  N-COUNT


Words: screwed up
Meaning:
screwed up\n  If you say that someone is screwed up, you mean that they are very confused or worried, or that they have psychological problems. (INFORMAL)\nHe was really screwed up with his emotional problems...\n  ADJ


Words: scribble
Meaning:
scrib.ble\n   scribble  scribbles  scribbling  scribbled\n1. If you scribble something, you write it quickly and roughly.\nShe scribbled a note to tell Mum she’d gone out...\nAs I scribbled in my diary the light went out.\n  VERB: V n, V prep/adv\n\n2. To scribble means to make meaningless marks or rough drawings using a pencil or pen.\nWhen Caroline was five she scribbled on a wall.\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n3. Scribble is something that has been written or drawn quickly and roughly.\nI’m sorry what I wrote was such a scribble.\n  N-VAR\n  = scrawl


Words: scribble down
Meaning:
scribble down\n  If you scribble down something, you write it quickly or roughly.\nI attempted to scribble down the names...\nHe took my name and address, scribbling it down in his notebook.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: scribbler
Meaning:
scrib.bler\n   scribbler  scribblers\n  People sometimes refer to writers as scribblers when they think they are not very good writers. (mainly JOURNALISM)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl  disapproval


Words: scribe
Meaning:
scribe  scribes\n  In the days before printing was common, a scribe was a person who wrote copies of things such as letters or documents.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scrimp
Meaning:
scrimp  scrimps  scrimping  scrimped\n  If you scrimp on things, you live cheaply and spend as little money as possible.\nScrimping on safety measures can be a false economy...\n  VERB: V on n\n  = skimp


Words: scrip
Meaning:
scrip scrips\n  A scrip is a certificate which shows that an investor owns part of a share or stock. (BUSINESS)\nThe cash or scrip would be offered as part of a pro rata return of capital to shareholders.\n  N-COUNT


Words: script
Meaning:
script  scripts  scripting  scripted\n1. The script of a play, film, or television programme is the written version of it.\nJenny’s writing a film script.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The person who scripts a film or a radio or television play writes it.\n...James Cameron, who scripted and directed both films.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. You can refer to a particular system of writing as a particular script.\n...a text in the Malay language but written in Arabic script.\n  N-VAR: usu adj N\n\n4. If you say that something which has happened is not in the script, or that someone has not followed the script, you mean that something has happened which was not expected or intended to happen.\nLosing was not in the script...\nThe game plan was right. We just didn’t follow the script.\n  N-SING: the N, usu with brd-neg


Words: scripted
Meaning:
script.ed\n   scripted\n  A scripted speech has been written in advance, although the speaker may pretend that it is spoken without preparation.\nHe had prepared scripted answers.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: scriptural
Meaning:
scrip.tur.al\n   scriptural\n  Scriptural is used to describe things that are written in or based on the Christian Bible.\n...scriptural accounts of the process of salvation.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: scripture
Meaning:
scrip.ture\n   scripture  scriptures\n  Scripture or the scriptures refers to writings that are regarded as holy in a particular religion, for example the Bible in Christianity.\n...a quote from scripture.\n...the Holy Scriptures.\n  N-VAR: oft the N


Words: scriptwriter
Meaning:
script.writer\n   scriptwriter  scriptwriters\n  A scriptwriter is a person who writes scripts for films or for radio or television programmes.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scroll
Meaning:
scroll  scrolls  scrolling  scrolled\n1. A scroll is a long roll of paper or a similar material with writing on it.\nAncient scrolls were found in caves by the Dead Sea.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A scroll is a painted or carved decoration made to look like a scroll.\n...a handsome suite of chairs incised with Grecian scrolls.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you scroll through text on a computer screen, you move the text up or down to find the information that you need. (COMPUTING)\nI scrolled down to find `United States of America’.\n  VERB: V prep/adv


Words: scroll bar
Meaning:
scroll bar  scroll bars\n  On a computer screen, a scroll bar is a long thin box along one edge of a window, which you click on with the mouse to move the text up, down, or across the window. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: Scrooge
Meaning:
Scrooge  Scrooges\n  If you call someone a Scrooge, you disapprove of them because they are very mean and hate spending money.\nWhat a bunch of Scrooges.\n  N-VAR  disapproval


Words: scrotum
Meaning:
scro.tum\n   scrotum  scrotums\n  A man’s scrotum is the bag of skin that contains his testicles.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scrounge
Meaning:
scrounge  scrounges  scrounging  scrounged\n  If you say that someone scrounges something such as food or money, you disapprove of them because they get it by asking for it, rather than by buying it or earning it. (INFORMAL)\nWilliams had to scrounge enough money to get his car out of the car park...\nThe government did not give them money, forcing them to scrounge for food.\n  VERB: V n, V for n  disapproval


Words: scrub
Meaning:
scrub  scrubs  scrubbing  scrubbed\n1. If you scrub something, you rub it hard in order to clean it, using a stiff brush and water.\nSurgeons began to scrub their hands and arms with soap and water before operating...\nThe corridors are scrubbed clean.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed adj\n\n  Scrub is also a noun.\nThe walls needed a good scrub.\n  N-SING: a N\n\n2. If you scrub dirt or stains off something, you remove them by rubbing hard.\nI started to scrub off the dirt...\nMatthew scrubbed the coal dust from his face.\n  VERB: V n with off/away, V n prep\n\n3. Scrub consists of low trees and bushes, especially in an area that has very little rain.\n...an area of scrub and woodland.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: scrubber
Meaning:
scrub.ber\n   scrubber  scrubbers\n  If someone refers to a woman as a scrubber, they are suggesting in a very rude way that she has had sex with a lot of men. (BRIT INFORMAL, OFFENSIVE)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: scrubby
Meaning:
scrub.by\n   scrubby\n  Scrubby land is rough and dry and covered with scrub.\n...the hot, scrubby hills of western Eritrea.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: scrubland
Meaning:
scrub.land\n   scrubland  scrublands\n  Scrubland is an area of land which is covered with low trees and bushes.\nThousands of acres of forests and scrubland have been burnt.\n  N-VAR


Words: scruff
Meaning:
scruff\n  If someone takes you by the scruff of the neck, they take hold of the back of your neck or collar suddenly and roughly.\nHe picked the dog up by the scruff of the neck.\n  PHRASE: v n PHR


Words: scruffy
Meaning:
scruffy  scruffier  scruffiest\n  Someone or something that is scruffy is dirty and untidy.\n...a young man, pale, scruffy and unshaven.\n...a scruffy basement flat in London.\n  ADJ


Words: scrum
Meaning:
scrum  scrums\n1. In rugby, a scrum is a tight group formed by players from both sides pushing against each other with their heads down in an attempt to get the ball.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A scrum is a group of people who are close together and pushing against each other. (BRIT)\nShe pushed through the scrum of photographers.\n...the scrum of shoppers.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N of n


Words: scrumptious
Meaning:
scrump.tious\n   scrumptious\n  If you describe food as scrumptious, you mean that it tastes extremely good. (INFORMAL)\n...a scrumptious apple pie.\n  ADJ\n  = delicious


Words: scrumpy
Meaning:
scrumpy\n  Scrumpy is a strong alcoholic drink made from apples. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n...a pint of scrumpy.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = cider


Words: scrunch
Meaning:
scrunch  scrunches  scrunching  scrunched\n  If you scrunch something, you squeeze it or bend it so that it is no longer in its natural shape and is often crushed.\nHer father scrunched his nose...\nHer mother was sitting bolt upright, scrunching her white cotton gloves into a ball.\n  VERB: V n, V n into n; PHRASAL VERB\n\n  Scrunch up means the same as scrunch.\nShe scrunched up three pages of notes and threw them in the bin...\nI scrunched my hat up in my pocket.\n  V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: scruple
Meaning:
scru.ple\n   scruple  scruples\n  Scruples are moral principles or beliefs that make you unwilling to do something that seems wrong.\n...a man with no moral scruples.\n  N-VAR: usu pl


Words: scrupulous
Meaning:
scru.pu.lous\n   scrupulous\n1. Someone who is scrupulous takes great care to do what is fair, honest, or morally right.\nI have been scrupulous about telling them the dangers...\nThe Board is scrupulous in its consideration of all applications for licences.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ  approval\n\n2. Scrupulous means thorough, exact, and careful about details.\nBoth readers commend Knutson for his scrupulous attention to detail.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = meticulous


Words: scrutineer
Meaning:
scru.ti.neer\n   scrutineer  scrutineers\n  A scrutineer is a person who checks that an election or a race is carried out according to the rules. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: scrutinize
Meaning:
scru.ti.nize\n   scrutinize  scrutinizes  scrutinizing  scrutinized\nin BRIT, also use scrutinise\n  If you scrutinize something, you examine it very carefully, often to find out some information from it or about it.\nHer purpose was to scrutinize his features to see if he was an honest man...\n  VERB: V n


Words: scrutiny
Meaning:
scru.ti.ny\n   scrutiny\n  If a person or thing is under scrutiny, they are being studied or observed very carefully.\nHis private life came under media scrutiny...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft prep N


Words: scuba diving
Meaning:
scu.ba div.ing\n   scuba diving\n  Scuba diving is the activity of swimming underwater using special breathing equipment. The equipment consists of cylinders of air which you carry on your back and which are connected to your mouth by rubber tubes.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  scu.ba dive\nI signed up to learn how to scuba dive.\n  VERB: V


Words: scud
Meaning:
scud  scuds  scudding  scudded\n  If clouds scud along, they move quickly and smoothly through the sky. (LITERARY)\n...heavy, rain-laden clouds scudding across from the south-west.\n  VERB: V adv/prep


Words: scuff
Meaning:
scuff  scuffs  scuffing  scuffed\n1. If you scuff something or if it scuffs, you mark the surface by scraping it against other things or by scraping other things against it.\nConstant wheelchair use will scuff almost any floor surface...\nMolded plastic is almost indestructible, but scuffs easily.\n  VERB: V n, V adv\n\n=>  scuffed\n...scuffed brown shoes.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you scuff your feet, you pull them along the ground as you walk.\nPolly, bewildered and embarrassed, dropped her head and scuffed her feet.\n  VERB: V n\n  = drag


Words: scuff mark
Meaning:
scuff mark  scuff marks\n  Scuff marks are marks made on a smooth surface when something is rubbed against it.\nScuff marks from shoes are difficult to remove.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: scuffle
Meaning:
scuf.fle\n   scuffle  scuffles  scuffling  scuffled\n1. A scuffle is a short, disorganized fight or struggle.\nViolent scuffles broke out between rival groups demonstrating for and against independence.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If people scuffle, they fight for a short time in a disorganized way.\nPolice scuffled with some of the protesters...\nHe and Hannah had been scuffling in the yard outside his house.\n  V-RECIP: V with n, pl-n V


Words: scuffling
Meaning:
scuf.fling\n   scuffling\n  A scuffling noise is a noise made by a person or animal moving about, usually one that you cannot see.\nThere was a scuffling noise in the background.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: scull
Meaning:
scull  sculls\n1. Sculls are small oars which are held by one person and used to move a boat through water.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. A scull is a small light racing boat which is rowed with two sculls.\n  N-COUNT


Words: scullery
Meaning:
scul.lery\n   scullery  sculleries\n  A scullery is a small room next to a kitchen where washing and other household tasks are done. (BRIT OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sculpt
Meaning:
sculpt  sculpts  sculpting  sculpted\n1. When an artist sculpts something, they carve or shape it out of a material such as stone or clay.\nAn artist sculpted a full-size replica of her head...\nWhen I sculpt, my style is expressionistic.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. If something is sculpted, it is made into a particular shape.\nMore familiar landscapes have been sculpted by surface erosion...\nMichael smoothed and sculpted Jane’s hair into shape.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n into n


Words: sculptural
Meaning:
sculp.tur.al\n   sculptural\n  Sculptural means relating to sculpture.\nHe enjoyed working with clay as a sculptural form...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: sculpture
Meaning:
sculp.ture\n   sculpture  sculptures\n1. A sculpture is a work of art that is produced by carving or shaping stone, wood, clay, or other materials.\n...stone sculptures of figures and animals.\n...a collection of 20th-century art and sculpture.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Sculpture is the art of creating sculptures.\nBoth studied sculpture.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sculptured
Meaning:
sculp.tured\n   sculptured\n  Sculptured objects have been carved or shaped from something.\n...a beautifully sculptured bronze horse.\n  ADJ


Words: scum
Meaning:
scum\n1. If you refer to people as scum, you are expressing your feelings of dislike and disgust for them. (INFORMAL)\n  N-PLURAL  disapproval\n\n2. Scum is a layer of a dirty or unpleasant-looking substance on the surface of a liquid.\n...scum marks around the bath.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: scumbag
Meaning:
scum.bag\n   scumbag  scumbags\n  If you refer to someone as a scumbag, you are expressing your feelings of dislike and disgust for them. (INFORMAL, OFFENSIVE)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: scupper
Meaning:
scup.per\n   scupper  scuppers  scuppering  scuppered\n  To scupper a plan or attempt means to spoil it completely. (mainly BRIT JOURNALISM)\nIf Schneider had seen him that would have scuppered all his plans...\n  VERB: V n


Words: scurrilous
Meaning:
scur.ril.ous\n   scurrilous\n  Scurrilous accusations or stories are untrue and unfair, and are likely to damage the reputation of the person that they relate to.\nScurrilous and untrue stories were being invented.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: scurry
Meaning:
scur.ry\n   scurry  scurries  scurrying  scurried\n1. When people or small animals scurry somewhere, they move there quickly and hurriedly, especially because they are frightened. (WRITTEN)\nThe attack began, sending residents scurrying for cover...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n2. If people scurry to do something, they do it as soon as they can. (WRITTEN)\nPictures of starving children have sent many people scurrying to donate money.\n  VERB: V to-inf\n  = rush


Words: scuttle
Meaning:
scut.tle\n   scuttle  scuttles  scuttling  scuttled\n1. When people or small animals scuttle somewhere, they run there with short quick steps.\nTwo very small children scuttled away in front of them...\n  VERB: V adv/prep\n\n2. To scuttle a plan or a proposal means to make it fail or cause it to stop.\nSuch threats could scuttle the peace conference.\n  VERB: V n\n  = scupper\n3. To scuttle a ship means to sink it deliberately by making holes in the bottom.\nHe personally had received orders from Commander Lehmann to scuttle the ship.\n  VERB: V n, also V


Words: scuzzy
Meaning:
scuz.zy\n   scuzzy  scuzzier  scuzziest\n  Something that is scuzzy is dirty or disgusting. (INFORMAL)\n...a scuzzy drug district in New York.\n  ADJ


Words: scythe
Meaning:
scythe  scythes  scything  scythed\n1. A scythe is a tool with a long curved blade at right angles to a long handle. It is used to cut long grass or grain.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you scythe grass or grain, you cut it with a scythe.\nTwo men were attempting to scythe the long grass.\n  VERB: V n


Words: sea
Meaning:
sea  seas\n1. The sea is the salty water that covers about three-quarters of the earth’s surface.\nMost of the kids have never seen the sea...\nAll transport operations, whether by sea, rail or road, are closely monitored at all times.\n  N-SING: the N, also by N\n  = ocean\n2. You use seas when you are describing the sea at a particular time or in a particular area. (LITERARY)\nHe drowned after 30 minutes in the rough seas...\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. A sea is a large area of salty water that is part of an ocean or is surrounded by land.\n...the North Sea.\n...the huge inland sea of Turkana.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES\n\n4. At sea means on or under the sea, far away from land.\nThe boats remain at sea for an average of ten days at a time...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n5. If you go or look out to sea, you go or look across the sea.\n...fishermen who go to sea for two weeks at a time...\nHe pointed out to sea.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: sea air
Meaning:
sea air\n  The sea air is the air at the seaside, which is regarded as being good for people’s health.\nI took a deep breath of the fresh sea air.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sea breeze
Meaning:
sea breeze  sea breezes\n  A sea breeze is a light wind blowing from the sea towards the land.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sea captain
Meaning:
sea cap.tain\n   sea captain  sea captains\n  A sea captain is a person in command of a ship, usually a ship that carries goods for trade.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sea change
Meaning:
sea change  sea changes\n  A sea change in someone’s attitudes or behaviour is a complete change.\nA sea change has taken place in young people’s attitudes to their parents.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sea dog
Meaning:
sea dog  sea dogs   also seadog\n  A sea dog is a sailor is who has spent many years at sea. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sea lane
Meaning:
sea lane  sea lanes\n  Sea lanes are particular routes which ships regularly use in order to cross a sea or ocean.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: sea level
Meaning:
sea lev.el\n   sea level   also sea-level\n  Sea level is the average level of the sea with respect to the land. The height of mountains or other areas is calculated in relation to sea level.\nThe stadium was 2275 metres above sea level...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sea power
Meaning:
sea pow.er\n   sea power  sea powers\n1. Sea power is the size and strength of a country’s navy.\nThe transformation of American sea power began in 1940.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A sea power is a country that has a large navy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sea turtle
Meaning:
sea tur.tle\n   sea turtle  sea turtles\n  A sea turtle is a large reptile which has a thick shell covering its body and which lives in the sea most of the time. (AM; in BRIT, use turtle)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sea urchin
Meaning:
sea ur.chin\n   sea urchin  sea urchins\n  A sea urchin is a small round sea creature that has a hard shell covered with sharp points.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sea wall
Meaning:
sea wall  sea walls\n  A sea wall is a wall built along the edge of the sea to stop the sea flowing over the land or destroying it.\nCherbourg had a splendid harbour enclosed by a long sea wall.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sea-green
Meaning:
sea-green   also sea green\n  Something that is sea-green is a bluish-green colour like the colour of the sea.\n...her sea-green eyes.\n  COLOUR


Words: seabird
Meaning:
sea.bird\n   seabird  seabirds   also sea bird\n  Seabirds are birds that live near the sea and get their food from it.\nThe island is covered with seabirds.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seaboard
Meaning:
sea.board\n   seaboard  seaboards\n  The seaboard is the part of a country that is next to the sea; used especially of the coasts of North America.\n...the Eastern seaboard of the USA.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing\n  = coast


Words: seaborne
Meaning:
sea.borne\n   seaborne   also sea-borne\n  Seaborne actions or events take place on the sea in ships.\n...a seaborne invasion.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: seafarer
Meaning:
sea.farer\n   seafarer  seafarers\n  Seafarers are people who work on ships or people who travel regularly on the sea. (WRITTEN)\nThe Estonians have always been seafarers.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: seafaring
Meaning:
sea.faring\n   seafaring\n  Seafaring means working as a sailor or travelling regularly on the sea.\nThe Lebanese were a seafaring people.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: seafood
Meaning:
sea.food\n   seafood  seafoods\n  Seafood is shellfish such as lobsters, mussels, and crabs, and sometimes other sea creatures that you can eat.\n...a seafood restaurant.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: seafront
Meaning:
sea.front\n   seafront  seafronts\n  The seafront is the part of a seaside town that is nearest to the sea. It usually consists of a road with buildings that face the sea.\nThey decided to meet on the seafront.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing


Words: seagoing
Meaning:
sea.going\n   seagoing   also sea-going\n  Seagoing boats and ships are designed for travelling on the sea, rather than on lakes, rivers, or canals.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = ocean-going


Words: seagull
Meaning:
sea.gull\n   seagull  seagulls\n  A seagull is a common kind of bird with white or grey feathers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seahorse
Meaning:
sea.horse\n   seahorse  seahorses   also sea horse\n  A seahorse is a type of small fish which appears to swim in a vertical position and whose head looks a little like the head of a horse.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seal
Meaning:
ANIMAL\n   seal  seals\n  A seal is a large animal with a rounded body and flat legs called flippers. Seals eat fish and live in and near the sea, usually in cold parts of the world.\n  N-COUNT\n\nCLOSING\n   seal  seals  sealing  sealed\n\nPlease look at category 11 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.\n1. When you seal an envelope, you close it by folding part of it over and sticking it down, so that it cannot be opened without being torn.\nHe sealed the envelope and put on a stamp...\nWrite your letter and seal it in a blank envelope...\nA courier was despatched with two sealed envelopes.\n  VERB: V n, V n in n, V-ed\n\n2. If you seal a container or an opening, you cover it with something in order to prevent air, liquid, or other material getting in or out. If you seal something in a container, you put it inside and then close the container tightly.\nShe merely filled the containers, sealed them with a cork, and pasted on labels...\n...a lid to seal in heat and keep food moist.\n...a hermetically sealed, leak-proof packet.\n  VERB: V n, V n with in, V-ed\n\n3. The seal on a container or opening is the part where it has been sealed.\nWhen assembling the pie, wet the edges where the two crusts join, to form a seal.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A seal is a device or a piece of material, for example in a machine, which closes an opening tightly so that air, liquid, or other substances cannot get in or out.\nCheck seals on fridges and freezers regularly.\n  N-COUNT: oft N on n\n\n5. A seal is something such as a piece of sticky paper or wax that is fixed to a container or door and must be broken before the container or door can be opened.\nThe seal on the box broke when it fell from its hiding-place...\n  N-COUNT: oft N on n\n\n6. A seal is a special mark or design, for example on a document, representing someone or something. It may be used to show that something is genuine or officially approved.\n...a supply of note paper bearing the Presidential seal...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n7. If someone in authority seals an area, they stop people entering or passing through it, for example by placing barriers in the way.\nThe soldiers were deployed to help paramilitary police seal the border...\nA wide area round the two-storey building is sealed to all traffic except the emergency services.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n  Seal off means the same as seal.\nPolice and troops sealed off the area after the attack...\nSoldiers there are going to seal the airport off.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n8. To seal something means to make it definite or confirm how it is going to be. (WRITTEN)\nMcLaren are close to sealing a deal with Renault...\nHis artistic character was sealed by his experiences of the First World War.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n9. If something sets or puts the seal on something, it makes it definite or confirms how it is going to be. (WRITTEN)\nSuch a visit may set the seal on a new relationship between the two governments...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n10. If a document is under seal, it is in a sealed envelope and cannot be looked at, for example because it is private. (FORMAL)\nBecause the transcript is still under seal, I am precluded by law from discussing the evidence.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, n PHR\n\n11.\nto seal someone’s fate: see fate


Words: seal in
Meaning:
seal in\n  If something seals in a smell or liquid, it prevents it from getting out of a food.\nThe coffee is freeze-dried to seal in all the flavour.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: seal off
Meaning:
seal off\n1. If one object or area is sealed off from another, there is a physical barrier between them, so that nothing can pass between them.\nWindows are usually sealed off.\n...the anti-personnel door that sealed off the chamber.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V P n (not pron)\n\n2.\nsee seal 7


Words: seal up
Meaning:
seal up\n  If you seal something up, you close it completely so that nothing can get in or out.\nThe paper was used for sealing up holes in walls and roofs.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: sealant
Meaning:
seal.ant\n   sealant  sealants\n  A sealant is a substance that is used to seal holes, cracks, or gaps.\n  N-MASS


Words: sealing wax
Meaning:
seal.ing wax\n   sealing wax\n  Sealing wax is a hard, usually red, substance that melts quickly and is used for putting seals on documents or letters.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sealskin
Meaning:
seal.skin\n   sealskin\n  Sealskin is the fur of a seal, used to make coats and other clothing.\n...waterproof sealskin boots.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: seam
Meaning:
seam  seams\n1. A seam is a line of stitches which joins two pieces of cloth together.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A seam of coal is a long, narrow layer of it underneath the ground.\nThe average UK coal seam is one metre thick.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. If something is coming apart at the seams or is falling apart at the seams, it is no longer working properly and may soon stop working completely.\nBritain’s university system is in danger of falling apart at the seams.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n4. If a place is very full, you can say that it is bursting at the seams.\nThe hotels of Warsaw, Prague and Budapest were bursting at the seams.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: seaman
Meaning:
sea.man\n   seaman  seamen\n  A seaman is a sailor, especially one who is not an officer.\nThe men emigrate to work as seamen.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seamanship
Meaning:
sea.man.ship\n   seamanship\n  Seamanship is skill in managing a boat and controlling its movement through the sea.\n...the art of seamanship and navigation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: seamless
Meaning:
seam.less\n   seamless\n  You use seamless to describe something that has no breaks or gaps in it or which continues without stopping.\nIt was a seamless procession of wonderful electronic music.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  seam.less.ly\nHe has moved seamlessly from theory to practice.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: seamstress
Meaning:
seam.stress\n   seamstress   seamstresses\n  A seamstress is a woman who sews and makes clothes as her job. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: seamy
Meaning:
seamy  seamier  seamiest\n  If you describe something as seamy, you mean that it involves unpleasant aspects of life such as crime, sex, or violence.\nHamburg’s seamy St Pauli’s district.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = sleazy


Words: seance
Meaning:
se.ance\n   seance  seances   also seance\n  A seance is a meeting in which people try to make contact with people who have died.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seaplane
Meaning:
sea.plane\n   seaplane  seaplanes\n  A seaplane is a type of aeroplane that can take off from or land on water.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seaport
Meaning:
sea.port\n   seaport  seaports\n  A seaport is a town with a large harbour that is used by ships.\nThe Baltic seaport of Rostock.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sear
Meaning:
sear  sears  searing  seared\n1. To sear something means to burn its surface with a sudden intense heat.\nGrass fires have seared the land near the farming village of Basekhai.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If something sears a part of your body, it causes a painful burning feeling there. (LITERARY)\nI distinctly felt the heat start to sear my throat.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3.\n  see also searing


Words: search
Meaning:
search  searches  searching  searched\n1. If you search for something or someone, you look carefully for them.\nThe Turkish security forces have started searching for the missing men...\nNonetheless there are signs that both sides may be searching for a compromise.\n  VERB: V for n, V for n\n\n2. If you search a place, you look carefully for something or someone there.\nArmed troops searched the hospital yesterday...\nShe searched her desk for the necessary information...\nRelief workers are still searching through collapsed buildings looking for victims.\n  VERB: V n, V n for n, V prep\n\n3. A search is an attempt to find something or someone by looking for them carefully.\nThere was no chance of him being found alive and the search was abandoned...\nEgypt has said there is no time to lose in the search for a Middle East settlement.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n\n\n4. If a police officer or someone else in authority searches you, they look carefully to see whether you have something hidden on you.\nThe man took her suitcase from her and then searched her...\nHis first task was to search them for weapons.\n  VERB: V n, V n for n\n\n5. If you search for information on a computer, you give the computer an instruction to find that information. (COMPUTING)\nYou can use a directory service to search for people on the Internet.\n  VERB: V for n\n\n  Search is also a noun.\nHe was doing a computer search of local news articles.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6.\n  see also searching, strip-search\n7. If you go in search of something or someone, you try to find them.\nMiserable, and unexpectedly lonely, she went in search of Jean-Paul...\nThe law already denies entry to people in search of better economic opportunities.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR n\n\n8. You say `search me’ when someone asks you a question and you want to emphasize that you do not know the answer. (INFORMAL)\n  CONVENTION  emphasis


Words: search engine
Meaning:
search en.gine\n   search engine  search engines\n  A search engine is a computer program that searches for documents containing a particular word or words on the Internet. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: search out
Meaning:
search out\n  If you search something out, you keep looking for it until you find it.\nTraditional Spanish food is delicious and its specialities are worth searching out...\nMany people want jobs. They try to search them out every day.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = seek out


Words: search party
Meaning:
search par.ty\n   search party  search parties\n  A search party is an organized group of people who are searching for someone who is missing.\n  N-COUNT


Words: search warrant
Meaning:
search war.rant\n   search warrant  search warrants\n  A search warrant is a special document that gives the police permission to search a house or other building.\nOfficers armed with a search warrant entered the flat.\n  N-COUNT


Words: searcher
Meaning:
search.er\n   searcher  searchers\n1. Searchers are people who are looking for someone or something that is missing.\nSearchers have found three mountain climbers missing since Saturday.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. A searcher is someone who is trying to find something such as the truth or the answer to a problem.\nHe’s not a real searcher after truth.\n  N-COUNT: oft N after/for n\n  = seeker


Words: searching
Meaning:
search.ing\n   searching\n  A searching question or look is intended to discover the truth about something.\nThey asked her some searching questions on moral philosophy and logic.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  see also soul-searching


Words: searchlight
Meaning:
search.light\n   searchlight  searchlights\n  A searchlight is a large powerful light that can be turned to shine a long way in any direction.\n  N-COUNT


Words: searing
Meaning:
sear.ing\n   searing\n1. Searing is used to indicate that something such as pain or heat is very intense.\nShe woke to feel a searing pain in her feet.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A searing speech or piece of writing is very critical.\n...searing criticism.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: seascape
Meaning:
sea.scape\n   seascape  seascapes\n  A seascape is a painting or photograph of a scene at sea.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seashell
Meaning:
sea.shell\n   seashell  seashells   also sea shell\n  Seashells are the empty shells of small sea creatures.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = shell


Words: seashore
Meaning:
sea.shore\n   seashore  seashores\n  The seashore is the part of a coast where the land slopes down into the sea.\nShe takes her inspiration from shells and stones she finds on the seashore.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing


Words: seasick
Meaning:
sea.sick\n   seasick\n  If someone is seasick when they are travelling in a boat, they vomit or feel sick because of the way the boat is moving.\nIt was quite rough at times, and she was seasick.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n=>  sea.sick.ness\nHe was very prone to seasickness and already felt queasy.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: seaside
Meaning:
sea.side\n   seaside\n  You can refer to an area that is close to the sea, especially one where people go for their holidays, as the seaside.\nI went to spend a few days at the seaside...\nThe town was Redcar, a seaside resort on the Cleveland coast.\n  N-SING: the N, N n


Words: season
Meaning:
sea.son\n   season  seasons  seasoning  seasoned\n1. The seasons are the main periods into which a year can be divided and which each have their own typical weather conditions.\nAutumn’s my favourite season.\n...the only region of Brazil where all four seasons are clearly defined.\n...the rainy season.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. You can use season to refer to the period during each year when a particular activity or event takes place. For example, the planting season is the period when a particular plant or crop is planted.\n...birds arriving for the breeding season...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu the -ing N\n\n3. You can use season to refer to the period when a particular fruit, vegetable, or other food is ready for eating and is widely available.\nThe plum season is about to begin...\nNow British asparagus is in season.\n  N-COUNT: n N, also in/out of N\n\n4. You can use season to refer to a fixed period during each year when a particular sport is played.\n...the baseball season...\nIt is his first race this season.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp\n\n5. A season is a period in which a play or show, or a series of plays or shows, is performed in one place.\n...a season of three new plays.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n6. A season of films is several of them shown as a series because they are connected in some way.\n...a brief season of films in which Artaud appeared.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp\n\n7. The holiday or vacation season is the time when most people have their holiday.\n...the peak holiday season...\nThere are discos and clubs but these are often closed out of season.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu supp N, also in/out of N\n\n8. If you season food with salt, pepper, or spices, you add them to it in order to improve its flavour.\nSeason the meat with salt and pepper...\nI believe in seasoning food before putting it on the table.\n  VERB: V n with n, V n\n\n9. If wood is seasoned, it is made suitable for making into furniture or for burning, usually by being allowed to dry out gradually.\nEnsure that new wood has been seasoned.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n10.\n  see also seasoned, seasoning\n11. If a female animal is in season, she is in a state where she is ready to have sex.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: season ticket
Meaning:
sea.son tick.et\n   season ticket  season tickets\n  A season ticket is a ticket that you can use repeatedly during a certain period, without having to pay each time. You can buy season tickets for things such as buses, trains, regular sporting events, or theatre performances.\nWe went to renew our monthly season ticket.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seasonal
Meaning:
sea.son.al\n   seasonal\n  A seasonal factor, event, or change occurs during one particular time of the year.\nSeasonal variations need to be taken into account.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  sea.son.al.ly\nThe seasonally adjusted unemployment figures show a rise of twelve-hundred.\n  ADV: usu ADV -ed


Words: seasonal affective disorder
Meaning:
sea.son.al af.fec.tive dis.or.der\n   seasonal affective disorder\n  Seasonal affective disorder is a feeling of tiredness and sadness that some people have during the autumn and winter when there is very little sunshine. The abbreviation SAD is often used.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: seasoned
Meaning:
sea.soned\n   seasoned\n  You can use seasoned to describe a person who has a lot of experience of something. For example, a seasoned traveller is a person who has travelled a lot.\nHe began acting with the confidence of a seasoned performer.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: seasoning
Meaning:
sea.son.ing\n   seasoning  seasonings\n  Seasoning is salt, pepper, or other spices that are added to food to improve its flavour.\nMix the meat with the onion, carrot, and some seasoning.\n  N-MASS


Words: seat
Meaning:
seat  seats  seating  seated\n1. A seat is an object that you can sit on, for example a chair.\nStephen returned to his seat...\nAnn could remember sitting in the back seat of their car.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The seat of a chair is the part that you sit on.\nThe stool had a torn, red plastic seat.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you seat yourself somewhere, you sit down. (WRITTEN)\nHe waved towards a chair, and seated himself at the desk.\n...a portrait of one of his favourite models seated on an elegant sofa.\n  VERB: V pron-refl, V-ed\n\n4. A building or vehicle that seats a particular number of people has enough seats for that number.\nThe Theatre seats 570.\n  VERB: V amount\n\n5. The seat of a piece of clothing is the part that covers your bottom.\nThen he got up and brushed off the seat of his jeans.\n  N-SING: usu the N of n\n\n6. When someone is elected to a parliament, congress, or senate, you can say that they, or their party, have won a seat.\nIndependent candidates won the majority of seats on the local council.\n...a Maryland Republican who lost his seat.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. If someone has a seat on the board of a company or on a committee, they are a member of it.\nHe has been unsuccessful in his attempt to win a seat on the board of the company.\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. The seat of an organization, a wealthy family, or an activity is its base.\nGunfire broke out early this morning around the seat of government in Lagos.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n9.\n  see also deep-seated, hot seat\n10. If you take a back seat, you allow other people to have all the power and to make all the decisions.\nYou need to take a back seat and think about both past and future...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n11. If you take a seat, you sit down. (FORMAL)\n`Take a seat,’ he said in a bored tone...\nRachel smiled at him as they took their seats on opposite sides of the table.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n12.\nin the driving seat: see driving seat\nby the seat of your pants: see pants


Words: seat belt
Meaning:
seat belt  seat belts   also seatbelt\n  A seat belt is a strap attached to a seat in a car or an aircraft. You fasten it across your body in order to prevent yourself being thrown out of the seat if there is a sudden movement.\nThe fact I was wearing a seat belt saved my life.\n  N-COUNT\n  = safety belt


Words: seat of learning
Meaning:
seat of learn.ing\n   seat of learning  seats of learning\n  People sometimes refer to a university or a similar institution as a seat of learning. (WRITTEN)\n...one department of that great seat of learning.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seating
Meaning:
seat.ing\n   seating\n1. You can refer to the seats in a place as the seating.\nThe stadium has been fitted with seating for over eighty thousand spectators.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The seating at a public place or a formal occasion is the arrangement of where people will sit.\nShe checked the seating arrangements before the guests filed into the dining-room.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: seaward
Meaning:
sea.ward\n   seaward\n\n  The form seawards can also be used for meaning 1.\n\n1. Something that moves or faces seaward or seawards moves or faces in the direction of the sea or further out to sea.\nA barge was about a hundred yards away, waiting to return seaward...\nIt faced seawards to the north.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  !=inland\n2. The seaward side of something faces in the direction of the sea or further out to sea.\nThe houses on the seaward side of the road were all in ruins.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: seaweed
Meaning:
sea.weed\n   seaweed  seaweeds\n  Seaweed is a plant that grows in the sea. There are many kinds of seaweed.\n...seaweed washed up on a beach.\n  N-MASS


Words: seaworthy
Meaning:
sea.worthy\n   seaworthy\n  A ship or boat which is seaworthy is fit to travel at sea.\nThe ship was completely seaworthy.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  sea.worthiness\nIt didn’t reach required standards of safety and seaworthiness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sec
Meaning:
sec secs\n  If you ask someone to wait a sec, you are asking them to wait for a very short time. (INFORMAL)\nCan you just hang on a sec?...\nBe with you in a sec.\n  N-COUNT: usu a N in sing


Words: sec.
Meaning:
sec. secs\n  Sec. is a written abbreviation for second or seconds.\nGrete Waitz finished with a time of 2 hrs, 29 min., 30 sec.\n\n  = second


Words: secateurs
Meaning:
seca.teurs\n   secateurs\n  Secateurs are a gardening tool that look like a pair of strong, heavy scissors. Secateurs are used for cutting the stems of plants. (BRIT; in AM, use pruning shears)\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N


Words: secede
Meaning:
se.cede\n   secede  secedes  seceding  seceded\n  If a region or group secedes from the country or larger group to which it belongs, it formally becomes a separate country or stops being a member of the larger group.\nSingapore seceded from the Federation of Malaysia and became an independent sovereign state...\nOn 20 August 1960 Senegal seceded.\n  VERB: V from n, V


Words: secession
Meaning:
se.ces.sion\n   secession\n  The secession of a region or group from the country or larger group to which it belongs is the action of formally becoming separate.\n...the Ukraine’s secession from the Soviet Union.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: secessionist
Meaning:
se.ces.sion.ist\n   secessionist  secessionists\n  Secessionists are people who want their region or group to become separate from the country or larger group to which it belongs.\n...Lithuanian secessionists...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, N n


Words: secluded
Meaning:
se.clud.ed\n   secluded\n  A secluded place is quiet and private.\nWe were tucked away in a secluded corner of the room...\nWe found a secluded beach a few miles further on.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: seclusion
Meaning:
se.clu.sion\n   seclusion\n  If you are living in seclusion, you are in a quiet place away from other people.\nShe lived in seclusion with her husband on their farm in Panama...\nThey love the seclusion of their garden.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: second
Meaning:
COMING AFTER SOMETHING ELSE\nsec.ond  COMING AFTER SOMETHING ELSE\n   second  seconds  seconding seconded\n\nPlease look at category 13 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.\n1. The second item in a series is the one that you count as number two.\n...the second day of his visit to Delhi.\n...their second child...\nMy son just got married for the second time...\nShe was the second of nine children.\n...King Charles the Second...\nBritain came second in the Prix St Georges Derby.\n  ORD\n\n2. Second is used before superlative adjectives to indicate that there is only one thing better or larger than the thing you are referring to.\nThe party is still the second strongest in Italy.\n...the second-largest city in the United States.\n  ORD: ORD adj-superl\n\n3. You say second when you want to make a second point or give a second reason for something.\nThe soil is depleted first by having crops grown in it and second by natural weathering and bacterial action.\n  ADV: ADV cl\n\n4. In Britain, an upper second is a good honours degree and a lower second is an average honours degree.\nI then went up to Lancaster University and got an upper second.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If you have seconds, you have a second helping of food. (INFORMAL)\nThere’s seconds if you want them.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n6. Seconds are goods that are sold cheaply in shops because they have slight faults.\nIt’s a new shop selling discounted lines and seconds.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n7. The seconds of someone who is taking part in a boxing match or chess tournament are the people who assist and encourage them.\nHe shouted to his seconds, `I did it! I did it!’\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n8. If you second a proposal in a meeting or debate, you formally express your agreement with it so that it can then be discussed or voted on.\n...Bryan Sutton, who seconded the motion against fox hunting...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  sec.ond.er      seconders\nCandidates need a proposer and seconder whose names are kept secret.\n  N-COUNT\n\n9. If you second what someone has said, you say that you agree with them or say the same thing yourself.\nThe Prime Minister seconded the call for discipline in a speech last week.\n  VERB: V n\n\n10. If you experience something at second hand, you are told about it by other people rather than experiencing it yourself.\nMost of them had only heard of the massacre at second hand.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n  see also second-hand\n11. If you say that something is second to none, you are emphasizing that it is very good indeed or the best that there is.\nOur scientific research is second to none.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR  emphasis\n\n12. If you say that something is second only to something else, you mean that only that thing is better or greater than it.\nAs a major health risk hepatitis is second only to tobacco.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\n13.\nsecond nature: see nature\nin the second place: see place\n\nSENDING SOMEONE TO DO A JOB\nse.cond  SENDING SOMEONE TO DO A JOB\n   second  seconds  seconding  seconded\n  If you are seconded somewhere, you are sent there temporarily by your employer in order to do special duties. (BRIT)\nIn 1937 he was seconded to the Royal Canadian Air Force in Ottawa as air armament adviser...\nSeveral hundred soldiers have been seconded to help farmers.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed prep/adv, be V-ed to-inf\n\nPART OF A MINUTE\nsec.ond  PART OF A MINUTE\n   second  seconds\n  A second is one of the sixty parts that a minute is divided into. People often say `a second’ or `seconds’ when they simply mean a very short time.\nFor a few seconds nobody said anything...\nIt only takes forty seconds...\nHer orbital speed must be a few hundred meters per second...\nWithin seconds the other soldiers began firing too...\n  N-COUNT


Words: second best
Meaning:
sec.ond best\n   second best   also second-best\n1. Second best is used to describe something that is not as good as the best thing of its kind but is better than all the other things of that kind.\nHe put on his second best suit...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. You can use second best to describe something that you have to accept even though you would have preferred something else.\nHe refused to settle for anything that was second best.\n  ADJ\n\n  Second best is also a noun.\nOatmeal is a good second best.\n  N-SING


Words: second chamber
Meaning:
sec.ond cham.ber\n   second chamber\n  The second chamber is one of the two groups that a parliament is divided into. In Britain, the second chamber is the House of Lords. In the United States, the second chamber can be either the Senate or the House of Representatives.\n  N-SING


Words: second childhood
Meaning:
sec.ond child.hood\n   second childhood\n  If you say that an old person is in their second childhood, you mean that their mind is becoming weaker and that their behaviour is similar to that of a young child.\n  N-SING


Words: second coming
Meaning:
sec.ond com.ing\n   second coming\n  When Christians refer to the second coming, they mean the expected return to earth of Jesus Christ.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: second cousin
Meaning:
sec.ond cous.in\n   second cousin  second cousins\n  Your second cousins are the children of your parents’ first cousins. Compare first cousin.\n  N-COUNT


Words: second language
Meaning:
sec.ond lan.guage\n   second language  second languages\n  Someone’s second language is a language which is not their native language but which they use at work or at school.\nLucy teaches English as a second language...\n  N-COUNT


Words: second lieutenant
Meaning:
sec.ond lieu.ten.ant\n   second lieutenant  second lieutenants\n1. A second lieutenant is an officer in the army who ranks directly below a lieutenant. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A second lieutenant is an officer in the army, air force, or marines who ranks directly below a first lieutenant. (AM)


Words: second name
Meaning:
sec.ond name\n   second name  second names\n  Someone’s second name is their family name, or the name that comes after their first name and before their family name.\n  N-COUNT


Words: second opinion
Meaning:
sec.ond opin.ion\n   second opinion  second opinions\n  If you get a second opinion, you ask another qualified person for their opinion about something such as your health.\nI would like a second opinion on my doctor’s diagnosis.\n  N-COUNT


Words: second person
Meaning:
sec.ond per.son\n   second person\n  A statement in the second person is a statement about the person or people you are talking to. The subject of a statement like this is `you’.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: second sight
Meaning:
sec.ond sight\n   second sight\n  If you say that someone has second sight, you mean that they seem to have the ability to know or see things that are going to happen in the future, or are happening in a different place.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: second string
Meaning:
sec.ond string\n   second string   also second-string\n  If you describe a person or thing as someone’s second string, you mean that they are only used if another person or thing is not available.\n...a second string team.\n  N-SING: oft N n


Words: second thought
Meaning:
sec.ond thought\n   second thought  second thoughts\n1. If you do something without a second thought, you do it without thinking about it carefully, usually because you do not have enough time or you do not care very much.\nThis murderous lunatic could kill them both without a second thought...\nRoberto didn’t give a second thought to borrowing $2,000 from him.\n  N-SING: with brd-neg, a N\n\n2. If you have second thoughts about a decision that you have made, you begin to doubt whether it was the best thing to do.\nI had never had second thoughts about my decision to leave the company.\n  N-PLURAL: oft N about n\n\n3. You can say on second thoughts or on second thought when you suddenly change your mind about something that you are saying or something that you have decided to do.\n`Wait there!’ Kathryn rose. `No, on second thought, follow me.’\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl


Words: second wind
Meaning:
sec.ond wind\n   second wind\n  When you get your second wind, you become able to continue doing something difficult or energetic after you have been tired or out of breath.\nFinding a second wind, he rode away from his pursuers.\n  N-SING


Words: Second World War
Meaning:
Sec.ond World War\n   Second World War\n  The Second World War is the major war that was fought between 1939 and 1945.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: second-class
Meaning:
second-class   also second class\n1. If someone treats you as a second-class citizen, they treat you as if you are less valuable and less important than other people.\nToo many airlines treat our children as second-class citizens.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe something as second-class, you mean that it is of poor quality.\nI am not prepared to see children in some parts of this country having to settle for a second-class education.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = second-rate\n3. The second-class accommodation on a train or ship is the ordinary accommodation, which is cheaper and less comfortable than the first-class accommodation.\nHe sat in the corner of a second-class carriage...\n...a second-class ticket.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Second class is also an adverb.\nI recently travelled second class from Pisa to Ventimiglia.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  Second-class is second-class accommodation on a train or ship.\nIn second class the fare is .85 one-way.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. In Britain, second-class postage is the slower and cheaper type of postage. In the United States, second-class postage is the type of postage that is used for sending newspapers and magazines.\n...a second-class stamp.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Second class is also an adverb.\nThey’re going to send it second class.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n5. In Britain, a second-class degree is a good university degree, but not as good as a first-class degree.\nA second-class honours degree is the minimum requirement.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: second-degree
Meaning:
second-degree\n1. In the United States, second-degree is used to describe crimes that are considered to be less serious than first-degree crimes.\nThe judge reduced the charge to second-degree murder.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A second-degree burn is more severe than a first-degree burn but less severe than a third-degree burn.\nJames Bell suffered second-degree burns in an explosion.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: second-guess
Meaning:
second-guess  second-guesses  second-guessing  second-guessed\n  If you try to second-guess something, you try to guess in advance what someone will do or what will happen.\nEditors and contributors are trying to second-guess the future.\n  VERB: V n, also V


Words: second-hand
Meaning:
second-hand\n1. Second-hand things are not new and have been owned by someone else.\nBuying a second-hand car can be a risky business.\n...a stack of second-hand books.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  Second-hand is also an adverb.\nFar more boats are bought second-hand than are bought brand new.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. A second-hand shop sells second-hand goods.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Second-hand stories, information, or opinions are those you learn about from other people rather than directly or from your own experience.\nThe denunciation was made on the basis of second-hand information.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\nat second hand: see second


Words: second-in-command
Meaning:
second-in-command   also second in command\n  A second-in-command is someone who is next in rank to the leader of a group, and who has authority to give orders when the leader is not there.\nHe was posted to Hong Kong as second-in-command of C Squadron...\n  N-SING


Words: second-rate
Meaning:
second-rate\n  If you describe something as second-rate, you mean that it is of poor quality.\n...second-rate restaurants.\n...another second-rate politician.\n  ADJ


Words: secondary
Meaning:
sec.ond.ary\n   secondary\n1. If you describe something as secondary, you mean that it is less important than something else.\nThe street erupted in a huge explosion, with secondary explosions in the adjoining buildings...\nThe actual damage to the brain cells is secondary to the damage caused to the blood supply.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n, also v-link ADJ to n\n\n2. Secondary diseases or infections happen as a result of another disease or infection that has already happened.\nHe had kidney cancer, with secondary tumours in the brain and lungs.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. Secondary education is given to pupils between the ages of 11 or 12 and 17 or 18.\nExaminations for the GCSE are taken after about five years of secondary education.\n  ADJ


Words: secondary modern
Meaning:
sec.ond.ary mod.ern\n   secondary modern  secondary moderns\n  Secondary moderns were schools which existed until recently in Britain for children aged between about eleven and sixteen, where more attention was paid to practical skills and less to academic study than in a grammar school.\n  N-COUNT


Words: secondary school
Meaning:
sec.ond.ary school\n   secondary school  secondary schools\n  A secondary school is a school for pupils between the ages of 11 or 12 and 17 or 18.\nShe taught history at a secondary school...\n  N-VAR


Words: secondly
Meaning:
sec.ond.ly\n   secondly\n  You say secondly when you want to make a second point or give a second reason for something.\nYou need, firstly, a strong independent board of directors and secondly, an experienced and dedicated staff.\n  ADV: ADV with cl (not last in cl)


Words: secondment
Meaning:
se.cond.ment\n   secondment  secondments\n  Someone who is on secondment from their normal employer has been sent somewhere else temporarily in order to do special duties. (BRIT)\nWe have two full-time secretaries, one of whom is on secondment from the Royal Navy.\n  N-VAR: oft on N, N from/to n


Words: secrecy
Meaning:
se.cre.cy\n   secrecy\n  Secrecy is the act of keeping something secret, or the state of being kept secret.\nHe shrouds his business dealings in secrecy.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft prep N


Words: secret
Meaning:
se.cret\n   secret  secrets\n1. If something is secret, it is known about by only a small number of people, and is not told or shown to anyone else.\nSoldiers have been training at a secret location...\nThe police have been trying to keep the documents secret.\n  ADJ: ADJ n, v n ADJ, v-link ADJ\n\n  see also top secret\n=>  se.cret.ly\nHe wore a hidden microphone to secretly tape-record conversations.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n2. A secret is a fact that is known by only a small number of people, and is not told to anyone else.\nI think he enjoyed keeping our love a secret...\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you say that a particular way of doing things is the secret of achieving something, you mean that it is the best or only way to achieve it.\nThe secret of success is honesty and fair dealing...\n  N-SING: the N, oft the N of n\n\n4. Something’s secrets are the things about it which have never been fully explained.\nWe have an opportunity now to really unlock the secrets of the universe...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft with poss\n\n5. If you do something in secret, you do it without anyone else knowing.\nDan found out that I had been meeting my ex-boyfriend in secret.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n6. If you say that someone can keep a secret, you mean that they can be trusted not to tell other people a secret that you have told them.\nTom was utterly indiscreet, and could never keep a secret.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n7. If you make no secret of something, you tell others about it openly and clearly.\nHis wife made no secret of her hatred for the formal occasions...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR of n


Words: secret agent
Meaning:
se.cret agent\n   secret agent  secret agents\n  A secret agent is a person who is employed by a government to find out the secrets of other governments.\n  N-COUNT


Words: secret police
Meaning:
se.cret po.lice\n   secret police\n  The secret police is a police force in some countries that works secretly and deals with political crimes committed against the government.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also the N


Words: secret service
Meaning:
se.cret ser.vice\n   secret service  secret services\n1. A country’s secret service is a secret government department whose job is to find out enemy secrets and to prevent its own government’s secrets from being discovered.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The secret service is the government department in the United States which protects the president. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: secret weapon
Meaning:
se.cret weap.on\n   secret weapon  secret weapons\n  Someone’s secret weapon is a thing or person which they believe will help them achieve something and which other people do not know about.\nDiscipline was the new coach’s secret weapon.\n  N-COUNT


Words: secretarial
Meaning:
sec.re.tar.ial\n   secretarial\n  Secretarial work is the work done by a secretary in an office.\nI was doing temporary secretarial work...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: secretariat
Meaning:
sec.re.tari.at\n   secretariat  secretariats\n  A secretariat is a department that is responsible for the administration of an international political organization.\n...the UN secretariat.\n  N-COUNT


Words: secretary
Meaning:
sec.re.tary\n   secretary  secretaries\n1. A secretary is a person who is employed to do office work, such as typing letters, answering phone calls, and arranging meetings.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The secretary of an organization such as a trade union, a political party, or a club is its official manager. (BRIT)\nMy grandfather was secretary of the Scottish Miners’ Union.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. The secretary of a company is the person who has the legal duty of keeping the company’s records.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. Secretary is used in the titles of ministers and officials who are in charge of main government departments.\n...the British Foreign Secretary.\n...Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE


Words: Secretary of State
Meaning:
Sec.re.tary of State\n   Secretary of State  Secretaries of State\n1. In the United States, the Secretary of State is the head of the government department which deals with foreign affairs.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing\n\n2. In Britain, the Secretary of State for a particular government department is the head of that department.\n...the Secretary of State for Education.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing


Words: secretary-general
Meaning:
secretary-general  secretaries-general   also Secretary General\n  The secretary-general of an international political organization is the person in charge of its administration.\n...the United Nations Secretary-General.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing


Words: secrete
Meaning:
se.crete\n   secrete  secretes  secreting  secreted\n1. If part of a plant, animal, or human secretes a liquid, it produces it.\nThe sweat glands secrete water.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you secrete something somewhere, you hide it there so that nobody will find it. (LITERARY)\nShe secreted the gun in the kitchen cabinet.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv


Words: secretion
Meaning:
se.cre.tion\n   secretion  secretions\n1. Secretion is the process by which certain liquid substances are produced by parts of plants or from the bodies of people or animals.\n...the secretion of adrenaline.\n...insulin secretion.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Secretions are liquid substances produced by parts of plants or bodies.\n...gastric secretions.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: secretive
Meaning:
se.cre.tive\n   secretive\n  If you are secretive, you like to have secrets and to keep your knowledge, feelings, or intentions hidden.\nBillionaires are usually fairly secretive about the exact amount that they’re worth.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ about n\n\n=>  se.cre.tive.ly\n...a banknote handed over secretively in the entrance to a building.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n=>  se.cre.tive.ness\nHe was evasive, to the point of secretiveness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: sect
Meaning:
sect  sects\n  A sect is a group of people that has separated from a larger group and has a particular set of religious or political beliefs.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sectarian
Meaning:
sec.tar.ian\n   sectarian\n  Sectarian means resulting from the differences between different religions.\nHe was the fifth person to be killed in sectarian violence last week...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: sectarianism
Meaning:
sec.tari.an.ism\n   sectarianism\n  Sectarianism is strong support for the religious or political group you belong to, and often involves conflict with other groups.\n...political rivalry and sectarianism within our movement.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: section
Meaning:
sec.tion\n   section  sections  sectioning  sectioned\n1. A section of something is one of the parts into which it is divided or from which it is formed.\nHe said it was wrong to single out any section of society for Aids testing...\nThey moulded a complete new bow section for the boat.\n...a large orchestra, with a vast percussion section.\n...the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n  see also cross-section\n2. If something is sectioned, it is divided into sections.\nIt holds vegetables in place while they are being peeled or sectioned.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n3. A section of an official document such as a report, law, or constitution is one of the parts into which it is divided.\n...section 14 of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.\n  N-COUNT: usu N num\n\n4. A section is a diagram of something such as a building or a part of the body. It shows how the object would appear to you if it were cut from top to bottom and looked at from the side.\nFor some buildings a vertical section is more informative than a plan.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5.\nCaesarean section: see Caesarean


Words: section off
Meaning:
section off\n  If an area is sectioned off, it is separated by a wall, fence, or other barrier from the surrounding area.\nThe kitchen is sectioned off from the rest of the room by a half wall.\n  PHRASAL VERB: usu passive, be V-ed P, also V n P, V P n (not pron)


Words: sectional
Meaning:
sec.tion.al\n   sectional\n  Sectional interests are those of a particular group within a community or country.\nHe criticized the selfish attitude of certain sectional interests.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: sector
Meaning:
sec.tor\n   sector  sectors\n1. A particular sector of a country’s economy is the part connected with that specified type of industry.\n...the nation’s manufacturing sector.\n  N-COUNT: supp N\n\n  see also public sector, private sector\n2. A sector of a large group is a smaller group which is part of it.\nWorkers who went to the Gulf came from the poorest sectors of Pakistani society.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. A sector is an area of a city or country which is controlled by a military force.\nOfficers were going to retake sectors of the city.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n4. A sector is a part of a circle which is formed when you draw two straight lines from the centre of the circle to the edge. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sectoral
Meaning:
sec.tor.al\n   sectoral\n  Sectoral means relating to the various economic sectors of a society or to a particular economic sector. (TECHNICAL)\n...sectoral differences within social classes.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: secular
Meaning:
secu.lar\n   secular\n  You use secular to describe things that have no connection with religion.\nHe spoke about preserving the country as a secular state.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=religious


Words: secularism
Meaning:
secu.lar.ism\n   secularism\n  Secularism is a system of social organization and education where religion is not allowed to play a part in civil affairs.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  secu.lar.ist      secularists\nThe country is being torn to pieces by conflict between fundamentalists and secularists.\n  N-COUNT


Words: secularized
Meaning:
secu.lar.ized\n   secularized\nin BRIT, also use secularised\n  Secularized societies are no longer under the control or influence of religion.\nThe Pope had no great sympathy for the secularized West.\n  ADJ


Words: secure
Meaning:
se.cure\n   secure  secures  securing  secured\n1. If you secure something that you want or need, you obtain it, often after a lot of effort. (FORMAL)\nFederal leaders continued their efforts to secure a ceasefire...\nGraham’s achievements helped secure him the job.\n  VERB: V n, V n n, also V n for n\n\n2. If you secure a place, you make it safe from harm or attack. (FORMAL)\nStaff withdrew from the main part of the prison but secured the perimeter...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. A secure place is tightly locked or well protected, so that people cannot enter it or leave it.\nWe shall make sure our home is as secure as possible from now on.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  se.cure.ly\nHe locked the heavy door securely and kept the key in his pocket.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n4. If you secure an object, you fasten it firmly to another object.\nHe helped her close the cases up, and then he secured the canvas straps as tight as they would go...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If an object is secure, it is fixed firmly in position.\nCheck joints are secure and the wood is sound...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n=>  se.cure.ly\nEnsure that the frame is securely fixed to the ground with bolts...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n6. If you describe something such as a job as secure, it is certain not to change or end.\n...trade union demands for secure wages and employment...\n...the failure of financial institutions once thought to be secure.\n  ADJ\n\n7. A secure base or foundation is strong and reliable.\nHe was determined to give his family a secure and solid base.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n8. If you feel secure, you feel safe and happy and are not worried about life.\nShe felt secure and protected when she was with him...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n9. If a loan is secured, the person who lends the money may take property such as a house from the person who borrows the money if they fail to repay it. (BUSINESS)\nThe loan is secured against your home...\nHis main task is to raise enough finance to repay secured loans.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed adv/prep, V-ed


Words: secure unit
Meaning:
se.cure unit\n   secure unit  secure units\n  A secure unit is a building or part of a building where dangerous prisoners or violent psychiatric patients are kept.\n...the secure unit at Cane Hill hospital.\n  N-COUNT


Words: security
Meaning:
se.cu.rity\n   security  securities\n1. Security refers to all the measures that are taken to protect a place, or to ensure that only people with permission enter it or leave it.\nThey are now under a great deal of pressure to tighten their airport security...\nStrict security measures are in force in the capital.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp, oft N n\n\n2. A feeling of security is a feeling of being safe and free from worry.\nHe loves the security of a happy home life...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n\n\n  If something gives you a false sense of security, it makes you believe that you are safe when you are not.\nWearing helmets gave cyclists a false sense of security and encouraged them to take risks.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n3. If something is security for a loan, you promise to give that thing to the person who lends you money, if you fail to pay the money back. (BUSINESS)\nThe central bank will provide special loans, and the banks will pledge the land as security.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = collateral\n4. Securities are stocks, shares, bonds, or other certificates that you buy in order to earn regular interest from them or to sell them later for a profit. (BUSINESS)\n...US government securities and bonds.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n5.\n  see also social security


Words: security blanket
Meaning:
se.cu.rity blan.ket\n   security blanket  security blankets\n1. If you refer to something as a security blanket, you mean that it provides someone with a feeling of safety and comfort when they are in a situation that worries them or makes them feel nervous.\nAlan sings with shy intensity, hiding behind the security blanket of his guitar.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A baby’s security blanket is a piece of cloth or clothing which the baby holds and chews in order to feel comforted.\n  N-COUNT


Words: security camera
Meaning:
se.cu.rity cam.era\n   security camera  security cameras\n  A security camera is a video camera that records people’s activities in order to detect and prevent crime.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Security Council
Meaning:
Se.cu.rity Coun.cil\n   Security Council\n  The Security Council is the committee which governs the United Nations. It has permanent representatives from the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, and temporary representatives from some other countries.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: security guard
Meaning:
se.cu.rity guard\n   security guard  security guards\n  A security guard is someone whose job is to protect a building or to collect and deliver large amounts of money.\n  N-COUNT


Words: security risk
Meaning:
se.cu.rity risk\n   security risk  security risks\n  If you describe someone as a security risk, you mean that they may be a threat to the safety of a country or organization.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sedan
Meaning:
se.dan\n   sedan  sedans\n  A sedan is a car with seats for four or more people, a fixed roof, and a boot that is separate from the part of the car that you sit in. (AM; in BRIT, use saloon)\n  N-COUNT


Words: sedan chair
Meaning:
se.dan chair\n   sedan chair  sedan chairs\n  A sedan chair is an enclosed chair for one person carried on two poles by two men, one in front and one behind. Sedan chairs were used in the 17th and 18th centuries.\n  N-COUNT


Words: sedate
Meaning:
se.date\n   sedate  sedates  sedating  sedated\n1. If you describe someone or something as sedate, you mean that they are quiet and rather dignified, though perhaps a bit dull.\nShe took them to visit her sedate, elderly cousins...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  se.date.ly\n...sedately dressed in business suit with waistcoat.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you move along at a sedate pace, you move slowly, in a controlled way.\nWe set off again at a more sedate pace.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  se.date.ly\nHe pulled sedately out of the short driveway.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n3. If someone is sedated, they are given a drug to calm them or to make them sleep.\nThe patient is sedated with intravenous use of sedative drugs...\nDoctors have been told not to sedate children with an anaesthetic that may be linked to five deaths.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n=>  se.dat.ed\nGrace was asleep, lightly sedated.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: sedation
Meaning:
se.da.tion\n   sedation\n  If someone is under sedation, they have been given medicine or drugs in order to calm them or make them sleep.\nHis mother was under sedation after the boy’s body was brought back from Germany.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft under N


Words: sedative
Meaning:
seda.tive\n   sedative  sedatives\n1. A sedative is a medicine or drug that calms you or makes you sleep.\nThey use opium as a sedative, rather than as a narcotic.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Something that has a sedative effect calms you or makes you sleep.\nAmber bath oil has a sedative effect.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: sedentary
Meaning:
sed.en.tary\n   sedentary\n  Someone who has a sedentary lifestyle or job sits down a lot of the time and does not take much exercise.\nObesity and a sedentary lifestyle has been linked with an increased risk of heart disease.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: sediment
Meaning:
sedi.ment\n   sediment  sediments\n  Sediment is solid material that settles at the bottom of a liquid, especially earth and pieces of rock that have been carried along and then left somewhere by water, ice, or wind.\nMany organisms that die in the sea are soon buried by sediment.\n  N-VAR


Words: sedimentary
Meaning:
sedi.men.tary\n   sedimentary\n  Sedimentary rocks are formed from sediment left by water, ice, or wind.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: sedition
Meaning:
se.di.tion\n   sedition\n  Sedition is speech, writing, or behaviour intended to encourage people to fight against or oppose the government.\nGovernment officials charged him with sedition.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: seditious
Meaning:
se.di.tious\n   seditious\n  A seditious act, speech, or piece of writing encourages people to fight against or oppose the government.\nHe fell under suspicion for distributing seditious pamphlets.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: seduce
Meaning:
se.duce\n   seduce  seduces  seducing  seduced\n1. If something seduces you, it is so attractive that it makes you do something that you would not otherwise do.\nThe view of lake and plunging cliffs seduces visitors...\nClever advertising would seduce more people into smoking.\n  VERB: V n, V n into -ing\n\n=>  se.duc.tion      seductions\nThe country had resisted the seductions of mass tourism.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If someone seduces another person, they use their charm to persuade that person to have sex with them.\nShe has set out to seduce Stephen.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  se.duc.tion\nHer methods of seduction are subtle.\n  N-VAR


Words: seducer
Meaning:
se.duc.er\n   seducer  seducers\n  A seducer is someone, usually a man, who seduces someone else.\nHe is proud of his reputation as a seducer of young women.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seductive
Meaning:
se.duc.tive\n   seductive\n1. Something that is seductive is very attractive or makes you want to do something that you would not otherwise do.\nIt’s a seductive argument.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  se.duc.tive.ly\n...his seductively simple assertion...\n  ADV: usu ADV adj, also ADV with v\n\n2. A person who is seductive is very attractive sexually.\n...a seductive woman...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  se.duc.tive.ly\nShe was looking seductively over her shoulder...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: seductress
Meaning:
se.duc.tress\n   seductress  seductresses\n  A seductress is a woman who seduces someone.\nFew males can resist a self-confident seductress.\n  N-COUNT


Words: see
Meaning:
see  sees  seeing  saw  seen\n1. When you see something, you notice it using your eyes.\nYou can’t see colours at night...\nI saw a man making his way towards me...\nShe can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste...\nAs he neared the farm, he saw that a police car was parked outside it...\nDid you see what happened?\n  VERB: no cont, V n, V n -ing, V, V that, V wh\n\n2. If you see someone, you visit them or meet them.\nMick wants to see you in his office right away...\nYou need to see a doctor.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n3. If you see an entertainment such as a play, film, concert, or sports game, you watch it.\nHe had been to see a Semi-Final of the FA Cup...\nIt was one of the most amazing films I’ve ever seen.\n  VERB: no cont, V n, V n\n  = watch\n4. If you see that something is true or exists, you realize by observing it that it is true or exists.\nI could see she was lonely.\n...a lot of people saw what was happening but did nothing about it...\nYou see young people going to school inadequately dressed for the weather...\nMy taste has changed a bit over the years as you can see...\nThe army must be seen to be taking firm action.\n  VERB: no cont, V that, V wh, V n -ing, V, be V-ed to-inf\n\n5. If you see what someone means or see why something happened, you understand what they mean or understand why it happened.\nOh, I see what you’re saying...\nI really don’t see any reason for changing it...\nNow I see that I was wrong.\n  VERB: no cont, no passive, V wh, V n, V that\n  = understand\n6. If you see someone or something as a certain thing, you have the opinion that they are that thing.\nShe saw him as a visionary, but her father saw him as a man who couldn’t make a living...\nOthers saw it as a betrayal...\nI don’t see it as my duty to take sides...\nAs I see it, Llewelyn has three choices open to him...\nWomen are sometimes seen to be less effective as managers.\n  VERB: V n as n/-ing, V it as n, V it as n to-inf, V it, be V-ed to-inf\n\n7. If you see a particular quality in someone, you believe they have that quality. If you ask what someone sees in a particular person or thing, you want to know what they find attractive about that person or thing.\nFrankly, I don’t know what Paul sees in her...\nYoung and old saw in him an implacable opponent of apartheid.\n  VERB: no cont, no passive, V n in n, V in n n\n\n8. If you see something happening in the future, you imagine it, or predict that it will happen.\nA good idea, but can you see Taylor trying it?...\nWe can see a day where all people live side by side.\n  VERB: no cont, V n -ing, V n\n  = imagine\n9. If a period of time or a person sees a particular change or event, it takes place during that period of time or while that person is alive.\nYesterday saw the resignation of the acting Interior Minister...\nHe had worked with the General for three years and was sorry to see him go...\nMr Frank has seen the economy of his town slashed by the uprising.\n  VERB: no passive, V n, V n inf, V n -ed\n\n10. You can use see in expressions to do with finding out information. For example, if you say `I’ll see what’s happening’, you mean that you intend to find out what is happening.\nLet me just see what the next song is...\nShake him gently to see if he responds.\n  VERB: V wh, V wh\n\n11. You can use see to promise to try and help someone. For example, if you say `I’ll see if I can do it’, you mean that you will try to do the thing concerned.\nI’ll see if I can call her for you...\nWe’ll see what we can do, miss.\n  VERB: V if, V wh\n\n12. If you see that something is done or if you see to it that it is done, you make sure that it is done.\nSee that you take care of him...\nCatherine saw to it that the information went directly to Walter.\n  VERB: V that, V to it that\n\n13. If you see someone to a particular place, you accompany them to make sure that they get there safely, or to show politeness.\nHe didn’t offer to see her to her car...\n`Goodnight.’.`I’ll see you out.’\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv\n\n(next)


Words: see .1
Meaning:
14. If you see a lot of someone, you often meet each other or visit each other.\nWe used to see quite a lot of his wife, Carolyn...\n  VERB: V amount of n\n\n15. If you are seeing someone, you spend time with them socially, and are having a romantic or sexual relationship.\nMy husband was still seeing her and he was having an affair with her.\n  VERB: V n\n\n16. Some writers use see in expressions such as we saw and as we have seen to refer to something that has already been explained or described.\nWe saw in Chapter 16 how annual cash budgets are produced...\nUsing the figures given above, it can be seen that machine A pays back the initial investment in two years...\n  VERB: V wh, V that\n\n17. See is used in books to indicate to readers that they should look at another part of the book, or at another book, because more information is given there.\nSee Chapter 7 below for further comments on the textile industry.\n  VERB: only imper, V n\n\n18. You can use seeing that or seeing as to introduce a reason for what you are saying. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL, SPOKEN)\nSeeing as Mr Moreton is a doctor, I would assume he has a modicum of intelligence.\n  PHRASE: CONJ SUBORD\n  = since\n19. You can say `I see’ to indicate that you understand what someone is telling you. (SPOKEN)\n`He came home in my car.’.`I see.’\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n\n20. People say `I’ll see’ or `We’ll see’ to indicate that they do not intend to make a decision immediately, and will decide later.\nWe’ll see. It’s a possibility.\n  CONVENTION\n\n21. People say `let me see’ or `let’s see’ when they are trying to remember something, or are trying to find something.\nLet’s see, they’re six.no, make that five hours ahead of us...\nNow let me see, who’s the man we want?\n  CONVENTION\n\n22. If you try to make someone see sense or see reason, you try to make them realize that they are wrong or are being stupid.\nHe was hopeful that by sitting together they could both see sense and live as good neighbours...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n23. You can say `you see’ when you are explaining something to someone, to encourage them to listen and understand. (SPOKEN)\nWell, you see, you shouldn’t really feel that way about it...\n  CONVENTION\n\n24. `See you’, `be seeing you’, and `see you later’ are ways of saying goodbye to someone when you expect to meet them again soon. (INFORMAL, SPOKEN)\n`Talk to you later.’.`All right. See you love.’\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n  = bye\n25. You can say `You’ll see’ to someone if they do not agree with you about what you think will happen in the future, and you believe that you will be proved right.\nThe thrill wears off after a few years of marriage. You’ll see.\n  CONVENTION\n\n26.\nto have seen better days: see day\nto be seen dead: see dead\nas far as the eye can see: see eye\nto see eye to eye: see eye\nas far as I can see: see far\nto see fit: see fit\nto see red: see red\nit remains to be seen: see remain\nwait and see: see wait


Words: see about
Meaning:
see about\n  When you see about something, you arrange for it to be done or provided.\nTony announced it was time to see about lunch...\nI must see about selling the house.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n/-ing, V P n/-ing


Words: see off
Meaning:
see off\n1. If you see off an opponent, you defeat them. (BRIT)\nThere is no reason why they cannot see off the Republican challenge.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n2. When you see someone off, you go with them to the station, airport, or port that they are leaving from, and say goodbye to them there.\nBen had planned a steak dinner for himself after seeing Jackie off on her plane.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P


Words: see through
Meaning:
see through\n  If you see through someone or their behaviour, you realize what their intentions are, even though they are trying to hide them.\nI saw through your little ruse from the start.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n\n  see also see-through


Words: see to
Meaning:
see to\n  If you see to something that needs attention, you deal with it.\nWhile Franklin saw to the luggage, Sara took Eleanor home.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: see-through
Meaning:
see-through\n  See-through clothes are made of thin cloth, so that you can see a person’s body or underwear through them.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = transparent


Words: seed
Meaning:
seed  seeds  seeding  seeded\n1. A seed is the small, hard part of a plant from which a new plant grows.\nI sow the seed in pots of soil-based compost.\n...sunflower seeds.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you seed a piece of land, you plant seeds in it.\nMen mowed the wide lawns and seeded them...\nThe primroses should begin to seed themselves down the steep hillside.\n...his newly seeded lawns.\n  VERB: V n, V pron-refl, V-ed\n\n3. You can refer to the seeds of something when you want to talk about the beginning of a feeling or process that gradually develops and becomes stronger or more important. (LITERARY)\nHe raised questions meant to plant seeds of doubts in the minds of jurors...\n  N-PLURAL: N of n\n\n4. In sports such as tennis or badminton, a seed is a player who has been ranked according to his or her ability.\n...Pete Sampras, Wimbledon’s top seed and the world No.1...\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N, oft ordum N\n\n5. When a player or a team is seeded in a sports competition, they are ranked according to their ability.\nIn the UEFA Cup the top 16 sides are seeded for the first round...\nHe is seeded second, behind Brad Beven...\nThe top four seeded nations are through to the semi-finals.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed adv/prep, V-ed ord, V-ed\n\n6. If vegetable plants go to seed or run to seed, they produce flowers and seeds as well as leaves.\nIf unused, winter radishes run to seed in spring.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n7. If you say that someone or something has gone to seed or has run to seed, you mean that they have become much less attractive, healthy, or efficient.\nHe was a big man in his forties; once he had a lot of muscle but now he was running to seed.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: seed capital
Meaning:
seed capi.tal\n\n  Seed capital is an amount of money that a new company needs to pay for the costs of producing a business plan so that they can raise further capital to develop the company. (BUSINESS)\nI am negotiating with financiers to raise seed capital for my latest venture.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: seed corn
Meaning:
seed corn\n  Seed corn is money that businesses spend at the beginning of a project in the hope that it will eventually produce profits. (mainly BRIT BUSINESS)\nThe scheme offers seed corn finance with loans at only 4% interest.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: seed money
Meaning:
seed mon.ey\n   seed money\n  Seed money is money that is given to someone to help them start a new business or project. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: seedbed
Meaning:
seed.bed\n   seedbed  seedbeds   also seed-bed\n1. A seedbed is an area of ground, usually with specially prepared earth, where young plants are grown from seed.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to a place or a situation as a seedbed when it seems likely that a particular type of thing or person will develop in that place or situation.\nTV is using radio as a seedbed for ideas...\n  N-COUNT: oft N for/of n


Words: seedling
Meaning:
seed.ling\n   seedling  seedlings\n  A seedling is a young plant that has been grown from a seed.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seedy
Meaning:
seedy  seedier  seediest\n  If you describe a person or place as seedy, you disapprove of them because they look dirty and untidy, or they have a bad reputation.\nFrank ran dodgy errands for a seedy local villain...\nWe were staying in a seedy hotel close to the red light district...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n\n=>  seedi.ness\n...the atmosphere of seediness and decay about the city.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: seeing-eye dog
Meaning:
seeing-eye dog  seeing-eye dogs   also Seeing Eye dog, seeing eye dog\n  A seeing-eye dog is a dog that has been trained to lead a blind person. (AM; in BRIT, use guide dog)\n  N-COUNT


Words: seek
Meaning:
seek  seeks  seeking  sought\n1. If you seek something such as a job or a place to live, you try to find one. (FORMAL)\nThey have had to seek work as labourers...\nFour people who sought refuge in the Italian embassy have left voluntarily...\nCandidates are urgently sought for the post of Conservative party chairman.\n  VERB: V n, V n, be V-ed for n\n\n2. When someone seeks something, they try to obtain it. (FORMAL)\nThe prosecutors have warned they will seek the death penalty...\nHaemophiliacs are seeking compensation for being given contaminated blood.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n3. If you seek someone’s help or advice, you contact them in order to ask for it. (FORMAL)\nAlways seek professional legal advice before entering into any agreement...\nThe couple have sought help from marriage guidance counsellors.\n  VERB: V n, V n from n\n\n4. If you seek to do something, you try to do it. (FORMAL)\nHe also denied that he would seek to annex the country...\n  VERB: V to-inf


Words: seek out
Meaning:
seek out\n  If you seek out someone or something or seek them out, you keep looking for them until you find them.\nNow is the time for local companies to seek out business opportunities in Europe...\nEllen spent the day in the hills and sought me out when she returned.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: seeker
Meaning:
seek.er\n   seeker  seekers\n  A seeker is someone who is looking for or trying to get something.\nI am a seeker after truth...\nThe beaches draw sun-seekers from all over Europe.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu n N\n\n  see also asylum seeker, job seeker


Words: seem
Meaning:
seem  seems  seeming  seemed\n1. You use seem to say that someone or something gives the impression of having a particular quality, or of happening in the way you describe.\nWe heard a series of explosions. They seemed quite close by...\nEveryone seems busy except us...\nTo everyone who knew them, they seemed an ideal couple...\n.50 seems a lot to pay...\nThe calming effect seemed to last for about ten minutes...\nIt was a record that seemed beyond reach...\nThe proposal seems designed to break opposition to the government’s economic programme...\nIt seems that the attack this morning was very carefully planned to cause few casualties...\nIt seems clear that he has no reasonable alternative...\nIt seemed as if she’d been gone forever...\nThere seems to be a lot of support in Congress for this move...\nThere seems no possibility that such action can be averted...\nThis phenomenon is not as outrageous as it seems.\n  V-LINK: no cont, V adj, V adj, V n, V n, V to-inf, V prep, V -ed, it V that, it V adj that, it V as if, there V to-inf, there V n, V\n\n2. You use seem when you are describing your own feelings or thoughts, or describing something that has happened to you, in order to make your statement less forceful.\nI seem to have lost all my self-confidence...\nI seem to remember giving you very precise instructions...\nExcuse me I seem to be a little bit lost.\n  V-LINK: no cont, V to-inf, V to-inf, V to-inf  vagueness\n\n3. If you say that you cannot seem or could not seem to do something, you mean that you have tried to do it and were unable to.\nNo matter how hard I try I cannot seem to catch up on all the bills...\n  PHRASE: PHR to-inf\n\n4.\n  see also seeming


Words: seeming
Meaning:
seem.ing\n   seeming\n  Seeming means appearing to be the case, but not necessarily the case. For example, if you talk about someone’s seeming ability to do something, you mean that they appear to be able to do it, but you are not certain. (FORMAL)\nWall Street analysts have been highly critical of the company’s seeming inability to control costs...\n  ADJ: ADJ n  vagueness\n  = apparent


Words: seemingly
Meaning:
seem.ing.ly\n   seemingly\n1. If something is seemingly the case, you mean that it appears to be the case, even though it may not really be so.\nA seemingly endless line of trucks waits in vain to load up.\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv\n  = apparently\n2. You use seemingly when you want to say that something seems to be true.\nHe has moved to Spain, seemingly to enjoy a slower style of life...\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group, ADV before v  vagueness


Words: seemly
Meaning:
seem.ly\n   seemly\n  Seemly behaviour or dress is appropriate in the particular circumstances. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nSelf-assertion was not thought seemly in a woman.\n  ADJ


Words: seep
Meaning:
seep  seeps  seeping  seeped\n1. If something such as liquid or gas seeps somewhere, it flows slowly and in small amounts into a place where it should not go.\nRadioactive water had seeped into underground reservoirs...\nThe gas is seeping out of the rocks...\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv\n\n  Seep is also a noun.\n...an oil seep.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If something such as secret information or an unpleasant emotion seeps somewhere, it comes out gradually.\n...the tide of racism which is sweeping Europe seeps into Britain.\n  VERB: V prep/adv


Words: seepage
Meaning:
seep.age\n   seepage\n  Seepage is the slow flow of a liquid through something.\nChemical seepage has caused untold damage.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: seer
Meaning:
seer  seers\n  A seer is a person who tells people what will happen in the future. (LITERARY)\n...the writings of the 16th century French seer, Nostradamus.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seesaw
Meaning:
see.saw\n   seesaw  seesaws  seesawing  seesawed   also see-saw\n1. A seesaw is a long board which is balanced on a fixed part in the middle. To play on it, a child sits on each end, and when one end goes up, the other goes down.\nThere was a sandpit, a seesaw and a swing in the playground.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In a seesaw situation, something continually changes from one state to another and back again.\n...a seesaw price situation.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Seesaw is also a noun.\nMarriage, however, is an emotional seesaw.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n3. If someone’s emotions see-saw, or a particular situation see-saws, they continually change from one state to another and back again.\nThe Tokyo stock market see-sawed up and down.\n  VERB: V


Words: seethe
Meaning:
seethe  seethes  seething  seethed\n1. When you are seething, you are very angry about something but do not express your feelings about it.\nShe took it calmly at first but under the surface was seething...\nShe grinned derisively while I seethed with rage...\nHe is seething at all the bad press he is getting.\n...a seething anger fueled by decades of political oppression.\n  VERB: V, V prep, V prep, V-ing\n\n2. If you say that a place is seething with people or things, you are emphasizing that it is very full of them and that they are all moving about.\nThe forest below him seethed and teemed with life...\nMadrigueras station was a seething mass of soldiers.\n  VERB: V with n, V-ing, also V  emphasis


Words: segment
Meaning:
seg.ment\n   segment segments segmenting segmented\n1. A segment of something is one part of it, considered separately from the rest.\n...the poorer segments of society.\n...the third segment of his journey.\n  N-COUNT: N of n\n  = section\n2. A segment of fruit such as an orange or grapefruit is one of the sections into which it is easily divided.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A segment of a circle is one of the two parts into which it is divided when you draw a straight line through it.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n4. A segment of a market is one part of it, considered separately from the rest.\nThree-to-five day cruises are the fastest-growing segment of the market...\nWomen’s tennis is the market leader in a growing market segment.women’s sports.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If a company segments a market, it divides it into separate parts, usually in order to improve marketing opportunities. (BUSINESS)\nThe big six record companies are multinational, and thus can segment the world market into national ones.\n  VERB: V n into n


Words: segmentation
Meaning:
seg.men.ta.tion\n   segmentation\n  Segmentation is the dividing of something into parts which are loosely connected. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: segmented
Meaning:
seg.ment.ed\n   segmented\n  Segmented means divided into parts that are loosely connected to each other.\n...segmented oranges.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: segregate
Meaning:
seg.re.gate\n   segregate  segregates  segregating  segregated\n  To segregate two groups of people or things means to keep them physically apart from each other.\nPolice segregated the two rival camps of protesters...\nThey segregate you from the rest of the community.\n  VERB: V n, V n prep


Words: segregated
Meaning:
seg.re.gat.ed\n   segregated\n  Segregated buildings or areas are kept for the use of one group of people who are the same race, sex, or religion, and no other group is allowed to use them.\n...racially segregated schools...\nJohn grew up in Baltimore when that city was segregated.\n  ADJ


Words: segregation
Meaning:
seg.re.ga.tion\n   segregation\n  Segregation is the official practice of keeping people apart, usually people of different sexes, races, or religions.\nThe Supreme Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in schools was unconstitutional...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: segregationist
Meaning:
seg.re.ga.tion.ist\n   segregationist  segregationists\n  A segregationist is someone who thinks people of different races should be kept apart.\n...a segregationist on the far Right...\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: segue
Meaning:
segue  segues  segueing  segued\n  If something such as a piece of music or conversation segues into another piece of music or conversation, it changes into it or is followed by it without a break.\nThe piece segues into his solo with the strings.\n  VERB: V into n\n\n  Segue is also a noun.\n...a neat segue into an arrangement of `Eleanor Rigby’.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: seismic
Meaning:
seis.mic\n   seismic\n  Seismic means caused by or relating to an earthquake.\nEarthquakes produce two types of seismic waves...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: seismograph
Meaning:
seis.mo.graph\n   seismograph  seismographs\n  A seismograph is an instrument for recording and measuring the strength of earthquakes.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seismology
Meaning:
seis.mol.ogy\n   seismology\n  Seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  seis.mo.logi.cal\n...the Seismological Society of America.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  seis.molo.gist      seismologists\nPeter Ward is a seismologist with the US Geological Survey.\n  N-COUNT


Words: seize
Meaning:
seize  seizes  seizing  seized\n1. If you seize something, you take hold of it quickly, firmly, and forcefully.\n`Leigh,’ he said seizing my arm to hold me back.\n...an otter seizing a fish.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n2. When a group of people seize a place or seize control of it, they take control of it quickly and suddenly, using force.\nTroops have seized the airport and railroad terminals...\nArmy officers plotted a failed attempt yesterday to seize power.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = take\n3. If a government or other authority seize someone’s property, they take it from them, often by force.\nPolice were reported to have seized all copies of this morning’s edition of the newspaper...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. When someone is seized, they are arrested or captured.\nUN officials say two military observers were seized by the Khmer Rouge yesterday...\nMen carrying sub-machine guns seized the five soldiers and drove them away.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n5. When you seize an opportunity, you take advantage of it and do something that you want to do.\nDuring the riots hundreds of people seized the opportunity to steal property...\n  VERB: V n


Words: seize on
Meaning:
seize on\n  If you seize on something or seize upon it, you show great interest in it, often because it is useful to you.\nNewspapers seized on the results as proof that global warming wasn’t really happening...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: seize up
Meaning:
seize up\n1. If a part of your body seizes up, it suddenly stops working, because you have strained it or because you are getting old.\nWe are all born flexible but as we grow older, we tend to seize up a little.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n2. If something such as an engine seizes up, it stops working, because it has not been properly cared for.\nShe put diesel fuel, instead of petrol, into the tank causing the motor to seize up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: seizure
Meaning:
sei.zure\n   seizure  seizures\n1. If someone has a seizure, they have a sudden violent attack of an illness, especially one that affects their heart or brain.\n...a mild cardiac seizure...\nI was prescribed drugs to control seizures.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If there is a seizure of power or a seizure of an area of land, a group of people suddenly take control of the place, using force.\n...the seizure of territory through force.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n3. When an organization such as the police or customs service makes a seizure of illegal goods, they find them and take them away.\nPolice have made one of the biggest seizures of heroin there’s ever been in Britain.\n...arms seizures.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n4. If a financial institution or a government makes a seizure of someone’s assets, they take their money or property from them because they have not paid money that they owe.\nA court ordered the seizure of two ships for non-payment of the debt.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: seldom
Meaning:
sel.dom\n   seldom\n  If something seldom happens, it happens only occasionally.\nThey seldom speak...\nWe were seldom at home.\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV with cl/group\n  !=often


Words: select
Meaning:
se.lect\n   select  selects  selecting  selected\n1. If you select something, you choose it from a number of things of the same kind.\nVoters are selecting candidates for both US Senate seats and for 52 congressional seats...\nThe movie is being shown in selected cities.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed, also V n for/from n\n  = choose\n2. If you select a file or a piece of text on a computer screen, you click on it so that it is marked in a different colour, usually in order for you to give the computer an instruction relating to that file or piece of text. (COMPUTING)\nI selected a file and pressed the Delete key.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. A select group is a small group of some of the best people or things of their kind.\n...a select group of French cheeses...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. If you describe something as select, you mean it has many desirable features, but is available only to people who have a lot of money or who belong to a high social class.\nChristian Lacroix is throwing a very lavish and very select party.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = exclusive


Words: select committee
Meaning:
se.lect com.mit.tee\n   select committee  select committees\n  A select committee is a committee of members of a parliament which is set up to investigate and report on a particular matter.\n  N-COUNT


Words: selection
Meaning:
se.lec.tion\n   selection  selections\n1. Selection is the act of selecting one or more people or things from a group.\n...Darwin’s principles of natural selection...\nDr. Sullivan’s selection to head the Department of Health was greeted with satisfaction...\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n2. A selection of people or things is a set of them that have been selected from a larger group.\n...this selection of popular songs.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n3. The selection of goods in a shop is the particular range of goods that it has available and from which you can choose what you want.\nIt offers the widest selection of antiques of every description in a one day market.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu N of n\n  = range


