# dict

Words: pour into
Meaning:
pour into\n  If you pour money or supplies into an activity or organization, or if it pours in, a lot of money or supplies are given in order to do the activity or help the organization.\nThe Government continues to pour billions of pounds into its massive road-building programme...\nFood donations have poured in from all over the country.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n, V P


Words: pour out
Meaning:
pour out\n1. If you pour out a drink, you put some of it in a cup or glass.\nLarry was pouring out four glasses of champagne...\nCarefully and slowly he poured the beer out.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If you pour out your thoughts, feelings, or experiences, you tell someone all about them.\nI poured my thoughts out on paper in an attempt to rationalize my feelings.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P


Words: pout
Meaning:
pout  pouts  pouting  pouted\n  If someone pouts, they stick out their lips, usually in order to show that they are annoyed or to make themselves sexually attractive.\nHe whined and pouted when he did not get what he wanted.\n...gorgeous pouting models.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n\n  Pout is also a noun.\nShe shot me a reproachful pout.\n  N-COUNT


Words: poverty
Meaning:
pov.er.ty\n   poverty\n1. Poverty is the state of being extremely poor.\nAccording to World Bank figures, 41 per cent of Brazilians live in absolute poverty...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=wealth\n2. You can use poverty to refer to any situation in which there is not enough of something or its quality is poor. (FORMAL)\nBritain has suffered from a poverty of ambition.\n  N-SING: also no det, N of n\n  !=wealth


Words: poverty line
Meaning:
pov.er.ty line\n   poverty line\n  If someone is on the poverty line, they have just enough income to buy the things they need in order to live.\nThirteen per cent of the population live below the poverty line.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: poverty trap
Meaning:
pov.er.ty trap\n   poverty trap  poverty traps\n  If someone is in a poverty trap, they are very poor but cannot improve their income because the money they get from the government decreases as the money they earn increases.\n  N-COUNT


Words: poverty-stricken
Meaning:
poverty-stricken\n  Poverty-stricken people or places are extremely poor.\n...a teacher of poverty-stricken kids...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: pow-wow
Meaning:
pow-wow  pow-wows   also powwow\n  People sometimes refer to a meeting or discussion as a pow-wow. (INFORMAL)\nEvery year my father would call a family powwow to discuss where we were going on vacation.\n  N-COUNT


Words: powder
Meaning:
pow.der\n   powder  powders  powdering  powdered\n1. Powder consists of many tiny particles of a solid substance.\nThe wood turns to powder in his fingers.\n...a fine white powder.\n...cocoa powder.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. If a woman powders her face or some other part of her body, she puts face powder or talcum powder on it.\nShe powdered her face and applied her lipstick and rouge.\n...the old woman’s powdered face.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n3. Powder is very fine snow.\n...a day’s powder skiing.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n4.\n  see also baking powder, chilli powder, curry powder, talcum powder, washing powder


Words: powder blue
Meaning:
pow.der blue\n   powder blue   also powder-blue\n  Something that is powder blue is a pale greyish-blue colour.\n  COLOUR


Words: powder keg
Meaning:
pow.der keg\n   powder keg  powder kegs   also powder-keg\n  If you describe a situation or a place as a powder keg, you mean that it could easily become very dangerous.\nUnless these questions are solved, the region will remain a powder keg.\n  N-COUNT


Words: powder room
Meaning:
pow.der room\n   powder room  powder rooms\n  A powder room is a room for women in a public building such as a hotel, where they can use the toilet, have a wash, or put on make-up. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: powdered
Meaning:
pow.dered\n   powdered\n  A powdered substance is one which is in the form of a powder although it can come in a different form.\nThere are only two tins of powdered milk left.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: powdery
Meaning:
pow.dery\n   powdery\n  Something that is powdery looks or feels like powder.\nA couple of inches of dry, powdery snow had fallen.\n  ADJ


Words: power
Meaning:
pow.er\n   power  powers  powering  powered\n1. If someone has power, they have a lot of control over people and activities.\nIn a democracy, power must be divided.\n...a political power struggle between the Liberals and National Party.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Your power to do something is your ability to do it.\nHuman societies have the power to solve the problems confronting them...\nHe was so drunk that he had lost the power of speech.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N to-inf, N of n\n\n3. If it is in or within your power to do something, you are able to do it or you have the resources to deal with it.\nYour debt situation is only temporary, and it is within your power to resolve it...\n  N-UNCOUNT: poss N\n\n4. If someone in authority has the power to do something, they have the legal right to do it.\nThe police have the power of arrest...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, oft the N to-inf\n\n5. If people take power or come to power, they take charge of a country’s affairs. If a group of people are in power, they are in charge of a country’s affairs.\nIn 1964 Labour came into power...\nHe first assumed power in 1970...\nThe party has been in power since independence in 1964.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N\n\n6. You can use power to refer to a country that is very rich or important, or has strong military forces.\nIn Western eyes, Iraq is a major power in an area of great strategic importance.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n7. The power of something is the ability that it has to move or affect things.\nThe Roadrunner had better power, better tyres, and better brakes.\n...massive computing power.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N\n\n8. Power is energy, especially electricity, that is obtained in large quantities from a fuel source and used to operate lights, heating, and machinery.\nNuclear power is cleaner than coal...\nPower has been restored to most parts that were hit last night by high winds...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n9. The device or fuel that powers a machine provides the energy that the machine needs in order to work.\nThe `flywheel’ battery, it is said, could power an electric car for 600 miles on a single charge...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  -powered\n...battery-powered radios.\n...nuclear-powered submarines.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n  see also high-powered\n10. Power tools are operated by electricity.\n...large power tools, such as chainsaws.\n...a power drill.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=hand\n11. In mathematics, power is used in expressions such as 2 to the power of 4 or 2 to the 4th power to indicate that 2 must be multiplied by itself 4 times. This is written in numbers as 24, or 2 x 2 x 2 x 2, which equals 16.\n  N-SING: to the N of num, to the ord N\n\n12. You can refer to people in authority as the powers that be, especially when you want to say that you disagree with them or do not understand what they say or do.\nThe powers that be, in this case the independent Television Association, banned the advertisement altogether...\n  PHRASE


Words: power ahead
Meaning:
If an economy or company powers ahead, it becomes stronger and more successful.\nThe most widely held view is the market will continue to power ahead...\nIt all leaves the way clear for Tesco to power ahead.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P


Words: power base
Meaning:
pow.er base\n   power base  power bases   also power-base\n  The power base of a politician or other leader is the area or the group of people from which they get most support, and which enables him or her to become powerful.\nMilan was Mr Craxi’s home town and his power base.\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss


Words: power broker
Meaning:
pow.er bro.ker\n   power broker power brokers\n  A power broker is someone who has a lot of influence, especially in politics, and uses it to help other people gain power.\nJackson had been a major power-broker in the 1988 Presidential elections.\n  N-COUNT


Words: power cut
Meaning:
pow.er cut\n   power cut  power cuts\n  A power cut is a period of time when the electricity supply to a particular building or area is stopped, sometimes deliberately. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use outage)\n  N-COUNT


Words: power failure
Meaning:
pow.er fail.ure\n   power failure  power failures\n  A power failure is a period of time when the electricity supply to a particular building or area is interrupted, for example because of damage to the cables.\n  N-VAR\n  = outage


Words: power game
Meaning:
pow.er game\n   power game  power games\n  You can refer to a situation in which different people or groups are competing for power as a power game, especially if you disapprove of the methods they are using in order to try to win power.\n...the dangerous power games in the Kremlin following Stalin’s death.\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N


Words: power line
Meaning:
pow.er line\n   power line  power lines\n  A power line is a cable, especially above ground, along which electricity is passed to an area or building.\n  N-COUNT


Words: power of attorney
Meaning:
pow.er of at.tor.ney\n   power of attorney\n  Power of attorney is a legal document which allows you to appoint someone, for example a lawyer, to act on your behalf in specified matters.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: power plant
Meaning:
pow.er plant\n   power plant  power plants\n  A power plant is the same as a power station.\n  N-COUNT


Words: power play
Meaning:
pow.er play\n   power play  power plays   also power-play\n1. A power play is an attempt to gain an advantage by showing that you are more powerful than another person or organization, for example in a business relationship or negotiation.\nTheir politics consisted of unstable power-plays between rival groups.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In a game of ice hockey, power play is a period of time when one team has more players because one or more of the other team is in the penalty box.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: power point
Meaning:
pow.er point\n   power point  power points\n  A power point is a place in a wall where you can connect electrical equipment to the electricity supply. (BRIT; in AM, usually use outlet, wall socket)\n  N-COUNT


Words: power station
Meaning:
pow.er sta.tion\n   power station  power stations\n  A power station is a place where electricity is produced.\n  N-COUNT\n  = power plant


Words: power steering
Meaning:
pow.er steer.ing\n   power steering\n  In a vehicle, power steering is a system for steering which uses power from the engine so that it is easier for the driver to steer the vehicle.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: power up
Meaning:
When you power up something such as a computer or a machine, you connect it to a power supply and switch it on.\nSimply power up your laptop and continue work.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, also V n P\n  = switch on


Words: power-sharing
Meaning:
power-sharing   also power sharing\n  Power-sharing is a political arrangement in which different or opposing groups all take part in government together.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: powerful
Meaning:
pow.er.ful\n   powerful\n1. A powerful person or organization is able to control or influence people and events.\nYou’re a powerful man.people will listen to you.\n...Russia and India, two large, powerful countries.\n  ADJ\n\n  see also all-powerful\n2. You say that someone’s body is powerful when it is physically strong.\nHans flexed his powerful muscles...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pow.er.ful.ly\nHe is described as a strong, powerfully-built man of 60...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. A powerful machine or substance is effective because it is very strong.\n...powerful computer systems...\nAlcohol is also a powerful and fast-acting drug.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pow.er.ful.ly\nCrack is a much cheaper, smokable form of cocaine which is powerfully addictive.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n4. A powerful smell is very strong.\nThere was a powerful smell of stale beer.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = strong\n=>  pow.er.ful.ly\nThe railway station smelt powerfully of cats and drains.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n5. A powerful voice is loud and can be heard from a long way away.\nAt that moment Mrs. Jones’s powerful voice interrupted them, announcing a visitor.\n  ADJ\n  = loud\n6. You describe a piece of writing, speech, or work of art as powerful when it has a strong effect on people’s feelings or beliefs.\n...Bleasdale’s powerful 11-part drama about a corrupt city leader.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pow.er.ful.ly\nIt’s a play.painful, funny and powerfully acted.\n  ADV: ADV -ed, ADV after v


Words: powerhouse
Meaning:
power.house\n   powerhouse  powerhouses\n  A powerhouse is a country or organization that has a lot of power or influence.\nNigeria is the most populous African country and an economic powerhouse for the continent.\n  N-COUNT


Words: powerless
Meaning:
pow.er.less\n   powerless\n1. Someone who is powerless is unable to control or influence events.\nIf you don’t have money, you’re powerless.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pow.er.less.ness\nIf we can’t bring our problems under control, feelings of powerlessness and despair often ensue.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = impotence, helplessness\n2. If you are powerless to do something, you are completely unable to do it.\nPeople are being murdered every day and I am powerless to stop it...\n  ADJ: ADJ to-inf\n  = unable  !=able


Words: pox
Meaning:
pox\n  People sometimes refer to the disease syphilis as the pox. (INFORMAL)\n  N-SING: the N\n\n  see also chickenpox, smallpox


Words: poxy
Meaning:
poxy\n  If you describe something or someone as poxy, you think that they are insignificant, too small, or bad in some other way. (BRIT INFORMAL, RUDE)\n...some poxy band from Denver.\n...a poxy one per cent of the transport budget.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  disapproval\n  = crummy


Words: pp
Meaning:
1. pp is written before a person’s name at the bottom of a formal or business letter in order to indicate that they have signed the letter on behalf of the person whose name appears before theirs. (BUSINESS)\n...J.R. Adams, pp D. Philips.\n\n2. pp. is the plural of `p.’ and means `pages’. (WRITTEN)\nSee chapter 6, pp. 137-41.


Words: PPS
Meaning:
PPS  PPSs\n  In Britain, a PPS is a Member of Parliament who is appointed by a more senior Member to help them with their duties. PPS is an abbreviation for `parliamentary private secretary’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: PR
Meaning:
PR\n1. PR is an abbreviation for public relations. (BUSINESS)\nIt will be good PR.\n...a PR firm.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. PR is an abbreviation for proportional representation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: practicable
Meaning:
prac.ti.cable\n   practicable\n  If a task, plan, or idea is practicable, people are able to carry it out. (FORMAL)\nIt is not reasonably practicable to offer her the original job back...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = feasible\n=>  prac.ti.cabil.ity\nKnotman and I discussed the practicability of the idea.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = feasibility


Words: practical
Meaning:
prac.ti.cal\n   practical  practicals\n1. The practical aspects of something involve real situations and events, rather than just ideas and theories.\nWe can offer you practical suggestions on how to increase the fibre in your daily diet...\nThis practical guidebook teaches you about relaxation, coping skills, and time management.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=theoretical\n2. You describe people as practical when they make sensible decisions and deal effectively with problems.\nYou were always so practical, Maria...\nHe lacked any of the practical common sense essential in management.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ  approval\n  = down-to-earth  !=impractical\n3. Practical ideas and methods are likely to be effective or successful in a real situation.\nAlthough the causes of cancer are being uncovered, we do not yet have any practical way to prevent it...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4. You can describe clothes and things in your house as practical when they are suitable for a particular purpose rather than just being fashionable or attractive.\nOur clothes are lightweight, fashionable, practical for holidays.\n  ADJ\n  !=impractical\n5. A practical is an examination or a lesson in which you make things or do experiments rather than simply writing answers to questions. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: practical joke
Meaning:
prac.ti.cal joke\n   practical joke  practical jokes\n  A practical joke is a trick that is intended to embarrass someone or make them look ridiculous.\n  N-COUNT


Words: practicality
Meaning:
prac.ti.cal.ity\n   practicality  practicalities\n  The practicalities of a situation are the practical aspects of it, as opposed to its theoretical aspects.\nDecisions about your children should be based on the practicalities of everyday life.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft N of n


Words: practically
Meaning:
prac.ti.cal.ly\n   practically\n1. Practically means almost, but not completely or exactly.\nHe’d known the old man practically all his life...\nI know people who find it practically impossible to give up smoking.\n  ADV: ADV with group/cl\n  = almost\n2. You use practically to describe something which involves real actions or events rather than ideas or theories.\nThe course is more practically based than the Masters degree...\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed\n  !=theoretically


Words: practice
Meaning:
prac.tice\n   practice  practices\n1. You can refer to something that people do regularly as a practice.\nSome firms have cut workers’ pay below the level set in their contract, a practice that is illegal in Germany...\nGordon Brown has demanded a public inquiry into bank practices.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Practice means doing something regularly in order to be able to do it better. A practice is one of these periods of doing something.\nShe was taking all three of her daughters to basketball practice every day...\nThe defending world racing champion recorded the fastest time in a final practice today.\n  N-VAR: usu supp N\n\n3. The work done by doctors and lawyers is referred to as the practice of medicine and law. People’s religious activities are referred to as the practice of a religion.\n...the practice of internal medicine...\nI eventually realized I had to change my attitude toward medical practice.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n4. A doctor’s or lawyer’s practice is his or her business, often shared with other doctors or lawyers.\nThe new doctor’s practice was miles away from where I lived...\n  N-COUNT\n\n5.\n  see also practise\n6. What happens in practice is what actually happens, in contrast to what is supposed to happen.\n...the difference between foreign policy as presented to the public and foreign policy in actual practice...\nIn practice, workers do not work to satisfy their needs.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n7. If something such as a procedure is normal practice or standard practice, it is the usual thing that is done in a particular situation.\nIt is normal practice not to reveal details of a patient’s condition...\nThe transcript is full of codewords, which is standard practice in any army.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n8. If you are out of practice at doing something, you have not had much experience of it recently, although you used to do it a lot or be quite good at it.\n`How’s your German?’.`Not bad, but I’m out of practice.’\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n9. If you put a belief or method into practice, you behave or act in accordance with it.\nNow that he is back, the prime minister has another chance to put his new ideas into practice...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: practise
Meaning:
prac.tise\n   practise  practises  practising  practised\nin AM, use practice\n1. If you practise something, you keep doing it regularly in order to be able to do it better.\nLauren practises the piano every day...\nWhen she wanted to get something right, she would practise and practise and practise.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n  see also practised\n2. When people practise something such as a custom, craft, or religion, they take part in the activities associated with it.\n...countries which practise multi-party politics...\nAcupuncture was practised in China as long ago as the third millennium BC...\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n=>  prac.tis.ing\nThe church has broken the agreement, by insisting all employees must be practising Christians.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. If something cruel is regularly done to people, you can say that it is practised on them.\nThere are consistent reports of electrical torture being practised on inmates.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed on n\n\n4. Someone who practises medicine or law works as a doctor or a lawyer.\nIn Belgium only qualified doctors may practise alternative medicine...\nHe was born in Hong Kong where he subsequently practised as a lawyer until his retirement...\nThe ways in which solicitors practise are varied...\nAn art historian and collector, he was also a practising architect.\n  VERB: V n, V as n, V, V-ing\n\n5.\nto practise what you preach: see preach


Words: practised
Meaning:
prac.tised\n   practised\nin AM, use practiced\n  Someone who is practised at doing something is good at it because they have had experience and have developed their skill at it.\n...a practised and experienced surgeon.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ at n


Words: practitioner
Meaning:
prac.ti.tion.er\n   practitioner  practitioners\n  Doctors are sometimes referred to as practitioners or medical practitioners. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also GP


Words: praetorian guard
Meaning:
prae.to.rian guard\n   praetorian guard\n  You can use praetorian guard to refer to a group of people who are close associates and loyal supporters of someone important. (FORMAL)\n  N-SING-COLL


Words: pragmatic
Meaning:
prag.mat.ic\n   pragmatic\n  A pragmatic way of dealing with something is based on practical considerations, rather than theoretical ones. A pragmatic person deals with things in a practical way.\n...a pragmatic approach to the problems faced by Latin America.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = realistic, practical\n=>  prag.mati.cal.ly\n`I can’t ever see us doing anything else,’ states Brian pragmatically...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV with cl, ADV adj


Words: pragmatics
Meaning:
prag.mat.ics\n   pragmatics\n  Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics that deals with the meanings and effects which come from the use of language in particular situations.\n  N-SING


Words: pragmatism
Meaning:
prag.ma.tism\n   pragmatism\n  Pragmatism means thinking of or dealing with problems in a practical way, rather than by using theory or abstract principles. (FORMAL)\nShe had a reputation for clear thinking and pragmatism.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  prag.ma.tist      pragmatists\nHe is a political pragmatist, not an idealist.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prairie
Meaning:
prai.rie\n   prairie  prairies\n  A prairie is a large area of flat, grassy land in North America. Prairies have very few trees.\n  N-VAR


Words: prairie dog
Meaning:
prai.rie dog\n   prairie dog  prairie dogs\n  A prairie dog is a type of small furry animal that lives underground in the prairies of North America.\n  N-COUNT


Words: praise
Meaning:
praise  praises  praising  praised\n1. If you praise someone or something, you express approval for their achievements or qualities.\nThe American president praised Turkey for its courage...\nHe praised the excellent work of the UN weapons inspectors.\n  VERB: V n for n/-ing, V n\n\n2. Praise is what you say or write about someone when you are praising them.\nAll the ladies are full of praise for the staff and service they received...\nThat is high praise indeed.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = commendation\n3. If you praise God, you express your respect, honour, and thanks to God.\nShe asked the church to praise God.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. Praise is the expression of respect, honour, and thanks to God.\nHindus were singing hymns in praise of the god Rama.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: praiseworthy
Meaning:
praise.worthy\n   praiseworthy\n  If you say that something is praiseworthy, you mean that you approve of it and it deserves to be praised. (FORMAL)\n...the government’s praiseworthy efforts to improve efficiency in health and education.\n  ADJ  approval


Words: praline
Meaning:
pra.line\n   praline\n  Praline is a sweet substance made from nuts cooked in boiling sugar. It is used in desserts and as a filling for chocolates.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: pram
Meaning:
pram  prams\n  A pram is a small vehicle in which a baby can lie as it is pushed along. (BRIT; in AM, usually use baby carriage)\n  N-COUNT


Words: prance
Meaning:
prance  prances  prancing  pranced\n1. If someone prances around, they walk or move around with exaggerated movements, usually because they want people to look at them and admire them.\nHe was horrified at the thought of his son prancing about on a stage in tights.\n  VERB: V adv/prep  disapproval\n\n2. When a horse prances, it moves with quick, high steps.\nTheir horses pranced and whinnied.\n...as the carriage horses pranced through the bustling thoroughfares.\n...a prancing light-footed mare named Princess.\n  VERB: V, V prep/adv, V-ing


Words: prankster
Meaning:
prank.ster\n   prankster  pranksters\n  A prankster is someone who plays tricks and practical jokes on people. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: prat
Meaning:
prat  prats\n  If you describe someone as a prat, you are saying in an unkind way that you think that they are very stupid or foolish. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nWhat’s that prat doing out there now?\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: pratfall
Meaning:
prat.fall\n   pratfall  pratfalls\n1. If someone takes a pratfall, they make an embarrassing mistake. (mainly AM)\nThey’re waiting for the poor little rich girl to take a pratfall.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A pratfall is a fall onto your bottom. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: prattle
Meaning:
prat.tle\n   prattle  prattles  prattling  prattled\n  If you say that someone prattles on about something, you are criticizing them because they are talking a great deal without saying anything important. (INFORMAL)\nLou prattled on about various trivialities till I wanted to scream...\nShe prattled on as she drove out to the Highway...\nArchie, shut up. You’re prattling.\n  VERB: V on/away about n, V on/away, V  disapproval\n  = witter\n  Prattle is also a noun.\nWhat a bore it was to listen to the woman’s prattle!\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prawn
Meaning:
prawn  prawns\n  A prawn is a small shellfish with a long tail and many legs, which can be eaten. (BRIT; in AM, use shrimp)\n  N-COUNT


Words: prawn cocktail
Meaning:
prawn cock.tail\n   prawn cocktail  prawn cocktails\n  A prawn cocktail is a dish that consists of prawns, salad, and a sauce. It is usually eaten at the beginning of a meal. (BRIT; in AM, use shrimp cocktail)\n  N-VAR


Words: pray
Meaning:
pray  prays  praying  prayed\n1. When people pray, they speak to God in order to give thanks or to ask for his help.\nHe spent his time in prison praying and studying...\nNow all we have to do is help ourselves and to pray to God.\n...all those who work and pray for peace...\nKelly prayed that God would judge her with mercy.\n  VERB: V, V to n, V for n, V that\n\n2. When someone is hoping very much that something will happen, you can say that they are praying that it will happen.\nI’m just praying that somebody in Congress will do something before it’s too late...\nMany were secretly praying for a compromise.\n  VERB: usu cont, V that, V for n\n  = hope


Words: prayer
Meaning:
prayer  prayers\n1. Prayer is the activity of speaking to God.\nThey had joined a religious order and dedicated their lives to prayer and good works...\nThe night was spent in prayer.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A prayer is the words a person says when they speak to God.\nThey should take a little time and say a prayer for the people on both sides.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. You can refer to a strong hope that you have as your prayer.\nThis drug could be the answer to our prayers.\n  N-COUNT: poss N\n\n4. A short religious service at which people gather to pray can be referred to as prayers.\nHe promised that the boy would be back at school in time for evening prayers.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: prayer book
Meaning:
prayer book  prayer books\n  A prayer book is a book which contains the prayers which are used in church or at home.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prayer meeting
Meaning:
prayer meet.ing\n   prayer meeting  prayer meetings\n  A prayer meeting is a religious meeting where people say prayers to God.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pre-
Meaning:
pre-\n  Pre- is used to form words that indicate that something takes place before a particular date, period, or event.\n...his pre-war job.\n...pre-1971 cars.\n  PREFIX\n  !=post-


Words: pre-cooked
Meaning:
pre-cooked   also precooked\n  Pre-cooked food has been prepared and cooked in advance so that it only needs to be heated quickly before you eat it.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: pre-eminent
Meaning:
pre-eminent\nin AM, usually use preeminent\n  If someone or something is pre-eminent in a group, they are more important, powerful, or capable than other people or things in the group. (FORMAL)\n...his fifty years as the pre-eminent political figure in the country...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pre-eminence\n...London’s continuing pre-eminence among European financial centres...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: pre-eminently
Meaning:
pre-eminently\nin AM, usually use preeminently\n  Pre-eminently means to a very great extent.\nThe party was pre-eminently the party of the landed interest.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/adv, ADV n


Words: pre-empt
Meaning:
pre-empt  pre-empts  pre-empting  pre-empted\nin AM, usually use preempt\n  If you pre-empt an action, you prevent it from happening by doing something which makes it unnecessary or impossible.\nYou can pre-empt pain by taking a painkiller at the first warning sign...\nHe pre-empted any decision to sack him...\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n=>  pre-emption\nPre-emption was the only method of averting defeat.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: pre-emptive
Meaning:
pre-emptive\nin AM, usually use preemptive\n  A pre-emptive attack or strike is intended to weaken or damage an enemy or opponent, for example by destroying their weapons before they can do any harm.\n...plans for a pre-emptive strike against countries that may have biological weapons...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: pre-existing
Meaning:
pre-existing   also preexisting\n  A pre-existing situation or thing exists already or existed before something else.\n...the pre-existing tensions between the two countries.\n...people who have been infected in the course of their NHS treatment for a pre-existing illness.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: pre-industrial
Meaning:
pre-industrial\nin AM, usually use preindustrial\n  Pre-industrial refers to the time before machines were introduced to produce goods on a large scale.\n...the transition from pre-industrial to industrial society.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: pre-packaged
Meaning:
pre-packaged   also prepackaged\n  Pre-packaged foods have been prepared in advance and put in plastic or cardboard containers to be sold.\n  ADJ


Words: pre-packed
Meaning:
pre-packed   also prepacked\n  Pre-packed goods are packed or wrapped before they are sent to the shop where they are sold.\n  ADJ


Words: pre-prandial
Meaning:
pre-prandial   also preprandial\n  You use pre-prandial to refer to things you do or have before a meal. (FORMAL)\n...pre-prandial drinks.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=post-prandial


Words: Pre-Raphaelite
Meaning:
Pre-Raphaelite  Pre-Raphaelites\n1. The Pre-Raphaelites were a group of British painters in the nineteenth century who painted mainly scenes from medieval history and old stories.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Pre-Raphaelite art was created by the Pre-Raphaelites.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. If you say that a woman looks Pre-Raphaelite, you mean that she looks like a character in a Pre-Raphaelite painting, for example because she has long wavy hair.\n  ADJ


Words: pre-recorded
Meaning:
pre-recorded   also prerecorded\n  Something that is pre-recorded has been recorded in advance so that it can be broadcast or played later.\n...a pre-recorded interview.\n  ADJ


Words: pre-school
Meaning:
pre-school pre-schools   also preschool\nPronounced   for meaning 1, and   for meaning 2.\n1. Pre-school is used to describe things relating to the care and education of children before they reach the age when they have to go to school. (WRITTEN)\nLooking after pre-school children is very tiring...\nThe Halsey Report emphasized the value of a pre-school education.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. In the United States, a pre-school is a school for children between the ages of 2 and 5 or 6.\nChildren graduate to the kindergarten, then pre-school, and then school.\n  N-VAR


Words: pre-tax
Meaning:
pre-tax   also pretax\n  Pre-tax profits or losses are the total profits or losses made by a company before tax has been taken away. (BUSINESS)\nStorehouse made pre-tax profits of .3.1m.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Pre-tax is also an adverb.\nLast year it made .2.5m pre-tax.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: pre-teen
Meaning:
pre-teen  pre-teens   also preteen\n  A pre-teen is a child aged between nine and thirteen.\nSome preteens are able to handle a good deal of responsibility.\n...pre-teen children.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: pre-war
Meaning:
pre-war   also prewar\n  Pre-war is used to describe things that happened, existed, or were made in the period immediately before a war, especially the Second World War, 1939-45.\n...Poland’s pre-war leader.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=post-war, wartime


Words: preach
Meaning:
preach  preaches  preaching  preached\n1. When a member of the clergy preaches a sermon, he or she gives a talk on a religious or moral subject during a religious service.\nAt High Mass the priest preached a sermon on the devil...\nThe bishop preached to a crowd of several hundred local people...\nHe denounced the decision to invite his fellow archbishop to preach.\n  VERB: V n, V to n, V, also V against/on n\n\n2. When people preach a belief or a course of action, they try to persuade other people to accept the belief or to take the course of action.\nThe Prime Minister said he was trying to preach peace and tolerance to his people...\nHealth experts are now preaching that even a little exercise is far better than none at all...\nFor many years I have preached against war.\n  VERB: V n, V that, V against/about n\n\n3. If someone gives you advice in a very serious, boring way, you can say that they are preaching at you.\n`Don’t preach at me,’ he shouted.\n  VERB: V at n  disapproval\n\n4. If you say that someone practises what they preach, you mean that they behave in the way that they encourage other people to behave in.\nHe ought to practise what he preaches.\n  PHRASE: Vs inflect\n\n5. If you say that someone is preaching to the converted, you mean that they are wasting their time because they are trying to persuade people to think or believe in things that they already think or believe in.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: preacher
Meaning:
preach.er\n   preacher  preachers\n  A preacher is a person, usually a member of the clergy, who preaches sermons as part of a church service.\n  N-COUNT


Words: preamble
Meaning:
pre.am.ble\n   preamble  preambles\n  A preamble is an introduction that comes before something you say or write.\nThe controversy has arisen over the text of the preamble to the unification treaty...\n  N-VAR: oft N to/of n, without N


Words: prearrange
Meaning:
pre.ar.range\n   prearrange  prearranges  prearranging  prearranged   also pre-arrange\n  If you prearrange something, you plan or arrange it before the time when it actually happens.\nWhen you prearrange your funeral, you can pick your own flowers and music.\n  VERB: V n


Words: prearranged
Meaning:
pre.ar.ranged\n   prearranged   also pre-arranged\n  You use prearranged to indicate that something has been planned or arranged before the time when it actually happens.\nWorking to a prearranged plan, he rang the First Secretary and requested an appointment with the Ambassador.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: precarious
Meaning:
pre.cari.ous\n   precarious\n1. If your situation is precarious, you are not in complete control of events and might fail in what you are doing at any moment.\nOur financial situation had become precarious.\n...the Government’s precarious position.\n  ADJ\n  = uncertain  !=secure\n=>  pre.cari.ous.ly\nThe hunter-gatherer lifestyle today survives precariously in remote regions.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/adv\n\n=>  pre.cari.ous.ness\nWells was well aware of the precariousness of human life.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. Something that is precarious is not securely held in place and seems likely to fall or collapse at any moment.\nThey looked rather comical as they crawled up precarious ladders.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pre.cari.ous.ly\nOne of my grocery bags was still precariously perched on the car bumper.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/adv


Words: precaution
Meaning:
pre.cau.tion\n   precaution  precautions\n  A precaution is an action that is intended to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening.\nCould he not, just as a precaution, move to a place of safety?...\nExtra safety precautions are essential in homes where older people live.\n  N-COUNT


Words: precautionary
Meaning:
pre.cau.tion.ary\n   precautionary\n  Precautionary actions are taken in order to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening. (FORMAL)\nThe local administration says the curfew is a precautionary measure.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: precede
Meaning:
pre.cede\n   precede  precedes  preceding  preceded\n1. If one event or period of time precedes another, it happens before it. (FORMAL)\nIntensive negotiations between the main parties preceded the vote...\nThe earthquake was preceded by a loud roar and lasted 20 seconds...\nIndustrial orders had already fallen in the preceding months.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed by n, V-ing\n\n2. If you precede someone somewhere, you go in front of them. (FORMAL)\nHe gestured to Alice to precede them from the room...\nThey were preceded by mounted cowboys.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed by n\n\n3. A sentence, paragraph, or chapter that precedes another one comes just before it.\nLook at the information that precedes the paragraph in question...\nRepeat the exercises described in the preceding section.\n  VERB: V n, V-ing\n  !=follow


Words: precedence
Meaning:
prec.edence\n   precedence\n  If one thing takes precedence over another, it is regarded as more important than the other thing.\nHave as much fun as possible at college, but don’t let it take precedence over work...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N over n\n  = priority


Words: precedent
Meaning:
prec.edent\n   precedent  precedents\n  If there is a precedent for an action or event, it has happened before, and this can be regarded as an argument for doing it again. (FORMAL)\nThe trial could set an important precedent for dealing with large numbers of similar cases...\n  N-VAR: oft N for n


Words: precept
Meaning:
pre.cept\n   precept  precepts\n  A precept is a general rule that helps you to decide how you should behave in particular circumstances. (FORMAL)\n...an electoral process based on the precept that all men are born equal.\n  N-COUNT\n  = principle


Words: precinct
Meaning:
pre.cinct\n   precinct  precincts\n1. A shopping precinct is an area in the centre of a town in which cars are not allowed. (BRIT)\nThe Centre was a pedestrian precinct with a bandstand in the middle.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A precinct is a part of a city which has its own police force and fire service. (AM)\nThe shooting occurred in the 34th Precinct.\n  N-COUNT: usu ord N\n\n3. The precincts of an institution are its buildings and land. (FORMAL)\nNo one carrying arms is allowed within the precincts of a temple.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: precious
Meaning:
pre.cious\n   precious\n1. If you say that something such as a resource is precious, you mean that it is valuable and should not be wasted or used badly.\nAfter four months in foreign parts, every hour at home was precious...\nWater is becoming an increasingly precious resource.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Precious objects and materials are worth a lot of money because they are rare.\n...jewellery and precious objects belonging to her mother.\n  ADJ\n  = valuable\n3. If something is precious to you, you regard it as important and do not want to lose it.\nHer family’s support is particularly precious to Josie...\n  ADJ\n\n4. People sometimes use precious to emphasize their dislike for things which other people think are important. (INFORMAL)\nYou don’t care about anything but yourself and your precious face.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n\n5. If you say that there is precious little of something, you are emphasizing that there is very little of it, and that it would be better if there were more. Precious few has a similar meaning.\nThe banks have had precious little to celebrate recently...\nPrecious few homebuyers will notice any reduction in their monthly repayments.\n  PHRASE  emphasis


Words: precious metal
Meaning:
pre.cious met.al\n   precious metal  precious metals\n  A precious metal is a valuable metal such as gold or silver.\n  N-VAR


Words: precious stone
Meaning:
pre.cious stone\n   precious stone  precious stones\n  A precious stone is a valuable stone, such as a diamond or a ruby, that is used for making jewellery.\n  N-COUNT\n  = gem


Words: precipice
Meaning:
preci.pice\n   precipice  precipices\n1. A precipice is a very steep cliff on a mountain.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone is on the edge of a precipice, you mean that they are in a dangerous situation in which they are extremely close to disaster or failure.\nThe King now stands on the brink of a political precipice.\n  N-COUNT


Words: precipitate
Meaning:
pre.cipi.tate\n   precipitate precipitates  precipitating  precipitated\nThe verb is pronounced   The adjective is pronounced\n1. If something precipitates an event or situation, usually a bad one, it causes it to happen suddenly or sooner than normal. (FORMAL)\nThe killings in Vilnius have precipitated the worst crisis yet...\nA slight mistake could precipitate a disaster.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = bring about\n2. A precipitate action or decision happens or is made more quickly or suddenly than most people think is sensible. (FORMAL)\nI don’t think we should make precipitate decisions...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = hasty\n=>  pre.cipi.tate.ly\nSomebody hired from another country is not likely to resign precipitately...\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: precipitation
Meaning:
pre.cipi.ta.tion\n   precipitation\n1. Precipitation is rain, snow, or hail. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Precipitation is a process in a chemical reaction which causes solid particles to become separated from a liquid. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: precipitous
Meaning:
pre.cipi.tous\n   precipitous\n1. A precipitous slope or drop is very steep and often dangerous.\nThe town is perched on the edge of a steep, precipitous cliff.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pre.cipi.tous.ly\nThe ground beyond the road fell away precipitously.\n  ADV: usu ADV after v, also ADV adj\n\n2. A precipitous change is sudden and unpleasant.\nThe stock market’s precipitous drop frightened foreign investors...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pre.cipi.tous.ly\nThe company has seen its profits fall precipitously over the past few years.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. A precipitous action happens very quickly and often without being planned.\n...a precipitous decision.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pre.cipi.tous.ly\nThey’ve got to act precipitously to make the deals.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: precis
Meaning:
pre.cis\n   precis\nThe form precis is both the singular and the plural form. It is pronounced   when it is the plural.\n  A precis is a short written or spoken account of something, which gives the important points but not the details. (FORMAL)\nA precis of the manuscript was sent to the magazine New Idea.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = summary


Words: precise
Meaning:
pre.cise\n   precise\n1. You use precise to emphasize that you are referring to an exact thing, rather than something vague.\nI can remember the precise moment when my daughter came to see me and her new baby brother in hospital...\nThe precise location of the wreck was discovered in 1988...\nHe was not clear on the precise nature of his mission...\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n  = exact\n2. Something that is precise is exact and accurate in all its details.\nHe does not talk too much and what he has to say is precise and to the point.\n  ADJ\n\n3. You say `to be precise’ to indicate that you are giving more detailed or accurate information than you have just given.\nMore than a week ago, Thursday evening to be precise, Susanne was at her evening class...\n  PHRASE: cl/group PHR


Words: precisely
Meaning:
pre.cise.ly\n   precisely\n1. Precisely means accurately and exactly.\nNobody knows precisely how many people are still living in the camp...\nThe meeting began at precisely 4.00 p.m...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV with cl/group\n  = exactly\n2. You can use precisely to emphasize that a reason or fact is the only important one there is, or that it is obvious.\nChildren come to zoos precisely to see captive animals...\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group  emphasis\n\n3. You can say `precisely’ to confirm in an emphatic way that what someone has just said is true.\n`Did you find yourself wondering what went wrong?’.’Precisely.’\n  ADV: as reply  emphasis\n  = exactly


Words: precision
Meaning:
pre.ci.sion\n   precision\n  If you do something with precision, you do it exactly as it should be done.\nThe interior is planned with a precision the military would be proud of.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with N


Words: preclude
Meaning:
pre.clude\n   preclude  precludes  precluding  precluded\n1. If something precludes an event or action, it prevents the event or action from happening. (FORMAL)\nAt 84, John feels his age precludes too much travel...\n  VERB: V n/-ing\n\n2. If something precludes you from doing something or going somewhere, it prevents you from doing it or going there. (FORMAL)\nA constitutional amendment precludes any president from serving more than two terms...\n  VERB: V n from -ing


Words: precocious
Meaning:
pre.co.cious\n   precocious\n  A precocious child is very clever, mature, or good at something, often in a way that you usually only expect to find in an adult.\nMargaret was always a precocious child...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pre.co.cious.ly\nHe was a precociously bright school boy.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj, also ADV with v


Words: preconceived
Meaning:
pre.con.ceived\n   preconceived\n  If you have preconceived ideas about something, you have already formed an opinion about it before you have enough information or experience.\nWe all start with preconceived notions of what we want from life.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: preconception
Meaning:
pre.con.cep.tion\n   preconception  preconceptions\n  Your preconceptions about something are beliefs formed about it before you have enough information or experience.\nDid you have any preconceptions about the sort of people who did computing?...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: precondition
Meaning:
pre.con.di.tion\n   precondition  preconditions\n  If one thing is a precondition for another, it must happen or be done before the second thing can happen or exist. (FORMAL)\nThey made multi-party democracy a precondition for giving aid.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for/of/to n/-ing


Words: precursor
Meaning:
pre.cur.sor\n   precursor  precursors\n  A precursor of something is a similar thing that happened or existed before it, often something which led to the existence or development of that thing.\nHe said that the deal should not be seen as a precursor to a merger.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of/to n


Words: predate
Meaning:
pre.date\n   predate  predates  predating  predated\n  If you say that one thing predated another, you mean that the first thing happened or existed some time before the second thing.\nHis troubles predated the recession...\n  VERB: V n


Words: predator
Meaning:
preda.tor\n   predator  predators\n1. A predator is an animal that kills and eats other animals.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. People sometimes refer to predatory people or organizations as predators.\nThe company is worried about takeovers by various predators.\n  N-COUNT


Words: predatory
Meaning:
preda.tory\n   predatory\n1. Predatory animals live by killing other animals for food.\n...predatory birds like the eagle.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Predatory people or organizations are eager to gain something out of someone else’s weakness or suffering.\nPeople who run small businesses are frightened by the predatory behaviour of the banks.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: predatory pricing
Meaning:
preda.tory pric.ing\n\n  If a company practises predatory pricing, it charges a much lower price for its products or services than its competitors in order to force them out of the market. (BUSINESS)\nPredatory pricing by large supermarkets was threatening the livelihood of smaller businesses.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: predecease
Meaning:
pre.de.cease\n   predecease  predeceases  predeceasing  predeceased\n  If one person predeceases another, they die before them. (FORMAL)\nHis wife of 63 years, Mary, predeceased him by 11 months.\n  VERB: V n


Words: predecessor
Meaning:
pre.de.ces.sor\n   predecessor  predecessors\n1. Your predecessor is the person who had your job before you.\nHe maintained that he learned everything he knew from his predecessor Kenneth Sisam.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N\n\n2. The predecessor of an object or machine is the object or machine that came before it in a sequence or process of development.\nThe car is some 40mm shorter than its predecessor.\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss\n  = forerunner


Words: predestination
Meaning:
pre.des.ti.na.tion\n   predestination\n  If you believe in predestination, you believe that people have no control over events because everything has already been decided by a power such as God or fate.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: predestined
Meaning:
pre.des.tined\n   predestined\n  If you say that something was predestined, you mean that it could not have been prevented or changed because it had already been decided by a power such as God or fate.\nHis was not a political career predestined from birth...\n  ADJ


Words: predetermined
Meaning:
pre.de.ter.mined\n   predetermined\n  If you say that something is predetermined, you mean that its form or nature was decided by previous events or by people rather than by chance.\nThe Prince’s destiny was predetermined from the moment of his birth...\nThe capsules can be made to release the pesticides at a predetermined time.\n  ADJ


Words: predeterminer
Meaning:
pre.de.ter.min.er\n   predeterminer  predeterminers\n  In grammar, a predeterminer is a word that is used before a determiner, but is still part of the noun group. For example, `all’ in `all the time’ and `both’ in `both our children’ are predeterminers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: predicament
Meaning:
pre.dica.ment\n   predicament  predicaments\n  If you are in a predicament, you are in an unpleasant situation that is difficult to get out of.\nThe decision will leave her in a peculiar predicament.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: predicate
Meaning:
predi.cate\n   predicate predicates predicating  predicated\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. In some systems of grammar, the predicate of a clause is the part of it that is not the subject. For example, in `I decided what to do’, `decided what to do’ is the predicate.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that one situation is predicated on another, you mean that the first situation can be true or real only if the second one is true or real. (FORMAL)\nFinancial success is usually predicated on having money or being able to obtain it.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed on n/-ing


Words: predict
Meaning:
pre.dict\n   predict  predicts  predicting  predicted\n  If you predict an event, you say that it will happen.\nThe latest opinion polls are predicting a very close contest...\nHe predicted that my hair would grow back `in no time’...\nIt’s hard to predict how a jury will react...\n`The war will continue another two or three years,’ he predicted.\n  VERB: V n, V that, V wh, V with quote


Words: predictable
Meaning:
pre.dict.able\n   predictable\n  If you say that an event is predictable, you mean that it is obvious in advance that it will happen.\nThis was a predictable reaction, given the bitter hostility between the two countries...\n  ADJ\n  !=unpredictable\n=>  pre.dict.ably\nHis article is, predictably, a scathing attack on capitalism...\n  ADV: ADV with cl, ADV with v, ADV adj/adv\n\n=>  pre.dict.abil.ity\nYour mother values the predictability of your Sunday calls.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prediction
Meaning:
pre.dic.tion\n   prediction  predictions\n  If you make a prediction about something, you say what you think will happen.\nHe was unwilling to make a prediction about which books would sell in the coming year...\nWeather prediction has never been a perfect science.\n  N-VAR


Words: predictive
Meaning:
pre.dic.tive\n   predictive\n  You use predictive to describe something such as a test, science, or theory that is concerned with determining what will happen in the future. (FORMAL)\n...the predictive branch of economics.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: predictor
Meaning:
pre.dic.tor\n   predictor  predictors\n  You can refer to something that helps you predict something that will happen in the future as a predictor of that thing.\nOpinion polls are an unreliable predictor of election outcomes...\n  N-COUNT: with supp, usu N of n\n  = indication


Words: predilection
Meaning:
pre.di.lec.tion\n   predilection  predilections\n  If you have a predilection for something, you have a strong liking for it. (FORMAL)\n...his predilection for fast cars and fast horses.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n/-ing\n  = fondness


Words: predispose
Meaning:
pre.dis.pose\n   predispose  predisposes  predisposing  predisposed\n1. If something predisposes you to think or behave in a particular way, it makes it likely that you will think or behave in that way. (FORMAL)\nThey take pains to hire people whose personalities predispose them to serve customers well...\nThere is evidence to suggest that certain factors predispose some individuals to criminal behaviour.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, V n to n/-ing\n\n=>  pre.dis.posed\n...people who are predisposed to violent crime.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to-inf, ADJ to n\n\n2. If something predisposes you to a disease or illness, it makes it likely that you will suffer from that disease or illness. (FORMAL)\n...a gene that predisposes people to alcoholism.\n  VERB: V n to n\n\n=>  pre.dis.posed\nSome people are genetically predisposed to diabetes.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to n


Words: predisposition
Meaning:
pre.dis.po.si.tion\n   predisposition  predispositions\n1. If you have a predisposition to behave in a particular way, you tend to behave like that because of the kind of person that you are or the attitudes that you have. (FORMAL)\nThere is a thin dividing line between educating the public and creating a predisposition to panic.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N to-inf, N to/towards n/-ing\n\n2. If you have a predisposition to a disease or illness, it is likely that you will suffer from that disease or illness. (FORMAL)\n...a genetic predisposition to lung cancer.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, usu N to/towards n


Words: predominance
Meaning:
pre.domi.nance\n   predominance\n1. If there is a predominance of one type of person or thing, there are many more of that type than of any other type. (FORMAL)\nAnother interesting note was the predominance of London club players.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n\n2. If someone or something has predominance, they have the most power or importance among a group of people or things. (FORMAL)\nEventually even their economic predominance was to suffer.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: predominant
Meaning:
pre.domi.nant\n   predominant\n  If something is predominant, it is more important or noticeable than anything else in a set of people or things.\nAmanda’s predominant emotion was that of confusion.\n  ADJ


Words: predominantly
Meaning:
pre.domi.nant.ly\n   predominantly\n  You use predominantly to indicate which feature or quality is most noticeable in a situation.\n...a predominantly female profession...\n  ADV: usu ADV group, also ADV after v\n  = mainly, largely


Words: predominate
Meaning:
pre.domi.nate\n   predominate  predominates  predominating  predominated\n1. If one type of person or thing predominates in a group, there is more of that type of person or thing in the group than of any other. (FORMAL)\nIn older age groups women predominate because men tend to die younger...\n  VERB: V\n\n2. When a feature or quality predominates, it is the most important or noticeable one in a situation. (FORMAL)\nHe wants to create a society where Islamic principles predominate.\n  VERB: V


Words: predominately
Meaning:
pre.domi.nate.ly\n   predominately\n  Predominately means the same as predominantly.\n...a predominately white, middle-class suburb.\n  ADV: usu ADV group, also ADV after v


Words: preen
Meaning:
preen  preens  preening  preened\n1. If someone preens themselves, they spend a lot of time making themselves look neat and attractive; used especially if you want to show that you disapprove of this behaviour or that you find it ridiculous and amusing.\n50% of men under 35 spend at least 20 minutes preening themselves every morning in the bathroom...\nBill preened his beard.\n  VERB: V pron-refl, V n  disapproval\n\n2. If someone preens, they think in a pleased way about how attractive, clever, or good at something they are.\nShe stood preening in their midst, delighted with the attention...\nHe preened himself on the praise he had received.\n...a preening prize fighter about to enter a ring.\n  VERB: V, V pron-refl on n, V-ing  disapproval\n\n3. When birds preen their feathers, they clean them and arrange them neatly using their beaks.\nRare birds preen themselves right in front of your camera.\n  VERB: V pron-refl, also V, V n


Words: prefab
Meaning:
pre.fab\n   prefab  prefabs\n1. A prefab is a house built with parts which have been made in a factory and then quickly put together at the place where the house was built. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A prefab building or structure is one that has been made from parts which were made in a factory and then quickly put together at the place where the structure was built .\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: prefabricated
Meaning:
pre.fab.ri.cat.ed\n   prefabricated\n  Prefabricated buildings are built with parts which have been made in a factory so that they can be easily carried and put together.\n  ADJ


Words: preface
Meaning:
pref.ace\n   preface  prefaces  prefacing  prefaced\n1. A preface is an introduction at the beginning of a book, which explains what the book is about or why it was written.\n  N-COUNT\n  = foreword\n2. If you preface an action or speech with something else, you do or say this other thing first.\nI will preface what I am going to say with a few lines from Shakespeare...\nThe president prefaced his remarks by saying he has supported unemployment benefits all along.\n  VERB: V n with n, V n by -ing


Words: prefect
Meaning:
pre.fect\n   prefect  prefects\n1. In some schools, especially in Britain, a prefect is an older pupil who does special duties and helps the teachers to control the younger pupils.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In some countries, a prefect is the head of the local government administration or of a local government department.\n...the police prefect for the district of Mehedinti.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prefecture
Meaning:
pre.fec.ture\n   prefecture  prefectures\n  In some countries, administrative areas are called prefectures.\nHe was born in Yamagata prefecture, north of Tokyo.\n  N-COUNT: oft in names


Words: prefer
Meaning:
pre.fer\n   prefer  prefers  preferring  preferred\n  If you prefer someone or something, you like that person or thing better than another, and so you are more likely to choose them if there is a choice.\nDoes he prefer a particular sort of music?...\nI became a teacher because I preferred books and people to politics...\nI prefer to go on self-catering holidays...\nI would prefer him to be with us next season...\nBob prefers making original pieces rather than reproductions...\nThe woodwork’s green now. I preferred it blue...\nHer own preferred methods of exercise are hiking and long cycle rides.\n  VERB: no cont, V n, V n to n, V to-inf, V n to-inf, V -ing, V n adj, V-ed, also V that


Words: preferable
Meaning:
pref.er.able\n   preferable\n  If you say that one thing is preferable to another, you mean that it is more desirable or suitable.\nA big earthquake a long way off is preferable to a smaller one nearby...\nThe hazards of the theatre seemed preferable to joining the family paint business...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to n/-ing, it v-link ADJ to-inf/that\n\n=>  pref.er.ably\nDo something creative or take exercise, preferably in the fresh air.\n  ADV: usu ADV with cl/group


Words: preference
Meaning:
pref.er.ence\n   preference  preferences\n1. If you have a preference for something, you would like to have or do that thing rather than something else.\nParents can express a preference for the school their child attends...\nMany of these products were bought in preference to their own.\n  N-VAR: usu N for n\n\n2. If you give preference to someone with a particular qualification or feature, you choose them rather than someone else.\nThe Pentagon will give preference to companies which do business electronically.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N to n\n  = priority


Words: preference shares
Meaning:
pref.er.ence shares\n\n  Preference shares  are shares in a company that are owned by people who have the right to receive part of the company’s profits before the holders of ordinary shares are paid. They also have the right to have their capital repaid if the company fails and has to close. Compare ordinary shares. (BRIT BUSINESS; in AM use preferred stock)\n  N-PLURAL


Words: preferential
Meaning:
pref.er.en.tial\n   preferential\n  If you get preferential treatment, you are treated better than other people and therefore have an advantage over them.\nDespite her status, the Duchess will not be given preferential treatment.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = special


Words: preferment
Meaning:
pre.fer.ment\n   preferment  preferments\n  Preferment is the act of being given a better and more important job in an organization. (FORMAL)\nHe was told by the governors that he could expect no further preferment.\n  N-VAR


Words: preferred stock
Meaning:
pref.erred stock\n\n  Preferred stock is the same as preference shares. (AM BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also common stock


Words: prefigure
Meaning:
pre.fig.ure\n   prefigure  prefigures  prefiguring  prefigured\n  If one thing prefigures another, it is a first indication which suggests or determines that the second thing will happen. (FORMAL)\nThe wall through Berlin was finally ruptured, prefiguring the reunification of Germany.\n  VERB: V n


Words: prefix
Meaning:
pre.fix\n   prefix  prefixes\n1. A prefix is a letter or group of letters, for example `un-’ or `multi-’, which is added to the beginning of a word in order to form a different word. For example, the prefix `un-’ is added to `happy’ to form `unhappy’. Compare affix and suffix.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A prefix is one or more numbers or letters added to the beginning of a code number to indicate, for example, what area something belongs to.\nTo telephone from the US use the prefix 011 33 before the numbers given here...\n  N-COUNT


Words: prefixed
Meaning:
pre.fixed\n   prefixed\n  A word or code number that is prefixed by one or more letters or numbers has them as its prefix.\nSulphur-containing compounds are often prefixed by the term `thio’...\nCalls to Dublin should now be prefixed with 010 3531.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed by n, be V-ed with n


Words: pregnancy
Meaning:
preg.nan.cy\n   pregnancy  pregnancies\n  Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or the period of time during which a female is pregnant.\nIt would be wiser to cut out all alcohol during pregnancy...\nShe was exhausted by eight pregnancies in 13 years.\n  N-VAR


Words: pregnancy test
Meaning:
preg.nan.cy test\n   pregnancy test  pregnancy tests\n  A pregnancy test is a medical test which women have to find out if they have become pregnant.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pregnant
Meaning:
preg.nant\n   pregnant\n1. If a woman or female animal is pregnant, she has a baby or babies developing in her body.\nLena got pregnant and married...\nTina was pregnant with their first daughter.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A pregnant silence or moment has a special meaning which is not obvious but which people are aware of.\nThere was a long, pregnant silence.\n  ADJ: ADJ n, v-link ADJ with n


Words: preheat
Meaning:
pre.heat\n   preheat  preheats  preheating  preheated\n  If you preheat an oven, you switch it on and allow it to reach a certain temperature before you put food inside it.\nPreheat the oven to 400 degrees...\nBake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: prehistoric
Meaning:
pre.his.tor.ic\n   prehistoric\n  Prehistoric people and things existed at a time before information was written down.\n...the famous prehistoric cave paintings of Lascaux.\n  ADJ


Words: prehistory
Meaning:
pre.his.to.ry\n   prehistory   also pre-history\n  Prehistory is the time in history before any information was written down.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prejudge
Meaning:
pre.judge\n   prejudge  prejudges  prejudging  prejudged\n  If you prejudge a situation, you form an opinion about it before you know all the facts. (FORMAL)\nThey tried to prejudge the commission’s findings.\n  VERB: V n, also V


Words: prejudice
Meaning:
preju.dice\n   prejudice  prejudices  prejudicing  prejudiced\n1. Prejudice is an unreasonable dislike of a particular group of people or things, or a preference for a one group of people or things over another.\nThere is widespread prejudice against workers over 45...\nHe said he hoped the Swiss authorities would investigate the case thoroughly and without prejudice.\n  N-VAR: oft supp N, N against n\n\n2. If you prejudice someone or something, you influence them so that they are unfair in some way.\nI think your South American youth has prejudiced you...\nHe claimed his case would be prejudiced if it became known he was refusing to answer questions.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n3. If someone prejudices another person’s situation, they do something which makes it worse than it should be. (FORMAL)\nHer study was not in any way intended to prejudice the future development of the college...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you take an action without prejudice to an existing situation, your action does not change or harm that situation. (FORMAL)\nWe accept the outcome of the inquiry, without prejudice to the unsettled question of territorial waters.\n  PHRASE: PHR n


Words: prejudiced
Meaning:
preju.diced\n   prejudiced\n  A person who is prejudiced against someone has an unreasonable dislike of them. A person who is prejudiced in favour of someone has an unreasonable preference for them.\nSome landlords and landladies are racially prejudiced...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: prejudicial
Meaning:
preju.di.cial\n   prejudicial\n  If an action or situation is prejudicial to someone or something, it is harmful to them. (FORMAL)\nYou could face up to eight years in jail for spreading rumours considered prejudicial to security...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n


Words: prelate
Meaning:
prel.ate\n   prelate  prelates\n  A prelate is a member of the clergy holding a high rank, for example a bishop or an archbishop.\n  N-COUNT


Words: preliminary
Meaning:
pre.limi.nary\n   preliminary  preliminaries\n1. Preliminary activities or discussions take place at the beginning of an event, often as a form of preparation.\nPreliminary results show the Republican party with 11 percent of the vote...\nPreliminary talks on the future of the bases began yesterday.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A preliminary is something that you do at the beginning of an activity, often as a form of preparation.\nA background check is normally a preliminary to a presidential appointment.\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n/-ing\n\n3. A preliminary is the first part of a competition to see who will go on to the main competition.\nThe winner of each preliminary goes through to the final.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prelude
Meaning:
prel.ude\n   prelude  preludes\n1. You can describe an event as a prelude to a more important event when it happens before it and acts as an introduction to it.\nMost unions see privatisation as an inevitable prelude to job losses...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu N to n\n\n2. A prelude is a short piece of music for the piano or organ.\n...the famous E minor prelude of Chopin.\n  N-COUNT


Words: premarital
Meaning:
pre.mari.tal\n   premarital   also pre-marital\n  Premarital means happening at some time before someone gets married.\nI rejected the teaching that premarital sex was immoral.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: premature
Meaning:
prema.ture\n   premature\n1. Something that is premature happens earlier than usual or earlier than people expect.\nAccidents are still the number one cause of premature death for Americans...\n...a twenty-four-year-old man who suffered from premature baldness.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  prema.ture.ly\nThe war and the years in the harsh mountains had prematurely aged him...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n2. You can say that something is premature when it happens too early and is therefore inappropriate.\nIt now seems their optimism was premature...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  prema.ture.ly\nHolmgren is careful not to celebrate prematurely.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj\n\n3. A premature baby is one that was born before the date when it was expected to be born.\nWhen my daughter Emma was born she was two and a half months premature.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  prema.ture.ly\nDanny was born prematurely, weighing only 3lb 3oz.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: premeditated
Meaning:
pre.medi.tat.ed\n   premeditated\n  A premeditated crime is planned or thought about before it is done.\nIn a case of premeditated murder a life sentence is mandatory...\n  ADJ


Words: premeditation
Meaning:
pre.medi.ta.tion\n   premeditation\n  Premeditation is thinking about something or planning it before you actually do it. (FORMAL)\nThe judge finally concluded there was insufficient evidence of premeditation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: premenstrual
Meaning:
pre.men.stru.al\n   premenstrual\n  Premenstrual is used to refer to the time immediately before menstruation and a woman’s behaviour and feelings at this time.\n...premenstrual symptoms.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: premenstrual syndrome
Meaning:
pre.men.stru.al syn.drome\n   premenstrual syndrome\n  Premenstrual syndrome is used to refer to the problems, including strain and tiredness, that many women experience before menstruation. The abbreviation PMS is often used.\nAbout 70% of women suffer from premenstrual syndrome.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: premenstrual tension
Meaning:
pre.men.stru.al ten.sion\n   premenstrual tension\n  Premenstrual tension is the same as premenstrual syndrome. The abbreviation PMT is often used. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: premier
Meaning:
prem.ier\n   premier  premiers\n1. The leader of the government of a country is sometimes referred to as the country’s premier.\n...Australian premier Paul Keating.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Premier is used to describe something that is considered to be the best or most important thing of a particular type.\n...the country’s premier opera company.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = principal, leading


Words: premiere
Meaning:
premi.ere\n   premiere  premieres  premiering  premiered\n1. The premiere of a new play or film is the first public performance of it.\nA new Czechoslovak film has had its premiere at the Karlovy Vary film festival.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When a film or show premieres or is premiered, it is shown to an audience for the first time.\nThe documentary premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival...\nThe opera is due to be premiered by ENO next year.\n  VERB: V, be V-ed


Words: premiership
Meaning:
prem.ier.ship\n   premiership\n  The premiership of a leader of a government is the period of time during which they are the leader.\n...the final years of Margaret Thatcher’s premiership...\n  N-SING


Words: premise
Meaning:
prem.ise\n   premise  premises\n\n  The spelling premiss is also used in British English for meaning 2.\n\n1. The premises of a business or an institution are all the buildings and land that it occupies in one place.\nThere is a kitchen on the premises...\nThe business moved to premises in Brompton Road.\n  N-PLURAL: oft on the N\n\n2. A premise is something that you suppose is true and that you use as a basis for developing an idea. (FORMAL)\nThe premise is that schools will work harder to improve if they must compete...\n  N-COUNT: oft N that\n  = assumption


Words: premised
Meaning:
prem.ised\n   premised\n  If a theory or attitude is premised on an idea or belief, that idea or belief has been used as the basis for it. (FORMAL)\nAll our activities are premised on the basis of `Quality with Equality’.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed on n


Words: premium
Meaning:
pre.mium\n   premium  premiums\n1. A premium is a sum of money that you pay regularly to an insurance company for an insurance policy.\nIt is too early to say whether insurance premiums will be affected.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A premium is a sum of money that you have to pay for something in addition to the normal cost.\nEven if customers want `solutions’, most are not willing to pay a premium for them...\nCallers are charged a premium rate of 48p a minute.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N n\n\n3. Premium goods are of a higher than usual quality and are often expensive.\n...the most popular premium ice cream in this country.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = luxury\n4. If something is at a premium, it is wanted or needed, but is difficult to get or achieve.\nIf space is at a premium, choose adaptable furniture that won’t fill the room.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n  = scarce\n5. If you buy or sell something at a premium, you buy or sell it at a higher price than usual, for example because it is in short supply.\nHe eventually sold the shares back to the bank at a premium.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n6. If you place a high premium on a quality or characteristic or put a high premium on it, you regard it as very important.\nI place a high premium on what someone is like as a person...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n


Words: premium bond
Meaning:
pre.mium bond\n   premium bond  premium bonds\n  In Britain, premium bonds are numbered tickets that are sold by the government. Each month, a computer selects several numbers, and the people whose tickets have those numbers win money.\n  N-COUNT


Words: premonition
Meaning:
premo.ni.tion\n   premonition  premonitions\n  If you have a premonition, you have a feeling that something is going to happen, often something unpleasant.\nHe had an unshakable premonition that he would die.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prenatal
Meaning:
pre.na.tal\n   prenatal\n  Prenatal is used to describe things relating to the medical care of women during pregnancy.\nI’d met her briefly in a prenatal class.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: preoccupation
Meaning:
pre.oc.cu.pa.tion\n   preoccupation  preoccupations\n1. If you have a preoccupation with something or someone, you keep thinking about them because they are important to you.\nIn his preoccupation with Robyn, Crook had neglected everything.\n  N-COUNT: oft N with n\n\n2. Preoccupation is a state of mind in which you think about something so much that you do not consider other things to be important.\nIt was hard for him to be aware of her; he kept sinking back into black preoccupation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = obsession


Words: preoccupied
Meaning:
pre.oc.cu.pied\n   preoccupied\n  If you are preoccupied, you are thinking a lot about something or someone, and so you hardly notice other things.\nTom Banbury was preoccupied with the missing Shepherd child and did not want to devote time to the new murder...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ with/by n


Words: preoccupy
Meaning:
pre.oc.cu.py\n   preoccupy  preoccupies  preoccupying  preoccupied\n  If something is preoccupying you, you are thinking about it a lot.\nCrime and the fear of crime preoccupy the community.\n  VERB: V n


Words: preordained
Meaning:
pre.or.dained\n   preordained\n  If you say that something is preordained, you mean you believe it to be happening in the way that has been decided by a power such as God or fate. (FORMAL)\n...the belief that our actions are the unfolding of a preordained destiny.\n  ADJ\n  = predestined


Words: prep
Meaning:
prep  preps  prepping  prepped\n  If you prep something, you prepare it. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nAfter prepping the boat, they sailed it down to Carloforte.\n  VERB: V n


Words: prep school
Meaning:
prep school  prep schools\n1. In Britain, a prep school is a private school where children are educated until the age of 11 or 13.\n  N-VAR: oft prep N\n\n2. In the United States, a prep school is a private school for students who intend to go to college after they leave.\n  N-VAR


Words: prepaid
Meaning:
pre.paid\n   prepaid   also pre-paid\n  Prepaid items are paid for in advance, before the time when you would normally pay for them.\nReturn the enclosed Donation Form today in the prepaid envelope provided.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: preparation
Meaning:
prepa.ra.tion\n   preparation  preparations\n1. Preparation is the process of getting something ready for use or for a particular purpose or making arrangements for something.\nRub the surface of the wood in preparation for the varnish...\nBehind any successful event lay months of preparation.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp, oft N for/of n\n\n2. Preparations are all the arrangements that are made for a future event.\nThe United States is making preparations for a large-scale airlift of 1,200 American citizens...\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. A preparation is a mixture that has been prepared for use as food, medicine, or a cosmetic.\n...anti-ageing creams and sensitive-skin preparations.\n  N-COUNT


Words: preparatory
Meaning:
pre.para.tory\n   preparatory\n1. Preparatory actions are done before doing something else as a form of preparation or as an introduction.\nAt least a year’s preparatory work will be necessary before building can start.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = preliminary\n2. If one action is done preparatory to another, it is done before the other action, usually as preparation for it. (FORMAL)\nSloan cleared his throat preparatory to speaking...\n  PREP-PHRASE


Words: preparatory school
Meaning:
pre.para.tory school\n   preparatory school  preparatory schools\n  A preparatory school is the same as a prep school. (BRIT)\n  N-VAR


Words: prepare
Meaning:
pre.pare\n   prepare  prepares  preparing  prepared\n1. If you prepare something, you make it ready for something that is going to happen.\nTwo technicians were preparing a videotape recording of last week’s programme...\nThe crew of the Iowa has been preparing the ship for storage.\n  VERB: V n, V n for n\n\n2. If you prepare for an event or action that will happen soon, you get yourself ready for it or make the necessary arrangements.\nThe Party leadership is using management consultants to help prepare for the next election...\nHe had to go back to his hotel and prepare to catch a train for New York...\nHis doctor had told him to prepare himself for surgery.\n  VERB: V for n, V to-inf, V pron-refl for n\n\n3. When you prepare food, you get it ready to be eaten, for example by cooking it.\nShe made her way to the kitchen, hoping to find someone preparing dinner...\n  VERB: V n


Words: prepared
Meaning:
pre.pared\n   prepared\n1. If you are prepared to do something, you are willing to do it if necessary.\nAre you prepared to take industrial action?...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to-inf\n  = willing\n2. If you are prepared for something that you think is going to happen, you are ready for it.\nPolice are prepared for large numbers of demonstrators...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ for n\n  !=unprepared\n3. You can describe something as prepared when it has been done or made beforehand, so that it is ready when it is needed.\nHe ended his prepared statement by thanking the police.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: preparedness
Meaning:
pre.par.ed.ness\n   preparedness\n  Preparedness is the state of being ready for something to happen, especially for war or a disaster. (FORMAL)\nThe situation in the capital forced them to maintain military preparedness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: preponderance
Meaning:
pre.pon.der.ance\n   preponderance\n  If there is a preponderance of one type of person or thing in a group, there is more of that type than of any other.\n...a preponderance of bright, middle-class children in one group.\n...Bath, with its preponderance of small businesses.\n  N-SING: usu N of n


Words: preposition
Meaning:
prepo.si.tion\n   preposition  prepositions\n  A preposition is a word such as `by’, `for’, `into’, or `with’ which usually has a noun group as its object.\nThere is nothing in the rules of grammar to suggest that ending a sentence with a preposition is wrong.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prepositional phrase
Meaning:
prepo.si.tion.al phrase\n   prepositional phrase  prepositional phrases\n  A prepositional phrase is a structure consisting of a preposition and its object. Examples are `on the table’ and `by the sea’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: preposterous
Meaning:
pre.pos.ter.ous\n   preposterous\n  If you describe something as preposterous, you mean that it is extremely unreasonable and foolish.\nThe whole idea was preposterous.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = ludicrous\n=>  pre.pos.ter.ous.ly\nSome prices are preposterously high.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj/adv


Words: preppy
Meaning:
prep.py\n   preppy  preppies\n1. Preppies are young people, especially in America, who have often been to an expensive private school and who are conventional and conservative in their attitudes, behaviour, and style of dress. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe someone or their clothes, attitudes, or behaviour as preppy, you mean that they are like a preppy. (mainly AM)\nI couldn’t believe how straight-looking he was, how preppy.\n...a preppy collar and tie.\n  ADJ


Words: prepubescent
Meaning:
pre.pu.bes.cent\n   prepubescent\n  Prepubescent means relating to the time just before someone’s body becomes physically mature. (FORMAL)\n...prepubescent boys and girls.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: prequel
Meaning:
pre.quel\n   prequel  prequels\n  A prequel is a film that is made about an earlier stage of a story or a character’s life when the later part of it has already been made into a successful film.\n...`Fire Walk With Me’, David Lynch’s prequel to the TV series `Twin Peaks’.\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n


Words: prerequisite
Meaning:
pre.requi.site\n   prerequisite  prerequisites\n  If one thing is a prerequisite for another, it must happen or exist before the other thing is possible.\nGood self-esteem is a prerequisite for a happy life...\n  N-COUNT: N for/of n


Words: prerogative
Meaning:
pre.roga.tive\n   prerogative  prerogatives\n  If something is the prerogative of a particular person or group, it is a privilege or a power that only they have. (FORMAL)\nConstitutional changes are exclusively the prerogative of the parliament...\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss


Words: presage
Meaning:
pres.age\n   presage  presages  presaging  presaged\n  If something presages a situation or event, it is considered to be a warning or sign of what is about to happen. (FORMAL)\n...the dawn’s loud chorus that seemed to presage a bright hot summer’s day.\n  VERB: V n


Words: Presbyterian
Meaning:
Pres.by.ter.ian\n   Presbyterian  Presbyterians\n1. Presbyterian means belonging or relating to a Protestant church, found especially in Scotland or the United States, which is governed by a body of official people all of equal rank.\n...a Presbyterian minister.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A Presbyterian is a member of the Presbyterian church.\n  N-COUNT


Words: presbytery
Meaning:
pres.by.tery\n   presbytery  presbyteries\n  A presbytery is the house in which a Roman Catholic priest lives.\n  N-COUNT


Words: preschooler
Meaning:
pre.schooler\n   preschooler  preschoolers   also pre-schooler\n  Children who are no longer babies but are not yet old enough to go to school are sometimes referred to as preschoolers. (WRITTEN)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: prescient
Meaning:
pres.ci.ent\n   prescient\n  If you say that someone or something was prescient, you mean that they were able to know or predict what was going to happen in the future. (FORMAL)\n...`Bob Roberts’, an eerily prescient comedy about a populist multimillionaire political candidate.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pres.ci.ence\nOver the years he’s demonstrated a certain prescience in foreign affairs.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prescribe
Meaning:
pre.scribe\n   prescribe  prescribes  prescribing  prescribed\n1. If a doctor prescribes medicine or treatment for you, he or she tells you what medicine or treatment to have.\nOur doctor diagnosed a throat infection and prescribed antibiotic and junior aspirin...\nShe took twice the prescribed dose of sleeping tablets...\nThe law allows doctors to prescribe contraception to the under 16s.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed, V n to n\n\n2. If a person or set of laws or rules prescribes an action or duty, they state that it must be carried out. (FORMAL)\n...article II of the constitution, which prescribes the method of electing a president...\nAlliott told Singleton he was passing the sentence prescribed by law.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: prescription
Meaning:
pre.scrip.tion\n   prescription  prescriptions\n1. A prescription is the piece of paper on which your doctor writes an order for medicine and which you give to a chemist or pharmacist to get the medicine.\nYou will have to take your prescription to a chemist.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A prescription is a medicine which a doctor has told you to take.\nThe prescription Ackerman gave me isn’t doing any good.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  If a medicine is available on prescription, you can only get it from a chemist or pharmacist if a doctor gives you a prescription for it.\nThe drug is available on prescription only.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v\n\n3. A prescription is a proposal or a plan which gives ideas about how to solve a problem or improve a situation.\n...the economic prescriptions of Ireland’s main political parties.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prescriptive
Meaning:
pre.scrip.tive\n   prescriptive\n  A prescriptive approach to something involves telling people what they should do, rather than simply giving suggestions or describing what is done. (FORMAL)\n...prescriptive attitudes to language on the part of teachers...\nThe psychologists insist, however, that they are not being prescriptive.\n  ADJ


Words: presence
Meaning:
pres.ence\n   presence  presences\n1. Someone’s presence in a place is the fact that they are there.\nThey argued that his presence in the village could only stir up trouble...\nHer Majesty later honoured the Headmaster with her presence at lunch.\n  N-SING: with poss\n  !=absence\n2. If you say that someone has presence, you mean that they impress people by their appearance and manner.\nHendrix’s stage presence appealed to thousands of teenage rebels.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft supp N  approval\n\n3. A presence is a person or creature that you cannot see, but that you are aware of. (LITERARY)\nShe started to be affected by the ghostly presence she could feel in the house.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If a country has a military presence in another country, it has some of its armed forces there.\nThe Philippine government wants the US to maintain a military presence in Southeast Asia.\n  N-SING: usu supp N\n\n5. If you refer to the presence of a substance in another thing, you mean that it is in that thing.\nThe somewhat acid flavour is caused by the presence of lactic acid.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with poss\n  !=absence\n6. If you are in someone’s presence, you are in the same place as that person, and are close enough to them to be seen or heard.\nThe talks took place in the presence of a diplomatic observer.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR


Words: present
Meaning:
GIFT\npres.ent  GIFT\n   present  presents\n  A present is something that you give to someone, for example at Christmas or when you visit them.\nThe carpet was a wedding present from the Prime Minister...\nI bought a birthday present for my mother...\nThis book would make a great Christmas present.\n  N-COUNT\n  = gift\n\nEXISTING OR HAPPENING NOW\npres.ent  EXISTING OR HAPPENING NOW\n   present\n1. You use present to describe things and people that exist now, rather than those that existed in the past or those that may exist in the future.\nHe has brought much of the present crisis on himself...\nIt has been skilfully renovated by the present owners...\nNo statement can be made at the present time.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = current\n2. The present is the period of time that we are in now and the things that are happening now.\n...his struggle to reconcile the past with the present.\n...continuing right up to the present...\nThen her thoughts would switch to the present.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n3. In grammar, the present tenses of a verb are the ones that are used to talk about things that happen regularly or situations that exist at this time. The simple present tense uses the base form or the `s’ form of a verb, as in `I play tennis twice a week’ and `He works in a bank’.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. A situation that exists at present exists now, although it may change.\nThere is no way at present of predicting which individuals will develop the disease...\nAt present children under 14 are not permitted in bars.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl/group\n\n5. The present day is the period of history that we are in now.\n...Western European art from the period of Giotto to the present day.\n  PHRASE: prep PHR\n  = today\n6. Something that exists or will be done for the present exists now or will continue for a while, although the situation may change later.\nThe ministers had expressed the unanimous view that sanctions should remain in place for the present.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\nBEING SOMEWHERE\npres.ent  BEING SOMEWHERE\n   present\n1. If someone is present at an event, they are there.\nThe president was not present at the meeting...\nNearly 85 per cent of men are present at the birth of their children...\nThe whole family was present.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ at n\n  !=absent\n2. If something, especially a substance or disease, is present in something else, it exists within that thing.\nThis special form of vitamin D is naturally present in breast milk...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ in n\n  !=absent\n\nVERB USES\npre.sent  VERB USES\n   present  presents  presenting  presented\n1. If you present someone with something such as a prize or document, or if you present it to them, you formally give it to them.\nThe mayor presented him with a gold medal at an official city reception...\nPrince Michael of Kent presented the prizes...\nThe group intended to present this petition to the parliament.\n  VERB: V n with n, V n, V n to n\n\n=>  pres.en.ta.tion\nThen came the presentation of the awards by the Queen Mother.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. If something presents a difficulty, challenge, or opportunity, it causes it or provides it.\nThis presents a problem for many financial consumers...\nPublic policy on the family presents liberals with a dilemma.\n  VERB: V n, V n with n\n\n3. If an opportunity or problem presents itself, it occurs, often when you do not expect it.\nTheir colleagues insulted them whenever the opportunity presented itself...\n  VERB: V pron-refl\n\n4. When you present information, you give it to people in a formal way.\nWe spend the time collating and presenting the information in a variety of chart forms...\nWe presented three options to the unions for discussion...\nIn effect, Parsons presents us with a beguilingly simple outline of social evolution.\n  VERB: V n, V n to n, V n with n\n\n=>  pres.en.ta.tion      presentations\n...a fair presentation of the facts to a jury...\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n\n5. If you present someone or something in a particular way, you describe them in that way.\nThe government has presented these changes as major reforms...\nIn Europe, Aga Khan III presented himself in a completely different light.\n  VERB: V n as n, V n in n\n\n6. The way you present yourself is the way you speak and act when meeting new people.\n...all those tricks which would help him to present himself in a more confident way in public.\n  VERB: V pron-refl prep/adv\n\n7. If someone or something presents a particular appearance or image, that is how they appear or try to appear.\nThe small group of onlookers presented a pathetic sight...\nIn presenting a more professional image the party risks losing its individuality.\n...presenting a calm and dignified face to the world at large.\n  VERB: V n, V n, V n to n\n\n8. If you present yourself somewhere, you officially arrive there, for example for an appointment.\nShe was told to present herself at the Town Hall at 11.30 for the induction ceremony...\n  VERB: V pron-refl prep/adv\n\n9. If someone presents a programme on television or radio, they introduce each item in it. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use host, introduce)\nShe presents a monthly magazine programme on the BBC.\n  VERB: V n\n\n10. When someone presents something such as a production of a play or an exhibition, they organize it.\nThe Lyric Theatre is presenting a new production of `Over the Bridge’.\n  VERB: V n\n\n11. If you present someone to someone else, often an important person, you formally introduce them.\nFox stepped forward, welcomed him in Malay, and presented him to Jack...\nAllow me to present my wife’s cousin, Mr Zachary Colenso.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n\n  = introduce\n12.\n  see also presentation


Words: present participle
Meaning:
pres.ent par.ti.ci.ple\n   present participle  present participles\n  In grammar, the present participle of a verb is the form which ends in `-ing’. Present participles are used to form continuous tenses, as in `She was wearing a neat blue suit’. They are often nouns, as in `I hate cooking’ and `Cooking can be fun’. Many of them can be used like an adjective in front of a noun, as in `their smiling faces’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: present perfect
Meaning:
pres.ent per.fect\n   present perfect\n  In grammar, the present perfect tenses of a verb are the ones used to talk about things which happened before the time you are speaking or writing but are relevant to the present situation, or things that began in the past and are still happening. The simple present perfect tense uses `have’ or `has’ and the past participle of the verb, as in `They have decided what to do’.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: present-day
Meaning:
present-day   also present day\n  Present-day things, situations, and people exist at the time in history we are now in.\nEven by present-day standards these were large aircraft.\n...a huge area of northern India, stretching from present-day Afghanistan to Bengal.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: presentable
Meaning:
pre.sent.able\n   presentable\n1. If you say that someone looks presentable, you mean that they look fairly tidy or attractive.\nShe managed to make herself presentable in time for work.\n...wearing his most presentable suit.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe something as presentable, you mean that it is acceptable or quite good. (mainly BRIT)\nHis score of 29 had helped Leicestershire reach a presentable total...\n  ADJ\n  = respectable


Words: presentation
Meaning:
pres.en.ta.tion\n   presentation  presentations\n1. Presentation is the appearance of something, which someone has worked to create.\nWe serve traditional French food cooked in a lighter way, keeping the presentation simple...\nCheck the presentation. Get it properly laid out with a title page.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A presentation is a formal event at which someone is given a prize or award.\nHe received his award at a presentation in London yesterday.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. When someone gives a presentation, they give a formal talk, often in order to sell something or get support for a proposal.\nJames Watson, Philip Mayo and I gave a slide and video presentation...\n  N-COUNT\n\n4.\n  see also present


Words: presenter
Meaning:
pre.sent.er\n   presenter  presenters\n  A radio or television presenter is a person who introduces the items in a particular programme. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use host, anchor)\nMost people think being a television presenter is exciting...\n  N-COUNT


Words: presentiment
Meaning:
pre.sen.ti.ment\n   presentiment  presentiments\n  A presentiment is a feeling that a particular event, for example someone’s death, will soon take place. (FORMAL)\nI had a presentiment that he represented a danger to me...\nHe had a presentiment of disaster.\n  N-COUNT: usu N that, N of n


Words: presently
Meaning:
pres.ent.ly\n   presently\n1. If you say that something is presently happening, you mean that it is happening now.\nShe is presently developing a number of projects...\nThe island is presently uninhabited...\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV group\n  = currently\n2. You use presently to indicate that something happened quite a short time after the time or event that you have just mentioned. (WRITTEN)\nPresently, a young woman in a white coat came in...\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n\n3. If you say that something will happen presently, you mean that it will happen quite soon. (FORMAL)\n`Just take it easy,’ David said. `You’ll feel better presently.’\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  = shortly


Words: preservation order
Meaning:
pres.er.va.tion or.der\n   preservation order  preservation orders\n  In Britain, a preservation order is an official order that makes it illegal for anyone to alter or destroy something such as an old building or an area of countryside.\nThe entire city is under a preservation order.\n  N-COUNT


Words: preservationist
Meaning:
pres.er.va.tion.ist\n   preservationist  preservationists\n  A preservationist is someone who takes action to preserve something such as old buildings or an area of countryside.\n  N-COUNT


Words: preservative
Meaning:
pre.serva.tive\n   preservative  preservatives\n  A preservative is a chemical that prevents things from decaying. Some preservatives are added to food, and others are used to treat wood or metal.\nNitrates are used as preservatives in food manufacture...\n  N-MASS


Words: preserve
Meaning:
pre.serve\n   preserve  preserves  preserving  preserved\n1. If you preserve a situation or condition, you make sure that it remains as it is, and does not change or end.\nWe will do everything to preserve peace.\n...an effort to fit in more students while preserving standards.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = maintain\n=>  pres.er.va.tion\n...the preservation of the status quo.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = maintenance\n2. If you preserve something, you take action to save it or protect it from damage or decay.\nWe need to preserve the forest...\n...perfectly preserved medieval houses.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n=>  pres.er.va.tion\n...the preservation of buildings of architectural or historic interest.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you preserve food, you treat it in order to prevent it from decaying so that you can store it for a long time.\nI like to make puree, using only enough sugar to preserve the plums.\n...preserved ginger in syrup.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n4. Preserves are foods such as jam that are made by cooking fruit with a large amount of sugar so that they can be stored for a long time.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n5. If you say that a job or activity is the preserve of a particular person or group of people, you mean that they are the only ones who take part in it.\nThe conduct of foreign policy is largely the preserve of the president...\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n6. A nature preserve is an area of land or water where animals are protected from hunters. (AM)\n...Pantanal, one of the world’s great wildlife preserves.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n  = reserve


Words: preset
Meaning:
pre.set\n   preset  presets  presetting   also pre-set\n  If a piece of equipment is preset, its controls have been set in advance of the time you want it to work.\n...a computerised timer that can be preset to a variety of programs...\nBake the cake in a preset oven.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed\n  The form preset is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle.


Words: preside
Meaning:
pre.side\n   preside  presides  presiding  presided\n  If you preside over a meeting or an event, you are in charge.\nThe PM presided over a meeting of his inner Cabinet...\nThe presiding officer ruled that the motion was out of order.\n  VERB: V over/at n, V-ing


Words: presidency
Meaning:
presi.den.cy\n   presidency  presidencies\n  The presidency of a country or organization is the position of being the president or the period of time during which someone is president.\nPoverty had declined during his presidency.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n, poss N


Words: president
Meaning:
presi.dent\n   president  presidents\n1. The president of a country that has no king or queen is the person who is the head of state of that country.\nThe White House says the president would veto the bill.\n  N-TITLE; N-COUNT: oft the N; N-VOC\n\n2. The president of an organization is the person who has the highest position in it.\n...Alexandre de Merode, the president of the medical commission.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: president-elect
Meaning:
president-elect\n  The president-elect is the person who has been elected as the president of an organization or country, but who has not yet taken office.\n...one of the president-elect’s best proposals during the campaign.\n  N-SING


Words: presidential
Meaning:
presi.den.tial\n   presidential\n  Presidential activities or things relate or belong to a president.\n...Peru’s presidential election...\nThere are several presidential candidates.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: press
Meaning:
press  presses  pressing  pressed\n1. If you press something somewhere, you push it firmly against something else.\nHe pressed his back against the door...\nThey pressed the silver knife into the cake.\n  VERB: V n against n, V n prep\n\n2. If you press a button or switch, you push it with your finger in order to make a machine or device work.\nDrago pressed a button and the door closed...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Press is also a noun.\n...a TV which rises from a table at the press of a button.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n3. If you press something or press down on it, you push hard against it with your foot or hand.\nThe engine stalled. He pressed the accelerator hard...\nShe stood up and leaned forward with her hands pressing down on the desk.\n  VERB: V n, V adv\n\n4. If you press for something, you try hard to persuade someone to give it to you or to agree to it.\nPolice might now press for changes in the law...\nThey had pressed for their children to be taught French.\n  VERB: V for n, V for n to-inf\n  = push\n5. If you press someone, you try hard to persuade them to do something.\nTrade unions are pressing him to stand firm...\nMr King seems certain to be pressed for further details...\nShe smiles coyly when pressed about her private life.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, be V-ed for/about n, be V-ed for/about n\n\n6. If someone presses their claim, demand, or point, they state it in a very forceful way.\nThe protest campaign has used mass strikes and demonstrations to press its demands...\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. If an unpleasant feeling or worry presses on you, it affects you very much or you are always thinking about it.\nThe weight of irrational guilt pressed on her...\n  VERB: V on n\n\n8. If you press something on someone, you give it to them and insist that they take it.\nAll I had was money, which I pressed on her reluctant mother...\n  VERB: V n on n\n\n9. If you press clothes, you iron them in order to get rid of the creases.\nVera pressed his shirt...\n...clean, neatly pressed, conservative clothes.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  = iron\n10. If you press fruits or vegetables, you squeeze them or crush them, usually in order to extract the juice.\nThe grapes are hand-picked and pressed...\nI pressed the juice of half a lemon into a glass of water.\n...1 clove fresh garlic, pressed or diced.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n, V-ed\n\n11. Newspapers are referred to as the press.\nToday the British press is full of articles on India’s new prime minister...\nPress reports revealed that ozone levels in the upper atmosphere fell during the past month.\n  N-SING-COLL: the N\n\n12. Journalists are referred to as the press.\nChristie looked relaxed and calm as he faced the press afterwards...\n  N-SING-COLL: the N\n\n13. A press or a printing press is a machine used for printing things such as books and newspapers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n14.\n  see also pressed, pressing\n15. If someone or something gets a bad press, they are criticized, especially in the newspapers, on television, or on radio. If they get a good press, they are praised.\n...the bad press that career women consistently get in this country...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n16. If you press charges against someone, you make an official accusation against them which has to be decided in a court of law.\nI could have pressed charges against him...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR against n\n\n17. When a newspaper or magazine goes to press, it starts being printed.\nWe check prices at the time of going to press...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: press agency
Meaning:
press agen.cy\n   press agency  press agencies\n  A country’s press agency is an organization that gathers news from that country and supplies it to journalists from all over the world.\n  N-COUNT


Words: press agent
Meaning:
press agent  press agents\n  A press agent is a person who is employed by a famous person to give information about that person to the press.\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss


Words: press box
Meaning:
press box  press boxes\n  The press box at a sports ground is a room or area which is reserved for journalists to watch sporting events.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing


Words: press conference
Meaning:
press con.fer.ence\n   press conference  press conferences\n  A press conference is a meeting held by a famous or important person in which they answer journalists’ questions.\nShe gave her reaction to his release at a press conference...\n  N-COUNT


Words: press corps
Meaning:
press corps  press corps\n  The press corps is a group of journalists who are all working in a particular place, for different newspapers.\nDavid McNeil is travelling with the White House press corps.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: usu the N


Words: press gallery
Meaning:
press gal.lery\n   press gallery  press galleries\n  The press gallery is the area in a parliament, legislature, or council which is reserved for journalists who report on its activities.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing


Words: press officer
Meaning:
press of.fic.er\n   press officer  press officers\n  A press officer is a person who is employed by an organization to give information about that organization to the press.\n...the Press Officer of the Bavarian Government.\n  N-COUNT


Words: press on
Meaning:
press on   or press ahead\n1. If you press on or press ahead, you continue with a task or activity in a determined way, and do not allow any problems or difficulties to delay you.\nOrganizers of the strike are determined to press on...\nPoland pressed on with economic reform.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P with n\n\n2. If you press on, you continue with a journey, even though it is becoming more difficult or more dangerous.\nI considered turning back, but it was getting late, so I pressed on.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n  = keep going


Words: press release
Meaning:
press re.lease\n   press release  press releases\n  A press release is a written statement about a matter of public interest which is given to the press by an organization concerned with the matter.\n  N-COUNT


Words: press room
Meaning:
press room  press rooms   also pressroom\n  A press room is a room for journalists to use at a special event.\n  N-COUNT


Words: press secretary
Meaning:
press sec.re.tary\n   press secretary  press secretaries\n  A government’s or political leader’s press secretary is someone who is employed by them to give information to the press.\n...the Prime Minister’s official press secretary.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N


Words: press stud
Meaning:
press stud  press studs\n  A press stud is a small metal object used to fasten clothes and is made up of two parts which can be pressed together. (BRIT; in AM, use snap fastener, snap)\n  N-COUNT\n  = popper


Words: press-gang
Meaning:
press-gang  press-gangs  press-ganging  press-ganged\n1. If you are press-ganged into doing something, you are made or persuaded to do it, even though you do not really want to. (mainly BRIT)\nI was press-ganged into working in that business...\nShe was a volunteer, she hadn’t had to be press-ganged.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed into -ing, be V-ed\n  = force\n2. If people are press-ganged, they are captured and forced to join the army or navy. (mainly BRIT)\nThey left their villages to evade being press-ganged into the army...\nThe government denies that the women were press-ganged.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed into n, be V-ed\n\n=>  press-ganging\n...the press-ganging of young people into the country’s armed forces.\n  N-SING: the N of n\n\n3. In former times, a press-gang was a group of men who used to capture boys and men and force them to join the navy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: press-up
Meaning:
press-up  press-ups\n  Press-ups are exercises to strengthen your arms and chest muscles. They are done by lying with your face towards the floor and pushing with your hands to raise your body until your arms are straight. (BRIT; in AM, use push-ups)\nHe made me do 30 press-ups.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: pressed
Meaning:
pressed\n  If you say that you are pressed for time or pressed for money, you mean that you do not have enough time or money at the moment.\nAre you pressed for time, Mr Bayliss? If not, I suggest we have lunch.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ for n\n\n  see also hard-pressed


Words: pressing
Meaning:
press.ing\n   pressing\n1. A pressing problem, need, or issue has to be dealt with immediately.\nIt is one of the most pressing problems facing this country...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = urgent\n2.\n  see also press


Words: pressman
Meaning:
press.man\n   pressman  pressmen\n  A pressman is a journalist, especially a man, who works for a newspaper or magazine. (BRIT JOURNALISM; in AM, use newspaperman)\nThere were television crews and pressmen from all around the world.\n  N-COUNT\n  = reporter, newspaperman


Words: pressure
Meaning:
pres.sure\n   pressure  pressures  pressuring  pressured\n1. Pressure is force that you produce when you press hard on something.\nShe kicked at the door with her foot, and the pressure was enough to open it...\nThe best way to treat such bleeding is to apply firm pressure.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The pressure in a place or container is the force produced by the quantity of gas or liquid in that place or container.\nThe window in the cockpit had blown in and the pressure dropped dramatically...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n3. If there is pressure on a person, someone is trying to persuade or force them to do something.\nHe may have put pressure on her to agree...\nIts government is under pressure from the European Commission...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n4. If you are experiencing pressure, you feel that you must do a lot of tasks or make a lot of decisions in very little time, or that people expect a lot from you.\nCan you work under pressure?...\nThe pressures of modern life are great.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n5. If you pressure someone to do something, you try forcefully to persuade them to do it.\nHe will never pressure you to get married...\nThe Government should not be pressured into making hasty decisions...\nDon’t pressure me...\nHis boss did not pressure him for results.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, be V-ed into -ing, V n, V n for n\n\n=>  pres.sured\nYou’re likely to feel anxious and pressured.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n6.\n  see also blood pressure


Words: pressure cooker
Meaning:
pres.sure cook.er\n   pressure cooker  pressure cookers\n  A pressure cooker is a large metal container with a lid that fits tightly, in which you can cook food quickly using steam at high pressure.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pressure group
Meaning:
pres.sure group\n   pressure group  pressure groups\n  A pressure group is an organized group of people who are trying to persuade a government or other authority to do something, for example to change a law.\n...the environmental pressure group Greenpeace.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pressurize
Meaning:
pres.sur.ize\n   pressurize  pressurizes  pressurizing  pressurized\nin BRIT, also use pressurise\n  If you are pressurized into doing something, you are forcefully persuaded to do it.\nDo not be pressurized into making your decision immediately...\nHe thought she was trying to pressurize him.\n  VERB: be V-ed into -ing, V n, also V n to-inf\n  = pressure\n  see also pressurized


Words: pressurized
Meaning:
pres.sur.ized\n   pressurized\nin BRIT, also use pressurised\n  In a pressurized container or area, the pressure inside is different from the pressure outside.\nCertain types of foods are also dispensed in pressurized canisters.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: pressy
Meaning:
pres.sy\n   pressy  pressies   also pressie\n  A pressy is something that you give to someone, for example at Christmas, or when you visit them. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n...Christmas pressies.\n  N-COUNT\n  = present


Words: prestige
Meaning:
pres.tige\n   prestige\n1. If a person, a country, or an organization has prestige, they are admired and respected because of the position they hold or the things they have achieved.\nIt was his responsibility for foreign affairs that gained him international prestige.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Prestige is used to describe products, places, or activities which people admire because they are associated with being rich or having a high social position.\n...such prestige cars as Cadillac, Mercedes, Porsche and Jaguar.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = luxury


Words: prestigious
Meaning:
pres.tig.ious\n   prestigious\n  A prestigious institution, job, or activity is respected and admired by people.\nIt’s one of the best equipped and most prestigious schools in the country.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: presumably
Meaning:
pre.sum.ably\n   presumably\n  If you say that something is presumably the case, you mean that you think it is very likely to be the case, although you are not certain.\nHe had gone to the reception desk, presumably to check out.\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group, ADV before v  vagueness


Words: presume
Meaning:
pre.sume\n   presume  presumes  presuming  presumed\n1. If you presume that something is the case, you think that it is the case, although you are not certain.\nI presume you’re here on business...\nDido’s told you the whole sad story, I presume?...\n`Had he been home all week?’.`I presume so.’\n...areas that have been presumed to be safe...\nThe missing person is presumed dead.\n  VERB: V that, V that, V so, be V-ed to-inf, be V-ed adj\n  = assume\n2. If you say that someone presumes to do something, you mean that they do it even though they have no right to do it. (FORMAL)\nThey’re resentful that outsiders presume to meddle in their affairs...\n  VERB: V to-inf\n\n3. If an idea, theory, or plan presumes certain facts, it regards them as true so that they can be used as a basis for further ideas and theories. (FORMAL)\nThe legal definition of `know’ often presumes mental control...\nThe arrangement presumes that both lenders and borrowers are rational.\n  VERB: V n, V that


Words: presumption
Meaning:
pre.sump.tion\n   presumption  presumptions\n1. A presumption is something that is accepted as true but is not certain to be true.\n...the presumption that a defendant is innocent until proved guilty...\n  N-COUNT\n  = assumption\n2. If you describe someone’s behaviour as presumption, you disapprove of it because they are doing something that they have no right to do. (FORMAL)\nThey were angered by his presumption.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: presumptuous
Meaning:
pre.sump.tu.ous\n   presumptuous\n  If you describe someone or their behaviour as presumptuous, you disapprove of them because they are doing something that they have no right or authority to do.\nIt would be presumptuous to judge what the outcome will be.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ  disapproval


Words: presuppose
Meaning:
pre.sup.pose\n   presuppose  presupposes  presupposing  presupposed\n  If one thing presupposes another, the first thing cannot be true or exist unless the second thing is true or exists.\nAll your arguments presuppose that he’s a rational, intelligent man...\nThe end of an era presupposes the start of another.\n  VERB: V that, V n


Words: presupposition
Meaning:
pre.sup.po.si.tion\n   presupposition  presuppositions\n  A presupposition is something that you assume to be true, especially something which you must assume is true in order to continue with what you are saying or thinking. (FORMAL)\n...the presupposition that human life must be sustained for as long as possible.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pretence
Meaning:
pre.tence\n   pretence  pretences\nin AM, use pretense\n1. A pretence is an action or way of behaving that is intended to make people believe something that is not true.\nWelland made a pretence of writing a note in his pad...\nWe have to go along with the pretence that things are getting better...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you do something under false pretences, you do it when people do not know the truth about you and your intentions.\nI could not go on living with a man who had married me under false pretences...\n  PHRASE: usu under PHR


Words: pretend
Meaning:
pre.tend\n   pretend  pretends  pretending  pretended\n1. If you pretend that something is the case, you act in a way that is intended to make people believe that it is the case, although in fact it is not.\nI pretend that things are really okay when they’re not...\nSometimes the boy pretended to be asleep...\nI had no option but to pretend ignorance.\n  VERB: V that, V to-inf, V n\n\n2. If children or adults pretend that they are doing something, they imagine that they are doing it, for example as part of a game.\nShe can sunbathe and pretend she’s in Spain...\nThe children pretend to be different animals dancing to the music.\n  VERB: V that, V to-inf\n\n3. If you do not pretend that something is the case, you do not claim that it is the case.\nWe do not pretend that the past six years have been without problems for us...\nWithin this lecture I cannot pretend to deal adequately with dreams.\n  VERB: with neg, V that, V to-inf


Words: pretender
Meaning:
pre.tend.er\n   pretender  pretenders\n  A pretender to a position is someone who claims the right to that position, and whose claim is disputed by others.\n...the Comte de Paris, pretender to the French throne.\n  N-COUNT: usu N to n, adj N


Words: pretension
Meaning:
pre.ten.sion\n   pretension  pretensions\n1. If you say that someone has pretensions, you disapprove of them because they claim or pretend that they are more important than they really are.\nHer wide-eyed innocence soon exposes the pretensions of the art world...\nWe like him for his honesty, his lack of pretension.\n  N-VAR  disapproval\n\n2. If someone has pretensions to something, they claim to be or do that thing.\nThe city has unrealistic pretensions to world-class status...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, N to n/-ing, N to-inf


Words: pretentious
Meaning:
pre.ten.tious\n   pretentious\n  If you say that someone or something is pretentious, you mean that they try to seem important or significant, but you do not think that they are.\nHis response was full of pretentious nonsense...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  pre.ten.tious.ness\nHe has a tendency towards pretentiousness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: preternatural
Meaning:
pre.ter.natu.ral\n   preternatural\n  Preternatural abilities, qualities, or events are very unusual in a way that might make you think that unknown forces are involved. (FORMAL)\nTheir parents had an almost preternatural ability to understand what was going on in their children’s minds.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  pre.ter.natu.ral.ly\nIt was suddenly preternaturally quiet.\n  ADV: ADV adj


Words: pretext
Meaning:
pre.text\n   pretext  pretexts\n  A pretext is a reason which you pretend has caused you to do something.\nThey wanted a pretext for subduing the region by force...\n  N-COUNT


Words: prettify
Meaning:
pret.ti.fy\n   prettify  prettifies  prettifying  prettified\n  To prettify something, especially something that is not beautiful, means to make it appear pretty.\n...just a clever effort to prettify animal slaughter...\nIt presented an intolerably prettified view of the countryside.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed  disapproval


Words: pretty
Meaning:
pret.ty\n   pretty  prettier  prettiest\n1. If you describe someone, especially a girl, as pretty, you mean that they look nice and are attractive in a delicate way.\nShe’s a very charming and very pretty girl.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pret.ti.ly\nShe smiled again, prettily.\n  ADV\n\n=>  pret.ti.ness\nHer prettiness had been much admired.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A place or a thing that is pretty is attractive and pleasant, in a charming but not particularly unusual way.\nWhitstable is still a very pretty little town.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pret.ti.ly\nThe living-room was prettily decorated.\n  ADV\n\n=>  pret.ti.ness\n...shells of quite unbelievable prettiness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. You can use pretty before an adjective or adverb to mean `quite’ or `rather’. (INFORMAL)\nI had a pretty good idea what she was going to do...\nPretty soon after my arrival I found lodgings.\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv\n\n4. Pretty much or pretty well means `almost’. (INFORMAL)\nHis new government looks pretty much like the old one...\n  PHRASE


Words: pretzel
Meaning:
pret.zel\n   pretzel  pretzels\n  A pretzel is a small, crisp, shiny biscuit, which has salt on the outside. Pretzels are usually shaped like knots or sticks.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prevail
Meaning:
pre.vail\n   prevail  prevails  prevailing  prevailed\n1. If a proposal, principle, or opinion prevails, it gains influence or is accepted, often after a struggle or argument.\nWe hope that common sense would prevail...\nPolitical and personal ambitions are starting to prevail over economic interests.\n  VERB: V, V over n\n  = triumph\n2. If a situation, attitude, or custom prevails in a particular place at a particular time, it is normal or most common in that place at that time.\nA similar situation prevails in America...\nHow people in a certain era bury their dead says much about the prevailing attitudes toward death.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n\n3. If one side in a battle, contest, or dispute prevails, it wins.\nHe appears to have the votes he needs to prevail...\nI do hope he will prevail over the rebels.\n  VERB: V, V over/against n\n\n4. If you prevail upon someone to do something, you succeed in persuading them to do it. (FORMAL)\nWe must, each of us, prevail upon our congressman to act...\n  VERB: V upon/on n to-inf


Words: prevailing
Meaning:
pre.vail.ing\n   prevailing\n  The prevailing wind in an area is the type of wind that blows over that area most of the time.\nThe direction of the prevailing winds should be taken into account.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: prevalent
Meaning:
preva.lent\n   prevalent\n  A condition, practice, or belief that is prevalent is common.\nThis condition is more prevalent in women than in men...\nThe prevalent view is that interest rates will fall.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n=>  preva.lence\n...the prevalence of asthma in Britain and western Europe.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prevaricate
Meaning:
pre.vari.cate\n   prevaricate  prevaricates  prevaricating  prevaricated\n  If you prevaricate, you avoid giving a direct answer or making a firm decision.\nBritish ministers continued to prevaricate.\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  pre.vari.ca.tion      prevarications\nAfter months of prevarication, the political decision had at last been made.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: prevent
Meaning:
pre.vent\n   prevent  prevents  preventing  prevented\n1. To prevent something means to ensure that it does not happen.\nThese methods prevent pregnancy...\nFurther treatment will prevent cancer from developing...\nWe recognized the possibility and took steps to prevent it happening.\n  VERB: V n, V n from -ing, V n -ing\n\n=>  pre.ven.tion\n...the prevention of heart disease.\n...crime prevention.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. To prevent someone from doing something means to make it impossible for them to do it.\nHe said this would prevent companies from creating new jobs...\nThe police have been trying to prevent them carrying weapons.\n  VERB: V n from -ing, V n -ing


Words: preventable
Meaning:
pre.vent.able\n   preventable\n  Preventable diseases, illnesses, or deaths could be stopped from occurring.\nForty-thousand children a day die from preventable diseases...\n  ADJ


Words: preventive
Meaning:
pre.ven.tive\n   preventive\n  Preventive actions are intended to help prevent things such as disease or crime.\nToo much is spent on expensive curative medicine and too little on preventive medicine...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = preventative


Words: preview
Meaning:
pre.view\n   preview  previews  previewing  previewed\n1. A preview is an opportunity to see something such as a film, exhibition, or invention before it is open or available to the public.\nHe had gone to see the preview of a play.\n...a sneak preview of the type of car that could be commonplace within ten years.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If a journalist previews something such as a film, exhibition, or invention, they see it and describe it to the public before the public see it for themselves.\nHe knew about the interview prior to its publication and had actually previewed the piece...\n  VERB: V n


Words: previous
Meaning:
pre.vi.ous\n   previous\n1. A previous event or thing is one that happened or existed before the one that you are talking about.\nShe has a teenage daughter from a previous marriage...\nHe has no previous convictions.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. You refer to the period of time or the thing immediately before the one that you are talking about as the previous one.\nIt was a surprisingly dry day after the rain of the previous week...\n  ADJ: det ADJ


Words: previously
Meaning:
pre.vi.ous.ly\n   previously\n1. Previously means at some time before the period that you are talking about.\nGuyana’s railways were previously owned by private companies...\nPreviously she had very little time to work in her own garden.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj, ADV with cl\n\n2. You can use previously to say how much earlier one event was than another event.\nHe had first entered the House 12 years previously...\n  ADV: n ADV\n  = earlier


Words: prey
Meaning:
prey  preys  preying  preyed\n1. A creature’s prey are the creatures that it hunts and eats in order to live.\nElectric rays stun their prey with huge electrical discharges...\nThese animals were the prey of hyenas.\n  N-UNCOUNT-COLL: usu with poss\n\n  see also bird of prey\n2. A creature that preys on other creatures lives by catching and eating them.\nThe larvae prey upon small aphids.\n  VERB: V on/upon n\n  = feed\n3. You can refer to the people who someone tries to harm or trick as their prey.\nPolice officers lie in wait for the gangs who stalk their prey at night...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss\n\n4. If someone preys on other people, especially people who are unable to protect themselves, they take advantage of them or harm them in some way.\nThe survey claims loan companies prey on weak families already in debt.\n  VERB: V on n  disapproval\n\n5. If something preys on your mind, you cannot stop thinking and worrying about it.\nHe had been unwise and it preyed on his conscience.\n  VERB: V on n\n  = weigh


Words: price
Meaning:
price  prices  pricing  priced\n1. The price of something is the amount of money that you have to pay in order to buy it.\n...a sharp increase in the price of petrol...\nThey expected house prices to rise...\nComputers haven’t come down in price.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, also in N\n\n2. The price that you pay for something that you want is an unpleasant thing that you have to do or suffer in order to get it.\nSlovenia will have to pay a high price for independence...\n  N-SING: usu N for n/-ing\n  = penalty\n3. If something is priced at a particular amount, the price is set at that amount.\nThe shares are expected to be priced at about 330p...\nDigital priced the new line at less than half the cost of comparable mainframes...\nThere is a very reasonably priced menu.\n  VERB: be V-ed at n, V n at n, V-ed\n\n=>  pric.ing\nIt’s hard to maintain competitive pricing.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4.\n  see also retail price index, selling price\n5. If you want something at any price, you are determined to get it, even if unpleasant things happen as a result.\nIf they wanted a deal at any price, they would have to face the consequences...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n6. If you can buy something that you want at a price, it is for sale, but it is extremely expensive.\nMost goods are available, but at a price.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n7. If you get something that you want at a price, you get it but something unpleasant happens as a result.\nFame comes at a price...\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v\n\n8.\nto price yourself out of the market: see market


Words: price point
Meaning:
price point price points\n  The price point of a product is the price that it sells for. (BUSINESS)\nNo price point exists for the machine yet...\nThe big companies dominate the lower price points.\n  N-COUNT


Words: price tag
Meaning:
price tag  price tags   also price-tag\n1. If something has a price tag of a particular amount, that is the amount that you must pay in order to buy it. (WRITTEN)\nThe price tag on the 34-room white Regency mansion is .17.5 million.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In a shop, the price tag on an article for sale is a small piece of card or paper which is attached to the article and which has the price written on it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: price war
Meaning:
price war  price wars\n  If competing companies are involved in a price war, they each try to gain an advantage by lowering their prices as much as possible in order to sell more of their products and damage their competitors financially. (BUSINESS)\nA vicious price war between manufacturers has cut margins to the bone.\n  N-COUNT


Words: priceless
Meaning:
price.less\n   priceless\n1. If you say that something is priceless, you are emphasizing that it is worth a very large amount of money.\n...the priceless treasures of the Royal Collection.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n\n2. If you say that something is priceless, you approve of it because it is extremely useful.\nThey are a priceless record of a brief period in British history...\n  ADJ  approval


Words: pricey
Meaning:
pricey  pricier  priciest   also pricy\n  If you say that something is pricey, you mean that it is expensive. (INFORMAL)\nMedical insurance is very pricey.\n  ADJ


Words: prick
Meaning:
prick  pricks  pricking  pricked\n1. If you prick something or prick holes in it, you make small holes in it with a sharp object such as a pin.\nPrick the potatoes and rub the skins with salt...\nHe pricks holes in the foil with a pin.\n  VERB: V n, V n prep\n\n2. If something sharp pricks you or if you prick yourself with something sharp, it sticks into you or presses your skin and causes you pain.\nShe had just pricked her finger with the needle.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If something pricks your conscience, you suddenly feel guilty about it. If you are pricked by an emotion, you suddenly experience that emotion.\nMost were sympathetic once we pricked their consciences...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. A prick is a small, sharp pain that you get when something pricks you.\nAt the same time she felt a prick on her neck.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. A man’s prick is his penis. (INFORMAL, VERY RUDE)\n  N-COUNT: poss N


Words: prick up
Meaning:
prick up\n  If someone pricks up their ears or if their ears prick up, they listen eagerly when they suddenly hear an interesting sound or an important piece of information.\nShe stopped talking to prick up her ears.\n...ears which prick up at the mention of royalty.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P


Words: prickle
Meaning:
prick.le\n   prickle  prickles  prickling  prickled\n1. If your skin prickles, it feels as if a lot of small sharp points are being stuck into it, either because of something touching it or because you feel a strong emotion.\nHe paused, feeling his scalp prickling under his hat...\n  VERB: V\n\n  Prickle is also a noun.\nI felt a prickle of disquiet.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Prickles are small sharp points that stick out from leaves or from the stalks of plants.\n...an erect stem covered at the base with a few prickles.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: prickly
Meaning:
prick.ly\n   prickly\n1. Something that is prickly feels rough and uncomfortable, as if it has a lot of prickles.\nThe bunk mattress was hard, the blankets prickly and slightly damp...\n  ADJ\n\n2. Someone who is prickly loses their temper or gets upset very easily.\nYou know how prickly she is.\n  ADJ\n  = touchy\n3. A prickly issue or subject is one that is rather complicated and difficult to discuss or resolve.\nThe issue is likely to prove a prickly one.\n  ADJ\n  = thorny


Words: prickly heat
Meaning:
prick.ly heat\n   prickly heat\n  Prickly heat is a condition caused by very hot weather, in which your skin becomes hot, uncomfortable, and covered with tiny bumps.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prickly pear
Meaning:
prick.ly pear\n   prickly pear  prickly pears\n  A prickly pear is a kind of cactus that has round fruit with prickles on. The fruit, which you can eat, is also called a prickly pear.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pride
Meaning:
pride  prides  priding  prided\n1. Pride is a feeling of satisfaction which you have because you or people close to you have done something good or possess something good.\n...the sense of pride in a job well done...\nWe take pride in offering you the highest standards...\nThey can look back on their endeavours with pride.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N in n/ing\n\n2. Pride is a sense of the respect that other people have for you, and that you have for yourself.\nIt was a severe blow to Kendall’s pride.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = self-esteem\n3. Someone’s pride is the feeling that they have that they are better or more important than other people.\nHis pride may still be his downfall.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n  = arrogance\n4. If you pride yourself on a quality or skill that you have, you are very proud of it.\nSmith prides himself on being able to organise his own life...\n  VERB: V pron-refl on -ing\n\n5. Someone or something that is your pride and joy is very important to you and makes you feel very happy.\nThe bike soon became his pride and joy.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n6. If something takes pride of place, it is treated as the most important thing in a group of things.\nA three-foot-high silver World Championship cup takes pride of place near a carved wooden chair...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: priest
Meaning:
priest  priests\n1. A priest is a member of the Christian clergy in the Catholic, Anglican, or Orthodox church.\nHe had trained to be a Catholic priest.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In many non-Christian religions a priest is a man who has particular duties and responsibilities in a place where people worship.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3.\n  see also high priest


Words: priestess
Meaning:
priest.ess\n   priestess  priestesses\n  A priestess is a woman in a non-Christian religion who has particular duties and responsibilities in a place where people worship.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also high priestess


Words: priesthood
Meaning:
priest.hood\n   priesthood\n1. Priesthood is the position of being a priest or the period of time during which someone is a priest.\nHe spent the first twenty-five years of his priesthood as an academic.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The priesthood is all the members of the Christian clergy, especially in a particular Church.\nShould the General Synod vote women into the priesthood?\n  N-SING: the N


Words: priestly
Meaning:
priest.ly\n   priestly\n  Priestly is used to describe things that belong or relate to a priest.\nPriestly robes hang on the walls.\n...his priestly duties.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: prig
Meaning:
prig  prigs\n  If you call someone a prig, you disapprove of them because they behave in a very moral way and disapprove of other people’s behaviour as though they are superior.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: priggish
Meaning:
prig.gish\n   priggish\n  If you describe someone as priggish, you think that they are a prig.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: prim
Meaning:
prim\n  If you describe someone as prim, you disapprove of them because they behave too correctly and are too easily shocked by anything rude.\nWe tend to imagine that the Victorians were very prim and proper.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  prim.ly\nWe sat primly at either end of a long settee...\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: prima donna
Meaning:
pri.ma don.na\n   prima donna  prima donnas\n1. A prima donna is the main female singer in an opera.\nHer career began as prima donna with the Royal Carl Rosa Opera Company.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe someone as a prima donna, you disapprove of them because they think they can behave badly or get what they want because they have a particular talent.\nNobody who comes to this club is allowed to behave like a prima donna.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: prima facie
Meaning:
pri.ma fa.cie\n   prima facie\n  Prima facie is used to describe something which appears to be true when you first consider it. (FORMAL)\nThere was a prima facie case that a contempt of court had been committed.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: primacy
Meaning:
pri.ma.cy\n   primacy\n  The primacy of something is the fact that it is the most important or most powerful thing in a particular situation. (FORMAL)\nThe political idea at the heart of this is the primacy of the individual.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft the N of n


Words: primal
Meaning:
pri.mal\n   primal\n  Primal is used to describe something that relates to the origins of things or that is very basic. (FORMAL)\nJealousy is a primal emotion.\n  ADJ


Words: primarily
Meaning:
pri.mari.ly\n   primarily\n  You use primarily to say what is mainly true in a particular situation.\n...a book aimed primarily at high-energy physicists...\nPublic order is primarily an urban problem...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV with cl/group\n  = chiefly


Words: primary
Meaning:
pri.ma.ry\n   primary  primaries\n1. You use primary to describe something that is very important. (FORMAL)\nThat’s the primary reason the company’s share price has held up so well...\nHis misunderstanding of language was the primary cause of his other problems...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = main\n2. Primary education is given to pupils between the ages of 5 and 11. (BRIT; in AM, use elementary)\nBritain did not introduce compulsory primary education until 1880...\n...primary teachers.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Primary is used to describe something that occurs first.\nIt is not the primary tumour that kills, but secondary growths elsewhere in the body...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. A primary or a primary election is an election in an American state in which people vote for someone to become a candidate for a political office. Compare general election.\n...the 1968 New Hampshire primary...\n  N-COUNT


Words: primary care
Meaning:
pri.ma.ry care\n\n  Primary care refers to those parts of the health service, such as general practitioners and hospital casualty departments, that deal with people who are in immediate need of medical care.\n...the crucial roles of primary care and of preventive work.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: primary colour
Meaning:
pri.ma.ry col.our\n   primary colour  primary colours\nin AM, use primary color\n  Primary colours are basic colours that can be mixed together to produce other colours. They are usually considered to be red, yellow, blue, and sometimes green.\nIt comes in bright primary colours that kids will love.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: primary school
Meaning:
pri.ma.ry school\n   primary school  primary schools\n  A primary school is a school for children between the ages of 5 and 11. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use elementary school)\n...eight-to nine-year-olds in their third year at primary school...\nGreenside Primary School.\n  N-VAR: oft in names


Words: primate
Meaning:
pri.mate\n   primate  primates\n1. A primate is a member of the group of mammals which includes humans, monkeys, and apes.\nThe woolly spider monkey is the largest primate in the Americas.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The Primate of a particular country or region is the most important priest in that country or region.\n...the Roman Catholic Primate of All Ireland.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N of n


Words: prime
Meaning:
prime  primes  priming  primed\n1. You use prime to describe something that is most important in a situation.\nPolitical stability, meanwhile, will be a prime concern...\nIt could be a prime target for guerrilla attack...\nThe police will see me as the prime suspect!\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. You use prime to describe something that is of the best possible quality.\nIt was one of the City’s prime sites, near the Stock Exchange.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. You use prime to describe an example of a particular kind of thing that is absolutely typical.\nThe prime example is Macy’s, once the undisputed king of California retailers.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = classic\n4. If someone or something is in their prime, they are at the stage in their existence when they are at their strongest, most active, or most successful.\nShe was in her intellectual prime...\nWe’ve had a series of athletes trying to come back well past their prime.\n...young persons in the prime of life.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu poss N\n\n5. If you prime someone to do something, you prepare them to do it, for example by giving them information about it beforehand.\nClaire wished she’d primed Sarah beforehand...\nArnold primed her for her duties...\nThe press corps was primed to leap to the defense of the fired officials.\n  VERB: V n, V n for n, be V-ed to-inf\n  = brief\n6.\nto prime the pump: see pump


Words: Prime Minister
Meaning:
Prime Min.is.ter\n   Prime Minister  Prime Ministers\n  The leader of the government in some countries is called the Prime Minister.\n...the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Miss Benazir Bhutto...\n  N-COUNT: usu the N; N-TITLE; N-VOC\n  = PM, premier


Words: prime mover
Meaning:
prime mov.er\n   prime mover  prime movers\n  The prime mover behind a plan, idea, or situation is someone who has an important influence in starting it.\nHe was the prime mover behind the coup...\n  N-COUNT: usu N behind/in n\n  = driving force


Words: prime number
Meaning:
prime num.ber\n   prime number  prime numbers\n  In mathematics, a prime number is a whole number greater than 1 that cannot be divided exactly by any whole number except itself and the number 1, for example 17.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prime rate
Meaning:
prime rate  prime rates\n  A bank’s prime rate is the lowest rate of interest which it charges at a particular time and which is offered only to certain customers. (BUSINESS)\nAt least one bank cut its prime rate today.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prime time
Meaning:
prime time   also primetime\n  Prime time television or radio programmes are broadcast when the greatest number of people are watching television or listening to the radio, usually in the evenings.\n...a prime-time television show.\n...prime time viewing in mid-evening.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: primer
Meaning:
pri.mer\n   primer  primers\n  Primer is a type of paint that is put onto wood in order to prepare it for the main layer of paint.\n  N-MASS


Words: primeval
Meaning:
pri.meval\n   primeval\nin BRIT, also use primaeval\n1. You use primeval to describe things that belong to a very early period in the history of the world. (FORMAL)\n...the dense primeval forests that once covered inland Brittany.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = primordial\n2. You use primeval to describe feelings and emotions that are basic and not the result of thought.\n...a primeval urge to hit out at that which causes him pain.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: primitive
Meaning:
primi.tive\n   primitive\n1. Primitive means belonging to a society in which people live in a very simple way, usually without industries or a writing system.\n...studies of primitive societies.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Primitive means belonging to a very early period in the development of an animal or plant.\n...primitive whales...\nIt is a primitive instinct to flee a place of danger.\n  ADJ\n\n3. If you describe something as primitive, you mean that it is very simple in style or very old-fashioned.\nIt’s using some rather primitive technology.\n  ADJ\n  !=sophisticated


Words: primordial
Meaning:
pri.mor.dial\n   primordial\n  You use primordial to describe things that belong to a very early time in the history of the world. (FORMAL)\nTwenty million years ago, Idaho was populated by dense primordial forest.\n  ADJ\n  = primeval


Words: primrose
Meaning:
prim.rose\n   primrose  primroses\n  A primrose is a wild plant which has pale yellow flowers in the spring.\n  N-VAR


Words: primula
Meaning:
primu.la\n   primula  primulas\n  A primula is a plant that has brightly coloured flowers in the spring.\n  N-VAR


Words: Primus
Meaning:
Pri.mus\n   Primus\n  A Primus or a Primus stove is a small cooker or stove that burns paraffin and is often used in camping. (TRADEMARK) (BRIT)\n  N-SING


Words: prince
Meaning:
prince  princes\n1. A prince is a male member of a royal family, especially the son of the king or queen of a country.\n...Prince Edward and other royal guests...\nThe Prince won warm applause for his ideas.\n  N-TITLE; N-COUNT\n\n2. A prince is the male royal ruler of a small country or state.\nHe was speaking without the prince’s authority.\n  N-TITLE; N-COUNT


Words: Prince Charming
Meaning:
Prince Charm.ing\n   Prince Charming\n  A woman’s Prince Charming is a man who seems to her to be a perfect lover or boyfriend, because he is attractive, kind, and considerate.\nTo begin with he was Prince Charming.\n  N-SING: also no det  approval


Words: princely
Meaning:
prince.ly\n   princely\n  A princely sum of money is a large sum of money.\nIt’ll cost them the princely sum of seventy-five pounds.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = handsome


Words: princess
Meaning:
prin.cess\n   princess  princesses\n  A princess is a female member of a royal family, usually the daughter of a king or queen or the wife of a prince.\nPrincess Anne topped the guest list.\n...Caroline Lindon, Princess of Monaco.\n  N-TITLE; N-COUNT


Words: principal
Meaning:
prin.ci.pal\n   principal  principals\n1. Principal means first in order of importance.\nThe principal reason for my change of mind is this.\n...the country’s principal source of foreign exchange earnings...\nTheir principal concern is bound to be that of winning the next general election.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = main, chief\n2. The principal of a school, or in Britain the principal of a college, is the person in charge of the school or college.\nDonald King is the principal of Dartmouth High School.\n  N-COUNT


Words: principality
Meaning:
prin.ci.pal.ity\n   principality  principalities\n  A principality is a country that is ruled by a prince.\n...the tiny principality of Liechtenstein.\n  N-COUNT


Words: principally
Meaning:
prin.ci.pal.ly\n   principally\n  Principally means more than anything else.\nThis is principally because the major export markets are slowing...\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group\n  = chiefly, mainly


Words: principle
Meaning:
prin.ci.ple\n   principle  principles\n1. A principle is a general belief that you have about the way you should behave, which influences your behaviour.\nBuck never allowed himself to be bullied into doing anything that went against his principles...\nIt’s not just a matter of principle.\n...a man of principle.\n  N-VAR: usu poss N, adj N, prep N\n\n2. The principles of a particular theory or philosophy are its basic rules or laws.\n...a violation of the basic principles of Marxism...\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n, adj N\n\n3. Scientific principles are general scientific laws which explain how something happens or works.\nThese people lack all understanding of scientific principles.\n  N-COUNT: usu adj N, N of n\n\n4. If you agree with something in principle, you agree in general terms to the idea of it, although you do yet know the details or know if it will be possible.\nI agree with it in principle but I doubt if it will happen in practice.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v\n\n5. If something is possible in principle, there is no known reason why it should not happen, even though it has not happened before.\nEven assuming this to be in principle possible, it will not be achieved soon.\n  PHRASE\n\n6. If you refuse to do something on principle, you refuse to do it because of a particular belief that you have.\nHe would vote against it on principle...\n  PHRASE: usu with brd-neg, PHR after v


Words: principled
Meaning:
prin.ci.pled\n   principled\n  If you describe someone as principled, you approve of them because they have strong moral principles.\nShe was a strong, principled woman...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval


Words: print
Meaning:
print  prints  printing  printed\n1. If someone prints something such as a book or newspaper, they produce it in large quantities using a machine.\nHe started to print his own posters to distribute abroad...\nOur brochure is printed on environmentally-friendly paper...\nWe found that television and radio gave rise to far fewer complaints than did the printed media.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed prep/adv, V-ed\n\n  In American English, print up means the same as print.\nCommunity workers here are printing up pamphlets for peace demonstrations...\nHey, I know what, I’ll get a bumper sticker printed up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), have/get n V-ed\n\n=>  print.ing\nHis brother ran a printing and publishing company.\n...stocks of paper and printing ink.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. If a newspaper or magazine prints a piece of writing, it includes it or publishes it.\nWe can only print letters which are accompanied by the writer’s name and address.\n...a questionnaire printed in the magazine recently.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  = publish\n3. If numbers, letters, or designs are printed on a surface, they are put on it in ink or dye using a machine. You can also say that a surface is printed with numbers, letters, or designs.\n...the number printed on the receipt...\nThe company has for some time printed its phone number on its products...\nThe shirts were printed with a paisley pattern...\n`Ecu’ was printed in lower case rather than capital letters.\n  VERB: V-ed, V n on n, be V-ed with n, be V-ed prep/adv\n\n4. A print is a piece of clothing or material with a pattern printed on it. You can also refer to the pattern itself as a print.\nIn this living room we’ve mixed glorious floral prints.\n...multi-coloured print jackets.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. When you print a photograph, you produce it from a negative.\nPrinting a black-and-white negative on to colour paper produces a similar monochrome effect...\n  VERB: V n onto/from n\n\n6. A print is a photograph from a film that has been developed.\n...black and white prints of Margaret and Jean as children.\n...35mm colour print films.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. A print of a cinema film is a particular copy or set of copies of it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. A print is one of a number of copies of a particular picture. It can be either a photograph, something such as a painting, or a picture made by an artist who puts ink on a prepared surface and presses it against paper.\n...William Hogarth’s famous series of prints.\n  N-COUNT\n\n9. Print is used to refer to letters and numbers as they appear on the pages of a book, newspaper, or printed document.\n...columns of tiny print...\nLaser printers give high quality print.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n10. The print media consists of newspapers and magazines, but not television or radio.\nI have been convinced that the print media are more accurate and more reliable than television.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n11. If you print words, you write in letters that are not joined together and that look like the letters in a book or newspaper.\nPrint your name and address on a postcard and send it to us.\n  VERB: V n\n\n12. You can refer to a mark left by someone’s foot as a print.\nHe crawled from print to print, sniffing at the earth, following the scent left in the tracks.\n...boot prints.\n  N-COUNT\n\n13. You can refer to invisible marks left by someone’s fingers as their prints.\nFresh prints of both girls were found in the flat.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = fingerprint\n14.\n  see also printing\n15. If you appear in print, or get into print, what you say or write is published in a book, newspaper, or magazine.\nMany of these poets appeared in print only long after their deaths...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n16. The small print or the fine print of something such as an advertisement or a contract consists of the technical details and legal conditions, which are often printed in much smaller letters than the rest of the text.\nI’m looking at the small print; I don’t want to sign anything that I shouldn’t sign...\n  PHRASE


Words: print out
Meaning:
print out\n  If a computer or a machine attached to a computer prints something out, it produces a copy of it on paper.\nYou measure yourself, enter measurements and the computer will print out the pattern...\nI shall just print this out and put it in the post.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n  see also printout


Words: print run
Meaning:
print run  print runs\n  In publishing, a print run of something such as a book or a newspaper is the number of copies of it that are printed and published at one time.\nIt was launched last year in paperback with an initial print run of 7,000 copies.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, supp N, N of n


Words: print shop
Meaning:
print shop  print shops\n  A print shop is a small business which prints and copies things such as documents and cards for customers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: printable
Meaning:
print.able\n   printable\n  If you say that someone’s words or remarks are not printable, you mean that they are likely to offend people, and are therefore not suitable to be repeated in writing or speech. (JOURNALISM)\nHis team-mates opened hotel windows, shouting `Jump!’ and somewhat less printable banter.\n  ADJ: usu with brd-neg


Words: printed circuit board
Meaning:
print.ed cir.cuit board\n   printed circuit board  printed circuit boards\n  A printed circuit board is an electronic circuit in which some of the parts and connections consist of thin metal lines and shapes on a thin board. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: printed word
Meaning:
print.ed word\n   printed word\n  The printed word is the same as the written word.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: printer
Meaning:
print.er\n   printer  printers\n1. A printer is a machine that can be connected to a computer in order to make copies on paper of documents or other information held by the computer.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also laser printer\n2. A printer is a person or company whose job is printing things such as books.\nThe manuscript had already been sent off to the printers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: printing
Meaning:
print.ing\n   printing  printings\n  If copies of a book are printed and published on a number of different occasions, you can refer to each of these occasions as a printing.\nThe American edition of `Cloud Street’ is already in its third printing.\n  N-COUNT: oft ord N\n\n  see also print


Words: printing press
Meaning:
print.ing press\n   printing press  printing presses\n  A printing press is a machine used for printing, especially one that can print books, newspapers, or documents in large numbers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: printmaking
Meaning:
print.mak.ing\n   printmaking\n  Printmaking is an artistic technique which consists of making a series of pictures from an original, or from a specially prepared surface.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: printout
Meaning:
print.out\n   printout  printouts   also print-out\n  A printout is a piece of paper on which information from a computer or similar device has been printed.\n...a computer printout of various financial projections.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prior
Meaning:
pri.or\n   prior\n1. You use prior to indicate that something has already happened, or must happen, before another event takes place.\nHe claimed he had no prior knowledge of the protest...\nThe Constitution requires the president to seek the prior approval of Congress for military action...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A prior claim or duty is more important than other claims or duties and needs to be dealt with first.\nThe firm I wanted to use had prior commitments.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. A prior is a monk who is in charge of a priory or a monk who is the second most important person in a monastery.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE\n\n4. If something happens prior to a particular time or event, it happens before that time or event. (FORMAL)\nPrior to his Japan trip, he went to New York...\n  PREP-PHRASE


Words: prioress
Meaning:
pri.or.ess\n   prioress  prioresses\n  A prioress is a nun who is in charge of a convent.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE


Words: prioritize
Meaning:
pri.ori.tize\n   prioritize  prioritizes  prioritizing  prioritized\nin BRIT, also use prioritise\n1. If you prioritize something, you treat it as more important than other things.\nThe government is prioritising the service sector, rather than investing in industry and production.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you prioritize the tasks that you have to do, you decide which are the most important and do them first.\nMake lists of what to do and prioritize your tasks.\n  VERB: V n


Words: priority
Meaning:
pri.or.ity\n   priority  priorities\n1. If something is a priority, it is the most important thing you have to do or deal with, or must be done or dealt with before everything else you have to do.\nBeing a parent is her first priority...\nThe government’s priority is to build more power plants...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you give priority to something or someone, you treat them as more important than anything or anyone else.\nThe school will give priority to science, maths and modern languages...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR to n\n\n3. If something takes priority or has priority over other things, it is regarded as being more important than them and is dealt with first.\nThe fight against inflation took priority over measures to combat the deepening recession...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR over n


Words: priory
Meaning:
pri.ory\n   priory  priories\n  A priory is a place where a small group of monks live and work together.\n  N-COUNT: oft in names after n


Words: prism
Meaning:
prism  prisms\n  A prism is a block of clear glass or plastic which separates the light passing through it into different colours.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prison
Meaning:
pris.on\n   prison  prisons\n  A prison is a building where criminals are kept as punishment or where people accused of a crime are kept before their trial.\nThe prison’s inmates are being kept in their cells...\nHe was sentenced to life in prison...\n  N-VAR: oft in names after n\n  = jail


Words: prison camp
Meaning:
pris.on camp\n   prison camp  prison camps\n1. A prison camp is a guarded camp where prisoners of war or political prisoners are kept.\nHe was shot down over Denmark and spent three years in a prison camp.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A prison camp is a prison where the prisoners are not considered dangerous and are allowed to work outside the prison. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: prisoner
Meaning:
pris.on.er\n   prisoner  prisoners\n1. A prisoner is a person who is kept in a prison as a punishment for a crime that they have committed.\nThe committee is concerned about the large number of prisoners sharing cells.\n  N-COUNT\n  = inmate\n2. A prisoner is a person who has been captured by an enemy, for example in war.\n...wartime hostages and concentration-camp prisoners...\nHe was taken prisoner in North Africa in 1942.\n  N-COUNT: also hold/take n N\n\n3. If you say that you are a prisoner of a situation, you mean that your are trapped by it.\nWe are all prisoners of our childhood and feel an obligation to it...\n  N-COUNT: N of n


Words: prisoner of conscience
Meaning:
pris.on.er of con.science\n   prisoner of conscience  prisoners of conscience\n  Prisoners of conscience are people who have been put into prison for their political or social beliefs or for breaking the law while protesting against a political or social system.\n  N-COUNT\n  = political prisoner


Words: prisoner of war
Meaning:
pris.on.er of war\n   prisoner of war  prisoners of war\n  Prisoners of war are soldiers who have been captured by their enemy during a war and kept as prisoners until the end of the war.\n  N-COUNT\n  = POW


Words: prissy
Meaning:
pris.sy\n   prissy  prissier  prissiest\n  If you say that someone is prissy, you are critical of them because they are very easily shocked by anything rude or bad. (INFORMAL)\nI grew to dislike the people from my background.they were rather uptight and prissy.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = prim


Words: pristine
Meaning:
pris.tine\n   pristine\n  Pristine things are extremely clean or new. (FORMAL)\nNow the house is in pristine condition.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = immaculate


Words: privacy
Meaning:
pri.va.cy\n   privacy\n1. If you have privacy, you are in a place or situation which allows you to do things without other people seeing you or disturbing you.\nHe saw the publication of this book as an embarrassing invasion of his privacy...\n...a collection of over 60 designs to try on in the privacy of your own home.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N\n\n2. If someone or something invades your privacy, they interfere in your life without your permission.\nThe press invade people’s privacy unjustifiably every day.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: private
Meaning:
pri.vate\n   private  privates\n1. Private industries and services are owned or controlled by an individual person or a commercial company, rather than by the state or an official organization. (BUSINESS)\nBupa runs private hospitals in Britain...\nBrazil says its constitution forbids the private ownership of energy assets.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pri.vate.ly\nNo other European country had so few privately owned businesses...\nShe was privately educated at schools in Ireland and Paris.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Private individuals are acting only for themselves, and are not representing any group, company, or organization.\n...the law’s insistence that private citizens are not permitted to have weapons...\nThe King was on a private visit to enable him to pray at the tombs of his ancestors...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Your private things belong only to you, or may only be used by you.\nThere are 76 individually furnished bedrooms, all with private bathrooms...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4. Private places or gatherings may be attended only by a particular group of people, rather than by the general public.\n673 private golf clubs took part in a recent study...\nThe door is marked `Private’...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=public\n5. Private meetings, discussions, and other activities involve only a small number of people, and very little information about them is given to other people.\nDon’t bug private conversations, and don’t buy papers that reprint them.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pri.vate.ly\nFew senior figures have issued any public statements but privately the resignation’s been welcomed...\n  ADV: usu ADV with cl, also ADV after v\n\n6. Your private life is that part of your life that is concerned with your personal relationships and activities, rather than with your work or business.\nI’ve always kept my private and professional life separate...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = personal\n7. Your private thoughts or feelings are ones that you do not talk about to other people.\nWe all felt as if we were intruding on his private grief.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pri.vate.ly\nPrivately, she worries about whether she’s really good enough...\n  ADV: ADV with cl, ADV with v\n\n8. You can use private to describe situations or activities that are understood only by the people involved in them, and not by anyone else.\nChinese waiters stood in a cluster, sharing a private joke...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n9. If you describe a place as private, or as somewhere where you can be private, you mean that it is a quiet place and you can be alone there without being disturbed.\nIt was the only reasonably private place they could find.\n  ADJ\n\n10. If you describe someone as a private person, you mean that they are very quiet by nature and do not reveal their thoughts and feelings to other people.\nGould was an intensely private individual.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n11. You can use private to describe lessons that are not part of ordinary school activity, and which are given by a teacher to an individual pupil or a small group, usually in return for payment.\nMartial arts: Private lessons: .8 per hour.\n...Donald Tovey, who took her as his private pupil for the piano.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n12. A private is a soldier of the lowest rank in an army or the marines.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE\n\n13.\n  see also privately\n14. If you do something in private, you do it without other people being present, often because it is something that you want to keep secret.\nSome of what we’re talking about might better be discussed in private.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v


Words: private detective
Meaning:
pri.vate de.tec.tive\n   private detective  private detectives\n  A private detective is someone who you can pay to find missing people or do other kinds of investigation for you.\n  N-COUNT\n  = private investigator


Words: private enterprise
Meaning:
pri.vate en.ter.prise\n   private enterprise\n  Private enterprise is industry and business which is owned by individual people or commercial companies, and not by the government or an official organization. (BUSINESS)\n...the government’s plans to sell state companies to private enterprise.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: private eye
Meaning:
pri.vate eye\n   private eye  private eyes\n  You can refer to a private detective as a private eye, especially when he or she is a character in a film or story. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: private investigator
Meaning:
pri.vate in.ves.ti.ga.tor\n   private investigator  private investigators\n  A private investigator is the same as a private detective.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Private Member’s Bill
Meaning:
Pri.vate Mem.ber’s Bill\n   Private Member’s Bill  Private Members’ Bills\n  In Britain, a Private Member’s Bill is a law that is proposed by a Member of Parliament acting as an individual rather than as a member of his or her political party.\n  N-COUNT


Words: private parts
Meaning:
pri.vate parts\n   private parts\n  Your private parts are your genitals. (INFORMAL)\n  N-PLURAL: usu poss N\n  = privates


Words: private school
Meaning:
pri.vate school\n   private school  private schools\n  A private school is a school which is not supported financially by the government and which parents have to pay for their children to go to.\nHe attended Eton, the most exclusive private school in Britain.\n  N-VAR\n  !=state school


Words: private sector
Meaning:
pri.vate sec.tor\n   private sector\n  The private sector is the part of a country’s economy which consists of industries and commercial companies that are not owned or controlled by the government. (BUSINESS)\n...small firms in the private sector.\n  N-SING: the N, N n\n  !=public sector


Words: private soldier
Meaning:
pri.vate sol.dier\n   private soldier  private soldiers\n  A private soldier is a soldier of the lowest rank in an army or the marines. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = private


Words: privately
Meaning:
pri.vate.ly\n   privately\n  If you buy or sell something privately, you buy it from or sell it to another person directly, rather than in a shop or through a business.\nThe whole process makes buying a car privately as painless as buying from a garage...\nA great deal of food is distributed and sold privately without ever reaching the shops.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  see also private


Words: privation
Meaning:
pri.va.tion\n   privation  privations\n  If you suffer privation or privations, you have to live without many of the things that are thought to be necessary in life, such as food, clothing, or comfort. (FORMAL)\nThey endured five years of privation during the second world war...\nThe privations of monastery life were evident in his appearance.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n  = hardship


Words: privatize
Meaning:
pri.vat.ize\n   privatize  privatizes  privatizing  privatized\nin BRIT, also use privatise\n  If a company, industry, or service that is owned by the state is privatized, the government sells it and makes it a private company. (BUSINESS)\nThe water boards are about to be privatized.\n...a pledge to privatise the rail and coal industries.\n...the newly privatized FM radio stations.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n, V-ed\n  !=nationalize\n=>  pri.vati.za.tion      privatizations\n...the privatisation of British Rail.\n...fresh rules governing the conduct of future privatizations.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n  !=nationalization


Words: privet
Meaning:
priv.et\n   privet\n  Privet is a type of bush with small leaves that stay green all year round. It is often grown in gardens to form hedges.\nThe garden was enclosed by a privet hedge.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: privilege
Meaning:
privi.lege\n   privilege  privileges  privileging  privileged\n1. A privilege is a special right or advantage that only one person or group has.\nThe Russian Federation has issued a decree abolishing special privileges for government officials.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you talk about privilege, you are talking about the power and advantage that only a small group of people have, usually because of their wealth or their high social class.\nPironi was the son of privilege and wealth, and it showed...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. You can use privilege in expressions such as be a privilege or have the privilege when you want to show your appreciation of someone or something or to show your respect.\nIt must be a privilege to know such a man...\n  N-SING\n\n4. To privilege someone or something means to treat them better or differently than other people or things rather than treat them all equally.\nThey are privileging a tiny number to the disadvantage of the rest.\n  VERB: V n\n  = favour


Words: privileged
Meaning:
privi.leged\n   privileged\n1. Someone who is privileged has an advantage or opportunity that most other people do not have, often because of their wealth or high social class.\nThey were, by and large, a very wealthy, privileged elite.\n...I felt very privileged to work at the university.\n  ADJ\n\n  The privileged are people who are privileged.\nThey are only interested in preserving the power of the privileged...\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n\n2. Privileged information is known by only a small group of people, who are not legally required to give it to anyone else.\nThe data is privileged information, not to be shared with the general public...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = confidential


Words: privy
Meaning:
privy\n  If you are privy to something secret, you have been allowed to know about it. (FORMAL)\nOnly three people, including a policeman, will be privy to the facts.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n


Words: Privy Council
Meaning:
Privy Coun.cil\n   Privy Council\n  In Britain, the Privy Council is a group of people who are appointed to advise the king or queen on political affairs.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: prize
Meaning:
prize  prizes  prizing  prized\n\n  The spelling prise is also used in British English for meanings 5 and 6.\n\n1. A prize is money or something valuable that is given to someone who has the best results in a competition or game, or as a reward for doing good work.\nYou must claim your prize by telephoning our claims line...\nHe won first prize at the Leeds Piano Competition...\nThey were going all out for the prize-money, .6,500 for the winning team.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You use prize to describe things that are of such good quality that they win prizes or deserve to win prizes.\n...a prize bull.\n...prize blooms.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. You can refer to someone or something as a prize when people consider them to be of great value or importance.\nWith no lands of his own, he was no great matrimonial prize.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. Something that is prized is wanted and admired because it is considered to be very valuable or very good quality.\nMilitary figures, made out of lead are prized by collectors...\nOne of the gallery’s most prized possessions is the portrait of Ginevra da Vinci.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed\n\n5. If you prize something open or prize it away from a surface, you force it to open or force it to come away from the surface. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use pry)\nHe tried to prize the dog’s mouth open...\nI prised off the metal rim surrounding one of the dials...\nHe held on tight but she prised it from his fingers.\n  VERB: V n with adj, V n with adv, V n out of/from n\n\n6. If you prize something such as information out of someone, you persuade them to tell you although they may be very unwilling to. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use pry)\nAlison and I had to prize conversation out of him.\n  VERB: V n out of n, also V n with out


Words: prize fight
Meaning:
prize fight  prize fights   also prizefight\n  A prize fight is a boxing match where the boxers are paid to fight, especially one that is not official.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prize fighter
Meaning:
prize fight.er\n   prize fighter  prize fighters   also prizefighter\n  A prize fighter is a boxer who fights to win money.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prize-giving
Meaning:
prize-giving  prize-givings   also prizegiving\n  A prize-giving is a ceremony where prizes are awarded to people who have produced a very high standard of work. (BRIT)\nNeil had been at a prize giving ceremony at a school in Birmingham.\n...a prize-giving for cattle-breeding.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pro
Meaning:
pro  pros\n1. A pro is a professional. (INFORMAL)\nI have enjoyed playing with some of the top pros from Europe and America.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=amateur\n2. A pro player is a professional sportsman or woman. You can also use pro to refer to sports that are played by professional sportsmen or women. (AM)\n...a former college and pro basketball player...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. If you are pro a particular course of action or belief, you agree with it or support it. (mainly BRIT)\nI’m one of the few that’s very pro performance-related pay.\n  PREP\n  = for  !=anti\n4. The pros and cons of something are its advantages and disadvantages, which you consider carefully so that you can make a sensible decision.\nMotherhood has both its pros and cons.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, oft PHR of -ing


Words: pro forma
Meaning:
pro for.ma\n   pro forma   also pro-forma\n  In banking, a company’s pro forma balance or earnings are their expected balance or earnings. (BUSINESS)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: pro rata
Meaning:
pro ra.ta\n   pro rata   also pro-rata\n  If something is distributed pro rata, it is distributed in proportion to the amount or size of something. (FORMAL)\nAll part-timers should be paid the same, pro rata, as full-timers doing the same job.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  Pro rata is also an adjective.\nThey are paid their salaries and are entitled to fringe benefits on a pro-rata basis.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: pro tem
Meaning:
pro tem\n  If someone has a particular position or job pro tem, they have it temporarily. (FORMAL)\n...the president pro tem of the California State Senate.\n  ADV: n ADV


Words: pro-
Meaning:
pro-\n  You can add pro- to adjectives and nouns in order to form adjectives that describe people who support or admire a particular person, system, or idea.\nHe was at the forefront of the pro-democracy campaign in the country...\nYounger voters are strongly pro-European...\n  PREFIX


Words: pro-am
Meaning:
pro-am  pro-ams   also pro am\n  A pro-am is a sports competition in which professional and amateur players compete together.\n...a sponsored pro-am golf tournament.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: pro-choice
Meaning:
pro-choice   also prochoice\n  Someone who is pro-choice thinks that women have a right to choose whether or not to give birth to a child they have conceived, and to have an abortion if they do not want the child.\n...the pro-choice movement...\nmost of the electorate is pro-choice.\n  ADJ\n  !=pro-life


Words: pro-life
Meaning:
pro-life\n  Someone who is pro-life thinks that women do not have a right to choose whether or not to give birth to a child they have conceived, and that abortion is wrong in most or all circumstances.\n...the pro-life movement.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=pro-choice


Words: proactive
Meaning:
pro.ac.tive\n   proactive\n  Proactive actions are intended to cause changes, rather than just reacting to change.\nIn order to survive the competition a company should be proactive not reactive...\n  ADJ


Words: probabilistic
Meaning:
prob.abil.is.tic\n   probabilistic\n  Probabilistic actions, methods, or arguments are based on the idea that you cannot be certain about results or future events but you can judge whether or not they are likely, and act on the basis of this judgment. (FORMAL)\n...probabilistic exposure to risk.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: probability
Meaning:
prob.abil.ity\n   probability  probabilities\n1. The probability of something happening is how likely it is to happen, sometimes expressed as a fraction or a percentage.\nWithout a transfusion, the victim’s probability of dying was 100%...\nThe probabilities of crime or victimization are higher with some situations than with others...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. You say that there is a probability that something will happen when it is likely to happen.\nIf you’ve owned property for several years, the probability is that values have increased...\nHis story-telling can push the bounds of probability a bit far at times.\n  N-VAR  vagueness\n\n3. If you say that something will happen in all probability, you mean that you think it is very likely to happen.\nThe Republicans had better get used to the fact that in all probability, they are going to lose...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  vagueness


Words: probable
Meaning:
prob.able\n   probable\n1. If you say that something is probable, you mean that it is likely to be true or likely to happen.\nIt is probable that the medication will suppress the symptom without treating the condition...\nAn airline official said a bomb was the incident’s most probable cause.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ that  vagueness\n  = likely  !=unlikely\n2. You can use probable to describe a role or function that someone or something is likely to have.\nThe Socialists united behind their probable presidential candidate, Michel Rocard.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = likely


Words: probably
Meaning:
prob.ably\n   probably\n1. If you say that something is probably the case, you think that it is likely to be the case, although you are not sure.\nThe White House probably won’t make this plan public until July...\nVan Gogh is probably the best-known painter in the world.\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group  vagueness\n\n2. You can use probably when you want to make your opinion sound less forceful or definite, so that you do not offend people.\nHe probably thinks you’re both crazy!\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group  vagueness


Words: probate
Meaning:
pro.bate\n   probate\n  Probate is the act or process of officially proving a will to be valid.\nProbate cases can go on for two years or more.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: probation
Meaning:
pro.ba.tion\n   probation\n1. Probation is a period of time during which a person who has committed a crime has to obey the law and be supervised by a probation officer, rather than being sent to prison.\nThe thief was put on probation for two years.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Probation is a period of time during which someone is judging your character and ability while you work, in order to see if you are suitable for that type of work.\nEmployee appointment to the Council will be subject to a term of probation of 6 months...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: probation officer
Meaning:
pro.ba.tion of.fic.er\n   probation officer  probation officers\n  A probation officer is a person whose job is to supervise and help people who have committed crimes and been put on probation.\n  N-COUNT


Words: probationary
Meaning:
pro.ba.tion.ary\n   probationary\n  A probationary period is a period after someone starts a job, during which their employer can decide whether the person is suitable and should be allowed to continue. (BUSINESS)\nTeachers should have a probationary period of two years.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = trial


Words: probationer
Meaning:
pro.ba.tion.er\n   probationer  probationers\n1. A probationer is someone who has been found guilty of committing a crime but is on probation rather than in prison.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A probationer is someone who is still being trained to do a job and is on trial.\n...a probationer policeman.\n  N-COUNT


Words: probe
Meaning:
probe  probes  probing  probed\n1. If you probe into something, you ask questions or try to discover facts about it.\nThe more they probed into his background, the more inflamed their suspicions would become...\nFor three years, I have probed for understanding...\nThe Office of Fair Trading has been probing banking practices...\nThe form asks probing questions.\n  VERB: V into n, V for n, V n, V-ing\n\n  Probe is also a noun.\n...a federal grand-jury probe into corruption within the FDA.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  prob.ing      probings\nIf he remains here, he’ll be away from the press and their probings.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If a doctor or dentist probes, he or she uses a long instrument to examine part of a patient’s body.\nThe surgeon would pick up his instruments, probe, repair and stitch up again...\nDr Amid probed around the sensitive area...\n  VERB: V, V prep/adv\n\n3. A probe is a long thin instrument that doctors and dentists use to examine parts of the body.\n...a fibre-optic probe.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you probe a place, you search it in order to find someone or something that you are looking for.\nA flashlight beam probed the underbrush only yards away from their hiding place...\nI probed around for some time in the bushes.\n  VERB: V n, V adv/prep\n\n5. In a conflict such as a war, if one side probes another side’s defences, they try to find their weaknesses, for example by attacking them in specific areas using a small number of troops. (JOURNALISM)\nHe probes the enemy’s weak positions, ignoring his strongholds...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Probe is also a noun.\nSmall probes would give the allied armies some combat experience before the main battle started.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. A space probe is a spacecraft which travels into space with no people in it, usually in order to study the planets and send information about them back to earth.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N


Words: probity
Meaning:
pro.bity\n   probity\n  Probity is a high standard of correct moral behaviour. (FORMAL)\nHe asserted his innocence and his financial probity.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: problem
Meaning:
prob.lem\n   problem  problems\n1. A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties for people.\n...the economic problems of the inner city...\nThe main problem is unemployment...\nHe told Americans that solving the energy problem was very important...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of/with n\n\n2. A problem is a puzzle that requires logical thought or mathematics to solve it.\nWith mathematical problems, you can save time by approximating.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Problem children or problem families have serious problems or cause serious problems for other people.\nIn some cases a problem child is placed in a special school...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = difficult


Words: problematic
Meaning:
prob.lem.at.ic\n   problematic\n  Something that is problematic involves problems and difficulties.\nSome places are more problematic than others for women traveling alone.\n  ADJ


Words: procedural
Meaning:
pro.cedur.al\n   procedural\n  Procedural means involving a formal procedure. (FORMAL)\nA Spanish judge rejected the suit on procedural grounds...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: procedure
Meaning:
pro.cedure\n   procedure  procedures\n  A procedure is a way of doing something, especially the usual or correct way.\nA biopsy is usually a minor surgical procedure...\nPolice insist that Michael did not follow the correct procedure in applying for a visa...\n  N-VAR


Words: proceed
Meaning:
pro.ceed\n   proceed  proceeds proceeding  proceeded\nThe verb form proceeds is pronounced   The plural noun in meaning 5 is pronounced\n1. If you proceed to do something, you do it, often after doing something else first.\nHe proceeded to tell me of my birth...\n  VERB: V to-inf\n\n2. If you proceed with a course of action, you continue with it. (FORMAL)\nThe group proceeded with a march they knew would lead to bloodshed...\nThe trial has been delayed until November because the defence is not ready to proceed.\n  VERB: V with n, V\n\n3. If an activity, process, or event proceeds, it goes on and does not stop.\nThe ideas were not new. Their development had proceeded steadily since the war...\n  VERB: V\n\n4. If you proceed in a particular direction, you go in that direction. (FORMAL)\nShe climbed the steps and proceeded along the upstairs hallway...\nThe freighter was allowed to proceed after satisfying them that it was not breaking sanctions.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V\n  = continue\n5. The proceeds of an event or activity are the money that has been obtained from it.\n  N-PLURAL: the N, oft the N of/from n


Words: proceeding
Meaning:
pro.ceed.ing\n   proceeding  proceedings\n1. Legal proceedings are legal action taken against someone. (FORMAL)\n...criminal proceedings against the former prime minister...\nThe Council had brought proceedings to stop the store from trading on Sundays.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. The proceedings are an organized series of events that take place in a particular place. (FORMAL)\nThe proceedings of the enquiry will take place in private...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu the N\n\n3. You can refer to a written record of the discussions at a meeting or conference as the proceedings.\nThe Department of Transport is to publish the conference proceedings.\n  N-PLURAL: the N


Words: process
Meaning:
pro.cess\n   process  processes  processing  processed\n1. A process is a series of actions which are carried out in order to achieve a particular result.\nThere was total agreement to start the peace process as soon as possible...\nThe best way to proceed is by a process of elimination.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N, N of n\n\n2. A process is a series of things which happen naturally and result in a biological or chemical change.\nIt occurs in elderly men, apparently as part of the ageing process...\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. When raw materials or foods are processed, they are prepared in factories before they are used or sold.\n...fish which are processed by freezing, canning or smoking...\nThe material will be processed into plastic pellets.\n...diets high in refined and processed foods.\n  VERB: be V-ed, be V-ed into n, V-ed\n\n  Process is also a noun.\n...the cost of re-engineering the production process.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  pro.cess.ing\nAmerica sent cotton to England for processing.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n4. When people process information, they put it through a system or into a computer in order to deal with it.\n...facilities to process the data, and the right to publish the results...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  pro.cess.ing\n...data processing...\n  N-UNCOUNT: supp N\n\n  see also word processing\n5. When people are processed by officials, their case is dealt with in stages and they pass from one stage of the process to the next.\nPatients took more than two hours to be processed through the department.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n6. If you are in the process of doing something, you have started to do it and are still doing it.\nThe administration is in the process of drawing up a peace plan...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu v-link PHR\n\n7. If you are doing something and you do something else in the process, you do the second thing as part of doing the first thing.\nYou have to let us struggle for ourselves, even if we must die in the process.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl


Words: processed cheese
Meaning:
pro.cessed cheese\n   processed cheese  processed cheeses\n  Processed cheese is cheese that has been specially made so that it can be sold and stored in large quantities. It is sometimes sold in the form of single wrapped slices.\n  N-MASS


Words: procession
Meaning:
pro.ces.sion\n   procession  processions\n  A procession is a group of people who are walking, riding, or driving in a line as part of a public event.\n...a funeral procession.\n...religious processions.\n  N-COUNT


Words: processional
Meaning:
pro.ces.sion.al\n   processional\n  Processional means used for or taking part in a ceremonial procession.\n...the processional route.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: processor
Meaning:
pro.ces.sor\n   processor  processors\n1. A processor is the part of a computer that interprets commands and performs the processes the user has requested. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT\n  = CPU\n  see also word processor\n2. A processor is someone or something which carries out a process.\n...food growers and processors.\n  N-COUNT


Words: proclaim
Meaning:
pro.claim\n   proclaim  proclaims  proclaiming  proclaimed\n1. If people proclaim something, they formally make it known to the public.\nThe Boers rebelled against British rule, proclaiming their independence on 30 December 1880...\nBritain proudly proclaims that it is a nation of animal lovers...\nHe still proclaims himself a believer in the Revolution.\n  VERB: V n, V that, V pron-refl n\n  = declare\n2. If you proclaim something, you state it in an emphatic way.\n`I think we have been heard today,’ he proclaimed...\nHe confidently proclaims that he is offering the best value in the market.\n  VERB: V with quote, V that


Words: proclamation
Meaning:
proc.la.ma.tion\n   proclamation  proclamations\n  A proclamation is a public announcement about something important, often about something of national importance.\n...a proclamation of independence.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = declaration


Words: proclivity
Meaning:
pro.cliv.ity\n   proclivity  proclivities\n  A proclivity is a tendency to behave in a particular way or to like a particular thing, often a bad way or thing. (FORMAL)\nHe was indulging his own sexual proclivities.\n...a proclivity to daydream.\n  N-COUNT


Words: procrastinate
Meaning:
pro.cras.ti.nate\n   procrastinate  procrastinates  procrastinating  procrastinated\n  If you procrastinate, you keep leaving things you should do until later, often because you do not want to do them. (FORMAL)\nMost often we procrastinate when faced with something we do not want to do.\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  pro.cras.ti.na.tion\nHe hates delay and procrastination in all its forms.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: procreate
Meaning:
pro.cre.ate\n   procreate  procreates  procreating  procreated\n  When animals or people procreate, they produce young or babies. (FORMAL)\nMost young women feel a biological need to procreate.\n  VERB: V\n  = reproduce\n=>  pro.crea.tion\nEarly marriage and procreation are no longer discouraged there.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = reproduction


Words: procurator
Meaning:
procu.ra.tor\n   procurator  procurators\n  A procurator is an administrative official with legal powers, especially in the former Soviet Union, the Roman Catholic Church, or the ancient Roman Empire.\n  N-COUNT


Words: procurator fiscal
Meaning:
procu.ra.tor fis.cal\n   procurator fiscal  procurators fiscal\n  In the Scottish legal system, the procurator fiscal is a public official who puts people on trial.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N


Words: procure
Meaning:
pro.cure\n   procure  procures  procuring  procured\n1. If you procure something, especially something that is difficult to get, you obtain it. (FORMAL)\nIt remained very difficult to procure food, fuel and other daily necessities.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If someone procures a prostitute, they introduce the prostitute to a client.\nHe procured girls of 16 and 17 to be mistresses for his influential friends.\n  VERB: V n


Words: procurement
Meaning:
pro.cure.ment\n   procurement\n  Procurement is the act of obtaining something such as supplies for an army or other organization. (FORMAL)\nRussia was cutting procurement of new weapons `by about 80 per cent’, he said.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = acquisition


Words: prod
Meaning:
prod  prods  prodding  prodded\n1. If you prod someone or something, you give them a quick push with your finger or with a pointed object.\nHe prodded Murray with the shotgun...\nProd the windowsills to check for signs of rot...\nCathy was prodding at a boiled egg.\n  VERB: V n with n, V n, V at n\n  = poke\n  Prod is also a noun.\nHe gave the donkey a mighty prod in the backside.\n  N-COUNT\n  = poke\n2. If you prod someone into doing something, you remind or persuade them to do it.\nThe report should prod the Government into spending more on the Health Service...\nHis remark prodded her to ask where Mora had gone.\n  VERB: V n into n/-ing, V n to-inf\n\n3.\n  see also cattle prod


Words: prodigal
Meaning:
prodi.gal\n   prodigal  prodigals\n1. You can describe someone as a prodigal son or daughter if they leave their family or friends, often after a period of behaving badly, and then return at a later time as a better person. (LITERARY)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  Prodigal is also a noun.\n...the prodigal had returned.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Someone who behaves in a prodigal way spends a lot of money carelessly without thinking about what will happen when they have none left.\nProdigal habits die hard.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: prodigious
Meaning:
pro.di.gious\n   prodigious\n  Something that is prodigious is very large or impressive. (LITERARY)\nThis business generates cash in prodigious amounts...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pro.di.gious.ly\nShe ate prodigiously.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adv/adj


Words: prodigy
Meaning:
prodi.gy\n   prodigy  prodigies\n  A prodigy is someone young who has a great natural ability for something such as music, mathematics, or sport.\n...a Russian tennis prodigy.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: produce
Meaning:
pro.duce\n   produce produces  producing  produced\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced   and is hyphenated prod.uce.\n1. To produce something means to cause it to happen.\nThe drug is known to produce side-effects in women...\nTalks aimed at producing a new world trade treaty have been under way for six years.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n2. If you produce something, you make or create it.\nThe company produced circuitry for communications systems...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. When things or people produce something, it comes from them or slowly forms from them, especially as the result of a biological or chemical process.\nThese plants are then pollinated and allowed to mature and produce seed.\n...gases produced by burning coal and oil.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n4. If you produce evidence or an argument, you show it or explain it to people in order to make them agree with you.\nThey challenged him to produce evidence to support his allegations...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If you produce an object from somewhere, you show it or bring it out so that it can be seen.\nTo hire a car you must produce a passport and a current driving licence...\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. If someone produces something such as a film, a magazine, or a CD, they organize it and decide how it should be done.\nHe has produced his own sports magazine called Yes Sport...\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. Produce is food or other things that are grown in large quantities to be sold.\nWe manage to get most of our produce in Britain...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: producer
Meaning:
pro.duc.er\n   producer  producers\n1. A producer is a person whose job is to produce plays, films, programmes, or CDs.\nVanya Kewley is a freelance film producer.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A producer of a food or material is a company or country that grows or manufactures a large amount of it.\n...Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading oil producer.\n  N-COUNT


Words: product
Meaning:
prod.uct\n   product  products\n1. A product is something that is produced and sold in large quantities, often as a result of a manufacturing process.\nTry to get the best product at the lowest price...\nSouth Korea’s imports of consumer products jumped 33% in this year.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone or something is a product of a situation or process, you mean that the situation or process has had a significant effect in making them what they are.\nWe are all products of our time...\nThe bank is the product of a 1971 merger of two Japanese banks.\n  N-COUNT: N of n


Words: product line
Meaning:
prod.uct line\n   product line product lines\n  A product line is a group of related products produced by one manufacturer, for example products that are intended to be used for similar purposes or to be sold in similar types of shops. (BUSINESS)\nA well-known UK supermarket launches more than 1,000 new product lines each year.\n  N-COUNT


Words: product placement
Meaning:
prod.uct place.ment\n   product placement product placements\n  Product placement is a form of advertising in which a company has its product placed where it can be clearly seen during a film or television programme. (BUSINESS)\nIt was the first movie to feature onscreen product placement for its own merchandise.\n  N-VAR


Words: production
Meaning:
pro.duc.tion\n   production  productions\n1. Production is the process of manufacturing or growing something in large quantities.\nThat model won’t go into production before late 1990.\n...tax incentives to encourage domestic production of oil.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft into N\n\n2. Production is the amount of goods manufactured or grown by a company or country.\nWe needed to increase the volume of production...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = output\n3. The production of something is its creation as the result of a natural process.\nThese proteins stimulate the production of blood cells.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n4. Production is the process of organizing and preparing a play, film, programme, or CD, in order to present it to the public.\nShe is head of the production company.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n5. A production is a play, opera, or other show that is performed in a theatre.\n...a critically acclaimed production of Othello.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. When you can do something on production of or on the production of documents, you need to show someone those documents in order to be able to do that thing.\nEntry to the show is free to members on production of their membership cards.\n  PHRASE: PHR n


Words: production line
Meaning:
pro.duc.tion line\n   production line  production lines\n  A production line is an arrangement of machines in a factory where the products pass from machine to machine until they are finished.\n  N-COUNT


Words: productive
Meaning:
pro.duc.tive\n   productive\n1. Someone or something that is productive produces or does a lot for the amount of resources used.\nTraining makes workers highly productive...\n...fertile and productive soils.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pro.duc.tive.ly\nThe company is certain to reinvest its profits productively.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you say that a relationship between people is productive, you mean that a lot of good or useful things happen as a result of it.\nHe was hopeful that the next round of talks would also be productive...\n  ADJ\n  = fruitful\n=>  pro.duc.tive.ly\nThey feel they are interacting productively with elderly patients.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: productivity
Meaning:
prod.uc.tiv.ity\n   productivity\n  Productivity is the rate at which goods are produced.\nThe third-quarter results reflect continued improvements in productivity...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = output


Words: Prof.
Meaning:
Prof.  Profs   also prof.\n1. Prof. is a written abbreviation for Professor.\n...Prof. Richard Joyner of Liverpool University.\n  N-TITLE\n\n2. People sometimes refer to a professor as a prof. (INFORMAL)\nWrite a note to my prof and tell him why I missed an exam this morning.\n  N-COUNT


Words: profane
Meaning:
pro.fane\n   profane  profanes  profaning  profaned\n1. Profane behaviour shows disrespect for a religion or religious things. (FORMAL)\n...profane language.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Something that is profane is concerned with everyday life rather than religion and spiritual things.\nCardinal Daly has said that churches should not be used for profane or secular purposes.\n  ADJ\n  !=spiritual\n3. If someone profanes a religious belief or institution, they treat it with disrespect. (FORMAL)\nThey have profaned the long upheld traditions of the Church.\n  VERB: V n


Words: profanity
Meaning:
pro.fan.ity\n   profanity  profanities\n1. Profanity is an act that shows disrespect for a religion or religious beliefs. (FORMAL)\nTo desecrate a holy spring is considered profanity.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = sacrilege\n2. Profanities are swear words. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = obscenity


Words: profess
Meaning:
pro.fess\n   profess  professes  professing  professed\n1. If you profess to do or have something, you claim that you do it or have it, often when you do not. (FORMAL)\nShe professed to hate her nickname...\nWhy do organisations profess that they care?...\n`I don’t know,’ Pollard replied, professing innocence.\n...the Republicans’ professed support for traditional family values.\n  VERB: V to-inf, V that, V n, V-ed\n  = claim\n2. If you profess a feeling, opinion, or belief, you express it. (FORMAL)\nHe professed to be content with the arrangement...\nBacher professed himself pleased with the Indian tour.\n...a right to profess their faith in Islam.\n  VERB: V to-inf, V pron-refl adj, V n


Words: profession
Meaning:
pro.fes.sion\n   profession  professions\n1. A profession is a type of job that requires advanced education or training.\nHarper was a teacher by profession...\nOnly 20 per cent of jobs in the professions are held by women.\n  N-COUNT: also by N\n\n2. You can use profession to refer to all the people who have the same profession.\nThe attitude of the medical profession is very much more liberal now.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: oft supp N


Words: professional
Meaning:
pro.fes.sion.al\n   professional  professionals\n1. Professional means relating to a person’s work, especially work that requires special training.\nHis professional career started at Liverpool University.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  pro.fes.sion.al.ly\n...a professionally-qualified architect...\n  ADV: ADV -ed/adj, ADV with cl\n\n2. Professional people have jobs that require advanced education or training.\n...highly qualified professional people like doctors and engineers.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Professional is also a noun.\nMy father wanted me to become a professional and have more stability.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. You use professional to describe people who do a particular thing to earn money rather than as a hobby.\nThis has been my worst time for injuries since I started as a professional footballer...\n  ADJ\n  !=amateur\n  Professional is also a noun.\nHe had been a professional since March 1985.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  pro.fes.sion.al.ly\nBy age 16 he was playing professionally with bands in Greenwich Village.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n4. Professional sports are played for money rather than as a hobby.\n...an art student who had played professional football for a short time.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=amateur\n5. If you say that something that someone does or produces is professional, you approve of it because you think that it is of a very high standard.\nThey run it with a truly professional but personal touch.\n  ADJ  approval\n  !=amateur\n  Professional is also a noun.\n...a dedicated professional who worked harmoniously with the cast and crew.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  pro.fes.sion.al.ly\nThese tickets have been produced very professionally.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n6.\n  see also semi-professional


Words: professional foul
Meaning:
pro.fes.sion.al foul\n   professional foul  professional fouls\n  In football, if a player commits a professional foul, they deliberately do something which is against the rules in order to prevent another player from scoring a goal.\n  N-COUNT


Words: professionalism
Meaning:
pro.fes.sion.al.ism\n   professionalism\n  Professionalism in a job is a combination of skill and high standards.\nAmerican companies pride themselves on their professionalism...\n  N-UNCOUNT  approval


Words: professionalize
Meaning:
pro.fes.sion.al.ize\n   professionalize  professionalizes  professionalizing  professionalized\nin BRIT, also use professionalise\n  To professionalize an organization, an institution, or an activity means to make it more professional, for example by paying the people who are involved in it.\n...the possibility of professionalising local government by offering salaries to senior councillors.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  pro.fes.sion.ali.za.tion\nThe professionalization of politics is a major source of our ills.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: professor
Meaning:
pro.fes.sor\n   professor  professors\n1. A professor in a British university is the most senior teacher in a department.\n...Professor Cameron...\nIn 1979, only 2% of British professors were female.\n  N-TITLE; N-COUNT; N-VOC\n\n2. A professor in an American or Canadian university or college is a teacher of the highest rank.\nRobert Dunn is a professor of economics at George Washington University.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE; N-VOC


Words: professorial
Meaning:
prof.es.so.rial\n   professorial\n1. If you describe someone as professorial, you mean that they look or behave like a professor.\nHis manner is not so much regal as professorial...\nI raised my voice to a professorial tone.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Professorial means relating to the work of a professor.\n...the cuts which have led to 36 per cent of professorial posts remaining unfilled.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: professorship
Meaning:
pro.fes.sor.ship\n   professorship  professorships\n  A professorship is the post of professor in a university or college.\nHe has accepted a research professorship at Cambridge University.\n  N-COUNT


Words: proffer
Meaning:
prof.fer\n   proffer  proffers  proffering  proffered\n1. If you proffer something to someone, you hold it towards them so that they can take it or touch it. (FORMAL)\nHe rose and proffered a silver box full of cigarettes.\n  VERB: V n, also V n to n\n\n2. If you proffer something such as advice to someone, you offer it to them. (FORMAL)\nThe army has not yet proffered an explanation of how and why the accident happened.\n  VERB: V n, also V n to n, V n n\n  = volunteer


Words: proficiency
Meaning:
pro.fi.cien.cy\n   proficiency\n  If you show proficiency in something, you show ability or skill at it.\nEvidence of basic proficiency in English is part of the admission requirement.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N in n\n  = ability


Words: proficient
Meaning:
pro.fi.cient\n   proficient\n  If you are proficient in something, you can do it well.\nA great number of Egyptians are proficient in foreign languages.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ in/at n\n  = competent


Words: profile
Meaning:
pro.file\n   profile  profiles  profiling  profiled\n1. Your profile is the outline of your face as it is seen when someone is looking at you from the side.\nHis handsome profile was turned away from us.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you see someone in profile, you see them from the side.\nThis picture shows the girl in profile.\n  N-UNCOUNT: in N\n\n3. A profile of someone is a short article or programme in which their life and character are described.\nA newspaper published profiles of the candidates’ wives.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, usu N of n\n\n4. To profile someone means to give an account of that person’s life and character. (JOURNALISM)\nTamar Golan, a Paris-based journalist, profiles the rebel leader.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If someone has a high profile, people notice them and what they do. If you keep a low profile, you avoid doing things that will make people notice you.\n...a move that would give Egypt a much higher profile in the upcoming peace talks...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n  see also high-profile


Words: profit
Meaning:
prof.it\n   profit  profits  profiting  profited\n1. A profit is an amount of money that you gain when you are paid more for something than it cost you to make, get, or do it.\nThe bank made pre-tax profits of .3.5 million...\nYou can improve your chances of profit by sensible planning...\n  N-VAR\n  !=loss\n2. If you profit from something, you earn a profit from it.\nFootballers are accustomed to profiting handsomely from bonuses...\nThe dealers profited shamefully at the expense of my family.\n  VERB: V from/by n/-ing, V\n\n3. If you profit from something, or it profits you, you gain some advantage or benefit from it. (FORMAL)\nJennifer wasn’t yet totally convinced that she’d profit from a more relaxed lifestyle...\nSo far the French alliance had profited the rebels little...\nWhom would it profit to terrify or to kill James Sinclair?\n  VERB: V from/by n, V n, it V n to-inf\n\n  Profit is also a noun.\nThe artist found much to his profit in the Louvre.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: profit margin
Meaning:
prof.it mar.gin\n   profit margin  profit margins\n  A profit margin is the difference between the selling price of a product and the cost of producing and marketing it. (BUSINESS)\nThe group had a net profit margin of 30% last year.\n  N-COUNT


Words: profit-making
Meaning:
profit-making\n  A profit-making business or organization makes a profit. (BUSINESS)\nHe wants to set up a profit-making company, owned mostly by the university.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  see also non-profit-making


Words: profit-sharing
Meaning:
profit-sharing\n  Profit-sharing is a system by which all the people who work in a company have a share in its profits. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: profit-taking
Meaning:
profit-taking\n  Profit-taking is the selling of stocks and shares at a profit after their value has risen or just before their value falls. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: profitable
Meaning:
prof.it.able\n   profitable\n1. A profitable organization or practice makes a profit.\nDrug manufacturing is the most profitable business in America...\nIt was profitable for them to produce large amounts of food.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  prof.it.ably\nThe 28 French stores are trading profitably.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  prof.it.abil.ity\nChanges were made in operating methods in an effort to increase profitability.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Something that is profitable results in some benefit for you.\n...collaboration which leads to a profitable exchange of personnel and ideas.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  prof.it.ably\nIn fact he could scarcely have spent his time more profitably.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: profiteer
Meaning:
profi.teer\n   profiteer  profiteers\n  If you describe someone as a profiteer, you are critical of them because they make large profits by charging high prices for goods that are hard to get.\n...a new social class composed largely of war profiteers and gangsters.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl  disapproval


Words: profiteering
Meaning:
prof.it.eer.ing\n   profiteering\n  Profiteering involves making large profits by charging high prices for goods that are hard to get. (BUSINESS)\n...a wave of profiteering and corruption.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: profligacy
Meaning:
prof.li.ga.cy\n   profligacy\n  Profligacy is the spending of too much money or the using of too much of something. (FORMAL)\n...the continuing profligacy of certain states.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = wastefulness


Words: profligate
Meaning:
prof.li.gate\n   profligate\n  Someone who is profligate spends too much money or uses too much of something. (FORMAL)\n...the most profligate consumer of energy in the world.\n  ADJ\n  = wasteful


Words: profound
Meaning:
pro.found\n   profound  profounder  profoundest\n1. You use profound to emphasize that something is very great or intense.\n...discoveries which had a profound effect on many areas of medicine.\n...profound disagreement...\nAnna’s patriotism was profound.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n\n=>  pro.found.ly\nThis has profoundly affected my life...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/-ed\n\n2. A profound idea, work, or person shows great intellectual depth and understanding.\nThis is a book full of profound, original and challenging insights.\n  ADJ\n  !=shallow


Words: profundity
Meaning:
pro.fun.dity\n   profundity  profundities\n1. Profundity is great intellectual depth and understanding.\nThe profundity of this book is achieved with breathtaking lightness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = depth, shallowness\n2. If you refer to the profundity of a feeling, experience, or change, you mean that it is deep, powerful, or serious.\n...the profundity of the structural problems besetting the country.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. A profundity is a remark that shows great intellectual depth and understanding.\nHis work is full of profundities and asides concerning the human condition.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=banality


Words: profuse
Meaning:
pro.fuse\n   profuse\n1. Profuse sweating, bleeding, or vomiting is sweating, bleeding, or vomiting large amounts.\n...a remedy that produces profuse sweating.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pro.fuse.ly\nHe was bleeding profusely...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. If you offer profuse apologies or thanks, you apologize or thank someone a lot.\nThen the policeman recognised me, breaking into profuse apologies.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pro.fuse.ly\nThey were very grateful to be put right and thanked me profusely.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: profusion
Meaning:
pro.fu.sion\n   profusion\n  If there is a profusion of something or if it occurs in profusion, there is a very large quantity or variety of it. (FORMAL)\nThe Dart is a delightful river with a profusion of wild flowers along its banks...\n  N-SING-COLL: usu N of n, also in N\n  = abundance


Words: progenitor
Meaning:
pro.geni.tor\n   progenitor  progenitors\n1. A progenitor of someone is a direct ancestor of theirs. (FORMAL)\nHe was also a progenitor of seven presidents of Nicaragua.\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss\n\n2. The progenitor of an idea or invention is the person who first thought of it. (FORMAL)\n...Clive Sinclair, progenitor of the C5 electric car.\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss\n  = originator


Words: progeny
Meaning:
prog.eny\n   progeny\n  You can refer to a person’s children or to an animal’s young as their progeny. (FORMAL)\nDavis was never loquacious on the subject of his progeny.\n  N-PLURAL: usu with poss


Words: progesterone
Meaning:
pro.ges.ter.one\n   progesterone\n  Progesterone is a hormone that is produced in the ovaries of women and female animals and helps prepare the body for pregnancy.\nIf the egg is not fertilised oestrogen and progesterone decrease.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prognosis
Meaning:
prog.no.sis\n   prognosis  prognoses\n  A prognosis is an estimate of the future of someone or something, especially about whether a patient will recover from an illness. (FORMAL)\nIf the cancer is caught early the prognosis is excellent.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prognostication
Meaning:
prog.nos.ti.ca.tion\n   prognostication  prognostications\n  A prognostication is a statement about what you think will happen in the future. (FORMAL)\nThe country is currently obsessed with gloomy prognostications about its future.\n  N-VAR\n  = prediction


Words: program
Meaning:
pro.gram\n   program  programs  programming  programmed\n1. A program is a set of instructions that a computer follows in order to perform a particular task. (COMPUTING)\nThe chances of an error occurring in a computer program increase with the size of the program.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When you program a computer, you give it a set of instructions to make it able to perform a particular task. (COMPUTING)\nHe programmed his computer to compare all the possible combinations.\n...45 million people, about half of whom can program their own computers.\n...a computer programmed to translate a story given to it in Chinese.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, V n, V-ed\n\n=>  pro.gram.ming\n...programming skills...\n...the concepts of programming.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n3.\n  see also programme


Words: programmable
Meaning:
pro.gram.ma.ble\n   programmable\n  A programmable machine can be programmed, so that for example it will switch on and off automatically or do things in a particular order.\nMost CD-players are programmable.\n  ADJ


Words: programmatic
Meaning:
pro.gram.mat.ic\n   programmatic\n  Programmatic ideas or policies follow a particular programme.\nHe gave up on programmatic politics and turned his back on public life.\n  ADJ


Words: programme
Meaning:
pro.gramme\n   programme  programmes  programming  programmed\nin AM, use program\n1. A programme of actions or events is a series of actions or events that are planned to be done.\nThe general argued that the nuclear programme should still continue...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. A television or radio programme is something that is broadcast on television or radio.\n...a series of TV programmes on global environment.\n...local news programmes.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n3. A theatre or concert programme is a small book or sheet of paper which gives information about the play or concert you are attending.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. When you programme a machine or system, you set its controls so that it will work in a particular way.\nParents can programme the machine not to turn on at certain times.\n  VERB: V n to-inf\n\n5. If a living creature is programmed to behave in a particular way, they are likely to behave in that way because of social or biological factors that they cannot control.\nWe are all genetically programmed to develop certain illnesses.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to-inf, also be V-ed


Words: programme note
Meaning:
pro.gramme note\n   programme note  programme notes\nin AM, use program note\n  A programme note is an article written in a programme for a play or concert, which gives information about the performance or production.\n  N-COUNT


Words: programmer
Meaning:
pro.gram.mer\n   programmer  programmers\n  A computer programmer is a person whose job involves writing programs for computers. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: progress
Meaning:
pro.gress\n   progress progresses progressing  progressed\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. Progress is the process of gradually improving or getting nearer to achieving or completing something.\nThe medical community continues to make progress in the fight against cancer...\nThe two sides made little if any progress towards agreement.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The progress of a situation or action is the way in which it develops.\nThe Chancellor is reported to have been delighted with the progress of the first day’s talks...\n  N-SING: the N, oft N of n\n\n3. To progress means to move over a period of time to a stronger, more advanced, or more desirable state.\nHe will visit once a fortnight to see how his new staff are progressing...\nHe started with sketching and then progressed to painting.\n  VERB: V, V to n\n\n4. If events progress, they continue to happen gradually over a period of time.\nAs the evening progressed, sadness turned to rage...\n  VERB: V\n\n5. If something is in progress, it has started and is still continuing.\nThe game was already in progress when we took our seats...\n  PHRASE


Words: progression
Meaning:
pro.gres.sion\n   progression  progressions\n1. A progression is a gradual development from one state to another.\nBoth drugs slow the progression of HIV, but neither cures the disease...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp\n  = development\n2. A progression of things is a number of things which come one after the other. (FORMAL)\n...a progression of habitats from dry meadows through marshes to open water.\n  N-COUNT: N of n


Words: progressive
Meaning:
pro.gres.sive\n   progressive  progressives\n1. Someone who is progressive or has progressive ideas has modern ideas about how things should be done, rather than traditional ones.\n...a progressive businessman who had voted for Roosevelt in 1932 and 1936...\nThe children go to a progressive school.\n  ADJ\n  !=conservative\n  A progressive is someone who is progressive.\nThe Republicans were deeply split between progressives and conservatives.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=conservative\n2. A progressive change happens gradually over a period of time.\nOne prominent symptom of the disease is progressive loss of memory.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = gradual  !=sudden\n=>  pro.gres.sive.ly\nHer symptoms became progressively worse...\nThe amount of grant the council received from the Government was progressively reduced.\n  ADV: ADV compar, ADV with v\n  = gradually\n3. In grammar, progressive means the same as continuous.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: prohibit
Meaning:
pro.hib.it\n   prohibit  prohibits  prohibiting  prohibited\n  If a law or someone in authority prohibits something, they forbid it or make it illegal. (FORMAL)\n...a law that prohibits tobacco advertising in newspapers and magazines...\nFishing is prohibited...\nFederal law prohibits foreign airlines from owning more than 25% of any U.S. airline.\n  VERB: V n, V n, V n from -ing\n  !=permit\n=>  pro.hi.bi.tion\n...the prohibition of women on air combat missions.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Prohibition
Meaning:
Pro.hi.bi.tion\n   Prohibition\n  In the United States, Prohibition was the law that prevented the manufacture, sale, and transporting of alcoholic drinks between 1919 and 1933. Prohibition also refers to the period when this law existed.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prohibition
Meaning:
pro.hi.bi.tion\n   prohibition  prohibitions\n  A prohibition is a law or rule forbidding something.\n...a prohibition on discrimination.\n...prohibitions against feeding birds at the airport.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also prohibit


Words: prohibitive
Meaning:
pro.hibi.tive\n   prohibitive\n  If the cost of something is prohibitive, it is so high that many people cannot afford it. (FORMAL)\nThe cost of private treatment can be prohibitive.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pro.hibi.tive.ly\nMeat and butter were prohibitively expensive.\n  ADV: ADV adj


Words: project
Meaning:
proj.ect\n   project projects projecting  projected\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced   and is hyphenated pro.ject.\n1. A project is a task that requires a lot of time and effort.\nMoney will also go into local development projects in Vietnam...\nBesides film and record projects, I have continued to work in the theater.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N\n\n2. A project is a detailed study of a subject by a pupil or student.\nStudents complete projects for a personal tutor, working at home at their own pace.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If something is projected, it is planned or expected.\nAfrica’s mid-1993 population is projected to more than double by 2025...\nThe government had been projecting a 5% consumer price increase for the entire year.\n...a projected deficit of $1.5 million.\n  VERB: be V-ed to-inf, V n, V-ed\n\n4. If you project someone or something in a particular way, you try to make people see them in that way. If you project a particular feeling or quality, you show it in your behaviour.\nBradley projects a natural warmth and sincerity...\nHe just hasn’t been able to project himself as the strong leader...\nHis first job will be to project Glasgow as a friendly city...\nThe initial image projected was of a caring, effective president.\n  VERB: V n, V pron-refl as n, V n as n, V-ed\n\n5. If you project feelings or ideas on to other people, you imagine that they have the same ideas or feelings as you.\nHe projects his own thoughts and ideas onto her.\n  VERB: V n on/onto/upon n\n\n6. If you project a film or picture onto a screen or wall, you make it appear there.\nThe team tried projecting the maps with two different projectors onto the same screen.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. If something projects, it sticks out above or beyond a surface or edge. (FORMAL)\n...the remains of a war-time defence which projected out from the shore.\n...a piece of projecting metal.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V-ing\n\n8.\n  see also housing project


Words: projectile
Meaning:
pro.jec.tile\n   projectile  projectiles\n  A projectile is an object that is fired from a gun or other weapon. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: projection
Meaning:
pro.jec.tion\n   projection  projections\n1. A projection is an estimate of a future amount.\n...the company’s projection of 11 million visitors for the first year.\n...sales projections.\n  N-COUNT\n  = forecast, estimate\n2. The projection of a film or picture is the act of projecting it onto a screen or wall.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: projectionist
Meaning:
pro.jec.tion.ist\n   projectionist  projectionists\n  A projectionist is someone whose job is to work a projector at a cinema.\n  N-COUNT


Words: projector
Meaning:
pro.jec.tor\n   projector  projectors\n  A projector is a machine that projects films or slides onto a screen or wall.\n...a 35-millimetre slide projector.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also overhead projector


Words: prolapse
Meaning:
pro.lapse\n   prolapse  prolapses  prolapsing  prolapsed\n1. A prolapse is when one of the organs in the body moves down from its normal position. (MEDICAL)\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If an organ in someone’s body prolapses, it moves down from its normal position. (MEDICAL)\nSometimes the original abortion was done so badly that the uterus prolapsed.\n  VERB: V


Words: prole
Meaning:
prole  proles\n  A prole is someone in a low social class. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)\nWe had proles working alongside university types as equals.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n  = pleb


Words: proletarian
Meaning:
pro.letar.ian\n   proletarian  proletarians\n1. Proletarian means relating to the proletariat.\n...a proletarian revolution.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A proletarian is a member of the proletariat.\n  N-COUNT


Words: proletariat
Meaning:
pro.letari.at\n   proletariat\n  The proletariat is a term used to refer to workers without high status, especially industrial workers.\n...a struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.\n  N-SING-COLL: the N\n  = working class


Words: proliferate
Meaning:
pro.lif.er.ate\n   proliferate  proliferates  proliferating  proliferated\n  If things proliferate, they increase in number very quickly. (FORMAL)\nComputerized data bases are proliferating fast...\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  pro.lif.era.tion\n...the proliferation of nuclear weapons...\nSmoking triggers off cell proliferation.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n, n N


Words: prolific
Meaning:
pro.lif.ic\n   prolific\n1. A prolific writer, artist, or composer produces a large number of works.\nShe is a prolific writer of novels and short stories...\n  ADJ\n\n2. A prolific sports player scores a lot of goals or wins a lot of matches or races.\nAnother prolific scorer is Dean Saunders.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. An animal, person, or plant that is prolific produces a large number of babies, young plants, or fruit.\nThey are prolific breeders, with many hens laying up to six eggs.\n  ADJ


Words: prologue
Meaning:
pro.logue\n   prologue  prologues\n1. A prologue is a speech or section of text that introduces a play or book.\nThe prologue to the novel is written in the form of a newspaper account.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If one event is a prologue to another event, it leads to it. (FORMAL)\nThis was a prologue to today’s bloodless revolution.\n  N-COUNT: usu N to n


Words: prolong
Meaning:
pro.long\n   prolong  prolongs  prolonging  prolonged\n  To prolong something means to make it last longer.\nMr Chesler said foreign military aid was prolonging the war...\n  VERB: V n\n  = extend\n=>  pro.lon.ga.tion      prolongations\n...the prolongation of productive human life.\n  N-VAR: usu N of n


Words: prolonged
Meaning:
pro.longed\n   prolonged\n  A prolonged event or situation continues for a long time, or for longer than expected.\n...a prolonged period of low interest rates.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: prom
Meaning:
prom  proms\n\n  The spelling Prom is usually used for meaning 3.\n\n1. A prom is a formal dance at a school or college which is usually held at the end of the academic year. (AM)\nI didn’t want to go to the prom with Craig.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The prom is the road by the sea where people go for a walk. (BRIT)\n  N-SING: usu the N\n  = promenade\n3. The Proms are a series of concerts of mainly classical music that are held each year in London and some other cities. There is usually an area at these concerts where people stand, as well as seats. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-PLURAL: also N n


Words: promenade
Meaning:
prom.enade\n   promenade  promenades  promenading  promenaded\n1. In a seaside town, the promenade is the road by the sea where people go for a walk.\n  N-COUNT\n  = prom\n2. A promenade is an area that is used for walking, for example a wide road or a deck on a ship. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A promenade is a formal dance at a school or college which is usually held at the end of the academic year. (AM)\n  N-COUNT\n  = prom, ball


Words: prominence
Meaning:
promi.nence\n   prominence\n  If someone or something is in a position of prominence, they are well-known and important.\nHe came to prominence during the World Cup in Italy...\nCrime prevention had to be given more prominence.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prominent
Meaning:
promi.nent\n   prominent\n1. Someone who is prominent is important.\n...a prominent member of the Law Society.\n  ADJ\n  = well-known\n2. Something that is prominent is very noticeable or is an important part of something else.\nHere the window plays a prominent part in the design.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  promi.nent.ly\nTrade will figure prominently in the second day of talks in Washington...\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: promiscuous
Meaning:
pro.mis.cu.ous\n   promiscuous\n  Someone who is promiscuous has sex with many different people.\nShe is perceived as vain, spoilt and promiscuous...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  promis.cu.ity\nHe has recently urged more tolerance of sexual promiscuity.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: promise
Meaning:
prom.ise\n   promise  promises  promising  promised\n1. If you promise that you will do something, you say to someone that you will definitely do it.\nThe post office has promised to resume first class mail delivery to the area on Friday...\nHe had promised that the rich and privileged would no longer get preferential treatment...\nPromise me you will not waste your time...\n`We’ll be back next year,’ he promised...\n`You promise?’.`All right, I promise.’\n  VERB: V to-inf, V that, V n that, V with quote, V, also V n\n\n2. If you promise someone something, you tell them that you will definitely give it to them or make sure that they have it.\nIn 1920 the great powers promised them an independent state...\nThe officers promise a return to multiparty rule.\n  VERB: V n n, V n\n\n3. A promise is a statement which you make to a person in which you say that you will definitely do something or give them something.\nIf you make a promise, you should keep it...\n  N-COUNT: oft N to-inf, N that\n\n4. If a situation or event promises to have a particular quality or to be a particular thing, it shows signs that it will have that quality or be that thing.\nWhile it will be fun, the seminar also promises to be most instructive.\n  VERB: V to-inf\n\n5. If someone or something shows promise, they seem likely to be very good or successful.\nThe boy first showed promise as an athlete in grade school.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = potential


Words: promised land
Meaning:
prom.ised land\n   promised land  promised lands\n  If you refer to a place or a state as a promised land, you mean that people desire it and expect to find happiness or success there.\n...the promised land of near-zero inflation.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: promising
Meaning:
prom.is.ing\n   promising\n  Someone or something that is promising seems likely to be very good or successful.\nA school has honoured one of its brightest and most promising former pupils.\n  ADJ


Words: promisingly
Meaning:
prom.is.ing.ly\n   promisingly\n  If something or someone starts promisingly, they begin well but often fail in the end.\nIt all started so promisingly when Speed scored a tremendous first goal.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: promissory note
Meaning:
prom.is.sory note\n   promissory note  promissory notes\n  A promissory note is a written promise to pay a specific sum of money to a particular person. (mainly AM BUSINESS)\n...a $36.4 million, five-year promissory note.\n  N-COUNT


Words: promo
Meaning:
pro.mo\n   promo  promos\n  A promo is something such as a short video film which is used to promote a product. (JOURNALISM INFORMAL)\nHe races his cars, and hires them out for film, TV and promo videos.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: promontory
Meaning:
prom.on.tory\n   promontory  promontories\n  A promontory is a cliff that stretches out into the sea.\n  N-COUNT


Words: promote
Meaning:
pro.mote\n   promote  promotes  promoting  promoted\n1. If people promote something, they help or encourage it to happen, increase, or spread.\nYou don’t have to sacrifice environmental protection to promote economic growth...\n  VERB: V n\n  = encourage  !=discourage\n=>  pro.mo.tion\nThe government has pledged to give the promotion of democracy higher priority.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp, usu N of n\n\n2. If a firm promotes a product, it tries to increase the sales or popularity of that product.\nPaul Weller has announced a full British tour to promote his second solo album.\n...a special St Lucia week where the island could be promoted as a tourist destination.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed as n\n\n3. If someone is promoted, they are given a more important job or rank in the organization that they work for.\nI was promoted to editor and then editorial director...\nIn fact, those people have been promoted.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed from/to n, be V-ed\n\n4. If a team that competes in a league is promoted, it starts competing in a higher division in the next season because it was one of the most successful teams in the lower division. (BRIT)\nWoodford Green won the Second Division title and are promoted to the First Division.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to n\n  !=relegate\n=>  pro.mo.tion\nFans of Leeds United have been celebrating their team’s promotion to the first division.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=relegation


Words: promoter
Meaning:
pro.mot.er\n   promoter  promoters\n1. A promoter is a person who helps organize and finance an event, especially a sports event.\n...one of the top boxing promoters in Britain.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The promoter of a cause or idea tries to make it become popular.\nAaron Copland was an energetic promoter of American music.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: promotion
Meaning:
pro.mo.tion\n   promotion  promotions\n1. If you are given promotion or a promotion in your job, you are given a more important job or rank in the organization that you work for.\nConsider changing jobs or trying for promotion.\n...rewarding outstanding employees with promotions to higher-paid posts.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A promotion is an attempt to make a product or event popular or successful, especially by advertising. (BUSINESS)\nDuring 1984, Remington spent a lot of money on advertising and promotion...\n  N-VAR\n\n  see also promote


Words: promotional
Meaning:
pro.mo.tion.al\n   promotional\n  Promotional material, events, or ideas are designed to increase the sales of a product or service.\nYou can use the logo in all your promotional material.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: prompt
Meaning:
prompt  prompts  prompting  prompted\n1. To prompt someone to do something means to make them decide to do it.\nJapan’s recession has prompted consumers to cut back on buying cars...\nThe need for villagers to control their own destinies has prompted a new plan.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, V n\n\n2. If you prompt someone when they stop speaking, you encourage or help them to continue. If you prompt an actor, you tell them what their next line is when they have forgotten what comes next.\n`Go on,’ the therapist prompted him...\nHow exactly did he prompt her, Mr Markham?\n  VERB: V with quote, V n\n\n3. A prompt action is done without any delay.\nIt is not too late, but prompt action is needed.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4. If you are prompt to do something, you do it without delay or you are not late.\nYou have been so prompt in carrying out all these commissions...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: prompting
Meaning:
prompt.ing\n   prompting  promptings\n  If you respond to prompting, you do what someone encourages or reminds you to do.\n...the promptings of your subconscious.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: promptly
Meaning:
prompt.ly\n   promptly\n1. If you do something promptly, you do it immediately.\nSister Francesca entered the chapel, took her seat, and promptly fell asleep.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = immediately\n2. If you do something promptly at a particular time, you do it at exactly that time.\nPromptly at a quarter past seven, we left the hotel.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV at/on n


Words: promulgate
Meaning:
prom.ul.gate\n   promulgate  promulgates  promulgating  promulgated\n1. If people promulgate a new law or a new idea, they make it widely known. (FORMAL)\nThe shipping industry promulgated a voluntary code.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If a new law is promulgated by a government or national leader, it is publicly approved or made official. (FORMAL)\nA new constitution was promulgated last month.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n=>  prom.ul.ga.tion\n...the promulgation of the constitution.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prone
Meaning:
prone\n1. To be prone to something, usually something bad, means to have a tendency to be affected by it or to do it.\nFor all her experience, she was still prone to nerves...\nPeople with fair skin who sunburn easily are very prone to develop skin cancer.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ to n, ADJ to-inf\n\n  -prone combines with nouns to make adjectives that describe people who are frequently affected by something bad.\n...the most injury-prone rider on the circuit.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n  see also accident prone\n2. If you are lying prone, you are lying on your front. (FORMAL)\nBob slid from his chair and lay prone on the floor...\n  ADJ: ADJ after v, ADJ n\n  !=supine


Words: prong
Meaning:
prong  prongs\n1. The prongs of something such as a fork are the long, thin pointed parts.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. The prongs of something such as a policy or plan are the separate parts of it.\nThe shareholder rights movement has two prongs...\nThe second prong of the strategy is the provision of basic social services for the poor.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pronominal
Meaning:
pro.nomi.nal\n   pronominal\n  Pronominal means relating to pronouns or like a pronoun. (TECHNICAL)\n...a pronominal use.\n  ADJ


Words: pronoun
Meaning:
pro.noun\n   pronoun  pronouns\n  A pronoun is a word that you use to refer to someone or something when you do not need to use a noun, often because the person or thing has been mentioned earlier. Examples are `it’, `she’, `something’, and `myself’.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also indefinite pronoun, personal pronoun, reflexive pronoun, relative pronoun


Words: pronounce
Meaning:
pro.nounce\n   pronounce  pronounces  pronouncing  pronounced\n1. To pronounce a word means to say it using particular sounds.\nHave I pronounced your name correctly?...\nHe pronounced it Per-sha, the way the English do.\n  VERB: V n, V n n\n\n2. If you pronounce something to be true, you state that it is the case. (FORMAL)\nA specialist has now pronounced him fully fit...\nI now pronounce you man and wife.\n  VERB: V n adj, V n n\n  = declare


Words: pronounced
Meaning:
pro.nounced\n   pronounced\n  Something that is pronounced is very noticeable.\nMost of the art exhibitions have a pronounced Scottish theme.\n  ADJ


Words: pronouncement
Meaning:
pro.nounce.ment\n   pronouncement  pronouncements\n  Pronouncements are public or official statements on an important subject.\n...the President’s latest pronouncements about the protection of minorities.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: pronto
Meaning:
pron.to\n   pronto\n  If you say that something must be done pronto, you mean that it must be done quickly and at once. (INFORMAL)\nGet down to the post office pronto!\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  = sharpish


Words: pronunciation
Meaning:
pro.nun.cia.tion\n   pronunciation  pronunciations\n  The pronunciation of a word or language is the way in which it is pronounced.\nShe gave the word its French pronunciation...\nYou’re going to have to forgive my pronunciation.\n  N-VAR


Words: proof
Meaning:
proof  proofs\n1. Proof is a fact, argument, or piece of evidence which shows that something is definitely true or definitely exists.\nYou have to have proof of residence in the state of Texas, such as a Texas ID card...\nThis is not necessarily proof that he is wrong...\n  N-VAR: oft N of n, N that\n\n2. In publishing, the proofs of a book, magazine, or article are a first copy of it that is printed so that mistakes can be corrected before more copies are printed and published.\nI’m correcting the proofs of the Spanish edition right now.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft N of n\n\n  Proof is also an adjective.\n...an uncorrected proof copy of the book.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Proof is used after a number of degrees or a percentage, when indicating the strength of a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky.\n...a glass of Wild Turkey bourbon: 101 degrees proof.\n  ADJ: amount ADJ\n\n4.\nthe proof of the pudding is in the eating: see pudding


Words: proofread
Meaning:
proof.read\n   proofread  proofreads  proofreading   also proof-read\n  When someone proofreads something such as a book or an article, they read it before it is published in order to find and mark mistakes that need to be corrected.\nI didn’t even have the chance to proofread my own report.\n  VERB: V n, also V


Words: prop
Meaning:
prop  props  propping  propped\n1. If you prop an object on or against something, you support it by putting something underneath it or by resting it somewhere.\nHe rocked back in the chair and propped his feet on the desk...\n  VERB: V n on/against n\n\n  Prop up means the same as prop.\nSam slouched back and propped his elbows up on the bench behind him...\nIf you have difficulty sitting like this, prop up your back against a wall.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P prep, V P n (not pron) prep\n\n2. A prop is a stick or other object that you use to support something.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. To be a prop for a system, institution, or person means to be the main thing that keeps them strong or helps them survive.\nThe army is one of the main props of the government...\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. The props in a play or film are all the objects or pieces of furniture that are used in it.\n...the backdrop and props for a stage show.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: prop up
Meaning:
prop up\n1. To prop up something means to support it or help it to survive.\nInvestments in the U.S. money market have propped up the American dollar...\nOn the Stock Exchange, aggressive buying propped the market up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2.\nsee prop 1


Words: propaganda
Meaning:
propa.gan.da\n   propaganda\n  Propaganda is information, often inaccurate information, which a political organization publishes or broadcasts in order to influence people.\nThe Front adopted an aggressive propaganda campaign against its rivals.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n  disapproval


Words: propagandist
Meaning:
propa.gan.dist\n   propagandist  propagandists\n  A propagandist is a person who tries to persuade people to support a particular idea or group, often by giving inaccurate information.\nHe was also a brilliant propagandist for free trade.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: propagandize
Meaning:
propa.gan.dize\n   propagandize  propagandizes  propagandizing  propagandized\nin BRIT, also use propagandise\n  If you say that a group of people propagandize, you think that they are dishonestly trying to persuade other people to share their views.\nYou can propagandize just by calling attention to something...\nThis government shouldn’t propagandize its own people.\n  VERB: V, V n  disapproval


Words: propagate
Meaning:
propa.gate\n   propagate  propagates  propagating  propagated\n1. If people propagate an idea or piece of information, they spread it and try to make people believe it or support it. (FORMAL)\nThey propagated political doctrines which promised to tear apart the fabric of British society.\n  VERB: V n\n  = disseminate\n=>  propa.ga.tion\n...the propagation of true Buddhism.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. If you propagate plants, you grow more of them from the original ones. (TECHNICAL)\nThe easiest way to propagate a vine is to take hardwood cuttings...\nThe pasque flower can be propagated from seed.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed from n, also V n from n\n\n=>  propa.ga.tion\n...the successful propagation of a batch of plants.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: propane
Meaning:
pro.pane\n   propane\n  Propane is a gas that is used for cooking and heating.\n...a propane gas cylinder.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: propel
Meaning:
pro.pel\n   propel  propels  propelling  propelled\n1. To propel something in a particular direction means to cause it to move in that direction.\nThe tiny rocket is attached to the spacecraft and is designed to propel it toward Mars.\n  VERB: V n prep\n\n  -propelled combines with nouns to form adjectives which indicate how something, especially a weapon, is propelled.\n...rocket-propelled grenades.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n2. If something propels you into a particular activity, it causes you to do it.\nIt was a shooting star that propelled me into astronomy in the first place...\nHe is propelled by both guilt and the need to avenge his father.\n  VERB: V n prep, be V-ed


Words: propellant
Meaning:
pro.pel.lant\n   propellant  propellants\n1. Propellant is a substance that causes something to move forwards.\n...a propellant for nuclear rockets.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. Propellant is a gas that is used in spray cans to force the contents out of the can when you press the button.\nBy 1978, in the USA, the use of CFCs in aerosol propellants was banned.\n  N-MASS


Words: propeller
Meaning:
pro.pel.ler\n   propeller  propellers\n  A propeller is a device with blades which is attached to a boat or aircraft. The engine makes the propeller spin round and causes the boat or aircraft to move.\n...a fixed three-bladed propeller.\n  N-COUNT


Words: propensity
Meaning:
pro.pen.sity\n   propensity  propensities\n  A propensity to do something or a propensity for something is a natural tendency that you have to behave in a particular way. (FORMAL)\nMr Bint has a propensity to put off decisions to the last minute...\n  N-COUNT: oft N to-inf, N for n


Words: proper
Meaning:
prop.er\n   proper\n1. You use proper to describe things that you consider to be real and satisfactory rather than inadequate in some way.\nTwo out of five people lack a proper job...\nI always cook a proper evening meal.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. The proper thing is the one that is correct or most suitable.\nThe Supreme Court will ensure that the proper procedures have been followed...\nHe helped to put things in their proper place.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = right  !=wrong\n3. If you say that a way of behaving is proper, you mean that it is considered socially acceptable and right.\nIn those days it was not thought entirely proper for a woman to be on the stage...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = fitting  !=improper\n4. You can add proper after a word to indicate that you are referring to the central and most important part of a place, event, or object and want to distinguish it from other things which are not regarded as being important or central to it.\nA distinction must be made between archaeology proper and science-based archaeology.\n  ADJ: n ADJ


Words: proper noun
Meaning:
prop.er noun\n   proper noun  proper nouns   also proper name\n  A proper noun is the name of a particular person, place, organization, or thing. Proper nouns begin with a capital letter. Examples are `Margaret’, `London’, and `the United Nations’. Compare common noun.\n  N-COUNT


Words: properly
Meaning:
prop.er.ly\n   properly\n1. If something is done properly, it is done in a correct and satisfactory way.\nYou’re too thin. You’re not eating properly...\nThere needs to be a properly informed public debate.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj\n\n2. If someone behaves properly, they behave in a way that is considered acceptable and not rude.\nHe’s a spoilt brat and it’s about time he learnt to behave properly...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  = correctly


Words: propertied
Meaning:
prop.er.tied\n   propertied\n  Propertied people own land or property. (FORMAL)\n...the propertied classes.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: property
Meaning:
prop.er.ty\n   property  properties\n1. Someone’s property is all the things that belong to them or something that belongs to them. (FORMAL)\nRichard could easily destroy her personal property to punish her for walking out on him...\nSecurity forces searched thousands of homes, confiscating weapons and stolen property.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss\n\n2. A property is a building and the land belonging to it. (FORMAL)\nThis vehicle has been parked on private property.\n  N-VAR\n\n3. The properties of a substance or object are the ways in which it behaves in particular conditions.\nA radio signal has both electrical and magnetic properties.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: prophecy
Meaning:
proph.ecy\n   prophecy  prophecies\n  A prophecy is a statement in which someone says they strongly believe that a particular thing will happen.\n...Biblical prophecy.\n  N-VAR


Words: prophesy
Meaning:
proph.esy\n   prophesy  prophesies  prophesying  prophesied\n  If you prophesy that something will happen, you say that you strongly believe that it will happen.\nHe prophesied that within five years his opponent would either be dead or in prison...\nShe prophesied a bad ending for the expedition.\n  VERB: V that, V n\n  = predict


Words: prophet
Meaning:
proph.et\n   prophet  prophets\n1. A prophet is a person who is believed to be chosen by God to say the things that God wants to tell people.\n...the sacred name of the Holy Prophet of Islam.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A prophet is someone who predicts that something will happen in the future. (LITERARY)\nI promised myself I’d defy all the prophets of doom and battle back to fitness.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, usu N of n


Words: prophetic
Meaning:
pro.phet.ic\n   prophetic\n  If something was prophetic, it described or suggested something that did actually happen later.\nThis ominous warning soon proved prophetic...\n  ADJ


Words: prophylactic
Meaning:
prophy.lac.tic\n   prophylactic  prophylactics\n1. Prophylactic means concerned with preventing disease. (MEDICAL)\nVaccination and other prophylactic measures can be carried out.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = preventive\n2. A prophylactic is a substance or device used for preventing disease. (MEDICAL)\nThe region began to use quinine successfully as a prophylactic.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A prophylactic is a condom. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: propitiate
Meaning:
pro.pi.ti.ate\n   propitiate  propitiates  propitiating  propitiated\n  If you propitiate someone, you stop them being angry or impatient by doing something to please them. (FORMAL)\nI’ve never gone out of my way to propitiate people...\nThese ancient ceremonies propitiate the spirits of the waters.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = appease, placate


Words: propitious
Meaning:
pro.pi.tious\n   propitious\n  If something is propitious, it is likely to lead to success. (FORMAL)\nThey should wait for the most propitious moment between now and the next election...\nThe omens for the game are still not propitious.\n  ADJ\n  = favourable  !=unfavourable


Words: proponent
Meaning:
pro.po.nent\n   proponent  proponents\n  If you are a proponent of a particular idea or course of action, you actively support it. (FORMAL)\nHalsey was identified as a leading proponent of the values of progressive education.\n  N-COUNT: with poss, usu N of n\n  = advocate  !=opponent


Words: proportion
Meaning:
pro.por.tion\n   proportion  proportions\n1. A proportion of a group or an amount is a part of it. (FORMAL)\nA large proportion of the dolphins in that area will eventually die...\nA proportion of the rent is met by the city council.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu N of n\n\n2. The proportion of one kind of person or thing in a group is the number of people or things of that kind compared to the total number of people or things in the group.\nThe proportion of women in the profession had risen to 17.3%...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu N of n\n\n3. The proportion of one amount to another is the relationship between the two amounts in terms of how much there is of each thing.\nWomen’s bodies tend to have a higher proportion of fat to water.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n to n\n  = ratio\n4. If you refer to the proportions of something, you are referring to its size, usually when this is extremely large. (WRITTEN)\nIn the tropics plants grow to huge proportions.\n  N-PLURAL: usu supp N\n\n5. If one thing increases or decreases in proportion to another thing, it increases or decreases to the same degree as that thing.\nThe pressure in the cylinders would go up in proportion to the boiler pressure.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n6. If something is small or large in proportion to something else, it is small or large when compared with that thing.\nChildren tend to have relatively larger heads than adults in proportion to the rest of their body.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n7. If you say that something is out of all proportion to something else, you think that it is far greater or more serious than it should be.\nThe punishment was out of all proportion to the crime.\n  PREP-PHRASE: usu v-link PREP\n\n8. If you get something out of proportion, you think it is more important or worrying than it really is. If you keep something in proportion, you have a realistic view of how important it is.\nEverything just got blown out of proportion...\nWe’ve got to keep this in proportion.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: proportional
Meaning:
pro.por.tion.al\n   proportional\n  If one amount is proportional to another, the two amounts increase and decrease at the same rate so there is always the same relationship between them. (FORMAL)\nLoss of weight is directly proportional to the rate at which the disease is progressing.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ to n\n\n=>  pro.por.tion.al.ly\nYou have proportionally more fat on your thighs and hips than anywhere else on your body...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV with cl/group


Words: proportional representation
Meaning:
pro.por.tion.al rep.re.sen.ta.tion\n   proportional representation\n  Proportional representation is a system of voting in which each political party is represented in a parliament or legislature in proportion to the number of people who vote for it in an election.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: proportionality
Meaning:
pro.por.tion.al.ity\n   proportionality\n  The principle of proportionality is the idea that an action should not be more severe than is necessary, especially in a war or when punishing someone for a crime. (FORMAL)\nNuclear weapons seem to violate the just war principle of proportionality...\nHe said there was a need for proportionality in sentencing.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: proportionate
Meaning:
pro.por.tion.ate\n   proportionate\n  Proportionate means the same as proportional.\nRepublics will have voting rights proportionate to the size of their economies...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n\n=>  pro.por.tion.ate.ly\nWe have significantly increased the number of people in education but the size of the classes hasn’t changed proportionately...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV with cl/group


Words: proposal
Meaning:
pro.po.sal\n   proposal  proposals\n1. A proposal is a plan or an idea, often a formal or written one, which is suggested for people to think about and decide upon.\nThe President is to put forward new proposals for resolving the country’s constitutional crisis...\nThe Security Council has rejected the latest peace proposal.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n, N to-inf\n\n2. A proposal is the act of asking someone to marry you.\nAfter a three-weekend courtship, Pamela accepted Randolph’s proposal of marriage.\n  N-COUNT


Words: propose
Meaning:
pro.pose\n   propose  proposes  proposing  proposed\n1. If you propose something such as a plan or an idea, you suggest it for people to think about and decide upon.\nBritain is about to propose changes to some institutions...\nIt was George who first proposed that we dry clothes in that locker.\n  VERB: V n/-ing, V that\n  = suggest\n2. If you propose to do something, you intend to do it.\nIt’s still far from clear what action the government proposes to take over the affair...\nAnd where do you propose building such a huge thing?\n  VERB: V to-inf, V -ing\n\n3. If you propose a theory or an explanation, you state that it is possibly or probably true, because it fits in with the evidence that you have considered. (FORMAL)\nThis highlights a problem faced by people proposing theories of ball lightning...\nNewton proposed that heavenly and terrestrial motion could be unified with the idea of gravity.\n  VERB: V n, V that\n\n4. If you propose a motion for debate, or a candidate for election, you begin the debate or the election procedure by formally stating your support for that motion or candidate.\nA delegate from Siberia proposed a resolution that he stand down as party chairman...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  pro.pos.er      proposers\n...Mr Ian Murch, the proposer of the motion.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If you propose a toast to someone or something, you ask people to drink a toast to them.\nUsually the bride’s father proposes a toast to the health of the bride and groom.\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. If you propose to someone, or propose marriage to them, you ask them to marry you.\nHe had proposed to Isabel the day after taking his seat in Parliament.\n  VERB: V to n, also V, V n, V n to n


Words: proposition
Meaning:
propo.si.tion\n   proposition  propositions  propositioning  propositioned\n1. If you describe something such as a task or an activity as, for example, a difficult proposition or an attractive proposition, you mean that it is difficult or pleasant to do.\nMaking easy money has always been an attractive proposition...\nEven among seasoned mountaineers Pinnacle Ridge is considered quite a tough proposition.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, adj N\n\n2. A proposition is a statement or an idea which people can consider or discuss to decide whether it is true. (FORMAL)\nThe proposition that democracies do not fight each other is based on a tiny historical sample.\n  N-COUNT: oft N that\n\n3. In the United States, a proposition is a question or statement about an issue of public policy which appears on a voting paper so that people can vote for or against it.\nVote Yes on Proposition 136, but No on Propositions 129, 133 and 134.\n  N-COUNT: oft N num\n\n4. A proposition is an offer or a suggestion that someone makes to you, usually concerning some work or business that you might be able to do together.\nYou came to see me at my office the other day with a business proposition...\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If someone who you do not know very well propositions you, they suggest that you have sex with them.\nHe had allegedly tried to proposition a colleague.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Proposition is also a noun.\n...unwanted sexual propositions.\n  N-COUNT


Words: propound
Meaning:
pro.pound\n   propound  propounds  propounding  propounded\n  If someone propounds an idea or point of view they have, they suggest it for people to consider. (FORMAL)\nZoologist Eugene Morton has propounded a general theory of the vocal sounds that animals make.\n  VERB: V n\n  = put forward


Words: proprietary
Meaning:
pro.pri.etary\n   proprietary\n1. Proprietary substances or products are sold under a trade name. (FORMAL)\n...some proprietary brands of dog food...\nWe had to take action to protect the proprietary technology.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=generic\n2. If someone has a proprietary attitude towards something, they act as though they own it. (FORMAL)\nDirectors weren’t allowed any proprietary airs about the product they made.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = proprietorial


Words: proprieties
Meaning:
pro.pri.eties\n   proprieties\n  The proprieties are the standards of social behaviour which most people consider socially or morally acceptable. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n...respectable couples who observe the proprieties but loathe each other.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N


Words: proprietor
Meaning:
pro.pri.etor\n   proprietor  proprietors\n  The proprietor of a hotel, shop, newspaper, or other business is the person who owns it. (FORMAL)\n...the proprietor of a local restaurant...\n  N-COUNT\n  = owner


Words: proprietorial
Meaning:
pro.pri.etorial\n   proprietorial\n  If your behaviour is proprietorial, you are behaving in a proud way because you are, or feel like you are, the owner of something. (FORMAL)\nThe longer I live alone the more proprietorial I become about my home.\n  ADJ\n  = proprietary


Words: proprietress
Meaning:
pro.pri.etress\n   proprietress  proprietresses\n  The proprietress of a hotel, shop, or business is the woman who owns it. (FORMAL)\nThe proprietress was alone in the bar.\n  N-COUNT\n  = owner


Words: propriety
Meaning:
pro.pri.ety\n   propriety\n  Propriety is the quality of being socially or morally acceptable. (FORMAL)\nTheir sense of social propriety is eroded.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=impropriety


Words: propulsion
Meaning:
pro.pul.sion\n   propulsion\n  Propulsion is the power that moves something, especially a vehicle, in a forward direction. (FORMAL)\nInterest in jet propulsion was now growing at the Air Ministry.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft n N, N n


Words: prosaic
Meaning:
pro.sa.ic\n   prosaic\n  Something that is prosaic is dull and uninteresting. (FORMAL)\nHis instructor offered a more prosaic explanation for the surge in interest...\n  ADJ\n  = mundane\n=>  pro.sai.cal.ly\nArabian jam is also known as angels’ hair preserve, or more prosaically as carrot jam...\n  ADV: ADV with cl, ADV with v


Words: proscenium
Meaning:
pro.scenium\n   proscenium  prosceniums\n  A proscenium or a proscenium arch is an arch in a theatre which separates the stage from the audience.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: proscribe
Meaning:
pro.scribe\n   proscribe  proscribes  proscribing  proscribed\n  If something is proscribed by people in authority, the existence or the use of that thing is forbidden. (FORMAL)\nIn some cultures surgery is proscribed...\nThey are proscribed by federal law from owning guns.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, be V-ed from -ing\n  = prohibit


Words: proscription
Meaning:
pro.scrip.tion\n   proscription  proscriptions\n  The proscription of something is the official forbidding of its existence or use. (FORMAL)\n...the proscription against any religious service.\n...the proscription of his records.\n  N-VAR\n  = prohibition


Words: prose
Meaning:
prose\n  Prose is ordinary written language, in contrast to poetry.\nShute’s prose is stark and chillingly unsentimental...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N, in N\n  !=poetry, verse


Words: prosecute
Meaning:
pros.ecute\n   prosecute  prosecutes  prosecuting  prosecuted\n1. If the authorities prosecute someone, they charge them with a crime and put them on trial.\nThe police have decided not to prosecute because the evidence is not strong enough...\nPhotographs taken by roadside cameras will soon be enough to prosecute drivers for speeding...\nHe is being prosecuted for two criminal offences.\n  VERB: V, V n for n, V n for n, also V n\n\n2. When a lawyer prosecutes a case, he or she tries to prove that the person who is on trial is guilty.\nThe attorney who will prosecute the case says he cannot reveal how much money is involved.\n...the prosecuting attorney.\n  VERB: V n, V-ing


Words: prosecution
Meaning:
pros.ecu.tion\n   prosecution  prosecutions\n1. Prosecution is the action of charging someone with a crime and putting them on trial.\nYesterday the head of government called for the prosecution of those responsible for the deaths.\n  N-VAR: usu N of n\n\n2. The lawyers who try to prove that a person on trial is guilty are called the prosecution.\nColonel Pugh, for the prosecution, said that the offences occurred over a six-year period.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: prosecutor
Meaning:
pros.ecu.tor\n   prosecutor  prosecutors\n  In some countries, a prosecutor is a lawyer or official who brings charges against someone or tries to prove in a trial that they are guilty.\n  N-COUNT


Words: proselytize
Meaning:
pros.elyt.ize\n   proselytize  proselytizes  proselytizing  proselytized\nin BRIT, also use proselytise\n  If you proselytize, you try to persuade someone to share your beliefs, especially religious or political beliefs. (FORMAL)\nI assured him we didn’t come here to proselytize...\nChristians were arrested for trying to convert people, to proselytise them.\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: prospect
Meaning:
pros.pect\n   prospect prospects prospecting  prospected\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced   and is hyphenated pro.spect.\n1. If there is some prospect of something happening, there is a possibility that it will happen.\nUnfortunately, there is little prospect of seeing these big questions answered...\nThe prospects for peace in the country’s eight-year civil war are becoming brighter...\nThere is a real prospect that the bill will be defeated in parliament.\n  N-VAR: with supp, oft N of n/-ing\n\n2. A particular prospect is something that you expect or know is going to happen.\nThey now face the prospect of having to wear a cycling helmet by law...\n  N-SING: usu with supp, oft N of n/-ing\n\n3. Someone’s prospects are their chances of being successful, especially in their career.\nI chose to work abroad to improve my career prospects.\n  N-PLURAL: usu supp N\n\n4. When people prospect for oil, gold, or some other valuable substance, they look for it in the ground or under the sea.\nHe had prospected for minerals everywhere from the Gobi Desert to the Transvaal...\nIn fact, the oil companies are already prospecting not far from here.\n  VERB: V for n, V\n\n=>  pro.spect.ing\nHe was involved in oil, zinc and lead prospecting.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  pro.spec.tor      prospectors\nThe discovery of gold brought a flood of prospectors into the Territories.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prospective
Meaning:
pro.spec.tive\n   prospective\n1. You use prospective to describe someone who wants to be the thing mentioned or who is likely to be the thing mentioned.\nThe story should act as a warning to other prospective buyers...\nWhen his prospective employers learned that he smoked, they said they wouldn’t hire him.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = would-be\n2. You use prospective to describe something that is likely to happen soon.\n...the terms of the prospective deal.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: prospectus
Meaning:
pro.spec.tus\n   prospectus  prospectuses\n  A prospectus is a detailed document produced by a college, school, or company, which gives details about it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prosper
Meaning:
pros.per\n   prosper  prospers  prospering  prospered\n  If people or businesses prosper, they are successful and do well. (FORMAL)\nThe high street banks continue to prosper...\nHis teams have always prospered in cup competitions.\n  VERB: V, V


Words: prosperity
Meaning:
pros.per.ity\n   prosperity\n  Prosperity is a condition in which a person or community is doing well financially.\n...a new era of peace and prosperity.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prosperous
Meaning:
pros.per.ous\n   prosperous\n  Prosperous people, places, and economies are rich and successful. (FORMAL)\n...the youngest son of a relatively prosperous British family...\n  ADJ\n  = wealthy


Words: prostate
Meaning:
pros.tate\n   prostate  prostates\n  The prostate or the prostate gland is an organ in the body of male mammals which is situated at the neck of the bladder and produces a liquid which forms part of semen.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prosthesis
Meaning:
pros.the.sis\n   prosthesis  prostheses\n  A prosthesis is an artificial body part that is used to replace a natural part. (MEDICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: prosthetic
Meaning:
pros.thet.ic\n   prosthetic\n  Prosthetic parts of the body are artificial ones used to replace natural ones. (MEDICAL)\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = artificial


Words: prostitute
Meaning:
pros.ti.tute\n   prostitute  prostitutes\n  A prostitute is a person, usually a woman, who has sex with men in exchange for money.\nHe admitted last week he paid for sex with a prostitute.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prostitution
Meaning:
pros.ti.tu.tion\n   prostitution\n  Prostitution means having sex with people in exchange for money.\nShe eventually drifts into prostitution.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prostrate
Meaning:
pros.trate\n   prostrate prostrates  prostrating  prostrated\nThe verb is pronounced   The adjective is pronounced\n1. If you prostrate yourself, you lie down flat on the ground, on your front, usually to show respect for God or a person in authority.\nThey prostrated themselves before their king.\n  VERB: V pron-refl\n\n2. If you are lying prostrate, you are lying flat on the ground, on your front.\nPercy was lying prostrate, his arms outstretched and his eyes closed.\n  ADJ: ADJ after v\n\n3. If someone is prostrate, they are so distressed or affected by a very bad experience that they are unable to do anything at all. (FORMAL)\nI was prostrate with grief.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n\n  = devastated


Words: protagonist
Meaning:
pro.tago.nist\n   protagonist  protagonists\n1. Someone who is a protagonist of an idea or movement is a supporter of it. (FORMAL)\n...the main protagonists of their countries’ integration into the world market.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = proponent  !=opponent\n2. A protagonist in a play, novel, or real event is one of the main people in it. (FORMAL)\n...the protagonist of J. D. Salinger’s novel `The Catcher in the Rye’...\n  N-COUNT


Words: protean
Meaning:
pro.tean\n   protean\n  If you describe someone or something as protean, you mean that they have the ability to continually change their nature, appearance, or behaviour. (FORMAL)\nHe is a protean stylist who can move from blues to ballads and grand symphony.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: protect
Meaning:
pro.tect\n   protect  protects  protecting  protected\n1. To protect someone or something means to prevent them from being harmed or damaged.\nSo, what can women do to protect themselves from heart disease?...\nThe government is committed to protecting the interests of tenants.\n  VERB: V n from/against n, V n, also V against n\n\n2. If an insurance policy protects you against an event such as death, injury, fire, or theft, the insurance company will give you or your family money if that event happens.\nMany manufacturers have policies to protect themselves against blackmailers.\n  VERB: V n against n, also V against n


Words: protected
Meaning:
pro.tect.ed\n   protected\n  Protected is used to describe animals, plants, and areas of land which the law does not allow to be destroyed, harmed, or damaged.\nIn England, thrushes are a protected species so you will not find them on any menu.\n  ADJ


Words: protection
Meaning:
pro.tec.tion\n   protection  protections\n1. To give or be protection against something unpleasant means to prevent people or things from being harmed or damaged by it.\nSuch a diet is widely believed to offer protection against a number of cancers...\nIt is clear that the primary duty of parents is to provide protection for our children...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If an insurance policy gives you protection against an event such as death, injury, fire, or theft, the insurance company will give you or your family money if that event happens.\nThe new policy is believed to be the first scheme to offer protection against an illness.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N against n\n\n3. If a government has a policy of protection, it helps its own industries by putting a tax on imported goods or by restricting imports in some other way. (BUSINESS)\nOver the same period trade protection has increased in the rich countries.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: protectionism
Meaning:
pro.tec.tion.ism\n   protectionism\n  Protectionism is the policy some countries have of helping their own industries by putting a large tax on imported goods or by restricting imports in some other way. (BUSINESS)\n...talks to promote free trade and avert increasing protectionism.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: protectionist
Meaning:
pro.tec.tion.ist\n   protectionist  protectionists\n1. A protectionist is someone who agrees with and supports protectionism. (BUSINESS)\nTrade frictions between the two countries had been caused by trade protectionists.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Protectionist policies, measures, and laws are meant to stop or reduce imports. (BUSINESS)\n  ADJ


Words: protective
Meaning:
pro.tec.tive\n   protective\n1. Protective means designed or intended to protect something or someone from harm.\nProtective gloves reduce the absorption of chemicals through the skin...\nProtective measures are necessary if the city’s monuments are to be preserved.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If someone is protective towards you, they look after you and show a strong desire to keep you safe.\nHe is very protective towards his mother...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ towards/of n\n\n=>  pro.tec.tive.ly\nSimon drove me to the airport and protectively told me to look after myself.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  pro.tec.tive.ness\nWhat she felt now was protectiveness towards her brothers, her sister and her new baby.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: protective custody
Meaning:
pro.tec.tive cus.to.dy\n   protective custody\n  If a witness in a court case is being held in protective custody, they are being kept in prison in order to prevent them from being harmed.\nThey might be doing me a good turn if they took me into protective custody.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: protector
Meaning:
pro.tec.tor\n   protector  protectors\n1. If you refer to someone as your protector, you mean that they protect you from being harmed.\nMany mothers see their son as a potential protector and provider.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A protector is a device that protects someone or something from physical harm.\nHe was the only National League umpire to wear an outside chest protector.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N


Words: protectorate
Meaning:
pro.tec.tor.ate\n   protectorate  protectorates\n  A protectorate is a country that is controlled and protected by a more powerful country.\nIn 1914 the country became a British protectorate.\n  N-COUNT


Words: protege
Meaning:
pro.te.ge\n   protege  proteges\n  The protege of an older and more experienced person is a young person who is helped and guided by them over a period of time.\nHe had been a protege of Captain James.\n  N-COUNT\n  The spelling protegee is often used when referring to a woman.


Words: protein
Meaning:
pro.tein\n   protein  proteins\n  Protein is a substance found in food and drink such as meat, eggs, and milk. You need protein in order to grow and be healthy.\nFish was a major source of protein for the working man.\n...a high protein diet.\n  N-MASS


Words: protest
Meaning:
pro.test\n   protest protests protesting  protested\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. If you protest against something or about something, you say or show publicly that you object to it. In American English, you usually say that you protest it.\nGroups of women took to the streets to protest against the arrests...\nThe students were protesting at overcrowding in the university hostels...\nThey were protesting soaring prices...\nHe picked up the cat before Rosa could protest.\n  VERB: V about/against/at n, V about/against/at n, V n, V\n\n2. A protest is the act of saying or showing publicly that you object to something.\nThe opposition now seems too weak to stage any serious protests against the government...\nThe unions called a two-hour strike in protest at the railway authority’s announcement.\n...a protest march.\n  N-VAR: oft N against/at/about n\n\n3. If you protest that something is the case, you insist that it is the case, when other people think that it may not be.\nWhen we tried to protest that Mo was beaten up they didn’t believe us...\n`I never said any of that to her,’ he protested...\nHe has always protested his innocence.\n  VERB: V that, V with quote, V n


Words: protest vote
Meaning:
pro.test vote\n   protest vote  protest votes\n  In an election, a protest vote is a vote against the party you usually support in order to show disapproval of something they are doing or planning to do.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Protestant
Meaning:
Prot.es.tant\n   Protestant  Protestants\n1. A Protestant is a Christian who belongs to the branch of the Christian church which separated from the Catholic church in the sixteenth century.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Protestant means relating to Protestants or their churches.\nMost Protestant churches now have women ministers.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Protestantism
Meaning:
Prot.es.tant.ism\n   Protestantism\n  Protestantism is the set of Christian beliefs that are held by Protestants.\n...the spread of Protestantism.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: protestation
Meaning:
pro.tes.ta.tion\n   protestation  protestations\n  A protestation is a strong declaration that something is true or not true. (FORMAL)\nDespite his constant protestations of devotion and love, her doubts persisted.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: protester
Meaning:
pro.test.er\n   protester  protesters   also protestor\n  Protesters are people who protest publicly about an issue.\nThe protesters say the government is corrupt and inefficient.\n  N-COUNT


Words: proto-
Meaning:
proto-\n  Proto- is used to form adjectives and nouns which indicate that something is in the early stages of its development.\n...the proto-fascist tendencies of some of its supporters.\n...Albion, whose own legend stretches back to the mists of proto-history.\n  PREFIX


Words: protocol
Meaning:
proto.col\n   protocol  protocols\n1. Protocol is a system of rules about the correct way to act in formal situations.\nHe has become something of a stickler for the finer observances of royal protocol.\n...minor breaches of protocol.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A protocol is a set of rules for exchanging information between computers. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A protocol is a written record of a treaty or agreement that has been made by two or more countries. (FORMAL)\n...the Montreal Protocol to phase out use and production of CFCs...\n  N-COUNT\n  = accord\n4. A protocol is a plan for a course of medical treatment, or a plan for a scientific experiment. (AM FORMAL)\n...the detoxification protocol.\n  N-COUNT


Words: proton
Meaning:
pro.ton\n   proton  protons\n  A proton is an atomic particle that has a positive electrical charge. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: prototype
Meaning:
proto.type\n   prototype  prototypes\n1. A prototype is a new type of machine or device which is not yet ready to be made in large numbers and sold.\nChris Retzler has built a prototype of a machine called the wave rotor.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n, N n\n\n2. If you say that someone or something is a prototype of a type of person or thing, you mean that they are the first or most typical one of that type.\nHe was the prototype of the elder statesman.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: prototypical
Meaning:
pro.to.typ.i.cal\n   prototypical\n  Prototypical is used to indicate that someone or something is a very typical example of a type of person or thing. (FORMAL)\nPark Ridge is the prototypical American suburb.\n...a prototypical socialist.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = archetypal


Words: protozoan
Meaning:
proto.zoan\n   protozoan  protozoa  or protozoans\n  Protozoa are very small organisms which often live inside larger animals. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: protracted
Meaning:
pro.tract.ed\n   protracted\n  Something, usually something unpleasant, that is protracted lasts a long time, especially longer than usual or longer than you hoped. (FORMAL)\nAfter protracted negotiations, Ogden got the deal he wanted...\nThe struggle would be bitter and protracted.\n  ADJ


Words: protractor
Meaning:
pro.trac.tor\n   protractor  protractors\n  A protractor is a flat, semi-circular piece of plastic or metal which is used for measuring angles.\n  N-COUNT


Words: protrude
Meaning:
pro.trude\n   protrude  protrudes  protruding  protruded\n  If something protrudes from somewhere, it sticks out. (FORMAL)\n...a huge round mass of smooth rock protruding from the water...\nThe tip of her tongue was protruding slightly.\n  VERB: V prep, V\n\n=>  pro.trud.ing\n...protruding ears.\n  ADJ


Words: protrusion
Meaning:
pro.tru.sion\n   protrusion  protrusions\n  A protrusion is something that sticks out from something. (FORMAL)\nHe grabbed at a protrusion of rock with his right hand.\n  N-COUNT


Words: protuberance
Meaning:
pro.tu.ber.ance\n   protuberance  protuberances\n  A protuberance is a rounded part that sticks out from the surface of something. (FORMAL)\n...a protuberance on the upper jawbone.\n  N-COUNT


Words: protuberant
Meaning:
pro.tu.ber.ant\n   protuberant\n  Protuberant eyes, lips, noses, or teeth stick out more than usual from the face. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = protruding


Words: proud
Meaning:
proud  prouder  proudest\n1. If you feel proud, you feel pleased about something good that you possess or have done, or about something good that a person close to you has done.\nI felt proud of his efforts...\nThey are proud that she is doing well at school...\nI am proud to be a Canadian...\nDerek is now the proud father of a bouncing baby girl.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n, ADJ that/to-inf\n  !=ashamed\n=>  proud.ly\n`That’s the first part finished,’ he said proudly.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Your proudest moments or achievements are the ones that you are most proud of.\nThis must have been one of the proudest moments of his busy and hard working life.\n  ADJ: ADJ n, usu ADJ-superl\n\n3. Someone who is proud has respect for themselves and does not want to lose the respect that other people have for them.\nHe was too proud to ask his family for help and support...\n  ADJ\n\n4. Someone who is proud feels that they are better or more important than other people.\nShe was said to be proud and arrogant.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = arrogant  !=humble


Words: prove
Meaning:
prove  proves  proving  proved  proved  or proven\n1. If something proves to be true or to have a particular quality, it becomes clear after a period of time that it is true or has that quality.\nWe have been accused of exaggerating before, but unfortunately all our reports proved to be true...\nIn the past this process of transition has often proven difficult.\n...an experiment which was to prove a source of inspiration for many years to come.\n  V-LINK: V to-inf, V adj, V n\n\n2. If you prove that something is true, you show by means of argument or evidence that it is definitely true.\nYou brought this charge. You prove it!...\nThe results prove that regulation of the salmon farming industry is inadequate.\n...trying to prove how groups of animals have evolved...\nThat made me hopping mad and determined to prove him wrong...\nHistory will prove him to have been right all along.\n...a proven cause of cancer.\n  VERB: V n, V that, V wh, V n adj, V n to-inf, V-ed\n\n3. If you prove yourself to have a certain good quality, you show by your actions that you have it.\nMargaret proved herself to be a good mother...\nAs a composer he proved himself adept at large dramatic forms...\nA man needs time to prove himself...\nFew would argue that this team has experience and proven ability.\n  VERB: V pron-refl to-inf, V pron-refl adj, V pron-refl, V-ed, also V pron-refl n, V that\n\n4. If you prove a point, you show other people that you know something or can do something, although your action may have no other purpose.\nThey made a 3,000 mile detour simply to prove a point.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: proven
Meaning:
prov.en\n   proven\n  Proven is a past participle of prove. Proven is the usual form of the past participle when you are using it as an adjective.


Words: provenance
Meaning:
prov.enance\n   provenance  provenances\n  The provenance of something is the place that it comes from or that it originally came from. (FORMAL)\nKato was fully aware of the provenance of these treasures...\n  N-VAR: usu with poss


Words: proverb
Meaning:
prov.erb\n   proverb  proverbs\n  A proverb is a short sentence that people often quote, which gives advice or tells you something about life.\nAn old Arab proverb says, `The enemy of my enemy is my friend’.\n  N-COUNT\n  = saying


Words: proverbial
Meaning:
pro.ver.bial\n   proverbial\n  You use proverbial to show that you know the way you are describing something is one that is often used or is part of a popular saying.\nMy audience certainly isn’t the proverbial man in the street.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: provide
Meaning:
pro.vide\n   provide  provides  providing  provided\n1. If you provide something that someone needs or wants, or if you provide them with it, you give it to them or make it available to them.\nI’ll be glad to provide a copy of this...\nThey would not provide any details...\nThe government was not in a position to provide them with food.\n  VERB: V n, V n, V n with n\n  = supply\n=>  pro.vid.er      providers\nThey remain the main providers of sports facilities.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If a law or agreement provides that something will happen, it states that it will happen. (FORMAL)\nThe treaty provides that, by the end of the century, the United States must have removed its bases...\n  VERB: V that\n\n3.\n  see also provided, providing


Words: provide for
Meaning:
provide for\n1. If you provide for someone, you support them financially and make sure that they have the things that they need.\nElaine wouldn’t let him provide for her...\nHer father always ensured she was well provided for.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, be adv V-ed for\n\n2. If you provide for something that might happen or that might need to be done, you make arrangements to deal with it.\nJames had provided for just such an emergency.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n\n3. If a law or agreement provides for something, it makes it possible. (FORMAL)\nThe bill provides for the automatic review of all death sentences.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: provided
Meaning:
pro.vid.ed\n   provided\n  If you say that something will happen provided or provided that something else happens, you mean that the first thing will happen only if the second thing also happens.\nThe other banks are going to be very eager to help, provided that they see that he has a specific plan...\nProvided they are fit I see no reason why they shouldn’t go on playing for another four or five years.\n  CONJ\n  = providing


Words: providence
Meaning:
provi.dence\n   providence\n  Providence is God, or a force which is believed by some people to arrange the things that happen to us. (LITERARY)\nThese women regard his death as an act of providence.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = fate


Words: providential
Meaning:
provi.den.tial\n   providential\n  A providential event is lucky because it happens at exactly the right time. (FORMAL)\nHe explained the yellow fever epidemic as a providential act to discourage urban growth...\nThe pistols were loaded so our escape is indeed providential.\n  ADJ\n  = fortunate\n=>  provi.den.tial.ly\nProvidentially, he had earlier made friends with a Russian Colonel.\n  ADV


Words: providing
Meaning:
pro.vid.ing\n   providing\n  If you say that something will happen providing or providing that something else happens, you mean that the first thing will happen only if the second thing also happens.\nI do believe in people being able to do what they want to do, providing they’re not hurting someone else...\n  CONJ\n  = provided


Words: province
Meaning:
prov.ince\n   province  provinces\n1. A province is a large section of a country which has its own administration.\n...the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost province.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The provinces are all the parts of a country except the part where the capital is situated.\nThe government plans to transfer some 30,000 government jobs from Paris to the provinces.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N\n\n3. If you say that a subject or activity is a particular person’s province, you mean that this person has a special interest in it, a special knowledge of it, or a special responsibility for it.\nIndustrial research is the province of the Department of Trade and Industry.\n  N-SING: with poss


Words: provincial
Meaning:
pro.vin.cial\n   provincial\n1. Provincial means connected with the parts of a country away from the capital city.\nJeremy Styles, 34, was the house manager for a provincial theatre for ten years.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe someone or something as provincial, you disapprove of them because you think that they are old-fashioned and boring.\nHe decided to revamp the company’s provincial image...\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: provincialism
Meaning:
pro.vin.cial.ism\n   provincialism\n  Provincialism is the holding of old-fashioned attitudes and opinions, which some people think is typical of people in areas away from the capital city of a country.\n...the stifling bourgeois provincialism of Buxton.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: proving ground
Meaning:
prov.ing ground\n   proving ground  proving grounds\n  If you describe a place as a proving ground, you mean that new things or ideas are tried out or tested there.\nNew York is a proving ground today for the Democratic presidential candidates.\n  N-COUNT


Words: provision
Meaning:
pro.vi.sion\n   provision  provisions\n1. The provision of something is the act of giving it or making it available to people who need or want it.\nThe department is responsible for the provision of residential care services.\n...nursery provision for children with special needs.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, with supp, oft N of n\n\n2. If you make provision for something that might happen or that might need to be done, you make arrangements to deal with it.\nMr King asked if it had ever occurred to her to make provision for her own pension...\n  N-VAR: usu N for n/-ing\n\n3. If you make provision for someone, you support them financially and make sure that they have the things that they need.\nSpecial provision should be made for children...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, N for n\n\n4. A provision in a law or an agreement is an arrangement which is included in it.\nHe backed a provision that would allow judges to delay granting a divorce decree in some cases...\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. Provisions are supplies of food. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nOn board were enough provisions for two weeks.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: provisional
Meaning:
pro.vi.sion.al\n   provisional\n  You use provisional to describe something that has been arranged or appointed for the present, but may be changed in the future.\n...the possibility of setting up a provisional coalition government...\nIt was announced that the times were provisional and subject to confirmation.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pro.vi.sion.al.ly\nThe seven republics had provisionally agreed to the new relationship on November 14th.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: proviso
Meaning:
pro.vi.so\n   proviso  provisos\n  A proviso is a condition in an agreement. You agree to do something if this condition is fulfilled.\nI told Norman I would invest in his venture as long as he agreed to one proviso...\n  N-COUNT: oft N that


Words: provocation
Meaning:
provo.ca.tion\n   provocation  provocations\n  If you describe a person’s action as provocation or a provocation, you mean that it is a reason for someone else to react angrily, violently, or emotionally.\nHe denies murder on the grounds of provocation...\nThe soldiers fired without provocation...\n  N-VAR: usu prep N


Words: provocative
Meaning:
pro.voca.tive\n   provocative\n1. If you describe something as provocative, you mean that it is intended to make people react angrily or argue against it.\nHe has made a string of outspoken and sometimes provocative speeches in recent years...\nHis behavior was called provocative and antisocial.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pro.voca.tive.ly\nThe soldiers fired into the air when the demonstrators behaved provocatively.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n2. If you describe someone’s clothing or behaviour as provocative, you mean that it is intended to make someone feel sexual desire.\nSome adolescents might be more sexually mature and provocative than others.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pro.voca.tive.ly\nShe smiled provocatively.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: provoke
Meaning:
pro.voke\n   provoke  provokes  provoking  provoked\n1. If you provoke someone, you deliberately annoy them and try to make them behave aggressively.\nHe started beating me when I was about fifteen but I didn’t do anything to provoke him...\nI provoked him into doing something really stupid.\n  VERB: V n, V n into -ing\n\n2. If something provokes a reaction, it causes it.\nHis election success has provoked a shocked reaction...\n  VERB: V n


Words: provost
Meaning:
prov.ost\n   provost  provosts\n1. In some university colleges in Britain, the provost is the head.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In some colleges and universities in the United States, a provost is an official who deals with matters such as the teaching staff and the courses of study.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A provost is the chief magistrate of a Scottish administrative area.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. In the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches, a provost is the person who is in charge of the administration of a cathedral.\n  N-COUNT


Words: prowess
Meaning:
prow.ess\n   prowess\n  Someone’s prowess is their great skill at doing something. (FORMAL)\nHe’s always bragging about his prowess as a cricketer...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prowl
Meaning:
prowl  prowls  prowling  prowled\n1. If an animal or a person prowls around, they move around quietly, for example when they are hunting.\nPolicemen prowled around the building.\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n2. If an animal is on the prowl, it is hunting. If a person is on the prowl, they are hunting for something such as a sexual partner or a business deal.\nTheir fellow travellers are a mix of honeymooners, single girls on the prowl and elderly couples...\nThe new administration are on the prowl for ways to reduce spending.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, oft PHR for n


Words: prowler
Meaning:
prowl.er\n   prowler  prowlers\n  A prowler is someone who secretly follows people or hides near their houses, especially at night, in order to steal something, frighten them, or perhaps harm them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: proximity
Meaning:
prox.im.ity\n   proximity\n  Proximity to a place or person is nearness to that place or person. (FORMAL)\nPart of the attraction is Darwin’s proximity to Asia...\nFamilies are no longer in close proximity to each other.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N to/of n, in N


Words: proxy
Meaning:
proxy\n  If you do something by proxy, you arrange for someone else to do it for you.\nThose not attending the meeting may vote by proxy.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu by N


Words: Prozac
Meaning:
Pro.zac\n   Prozac\n  Prozac is a drug that is used to treat people who are suffering from depression. (TRADEMARK)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prude
Meaning:
prude  prudes\n  If you call someone a prude, you mean that they are too easily shocked by things relating to sex.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: prudence
Meaning:
pru.dence\n   prudence\n  Prudence is care and good sense that someone shows when making a decision or taking action. (FORMAL)\nA lack of prudence may lead to financial problems.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: prudent
Meaning:
pru.dent\n   prudent\n  Someone who is prudent is sensible and careful.\nIt is always prudent to start any exercise programme gradually at first...\nBeing a prudent and cautious person, you realise that the problem must be resolved.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n  !=rash\n=>  pru.dent.ly\nPrudently, Joanna spoke none of this aloud.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: prudish
Meaning:
prud.ish\n   prudish\n  If you describe someone as prudish, you mean that they are too easily shocked by things relating to sex.\nI’m not prudish but I think these photographs are obscene.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  prud.ish.ness\nOlder people will have grown up in a time of greater sexual prudishness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = prudery


Words: prune
Meaning:
prune  prunes  pruning  pruned\n1. A prune is a dried plum.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When you prune a tree or bush, you cut off some of the branches so that it will grow better the next year.\nYou have to prune a bush if you want fruit...\nThere is no best way to prune.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n  Prune back means the same as prune.\nApples, pears and cherries can be pruned back when they’ve lost their leaves.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n3. If you prune something, you cut out all the parts that you do not need.\nFirms are cutting investment and pruning their product ranges.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Prune back means the same as prune.\nThe company has pruned back its workforce by 20,000 since 1989.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: prurience
Meaning:
pru.ri.ence\n   prurience\n  Prurience is a strong interest that someone shows in sexual matters. (FORMAL)\nNobody ever lost money by overestimating the public’s prurience.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: prurient
Meaning:
pru.ri.ent\n   prurient\n  If you describe someone as prurient, you mean that they show too much interest in sexual matters. (FORMAL)\nWe read the gossip written about them with prurient interest.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n  = salacious


Words: pry
Meaning:
pry  pries  prying  pried\n1. If someone pries, they try to find out about someone else’s private affairs, or look at their personal possessions.\nWe do not want people prying into our affairs...\nImelda might think she was prying...\nShe thought she was safe from prying eyes and could do as she wished.\n  VERB: V into n, V, V-ing\n\n2. If you pry something open or pry it away from a surface, you force it open or away from a surface.\nThey pried open a sticky can of blue paint...\nI pried the top off a can of chilli...\nPrying off the plastic lid, she took out a small scoop.\n  VERB: V n with adj, V n prep, V n with adv\n  = prize\n3. If you pry something such as information out of someone, you persuade them to tell you although they may be very unwilling to. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use prize)\n...their attempts to pry the names from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.\n  VERB: V n from/out of n


Words: PS
Meaning:
PS   also P.S.\n  You write PS to introduce something that you add at the end of a letter after you have signed it.\nPS. Please show your friends this letter and the enclosed leaflet.


Words: psalm
Meaning:
psalm  psalms\n  The Psalms are the 150 songs, poems, and prayers which together form the Book of Psalms in the Bible.\nHe recited a verse of the twenty-third psalm.\n  N-COUNT


Words: psephologist
Meaning:
pse.pholo.gist\n   psephologist  psephologists\n  A psephologist studies how people vote in elections.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pseud
Meaning:
pseud  pseuds\n  If you say that someone is a pseud, you mean that they are trying to appear very intellectual but you think that they appear silly. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: pseudo-
Meaning:
pseudo-\n  Pseudo- is used to form adjectives and nouns that indicate that something is not the thing it is claimed to be. For example, if you describe a country as a pseudo-democracy, you mean that it is not really a democracy, although its government claims that it is.\n...pseudo-intellectual images.\n  PREFIX


Words: pseudonym
Meaning:
pseudo.nym\n   pseudonym  pseudonyms\n  A pseudonym is a name which someone, usually a writer, uses instead of his or her real name.\nBoth plays were published under the pseudonym of Philip Dayre.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of/for n


Words: psoriasis
Meaning:
pso.ria.sis\n   psoriasis\n  Psoriasis is a disease that causes dry red patches on the skin.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: psst
Meaning:
psst\n  Psst is a sound that someone makes when they want to attract another person’s attention secretly or quietly.\n`Psst! Come over here!’ one youth hissed furtively.


Words: psych out
Meaning:
psych out\n  If you psych out your opponent in a contest, you try to make them feel less confident by behaving in a very confident or aggressive way. (INFORMAL)\nThey are like heavyweight boxers, trying to psych each other out and build themselves up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, also V P n (not pron)


Words: psych up
Meaning:
psych up\n  If you psych yourself up before a contest or a difficult task, you prepare yourself for it mentally, especially by telling yourself that you can win or succeed. (INFORMAL)\nAfter work, it is hard to psych yourself up for an hour at the gym...\nBefore the game everyone gets psyched up and starts shouting.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V pron-refl P, get V-ed P


Words: psyche
Meaning:
psy.che\n   psyche  psyches\n  In psychology, your psyche is your mind and your deepest feelings and attitudes. (TECHNICAL)\nHis exploration of the myth brings insight into the American psyche.\n  N-COUNT


Words: psychedelic
Meaning:
psychedel.ic\n   psychedelic\n1. Psychedelic means relating to drugs such as LSD which have a strong effect on your mind, often making you see things that are not there.\n...his first real, full-blown psychedelic experience.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Psychedelic art has bright colours and strange patterns.\n...psychedelic patterns.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: psychiatric
Meaning:
psy.chi.at.ric\n   psychiatric\n1. Psychiatric means relating to psychiatry.\nWe finally insisted that he seek psychiatric help.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Psychiatric means involving mental illness.\nAbout 4% of the prison population have chronic psychiatric illnesses.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: psychiatrist
Meaning:
psy.chia.trist\n   psychiatrist  psychiatrists\n  A psychiatrist is a doctor who treats people suffering from mental illness.\n  N-COUNT


Words: psychiatry
Meaning:
psy.chia.try\n   psychiatry\n  Psychiatry is the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of mental illness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: psychic
Meaning:
psy.chic\n   psychic  psychics\n1. If you believe that someone is psychic or has psychic powers, you believe that they have strange mental powers, such as being able to read the minds of other people or to see into the future.\nTrevor helped police by using his psychic powers.\n  ADJ\n\n  A psychic is someone who seems to be psychic.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Psychic means relating to ghosts and the spirits of the dead.\nHe declared his total disbelief in psychic phenomena.\n  ADJ


Words: psychical
Meaning:
psy.chi.cal\n   psychical\n  Psychical means relating to ghosts and the spirits of the dead. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ


Words: psycho
Meaning:
psy.cho\n   psycho  psychos\n  A psycho is someone who has serious mental problems and who may act in a violent way without feeling sorry for what they have done. (INFORMAL)\nSome psycho picked her up, and killed her.\n  N-COUNT\n  = psychopath


Words: psycho-
Meaning:
psycho-\n  Psycho- is added to words in order to form other words which describe or refer to things connected with the mind or with mental processes.\n...the psycho-social aspects of youth unemployment.\n  PREFIX


Words: psychoanalyse
Meaning:
psycho.ana.lyse\n   psychoanalyse  psychoanalyses  psychoanalysing  psychoanalysed\nin AM, use psychoanalyze\n  When a psychotherapist or psychiatrist psychoanalyses someone who has mental problems, he or she examines or treats them using psychoanalysis.\nThe movie sees Burton psychoanalysing Firth to cure him of his depression.\n  VERB: V n


Words: psychoanalysis
Meaning:
psycho.analy.sis\n   psychoanalysis\n  Psychoanalysis is the treatment of someone who has mental problems by asking them about their feelings and their past in order to try to discover what may be causing their condition.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = analysis


Words: psychoanalyst
Meaning:
psycho.ana.lyst\n   psychoanalyst  psychoanalysts\n  A psychoanalyst is someone who treats people who have mental problems using psychoanalysis.\n  N-COUNT\n  = analyst


Words: psychoanalytic
Meaning:
psycho.ana.lyt.ic\n   psychoanalytic\n  Psychoanalytic means relating to psychoanalysis.\n...psychoanalytic therapy...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: psychobabble
Meaning:
psycho.bab.ble\n   psychobabble\n  If you refer to language about people’s feelings or behaviour as psychobabble, you mean that it is very complicated and perhaps meaningless.\nBeneath the sentimental psychobabble, there’s a likeable movie trying to get out.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: psychodrama
Meaning:
psycho.dra.ma\n   psychodrama  psychodramas\n  Psychodrama is a type of psychotherapy in which people express their problems by acting them out in front of other people.\n  N-VAR


Words: psychokinesis
Meaning:
psycho.ki.nesis\n   psychokinesis\n  Psychokinesis is the ability, which some people believe exists, to move objects using the power of your mind.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: psychological
Meaning:
psycho.logi.cal\n   psychological\n1. Psychological means concerned with a person’s mind and thoughts.\nJohn received constant physical and psychological abuse from his father...\nRobyn’s loss of memory is a psychological problem, rather than a physical one.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = mental\n=>  psycho.logi.cal.ly\nIt was very important psychologically for us to succeed.\n  ADV: ADV with cl, ADV adj/adv\n\n2. Psychological means relating to psychology.\n...psychological testing.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: psychological warfare
Meaning:
psycho.logi.cal war.fare\n   psychological warfare\n  Psychological warfare consists of attempts to make your enemy lose confidence, give up hope, or feel afraid, so that you can win.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: psychologist
Meaning:
psy.cholo.gist\n   psychologist  psychologists\n  A psychologist is a person who studies the human mind and tries to explain why people behave in the way that they do.\n  N-COUNT


Words: psychology
Meaning:
psy.chol.ogy\n   psychology\n1. Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and the reasons for people’s behaviour.\n...Professor of Psychology at Bedford College.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The psychology of a person is the kind of mind that they have, which makes them think or behave in the way that they do.\n...a fascination with the psychology of murderers.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: psychometric
Meaning:
psycho.met.ric\n   psychometric\n  Psychometric tests are designed to test a person’s mental state, personality, and thought processes.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: psychopath
Meaning:
psycho.path\n   psychopath  psychopaths\n  A psychopath is someone who has serious mental problems and who may act in a violent way without feeling sorry for what they have done.\nShe was abducted by a dangerous psychopath.\n  N-COUNT


Words: psychopathic
Meaning:
psycho.path.ic\n   psychopathic\n  Someone who is psychopathic is a psychopath.\n...a report labelling him psychopathic.\n...a psychopathic killer.\n  ADJ


Words: psychosis
Meaning:
psy.cho.sis\n   psychosis  psychoses\n  Psychosis is mental illness of a severe kind which can make people lose contact with reality. (MEDICAL)\nHe may have some kind of neurosis or psychosis later in life.\n  N-VAR


Words: psychosomatic
Meaning:
psycho.so.mat.ic\n   psychosomatic\n  If someone has a psychosomatic illness, their symptoms are caused by worry or unhappiness rather than by a physical problem.\nDoctors refused to treat her, claiming that her problems were all psychosomatic.\n  ADJ


Words: psychotherapist
Meaning:
psycho.thera.pist\n   psychotherapist  psychotherapists\n  A psychotherapist is a person who treats people who are mentally ill using psychotherapy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: psychotherapy
Meaning:
psycho.thera.py\n   psychotherapy\n  Psychotherapy is the use of psychological methods in treating people who are mentally ill, rather than using physical methods such as drugs or surgery.\nFor milder depressions, certain forms of psychotherapy do work well.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: psychotic
Meaning:
psy.chot.ic\n   psychotic  psychotics\n  Someone who is psychotic has a type of severe mental illness. (MEDICAL)\n  ADJ\n\n  Psychotic is also a noun.\nA religious psychotic in Las Vegas has killed four people.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pt
Meaning:
pt pts  also pt.\n\n  The plural in meaning 1 is either pt or pts.\n\n1. pt is a written abbreviation for pint.\n...1 pt single cream.\n\n2. pt is the written abbreviation for point.\nHere’s how it works.3 pts for a correct result, 1 pt for the correct winning team.


Words: PTA
Meaning:
PTA  PTAs\n  A PTA is a school association run by some of the parents and teachers to discuss matters that affect the children and to organize events to raise money. PTA is an abbreviation for `parent-teacher association’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Pte
Meaning:
Pte is used before a person’s name as a written abbreviation for the military title Private. (BRIT; in AM, use Pvt.)\n...Pte Owen Butler.\n  N-TITLE


Words: PTO
Meaning:
PTO   also P.T.O.\n  PTO is a written abbreviation for `please turn over’. You write it at the bottom of a page to indicate that there is more writing on the other side.


Words: pub
Meaning:
pub  pubs\n  A pub is a building where people can have drinks, especially alcoholic drinks, and talk to their friends. Many pubs also serve food. (mainly BRIT)\nHe was in the pub until closing time...\nRichard used to run a pub.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pub crawl
Meaning:
pub crawl  pub crawls\n  If people go on a pub crawl, they go from one pub to another having drinks in each one. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: puberty
Meaning:
pu.ber.ty\n   puberty\n  Puberty is the stage in someone’s life when their body starts to become physically mature.\nMargaret had reached the age of puberty.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: pubescent
Meaning:
pu.bes.cent\n   pubescent\n  A pubescent girl or boy has reached the stage in their life when their body is becoming physically like an adult’s. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ


Words: pubic
Meaning:
pu.bic\n   pubic\n  Pubic means relating to the area just above a person’s genitals.\n...pubic hair.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: public
Meaning:
pub.lic\n   public\n1. You can refer to people in general, or to all the people in a particular country or community, as the public.\nLauderdale House is now open to the public...\nPure alcohol is not for sale to the general public...\nTrade unions are regarding the poll as a test of the public’s confidence in the government.\n  N-SING-COLL: the N\n\n2. You can refer to a set of people in a country who share a common interest, activity, or characteristic as a particular kind of public.\nMarket research showed that 93% of the viewing public wanted a hit film channel.\n  N-SING-COLL: supp N\n\n3. Public means relating to all the people in a country or community.\nThe President is attempting to drum up public support for his economic program.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. Public means relating to the government or state, or things that are done for the people by the state.\nThe social services account for a substantial part of public spending.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = government, state\n=>  pub.lic.ly\n...publicly funded legal services.\n  ADV: ADV -ed\n\n5. Public buildings and services are provided for everyone to use.\nThe new museum must be accessible by public transport.\n...a public health service available to all.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=private\n6. A public place is one where people can go about freely and where you can easily be seen and heard.\n...the heavily congested public areas of international airports...\nI avoid working in places which are too public.\n  ADJ\n  !=private\n7. If someone is a public figure or in public life, many people know who they are because they are often mentioned in newspapers and on television.\nI’d like to see more women in public life, especially Parliament.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n8. Public is used to describe statements, actions, and events that are made or done in such a way that any member of the public can see them or be aware of them.\nThe National Heritage Committee has conducted a public inquiry to find the answer...\nThe comments were the ministry’s first detailed public statement on the subject...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  pub.lic.ly\nHe never spoke publicly about the affair...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n9. If a fact is made public or becomes public, it becomes known to everyone rather than being kept secret.\nBlair wants any new evidence on IRA pub bombs made public...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n10. If someone is in the public eye, many people know who they are, because they are famous or because they are often mentioned on television or in the newspapers.\nOne expects people in the public eye to conduct their personal lives with a certain decorum...\n  PHRASE: prep PHR\n\n11. If a company goes public, it starts selling its shares on the stock exchange. (BUSINESS)\nIn 1951 AC went public, having achieved an average annual profit of more than .50,000.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n12. If you say or do something in public, you say or do it when a group of people are present.\nBy-laws are to make it illegal to smoke in public.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n13.\nto wash your dirty linen in public: see dirty


Words: public address system
Meaning:
pub.lic ad.dress sys.tem\n   public address system  public address systems\n  A public address system is a set of electrical equipment which allows someone’s voice, or music, to be heard throughout a large building or area. The abbreviation PA is also used.\n  N-COUNT


Words: public bar
Meaning:
pub.lic bar\n   public bar  public bars\n  In a British pub, a public bar is a room where the furniture is plain and the drinks are cheaper than in the pub’s other bars.\n  N-COUNT


Words: public company
Meaning:
pub.lic com.pa.ny\n   public company  public companies\n  A public company is a company whose shares can be bought by the general public. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: public convenience
Meaning:
pub.lic con.veni.ence\n   public convenience  public conveniences\n  A public convenience is a toilet in a public place for everyone to use. (BRIT FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: public defender
Meaning:
pub.lic de.fend.er\n   public defender  public defenders\n  A public defender is a lawyer who is employed by a city or county to represent people who are accused of crimes but cannot afford to pay for a lawyer themselves. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: public domain
Meaning:
pub.lic do.main\n   public domain\n  If information is in the public domain, it is not secret and can be used or discussed by anyone.\nIt is outrageous that the figures are not in the public domain...\n  N-SING: usu in the N


Words: public house
Meaning:
pub.lic house\n   public house  public houses\n  A public house is the same as a pub. (BRIT FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: public limited company
Meaning:
pub.lic lim.it.ed com.pa.ny\n   public limited company  public limited companies\n  A public limited company is the same as a public company. The abbreviation plc is used after such companies’ names. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: public nuisance
Meaning:
pub.lic nui.sance\n   public nuisance  public nuisances\n  If something or someone is, or causes, a public nuisance, they break the law by harming or annoying members of the public. (LEGAL)\n...the 45-day jail sentence he received for causing a public nuisance after taking part in a demonstration...\nBack in the 1980s drug users were a public nuisance in Zurich.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: public opinion
Meaning:
pub.lic opin.ion\n   public opinion\n  Public opinion is the opinion or attitude of the public regarding a particular matter.\nHe mobilized public opinion all over the world against hydrogen-bomb tests.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: public property
Meaning:
pub.lic prop.er.ty\n   public property\n1. Public property is land and other assets that belong to the general public and not to a private owner.\n...vandals who wrecked public property...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=private property\n2. If you describe a person or thing as public property, you mean that information about them is known and discussed by everyone.\nShe complained that intimate aspects of her personal life had been made public property.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: public prosecutor
Meaning:
pub.lic pros.ecu.tor\n   public prosecutor  public prosecutors\n  A public prosecutor is an official who puts people on trial on behalf of the government and people of a particular country.\n  N-COUNT


Words: public relations
Meaning:
pub.lic re.la.tions\n   public relations\n1. Public relations is the part of an organization’s work that is concerned with obtaining the public’s approval for what it does. The abbreviation PR is often used. (BUSINESS)\nThe move was good public relations...\nGeorge is a public relations officer for The John Bennett Trust.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You can refer to the opinion that the public has of an organization as public relations.\nLimiting casualties is important for public relations.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: public school
Meaning:
pub.lic school\n   public school  public schools\n1. In Britain, a public school is a private school that provides secondary education which parents have to pay for. The pupils often live at the school during the school term.\nHe was headmaster of a public school in the West of England.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. In the United States, Australia, and many other countries, a public school is a school that is supported financially by the government and usually provides free education.\n...Milwaukee’s public school system.\n  N-VAR


Words: public sector
Meaning:
pub.lic sec.tor\n   public sector\n  The public sector is the part of a country’s economy which is controlled or supported financially by the government. (BUSINESS)\nTo keep economic reform on track, 60,000 public-sector jobs must be cut.\n  N-SING: the N\n  !=private sector


Words: public servant
Meaning:
pub.lic serv.ant\n   public servant  public servants\n  A public servant is a person who is appointed or elected to a public office, for example working for a local or state government.\n  N-COUNT


Words: public service
Meaning:
pub.lic ser.vice\n   public service  public services\n1. A public service is something such as health care, transport, or the removal of waste which is organized by the government or an official body in order to benefit all the people in a particular society or community.\nThe money is used by local authorities to pay for public services.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You use public service to refer to activities and jobs which are provided or paid for by a government, especially through the civil service.\n...a distinguished career in public service.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n3. Public service broadcasting consists of television and radio programmes supplied by an official or government organization, rather than by a commercial company. Such programmes often provide information or education, as well as entertainment.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. Public service activities and types of work are concerned with helping people and providing them with what they need, rather than making a profit.\n...an egalitarian society based on cooperation and public service.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: public utility
Meaning:
pub.lic util.ity\n   public utility  public utilities\n  Public utilities are services provided by the government or state, such as the supply of electricity and gas, or the train network.\nWater supplies and other public utilities were badly affected.\n  N-COUNT


Words: public works
Meaning:
pub.lic works\n   public works\n  Public works are buildings, roads, and other projects that are built by the government or state for the public.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: public-spirited
Meaning:
public-spirited\n  A public-spirited person tries to help the community that they belong to.\nThanks to a group of public-spirited citizens, the Krippendorf garden has been preserved.\n  ADJ


Words: publican
Meaning:
pub.li.can\n   publican  publicans\n  A publican is a person who owns or manages a pub. (BRIT FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = landlady, landlord


Words: publication
Meaning:
pub.li.ca.tion\n   publication  publications\n1. The publication of a book or magazine is the act of printing it and sending it to shops to be sold.\nThe guide is being translated into several languages for publication near Christmas...\nThe publication of his collected poems was approaching the status of an event.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A publication is a book or magazine that has been published.\nThey have started legal proceedings against two publications which spoke of an affair.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. The publication of something such as information is the act of making it known to the public, for example by informing journalists or by publishing a government document.\nA spokesman said: `We have no comment regarding the publication of these photographs.’\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: publicist
Meaning:
pub.li.cist\n   publicist  publicists\n  A publicist is a person whose job involves getting publicity for people, events, or things such as films or books.\n  N-COUNT


Words: publicity
Meaning:
pub.lic.ity\n   publicity\n1. Publicity is information or actions that are intended to attract the public’s attention to someone or something.\nMuch advance publicity was given to the talks...\nIt was all a publicity stunt.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. When the news media and the public show a lot of interest in something, you can say that it is receiving publicity.\nThe case has generated enormous publicity in Brazil.\n...the renewed publicity over the Casey affair.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: publicity agent
Meaning:
pub.lic.ity agent\n   publicity agent  publicity agents\n  A publicity agent is a person whose job is to make sure that a large number of people know about a person, show, or event so that they are successful.\n  N-COUNT


Words: publicize
Meaning:
pub.li.cize\n   publicize  publicizes  publicizing  publicized\nin BRIT, also use publicise\n  If you publicize a fact or event, you make it widely known to the public.\nThe author appeared on television to publicize her latest book...\nHe never publicized his plans.\n...his highly publicized trial this summer.\n  VERB: V n, V n, V-ed


Words: publish
Meaning:
pub.lish\n   publish  publishes  publishing  published\n1. When a company publishes a book or magazine, it prints copies of it, which are sent to shops to be sold.\nThey publish reference books...\nHis latest book of poetry will be published by Faber in May.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n2. When the people in charge of a newspaper or magazine publish a piece of writing or a photograph, they print it in their newspaper or magazine.\nThe ban was imposed after the magazine published an article satirising the government...\nI don’t encourage people to take photographs like this without permission, but by law we can publish.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n3. If someone publishes a book or an article that they have written, they arrange to have it published.\nJohn Lennon found time to publish two books of his humorous prose.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you publish information or an opinion, you make it known to the public by having it printed in a newspaper, magazine, or official document.\nThe demonstrators called on the government to publish a list of registered voters.\n  VERB: V n


Words: publisher
Meaning:
pub.lish.er\n   publisher  publishers\n  A publisher is a person or a company that publishes books, newspapers, or magazines.\nThe publishers planned to produce the journal on a weekly basis.\n  N-COUNT


Words: publishing
Meaning:
pub.lish.ing\n   publishing\n  Publishing is the profession of publishing books.\nI had a very high-powered job in publishing.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: publishing house
Meaning:
pub.lish.ing house\n   publishing house  publishing houses\n  A publishing house is a company which publishes books.\n  N-COUNT\n  = publisher


Words: puck
Meaning:
puck  pucks\n  In the game of ice hockey, the puck is the small rubber disc that is used instead of a ball.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pucker
Meaning:
puck.er\n   pucker  puckers  puckering  puckered\n  When a part of your face puckers or when you pucker it, it becomes tight or stretched, often because you are trying not to cry or are going to kiss someone.\nToby’s face puckered...\nShe puckered her lips into a rosebud and kissed him on the nose.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  puck.ered\n...puckered lips.\n...a long puckered scar.\n  ADJ


Words: puckish
Meaning:
puck.ish\n   puckish\n  If you describe someone as puckish, you mean that they play tricks on people or tease them. (OLD-FASHIONED, WRITTEN)\nHe had a puckish sense of humour.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = impish


Words: pudding
Meaning:
pud.ding\n   pudding  puddings\n1. A pudding is a cooked sweet food made with flour, fat, and eggs, and usually served hot.\n...a cherry sponge pudding with warm custard.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Some people refer to the sweet course of a meal as the pudding. (BRIT)\n...a menu featuring canapes, a starter, a main course and a pudding...\n  N-VAR\n  = dessert, sweet\n3.\n  see also Yorkshire pudding\n4. If you say the proof of the pudding or the proof of the pudding is in the eating, you mean that something new can only be judged to be good or bad after it has been tried or used.\n  PHRASE


Words: pudding basin
Meaning:
pud.ding ba.sin\n   pudding basin  pudding basins\n  A pudding basin is a deep round bowl that is used in the kitchen, especially for mixing or for cooking puddings. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: puddle
Meaning:
pud.dle\n   puddle  puddles\n  A puddle is a small, shallow pool of liquid that has spread on the ground.\nThe road was shiny with puddles, but the rain was at an end.\n...puddles of oil.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: pudgy
Meaning:
pudgy\n  If you describe someone as pudgy, you mean that they are rather fat in an unattractive way. (AM)\nHe put a pudgy arm around Harry’s shoulder.\n  ADJ\n  = podgy


Words: puerile
Meaning:
pu.er.ile\n   puerile\n  If you describe someone or something as puerile, you mean that they are silly and childish.\nConcert organisers branded the group’s actions as puerile...\n...puerile, schoolboy humour.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: puff
Meaning:
puff  puffs  puffing  puffed\n1. If someone puffs at a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, they smoke it.\nHe lit a cigar and puffed at it twice...\n  VERB: V at/on n\n\n  Puff is also a noun.\nShe was taking quick puffs at her cigarette like a beginner.\n  N-COUNT\n  = drag\n2. If you puff smoke or moisture from your mouth or if it puffs from your mouth, you breathe it out.\nRichard lit another cigarette and puffed smoke towards the ceiling...\nThe weather was dry and cold; wisps of steam puffed from their lips.\n  VERB: V n, V prep\n\n  Puff out means the same as puff.\nHe drew heavily on his cigarette and puffed out a cloud of smoke.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n3. If an engine, chimney, or boiler puffs smoke or steam, clouds of smoke or steam come out of it.\nAs I completed my 26th lap the Porsche puffed blue smoke.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. A puff of something such as air or smoke is a small amount of it that is blown out from somewhere.\nWind caught the sudden puff of dust and blew it inland.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n5. If you are puffing, you are breathing loudly and quickly with your mouth open because you are out of breath after a lot of physical effort.\nI know nothing about boxing, but I could see he was unfit, because he was puffing.\n  VERB: usu cont, V\n\n6.\n  see also puffed


Words: puff out
Meaning:
puff out\n  If you puff out your cheeks, you make them larger and rounder by filling them with air.\nHe puffed out his fat cheeks and let out a lungful of steamy breath.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n  see also puff 2


Words: puff pastry
Meaning:
puff pas.try\n   puff pastry\n  Puff pastry is a type of pastry which is very light and consists of a lot of thin layers.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: puff up
Meaning:
puff up\n  If part of your body puffs up as a result of an injury or illness, it becomes swollen.\nHer body bloated and puffed up till pain seemed to burst out through her skin.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n  = swell\n  see also puffed up


Words: puffball
Meaning:
puff.ball\n   puffball  puffballs   also puff-ball\n  A puffball is a round fungus which bursts when it is ripe and sends a cloud of seeds into the air.\n  N-COUNT


Words: puffed
Meaning:
puffed\n1. If a part of your body is puffed or puffed up, it is swollen because of an injury or because you are unwell.\nHis face was a little puffed...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = swollen, puffy\n2. If you are puffed or puffed out, you are breathing with difficulty because you have been using a lot of energy. (INFORMAL)\nDo you get puffed out running up and down the stairs?\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = breathless


Words: puffed up
Meaning:
puffed up\n  If you describe someone as puffed up, you disapprove of them because they are very proud of themselves and think that they are very important.\nHe was too puffed up with his own importance, too blinded by vanity to accept their verdict on him.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n  disapproval\n\n  see also puffed


Words: puffin
Meaning:
puf.fin\n   puffin  puffins\n  A puffin is a black and white seabird with a large, brightly-coloured beak.\n  N-COUNT


Words: puffy
Meaning:
puffy  puffier\n  If a part of someone’s body, especially their face, is puffy, it has a round, swollen appearance.\nHer cheeks were puffy with crying.\n...dark-ringed puffy eyes.\n  ADJ\n  = swollen\n=>  puffi.ness\nHe noticed some slight puffiness beneath her eyes.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: pugnacious
Meaning:
pug.na.cious\n   pugnacious\n  Someone who is pugnacious is always ready to quarrel or start a fight. (FORMAL)\nThe President was in a pugnacious mood when he spoke to journalists about the rebellion.\n  ADJ


Words: pugnacity
Meaning:
pug.nac.ity\n   pugnacity\n  Pugnacity is the quality of being pugnacious. (FORMAL)\nHe is legendary for his fearlessness and pugnacity.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: puke
Meaning:
puke  pukes  puking  puked\n1. When someone pukes, they vomit. (INFORMAL)\nThey got drunk and puked out the window.\n  VERB: V\n\n  Puke up means the same as puke.\nHe peered at me like I’d just puked up on his jeans...\nI figured, why eat when I was going to puke it up again?\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V n P\n\n2. Puke is the same as vomit. (INFORMAL)\nHe was fully clothed and covered in puke and piss.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: pukka
Meaning:
puk.ka\n   pukka\n  If you describe something or someone as pukka, you mean that they are real or genuine, and of good quality. (BRIT OLD-FASHIONED)\n...a pukka English gentleman.\n  ADJ


Words: pull
Meaning:
pull  pulls  pulling  pulled\n1. When you pull something, you hold it firmly and use force in order to move it towards you or away from its previous position.\nThey have pulled out patients’ teeth unnecessarily...\nErica was solemn, pulling at her blonde curls...\nI helped pull him out of the water...\nSomeone pulled her hair...\nHe knew he should pull the trigger, but he was suddenly paralysed by fear...\nPull as hard as you can...\nI let myself out into the street and pulled the door shut.\n  VERB: V n with adv, V prep, V n prep, V n, V n, V, V n adj\n\n  Pull is also a noun.\nThe feather must be removed with a straight, firm pull.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n2. When you pull an object from a bag, pocket, or cupboard, you put your hand in and bring the object out.\nJack pulled the slip of paper from his shirt pocket...\nWade walked quickly to the refrigerator and pulled out another beer.\n  VERB: V n prep, V n with adv\n\n3. When a vehicle, animal, or person pulls a cart or piece of machinery, they are attached to it or hold it, so that it moves along behind them when they move forward.\nThis is early-20th-century rural Sussex, when horses still pulled the plough...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you pull yourself or pull a part of your body in a particular direction, you move your body or a part of your body with effort or force.\nHughes pulled himself slowly to his feet...\nHe pulled his arms out of the sleeves...\nShe tried to pull her hand free...\nLillian brushed his cheek with her fingertips. He pulled away and said, `Don’t!’\n  VERB: V pron-refl prep/adv, V n prep/adv, V n adj, V adv\n\n5. When a driver or vehicle pulls to a stop or a halt, the vehicle stops.\nHe pulled to a stop behind a pickup truck...\n  VERB: V prep\n\n6. In a race or contest, if you pull ahead of or pull away from an opponent, you gradually increase the amount by which you are ahead of them.\nHe pulled away, extending his lead to 15 seconds...\n  VERB: V adv\n\n7. If you pull something apart, you break or divide it into small pieces, often in order to put them back together again in a different way.\nIf I wanted to improve the car significantly I would have to pull it apart and start again.\n  VERB: V n with adv\n\n8. If someone pulls a gun or a knife on someone else, they take out a gun or knife and threaten the other person with it. (INFORMAL)\nThey had a fight. One of them pulled a gun on the other...\nI pulled a knife and threatened her.\n  VERB: V n on n, V n\n\n9. To pull crowds, viewers, or voters means to attract them. (INFORMAL)\nThe organisers have to employ performers to pull a crowd.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Pull in means the same as pull.\nThey provided a far better news service and pulled in many more viewers...\nShe is still beautiful, and still pulling them in at sixty.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n10. A pull is a strong physical force which causes things to move in a particular direction.\n...the pull of gravity.\n  N-COUNT\n\n11. If you pull a muscle, you injure it by straining it.\nDave pulled a back muscle and could barely kick the ball...\nHe suffered a pulled calf muscle.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n12. To pull a stunt or a trick on someone means to do something dramatic or silly in order to get their attention or trick them. (INFORMAL)\nEveryone saw the stunt you pulled on me.\n  VERB: V n on n, also V n\n\n13. If someone pulls someone else, they succeed in attracting them sexually and in spending the rest of the evening or night with them. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n14.\nto pull oneself up by one’s bootstraps: see bootstraps\nto pull a face: see face\nto pull someone’s leg: see leg\nto pull your punches: see punch\nto pull rank: see rank\nto pull out all the stops: see stop\nto pull strings: see string\nto pull your weight: see weight\nto pull the wool over someone’s eyes: see wool


Words: pull away
Meaning:
pull away\n1. When a vehicle or driver pulls away, the vehicle starts moving forward.\nI stood in the driveway and watched him back out and pull away.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n2. If you pull away from someone that you have had close links with, you deliberately become less close to them.\nOther daughters, faced with their mother’s emotional hunger, pull away...\nHe’d pulled away from her as if she had leprosy.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P from n


Words: pull back
Meaning:
pull back\n1. If someone pulls back from an action, they decide not to do it or continue with it, because it could have bad consequences.\nThey will plead with him to pull back from confrontation...\nThe British government threatened to make public its disquiet but then pulled back.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P from n, V P\n\n2. If troops pull back or if their leader pulls them back, they go some or all of the way back to their own territory.\nThey were asked to pull back from their artillery positions around the city...\nHe pulled back forces from Mongolia, and he withdrew from Afghanistan.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: pull down
Meaning:
pull down\n  To pull down a building or statue means to deliberately destroy it.\nThey’d pulled the registry office down which then left an open space...\nA small crowd attempted to pull down a statue.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = demolish


Words: pull in
Meaning:
pull in\n1. When a vehicle or driver pulls in somewhere, the vehicle stops there.\nHe pulled in at the side of the road...\nThe van pulled in and waited.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P prep/adv, V P\n\n2.\nsee pull 9


Words: pull into
Meaning:
pull into\n  When a vehicle or driver pulls into a place, the vehicle moves into the place and stops there.\nHe pulled into the driveway in front of her garage...\nShe pulled the car into a tight parking space on a side street.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, V n P n


Words: pull off
Meaning:
pull off\n1. If you pull off something very difficult, you succeed in achieving it.\nThe National League for Democracy pulled off a landslide victory...\nIt will be a very, very fine piece of mountaineering if they pull it off.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If a vehicle or driver pulls off the road, the vehicle stops by the side of the road.\nI pulled off the road at a small village pub...\nOne evening, crossing a small creek, he pulled the car off the road.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, V n P n


Words: pull out
Meaning:
pull out\n1. When a vehicle or driver pulls out, the vehicle moves out into the road or nearer the centre of the road.\nShe pulled out into the street...\nHe was about to pull out to overtake the guy in front of him.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P prep, V P\n\n2. If you pull out of an agreement, a contest, or an organization, you withdraw from it.\nThe World Bank should pull out of the project...\nA racing injury forced Stephen Roche to pull out.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P of n, V P\n\n3. If troops pull out of a place or if their leader pulls them out, they leave it.\nThe militia in Lebanon has agreed to pull out of Beirut...\nEconomic sanctions will be lifted once two-thirds of their forces have pulled out...\nHis government decided to pull its troops out of Cuba.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P of n, V P, V n P of n\n\n4. If a country pulls out of recession or if someone pulls it out, it begins to recover from it.\nSterling has been hit by the economy’s failure to pull out of recession...\nWhat we want to see today are policies to pull us out of this recession.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P of n, V n P of n\n\n5.\n  see also pull-out


Words: pull over
Meaning:
pull over\n1. When a vehicle or driver pulls over, the vehicle moves closer to the side of the road and stops there.\nHe noticed a man behind him in a blue Ford gesticulating to pull over.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n2. If the police pull over a driver or vehicle, they make the driver stop at the side of the road, usually because the driver has been driving dangerously.\nThe officers pulled him over after a high-speed chase...\nPolice pulled over his Mercedes near Dieppe.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n3.\n  see also pullover


Words: pull through
Meaning:
pull through\n  If someone with a serious illness or someone in a very difficult situation pulls through, they recover.\nEveryone was very concerned whether he would pull through or not...\nIt is only our determination to fight that has pulled us through.\n...ways of helping Russia pull through its upheavals.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V n P, V P n


Words: pull together
Meaning:
pull together\n1. If people pull together, they help each other or work together in order to deal with a difficult situation.\nThe nation was urged to pull together to avoid a slide into complete chaos...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n2. If you are upset or depressed and someone tells you to pull yourself together, they are telling you to control your feelings and behave calmly again.\nPull yourself together, you stupid woman!...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V pron-refl P\n\n3. If you pull together different facts or ideas, you link them to form a single theory, argument, or story.\nLet me now pull together the threads of my argument...\nData exists but it needs pulling together.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P, also V n P\n  = draw together


Words: pull up
Meaning:
pull up\n1. When a vehicle or driver pulls up, the vehicle slows down and stops.\nThe cab pulled up and the driver jumped out.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n  = draw up\n2. If you pull up a chair, you move it closer to something or someone and sit on it.\nHe pulled up a chair behind her and put his chin on her shoulder.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = draw up


Words: pull-out
Meaning:
pull-out  pull-outs\n1. In a newspaper or magazine, a pull-out is a section which you can remove easily and keep.\n...an eight-page pull-out supplement.\n  N-COUNT: usu N n\n\n2. When there is a pull-out of armed forces from a place, troops which have occupied an area of land withdraw from it.\n...a pull-out from the occupied territories...\n  N-SING: oft N from/of n


Words: pulley
Meaning:
pul.ley\n   pulley  pulleys\n  A pulley is a device consisting of a wheel over which a rope or chain is pulled in order to lift heavy objects.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Pullman
Meaning:
Pull.man\n   Pullman  Pullmans\n1. A Pullman is a type of train or railway carriage which is extremely comfortable and luxurious. You can also refer to a Pullman train or a Pullman carriage. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n2. A Pullman or a Pullman car on a train is a railway car that provides beds for passengers to sleep in. (AM; in BRIT, use sleeping car)\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: pullover
Meaning:
pull.over\n   pullover  pullovers\n  A pullover is a piece of woollen clothing that covers the upper part of your body and your arms. You put it on by pulling it over your head.\n  N-COUNT\n  = jumper, sweater


Words: pulmonary
Meaning:
pul.mo.nary\n   pulmonary\n  Pulmonary means relating to your lungs. (MEDICAL)\n...respiratory and pulmonary disease.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: pulp
Meaning:
pulp  pulps  pulping  pulped\n1. If an object is pressed into a pulp, it is crushed or beaten until it is soft, smooth, and wet.\nThe olives are crushed to a pulp by stone rollers.\n  N-SING: also no det\n\n2. In fruit or vegetables, the pulp is the soft part inside the skin.\nMake maximum use of the whole fruit, including the pulp which is high in fibre.\n  N-SING: the N, also no det\n\n3. Wood pulp is material made from crushed wood. It is used to make paper.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. People refer to stories or novels as pulp fiction when they consider them to be of poor quality and intentionally shocking or sensational.\n...lurid ’50s pulp novels.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n5. If paper, vegetables, or fruit are pulped, they are crushed into a smooth, wet paste.\nOnions can be boiled and pulped to a puree.\n...creamed or pulped tomatoes.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed\n\n6. If money or documents are pulped, they are destroyed. This is done to stop the money being used or to stop the documents being seen by the public.\n25 million pounds worth of five pound notes have been pulped because the designers made a mistake.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n7. If someone is beaten to a pulp or beaten to pulp, they are hit repeatedly until they are very badly injured.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: pulpit
Meaning:
pul.pit\n   pulpit  pulpits\n  A pulpit is a small raised platform with a rail or barrier around it in a church, where a member of the clergy stands to speak.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pulpy
Meaning:
pulpy\n  Something that is pulpy is soft, smooth, and wet, often because it has been crushed or beaten.\nThe chutney should be a thick, pulpy consistency.\n  ADJ


Words: pulsar
Meaning:
pul.sar\n   pulsar  pulsars\n  A pulsar is a star that spins very fast and cannot be seen but produces regular radio signals.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pulsate
Meaning:
pul.sate\n   pulsate  pulsates  pulsating  pulsated\n  If something pulsates, it beats, moves in and out, or shakes with strong, regular movements.\n...a star that pulsates.\n...a pulsating blood vessel.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n\n=>  pul.sa.tion      pulsations\nSeveral astronomers noted that the star’s pulsations seemed less pronounced.\n  N-VAR


Words: pulse
Meaning:
pulse  pulses  pulsing  pulsed\n1. Your pulse is the regular beating of blood through your body, which you can feel when you touch particular parts of your body, especially your wrist.\nMahoney’s pulse was racing, and he felt confused.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n2. In music, a pulse is a regular beat, which is often produced by a drum.\n...the repetitive pulse of the music.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A pulse of electrical current, light, or sound is a temporary increase in its level.\nThe switch works by passing a pulse of current between the tip and the surface.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you refer to the pulse of a group in society, you mean the ideas, opinions, or feelings they have at a particular time.\nThe White House insists that the president is in touch with the pulse of the black community.\n  N-SING: the N of n\n\n5. If something pulses, it moves, appears, or makes a sound with a strong regular rhythm.\nHis temples pulsed a little, threatening a headache...\nIt was a slow, pulsing rhythm that seemed to sway languidly in the air.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n  = throb\n6. Some seeds which can be cooked and eaten are called pulses, for example peas, beans, and lentils.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n7. If you have your finger on the pulse of something, you know all the latest opinions or developments concerning it.\nHe claims to have his finger on the pulse of the industry...\nIt’s important to keep your finger on the pulse by reading all the right magazines.\n  PHRASE: Ns inflect, usu PHR after v\n\n8. When someone takes your pulse or feels your pulse, they find out how quickly your heart is beating by feeling the pulse in your wrist.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect


Words: pulverize
Meaning:
pul.ver.ize\n   pulverize  pulverizes  pulverizing  pulverized\nin BRIT, also use pulverise\n1. To pulverize something means to do great damage to it or to destroy it completely.\n...the economic policies which pulverised the economy during the 1980s...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If someone pulverizes an opponent in an election or competition, they thoroughly defeat them. (INFORMAL)\nHe is set to pulverise his two opponents in the race for the presidency.\n  VERB: V n\n  = thrash\n3. If you pulverize something, you make it into a powder by crushing it.\nUsing a pestle and mortar, pulverise the bran to a coarse powder...\nThe fries are made from pellets of pulverised potato.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  = grind


Words: puma
Meaning:
puma  pumas\n  A puma is a wild animal that is a member of the cat family. Pumas have brownish-grey fur and live in mountain regions of North and South America. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use mountain lion, cougar)\n  N-COUNT


Words: pumice
Meaning:
pum.ice\n   pumice\n  Pumice is a kind of grey stone from a volcano and is very light in weight. It can be rubbed over surfaces, especially your skin, that you want to clean or make smoother.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = pumice stone


Words: pumice stone
Meaning:
pum.ice stone\n   pumice stone  pumice stones\n1. A pumice stone is a piece of pumice that you rub over your skin in order to clean the skin or make it smoother.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Pumice stone is the same as pumice.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: pummel
Meaning:
pum.mel\n   pummel  pummels  pummelling  pummelled\nin AM, use pummeling, pummeled\n  If you pummel someone or something, you hit them many times using your fists.\nHe trapped Conn in a corner and pummeled him ferociously for thirty seconds.\n  VERB: V n


Words: pump
Meaning:
pump  pumps  pumping  pumped\n1. A pump is a machine or device that is used to force a liquid or gas to flow in a particular direction.\n...pumps that circulate the fuel around in the engine...\nYou’ll need a bicycle pump to keep the tyres topped up with air.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. To pump a liquid or gas in a particular direction means to force it to flow in that direction using a pump.\nIt’s not enough to get rid of raw sewage by pumping it out to sea...\nThe money raised will be used to dig bore holes to pump water into the dried-up lake.\n...drill rigs that are busy pumping natural gas...\nAge diminishes the heart’s ability to pump harder and faster under exertion.\n  VERB: V n with adv, V n prep, V n, V\n\n3. A petrol or gas pump is a machine with a tube attached to it that you use to fill a car with petrol.\nThere are already long queues of vehicles at petrol pumps.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n4. If someone has their stomach pumped, doctors remove the contents of their stomach, for example because they have swallowed poison or drugs.\nShe was released from hospital yesterday after having her stomach pumped.\n  VERB: usu passive, have n V-ed\n\n5. If you pump money or other resources into something such as a project or an industry, you invest a lot of money or resources in it. (INFORMAL)\nThe Government needs to pump more money into community care.\n  VERB: V n into n\n\n6. If you pump someone about something, you keep asking them questions in order to get information. (INFORMAL)\nHe ran in every five minutes to pump me about the case...\nStop trying to pump information out of me.\n  VERB: V n about/for n, V n out of/from n\n  = grill\n7. Pumps are canvas shoes with flat rubber soles which people wear for sports and leisure. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use trainers)\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. Pumps are women’s shoes that do not cover the top part of the foot and are usually made of plain leather. (AM; in BRIT, use court shoes)\n  N-COUNT\n\n9. To prime the pump means to do something to encourage the success or growth of something, especially the economy. (mainly AM)\n...the use of tax money to prime the pump of the state’s economy.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: pump out
Meaning:
pump out\n1. To pump out something means to produce or supply it continually and in large amounts.\nJapanese companies have been pumping out plenty of innovative products...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n2. If pop music pumps out, it plays very loudly.\nTeenage disco music pumped out at every station.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: pump up
Meaning:
pump up\n  If you pump up something such as a tyre, you fill it with air using a pump.\nI tried to pump up my back tyre.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: pumpernickel
Meaning:
pum.per.nick.el\n   pumpernickel\n  Pumpernickel is a dark brown, heavy bread, which is eaten especially in Germany.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: pumpkin
Meaning:
pump.kin\n   pumpkin  pumpkins\n  A pumpkin is a large, round, orange vegetable with a thick skin.\nQuarter the pumpkin and remove the seeds.\n...pumpkin pie.\n  N-VAR


Words: pun
Meaning:
pun  puns\n  A pun is a clever and amusing use of a word or phrase with two meanings, or of words with the same sound but different meanings. For example, if someone says `The peasants are revolting’, this is a pun because it can be interpreted as meaning either that the peasants are fighting against authority, or that they are disgusting.\n  N-COUNT


Words: punch
Meaning:
punch  punches  punching  punched\n1. If you punch someone or something, you hit them hard with your fist.\nAfter punching him on the chin she wound up hitting him over the head...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  In American English, punch out means the same as punch.\n`I almost lost my job today.’.`What happened?’.`Oh, I punched out this guy.’...\nIn the past, many kids would settle disputes by punching each other out.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n  Punch is also a noun.\nHe was hurting Johansson with body punches in the fourth round.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  punch.er      punchers\n...the awesome range of blows which have confirmed him as boxing’s hardest puncher.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n2. If you punch the air, you put one or both of your fists forcefully above your shoulders as a gesture of delight or victory.\nAt the end, Graf punched the air in delight, a huge grin on her face.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you punch something such as the buttons on a keyboard, you touch them in order to store information on a machine such as a computer or to give the machine a command to do something.\nMrs. Baylor strode to the elevator and punched the button.\n  VERB: V n\n  = push, press\n4. If you punch holes in something, you make holes in it by pushing or pressing it with something sharp.\nI took a ballpoint pen and punched a hole in the carton.\n  VERB: V n in n\n\n5. A punch is a tool that you use for making holes in something.\nMake two holes with a hole punch.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. If you say that something has punch, you mean that it has force or effectiveness.\nMy nervousness made me deliver the vital points of my address without sufficient punch...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n7. Punch is a drink made from wine or spirits mixed with things such as sugar, lemons, and spices.\n  N-MASS\n\n8. If you say that someone does not pull their punches when they are criticizing a person or thing, you mean that they say exactly what they think, even though this might upset or offend people.\nShe has a reputation for getting at the guts of a subject and never pulling her punches.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect, oft with brd-neg


Words: Punch and Judy show
Meaning:
Punch and Judy show  Punch and Judy shows\n  A Punch and Judy show is a puppet show for children, often performed at fairs or at the seaside. Punch and Judy, the two main characters, are always fighting.\n  N-COUNT


Words: punch bowl
Meaning:
punch bowl  punch bowls\n  A punch bowl is a large bowl in which drinks, especially punch, are mixed and served.\n  N-COUNT


Words: punch in
Meaning:
punch in\n  If you punch in a number on a machine or punch numbers into it, you push the machine’s buttons or keys in order to give it a command to do something.\nYou can bank by phone in the USA, punching in account numbers on the phone...\nPunch your credit card number into the keypad.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: punch-drunk
Meaning:
punch-drunk   also punch drunk\n1. A punch-drunk boxer shows signs of brain damage, for example by being unsteady and unable to think clearly, after being hit too often on the head.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you say that someone is punch-drunk, you mean that they are very tired or confused, for example because they have been working too hard.\nHe was punch-drunk with fatigue and depressed by the rain.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: punch-up
Meaning:
punch-up  punch-ups\n  A punch-up is a fight in which people hit each other. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nHe was involved in a punch-up with Sarah’s former lover.\n  N-COUNT


Words: punchbag
Meaning:
punch.bag\n   punchbag  punchbags   also punch bag\n  A punchbag is a heavy leather bag, filled with a firm material, that hangs on a rope. Punchbags are used by boxers and other sportsmen for exercise and training. (BRIT; in AM, use punching bag)\n  N-COUNT


Words: punching bag
Meaning:
punch.ing bag\n   punching bag  punching bags\n  A punching bag is the same as a punchbag. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: punchline
Meaning:
punch.line\n   punchline  punchlines   also punch line, punch-line\n  The punchline of a joke or funny story is its last sentence or phrase, which gives it its humour.\n  N-COUNT


Words: punchy
Meaning:
punchy  punchier  punchiest\n  If you describe something as punchy, you mean that it expresses its meaning in a forceful or effective way.\nA good way to sound confident is to use short punchy sentences.\n  ADJ


Words: punctilious
Meaning:
punc.tili.ous\n   punctilious\n  Someone who is punctilious is very careful to behave correctly. (FORMAL)\nHe was punctilious about being ready and waiting in the entrance hall exactly on time...\nHe was a punctilious young man.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  punc.tili.ous.ly\nGiven the circumstances, his behaviour to Laura had been punctiliously correct.\n  ADV


Words: punctual
Meaning:
punc.tu.al\n   punctual\n  If you are punctual, you do something or arrive somewhere at the right time and are not late.\nHe’s always very punctual. I’ll see if he’s here yet.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  punc.tu.al.ly\nMy guest arrived punctually.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n=>  punc.tu.al.ity\nI’ll have to have a word with them about punctuality.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: punctuate
Meaning:
punc.tu.ate\n   punctuate  punctuates  punctuating  punctuated\n  If an activity or situation is punctuated by particular things, it is interrupted by them at intervals. (WRITTEN)\nThe silence of the night was punctuated by the distant rumble of traffic.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed by/with n


Words: punctuation
Meaning:
punc.tua.tion\n   punctuation\n1. Punctuation is the use of symbols such as full stops or periods, commas, or question marks to divide written words into sentences and clauses.\nHe was known for his poor grammar and punctuation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Punctuation is the symbols that you use to divide written words into sentences and clauses.\nJessica scanned the lines, none of which had any punctuation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: punctuation mark
Meaning:
punc.tua.tion mark\n   punctuation mark  punctuation marks\n  A punctuation mark is a symbol such as a full stop or period, comma, or question mark that you use to divide written words into sentences and clauses.\n  N-COUNT


Words: puncture
Meaning:
punc.ture\n   puncture  punctures  puncturing  punctured\n1. A puncture is a small hole in a car tyre or bicycle tyre that has been made by a sharp object.\nSomebody helped me mend the puncture.\n...a tyre that has a slow puncture.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A puncture is a small hole in someone’s skin that has been made by or with a sharp object.\nAn instrument called a trocar makes a puncture in the abdominal wall.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If a sharp object punctures something, it makes a hole in it.\nThe bullet punctured the skull.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If a car tyre or bicycle tyre punctures or if something punctures it, a hole is made in the tyre.\nThe tyre is guaranteed never to puncture or go flat...\nHe punctured a tyre in the last lap.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n5. If someone’s feelings or beliefs are punctured, their feelings or beliefs are made to seem wrong or foolish, especially when this makes the person feel disappointed or upset.\nHis enthusiasm for fishing had been punctured by the sight of what he might catch.\n  VERB: be V-ed, also V n\n  = deflate


Words: pundit
Meaning:
pun.dit\n   pundit  pundits\n  A pundit is a person who knows a lot about a subject and is often asked to give information or opinions about it to the public.\n...a well known political pundit.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N\n  = expert


Words: pungent
Meaning:
pun.gent\n   pungent\n1. Something that is pungent has a strong, sharp smell or taste which is often so strong that it is unpleasant.\nThe more herbs you use, the more pungent the sauce will be.\n...the pungent smell of burning rubber.\n  ADJ\n  !=delicate\n=>  pun.gen.cy\n...the spices that give Jamaican food its pungency.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss\n\n2. If you describe what someone has said or written as pungent, you approve of it because it has a direct and powerful effect and often criticizes something very cleverly. (FORMAL)\nHe enjoyed the play’s shrewd and pungent social analysis.\n  ADJ  approval


Words: punish
Meaning:
pun.ish\n   punish  punishes  punishing  punished\n1. To punish someone means to make them suffer in some way because they have done something wrong.\nAccording to present law, the authorities can only punish smugglers with small fines...\nDon’t punish your child for being honest.\n  VERB: V n, V n for n\n\n2. To punish a crime means to punish anyone who commits that crime.\nThe government voted to punish corruption in sport with up to four years in jail...\n  VERB: V n


Words: punishable
Meaning:
pun.ish.able\n   punishable\n  If a crime is punishable in a particular way, anyone who commits it is punished in that way.\nTreason in this country is still punishable by death...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ by/with n


Words: punishing
Meaning:
pun.ish.ing\n   punishing\n  A punishing schedule, activity, or experience requires a lot of physical effort and makes you very tired or weak.\nHe claimed his punishing work schedule had made him resort to taking the drug...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: punishment
Meaning:
pun.ish.ment\n   punishment  punishments\n1. Punishment is the act of punishing someone or of being punished.\n...a group which campaigns against the physical punishment of children...\nI have no doubt that the man is guilty and that he deserves punishment.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A punishment is a particular way of punishing someone.\nThe government is proposing tougher punishments for officials convicted of corruption...\n  N-VAR\n\n3. You can use punishment to refer to severe physical treatment of any kind.\nDon’t expect these types of boot to take the punishment that gardening will give them.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4.\n  see also capital punishment, corporal punishment


Words: punitive
Meaning:
pu.ni.tive\n   punitive\n  Punitive actions are intended to punish people. (FORMAL)\nOther economists say any punitive measures against foreign companies would hurt US interests.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Punjabi
Meaning:
Pun.ja.bi\n   Punjabi  Punjabis\n1. Punjabi means belonging or relating to the Punjab region of India or Pakistan, its people, or its language.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A Punjabi is a person who comes from the Punjab.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Punjabi is the language spoken by people who live in the Punjab.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: punk
Meaning:
punk  punks\n1. Punk or punk rock is rock music that is played in a fast, loud, and aggressive way and is often a protest against conventional attitudes and behaviour. Punk rock was particularly popular in the late 1970s.\nI was never really into punk.\n...a punk rock band.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. A punk or a punk rocker is a young person who likes punk music and dresses in a very noticeable and unconventional way, for example by having brightly coloured hair and wearing metal chains.\n  N-COUNT


Words: punnet
Meaning:
pun.net\n   punnet  punnets\n  A punnet is a small light box in which soft fruits such as strawberries or raspberries are often sold. You can also use punnet to refer to the amount of fruit that a punnet contains. (BRIT)\n...a punnet of strawberries.\n  N-COUNT


Words: punt
Meaning:
punt punts\n1. A punt is a long boat with a flat bottom. You move the boat along by standing at one end and pushing a long pole against the bottom of the river. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The punt was the unit of money used in the Irish Republic before it was replaced by the euro.\nThe round-trip fare to Havana is 550 Irish punts ($673).\n  N-COUNT: num N\n\n  The punt was also used to refer to the Irish currency system.\n...the cost of defending the punt against speculators.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: punter
Meaning:
punt.er\n   punter  punters\n1. A punter is a person who bets money, especially on horse races. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nPunters are expected to gamble .70m on the Grand National.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. People sometimes refer to their customers or clients as punters. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: puny
Meaning:
puny  punier  puniest\n  Someone or something that is puny is very small or weak.\n...a puny, bespectacled youth...\n  ADJ\n  = feeble


Words: pup
Meaning:
pup  pups\n1. A pup is a young dog.\nI’ll get you an Alsatian pup for Christmas.\n  N-COUNT\n  = puppy\n2. The young of some other animals, for example seals, are called pups.\nTwo thousand grey seal pups are born there every autumn.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N


Words: pupa
Meaning:
pupa  pupae\n  A pupa is an insect that is in the stage of development between a larva and a fully grown adult. It has a protective covering and does not move. (TECHNICAL)\nThe pupae remain dormant in the soil until they emerge as adult moths in the winter.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pupil
Meaning:
pu.pil\n   pupil  pupils\n1. The pupils of a school are the children who go to it.\nOver a third of those now at secondary school in Wales attend schools with over 1,000 pupils...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A pupil of a painter, musician, or other expert is someone who studies under that expert and learns his or her skills.\nAfter his education, Goldschmidt became a pupil of the composer Franz Schreker.\n  N-COUNT: with poss\n\n3. The pupils of your eyes are the small, round, black holes in the centre of them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: puppet
Meaning:
pup.pet\n   puppet  puppets\n1. A puppet is a doll that you can move, either by pulling strings which are attached to it or by putting your hand inside its body and moving your fingers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to a person or country as a puppet when you mean that their actions are controlled by a more powerful person or government, even though they may appear to be independent.\nWhen the invasion occurred he ruled as a puppet of the occupiers...\n  N-COUNT: oft N n  disapproval


Words: puppeteer
Meaning:
pup.pet.eer\n   puppeteer  puppeteers\n  A puppeteer is a person who gives shows using puppets.\n  N-COUNT


Words: puppy
Meaning:
pup.py\n   puppy  puppies\n  A puppy is a young dog.\nOne Sunday he began trying to teach the two puppies to walk on a leash.\n  N-COUNT\n  = pup


Words: puppy fat
Meaning:
pup.py fat\n   puppy fat   also puppy-fat\n  Puppy fat is fat that some children have on their bodies when they are young but that disappears when they grow older and taller.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: purchase
Meaning:
pur.chase\n   purchase  purchases  purchasing  purchased\n1. When you purchase something, you buy it. (FORMAL)\nHe purchased a ticket and went up on the top deck...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  pur.chas.er      purchasers\nThe broker will get 5% if he finds a purchaser...\n  N-COUNT\n  = buyer\n2. The purchase of something is the act of buying it. (FORMAL)\nSome of the receipts had been for the purchase of cars.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n  see also hire purchase\n3. A purchase is something that you buy. (FORMAL)\nShe opened the tie box and looked at her purchase. It was silk, with maroon stripes.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you get a purchase on something, you manage to get a firm grip on it. (FORMAL)\nI got a purchase on the rope and pulled...\nI couldn’t get any purchase with the screwdriver on the damn screws.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N\n  = grip


Words: purchasing power
Meaning:
pur.chas.ing pow.er\n   purchasing power\n1. The purchasing power of a currency is the amount of goods or services that you can buy with it. (BUSINESS)\nThe real purchasing power of the rouble has plummeted.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The purchasing power of a person or group of people is the amount of goods or services that they can afford to buy. (BUSINESS)\n...the purchasing power of their customers.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: purdah
Meaning:
pur.dah\n   purdah\n  Purdah is a custom practised in some Muslim and Hindu societies, in which women either remain in a special part of the house or cover their faces and bodies to avoid being seen by men who are not related to them. If a woman is in purdah, she lives according to this custom.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N


Words: pure
Meaning:
pure  purer  purest\n1. A pure substance is not mixed with anything else.\n...a carton of pure orange juice.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Something that is pure is clean and does not contain any harmful substances.\nIn remote regions, the air is pure and the crops are free of poisonous insecticides.\n...demands for purer and cleaner river water.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  pu.rity\nThey worried about the purity of tap water.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with poss\n\n3. If you describe something such as a colour, a sound, or a type of light as pure, you mean that it is very clear and represents a perfect example of its type.\n...flowers in a whole range of blues with the occasional pure white.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pu.rity\nThe soaring purity of her voice conjured up the frozen bleakness of the Far North.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. If you describe a form of art or a philosophy as pure, you mean that it is produced or practised according to a standard or form that is expected of it. (FORMAL)\nNicholson never swerved from his aim of making pure and simple art.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  pu.rity\n...verse of great purity, sonority of rhythm, and symphonic form.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. Pure science or pure research is concerned only with theory and not with how this theory can be used in practical ways.\nPhysics isn’t just about pure science with no immediate applications...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=applied\n6. Pure means complete and total.\nThe old man turned to give her a look of pure surprise...\n  ADJ  emphasis\n  = sheer


Words: pure-bred
Meaning:
pure-bred   also purebred\n  A pure-bred animal is one whose parents and ancestors all belong to the same breed.\n...pure-bred Arab horses.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: puree
Meaning:
pu.ree\n   puree  purees  pureeing  pureed   also puree\n1. Puree is food which has been crushed or beaten so that it forms a thick, smooth liquid.\n...a can of tomato puree...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you puree food, you make it into a puree.\nPuree the apricots in a liquidiser until completely smooth.\n  VERB: V n


Words: purely
Meaning:
pure.ly\n   purely\n1. You use purely to emphasize that the thing you are mentioning is the most important feature or that it is the only thing which should be considered.\nIt is a racing machine, designed purely for speed...\nThe government said the moves were purely defensive.\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group  emphasis\n\n2. You use purely and simply to emphasize that the thing you are mentioning is the only thing involved.\nIf Arthur was attracted here by the prospects of therapy, John came down purely and simply to make money...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  emphasis


Words: purgative
Meaning:
pur.ga.tive\n   purgative  purgatives\n1. A purgative is a medicine that causes you to get rid of unwanted waste from your body. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = laxative\n2. A purgative substance acts as a purgative. (FORMAL)\n...purgative oils.\n...a purgative tea.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: purgatory
Meaning:
pur.ga.tory\n   purgatory\n1. Purgatory is the place where Roman Catholics believe the spirits of dead people are sent to suffer for their sins before they go to heaven.\nPrayers were said for souls in Purgatory.\n  N-PROPER\n\n2. You can describe a very unpleasant experience as purgatory.\nEvery step of the last three miles was purgatory.\n...five years of economic purgatory.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = hell


Words: purge
Meaning:
purge  purges  purging  purged\n1. To purge an organization of its unacceptable members means to remove them from it. You can also talk about purging people from an organization.\nThe leadership voted to purge the party of `hostile and anti-party elements’...\nHe recently purged the armed forces, sending hundreds of officers into retirement...\nThey have purged thousands from the upper levels of the civil service.\n  VERB: V n of n, V n, V n from n\n\n  Purge is also a noun.\nThe army have called for a more thorough purge of people associated with the late President...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. If you purge something of undesirable things, you get rid of them.\nHe closed his eyes and lay still, trying to purge his mind of anxiety...\n  VERB: V n of n, also V n\n  = rid


Words: purifier
Meaning:
pu.ri.fi.er\n   purifier  purifiers\n  A purifier is a device or a substance that is used to purify something such as water, air, or blood.\n...air purifiers.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N


Words: purify
Meaning:
pu.ri.fy\n   purify  purifies  purifying  purified\n  If you purify a substance, you make it pure by removing any harmful, dirty, or inferior substances from it.\nI take wheat and yeast tablets daily to purify the blood...\nOnly purified water is used.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  !=contaminate\n=>  pu.ri.fi.ca.tion\n...a water purification plant.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: purist
Meaning:
pur.ist\n   purist  purists\n1. A purist is a person who wants something to be totally correct or unchanged, especially something they know a lot about.\nThe new edition of the dictionary carries 7000 additions to the language, which purists say is under threat.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Purist attitudes are the kind of attitudes that purists have.\nBritain wanted a `more purist’ approach.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Puritan
Meaning:
Pu.ri.tan\n   Puritan  Puritans\n  The Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries who lived in a very strict and religious way.\n  N-COUNT


Words: puritan
Meaning:
pu.ri.tan\n   puritan  puritans\n1. You describe someone as a puritan when they live according to strict moral or religious principles, especially when they disapprove of physical pleasures.\nBykov had forgotten that Malinin was something of a puritan...\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n2. Puritan attitudes are based on strict moral or religious principles and often involve disapproval of physical pleasures.\nPaul was someone who certainly had a puritan streak in him.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: puritanical
Meaning:
pu.ri.tani.cal\n   puritanical\n  If you describe someone as puritanical, you mean that they have very strict moral principles, and often try to make other people behave in a more moral way.\nHe has a puritanical attitude towards sex.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: Puritanism
Meaning:
Pu.ri.tan.ism\n   Puritanism\n  Puritanism is the set of beliefs that were held by the Puritans.\nOut of Puritanism came the intense work ethic.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: puritanism
Meaning:
pu.ri.tan.ism\n   puritanism\n  Puritanism is behaviour or beliefs that are based on strict moral or religious principles, especially the principle that people should avoid physical pleasures.\n...the tight-lipped puritanism of the Scottish literary world.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: purloin
Meaning:
pur.loin\n   purloin  purloins  purloining  purloined\n  If someone purloins something, they steal it or borrow it without asking permission. (FORMAL)\nEach side purloins the other’s private letters.\n  VERB: V n


Words: purple
Meaning:
pur.ple\n   purple  purples\n1. Something that is purple is of a reddish-blue colour.\nShe wore purple and green silk.\n...sinister dark greens and purples.\n  COLOUR\n\n2. Purple prose or a purple patch is a piece of writing that contains very elaborate language or images.\n...passages of purple prose describing intense experiences.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Purple Heart
Meaning:
Pur.ple Heart\n   Purple Heart  Purple Hearts\n  The Purple Heart is a medal that is given to members of the US Armed Forces who have been wounded during battle.\n  N-COUNT


Words: purport
Meaning:
pur.port\n   purport  purports  purporting  purported\n  If you say that someone or something purports to do or be a particular thing, you mean that they claim to do or be that thing, although you may not always believe that claim. (FORMAL)\n...a book that purports to tell the whole truth.\n  VERB: V to-inf


Words: purportedly
Meaning:
pur.port.ed.ly\n   purportedly\n  If you say that something has purportedly been done, you mean that you think that it has been done but you cannot be sure. (FORMAL)\nHe was given a letter purportedly signed by the Prime Minister.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV cl/group\n  = supposedly


Words: purpose
Meaning:
pur.pose\n   purpose  purposes\n1. The purpose of something is the reason for which it is made or done.\nThe purpose of the occasion was to raise money for medical supplies...\nVarious insurance schemes already exist for this purpose.\n...the use of nuclear energy for military purposes...\nHe was asked about casualties, but said it would serve no purpose to count bodies...\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n  = aim\n2. Your purpose is the thing that you want to achieve.\nThey might well be prepared to do you harm in order to achieve their purpose...\nHis purpose was to make a profit by improving the company’s performance.\n  N-COUNT: with poss\n  = aim, objective\n3. Purpose is the feeling of having a definite aim and of being determined to achieve it.\nThe teachers are enthusiastic and have a sense of purpose.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4.\n  see also cross-purposes\n5. You use for all practical purposes or to all intents and purposes to suggest that a situation is not exactly as you describe it, but the effect is the same as if it were.\nFor all practical purposes the treaty has already ceased to exist...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n  = in effect\n6. If you do something on purpose, you do it intentionally.\nWas it an accident or did David do it on purpose?\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n  = intentionally


Words: purpose-built
Meaning:
purpose-built\n  A purpose-built building has been specially designed and built for a particular use. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use custom-built)\nThe company has recently moved into a new purpose-built factory.\n  ADJ


Words: purposeful
Meaning:
pur.pose.ful\n   purposeful\n  If someone is purposeful, they show that they have a definite aim and a strong desire to achieve it.\nShe had a purposeful air, and it became evident that this was not a casual visit.\n  ADJ\n  !=casual\n=>  pur.pose.ful.ly\nHe strode purposefully towards the barn.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n  !=casually


Words: purposeless
Meaning:
pur.pose.less\n   purposeless\n  If an action is purposeless, it does not seem to have a sensible purpose.\nTime may also be wasted in purposeless meetings...\nSurely my existence cannot be so purposeless?\n  ADJ\n  = senseless, pointless


Words: purposely
Meaning:
pur.pose.ly\n   purposely\n  If you do something purposely, you do it intentionally. (FORMAL)\nThey are purposely withholding information.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: purr
Meaning:
purr  purrs  purring  purred\n1. When a cat purrs, it makes a low vibrating sound with its throat because it is contented.\nThe plump ginger kitten had settled comfortably in her arms and was purring enthusiastically.\n  VERB: V\n\n2. When the engine of a machine such as a car purrs, it is working and making a quiet, continuous, vibrating sound.\nBoth boats purred out of the cave mouth and into open water...\n  VERB: V prep\n\n  Purr is also a noun.\nCarmela heard the purr of a motor-cycle coming up the drive.\n  N-SING


Words: purse
Meaning:
purse  purses  pursing  pursed\n1. A purse is a very small bag that people, especially women, keep their money in. (BRIT; in AM, use change purse)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A purse is a small bag that women carry. (AM; in BRIT, use bag, handbag)\nShe looked at me and then reached in her purse for cigarettes.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Purse is used to refer to the total amount of money that a country, family, or group has.\nThe money could simply go into the public purse, helping to lower taxes.\n  N-SING: with supp\n\n4. If you purse your lips, you move them into a small, rounded shape, usually because you disapprove of something or when you are thinking.\nShe pursed her lips in disapproval.\n  VERB: V n


Words: purse strings
Meaning:
purse strings\n  If you say that someone holds or controls the purse strings, you mean that they control the way that money is spent in a particular family, group, or country.\nWomen control the purse-strings of most families...\n  N-PLURAL: the N


Words: purser
Meaning:
purs.er\n   purser  pursers\n  On a ship, the purser is an officer who deals with the accounts and official papers. On a passenger ship, the purser is also responsible for the welfare of the passengers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pursuance
Meaning:
pur.su.ance\n   pursuance\n  If you do something in pursuance of a particular activity, you do it as part of carrying out that activity. (FORMAL)\nHe ordered disclosure of a medical report to the Metropolitan Police in pursuance of an investigation of murder.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu in N of n


Words: pursuant
Meaning:
pur.su.ant\n   pursuant\n  If someone does something pursuant to a law or regulation, they obey that law or regulation. (FORMAL)\nHe should continue to act pursuant to the United Nations Security Council resolutions.\n  PREP-PHRASE


Words: pursue
Meaning:
pur.sue\n   pursue  pursues  pursuing  pursued\n1. If you pursue an activity, interest, or plan, you carry it out or follow it. (FORMAL)\nHe said Japan would continue to pursue the policies laid down at the London summit...\nShe had come to England to pursue an acting career.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n2. If you pursue a particular aim or result, you make efforts to achieve it, often over a long period of time. (FORMAL)\nMr. Menendez has aggressively pursued new business.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you pursue a particular topic, you try to find out more about it by asking questions. (FORMAL)\nIf your original request is denied, don’t be afraid to pursue the matter.\n  VERB: V n\n  = follow up  !=drop\n4. If you pursue a person, vehicle, or animal, you follow them, usually in order to catch them. (FORMAL)\nShe pursued the man who had stolen a woman’s bag.\n  VERB: V n


Words: pursuer
Meaning:
pur.su.er\n   pursuer  pursuers\n  Your pursuers are the people who are chasing or searching for you. (FORMAL)\nThey had shaken off their pursuers.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N in pl


Words: pursuit
Meaning:
pur.suit\n   pursuit  pursuits\n1. Your pursuit of something is your attempts at achieving it. If you do something in pursuit of a particular result, you do it in order to achieve that result.\n...a young man whose relentless pursuit of excellence is conducted with single-minded determination.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N of n, oft in N of n\n\n2. The pursuit of an activity, interest, or plan consists of all the things that you do when you are carrying it out.\nThe vigorous pursuit of policies is no guarantee of success.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N of n\n\n3. Someone who is in pursuit of a person, vehicle, or animal is chasing them.\n...a police officer who drove a patrol car at more than 120mph in pursuit of a motor cycle.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu in N of n\n\n4. Your pursuits are your activities, usually activities that you enjoy when you are not working.\nThey both love outdoor pursuits...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, with supp\n\n5. If you are in hot pursuit of someone, you are chasing after them with great determination.\nI rushed through with Sue in hot pursuit.\n  PHRASE


Words: purvey
Meaning:
pur.vey\n   purvey  purveys  purveying  purveyed\n1. If you purvey something such as information, you tell it to people. (FORMAL)\n...one who would, for a hefty fee, purvey strategic advice to private corporations.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If someone purveys goods or services, they provide them. (FORMAL)\nThey have two restaurants that purvey dumplings and chicken noodle soup.\n  VERB: V n\n  = supply, sell


Words: purveyor
Meaning:
pur.vey.or\n   purveyor  purveyors\n  A purveyor of goods or services is a person or company that provides them. (FORMAL)\n...purveyors of gourmet foods.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n  = supplier


Words: purview
Meaning:
pur.view\n   purview\n  The purview of something such as an organization or activity is the range of things it deals with. (FORMAL)\nThat, however, was beyond the purview of the court; it was a diplomatic matter.\n  N-SING: usu N of n


Words: push
Meaning:
push  pushes  pushing  pushed\n1. When you push something, you use force to make it move away from you or away from its previous position.\nThe woman pushed back her chair and stood up...\nThey pushed him into the car.\n...a woman pushing a pushchair...\nHe put both hands flat on the door and pushed as hard as he could...\nWhen there was no reply, he pushed the door open.\n  VERB: V n with adv, V n prep, V n, V, V n adj\n\n  Push is also a noun.\nHe gave me a sharp push...\nInformation is called up at the push of a button.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n2. If you push through things that are blocking your way or push your way through them, you use force in order to move past them.\nI pushed through the crowds and on to the escalator...\nHe pushed his way towards her, laughing.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V way prep/adv\n\n3. If an army pushes into a country or area that it is attacking or invading, it moves further into it.\nOne detachment pushed into the eastern suburbs towards the airfield...\nThe army may push southwards into the Kurdish areas.\n  VERB: V into n, V adv into n\n  = advance\n  Push is also a noun.\nAll that was needed was one final push, and the enemy would be vanquished once and for all.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n4. To push a value or amount up or down means to cause it to increase or decrease.\nAny shortage could push up grain prices...\nInterest had pushed the loan up to $27,000.\n  VERB: V n with adv, V n prep\n\n5. If someone or something pushes an idea or project in a particular direction, they cause it to develop or progress in a particular way.\nWe are continuing to push the business forward...\nThe government seemed intent on pushing local and central government in opposite directions.\n  VERB: V n with adv, V n prep\n\n6. If you push someone to do something or push them into doing it, you encourage or force them to do it.\nShe thanks her parents for keeping her in school and pushing her to study...\nJames did not push her into stealing the money...\nI knew he was pushing himself to the limit and felt rather anxious...\nThere is no point in pushing them unless they are talented and they enjoy it.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, V n into -ing, V n prep/adv, V n\n\n  Push is also a noun.\nWe need a push to take the first step.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n7. If you push for something, you try very hard to achieve it or to persuade someone to do it.\nBritain’s health experts are pushing for a ban on all cigarette advertising...\nGermany is pushing for direct flights to be established.\n  VERB: V for n, V for n to-inf\n\n  Push is also a noun.\nIn its push for economic growth it has ignored projects that would improve living standards...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n8. If someone pushes an idea, a point, or a product, they try in a forceful way to convince people to accept it or buy it.\nMinisters will push the case for opening the plant...\n  VERB: V n\n\n9. When someone pushes drugs, they sell them illegally. (INFORMAL)\nShe was sent for trial yesterday accused of pushing drugs.\n  VERB: V n\n  = deal\n10.\n  see also pushed, pushing\n11. If you get the push or are given the push, you are told that you are not wanted any more, either in your job or by someone you are having a relationship with. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nTwo cabinet ministers also got the push.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n12.\nto push the boat out: see boat\nto push your luck: see luck\nif push comes to shove: see shove


Words: push ahead
Meaning:
push ahead   or push forward\n  If you push ahead or push forward with something, you make progress with it.\nThe government intends to push ahead with its reform programme.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P with n


Words: push around
Meaning:
push around\n  If someone pushes you around, they give you orders in a rude and insulting way. (INFORMAL)\nWe don’t like somebody coming in with lots of money and trying to push people around.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P


Words: push bike
Meaning:
push bike  push bikes\n  A push bike is a bicycle which you move by turning the pedals with your feet. (BRIT OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: push in
Meaning:
push in\n  When someone pushes in, they unfairly join a queue or line in front of other people who have been waiting longer.\nNina pushed in next to Liddie.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: push on
Meaning:
push on\n  When you push on, you continue with a journey or task.\nAlthough the journey was a long and lonely one, Tumalo pushed on.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: push over
Meaning:
push over\n  If you push someone or something over, you push them so that they fall onto the ground.\nPeople have damaged hedges and pushed over walls...\nAnna is always attacking other children, pushing them over.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n  see also pushover


Words: push through
Meaning:
push through\n  If someone pushes through a law, they succeed in getting it accepted although some people oppose it.\nThe vote will enable the Prime Minister to push through tough policies...\nHe tried to push the amendment through Parliament.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P n


Words: push-button
Meaning:
push-button\n  A push-button machine or process is controlled by means of buttons or switches.\n...push-button phones.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: push-up
Meaning:
push-up  push-ups\n  Push-ups are exercises to strengthen your arms and chest muscles. They are done by lying with your face towards the floor and pushing with your hands to raise your body until your arms are straight. (AM; in BRIT, use press-ups)\n  N-COUNT


Words: pushcart
Meaning:
push.cart\n   pushcart  pushcarts\n  A pushcart is a cart from which fruit or other goods are sold in the street. (AM; in BRIT, use barrow)\n  N-COUNT


Words: pushchair
Meaning:
push.chair\n   pushchair  pushchairs\n  A pushchair is a small chair on wheels, in which a baby or small child can sit and be wheeled around. (BRIT; in AM, use stroller)\n  N-COUNT


Words: pushed
Meaning:
pushed\n1. If you are pushed for something such as time or money, you do not have enough of it. (BRIT INFORMAL; in AM, use pressed for)\nHe’s going to be a bit pushed for money.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ for n\n\n2. If you are hard pushed to do something, you find it very difficult to do it. (BRIT)\nI’d be hard pushed to teach him anything.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = hard-pressed


Words: pusher
Meaning:
push.er\n   pusher  pushers\n  A pusher is a person who sells illegal drugs. (INFORMAL)\nHe was accused of acting as a carrier for drug pushers.\n  N-COUNT\n  = dealer


Words: pushing
Meaning:
push.ing\n   pushing\n  If you say that someone is pushing a particular age, you mean that they are nearly that age. (INFORMAL)\nPushing 40, he was an ageing rock star.\n  PREP\n  = almost, going on


Words: pushover
Meaning:
push.over\n   pushover  pushovers\n1. You say that someone is a pushover when you find it easy to persuade them to do what you want. (INFORMAL)\nHe is a tough negotiator. We did not expect to find him a pushover and he has not been one.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You say that something is a pushover when it is easy to do or easy to get. (INFORMAL)\nYou might think Hungarian a pushover to learn. It is not.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n  = doddle


Words: pushy
Meaning:
pushy  pushier  pushiest\n  If you describe someone as pushy, you mean that they try in a forceful way to get things done as they would like or to increase their status or influence. (INFORMAL)\nShe was a confident and pushy young woman...\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: pusillanimous
Meaning:
pu.sil.lani.mous\n   pusillanimous\n  If you say that someone is pusillanimous, you mean that they are timid or afraid. (FORMAL)\nThe authorities have been too pusillanimous in merely condemning the violence.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = cowardly  !=valiant


Words: pussy
Meaning:
pussy  pussies\n1. Pussy is a child’s word for a cat.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Some people use pussy to refer to a woman’s genitals. (INFORMAL, VERY RUDE)\n  N-COUNT


Words: pussycat
Meaning:
pussy.cat\n   pussycat  pussycats\n1. Children or people talking to children often refer to a cat as a pussycat.\n  N-COUNT\n  = pussy\n2. If you describe someone as a pussycat, you think that they are kind and gentle.\n  N-COUNT\n  = sweetie


Words: pussyfoot
Meaning:
pussy.foot\n   pussyfoot  pussyfoots  pussyfooting  pussyfooted\n  If you say that someone is pussyfooting around, you are criticizing them for behaving in a too cautious way because they are not sure what to do and are afraid to commit themselves.\nWhy don’t they stop pussyfooting around and say what they really mean?\n  VERB: V around/about, also V  disapproval


Words: pustule
Meaning:
pus.tule\n   pustule  pustules\n  A pustule is a small infected swelling on the skin. (MEDICAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = boil


Words: put
Meaning:
put  puts  putting\n\n  The form put is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. Put is used in a large number of expressions which are explained under other words in this dictionary. For example, the expression to put someone in the picture is explained at picture.\n\n1. When you put something in a particular place or position, you move it into that place or position.\nLeaphorn put the photograph on the desk...\nShe hesitated, then put her hand on Grace’s arm...\nMishka put down a heavy shopping bag.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv, V n with adv\n\n2. If you put someone somewhere, you cause them to go there and to stay there for a period of time.\nRather than put him in the hospital, she had been caring for him at home...\nI’d put the children to bed.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv\n\n3. To put someone or something in a particular state or situation means to cause them to be in that state or situation.\nThis is going to put them out of business...\nHe was putting himself at risk...\nMy doctor put me in touch with a psychiatrist...\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv, V n prep/adv\n\n4. To put something on people or things means to cause them to have it, or to cause them to be affected by it.\nThe ruling will put extra pressure on health authorities to change working practices and shorten hours...\nThey will also force schools to put more emphasis on teaching basic subjects.\n  VERB: V n on n, V n on n\n  = place\n5. If you put your trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something, you trust them or have faith or confidence in them.\nHow much faith should we put in anti-ageing products?\n  VERB: V n in n\n  = place\n6. If you put time, strength, or energy into an activity, you use it in doing that activity.\nEleanor did not put much energy into the discussion.\n  VERB: V n into n/-ing\n\n7. If you put money into a business or project, you invest money in it.\nInvestors should consider putting some money into an annuity...\n  VERB: V n into n\n\n8. When you put an idea or remark in a particular way, you express it in that way. You can use expressions like to put it simply and to put it bluntly before saying something when you want to explain how you are going to express it.\nI had already met Pete a couple of times through.how should I put it.friends in low places...\nHe doesn’t, to put it very bluntly, give a damn about the woman or the baby...\nHe admitted the security forces might have made some mistakes, as he put it...\nYou can’t put that sort of fear into words.\n  VERB: V it adv/prep, V it adv/prep, V it, V n into n\n\n9. When you put a question to someone, you ask them the question.\nIs this fair? Well, I put that question today to Deputy Counsel Craig Gillen...\nHe thinks that some workers may be afraid to put questions publicly.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n adv\n\n10. If you put a case, opinion, or proposal, you explain it and list the reasons why you support or believe it.\nHe always put his point of view with clarity and with courage...\nHe put the case to the Saudi Foreign Minister...\n  VERB: V n, V n to n\n  = present\n11. If you put something at a particular value or in a particular category, you consider that it has that value or that it belongs in that category.\nI would put her age at about 50 or so...\nAll the more technically advanced countries put a high value on science...\nIt is not easy to put the guilty and innocent into clear-cut categories.\n  VERB: V n at amount, V n on n, V n into n\n\n12. If you put written information somewhere, you write, type, or print it there.\nMary’s family were so pleased that they put an announcement in the local paper to thank them...\nHe crossed out `Screenplay’ and put `Written by’ instead.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n\n\n13. If you put it to someone that something is true, you suggest that it is true, especially when you think that they will be unwilling to admit this.\nBut I put it to you that they’re useless...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n(next)


Words: put .1
Meaning:
14. If you say that something is bigger or better than several other things put together, you mean that it is bigger or has more good qualities than all of those other things if they are added together.\nLondon has more pubs and clubs than the rest of the country put together.\n  PHRASE: n PHR


Words: put about
Meaning:
put about\n  If you put something about, you tell it to people that you meet and cause it to become well-known. (The forms put around and put round are also used in British English. mainly BRIT)\nModerates are putting it about that people shouldn’t take the things said at the Republican Convention too seriously...\nThe King had been putting about lurid rumours for months.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V it P that, V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: put across
Meaning:
put across   or put over\n  When you put something across or put it over, you succeed in describing or explaining it to someone.\nHe has taken out a half-page advertisement in his local paper to put his point across...\nThis is actually a very entertaining book putting over serious health messages...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = get across


Words: put aside
Meaning:
put aside\n1. If you put something aside, you keep it to be dealt with or used at a later time.\nShe took up a slice of bread, broke it nervously, then put it aside...\nEncourage children to put aside some of their pocket-money to buy Christmas presents.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If you put a feeling or disagreement aside, you forget about it or ignore it in order to solve a problem or argument.\nWe should put aside our differences and discuss the things we have in common...\nWe admitted that the attraction was there, but decided that we would put the feelings aside.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = forget about


Words: put away
Meaning:
put away\n1. If you put something away, you put it into the place where it is normally kept when it is not being used, for example in a drawer.\nShe finished putting the milk away and turned around...\n`Yes, Mum,’ replied Cheryl as she slowly put away her doll...\nHer bed was crisply made, her clothes put away.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron), V-ed P\n\n2. If someone is put away, they are sent to prison or to a mental hospital for a long time. (INFORMAL)\nHe’s an animal! He should be put away...\nHis testimony could put Drago away for life.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V n P


Words: put back
Meaning:
put back\n  To put something back means to delay it or arrange for it to happen later than you previously planned. (mainly BRIT)\nThere are always new projects which seem to put the reunion back further...\nNews conferences due to be held by both men have been put back.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, be V-ed P, also V P n (not pron)\n  = delay


