# dict

Words: alongside
Meaning:
along.side\n   alongside\n1. If one thing is alongside another thing, the first thing is next to the second.\nHe crossed the street and walked alongside Central Park...\nMuch of the industry was located alongside rivers.\n  PREP\n\n  Alongside is also an adverb.\nHe waited several minutes for a car to pull up alongside.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. If you work alongside other people, you all work together in the same place.\nHe had worked alongside Frank and Mark and they had become friends...\n  PREP\n\n3. If one thing exists or develops alongside another, the two things exist or develop together at the same time.\nHer self-confidence will develop alongside her technique...\n  PREP\n  = together with


Words: aloof
Meaning:
aloof\n1. Someone who is aloof is not very friendly and does not like to spend time with other people.\nHe seemed aloof and detached.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ  disapproval\n  = distant\n2. If someone stays aloof from something, they do not become involved with it. (FORMAL)\nThe Government is keeping aloof from the controversy...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ from n


Words: aloud
Meaning:
aloud\n1. When you say something, read, or laugh aloud, you speak or laugh so that other people can hear you.\nWhen we were children, our father read aloud to us...\n`You fool,’ he said aloud.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  !=silently\n2. If you think aloud, you express your thoughts as they occur to you, rather than thinking first and then speaking.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: alpaca
Meaning:
al.paca\n   alpaca  alpacas\n1. Alpaca is a type of soft wool.\n...a light-grey alpaca suit.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. Alpacas are South American animals similar to llamas. Their hair is the source of alpaca wool.\n  N-COUNT


Words: alphabet
Meaning:
al.pha.bet\n   alphabet  alphabets\n  An alphabet is a set of letters usually presented in a fixed order which is used for writing the words of a particular language or group of languages.\nThe modern Russian alphabet has 31 letters...\nBy two and a half he knew the alphabet.\n  N-COUNT


Words: alphabetical
Meaning:
al.pha.beti.cal\n   alphabetical\n  Alphabetical means arranged according to the normal order of the letters in the alphabet.\nTheir herbs and spices are arranged in alphabetical order.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  al.pha.beti.cal.ly\nThe catalog is organized alphabetically by label name.\n  ADV


Words: alpine
Meaning:
al.pine\n   alpine  alpines\n1. Alpine means existing in or relating to mountains, especially the ones in Switzerland.\n...grassy, alpine meadows.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Alpines are small flowering plants that grow high up on mountains and are sometimes grown in gardens. There are many different types of alpines.\n  N-COUNT


Words: already
Meaning:
al.ready\n   already\n1. You use already to show that something has happened, or that something had happened before the moment you are referring to. Speakers of British English use already with a verb in a perfect tense, putting it after `have’, `has’, or `had’, or at the end of a clause. Some speakers of American English use already with the simple past tense of the verb instead of a perfect tense.\nThey had already voted for him at the first ballot...\nI already told you not to come over...\nThey’ve spent nearly a billion dollars on it already.\n  ADV: ADV before v, cl ADV\n\n2. You use already to show that a situation exists at this present moment or that it exists at an earlier time than expected. You use already after the verb `be’ or an auxiliary verb, or before a verb if there is no auxiliary. When you want add emphasis, you can put already at the beginning of a sentence.\nThe authorities believe those security measures are already paying off...\nHe was already rich...\nGet 10% off our already low prices!...\nAlready, he has a luxurious villa in Formello.\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV with group


Words: Alsatian
Meaning:
Al.sa.tian\n   Alsatian  Alsatians\n  An Alsatian is a large, usually fierce dog that is often used to guard buildings or by the police to help them find criminals. (BRIT; in AM, use German shepherd)\n  N-COUNT\n  = German shepherd


Words: also
Meaning:
also\n1. You can use also to give more information about a person or thing, or to add another relevant fact.\nIt is the work of Ivor Roberts-Jones, who also produced the statue of Churchill in Parliament Square...\nHe is an asthmatic who was also anaemic...\nShe has a reputation for brilliance. Also, she is gorgeous.\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV with cl/group\n\n2. You can use also to indicate that something you have just said about one person or thing is true of another person or thing.\nHis father, also a top-ranking officer, had perished during the war...\nWe have been working very hard, and our families have also worked hard...\nNot only cancer, but also heart and lung disease are influenced by smoking.\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV with group


Words: also-ran
Meaning:
also-ran  also-rans\n  If you describe someone as an also-ran, you mean that they have been or are likely to be unsuccessful in a contest.\n  N-COUNT


Words: altar boy
Meaning:
al.tar boy\n   altar boy  altar boys\n  In the Roman Catholic church, an altar boy is a boy who helps the priest during Mass.\n  N-COUNT


Words: altarpiece
Meaning:
altar.piece\n   altarpiece  altarpieces\n  An altarpiece is a work of art behind the altar in a church.\n  N-COUNT


Words: alter
Meaning:
al.ter\n   alter  alters  altering  altered\n  If something alters or if you alter it, it changes.\nLittle had altered in the village...\nThey have never altered their programmes by a single day.\n  VERB: V, V n\n  = change


Words: alter ego
Meaning:
al.ter ego\n   alter ego  alter egos\n1. Your alter ego is the other side of your personality from the one which people normally see.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. You can describe the character that an actor usually plays on television or in films as his or her alter ego.\nBarry Humphries’s alter ego Dame Edna has taken the US by storm.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: alteration
Meaning:
al.tera.tion\n   alteration  alterations\n1. An alteration is a change in or to something.\nMaking some simple alterations to your diet will make you feel fitter...\n  N-COUNT: usu N to/in/of n\n  = change\n2. The alteration of something is the process of changing it.\nHer jacket was at the boutique waiting for alteration.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: altercation
Meaning:
al.ter.ca.tion\n   altercation  altercations\n  An altercation is a noisy argument or disagreement. (FORMAL)\nI had a slight altercation with some people who objected to our filming.\n  N-COUNT: oft N with/between n\n  = dispute


Words: alternate
Meaning:
al.ter.nate\n   alternate alternates alternating  alternated\nThe verb is pronounced   The adjective and noun are pronounced\n1. When you alternate two things, you keep using one then the other. When one thing alternates with another, the first regularly occurs after the other.\nHer aggressive moods alternated with gentle or more co-operative states...\nThe three acts will alternate as headliners throughout the tour...\nNow you just alternate layers of that mixture and eggplant...\nThe band alternated romantic love songs with bouncy dance numbers.\n  V-RECIP: V between/with n, pl-n V, V pl-n, V n with n\n\n=>  al.ter.na.tion      alternations\nThe alternation of sun and snow continued for the rest of our holiday.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Alternate actions, events, or processes regularly occur after each other.\nThey were streaked with alternate bands of colour.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  al.ter.nate.ly\nHe could alternately bully and charm people...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n3. If something happens on alternate days, it happens on one day, then happens on every second day after that. In the same way, something can happen in alternate weeks, years, or other periods of time.\nLesley had agreed to Jim going skiing in alternate years.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. You use alternate to describe a plan, idea, or system which is different from the one already in operation and can be used instead of it.\nHis group was forced to turn back and take an alternate route.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = alternative\n5. An alternate is a person or thing that replaces another, and can act or be used instead of them. (AM)\nIn most jurisdictions, twelve jurors and two alternates are chosen...\n  N-COUNT\n  = substitute\n6. Alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative in meanings 3, 4, and 5.\n...an alternate lifestyle.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: alternating current
Meaning:
al.ter.nat.ing cur.rent\n   alternating current  alternating currents\n  An alternating current is an electric current that continually changes direction as it flows. The abbreviation AC is also used.\n  N-VAR


Words: alternative
Meaning:
al.ter.na.tive\n   alternative  alternatives\n\n  The form alternate is sometimes used, especially in American English, instead of alternative in meanings 3, 4, and 5.\n\n1. If one thing is an alternative to another, the first can be found, used, or done instead of the second.\nNew ways to treat arthritis may provide an alternative to painkillers.\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n\n\n2. An alternative plan or offer is different from the one that you already have, and can be done or used instead.\nThere were alternative methods of travel available...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = other, alternate\n3. Alternative is used to describe something that is different from the usual things of its kind, or the usual ways of doing something, in modern Western society. For example, an alternative lifestyle does not follow conventional ways of living and working.\n...unconventional parents who embraced the alternative lifestyle of the Sixties...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=conventional\n4. Alternative medicine uses traditional ways of curing people, such as medicines made from plants, massage, and acupuncture.\n...alternative health care.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n5. Alternative energy uses natural sources of energy such as the sun, wind, or water for power and fuel, rather than oil, coal, or nuclear power.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: alternatively
Meaning:
al.ter.na.tive.ly\n   alternatively\n  You use alternatively to introduce a suggestion or to mention something different to what has just been stated.\nAllow about eight hours for the drive from Calais. Alternatively, you can fly to Brive.\n  ADV: ADV with cl


Words: alternator
Meaning:
al.ter.na.tor\n   alternator  alternators\n  An alternator is a device, used especially in a car, that creates an electrical current that changes direction as it flows.\n  N-COUNT


Words: although
Meaning:
al.though\n   although\n1. You use although to introduce a subordinate clause which contains a statement which contrasts with the statement in the main clause.\nAlthough he is known to only a few, his reputation among them is very great...\nAlthough the shooting has stopped for now, the destruction left behind is enormous.\n  CONJ\n\n2. You use although to introduce a subordinate clause which contains a statement which makes the main clause of the sentence seem surprising or unexpected.\nAlthough I was only six, I can remember seeing it on TV...\n  CONJ\n  = though\n3. You use although to introduce a subordinate clause which gives some information that is relevant to the main clause but modifies the strength of that statement.\nHe was in love with her, although he did not put that name to it.\n  CONJ\n  = though\n4. You use although when admitting a fact about something which you regard as less important than a contrasting fact.\nAlthough they’re expensive, they last forever and never go out of style...\n  CONJ


Words: altimeter
Meaning:
al.time.ter\n   altimeter  altimeters\n  An altimeter is an instrument in an aircraft that shows the height of the aircraft above the ground.\n  N-COUNT


Words: altitude
Meaning:
al.ti.tude\n   altitude  altitudes\n  If something is at a particular altitude, it is at that height above sea level.\nThe aircraft had reached its cruising altitude of about 39,000 feet...\n  N-VAR: oft N of n


Words: alto
Meaning:
alto  altos\n1. An alto is a woman who has a low singing voice.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n  = contralto\n2. An alto or male alto is a man who has the highest male singing voice.\n  N-COUNT\n  = counter-tenor\n3. An alto musical instrument has a range of notes of medium pitch.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: altogether
Meaning:
al.to.geth.er\n   altogether\n1. You use altogether to emphasize that something has stopped, been done, or finished completely.\nWhen Artie stopped calling altogether, Julie found a new man...\nHis tour may have to be cancelled altogether...\n  ADV: ADV after v  emphasis\n\n2. You use altogether in front of an adjective or adverb to emphasize a quality that someone or something has.\nThe choice of language is altogether different...\nToday’s celebrations have been altogether more sedate...\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv  emphasis\n\n3. You use altogether to modify a negative statement and make it less forceful.\nWe were not altogether sure that the comet would miss the Earth...\n  ADV: with neg, ADV group\n\n4. You can use altogether to introduce a summary of what you have been saying.\nAltogether, it was a delightful town garden, peaceful and secluded.\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n\n5. If several amounts add up to a particular amount altogether, that amount is their total.\nBritain has a dozen warships in the area, with a total of five thousand military personnel altogether...\n  ADV: ADV with amount


Words: altruism
Meaning:
al.tru.ism\n   altruism\n  Altruism is unselfish concern for other people’s happiness and welfare.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: altruistic
Meaning:
al.tru.is.tic\n   altruistic\n  If your behaviour or motives are altruistic, you show concern for the happiness and welfare of other people rather than for yourself.\n  ADJ\n  = selfless  !=selfish


Words: aluminium
Meaning:
alu.min.ium\n   aluminium\n  Aluminium is a lightweight metal used, for example, for making cooking equipment and aircraft parts. (BRIT; in AM, use aluminum)\n...aluminium cans.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: alumnus
Meaning:
alum.nus\n   alumnus  alumni\n  The alumni of a school, college, or university are the people who used to be students there. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: always
Meaning:
al.ways\n   always\n1. If you always do something, you do it whenever a particular situation occurs. If you always did something, you did it whenever a particular situation occurred.\nWhenever I get into a relationship, I always fall madly in love...\nShe’s always late for everything...\nWe’ve always done it this way...\nAlways lock your garage.\n  ADV: ADV before v\n  !=never\n2. If something is always the case, was always the case, or will always be the case, it is, was, or will be the case all the time, continuously.\nWe will always remember his generous hospitality...\nHe was always cheerful.\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV group\n  !=never\n3. If you say that something is always happening, especially something which annoys you, you mean that it happens repeatedly.\nShe was always moving things around.\n  ADV: ADV before v-cont\n  = forever\n4. You use always in expressions such as can always or could always when you are making suggestions or suggesting an alternative approach or method.\nIf you can’t find any decent apples, you can always try growing them yourself...\n  ADV: can/could ADV inf\n\n5. You can say that someone always was, for example, awkward or lucky to indicate that you are not surprised about what they are doing or have just done.\nShe’s going to be fine. She always was pretty strong...\n  ADV: ADV before v


Words: Alzheimer’s disease
Meaning:
Alzheimer’s dis.ease\n  or Alzheimer’s\n  Alzheimer’s disease is a condition in which a person’s brain gradually stops working properly.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: AM
Meaning:
AM  AMs\n  An AM is a member of the Welsh Assembly. AM is an abbreviation for `assembly member’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: am
Meaning:
am  WEAK   STRONG\n  Am is the first person singular of the present tense of be. Am is often shortened to ’m in spoken English. The negative forms are `I am not’ and `I’m not’. In questions and tags in spoken English, these are usually changed to `aren’t I’.


Words: amalgam
Meaning:
amalgam  amalgams\n  Something that is an amalgam of two or more things is a mixture of them.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of pl-n\n  = mixture


Words: amalgamate
Meaning:
amal.gam.ate\n   amalgamate  amalgamates  amalgamating  amalgamated\n  When two or more things, especially organizations, amalgamate or are amalgamated, they become one large thing.\nThe firm has amalgamated with an American company...\nThe chemical companies had amalgamated into a vast conglomerate...\nThe Visitors’ Centre amalgamates the traditions of the Old World with the technology of the New.\n  V-RECIP: V with/into n, pl-n V, V n with/into n\n  = merge\n=>  amal.gama.tion      amalgamations\nAthletics South Africa was formed by an amalgamation of two organisations.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n  = merger


Words: amass
Meaning:
amass  amasses  amassing  amassed\n  If you amass something such as money or information, you gradually get a lot of it.\nHow had he amassed his fortune?\n  VERB: V n\n  = accumulate, accrue


Words: amateur
Meaning:
ama.teur\n   amateur  amateurs\n1. An amateur is someone who does something as a hobby and not as a job.\nJerry is an amateur who dances because he feels like it...\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n  !=professional\n2. Amateur sports or activities are done by people as a hobby and not as a job.\n...the local amateur dramatics society...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: amateurish
Meaning:
ama.teur.ish\n   amateurish\n  If you describe something as amateurish, you think that it is not skilfully made or done.\nThe paintings looked amateurish.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: amateurism
Meaning:
ama.teur.ism\n   amateurism\n  Amateurism is the belief that people should take part in sports and other activities as a hobby, for pleasure, rather than as a job, for money.\nHe is a staunch supporter of amateurism.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=professionalism


Words: amaze
Meaning:
amaze  amazes  amazing  amazed\n  If something amazes you, it surprises you very much.\nHe amazed us by his knowledge of Welsh history...\nThe Riverside Restaurant promises a variety of food that never ceases to amaze!\n  VERB: V n, V\n  = astonish\n=>  amazed\nHe said most of the cast was amazed by the play’s success...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = astonished


Words: amazement
Meaning:
amaze.ment\n   amazement\n  Amazement is the feeling you have when something surprises you very much.\nI stared at her in amazement.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N\n  = astonishment


Words: amazing
Meaning:
amaz.ing\n   amazing\n  You say that something is amazing when it is very surprising and makes you feel pleasure, approval, or wonder.\nIt’s amazing what we can remember with a little prompting...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ wh/that\n  = astonishing\n=>  amaz.ing.ly\nShe was an amazingly good cook.\n  ADV


Words: Amazon
Meaning:
Ama.zon\n   Amazon  Amazons\n1. In Greek mythology, the Amazons were a tribe of women who were very good at fighting.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. People sometimes refer to a tall, strong woman as an Amazon.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Amazonian
Meaning:
Ama.zo.nian\n   Amazonian\n1. Amazonian means related to the area around the river Amazon.\n...the Amazonian rainforest.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. People sometimes describe a tall, strong woman as Amazonian.\n...an Amazonian blonde.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. Amazonian means belonging to or connected with the Amazons in Greek mythology.\n...Amazonian queens.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: ambassador
Meaning:
am.bas.sa.dor\n   ambassador  ambassadors\n  An ambassador is an important official who lives in a foreign country and represents his or her own country’s interests there.\n...the German ambassador to Poland.\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N, N to n


Words: ambassadorial
Meaning:
am.bas.sa.dor.ial\n   ambassadorial\n  Ambassadorial means belonging or relating to an ambassador.\n...an ambassadorial post.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: amber
Meaning:
am.ber\n   amber\n1. Amber is a hard yellowish-brown substance used for making jewellery.\n...an amber choker with matching earrings.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n\n\n2. Amber is used to describe things that are yellowish-brown in colour.\n  COLOUR: usu COLOUR n\n\n3. An amber traffic light is orange.\nCars did not stop when the lights were on amber.\n  COLOUR


Words: ambidextrous
Meaning:
am.bi.dex.trous\n   ambidextrous\n  Someone who is ambidextrous can use both their right hand and their left hand equally skilfully.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: ambience
Meaning:
am.bi.ence\n   ambience   also ambiance\n  The ambience of a place is the character and atmosphere that it seems to have. (LITERARY)\nThe overall ambience of the room is cosy.\n  N-SING: also no det, oft N of n\n  = atmosphere


Words: ambient
Meaning:
am.bi.ent\n   ambient\n1. The ambient temperature is the temperature of the air above the ground in a particular place. (TECHNICAL)\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Ambient sound or light is the sound or light which is all around you. (TECHNICAL)\n...ambient sounds of children in the background.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: ambiguity
Meaning:
am.bi.gu.ity\n   ambiguity  ambiguities\n  If you say that there is ambiguity in something, you mean that it is unclear or confusing, or it can be understood in more than one way.\nThere is considerable ambiguity about what this part of the agreement actually means.\n  N-VAR


Words: ambiguous
Meaning:
am.bigu.ous\n   ambiguous\n1. If you describe something as ambiguous, you mean that it is unclear or confusing because it can be understood in more than one way.\nThis agreement is very ambiguous and open to various interpretations...\n  ADJ\n  = vague  !=clear\n=>  am.bigu.ous.ly\nZaire’s national conference on democracy ended ambiguously.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj\n\n2. If you describe something as ambiguous, you mean that it contains several different ideas or attitudes that do not fit well together.\nStudents have ambiguous feelings about their role in the world.\n  ADJ


Words: ambit
Meaning:
am.bit\n   ambit\n  The ambit of something is its range or extent. (FORMAL)\nHer case falls within the ambit of moral law.\n  N-SING: usu with poss\n  = scope


Words: ambition
Meaning:
am.bi.tion\n   ambition  ambitions\n1. If you have an ambition to do or achieve something, you want very much to do it or achieve it.\nHis ambition is to sail round the world...\n  N-COUNT: oft N to-inf\n  = goal\n2. Ambition is the desire to be successful, rich, or powerful.\nEven when I was young I never had any ambition.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ambitious
Meaning:
am.bi.tious\n   ambitious\n1. Someone who is ambitious has a strong desire to be successful, rich, or powerful.\nChris is so ambitious, so determined to do it all...\n  ADJ\n\n2. An ambitious idea or plan is on a large scale and needs a lot of work to be carried out successfully.\nThe ambitious project was completed in only nine months...\n  ADJ


Words: ambivalent
Meaning:
am.biva.lent\n   ambivalent\n  If you say that someone is ambivalent about something, they seem to be uncertain whether they really want it, or whether they really approve of it.\nShe remained ambivalent about her marriage...\n  ADJ\n  = unsure\n=>  am.biva.lence      ambivalences\nI’ve never lied about my feelings, including my ambivalence about getting married again.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft N about/towards n


Words: amble
Meaning:
am.ble\n   amble  ambles  ambling  ambled\n  When you amble, you walk slowly and in a relaxed manner.\nSlowly they ambled back to the car.\n  VERB: V adv/prep\n  = stroll


Words: ambulance
Meaning:
am.bu.lance\n   ambulance  ambulances\n  An ambulance is a vehicle for taking people to and from hospital.\n  N-COUNT: also by N


Words: ambulanceman
Meaning:
am.bu.lance.man\n   ambulanceman  ambulancemen\n  An ambulanceman is a man who drives an ambulance or takes care of people in an ambulance on the way to hospital. (BRIT; in AM, use ambulance driver)\n  N-COUNT


Words: ambush
Meaning:
am.bush\n   ambush  ambushes  ambushing  ambushed\n1. If a group of people ambush their enemies, they attack them after hiding and waiting for them.\nThe Guatemalan army says rebels ambushed and killed 10 patrolmen.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. An ambush is an attack on someone by people who have been hiding and waiting for them.\nA policeman has been shot dead in an ambush.\n  N-VAR\n\n3. If someone is lying in ambush, they are hiding and waiting for someone, usually to attack them.\nThe gunmen, lying in ambush, opened fire, killing the driver.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: ameliorate
Meaning:
ame.lio.rate\n   ameliorate  ameliorates  ameliorating  ameliorated\n  If someone or something ameliorates a situation, they make it better or easier in some way. (FORMAL)\n  VERB\n  = alleviate  !=exacerbate


Words: amenable
Meaning:
ame.nable\n   amenable\n  If you are amenable to something, you are willing to do it or accept it.\nThe Jordanian leader seemed amenable to attending a conference...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n/-ing\n  = agreeable


Words: amend
Meaning:
amend  amends  amending  amended\n1. If you amend something that has been written such as a law, or something that is said, you change it in order to improve it or make it more accurate.\nThe president agreed to amend the constitution and allow multi-party elections...\n...the amended version of the Act.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  = revise\n2. If you make amends when you have harmed someone, you show that you are sorry by doing something to please them.\nHe wanted to make amends for causing their marriage to fail.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR for n/-ing


Words: amendment
Meaning:
amend.ment\n   amendment  amendments\n1. An amendment is a section that is added to a law or rule in order to change it.\n...an amendment to the defense bill.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. An amendment is a change that is made to a piece of writing.\n  N-COUNT\n  = alteration


Words: amenity
Meaning:
amen.ity\n   amenity  amenities\n  Amenities are things such as shopping centres or sports facilities that are provided for people’s convenience, enjoyment, or comfort.\nThe hotel amenities include health clubs, conference facilities, and banqueting rooms.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = facility


Words: Amerasian
Meaning:
Am.er.asian\n   Amerasian  Amerasians\n  People who have one American parent and one Asian parent are sometimes referred to as Amerasians.\n...discrimination against Amerasians in Vietnam.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Amerasian is also an adjective.\n...an Amerasian boy.\n  ADJ


Words: American
Meaning:
Ameri.can\n   American  Americans\n  An American person or thing belongs to or comes from the United States of America.\n...the American Ambassador at the United Nations.\n...the influence of American television and movies.\n  ADJ\n\n  see also Latin American\n  An American is someone who is American.\nThe 1990 Nobel Prize for medicine was won by two Americans.\n  N-COUNT


Words: American football
Meaning:
Ameri.can foot.ball\n   American football  American footballs\n1. American football is a game similar to rugby that is played by two teams of eleven players using an oval-shaped ball. Players try to score points by carrying the ball to their opponents’ end of the field, or by kicking it over a bar fixed between two posts. (BRIT; in AM, use football)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An American football is an oval-shaped ball used for playing American football. (BRIT; in AM, use football)\n  N-COUNT


Words: American Indian
Meaning:
Ameri.can In.dian\n   American Indian  American Indians\n  American Indian people or things belong to or come from one of the native peoples of America. (mainly BRIT)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  An American Indian is someone who is American Indian. (in AM, use Indian, Native American)\n  N-COUNT


Words: Americana
Meaning:
Ameri.ca.na\n   Americana\n  Objects that come from or relate to America are referred to as Americana, especially when they are in a collection.\n...1950s Americana.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Americanism
Meaning:
Ameri.can.ism\n   Americanism  Americanisms\n  An Americanism is an expression that is typical of people living in the United States of America.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Americanization
Meaning:
Ameri.cani.za.tion\n   Americanization\nin BRIT, also use Americanisation\n  Americanization is the process by which people or countries become more and more similar to Americans and the United States.\n...the Americanization of French culture.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Americanized
Meaning:
Ameri.can.ized\n   Americanized\nin BRIT, also use Americanised\n  If someone is Americanized, they do things in a way that is typical of the United States.\nHe is getting much too Americanized.\n  ADJ


Words: amethyst
Meaning:
am.ethyst\n   amethyst  amethysts\n1. Amethysts are clear purple stones, sometimes used to make jewellery.\nThe necklace consisted of amethysts set in gold.\n...rows of amethyst beads...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Amethyst is used to describe things that are pale purple in colour.\n...as the colours changed from green to amethyst.\n...amethyst glass.\n  COLOUR


Words: amiability
Meaning:
ami.abil.ity\n   amiability\n  Amiability is the quality of being friendly and pleasant. (WRITTEN)\nI found his amiability charming.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = friendliness


Words: amiable
Meaning:
ami.able\n   amiable\n  Someone who is amiable is friendly and pleasant to be with. (WRITTEN)\n  ADJ\n  = friendly\n=>  ami.ably\nWe chatted amiably about old friends.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: amicable
Meaning:
ami.cable\n   amicable\n  When people have an amicable relationship, they are pleasant to each other and solve their problems without quarrelling.\nThe meeting ended on reasonably amicable terms...\n  ADJ\n  = friendly  !=hostile\n=>  ami.cably\nHe hoped the dispute could be settled amicably.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: amid
Meaning:
amid\n\n  The form amidst is also used, but is more literary.\n\n1. If something happens amid noises or events of some kind, it happens while the other things are happening.\nA senior leader cancelled a trip to Britain yesterday amid growing signs of a possible political crisis...\n  PREP\n\n2. If something is amid other things, it is surrounded by them. (LITERARY)\n  PREP


Words: amidships
Meaning:
amid.ships\n   amidships\n  Amidships means halfway along the length of a ship.\nThe ferry hit us amidships.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: amino acid
Meaning:
ami.no acid\n   amino acid  amino acids\n  Amino acids are substances containing nitrogen and hydrogen and which are found in proteins. Amino acids occur naturally in the body.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: amiss
Meaning:
amiss\n1. If you say that something is amiss, you mean there is something wrong.\nTheir instincts warned them something was amiss...\nSomething is radically amiss in our health care system.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = wrong\n2. If you say that something would not go amiss or would not come amiss, you mean that it would be pleasant and useful. (BRIT)\nA bit of charm and humour would not go amiss...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: amity
Meaning:
am.ity\n   amity\n  Amity is peaceful, friendly relations between people or countries. (FORMAL)\nHe wished to live in amity with his neighbour.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = peace  !=enmity


Words: ammonia
Meaning:
am.mo.nia\n   ammonia\n  Ammonia is a colourless liquid or gas with a strong, sharp smell. It is used in making household cleaning substances.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ammunition
Meaning:
am.mu.ni.tion\n   ammunition\n1. Ammunition is bullets and rockets that are made to be fired from guns.\nHe had only seven rounds of ammunition for the revolver.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You can describe information that you can use against someone in an argument or discussion as ammunition.\nThe improved trade figures have given the government fresh ammunition.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: amnesia
Meaning:
am.ne.sia\n   amnesia\n  If someone is suffering from amnesia, they have lost their memory.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: amnesiac
Meaning:
am.ne.si.ac\n   amnesiac  amnesiacs\n  Someone who is amnesiac has lost their memory.\nShe was taken to hospital, apparently amnesiac and shocked.\n  ADJ\n\n  An amnesiac is someone who is amnesiac.\nEven profound amnesiacs can usually recall how to perform daily activities.\n  N-COUNT


Words: amnesty
Meaning:
am.nes.ty\n   amnesty  amnesties\n1. An amnesty is an official pardon granted to a group of prisoners by the state.\nActivists who were involved in crimes of violence will not automatically be granted amnesty.\n  N-VAR\n  = pardon\n2. An amnesty is a period of time during which people can admit to a crime or give up weapons without being punished.\nThe government has announced an immediate amnesty for rebel fighters.\n  N-COUNT


Words: amniocentesis
Meaning:
am.nio.cen.tesis\n   amniocentesis\n  If a pregnant woman has an amniocentesis, fluid is removed from her womb in order to check that her unborn baby is not affected by certain genetic disorders.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: amoeba
Meaning:
amoe.ba\n   amoeba  amoebae  or amoebas\n  An amoeba is the smallest kind of living creature. Amoebae consist of only one cell, and are found in water or soil.\n  N-COUNT


Words: amok
Meaning:
amok\n  If a person or animal runs amok, they behave in a violent and uncontrolled way.\nA soldier was arrested after running amok with a vehicle through Berlin.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: among
Meaning:
among\n\n  The form amongst is also used, but is more literary.\n\n1. Someone or something that is situated or moving among a group of things or people is surrounded by them.\nThey walked among the crowds in Red Square.\n...a little house among the trees.\n  PREP\n\n2. If you are among people of a particular kind, you are with them and having contact with them.\nThings weren’t so bad, after all. I was among friends again...\nI was brought up among people who read and wrote a lot.\n  PREP\n\n3. If someone or something is among a group, they are a member of that group and share its characteristics.\nA fifteen year old girl was among the injured...\nAlso among the speakers was the new American ambassador to Moscow.\n  PREP\n\n4. If you want to focus on something that is happening within a particular group of people, you can say that it is happening among that group.\nUnemployment is quite high, especially among young people.\n  PREP\n\n5. If something happens among a group of people, it happens within the whole of that group or between the members of that group.\nI am sick of all the quarrelling among politicians who should be concentrating on vital issues.\n  PREP\n\n6. If something such as a feeling, opinion, or situation exists among a group of people, most of them have it or experience it.\nThe biggest fear among parents thinking of using the Internet is that their children will be exposed to pornography...\n  PREP\n\n7. If something applies to a particular person or thing among others, it also applies to other people or things.\n...a news conference attended among others by our foreign affairs correspondent...\n  PREP\n\n8. If something is shared among a number of people, some of it is given to all of them.\nMost of the furniture was left to the neighbours or distributed among friends...\n  PREP\n\n9. If people talk, fight, or agree among themselves, they do it together, without involving anyone else.\nEuropean farm ministers disagree among themselves...\n  PREP: PREP pron-refl


Words: amoral
Meaning:
amor.al\n   amoral\n  If you describe someone as amoral, you do not like the way they behave because they do not seem to care whether what they do is right or wrong.\nI strongly disagree with this amoral approach to politics...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  !=moral


Words: amorous
Meaning:
amo.rous\n   amorous\n  If you describe someone’s feelings or actions as amorous, you mean that they involve sexual desire.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: amorphous
Meaning:
amor.phous\n   amorphous\n  Something that is amorphous has no clear shape or structure. (FORMAL)\nA dark, strangely amorphous shadow filled the room.\n...the amorphous mass of the unemployed.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = shapeless


Words: amortize
Meaning:
amor.tize\n   amortize  amortizes  amortizing  amortized\nin BRIT, also use amortise\n  In finance, if you amortize a debt, you pay it back in regular payments. (BUSINESS)\nBusiness expenses had to be amortized over a 60 month period.\n  VERB: be V-ed\n  = pay off


Words: amount
Meaning:
amount  amounts  amounting  amounted\n1. The amount of something is how much there is, or how much you have, need, or get.\nHe needs that amount of money to survive...\nI still do a certain amount of work for them...\nPostal money orders are available in amounts up to $700.\n  N-VAR: usu N of n\n\n2. If something amounts to a particular total, all the parts of it add up to that total.\nConsumer spending on sports-related items amounted to .9.75 billion.\n  VERB: V to amount


Words: amount to
Meaning:
amount to\n  If you say that one thing amounts to something else, you consider the first thing to be the same as the second thing.\nThe confessions were obtained by what amounts to torture.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: amour
Meaning:
amour  amours\n  An amour is a love affair, especially one which is kept secret. (LITERARY or OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: amp
Meaning:
amp  amps\n1. An amp is the same as an ampere.\nUse a 3 amp fuse for equipment up to 720 watts.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An amp is the same as an amplifier. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: ampere
Meaning:
am.pere\n   ampere amperes\nin BRIT, also use ampere\n  An ampere is a unit which is used for measuring electric current. The abbreviation amp is also used.\n  N-COUNT


Words: amphetamine
Meaning:
am.pheta.mine\n   amphetamine  amphetamines\n  Amphetamine is a drug which increases people’s energy, makes them excited, and reduces their desire for food.\n  N-MASS\n  = speed


Words: amphibian
Meaning:
am.phib.ian\n   amphibian  amphibians\n1. Amphibians are animals such as frogs and toads that can live both on land and in water.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An amphibian is a vehicle which is able to move on both land and water, or an aeroplane which can land on both land and water.\n  N-COUNT


Words: amphibious
Meaning:
am.phibi.ous\n   amphibious\n1. In an amphibious military operation, army and navy forces attack a place from the sea.\nA third brigade is at sea, ready for an amphibious assault.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. An amphibious vehicle is able to move on both land and water.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Amphibious animals are animals such as frogs and toads that can live both on land and in water.\n  ADJ


Words: amphitheatre
Meaning:
am.phi.thea.tre\n   amphitheatre  amphitheatres\nin AM, use amphitheater\n  An amphitheatre is a large open area surrounded by rows of seats sloping upwards. Amphitheatres were built mainly in Greek and Roman times for the performance of plays.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ample
Meaning:
am.ple\n   ample  ampler  amplest\n  If there is an ample amount of something, there is enough of it and usually some extra.\nThere’ll be ample opportunity to relax, swim and soak up some sun...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  am.ply\nThey have been amply rewarded with huge salaries.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: amplifier
Meaning:
am.pli.fi.er\n   amplifier  amplifiers\n  An amplifier is an electronic device in a radio or stereo system which causes sounds or signals to get louder.\n  N-COUNT


Words: amplify
Meaning:
am.pli.fy\n   amplify  amplifies  amplifying  amplified\n1. If you amplify a sound, you make it louder, usually by using electronic equipment.\nThis landscape seemed to trap and amplify sounds...\nThe music was amplified with microphones...\n`This is the police,’ came the amplified voice from the helicopter.\n  VERB: V n, V n, V-ed\n\n=>  am.pli.fi.ca.tion\n...a voice that needed no amplification.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. To amplify something means to increase its strength or intensity.\nThe mist had been replaced by a kind of haze that seemed to amplify the heat...\n  VERB: V n


Words: amplitude
Meaning:
am.pli.tude\n   amplitude  amplitudes\n  In physics, the amplitude of a sound wave or electrical signal is its strength. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-VAR


Words: ampoule
Meaning:
am.poule\n   ampoule  ampoules\nin AM, use ampule\n  An ampoule is a small container, usually made of glass, that contains a drug which will be injected into someone. The abbreviation amp is also used.\n  N-COUNT\n  = phial


Words: amputate
Meaning:
am.pu.tate\n   amputate  amputates  amputating  amputated\n  To amputate someone’s arm or leg means to cut all or part of it off in an operation because it is diseased or badly damaged.\nTo save his life, doctors amputated his legs...\nHe had to have one leg amputated above the knee.\n  VERB: V n, have n V-ed\n\n=>  am.pu.ta.tion      amputations\nHe lived only hours after the amputation.\n  N-VAR


Words: amputee
Meaning:
am.pu.tee\n   amputee  amputees\n  An amputee is someone who has had all or part of an arm or a leg amputated.\n  N-COUNT


Words: amulet
Meaning:
amu.let\n   amulet  amulets\n  An amulet is a small object that you wear or carry because you think it will bring you good luck and protect you from evil or injury.\n  N-COUNT\n  = charm, talisman


Words: amuse
Meaning:
amuse  amuses  amusing  amused\n1. If something amuses you, it makes you want to laugh or smile.\nThe thought seemed to amuse him...\nTheir antics never fail to amuse.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. If you amuse yourself, you do something in order to pass the time and not become bored.\nI need distractions. I need to amuse myself so I won’t keep thinking about things...\nPut a selection of baby toys in his cot to amuse him if he wakes early.\n  VERB: V pron-refl, V n\n  = entertain\n3.\n  see also amused, amusing


Words: amused
Meaning:
amused\n1. If you are amused by something, it makes you want to laugh or smile.\nSara was not amused by Franklin’s teasing...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ by/at n, ADJ to-inf\n\n2. If you keep someone amused, you find things to do which stop them getting bored.\nHaving pictures to colour will keep children amused for hours...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = keep someone entertained


Words: amusement
Meaning:
amuse.ment\n   amusement  amusements\n1. Amusement is the feeling that you have when you think that something is funny or amusing.\nHe stopped and watched with amusement to see the child so absorbed...\nSteamers tooted at us as sailors on deck waved in amusement.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Amusement is the pleasure that you get from being entertained or from doing something interesting.\nI stumbled sideways before landing flat on my back, much to the amusement of the rest of the lads...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Amusements are ways of passing the time pleasantly.\nPeople had very few amusements to choose from. There was no radio, or television.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = pastime\n4. Amusements are games, rides, and other things that you can enjoy, for example at a fairground or at the seaside.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: amusement arcade
Meaning:
amuse.ment ar.cade\n   amusement arcade  amusement arcades\n  An amusement arcade is a place where you can play games on machines which work when you put money in them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: amusement park
Meaning:
amuse.ment park\n   amusement park  amusement parks\n  An amusement park is the same as a funfair. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: amusing
Meaning:
amus.ing\n   amusing\n  Someone or something that is amusing makes you laugh or smile.\nHe had a terrific sense of humour and could be very amusing...\n  ADJ\n  = entertaining\n=>  amus.ing.ly\nIt must be amusingly written...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj


Words: an
Meaning:
an  WEAK   STRONG\n  An is used instead of `a’, the indefinite article, in front of words that begin with vowel sounds.\n  DET\n\n  see also a


Words: anabolic steroid
Meaning:
ana.bol.ic ster.oid\n   anabolic steroid   anabolic steroids\n  Anabolic steroids are drugs which people, especially athletes, take to make their muscles bigger and to give them more strength.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anachronism
Meaning:
anach.ro.nism\n   anachronism  anachronisms\n1. You say that something is an anachronism when you think that it is out of date or old-fashioned.\nThe President tended to regard the Church as an anachronism.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An anachronism is something in a book, play, or film that is wrong because it did not exist at the time the book, play, or film is set.\nThe last paragraph contains an anachronism. The Holy Office no longer existed at that time.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anachronistic
Meaning:
anach.ro.nis.tic\n   anachronistic\n  You say that something is anachronistic when you think that it is out of date or old-fashioned.\nMany of its practices seem anachronistic.\n  ADJ


Words: anaemia
Meaning:
anaemia  anaemias\nin AM, use anemia\n  Anaemia is a medical condition in which there are too few red cells in your blood, causing you to feel tired and look pale.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: anaemic
Meaning:
anaemic\nin AM, use anemic\n1. Someone who is anaemic suffers from anaemia.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n2. If you describe something as anaemic, you mean that it is not as strong or effective as you think it should be.\nWe will see some economic recovery, but it will be very anaemic...\n  ADJ\n  = weak


Words: anaerobic
Meaning:
an.aero.bic\n   anaerobic\n1. Anaerobic creatures or processes do not need oxygen in order to function or survive.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Anaerobic exercise is exercise such as weight training that improves your strength but does not raise your heart rate.\n  ADJ


Words: anaesthesia
Meaning:
an.aes.the.sia\n   anaesthesia\nin AM and sometimes in BRIT, use anesthesia\n  Anaesthesia is the use of anaesthetics in medicine and surgery.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: anaesthetic
Meaning:
an.aes.thet.ic\n   anaesthetic  anaesthetics\nin AM and sometimes in BRIT, use anesthetic\n  Anaesthetic is a substance that doctors use to stop you feeling pain during an operation, either in the whole of your body when you are unconscious, or in a part of your body when you are awake.\nThe operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic.\n  N-MASS: oft under N


Words: anaesthetist
Meaning:
anaes.the.tist\n   anaesthetist  anaesthetists\n  An anaesthetist is a doctor who specializes in giving anaesthetics to patients. (BRIT; in AM, use anesthesiologist)\n  N-COUNT


Words: anaesthetize
Meaning:
anaes.the.tize\n   anaesthetize  anaesthetizes  anaesthetizing  anaesthetized\n\n  The spellings anesthetize in American English, and anaesthetise in British English are also used.\n\n1. When a doctor or other trained person anaesthetizes a patient, they make the patient unconscious or unable to feel pain by giving them an anaesthetic.\n  VERB\n\n2. If something such as a drug anaesthetizes part or all of your body, it makes you unable to feel anything in that part of your body.\n  VERB\n  = numb


Words: anagram
Meaning:
ana.gram\n   anagram  anagrams\n  An anagram is a word or phrase formed by changing the order of the letters in another word or phrase. For example, `triangle’ is an anagram of `integral’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: analgesic
Meaning:
an.alge.sic\n   analgesic\n  An analgesic drug reduces the effect of pain. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = painkilling


Words: analogous
Meaning:
analo.gous\n   analogous\n  If one thing is analogous to another, the two things are similar in some way. (FORMAL)\nMarine construction technology like this is very complex, somewhat analogous to trying to build a bridge under water.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ to n\n  = similar


Words: analogue
Meaning:
ana.logue\n   analogue  analogues\n\n  The spelling analog is used in American English, and also in British English for meaning 2.\n\n1. If one thing is an analogue of another, it is similar in some way. (FORMAL)\nNo model can ever be a perfect analogue of nature itself.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. Analogue technology involves measuring, storing, or recording an infinitely variable amount of information by using physical quantities such as voltage.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. An analogue watch or clock shows what it is measuring with a pointer on a dial rather than with a number display. Compare digital.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: analogy
Meaning:
anal.ogy\n   analogy  analogies\n  If you make or draw an analogy between two things, you show that they are similar in some way.\nIt is probably easier to make an analogy between the courses of the planets, and two trains travelling in the same direction.\n  N-COUNT: oft N between/with n


Words: analyse
Meaning:
ana.lyse\n   analyse  analyses  analysing  analysed\nin AM, use analyze\n1. If you analyse something, you consider it carefully or use statistical methods in order to fully understand it.\nMcCarthy was asked to analyse the data from the first phase of trials of the vaccine...\nThis book teaches you how to analyse what is causing the stress in your life.\n  VERB: V n, V wh\n\n2. If you analyse something, you examine it using scientific methods in order to find out what it consists of.\nWe haven’t had time to analyse those samples yet...\nThey had their tablets analysed to find out whether they were getting the real drug or not.\n  VERB: V n, have n V-ed


Words: analyser
Meaning:
ana.lys.er\n   analyser  analysers\nin AM, use analyzer\n1. An analyser is a piece of equipment which is used to analyse the substances that are present in something such as a gas.\n...an oxygen analyser.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N\n\n2. An analyser is someone who analyses information.\n  N-COUNT\n  = analyst


Words: analysis
Meaning:
analy.sis\n   analysis  analyses\n1. Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.\nWe did an analysis of the way that government money has been spent in the past.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Analysis is the scientific process of examining something in order to find out what it consists of.\nThey collect blood samples for analysis at a national laboratory...\n  N-VAR\n\n3. An analysis is an explanation or description that results from considering something carefully.\n...coming up after the newscast, an analysis of President Bush’s domestic policy.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. You use the expression in the final analysis or in the last analysis to indicate that the statement you are making is the most important or basic aspect of an issue.\nI’m on the right track and I think in the final analysis people will understand that...\nViolence in the last analysis produces more violence.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n  = in the end


Words: analyst
Meaning:
ana.lyst\n   analyst  analysts\n1. An analyst is a person whose job is to analyse a subject and give opinions about it.\n...a political analyst.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An analyst is someone, usually a doctor, who examines and treats people who are emotionally disturbed.\n  N-COUNT\n  = psychoanalyst


Words: analytical
Meaning:
ana.lyti.cal\n   analytical\n1. An analytical way of doing something involves the use of logical reasoning.\nI have an analytical approach to every survey.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  ana.lyti.cal.ly\nA teacher can encourage children to think analytically.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n2. Analytical research involves using chemical analysis.\nAll raw materials are subjected to our latest analytical techniques.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: anarchic
Meaning:
an.ar.chic\n   anarchic\n  If you describe someone or something as anarchic, you disapprove of them because they do not recognize or obey any rules or laws.\n...anarchic attitudes and complete disrespect for authority.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: anarchism
Meaning:
an.ar.chism\n   anarchism\n  Anarchism is the belief that the laws and power of governments should be replaced by people working together freely.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: anarchist
Meaning:
an.ar.chist\n   anarchist  anarchists\n1. An anarchist is a person who believes in anarchism.\n...a well-known anarchist poet.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n2. If someone has anarchist beliefs or views, they believe in anarchism.\nHe was apparently quite converted from his anarchist views.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. If you say that someone is an anarchist, you disapprove of them because they seem to pay no attention to the rules or laws that everyone else obeys.\nHe was a social anarchist.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: anarchistic
Meaning:
an.ar.chis.tic\n   anarchistic\n1. An anarchistic person believes in anarchism. Anarchistic activity or literature promotes anarchism.\n...an anarchistic revolutionary movement.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe someone as anarchistic, you disapprove of them because they pay no attention to the rules or laws that everyone else obeys.\nThe Hell’s Angels were once the most notorious and anarchistic of motorbike gangs.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: anarcho-
Meaning:
anarcho-\n  Anarcho- combines with nouns and adjectives to form words indicating that something is both anarchistic and the other thing that is mentioned.\nIn France there was a long tradition of anarcho-syndicalism.\n  COMB in ADJ and N


Words: anarchy
Meaning:
an.ar.chy\n   anarchy\n  If you describe a situation as anarchy, you mean that nobody seems to be paying any attention to rules or laws.\nCivil war and famine sent the nation plunging into anarchy.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n  = chaos


Words: anathema
Meaning:
anath.ema\n   anathema\n  If something is anathema to you, you strongly dislike it.\nViolence was anathema to them.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N to n


Words: anatomical
Meaning:
ana.tomi.cal\n   anatomical\n  Anatomical means relating to the structure of the bodies of people and animals.\n...minute anatomical differences between insects.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  ana.tomi.cal.ly\nI need my pictures to be anatomically correct.\n  ADV


Words: anatomize
Meaning:
anato.mize\n   anatomize  anatomizes  anatomizing  anatomized\nin BRIT, also use anatomise\n  If you anatomise a subject or an issue, you examine it in great detail. (FORMAL)\nThe magazine is devoted to anatomizing the inadequacies of liberalism.\n  VERB: V n


Words: anatomy
Meaning:
anato.my\n   anatomy  anatomies\n1. Anatomy is the study of the structure of the bodies of people or animals.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You can refer to your body as your anatomy. (HUMOROUS)\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N\n\n3. An animal’s anatomy is the structure of its body.\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss


Words: ancestor
Meaning:
an.ces.tor\n   ancestor  ancestors\n1. Your ancestors are the people from whom you are descended.\n...our daily lives, so different from those of our ancestors...\nHe could trace his ancestors back seven hundred years.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, with poss\n  !=descendant\n2. An ancestor of something modern is an earlier thing from which it developed.\nThe direct ancestor of the modern cat was the Kaffir cat of ancient Egypt...\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n  !=descendant


Words: ancestral
Meaning:
an.ces.tral\n   ancestral\n  You use ancestral to refer to a person’s family in former times, especially when the family is important and has property or land which they have had for a long time.\n...the family’s ancestral home in southern Germany.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: ancestry
Meaning:
an.ces.try\n   ancestry  ancestries\n  Your ancestry is the fact that you are descended from certain people.\n...a family who could trace their ancestry back to the sixteenth century.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: anchor
Meaning:
an.chor\n   anchor  anchors  anchoring  anchored\n1. An anchor is a heavy hooked object that is dropped from a boat into the water at the end of a chain in order to make the boat stay in one place.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When a boat anchors or when you anchor it, its anchor is dropped into the water in order to make it stay in one place.\nWe could anchor off the pier...\nThey anchored the boat.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n3. If you anchor an object somewhere, you fix it to something to prevent it moving from that place.\nThe roots anchor the plant in the earth...\nThe child seat belt was not properly anchored to the car.\n  VERB: V n prep, V-ed\n  = tether\n4. The person who anchors a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the person who presents it and acts as a link between interviews and reports which come from other places or studios. (mainly AM)\nViewers saw him anchoring a five-minute summary of regional news.\n...a series of cassettes on the Vietnam War, anchored by Mr. Cronkite.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n5. The anchor on a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the person who presents it. (mainly AM)\nHe worked in the news division of ABC.he was the anchor of its 15-minute evening newscast.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. If a boat is at anchor, it is floating in a particular place and is prevented from moving by its anchor.\n  PHRASE


Words: anchorage
Meaning:
an.chor.age\n   anchorage  anchorages\n  An anchorage is a place where a boat can anchor safely.\nThe nearest safe anchorage was in Halifax, Nova Scotia...\nThe vessel yesterday reached anchorage off Dubai.\n  N-VAR


Words: anchorman
Meaning:
anchor.man\n   anchorman  anchormen   also anchor man\n  The anchorman on a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the person who presents it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anchorwoman
Meaning:
anchor.woman\n   anchorwoman  anchorwomen\n  The anchorwoman on a television or radio programme, especially a news programme, is the woman who presents it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anchovy
Meaning:
an.cho.vy\n   anchovy  anchovies\n  Anchovies are small fish that live in the sea. They are often eaten salted.\n  N-VAR: oft N n


Words: ancien regime
Meaning:
an.cien re.gime\n   ancien regime\n1. The ancien regime was the political and social system in France before the revolution of 1789.\n  N-SING: usu the N\n\n2. If a country has had the same political system for a long time and you disapprove of it, you can refer to it as the ancien regime.\n  N-SING: usu the N  disapproval


Words: ancient
Meaning:
an.cient\n   ancient\n1. Ancient means belonging to the distant past, especially to the period in history before the end of the Roman Empire.\nThey believed ancient Greece and Rome were vital sources of learning.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  an.cient.ly\nSalisbury Plain was known anciently as Ellendune.\n  ADV\n\n2. Ancient means very old, or having existed for a long time.\n...ancient Jewish tradition.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: ancient history
Meaning:
an.cient his.to.ry\n   ancient history\n  Ancient history is the history of ancient civilizations, especially Greece and Rome.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ancillary
Meaning:
an.cil.lary\n   ancillary  ancillaries\n1. The ancillary workers in an institution are the people such as cleaners and cooks whose work supports the main work of the institution.\n...ancillary staff.\n...ancillary services like cleaning.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = auxiliary\n  Ancillary is also a noun.\n...ancillaries who look after the children in the playground.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Ancillary means additional to something else. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = supplementary


Words: and
Meaning:
and  WEAK   STRONG\n1. You use and to link two or more words, groups, or clauses.\nWhen he returned, she and Simon had already gone...\nBetween 1914 and 1920 large parts of Albania were occupied by the Italians...\nI’m going to write good jokes and become a good comedian...\nI’m 53 and I’m very happy.\n  CONJ\n\n2. You use and to link two words or phrases that are the same in order to emphasize the degree of something, or to suggest that something continues or increases over a period of time.\nLearning becomes more and more difficult as we get older...\nWe talked for hours and hours...\nHe lay down on the floor and cried and cried.\n  CONJ  emphasis\n\n3. You use and to link two statements about events when one of the events follows the other.\nI waved goodbye and went down the stone harbour steps...\n  CONJ\n  = then\n4. You use and to link two statements when the second statement continues the point that has been made in the first statement.\nYou could only really tell the effects of the disease in the long term, and five years wasn’t long enough...\n  CONJ\n\n5. You use and to link two clauses when the second clause is a result of the first clause.\nAll through yesterday crowds have been arriving and by midnight thousands of people packed the square.\n  CONJ\n\n6. You use and to interrupt yourself in order to make a comment on what you are saying.\nAs Downing claims, and as we noted above, reading is best established when the child has an intimate knowledge of the language...\n  CONJ\n\n7. You use and at the beginning of a sentence to introduce something else that you want to add to what you have just said. Some people think that starting a sentence with and is ungrammatical, but it is now quite common in both spoken and written English.\nCommuter airlines fly to out-of-the-way places. And business travelers are the ones who go to those locations.\n  CONJ\n\n8. You use and to introduce a question which follows logically from what someone has just said.\n`He used to be so handsome.’.`And now?’...\n  CONJ\n\n9. And is used by broadcasters and people making announcements to change a topic or to start talking about a topic they have just mentioned.\nAnd now the drought in Sudan...\n  CONJ\n\n10. You use and to indicate that two numbers are to be added together.\nWhat does two and two make?\n  CONJ\n  = plus\n11. And is used before a fraction that comes after a whole number.\nMcCain spent five and a half years in a prisoner of war camp in Vietnam.\n...fourteen and a quarter per cent.\n  CONJ\n\n12. You use and in numbers larger than one hundred, after the words `hundred’ or `thousand’ and before other numbers.\n...three thousand and twenty-six pounds.\n  CONJ


Words: andante
Meaning:
an.dan.te\n   andante  andantes\n1. Andante written above a piece of music means that it should be played fairly slowly.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. An andante is a piece of music that is played fairly slowly.\n...the lovely central Andante.\n...the violas’ Andante theme.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: androgynous
Meaning:
an.drogy.nous\n   androgynous\n1. In biology, an androgynous person, animal, or plant has both male and female sexual characteristics. (TECHNICAL)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = hermaphroditic\n2. If you describe someone as androgynous, you mean that they are not distinctly masculine or feminine in appearance or in behaviour.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: androgyny
Meaning:
an.drogy.ny\n   androgyny\n  Androgyny is the state of being neither distinctly masculine nor distinctly feminine.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: android
Meaning:
an.droid\n   android  androids\n  In science fiction books and films, an android is a robot that looks like a human being.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anecdotal
Meaning:
an.ec.do.tal\n   anecdotal\n  Anecdotal evidence is based on individual accounts, rather than on reliable research or statistics, and so may not be valid.\nAnecdotal evidence suggests that sales in Europe have slipped.\n  ADJ


Words: anecdote
Meaning:
an.ec.dote\n   anecdote  anecdotes\n  An anecdote is a short, amusing account of something that has happened.\n  N-VAR: oft N about n


Words: anemone
Meaning:
anemo.ne\n   anemone  anemones\n  An anemone is a garden plant with red, purple, or white flowers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anesthesiologist
Meaning:
an.es.thesi.olo.gist\n   anesthesiologist  anesthesiologists\n  An anesthesiologist is a doctor who specializes in giving anaesthetics to patients. (AM; in BRIT, use anaesthetist)\n  N-COUNT


Words: anesthetist
Meaning:
anes.the.tist\n   anesthetist  anesthetists\n  An anesthetist is a nurse or other person who gives an anaesthetic to a patient. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: anew
Meaning:
anew\n  If you do something anew, you do it again, often in a different way from before. (WRITTEN)\nShe’s ready to start anew...\nHe began his work anew.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  = afresh


Words: angel
Meaning:
an.gel\n   angel  angels\n1. Angels are spiritual beings that some people believe are God’s servants in heaven.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can call someone you like very much an angel in order to show affection, especially when they have been kind to you or done you a favour.\n  N-COUNT  feelings\n\n3. If you describe someone as an angel, you mean that they seem to be very kind and good.\n  N-COUNT  approval


Words: angelic
Meaning:
an.gel.ic\n   angelic\n1. You can describe someone as angelic if they are, or seem to be, very good, kind, and gentle.\n...an angelic face...\nHe looked angelic.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval\n\n2. Angelic means like angels or relating to angels.\n...angelic choirs.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: angelica
Meaning:
an.gel.ica\n   angelica\n  Angelica is the candied stems of the angelica plant which can be used in making cakes or sweets.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: anger
Meaning:
an.ger\n   anger  angers  angering  angered\n1. Anger is the strong emotion that you feel when you think that someone has behaved in an unfair, cruel, or unacceptable way.\nHe cried with anger and frustration...\nEllen felt both despair and anger at her mother.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N at n/-ing\n  = rage, fury\n2. If something angers you, it makes you feel angry.\nThe decision to allow more offshore oil drilling angered some Californians.\n  VERB: V n\n  = enrage, infuriate


Words: angina
Meaning:
an.gi.na\n   angina\n  Angina is severe pain in the chest and left arm, caused by heart disease.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: angle
Meaning:
an.gle\n   angle  angles  angling  angled\n1. An angle is the difference in direction between two lines or surfaces. Angles are measured in degrees.\nThe boat is now leaning at a 30 degree angle.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also right angle\n2. An angle is the shape that is created where two lines or surfaces join together.\n...the angle of the blade.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N of n\n\n3. An angle is the direction from which you look at something.\nThanks to the angle at which he stood, he could just see the sunset...\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. You can refer to a way of presenting something or thinking about it as a particular angle.\nHe was considering the idea from all angles.\n  N-COUNT: supp N\n\n5. If someone is angling for something, they are trying to get it without asking for it directly.\nIt sounds as if he’s just angling for sympathy.\n  VERB: usu cont, V for n\n\n6. If something is at an angle, it is leaning in a particular direction so that it is not straight, horizontal, or vertical.\nAn iron bar stuck out at an angle...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR


Words: angler
Meaning:
an.gler\n   angler  anglers\n  An angler is someone who fishes with a fishing rod as a hobby.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Anglican
Meaning:
An.gli.can\n   Anglican  Anglicans\n1. Anglican means belonging or relating to the Church of England, or to the churches related to it.\n...the Anglican Church.\n...an Anglican priest.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. An Anglican is a Christian who is a member of the Church of England, or of one of the churches related to it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Anglicanism
Meaning:
An.gli.can.ism\n   Anglicanism\n  Anglicanism is the beliefs and practices of the Church of England, and of the churches related to it.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: anglicize
Meaning:
an.gli.cize\n   anglicize  anglicizes  anglicizing  anglicized\nin BRIT, also use anglicise\n  If you anglicize something, you change it so that it resembles or becomes part of the English language or English culture.\nHe had anglicized his surname...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  an.gli.cized\n...an Anglicised version of the Welsh name `Llywelyn’.\n  ADJ


Words: angling
Meaning:
an.gling\n   angling\n  Angling is the activity or sport of fishing with a fishing rod.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Anglo-
Meaning:
Anglo-\n1. Anglo- combines with adjectives indicating nationality to form adjectives which describe something connected with relations between Britain and another country.\n...the Anglo-Irish Agreement.\n  COMB in ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Anglo- combines with adjectives indicating nationality to form adjectives which describe a person who has one British parent and one non-British parent.\nHe was born of Anglo-American parentage.\n  COMB in ADJ: ADJ n


Words: Anglo-Asian
Meaning:
Anglo-Asian  Anglo-Asians\n  An Anglo-Asian person is someone of Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi origin who has grown up in Britain.\n...the Anglo-Asian community.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = British Asian\n  An Anglo-Asian is someone who is Anglo-Asian.\n  N-COUNT\n  = British Asian


Words: Anglo-Catholic
Meaning:
Anglo-Catholic  Anglo-Catholics\n1. The Anglo-Catholic part of the Church of England, or of the churches related to it, is the part whose beliefs and practices are similar to those of the Catholic Church.\n...a parish in the Anglo-Catholic tradition.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. An Anglo-Catholic is a Christian who belongs to the Anglo-Catholic section of the Church of England, or to the churches related to it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Anglo-Indian
Meaning:
Anglo-Indian  Anglo-Indians\n1. An Anglo-Indian person is someone whose family is partly British and partly Indian.\n...Anglo-Indian writer Amitav Ghosh.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. An Anglo-Indian is someone who is Anglo-Indian.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Anglo-Saxon
Meaning:
Anglo-Saxon  Anglo-Saxons\n1. The Anglo-Saxon period is the period of English history from the fifth century A.D. to the Norman Conquest in 1066.\n...the grave of an early Anglo-Saxon king.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  An Anglo-Saxon was someone who was Anglo-Saxon.\n...the mighty sea power of the Anglo-Saxons.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Anglo-Saxon people are members of or are descended from the English race.\n...white Anglo-Saxon Protestant men.\n  ADJ\n\n  Anglo-Saxon is also a noun.\nThe difference is, you are Anglo-Saxons, we are Latins.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Anglo-Saxon attitudes or ideas have been strongly influenced by English culture.\nDebilly had no Anglo-Saxon shyness about discussing money.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4. Anglo-Saxon is the language that was spoken in England between the fifth century A.D. and the Norman Conquest in 1066.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Anglophile
Meaning:
An.glo.phile\n   Anglophile  Anglophiles\n  If you describe a non-British person as Anglophile, you mean that they admire Britain and British culture.\n...a Shakespeare sonnet taught to him by his Anglophile uncle.\n  ADJ\n\n  Anglophile is also a noun.\nHe became a fanatical Anglophile.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Anglophone
Meaning:
An.glo.phone\n   Anglophone  Anglophones\n1. Anglophone communities are English-speaking communities in areas where more than one language is commonly spoken.\n...anglophone Canadians.\n...anglophone Africa.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Anglophones are people whose native language is English or who speak English because they live in a country where English is one of the official languages.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: Angolan
Meaning:
An.go.lan\n   Angolan  Angolans\n1. Angolan means belonging or relating to Angola or its people.\n...the Angolan government.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. An Angolan is someone who comes from Angola.\n  N-COUNT


Words: angora
Meaning:
an.go.ra\n   angora\n1. An angora goat or rabbit is a particular breed that has long silky hair.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Angora cloth or clothing is made from the hair of the angora goat or rabbit.\n...an angora sweater.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: angry
Meaning:
an.gry\n   angry  angrier  angriest\n  When you are angry, you feel strong dislike or impatience about something.\nShe had been very angry at the person who stole her new bike...\nAre you angry with me for some reason?...\nI was angry about the rumours...\nHe’s angry that people have called him a racist...\nAn angry mob gathered outside the courthouse.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ at/with/about n\n\n=>  an.gri.ly\nOfficials reacted angrily to those charges...\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: anguish
Meaning:
an.guish\n   anguish\n  Anguish is great mental suffering or physical pain. (WRITTEN)\nMark looked at him in anguish.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: anguished
Meaning:
an.guished\n   anguished\n  Anguished means showing or feeling great mental suffering or physical pain. (WRITTEN)\nShe let out an anguished cry.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: angular
Meaning:
an.gu.lar\n   angular\n  Angular things have shapes that seem to contain a lot of straight lines and sharp points.\nHe had an angular face with prominent cheekbones.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: animal
Meaning:
ani.mal\n   animal  animals\n1. An animal is a living creature such as a dog, lion, or rabbit, rather than a bird, fish, insect, or human being.\nHe was attacked by wild animals...\nHe had a real knowledge of animals, birds and flowers.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Any living creature other than a human being can be referred to as an animal.\nLanguage is something which fundamentally distinguishes humans from animals.\n...a habitat for plants and animals.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Any living creature, including a human being, can be referred to as an animal.\nWatch any young human being, or any other young animal.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. Animal products come from animals rather than from plants.\nThe illegal trade in animal products continues to flourish...\n  ADJ


Words: animal rights
Meaning:
ani.mal rights\n   animal rights\n  People who are concerned with animal rights believe very strongly that animals should not be exploited or harmed by humans.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: animal testing
Meaning:
ani.mal test.ing\n   animal testing\n  Animal testing involves doing scientific tests on animals when developing new products or drugs.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: animate
Meaning:
ani.mate\n   animate animates  animating  animated\nThe adjective is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. Something that is animate has life, in contrast to things like stones and machines which do not.\n...all aspects of the material world, animate and inanimate.\n  ADJ\n  = living\n2. To animate something means to make it lively or more cheerful.\nThe girls watched, little teasing smiles animating their faces.\n  VERB: V n\n  = enliven


Words: animated
Meaning:
ani.mat.ed\n   animated\n1. Someone who is animated or who is having an animated conversation is lively and is showing their feelings.\nShe was seen in animated conversation with the singer Yuri Marusin...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  ani.mat.ed.ly\nSammy was standing close to Ned, talking animatedly with him.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. An animated film is one in which puppets or drawings appear to move.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: animation
Meaning:
ani.ma.tion\n   animation  animations\n1. Animation is the process of making films in which drawings or puppets appear to move.\n...computer animation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An animation is a film in which drawings or puppets appear to move.\n  N-COUNT\n  = cartoon\n3. Someone with animation shows liveliness in the way that they speak, look, or behave.\nThey both spoke with animation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4.\n  see also suspended animation


Words: animator
Meaning:
ani.ma.tor\n   animator  animators\n  An animator is a person who makes films by means of animation.\n  N-COUNT


Words: animosity
Meaning:
ani.mos.ity\n   animosity  animosities\n  Animosity is a strong feeling of dislike and anger. Animosities are feelings of this kind.\nThere’s a long history of animosity between the two nations...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n  = hostility


Words: animus
Meaning:
ani.mus\n   animus\n  If a person has an animus against someone, they have a strong feeling of dislike for them, even when there is no good reason for it. (FORMAL)\nYour animus towards him suggests that you are the wrong man for the job.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N prep\n  = animosity


Words: anise
Meaning:
an.ise\n   anise\n  Anise is a plant with seeds that have a strong smell and taste. It is often made into an alcoholic drink.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: aniseed
Meaning:
ani.seed\n   aniseed\n  Aniseed is a substance made from the seeds of the anise plant. It is used as a flavouring in sweets, drinks, and medicine.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ankle
Meaning:
an.kle\n   ankle  ankles\n  Your ankle is the joint where your foot joins your leg.\nJohn twisted his ankle badly.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N


Words: annals
Meaning:
an.nals\n   annals\n  If something is in the annals of a nation or field of activity, it is recorded as part of its history.\nHe has become a legend in the annals of military history.\n  N-PLURAL: usu in the N of n


Words: annex
Meaning:
an.nex\n   annex  annexes  annexing  annexed\n1. If a country annexes another country or an area of land, it seizes it and takes control of it.\nRome annexed the Nabatean kingdom in 106 AD...\nHitler was determined to annex Austria to Germany.\n  VERB: V n, V n to n\n\n=>  an.nexa.tion      annexations\n...Indonesia’s annexation of East Timor.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu N of n\n\n2. Annex is the same as annexe. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: annexe
Meaning:
an.nexe\n   annexe  annexes\nin AM and sometimes in BRIT, use annex\n1. An annexe is a building which is joined to or is next to a larger main building.\n...setting up a museum in an annexe to the theatre.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An annexe to a document is a section added to it at the end.\nThe Annex lists and discusses eight titles.\n  N-COUNT


Words: annihilate
Meaning:
an.ni.hi.late\n   annihilate  annihilates  annihilating  annihilated\n1. To annihilate something means to destroy it completely.\nThe Army was annihilated.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  an.ni.hi.la.tion\n...the threat of nuclear war and annihilation of the human race.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. If you annihilate someone in a contest or argument, you totally defeat them.\nThe Dutch annihilated the Olympic champions 5-0.\n  VERB: V n


Words: anniversary
Meaning:
an.ni.ver.sa.ry\n   anniversary  anniversaries\n  An anniversary is a date which is remembered or celebrated because a special event happened on that date in a previous year.\n...the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Ho Chi Minh.\n  N-COUNT: usu ord N, the N of n


Words: annotate
Meaning:
an.no.tate\n   annotate  annotates  annotating  annotated\n  If you annotate written work or a diagram, you add notes to it, especially in order to explain it.\nHistorians annotate, check and interpret the diary selections.\n...an annotated bibliography.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: annotation
Meaning:
an.no.ta.tion\n   annotation  annotations\n1. Annotation is the activity of annotating something.\nShe retained a number of copies for further annotation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An annotation is a note that is added to a text or diagram, often in order to explain it.\nHe supplied annotations to nearly 15,000 musical works.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = footnote


Words: announce
Meaning:
an.nounce\n   announce  announces  announcing  announced\n1. If you announce something, you tell people about it publicly or officially.\nHe will announce tonight that he is resigning from office...\nShe was planning to announce her engagement to Peter...\nIt was announced that the groups have agreed to a cease-fire.\n  VERB: V that, V n, it be V-ed that\n\n2. If you announce a piece of news or an intention, especially something that people may not like, you say it loudly and clearly, so that everyone you are with can hear it.\nPeter announced that he had no intention of wasting his time at any university...\n`I’m having a bath and going to bed,’ she announced, and left the room.\n  VERB: V that, V with quote\n  = declare\n3. If an airport or railway employee announces something, they tell the public about it by means of a loudspeaker system.\nStation staff announced the arrival of the train over the tannoy...\nThey announced his plane was delayed.\n  VERB: V n, V that


Words: announcement
Meaning:
an.nounce.ment\n   announcement  announcements\n1. An announcement is a statement made to the public or to the media which gives information about something that has happened or that will happen.\nSir Robert made his announcement after talks with the President...\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N, N that\n  = declaration\n2. The announcement of something that has happened is the act of telling people about it.\n...the announcement of their engagement...\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n\n3. An announcement in a public place, such as a newspaper or the window of a shop, is a short piece of writing telling people about something or asking for something.\nHe will place an announcement in the personal column of The Daily Telegraph.\n  N-COUNT


Words: announcer
Meaning:
an.nounc.er\n   announcer  announcers\n1. An announcer is someone who introduces programmes on radio or television or who reads the text of a radio or television advertisement.\nThe radio announcer said it was nine o’clock...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The announcer at a railway station or airport is the person who makes the announcements.\nThe announcer apologised for the delay.\n  N-COUNT


Words: annoy
Meaning:
an.noy\n   annoy  annoys  annoying  annoyed\n  If someone or something annoys you, it makes you fairly angry and impatient.\nTry making a note of the things which annoy you...\nIt annoyed me that I didn’t have time to do more reading...\nIt just annoyed me to hear him going on.\n  VERB: V n, it V n that, it V n to-inf\n  = irritate\n  see also annoyed, annoying


Words: annoyance
Meaning:
an.noy.ance\n   annoyance  annoyances\n1. Annoyance is the feeling that you get when someone makes you feel fairly angry or impatient.\nTo her annoyance the stranger did not go away...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss\n  = irritation\n2. An annoyance is something that makes you feel angry or impatient.\nInconsiderate neighbours can be more than an annoyance.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: annoyed
Meaning:
an.noyed\n   annoyed\n  If you are annoyed, you are fairly angry about something.\nShe is hurt and annoyed that the authorities have banned her from working with children.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ prep, ADJ that\n  = angry\n  see also annoy


Words: annoying
Meaning:
an.noy.ing\n   annoying\n  Someone or something that is annoying makes you feel fairly angry and impatient.\nYou must have found my attitude annoying...\nThe annoying thing about the scheme is that it’s confusing.\n  ADJ\n  = irritating\n=>  an.noy.ing.ly\nAlex looked annoyingly cheerful.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj\n\n  see also annoy


Words: annual
Meaning:
an.nual\n   annual  annuals\n1. Annual events happen once every year.\n...the annual conference of Britain’s trade union movement...\nIn its annual report, UNICEF says at least 40,000 children die every day.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = yearly\n=>  an.nual.ly\nCompanies report to their shareholders annually.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Annual quantities or rates relate to a period of one year.\nThe electronic and printing unit has annual sales of about $80 million.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = yearly\n=>  an.nual.ly\nEl Salvador produces 100,000 tons of refined copper annually...\n  ADV: ADV with v, amount ADV\n\n3. An annual is a book or magazine that is published once a year.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. An annual is a plant that grows and dies within one year.\n  N-COUNT


Words: annuity
Meaning:
an.nu.ity\n   annuity  annuities\n  An annuity is an investment or insurance policy that pays someone a fixed sum of money each year. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: annul
Meaning:
an.nul\n   annul  annuls  annulling  annulled\n  If an election or a contract is annulled, it is declared invalid, so that legally it is considered never to have existed.\nThe marriage was annulled last month.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: annulment
Meaning:
an.nul.ment\n   annulment  annulments\n  The annulment of a contract or marriage is an official declaration that it is invalid, so that legally it is considered never to have existed.\n...the annulment of the elections...\n  N-VAR


Words: Annunciation
Meaning:
An.nun.cia.tion\n   Annunciation\n  In Christianity, the Annunciation was the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she was going to give birth to the son of God.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: anode
Meaning:
an.ode\n   anode  anodes\n  In electronics, an anode is the positive electrode in a cell such as a battery. Compare cathode. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: anodyne
Meaning:
ano.dyne\n   anodyne\n  If you describe something as anodyne, you are criticizing it because it has no strong characteristics and is not likely to excite, interest, or upset anyone. (FORMAL)\nTheir quarterly meetings were anodyne affairs.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = bland


Words: anoint
Meaning:
anoint  anoints  anointing  anointed\n1. To anoint someone means to put oil or water on a part of their body, usually for religious reasons.\nHe anointed my forehead...\nThe Pope has anointed him as Archbishop.\n...the anointed king.\n  VERB: V n, V n as n, V-ed\n\n2. If a person in a position of authority anoints someone, they choose them to do a particular important job. (JOURNALISM)\nThe populist party anointed him as its candidate...\nMr. Olsen has always avoided anointing any successor...\n  VERB: V n as n, V n


Words: anomalous
Meaning:
anoma.lous\n   anomalous\n  Something that is anomalous is different from what is usual or expected. (FORMAL)\nFor years this anomalous behaviour has baffled scientists...\n  ADJ\n  = unusual


Words: anomaly
Meaning:
anoma.ly\n   anomaly  anomalies\n  If something is an anomaly, it is different from what is usual or expected. (FORMAL)\nThe British public’s wariness of opera is an anomaly in Europe.\n  N-COUNT\n  = oddity


Words: anon.
Meaning:
anon.\n  Anon. is often written after poems or other writing to indicate that the author is not known. Anon. is an abbreviation for `anonymous’.


Words: anonymous
Meaning:
anony.mous\n   anonymous\n1. If you remain anonymous when you do something, you do not let people know that you were the person who did it.\nYou can remain anonymous if you wish...\nAn anonymous benefactor stepped in to provide the prize money.\n...anonymous phone calls.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  ano.nym.ity\nBoth mother and daughter, who have requested anonymity, are doing fine.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  anony.mous.ly\nThe latest photographs were sent anonymously to the magazine’s Paris headquarters.\n  ADV\n\n2. Something that is anonymous does not reveal who you are.\nOf course, that would have to be by anonymous vote.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  ano.nym.ity\nHe claims many more people would support him in the anonymity of a voting booth.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n3. If you describe a place as anonymous, you dislike it because it has no unusual or interesting features and seems unwelcoming.\nIt’s nice to stay in a home rather than in an anonymous holiday villa.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  ano.nym.ity\n...the anonymity of the rented room.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: anorak
Meaning:
ano.rak\n   anorak  anoraks\n  An anorak is a warm waterproof jacket, usually with a hood.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anorexia
Meaning:
ano.rexia\n   anorexia\n  Anorexia or anorexia nervosa is an illness in which a person has an overwhelming fear of becoming fat, and so refuses to eat enough and becomes thinner and thinner.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: anorexic
Meaning:
ano.rex.ic\n   anorexic  anorexics\n  If someone is anorexic, they are suffering from anorexia and so are very thin.\n  ADJ\n\n  An anorexic is someone who is anorexic.\n  N-COUNT


Words: another
Meaning:
an.oth.er\n   another\n1. Another thing or person means an additional thing or person of the same type as one that already exists.\nMrs. Madrigal buttered another piece of toast...\nWe’re going to have another baby.\n  DET: DET sing-n\n\n  Another is also a pronoun.\nThe demand generated by one factory required the construction of another...\n  PRON\n\n2. You use another when you want to emphasize that an additional thing or person is different to one that already exists.\nI think he’s just going to deal with this problem another day...\nThe counsellor referred her to another therapist.\n  DET: DET sing-n\n\n  Another is also a pronoun.\nHe didn’t really believe that any human being could read another’s mind.\n  PRON\n\n3. You use another at the beginning of a statement to link it to a previous statement.\nAnother change that Sue made was to install central heating.\n  DET: DET sing-n\n\n4. You use another before a word referring to a distance, length of time, or other amount, to indicate an additional amount.\nContinue down the same road for another 2 kilometres until you reach the church of Santa Maria...\nHe believes prices will not rise by more than another 4 per cent.\n  DET: DET amount\n\n5. You use one another to indicate that each member of a group does something to or for the other members.\n...women learning to help themselves and one another...\n  PRON: v PRON, prep PRON\n\n6. If you talk about one thing after another, you are referring to a series of repeated or continuous events.\nThey kept going, destroying one store after another.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n7. You use or another in expressions such as one kind or another when you do not want to be precise about which of several alternatives or possibilities you are referring to.\n...family members and visiting artists of one kind or another crowding the huge kitchen...\n  PHRASE: usu n PHR


Words: answer
Meaning:
an.swer\n   answer  answers  answering  answered\n1. When you answer someone who has asked you something, you say something back to them.\nJust answer the question...\nHe paused before answering...\n`When?’ asked Alba, `Tonight’, answered Tom...\nWilliams answered that he had no specific proposals yet.\n  VERB: V n, V, V with quote, V that\n\n2. An answer is something that you say when you answer someone.\nWithout waiting for an answer, he turned and went in through the door...\nI don’t quite know what to say in answer to your question.\n  N-COUNT: also in N to n\n  = reply, response\n3. If you say that someone will not take no for an answer, you mean that they go on trying to make you agree to something even after you have refused.\nHe would never take no for an answer.\n  PHRASE: with brd-neg\n\n4. If you answer a letter or advertisement, you write to the person who wrote it.\nShe answered an advert for a job as a cook.\n  VERB: V n, also V\n\n5. An answer is a letter that you write to someone who has written to you.\nI wrote to him but I never had an answer back...\nShe wrote to Roosevelt’s secretary in answer to his letter of the day before.\n  N-COUNT: also in N to n\n  = reply, response\n6. When you answer the telephone, you pick it up when it rings. When you answer the door, you open it when you hear a knock or the bell.\nShe answered her phone on the first ring...\nA middle-aged woman answered the door.\n  VERB: V n, V n, also V\n\n  Answer is also a noun.\nI knocked at the front door and there was no answer.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n7. An answer to a problem is a solution to it.\nThere are no easy answers to the problems facing the economy...\nPrison is not the answer for most young offenders...\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n\n\n8. Someone’s answer to a question in a test or quiz is what they write or say in an attempt to give the facts that are asked for. The answer to a question is the fact that was asked for.\nSimply marking an answer wrong will not help the pupil to get future examples correct...\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n\n\n9. When you answer a question in a test or quiz, you write or say something in an attempt to give the facts that are asked for.\nTo obtain her degree, she answered 81 questions over 10 papers.\n  VERB: V n\n\n10. Your answer to something that someone has said or done is what you say or do in response to it or in defence of yourself.\nIn answer to speculation that she wouldn’t finish the race, she boldly declared her intention of winning it.\n  N-COUNT: also in N to n\n  = reply, response\n11. If you answer something that someone has said or done, you respond to it.\nHe answered her smile with one of his own...\nThat statement seemed designed to answer criticism of allied bombing missions.\n  VERB: V n with n, V n, also V n by -ing\n  = counter\n12. If something answers a need or purpose, it satisfies it, because it has the right qualities.\nWe provide specially designed shopping trolleys to answer the needs of parents with young children.\n  VERB: V n\n  = satisfy\n13. If someone or something answers a particular description or answers to it, they have the characteristics described.\nTwo men answering the description of the suspects tried to enter Switzerland...\nThe Japanese never built any aircraft remotely answering to this description.\n  VERB: V n, V to n\n  = fit


Words: answer back
Meaning:
answer back\n  If someone, especially a child, answers back, they speak rudely to you when you speak to them.\nShe was punished by teachers for answering back...\nI always answered him back when I thought he was wrong.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V n P


Words: answer for
Meaning:
answer for\n1. If you have to answer for something bad or wrong you have done, you are punished for it.\nHe must be made to answer for his terrible crimes.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n\n2. If you say that someone has a lot to answer for, you are saying that their actions have led to problems which you think they are responsible for.\n  PHRASE: have inflects


Words: answerable
Meaning:
an.swer.able\n   answerable\n1. If you are answerable to someone, you have to report to them and explain your actions.\nCouncils should be answerable to the people who elect them...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n\n\n2. If you are answerable for your actions or for someone else’s actions, you are considered to be responsible for them and if necessary must accept punishment for them.\nHe must be made answerable for these terrible crimes.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ for n\n  = accountable


Words: answering machine
Meaning:
an.swer.ing ma.chine\n   answering machine  answering machines\n  An answering machine is the same as an answerphone.\n  N-COUNT


Words: answerphone
Meaning:
an.swer.phone\n   answerphone  answerphones\n  An answerphone is a device which you connect to your telephone and which records telephone calls while you are out. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n  = answering machine


Words: antacid
Meaning:
ant.acid\n   antacid  antacids\n  Antacid is a substance that reduces the level of acid in the stomach.\n  N-MASS


Words: antagonism
Meaning:
an.tago.nism\n   antagonism  antagonisms\n  Antagonism between people is hatred or dislike between them. Antagonisms are instances of this.\nThere is still much antagonism between trades unions and the oil companies...\nOld antagonisms resurfaced.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n  = hostility


Words: antagonist
Meaning:
an.tago.nist\n   antagonist  antagonists\n  Your antagonist is your opponent or enemy.\nSpassky had never previously lost to his antagonist.\n  N-COUNT


Words: antagonistic
Meaning:
an.tago.nis.tic\n   antagonistic\n  If a person is antagonistic to someone or something, they show hatred or dislike towards them.\nNearly all the women I interviewed were aggressively antagonistic to the idea.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to/towards n


Words: antagonize
Meaning:
an.tago.nize\n   antagonize  antagonizes  antagonizing  antagonized\nin BRIT, also use antagonise\n  If you antagonize someone, you make them feel angry or hostile towards you.\nHe didn’t want to antagonize her.\n  VERB: V n


Words: ante
Meaning:
ante\n  If you up the ante or raise the ante, you increase your demands when you are in dispute or fighting for something. (JOURNALISM)\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: ante-post
Meaning:
ante-post\n  In gambling, ante-post bets are placed before the day of a particular race or competition. (BRIT)\n...the ante-post favourite for the Epsom Classic, Celtic Swing.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: anteater
Meaning:
ant.eater\n   anteater  anteaters   also ant-eater\n  An anteater is an animal with a long nose that eats termites or ants. Anteaters live in warm countries.\n  N-COUNT


Words: antecedent
Meaning:
ante.ced.ent\n   antecedent  antecedents\n  An antecedent of something happened or existed before it and was similar to it in some way. (FORMAL)\nWe shall first look briefly at the historical antecedents of this theory.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = precursor


Words: antechamber
Meaning:
ante.cham.ber\n   antechamber  antechambers   also ante-chamber\n  An antechamber is a small room leading into a larger room.\n  N-COUNT\n  = anteroom


Words: antediluvian
Meaning:
ante.di.lu.vian\n   antediluvian\n  Antediluvian things are old or old-fashioned. (HUMOROUS)\n...antediluvian attitudes to women.\n  ADJ


Words: antelope
Meaning:
ante.lope\n   antelope  antelopes  or antelope\n  An antelope is an animal like a deer, with long legs and horns, that lives in Africa or Asia. Antelopes are graceful and can run fast. There are many different types of antelope.\n  N-COUNT


Words: antenatal
Meaning:
ante.na.tal\n   antenatal   also ante-natal\n  Antenatal means relating to the medical care of women when they are expecting a baby.\n...antenatal classes.\n...antenatal care.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=postnatal


Words: antenna
Meaning:
an.ten.na\n   antenna  antennae  or antennas\n\n  antennas is the usual plural form for meaning 2.\n\n1. The antennae of something such as an insect or crustacean are the two long, thin parts attached to its head that it uses to feel things with.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. An antenna is a device that sends and receives television or radio signals.\n  N-COUNT\n  = aerial


Words: anterior
Meaning:
ante.ri.or\n   anterior\n  Anterior describes a part of the body that is situated at or towards the front of another part. (MEDICAL)\n...the left anterior descending artery.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=posterior


Words: anteroom
Meaning:
ante.room\n   anteroom  anterooms   also ante-room\n  An anteroom is a small room leading into a larger room.\nHe had been patiently waiting in the anteroom for an hour.\n  N-COUNT\n  = antechamber


Words: anthem
Meaning:
an.them\n   anthem  anthems\n  An anthem is a song which is used to represent a particular nation, society, or group and which is sung on special occasions.\nThe band played the Czech anthem.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also national anthem


Words: anthill
Meaning:
ant.hill\n   anthill  anthills   also ant-hill\n  An anthill is a pile of earth formed by ants when they are making a nest.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anthology
Meaning:
an.thol.ogy\n   anthology  anthologies\n  An anthology is a collection of writings by different writers published together in one book.\n...an anthology of poetry.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anthracite
Meaning:
an.thra.cite\n   anthracite\n  Anthracite is a type of very hard coal which burns slowly, producing a lot of heat and very little smoke.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: anthrax
Meaning:
an.thrax\n   anthrax\n  Anthrax is a disease of cattle and sheep, in which they get painful sores and a fever. Anthrax can be used in biological weapons.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: anthropology
Meaning:
an.thro.pol.ogy\n   anthropology\n  Anthropology is the scientific study of people, society, and culture.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  an.thro.polo.gist      anthropologists\n...an anthropologist who had been in China for three years.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anthropomorphic
Meaning:
an.thro.po.mor.phic\n   anthropomorphic\n  Anthropomorphic means relating to the idea that an animal, a god, or an object has feelings or characteristics like those of a human being.\n...the anthropomorphic attitude to animals...\n  ADJ


Words: anthropomorphism
Meaning:
an.thro.po.mor.phism\n   anthropomorphism\n  Anthropomorphism is the idea that an animal, a god, or an object has feelings or characteristics like those of a human being.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: anti
Meaning:
anti  antis\n1. You can refer to people who are opposed to a particular activity or idea as antis. (INFORMAL)\nDespite what the antis would tell you, hunting is for people from all walks of life.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft the N\n\n2. If someone is opposed to something you can say that they are anti it. (INFORMAL, SPOKEN)\nThat’s why you’re so anti other people smoking.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = against  !=for


Words: anti-
Meaning:
anti-\n1. Anti- is used to form adjectives and nouns that describe someone or something that is opposed to a particular system, practice, or group of people.\n...anti-government demonstrations.\n...anti-racist campaigners.\n...anti-Fascists.\n  PREFIX\n\n2. Anti- is used to form adjectives and nouns that describe things that are intended to destroy something harmful or to prevent something from happening.\n...anti-aircraft guns.\n...anti-discrimination legislation.\n...anti-inflammatory drugs.\n  PREFIX


Words: anti-abortionist
Meaning:
[nt `brnst;nti `b:nist]\nanti-abortionist  anti-abortionists\n  An anti-abortionist is someone who wants to limit or prevent the legal availability of abortions.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anti-depressant
Meaning:
anti-depressant  anti-depressants   also antidepressant\n  An anti-depressant is a drug which is used to treat people who are suffering from depression.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anti-hero
Meaning:
anti-hero  anti-heroes   also antihero\n  An anti-hero is the main character in a novel, play, or film who is not morally good and does not behave like a typical hero.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=hero


Words: anti-Semite
Meaning:
anti-Semite  anti-Semites\n  An anti-Semite is someone who strongly dislikes and is prejudiced against Jewish people.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anti-Semitic
Meaning:
[nt s`mtk;nti si`mitik]\nanti-Semitic   also antisemitic\n  Someone or something that is anti-Semitic is hostile to or prejudiced against Jewish people.\n  ADJ


Words: anti-social
Meaning:
anti-social   also antisocial\n1. Someone who is anti-social is unwilling to meet and be friendly with other people.\n...teenagers who will become aggressive and anti-social.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Anti-social behaviour is annoying or upsetting to other people.\n  ADJ


Words: antibiotic
Meaning:
anti.bi.ot.ic\n   antibiotic  antibiotics\n  Antibiotics are medical drugs used to kill bacteria and treat infections.\nYour doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: antibody
Meaning:
anti.body\n   antibody  antibodies\n  Antibodies are substances which a person’s or an animal’s body produces in their blood in order to destroy substances which carry disease.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: anticipate
Meaning:
an.tici.pate\n   anticipate  anticipates  anticipating  anticipated\n1. If you anticipate an event, you realize in advance that it may happen and you are prepared for it.\nAt the time we couldn’t have anticipated the result of our campaigning...\nIt is anticipated that the equivalent of 192 full-time jobs will be lost...\nOfficials anticipate that rivalry between leaders of the various drug factions could erupt into full scale war.\n  VERB: V n, it be V-ed that, V that\n  = expect\n2. If you anticipate a question, request, or need, you do what is necessary or required before the question, request, or need occurs.\nWhat Jeff did was to anticipate my next question...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you anticipate something, you do it, think it, or say it before someone else does.\nIn the 50s, Rauschenberg anticipated the conceptual art movement of the 80s.\n  VERB: V n


Words: anticipated
Meaning:
an.tici.pat.ed\n   anticipated\n  If an event, especially a cultural event, is eagerly anticipated, people expect that it will be very good, exciting, or interesting.\n...the most eagerly anticipated rock event of the year.\n...one of the conference’s most keenly anticipated debates...\n  ADJ\n  = awaited


Words: anticipation
Meaning:
an.tici.pa.tion\n   anticipation\n1. Anticipation is a feeling of excitement about something pleasant or exciting that you know is going to happen.\nThere’s been an atmosphere of anticipation around here for a few days now...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If something is done in anticipation of an event, it is done because people believe that event is going to happen.\nTroops in the Philippines have been put on full alert in anticipation of trouble during a planned general strike.\n  PHRASE: PHR n


Words: anticipatory
Meaning:
an.tici.pa.tory\n   anticipatory\n  An anticipatory feeling or action is one that you have or do because you are expecting something to happen soon. (FORMAL)\n...an anticipatory smile.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: anticlimax
Meaning:
anti.cli.max\n   anticlimax  anticlimaxes\n  You can describe something as an anticlimax if it disappoints you because it happens after something that was very exciting, or because it is not as exciting as you expected.\nBarry’s speech followed Dirk Bogarde’s appearance, and was an inevitable anticlimax...\n  N-VAR\n  = disappointment


Words: anticlockwise
Meaning:
anti.clock.wise\n   anticlockwise   also anti-clockwise\n  If something is moving anticlockwise, it is moving in the opposite direction to the direction in which the hands of a clock move. (BRIT)\nThe cutters are opened by turning the knob anticlockwise.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  !=clockwise\n  Anticlockwise is also an adjective. (in AM, use counterclockwise)\n...an anticlockwise route around the coast.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: antics
Meaning:
an.tics\n   antics\n  Antics are funny, silly, or unusual ways of behaving.\nElizabeth tolerated Sarah’s antics.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: anticyclone
Meaning:
anti.cy.clone\n   anticyclone  anticyclones\n  An anticyclone is an area of high atmospheric pressure which causes settled weather conditions and, in summer, clear skies and high temperatures.\n  N-COUNT


Words: antidote
Meaning:
anti.dote\n   antidote  antidotes\n1. An antidote is a chemical substance that stops or controls the effect of a poison.\nWhen he returned, he noticed their sickness and prepared an antidote.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Something that is an antidote to a difficult or unpleasant situation helps you to overcome the situation.\nMassage is a wonderful antidote to stress.\n  N-COUNT: usu N to n\n  = cure, remedy


Words: antifreeze
Meaning:
anti.freeze\n   antifreeze\n  Antifreeze is a liquid which is added to water to stop it freezing. It is used in car radiators in cold weather.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N


Words: antigen
Meaning:
anti.gen\n   antigen  antigens\n  An antigen is a substance that helps the production of antibodies.\n  N-COUNT


Words: antihistamine
Meaning:
anti.his.ta.mine\n   antihistamine  antihistamines   also anti-histamine\n  An antihistamine is a drug that is used to treat allergies.\n  N-COUNT


Words: antimatter
Meaning:
anti.mat.ter\n   antimatter\n  In science, antimatter is a form of matter whose particles have characteristics and properties opposite to those of ordinary matter. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: antioxidant
Meaning:
anti.oxi.dant\n   antioxidant  antioxidants   also anti-oxidant\n  An antioxidant is a substance which slows down the damage that can be caused to other substances by the effects of oxygen. Foods which contain antioxidants are thought to be very good for you.\n  N-COUNT


Words: antipasto
Meaning:
anti.pas.to\n   antipasto  antipasti\n  Antipasto is the sort of food that is often served at the beginning of an Italian meal, for example cold meats and vegetables in olive oil.\n  N-VAR


Words: antipathy
Meaning:
an.tipa.thy\n   antipathy\n  Antipathy is a strong feeling of dislike or hostility towards someone or something. (FORMAL)\nShe’d often spoken of her antipathy towards London.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N prep


Words: Antipodean
Meaning:
An.tipo.dean\n   Antipodean   also antipodean\n  Antipodean describes people or things that come from or relate to Australia and New Zealand. (BRIT)\nThis New Zealand winery produces some of the best antipodean wines.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Antipodes
Meaning:
An.tipo.des\n   Antipodes\n  People sometimes refer to Australia and New Zealand as the Antipodes. (BRIT)\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: antiquarian
Meaning:
anti.quar.ian\n   antiquarian  antiquarians\n1. Antiquarian means concerned with old and rare objects.\n...an antiquarian bookseller.\n...antiquarian and second-hand books.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. An antiquarian is the same as an antiquary.\n  N-COUNT


Words: antiquary
Meaning:
anti.quary\n   antiquary  antiquaries\n  An antiquary is a person who studies the past, or who collects or buys and sells old and valuable objects.\n  N-COUNT\n  = antiquarian


Words: antiquated
Meaning:
anti.quat.ed\n   antiquated\n  If you describe something as antiquated, you are criticizing it because it is very old or old-fashioned.\nMany factories are so antiquated they are not worth saving...\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: antique
Meaning:
an.tique\n   antique  antiques\n  An antique is an old object such as a piece of china or furniture which is valuable because of its beauty or rarity.\n...a genuine antique.\n...antique silver jewellery...\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: antiqued
Meaning:
an.tiqued\n   antiqued\n  An antiqued object is modern but has been made to look like an antique.\nBoth rooms have antiqued pine furniture.\n  ADJ


Words: antiquity
Meaning:
an.tiq.uity\n   antiquity  antiquities\n1. Antiquity is the distant past, especially the time of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.\n...famous monuments of classical antiquity...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Antiquities are things such as buildings, statues, or coins that were made in ancient times and have survived to the present day.\n...collectors of Roman antiquities.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n3. The antiquity of something is its great age.\n...a town of great antiquity...\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp


Words: antiseptic
Meaning:
anti.sep.tic\n   antiseptic  antiseptics\n1. Antiseptic is a substance that kills germs and harmful bacteria.\nShe bathed the cut with antiseptic.\n  N-MASS\n  = disinfectant\n2. Something that is antiseptic kills germs and harmful bacteria.\nThese vegetables and herbs have strong antiseptic qualities.\n  ADJ


Words: antithesis
Meaning:
an.tith.esis\n   antithesis  antitheses\n  The antithesis of something is its exact opposite. (FORMAL)\nThe little black dress is the anithesis of fussy dressing.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N of n\n  = opposite


Words: antithetical
Meaning:
anti.theti.cal\n   antithetical\n  Something that is antithetical to something else is the opposite of it and is unable to exist with it. (WRITTEN)\nTheir priorities are antithetical to those of environmentalists.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ to n


Words: antitrust
Meaning:
anti.trust\n   antitrust\n  In the United States, antitrust laws are intended to stop large firms taking over their competitors, fixing prices with their competitors, or interfering with free competition in any way.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: antonym
Meaning:
an.to.nym\n   antonym  antonyms\n  The antonym of a word is a word which means the opposite. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  !=synonym


Words: antsy
Meaning:
antsy\n  If someone is antsy, they are nervous or impatient. (AM INFORMAL)\nThis is the end of a tour so I’m a little antsy, I guess.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: anvil
Meaning:
an.vil\n   anvil  anvils\n  An anvil is a heavy iron block on which hot metals are beaten into shape.\n  N-COUNT


Words: anxiety
Meaning:
anxi.ety\n   anxiety  anxieties\n  Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness or worry.\nHer voice was full of anxiety...\nMany editorials express their anxieties about the economic chaos in the country.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: anxious
Meaning:
anx.ious\n   anxious\n1. If you are anxious to do something or anxious that something should happen, you very much want to do it or very much want it to happen.\nBoth the Americans and the Russians are anxious to avoid conflict in South Asia...\nHe is anxious that there should be no delay...\nThose anxious for reform say that the present system is too narrow.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ to-inf, ADJ that, ADJ prep\n  = eager, keen\n2. If you are anxious, you are nervous or worried about something.\nThe foreign minister admitted he was still anxious about the situation in the country...\nA friend of mine is a very anxious person.\n  ADJ\n  = nervous\n=>  anx.ious.ly\nThey are waiting anxiously to see who will succeed him.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. An anxious time or situation is one during which you feel nervous and worried.\nThe Prime Minister faces anxious hours before the votes are counted tomorrow night.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = uneasy


Words: any
Meaning:
any\n1. You use any in statements with negative meaning to indicate that no thing or person of a particular type exists, is present, or is involved in a situation.\nI never make any big decisions...\nWe are doing this all without any support from the hospital...\nEarlier reports were unable to confirm that there were any survivors...\n  DET: DET pl-n-uncount\n\n  Any is also a quantifier.\nYou don’t know any of my friends...\n  QUANT: QUANT of def-n-uncount/def-pl-n\n\n  Any is also a pronoun.\nThe children needed new school clothes and Kim couldn’t afford any.\n  PRON: PRON after v\n\n2. You use any in questions and conditional clauses to ask whether there is some of a particular thing or some of a particular group of people, or to suggest that there might be.\nDo you speak any foreign languages?...\nHave you got any cheese I can have with this bread?\n  DET: DET pl-n-uncount\n\n  Any is also a quantifier.\nHave you ever used a homeopathic remedy for any of the following reasons?\n  QUANT: QUANT of def-n-uncount/def-pl-n\n\n  Any is also a pronoun.\nThe plants are inspected for insects and if I find any, they are squashed.\n  PRON: PRON after v\n\n3. You use any in positive statements when you are referring to someone or something of a particular kind that might exist, occur, or be involved in a situation, when their exact identity or nature is not important.\nAny actor will tell you that it is easier to perform than to be themselves...\nI’m prepared to take any advice...\n  DET\n\n  Any is also a quantifier.\nIt had been the biggest mistake any of them could remember.\n  QUANT: QUANT of def-n-uncount/def-pl-n\n\n  Any is also a pronoun.\nClean the mussels and discard any that do not close.\n  PRON\n\n4. You can also use any to emphasize a comparative adjective or adverb in a negative statement.\nI can’t see things getting any easier for graduates...\n  ADV: ADV compar  emphasis\n\n5. If you say that someone or something is not just any person or thing, you mean that they are special in some way.\nIt’s fashionable for young people to wear trainers, but not just any trainers.\n  PHRASE: PHR n\n\n6. If something does not happen or is not true any more or any longer, it has stopped happening or is no longer true.\nI don’t want to see her any more...\nI couldn’t keep the tears hidden any longer.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n7.\nin any case: see case\nby any chance: see chance\nin any event: see event\nnot by any means: see means\nany old: see old\nat any rate: see rate


Words: anyhow
Meaning:
any.how\n   anyhow\n1. Anyhow means the same as anyway.\n  ADV\n\n2. If you do something anyhow, you do it in a careless or untidy way.\n...her long legs which she displayed all anyhow getting in and out of her car.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: anymore
Meaning:
any.more\n   anymore\n  If something does not happen or is not true anymore, it has stopped happening or is no longer true.\nI don’t ride my motorbike much anymore...\nI couldn’t trust him anymore...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  In British English, the spelling anymore is sometimes considered incorrect, and any more is used instead.


Words: anyone
Meaning:
any.one\n   anyone   or anybody\n1. You use anyone or anybody in statements with negative meaning to indicate in a general way that nobody is present or involved in an action.\nYou needn’t talk to anyone if you don’t want to...\nHe was far too scared to tell anybody...\n  PRON\n\n2. You use anyone or anybody in questions and conditional clauses to ask or talk about whether someone is present or doing something.\nWhy would anyone want that job?...\nIf anyone deserves to be happy, you do.\n  PRON\n\n3. You use anyone or anybody before words which indicate the kind of person you are talking about.\nIt’s not a job for anyone who is slow with numbers...\nAnybody interested in pop culture at all should buy `Pure Cult’.\n  PRON: PRON cl/group\n\n4. You use anyone or anybody to refer to a person when you are emphasizing that it could be any person out of a very large number of people.\nAnyone could be doing what I’m doing...\n  PRON  emphasis\n\n5. You use anyone who is anyone and anybody who is anybody to refer to people who are important or influential.\n  PHRASE


Words: anyplace
Meaning:
any.place\n   anyplace\n  Anyplace means the same as anywhere. (AM INFORMAL)\nShe didn’t have anyplace to go...\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: anything
Meaning:
any.thing\n   anything\n1. You use anything in statements with negative meaning to indicate in a general way that nothing is present or that an action or event does not or cannot happen.\nWe can’t do anything...\nShe couldn’t see or hear anything at all...\nBy the time I get home, I’m too tired to do anything active...\n  PRON: v PRON, oft PRON adj\n\n2. You use anything in questions and conditional clauses to ask or talk about whether something is present or happening.\nWhat happened, is anything wrong?...\nDid you find anything?...\nIs there anything you can do to help?...\n  PRON: oft PRON adj\n\n3. You can use anything before words which indicate the kind of thing you are talking about.\nMore than anything else, he wanted to become a teacher...\nAnything that’s cheap this year will be even cheaper next year...\n  PRON: PRON cl/group\n\n4. You use anything to emphasize a possible thing, event, or situation, when you are saying that it could be any one of a very large number of things.\nHe is young, fresh, and ready for anything...\nAt that point, anything could happen...\n  PRON  emphasis\n\n5. You use anything in expressions such as anything near, anything close to and anything like to emphasize a statement that you are making.\nDoctors have decided the only way he can live anything near a normal life is to give him an operation...\n  PRON: PRON prep  emphasis\n\n6. When you do not want to be exact, you use anything to talk about a particular range of things or quantities.\nFactory farming has turned the cow into a milk machine, producing anything from 25 to 40 litres of milk per day...\n  PRON: PRON from n to n, PRON between n and n\n\n7. You use anything but in expressions such as anything but quiet and anything but attractive to emphasize that something is not the case.\nThere’s no evidence that he told anyone to say anything but the truth...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, usu PHR adj  emphasis\n\n8. You can say that you would not do something for anything to emphasize that you definitely would not want to do or be a particular thing. (INFORMAL, SPOKEN)\nI wouldn’t want to move for anything in the world...\n  PHRASE  emphasis\n\n9. You use if anything, especially after a negative statement, to introduce a statement that adds to what you have just said.\nI never had to clean up after him. If anything, he did most of the cleaning.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n10. You can add or anything to the end of a clause or sentence in order to refer vaguely to other things that are or may be similar to what has just been mentioned. (INFORMAL, SPOKEN)\nListen, if you talk to him or anything make sure you let us know, will you...\n  PHRASE  vagueness


Words: anytime
Meaning:
any.time\n   anytime\n  You use anytime to mean a point in time which is not fixed or set.\nThe college admits students anytime during the year...\nHe can call me anytime.\n  ADV: ADV with v, oft ADV prep/cl


Words: anyway
Meaning:
any.way\n   anyway   or anyhow\n1. You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous point.\nI’m certain David’s told you his business troubles. Anyway, it’s no secret that he owes money...\nMother certainly won’t let him stay with her and anyhow he wouldn’t.\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n  = besides\n2. You use anyway or anyhow to suggest that a statement is true or relevant in spite of other things that have been said.\nI don’t know why I settled on Aberdeen, but anyway I did...\nI wasn’t qualified to apply for the job really but I got it anyhow.\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n\n3. You use anyway or anyhow to correct or modify a statement, for example to limit it to what you definitely know to be true.\nMary Ann doesn’t want to have children. Not right now, anyway.\n  ADV: cl/group ADV\n\n4. You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that you are asking what the real situation is or what the real reason for something is.\nWhat do you want from me, anyway?...\nWhere the hell was Bud, anyhow?\n  ADV: cl ADV\n\n5. You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that you are missing out some details in a story and are passing on to the next main point or event.\nI was told to go to Reading for this interview. It was a very amusing affair. Anyhow, I got the job.\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n  = well\n6. You use anyway or anyhow to change the topic or return to a previous topic.\n`I’ve got a terrible cold.’.`Have you? Oh dear. Anyway, so you’re not going to go away this weekend?’\n  ADV: ADV cl\n  = well\n7. You use anyway or anyhow to indicate that you want to end the conversation.\n`Anyway, I’d better let you have your dinner. Give our love to Francis. Bye.’\n  ADV: ADV cl\n  = well


Words: anywhere
Meaning:
any.where\n   anywhere\n1. You use anywhere in statements with negative meaning to indicate that a place does not exist.\nI haven’t got anywhere to live...\nThere had never been such a beautiful woman anywhere in the world.\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV, oft ADV cl/group\n\n2. You use anywhere in questions and conditional clauses to ask or talk about a place without saying exactly where you mean.\nDid you try to get help from anywhere?...\nIf she wanted to go anywhere at all she had to wait for her father to drive her.\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV, from ADV, oft ADV cl/group\n\n3. You use anywhere before words that indicate the kind of place you are talking about.\nHe’ll meet you anywhere you want...\nLet us know if you come across anywhere that has something special to offer.\n  ADV: ADV cl/group\n  = anyplace\n4. You use anywhere to refer to a place when you are emphasizing that it could be any of a large number of places.\nRachel would have known Julia Stone anywhere.\n...jokes that are so funny they always work anywhere.\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV  emphasis\n\n5. When you do not want to be exact, you use anywhere to refer to a particular range of things.\nHis shoes cost anywhere from $200 up...\nMy visits lasted anywhere from three weeks to two months.\n  ADV: ADV from/to n, ADV between pl-n, ADV up\n\n6. You use anywhere in expressions such as anywhere near and anywhere close to to emphasize a statement that you are making.\nThere weren’t anywhere near enough empty boxes...\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv  emphasis\n\n7. If you say that someone or something is not getting anywhere or is not going anywhere, you mean that they are not making progress or achieving a satisfactory result.\nThe conversation did not seem to be getting anywhere...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: AOB
Meaning:
AOB is a heading on an agenda for a meeting, to show that any topics not listed separately can be discussed at this point, usually the end. AOB is an abbreviation for `any other business’.


Words: aorta
Meaning:
aor.ta\n   aorta  aortas\n  The aorta is the main artery through which blood leaves your heart before it flows through the rest of your body.\n  N-COUNT


Words: apace
Meaning:
apace\n  If something develops or continues apace, it is developing or continuing quickly. (FORMAL)\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  = speedily, swiftly


Words: apart
Meaning:
POSITIONS AND STATES\n   apart\nIn addition to the uses shown below, apart is used in phrasal verbs such as `grow apart’ and `take apart’.\n1. When people or things are apart, they are some distance from each other.\nHe was standing a bit apart from the rest of us, watching us...\nRay and sister Renee lived just 25 miles apart from each other.\n...regions that were too far apart to have any way of knowing about each other...\n  ADV: ADV after v, oft ADV from n\n\n2. If two people or things move apart or are pulled apart, they move away from each other.\nJohn and Isabelle moved apart, back into the sun...\nHe tried in vain to keep the two dogs apart before the neighbour intervened.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n3. If two people are apart, they are no longer living together or spending time together, either permanently or just for a short time.\nIt was the first time Jane and I had been apart for more than a few days...\nMum and Dad live apart.\n  ADV: be ADV, ADV after v\n\n4. If you take something apart, you separate it into the pieces that it is made of. If it comes or falls apart, its parts separate from each other.\nWhen the clock stopped he took it apart to find out what was wrong...\nMany school buildings are unsafe, and some are falling apart.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n5. If something such as an organization or relationship falls apart, or if something tears it apart, it can no longer continue because it has serious difficulties.\nAny manager knows that his company will start falling apart if his attention wanders...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n6. If something sets someone or something apart, it makes them different from other people or things.\nWhat really sets Mr Thaksin apart is that he comes from northern Thailand...\n  ADV: ADV after v, n ADV\n\n7. If people or groups are a long way apart on a particular topic or issue, they have completely different views and disagree about it.\nTheir concept of a performance and our concept were miles apart.\n  ADJ: v-link amount ADJ, oft ADJ on n\n\n8. If you can’t tell two people or things apart, they look exactly the same to you.\nI can still only tell Mark and Dave apart by the colour of their shoes!\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu with brd-neg\n\nINDICATING EXCEPTIONS AND FOCUSING\n   apart\n1. You use apart from when you are making an exception to a general statement.\nShe was the only British competitor apart from Richard Meade.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n2. You use apart when you are making an exception to a general statement.\nThis was, New York apart, the first American city I had ever been in where people actually lived downtown.\n  ADV: n ADV\n  = excepted\n3. You use apart from to indicate that you are aware of one aspect of a situation, but that you are going to focus on another aspect.\nIlliteracy threatens Britain’s industrial performance. But, quite apart from that, the individual who can’t read or write is unlikely to get a job...\n  PREP-PHRASE


Words: apartheid
Meaning:
apart.heid\n   apartheid\n  Apartheid was a political system in South Africa in which people were divided into racial groups and kept apart by law.\nHe praised her role in the struggle against apartheid.\n...the anti-apartheid movement.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: apartment
Meaning:
apart.ment\n   apartment  apartments\n  An apartment is a set of rooms for living in, usually on one floor of a large building. (mainly AM; in BRIT, use flat)\n...bleak cities of concrete apartment blocks.\n  N-COUNT


Words: apartment building
Meaning:
apart.ment build.ing\n   apartment building  apartment buildings   or apartment house\n  An apartment building or apartment house is a tall building which contains different apartments on different floors. (AM; in BRIT, use block of flats)\n  N-COUNT


Words: apathetic
Meaning:
apa.thet.ic\n   apathetic\n  If you describe someone as apathetic, you are criticizing them because they do not seem to be interested in or enthusiastic about doing anything.\nEven the most apathetic students are beginning to sit up and listen...\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: apathy
Meaning:
apa.thy\n   apathy\n  You can use apathy to talk about someone’s state of mind if you are criticizing them because they do not seem to be interested in or enthusiastic about anything.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: ape
Meaning:
ape  apes  aping  aped\n1. Apes are chimpanzees, gorillas, and other animals in the same family.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you ape someone’s speech or behaviour, you imitate it.\nModelling yourself on someone you admire is not the same as aping all they say or do.\n  VERB: V n\n  = copy, imitate


Words: aperitif
Meaning:
ape.ri.tif\n   aperitif  aperitifs\n  An aperitif is an alcoholic drink that you have before a meal.\n  N-COUNT


Words: aperture
Meaning:
ap.er.ture\n   aperture  apertures\n1. An aperture is a narrow hole or gap. (FORMAL)\nThrough the aperture he could see daylight.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In photography, the aperture of a camera is the size of the hole through which light passes to reach the film.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Apex
Meaning:
Apex   also APEX\n  An Apex or an Apex ticket is a ticket for a journey by air or rail which costs less than the standard ticket, but which you have to book a specified period in advance.\nThe Apex fare is .195 return.\n  N-SING: usu N n


Words: apex
Meaning:
apex  apexes\n1. The apex of an organization or system is the highest and most important position in it.\nAt the apex of the party was its central committee.\n  N-SING: usu the N of n\n  = top\n2. The apex of something is its pointed top or end.\n...the apex of the pyramid.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft the N of n


Words: aphasia
Meaning:
apha.sia\n   aphasia\n  Aphasia is a mental condition in which people are often unable to remember simple words or communicate. (MEDICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: aphid
Meaning:
aphid  aphids\n  Aphids are very small insects which live on plants and suck their juices.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: aphorism
Meaning:
apho.rism\n   aphorism  aphorisms\n  An aphorism is a short witty sentence which expresses a general truth or comment. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = witticism


Words: aphrodisiac
Meaning:
aph.ro.disi.ac\n   aphrodisiac  aphrodisiacs\n  An aphrodisiac is a food, drink, or drug which is said to make people want to have sex.\nAsparagus is reputed to be an aphrodisiac.\n  N-COUNT


Words: apiece
Meaning:
apiece\n1. If people have a particular number of things apiece, they have that number each.\nHe and I had two fish apiece...\n  ADV: amount ADV\n  = each\n2. If a number of similar things are for sale at a certain price apiece, that is the price for each one of them.\nEntire roast chickens were sixty cents apiece.\n  ADV: amount ADV\n  = each


Words: aplenty
Meaning:
aplen.ty\n   aplenty\n  If you have something aplenty, you have a lot of it. (LITERARY)\nThere were problems aplenty at work.\n  ADV: n ADV


Words: aplomb
Meaning:
aplomb\n  If you do something with aplomb, you do it with confidence in a relaxed way. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with N\n  = poise


Words: apocalypse
Meaning:
apoca.lypse\n   apocalypse\n  The apocalypse is the total destruction and end of the world.\n  N-SING: usu the N


Words: apocalyptic
Meaning:
apoca.lyp.tic\n   apocalyptic\n1. Apocalyptic means relating to the total destruction of something, especially of the world.\n...the reformer’s apocalyptic warnings that the nation was running out of natural resources.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Apocalyptic means relating to or involving predictions about future disasters and the destruction of the world.\n...a gloomy and apocalyptic vision of a world hastening towards ruin.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: apocryphal
Meaning:
apoc.ry.phal\n   apocryphal\n  An apocryphal story is one which is probably not true or did not happen, but which may give a true picture of someone or something.\n  ADJ


Words: apogee
Meaning:
apo.gee\n   apogee\n  The apogee of something such as a culture or a business is its highest or its greatest point. (FORMAL)\n  N-SING: with supp\n  = peak


Words: apolitical
Meaning:
apo.liti.cal\n   apolitical\n1. Someone who is apolitical is not interested in politics.\nAs a musician, you cannot be apolitical.\n  ADJ\n  !=political\n2. If you describe an organization or an activity as apolitical, you mean that it is not linked to a particular political party.\n...the normally apolitical European Commission...\n  ADJ


Words: apologetic
Meaning:
apolo.get.ic\n   apologetic\n  If you are apologetic, you show or say that you are sorry for causing trouble for someone, for hurting them, or for disappointing them.\nThe hospital staff were very apologetic but that couldn’t really compensate...\n`I don’t follow football,’ she said with an apologetic smile.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  apolo.geti.cal.ly\n`It’s of no great literary merit,’ he said, almost apologetically.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: apologia
Meaning:
apo.lo.gia\n   apologia  apologias\n  An apologia is a statement in which you defend something that you strongly believe in, for example a way of life, a person’s behaviour, or a philosophy. (FORMAL)\nThe left have seen the work as an apologia for privilege and property.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: apologist
Meaning:
apolo.gist\n   apologist  apologists\n  An apologist is a person who writes or speaks in defence of a belief, a cause, or a person’s life. (FORMAL)\n`I am no apologist for Hitler,’ observed Pyat.\n  N-COUNT


Words: apologize
Meaning:
apolo.gize\n   apologize  apologizes  apologizing  apologized\nin BRIT, also use apologise\n  When you apologize to someone, you say that you are sorry that you have hurt them or caused trouble for them. You can say `I apologize’ as a formal way of saying sorry.\nI apologize for being late...\nCostello later apologized, saying he’d been annoyed by the man...\nHe apologized to the people who had been affected.\n  VERB: V for n/-ing, V, V to n, also V with quote


Words: apology
Meaning:
apol.ogy\n   apology  apologies\n1. An apology is something that you say or write in order to tell someone that you are sorry that you have hurt them or caused trouble for them.\nWe received a letter of apology...\nHe made a public apology for the team’s performance.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you offer or make your apologies, you apologize. (FORMAL)\nWhen Mary finally appeared, she made her apologies to Mrs Madrigal.\n  N-PLURAL: usu poss N\n\n3. If you say that you make no apologies for what you have done, you are emphasizing that you feel that you have done nothing wrong.\nUnion officials made no apologies for the threatened chaos.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: apoplectic
Meaning:
apo.plec.tic\n   apoplectic\n  If someone is apoplectic, they are extremely angry about something. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ\n  = furious, incensed


Words: apoplexy
Meaning:
apo.plexy\n   apoplexy\n1. Apoplexy is a stroke. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Apoplexy is extreme anger. (FORMAL)\nHe has already caused apoplexy with his books on class and on war.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: apostasy
Meaning:
apos.ta.sy\n   apostasy\n  If someone is accused of apostasy, they are accused of abandoning their religious faith, political loyalties, or principles. (FORMAL)\n...a charge of apostasy.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: apostate
Meaning:
apos.tate\n   apostate  apostates\n  An apostate is someone who has abandoned their religious faith, political loyalties, or principles. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = renegade, defector


Words: apostle
Meaning:
apos.tle\n   apostle  apostles\n1. The apostles were the followers of Jesus Christ who went from place to place telling people about him and trying to persuade them to become Christians.\n  N-COUNT\n  = disciple\n2. An apostle of a particular philosophy, policy, or cause is someone who strongly believes in it and works hard to promote it.\nHer mother was a dedicated apostle of healthy eating.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n  = proponent


Words: Apostolic
Meaning:
Ap.os.tol.ic\n   Apostolic\n1. Apostolic means belonging or relating to a Christian religious leader, especially the Pope.\nHe was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Minsk by Pope John Paul II.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Apostolic means belonging or relating to the early followers of Christ and to their teaching.\nHe saw his vocation as one of prayer and apostolic work.\n  ADJ


Words: apostrophe
Meaning:
apos.tro.phe\n   apostrophe  apostrophes\n  An apostrophe is the mark ’ when it is written to indicate that one or more letters have been left out of a word, as in `isn’t’ and `we’ll’. It is also added to nouns to form possessives, as in `Mike’s car’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: apothecary
Meaning:
apoth.ecary\n   apothecary  apothecaries\n  An apothecary was a person who prepared medicines for people. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: apotheosis
Meaning:
apoth.eo.sis\n   apotheosis\n1. If something is the apotheosis of something else, it is an ideal or typical example of it. (FORMAL)\nThe Oriental in Bangkok is the apotheosis of the grand hotel.\n  N-SING: oft N of n\n  = epitome\n2. If you describe an event or a time as someone’s apotheosis, you mean that it was the high point in their career or their life. (FORMAL)\nThat night was Richard’s apotheosis.\n  N-SING: with poss


Words: appal
Meaning:
ap.pal\n   appal  appals  appalling  appalled\nin AM, use appall\n  If something appals you, it disgusts you because it seems so bad or unpleasant.\nHis ignorance appals me...\n  VERB: V n\n  = horrify


Words: appalled
Meaning:
ap.palled\n   appalled\n  If you are appalled by something, you are shocked or disgusted because it is so bad or unpleasant.\nWe are all, of course, appalled that such items are still on sale in the shops.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ by/at n


Words: appalling
Meaning:
ap.pal.ling\n   appalling\n1. Something that is appalling is so bad or unpleasant that it shocks you.\nThey have been living under the most appalling conditions for two months.\n  ADJ\n  = dreadful\n=>  ap.pal.ling.ly\nHe says that he understands why they behaved so appallingly...\n  ADV\n\n2. You can use appalling to emphasize that something is very great or severe.\nI developed an appalling headache.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n\n=>  ap.pal.ling.ly\nIt’s been an appallingly busy morning.\n  ADV\n\n3.\n  see also appal


Words: apparatchik
Meaning:
ap.pa.rat.chik\n   apparatchik  apparatchiks\n  An apparatchik is someone who works for a government or a political party and who always obeys orders. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: apparatus
Meaning:
ap.pa.rat.us\n   apparatus   apparatuses\n1. The apparatus of an organization or system is its structure and method of operation.\nFor many years, the country had been buried under the apparatus of the regime.\n  N-VAR: with supp\n\n2. Apparatus is the equipment, such as tools and machines, which is used to do a particular job or activity.\nOne of the boys had to be rescued by firemen wearing breathing apparatus.\n  N-VAR: oft supp N


Words: apparel
Meaning:
ap.par.el\n   apparel\n  Apparel means clothes, especially formal clothes worn on an important occasion. (mainly AM FORMAL)\nWomen’s apparel is offered in petite, regular, and tall models.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = clothing


Words: apparent
Meaning:
ap.par.ent\n   apparent\n1. An apparent situation, quality, or feeling seems to exist, although you cannot be certain that it does exist.\nI was a bit depressed by our apparent lack of progress...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If something is apparent to you, it is clear and obvious to you.\nIt has been apparent that in other areas standards have held up well...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft it v-link ADJ that\n  = clear\n3. If you say that something happens for no apparent reason, you cannot understand why it happens.\nThe person may become dizzy for no apparent reason.\n  PHRASE


Words: apparently
Meaning:
ap.par.ent.ly\n   apparently\n1. You use apparently to indicate that the information you are giving is something that you have heard, but you are not certain that it is true.\nOil prices fell this week to their lowest level in fourteen months, apparently because of over-production.\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group, ADV before v  vagueness\n\n2. You use apparently to refer to something that seems to be true, although you are not sure whether it is or not.\nThe recent deterioration has been caused by an apparently endless recession...\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group, ADV before v


Words: apparition
Meaning:
ap.pa.ri.tion\n   apparition  apparitions\n  An apparition is someone you see or think you see but who is not really there as a physical being. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: appeal
Meaning:
ap.peal\n   appeal  appeals  appealing  appealed\n1. If you appeal to someone to do something, you make a serious and urgent request to them.\nThe Prime Minister appealed to young people to use their vote...\nHe will appeal to the state for an extension of unemployment benefits...\nThe United Nations has appealed for help from the international community.\n  VERB: V to/for n to-inf, V to n for n, V for n\n\n2. An appeal is a serious and urgent request.\nRomania’s government issued a last-minute appeal to him to call off his trip.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for/to n, N to-inf\n  = petition\n3. An appeal is an attempt to raise money for a charity or for a good cause.\n...an appeal to save a library containing priceless manuscripts...\n  N-COUNT: oft N to-inf, N for n\n\n4. If you appeal to someone in authority against a decision, you formally ask them to change it. In British English, you appeal against something. In American English, you appeal something.\nHe said they would appeal against the decision...\nWe intend to appeal the verdict...\nMaguire has appealed to the Supreme Court to stop her extradition.\n  VERB: V against n, V n, V to n to-inf\n\n5. An appeal is a formal request for a decision to be changed.\nHeath’s appeal against the sentence was later successful...\nThe jury agreed with her, but she lost the case on appeal.\n  N-VAR\n\n  see also Court of Appeal\n6. If something appeals to you, you find it attractive or interesting.\nOn the other hand, the idea appealed to him...\n  VERB: V to n\n\n7. The appeal of something is a quality that it has which people find attractive or interesting.\nIts new title was meant to give the party greater public appeal...\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n  = attraction\n  see also sex appeal\n8.\n  see also appealing


Words: appeal court
Meaning:
ap.peal court\n   appeal court  appeal courts\n  An appeal court is the same as a court of appeal.\n  N-COUNT


Words: appeal tribunal
Meaning:
ap.peal tri.bu.nal\n   appeal tribunal  appeal tribunals\n  An appeal tribunal is a special court or committee that is formed to reconsider a decision made by another court or committee.\n  N-COUNT


Words: appealing
Meaning:
ap.peal.ing\n   appealing\n1. Someone or something that is appealing is pleasing and attractive.\nThere was a sense of humour to what he did that I found very appealing...\n  ADJ\n  = attractive\n2. An appealing expression or tone of voice indicates to someone that you want help, advice, or approval.\nShe gave him a soft appealing look that would have melted solid ice.\n  ADJ\n\n3.\n  see also appeal


Words: appear
Meaning:
ap.pear\n   appear  appears  appearing  appeared\n1. If you say that something appears to be the way you describe it, you are reporting what you believe or what you have been told, though you cannot be sure it is true.\nThere appears to be increasing support for the leadership to take a more aggressive stance...\nThe aircraft appears to have crashed near Katmandu...\nIt appears that some missiles have been moved...\nIt appears unlikely that the UN would consider making such a move...\nThe presidency is beginning to appear a political irrelevance...\nHe appeared willing to reach an agreement.\n  V-LINK: no cont, there V to-inf, V to-inf, it V that, it V adj that/to-inf, V n, V adj  vagueness\n  = seem\n2. If someone or something appears to have a particular quality or characteristic, they give the impression of having that quality or characteristic.\nShe did her best to appear more self-assured than she felt...\nHe is anxious to appear a gentleman...\nUnder stress these people will appear to be superficial, over-eager and manipulative.\n  V-LINK: no cont, V adj, V n, V to-inf\n  = seem\n3. When someone or something appears, they move into a position where you can see them.\nA woman appeared at the far end of the street...\n  VERB: V\n\n4. When something new appears, it begins to exist or reaches a stage of development where its existence can be noticed.\n...small white flowers which appear in early summer...\nSlogans have appeared on walls around the city.\n  VERB: V, V\n\n5. When something such as a book appears, it is published or becomes available for people to buy.\n...a poem which appeared in his last collection of verse.\n  VERB: V\n\n6. When someone appears in something such as a play, a show, or a television programme, they take part in it.\nJill Bennett became John Osborne’s fourth wife, and appeared in several of his plays...\nStudent leaders appeared on television to ask for calm.\n  VERB: V in n, V on/at n\n\n7. When someone appears before a court of law or before an official committee, they go there in order to answer charges or to give information as a witness.\nTwo other executives appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court charged with tax fraud...\nThe American will appear before members of the disciplinary committee at Portman Square.\n  VERB: V in/at n, V before n


Words: appearance
Meaning:
ap.pear.ance\n   appearance  appearances\n1. When someone makes an appearance at a public event or in a broadcast, they take part in it.\nIt was the president’s second public appearance to date...\nKeegan made 68 appearances in two seasons for Southampton, scoring 37 times.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft supp N\n\n2. Someone’s or something’s appearance is the way that they look.\nShe used to be so fussy about her appearance...\n  N-SING: with supp\n\n3. The appearance of someone or something in a place is their arrival there, especially when it is unexpected.\nThe sudden appearance of a few bags of rice could start a riot.\n  N-SING: with supp, oft N of n\n\n4. The appearance of something new is its coming into existence or use.\nFears are growing of a cholera outbreak following the appearance of a number of cases in the city.\n  N-SING: with supp, oft N of n\n\n5. If something has the appearance of a quality, it seems to have that quality.\nWe tried to meet both children’s needs without the appearance of favoritism or unfairness...\n  N-SING: with supp\n\n6. If something is true to all appearances, from all appearances, or by all appearances, it seems from what you observe or know about it that it is true.\nHe was a small and to all appearances an unassuming man.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl/group\n\n7. If you keep up appearances, you try to behave and dress in a way that people expect of you, even if you can no longer afford it.\nHis parents’ obsession with keeping up appearances haunted his childhood.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8. If you put in an appearance at an event, you go to it for a short time although you may not really want to, but do not stay.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = show your face


Words: appearance money
Meaning:
ap.pear.ance mon.ey\n   appearance money\n  Appearance money is money paid to a famous person such as a sports star or film star for taking part in a public event.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: appease
Meaning:
ap.pease\n   appease  appeases  appeasing  appeased\n  If you try to appease someone, you try to stop them from being angry by giving them what they want.\nGandhi was accused by some of trying to appease both factions of the electorate...\n  VERB: V n  disapproval\n  = placate


Words: appeasement
Meaning:
ap.pease.ment\n   appeasement\n  Appeasement means giving people what they want to prevent them from harming you or being angry with you. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: appellant
Meaning:
ap.pel.lant\n   appellant  appellants\n  An appellant is someone who is appealing against a court’s decision after they have been judged guilty of a crime. (LEGAL)\nThe Court of Appeal upheld the appellants’ convictions.\n  N-COUNT


Words: appellate court
Meaning:
ap.pel.late court\n   appellate court  appellate courts\n  In the United States, an appellate court is a special court where people who have been convicted of a crime can appeal against their conviction. (AM; in BRIT, use court of appeal)\n  N-COUNT


Words: appellation
Meaning:
ap.pel.la.tion\n   appellation  appellations\n  An appellation is a name or title that a person, place, or thing is given. (FORMAL)\nHe earned the appellation `rebel priest.’\n  N-COUNT\n  = epithet


Words: append
Meaning:
ap.pend\n   append  appends  appending  appended\n  When you append something to something else, especially a piece of writing, you attach it or add it to the end of it. (FORMAL)\nViolet appended a note at the end of the letter...\nIt was a relief that his real name hadn’t been appended to the manuscript.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed to n


Words: appendage
Meaning:
ap.pend.age\n   appendage  appendages\n  An appendage is something that is joined to or connected with something larger or more important. (FORMAL)\n...the growing demand in Wales for recognition that it was not just an appendage to England...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of/to n


Words: appendicitis
Meaning:
ap.pen.di.ci.tis\n   appendicitis\n  Appendicitis is an illness in which a person’s appendix is infected and painful.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: appendix
Meaning:
ap.pen.dix\n   appendix  appendixes\n\n  In British English, the plural form appendices   is usually used for meaning 2.\n\n1. Your appendix is a small closed tube inside your body which is attached to your digestive system.\n...a burst appendix.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An appendix to a book is extra information that is placed after the end of the main text.\n  N-COUNT


Words: appetite
Meaning:
ap.pe.tite\n   appetite  appetites\n1. Your appetite is your desire to eat.\nHe has a healthy appetite...\nSymptoms are a slight fever, headache and loss of appetite.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Someone’s appetite for something is their strong desire for it.\n...Americans’ growing appetite for scandal...\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n


Words: appetizer
Meaning:
ap.pe.tiz.er\n   appetizer  appetizers\nin BRIT, also use appetiser\n  An appetizer is the first course of a meal. It consists of a small amount of food.\n  N-COUNT


Words: appetizing
Meaning:
ap.pe.tiz.ing\n   appetizing\nin BRIT, also use appetising\n  Appetizing food looks and smells good, so that you want to eat it.\n...the appetising smell of freshly baked bread...\n  ADJ


Words: applaud
Meaning:
ap.plaud\n   applaud  applauds  applauding  applauded\n1. When a group of people applaud, they clap their hands in order to show approval, for example when they have enjoyed a play or concert.\nThe audience laughed and applauded...\nEvery person stood to applaud his unforgettable act of courage.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n2. When an attitude or action is applauded, people praise it.\nHe should be applauded for his courage...\nThis last move can only be applauded...\nShe applauds the fact that they are promoting new ideas.\n  VERB: be V-ed for n, be V-ed, V n


Words: applause
Meaning:
ap.plause\n   applause\n  Applause is the noise made by a group of people clapping their hands to show approval.\nThey greeted him with thunderous applause.\n...a round of applause.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: apple
Meaning:
ap.ple\n   apple  apples\n1. An apple is a round fruit with smooth green, yellow, or red skin and firm white flesh.\nI want an apple.\n...his ongoing search for the finest varieties of apple.\n...a large garden with apple trees in it.\n  N-VAR\n\n  see also Adam’s apple, Big Apple, crab apple\n2. If you say that someone is the apple of your eye, you mean that they are very important to you and you are extremely fond of them.\nPenny’s only son was the apple of her eye.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR


Words: apple pie
Meaning:
ap.ple pie\n   apple pie  apple pies\n1. An apple pie is a kind of pie made with apples.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If a room or a desk is in apple pie order, it is neat and tidy, and everything is where it should be.\nThey found everything in apple-pie order.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n3. If you say that something is as American as apple pie, you mean that it is typically American.\nJeans are as American as apple pie.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: apple sauce
Meaning:
ap.ple sauce\n   apple sauce   also applesauce\n  Apple sauce is a type of sauce made from pureed cooked apples.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: applecart
Meaning:
apple.cart\n   applecart\n  If you upset the applecart, you do something which causes a plan, system, or arrangement to go wrong.\nThey may also be friends of the chairman, so they are reluctant to upset the applecart.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: applet
Meaning:
ap.plet\n   applet  applets\n  An applet is a computer program which is contained within a page on the World Wide Web, and which transfers itself to your computer and runs automatically while you are looking at that Web page. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: appliance
Meaning:
ap.pli.ance\n   appliance  appliances\n1. An appliance is a device or machine in your home that you use to do a job such as cleaning or cooking. Appliances are often electrical. (FORMAL)\nHe could also learn to use the vacuum cleaner, the washing machine and other household appliances.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The appliance of a skill or of knowledge is its use for a particular purpose.\nThese advances were the result of the intellectual appliance of science.\n  N-SING: usu N of n


Words: applicable
Meaning:
ap.pli.cable\n   applicable\n  Something that is applicable to a particular situation is relevant to it or can be applied to it.\nAppraisal has traditionally been seen as most applicable to those in management and supervisory positions...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n\n  = relevant


Words: applicant
Meaning:
ap.pli.cant\n   applicant  applicants\n  An applicant for something such as a job or a place at a college is someone who makes a formal written request to be given it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: application
Meaning:
ap.pli.ca.tion\n   application  applications\n1. An application for something such as a job or membership of an organization is a formal written request for it.\nHis application for membership of the organisation was rejected...\nTickets are available on application.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N for n, N to-inf, also on/upon N\n\n2. The application of a rule or piece of knowledge is the use of it in a particular situation.\nStudents learned the practical application of the theory they had learned in the classroom...\n  N-VAR: oft N of/to n\n\n3. In computing, an application is a piece of software designed to carry out a particular task.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. Application is hard work and concentration on what you are doing over a period of time.\n...his immense talent, boundless energy and unremitting application.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = diligence\n5. The application of something to a surface is the act or process of putting it on or rubbing it into the surface.\nWith repeated applications of weedkiller, the weeds were overcome.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n


Words: applicator
Meaning:
ap.pli.ca.tor\n   applicator  applicators\n  An applicator is a device that you use to put something somewhere when you do not want to touch it or do it with your hands.\n  N-COUNT


Words: applied
Meaning:
ap.plied\n   applied\n  An applied subject of study has a practical use, rather than being concerned only with theory.\n...Applied Physics.\n...plans to put more money into applied research.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=pure


Words: applique
Meaning:
ap.pli.que\n   applique   also applique\n  Applique is the craft of sewing fabric shapes onto larger pieces of cloth. You can also use applique to refer to things you make using this craft.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: appliqued
Meaning:
ap.pli.qued\n   appliqued   also appliqued\n  Appliqued shapes or fabric are formed from pieces of fabric which are stitched on to clothes or larger pieces of cloth.\n...a magnificent appliqued bedspread.\n  ADJ


Words: apply
Meaning:
ap.ply\n   apply  applies  applying  applied\n1. If you apply for something such as a job or membership of an organization, you write a letter or fill in a form in order to ask formally for it.\nI am continuing to apply for jobs...\nThey may apply to join the organization.\n  VERB: V for n, V to-inf, also V to n for n\n\n2. If you apply yourself to something or apply your mind to something, you concentrate hard on doing it or on thinking about it.\nFaulks has applied himself to this task with considerable energy...\nIn spare moments he applied his mind to how rockets could be used to make money.\n  VERB: V pron-refl to n/-ing, V n to n/wh, also V pron-refl\n\n3. If something such as a rule or a remark applies to a person or in a situation, it is relevant to the person or the situation.\nThe convention does not apply to us...\nThe rule applies where a person owns stock in a corporation.\n  VERB: no cont, V to n, V\n\n4. If you apply something such as a rule, system, or skill, you use it in a situation or activity.\nThe Government appears to be applying the same principle...\nHis project is concerned with applying the technology to practical business problems.\n  VERB: V n, V n to n\n\n5. A name that is applied to someone or something is used to refer to them.\nConnell said a new medical term should be applied to Berg’s actions. He calls it `medicide’.\n  VERB: be V-ed to n\n\n6. If you apply something to a surface, you put it on or rub it into the surface.\nThe right thing would be to apply direct pressure to the wound...\nApplying the dye can be messy, particularly on long hair.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n\n\n7.\n  see also applied


Words: appoint
Meaning:
ap.point\n   appoint  appoints  appointing  appointed\n  If you appoint someone to a job or official position, you formally choose them for it.\nIt made sense to appoint a banker to this job...\nThe commission appointed a special investigator to conduct its own inquiry...\nThe Prime Minister has appointed a civilian as defence minister...\nShe was appointed a US delegate to the United Nations.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n to-inf, V n as n, be V-ed n, also V n n, V n\n  = assign\n  see also appointed


Words: appointed
Meaning:
ap.point.ed\n   appointed\n  If something happens at the appointed time, it happens at the time that was decided in advance. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: appointee
Meaning:
ap.poin.tee\n   appointee  appointees\n  An appointee is someone who has been chosen for a particular job or position of responsibility. (FORMAL)\n...Becket, a recent appointee to the Supreme Court.\n  N-COUNT


Words: appointment
Meaning:
ap.point.ment\n   appointment  appointments\n1. The appointment of a person to a particular job is the choice of that person to do it.\n...his appointment as foreign minister in 1985.\n  N-VAR: usu with poss, oft N to/as n\n\n2. An appointment is a job or position of responsibility.\nMr Fay is to take up an appointment as a researcher with the Royal Society.\n  N-COUNT\n  = post\n3. If you have an appointment with someone, you have arranged to see them at a particular time, usually in connection with their work or for a serious purpose.\nShe has an appointment with her accountant...\n...a dental appointment.\n  N-COUNT: oft N with n, N to-inf\n\n4. If something can be done by appointment, people can arrange in advance to do it at a particular time.\nViewing is by appointment only.\n  PHRASE


Words: apportion
Meaning:
ap.por.tion\n   apportion  apportions  apportioning  apportioned\n  When you apportion something such as blame, you decide how much of it different people deserve or should be given. (FORMAL)\nThe experts are even-handed in apportioning blame among EU governments...\n  VERB: V n prep


Words: apposite
Meaning:
ap.po.site\n   apposite\n  Something that is apposite is suitable for or appropriate to what is happening or being discussed. (FORMAL)\nRecent events have made his central theme even more apposite...\n  ADJ\n  = relevant, apt


Words: apposition
Meaning:
ap.po.si.tion\n   apposition\n  If two noun groups referring to the same person or thing are in apposition, one is placed immediately after the other, with no conjunction joining them, as in `Her father, Nigel, left home three months ago.’\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu in N


Words: appraisal
Meaning:
ap.prais.al\n   appraisal  appraisals\n1. If you make an appraisal of something, you consider it carefully and form an opinion about it.\nWhat is needed in such cases is a calm appraisal of the situation...\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n  = evaluation\n2. Appraisal is the official or formal assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of someone or something. Appraisal often involves observation or some kind of testing.\nStaff problems should be addressed through training and appraisals.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n  = evaluation


Words: appraise
Meaning:
ap.praise\n   appraise  appraises  appraising  appraised\n  If you appraise something or someone, you consider them carefully and form an opinion about them. (FORMAL)\nThis prompted many employers to appraise their selection and recruitment policies...\n  VERB: V n\n  = evaluate


Words: appraiser
Meaning:
ap.prais.er\n   appraiser  appraisers\n  An appraiser is someone whose job is to estimate the cost or value of something such as property. (AM; in BRIT, use valuer)\n  N-COUNT


Words: appreciable
Meaning:
ap.pre.ci.able\n   appreciable\n  An appreciable amount or effect is large enough to be important or clearly noticed. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = significant


Words: appreciate
Meaning:
ap.pre.ci.ate\n   appreciate  appreciates  appreciating  appreciated\n1. If you appreciate something, for example a piece of music or good food, you like it because you recognize its good qualities.\nIn time you’ll appreciate the beauty and subtlety of this language.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you appreciate a situation or problem, you understand it and know what it involves.\nShe never really appreciated the depth and bitterness of the Irish conflict...\nHe appreciates that co-operation with the media is part of his professional duties.\n  VERB: V n, V that\n\n3. If you appreciate something that someone has done for you or is going to do for you, you are grateful for it.\nPeter stood by me when I most needed it. I’ll always appreciate that...\nI’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t mention it.\n  VERB: V n, V it if\n\n4. If something that you own appreciates over a period of time, its value increases.\nThey don’t have any confidence that houses will appreciate in value.\n  VERB: V\n  !=depreciate


Words: appreciation
Meaning:
ap.pre.cia.tion\n   appreciation  appreciations\n1. Appreciation of something is the recognition and enjoyment of its good qualities.\n...an investigation into children’s understanding and appreciation of art...\nBrian whistled in appreciation.\n  N-SING: also no det, oft N of n\n\n2. Your appreciation for something that someone does for you is your gratitude for it.\nHe expressed his appreciation for what he called Saudi Arabia’s moderate and realistic oil policies.\n...the gifts presented to them in appreciation of their work.\n  N-SING: also no det, oft with poss, N for n\n  = gratitude\n3. An appreciation of a situation or problem is an understanding of what it involves.\nThey have a stronger appreciation of the importance of economic incentives.\n  N-SING: also no det, with supp, oft N of n\n  = grasp\n4. Appreciation in the value of something is an increase in its value over a period of time.\nYou have to take capital appreciation of the property into account.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=depreciation


Words: appreciative
Meaning:
ap.pre.cia.tive\n   appreciative\n1. An appreciative reaction or comment shows the enjoyment that you are getting from something.\nThere is a murmur of appreciative laughter...\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you are appreciative of something, you are grateful for it.\nWe have been very appreciative of their support...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n


Words: apprehend
Meaning:
ap.pre.hend\n   apprehend  apprehends  apprehending  apprehended\n  If the police apprehend someone, they catch them and arrest them. (FORMAL)\nPolice have not apprehended her killer.\n  VERB: V n\n  = catch


Words: apprehension
Meaning:
ap.pre.hen.sion\n   apprehension  apprehensions\n1. Apprehension is a feeling of fear that something bad may happen. (FORMAL)\nIt reflects real anger and apprehension about the future...\nI tensed every muscle in my body in apprehension.\n  N-VAR\n  = worry\n2. The apprehension of someone who is thought to be a criminal is their capture or arrest by the police. (FORMAL)\n...information leading to the apprehension of the alleged killer.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: apprehensive
Meaning:
ap.pre.hen.sive\n   apprehensive\n  Someone who is apprehensive is afraid that something bad may happen.\nPeople are still terribly apprehensive about the future.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ about n/-ing


Words: apprentice
Meaning:
ap.pren.tice\n   apprentice  apprentices  apprenticing  apprenticed\n1. An apprentice is a young person who works for someone in order to learn their skill.\nHe left school at 15 and trained as an apprentice carpenter.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n2. If a young person is apprenticed to someone, they go to work for them in order to learn their skill.\nI was apprenticed to a builder when I was fourteen.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to n


Words: apprenticeship
Meaning:
ap.pren.tice.ship\n   apprenticeship  apprenticeships\n  Someone who has an apprenticeship works for a fixed period of time for a person who has a particular skill in order to learn the skill. Apprenticeship is the system of learning a skill like this.\n  N-VAR


Words: apprise
Meaning:
ap.prise\n   apprise  apprises  apprising  apprised\n  When you are apprised of something, someone tells you about it. (FORMAL)\nHave customers been fully apprised of the advantages?...\nWe must apprise them of the dangers that may be involved.\n  VERB: be V-ed of n, V n of n\n  = notify


Words: approach
Meaning:
ap.proach\n   approach  approaches  approaching  approached\n1. When you approach something, you get closer to it.\nHe didn’t approach the front door at once...\nWhen I approached, they grew silent...\nWe turned to see the approaching car slow down.\n  VERB: V n, V, V-ing\n\n  Approach is also a noun.\nAt their approach the little boy ran away and hid.\n...the approach of a low-flying helicopter.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp\n\n2. An approach to a place is a road, path, or other route that leads to it.\nThe path serves as an approach to the boat house.\n  N-COUNT: usu N to n\n\n3. If you approach someone about something, you speak to them about it for the first time, often making an offer or request.\nWhen Chappel approached me about the job, my first reaction was of disbelief...\nHe approached me to create and design the restaurant...\nAnna approached several builders and was fortunate to come across Eddie.\n  VERB: no cont, V n prep, V n to-inf, V n\n\n  Approach is also a noun.\nThere had already been approaches from buyers interested in the whole of the group.\n  N-COUNT: oft N from/to n\n\n4. When you approach a task, problem, or situation in a particular way, you deal with it or think about it in that way.\nThe Bank has approached the issue in a practical way...\nEmployers are interested in how you approach problems.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n\n  = tackle, address\n5. Your approach to a task, problem, or situation is the way you deal with it or think about it.\nWe will be exploring different approaches to gathering information.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N to -ing\n\n6. As a future time or event approaches, it gradually gets nearer as time passes.\nAs autumn approached, the plants and colours in the garden changed.\n...the approaching crisis.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n\n  Approach is also a noun.\n...the festive spirit that permeated the house with the approach of Christmas.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n\n7. As you approach a future time or event, time passes so that you get gradually nearer to it.\nWe approach the end of the year with the economy slowing and little sign of cheer.\n  VERB: V n\n\n8. If something approaches a particular level or state, it almost reaches that level or state.\nOil prices have approached their highest level for almost ten years...\n  VERB: V n


Words: approachable
Meaning:
ap.proach.able\n   approachable\n  If you describe someone as approachable, you think that they are friendly and easy to talk to.\n  ADJ  approval\n  !=aloof, unapproachable


Words: approbation
Meaning:
ap.pro.ba.tion\n   approbation\n  Approbation is approval of something or agreement to it. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = approval


Words: appropriate
Meaning:
ap.pro.pri.ate\n   appropriate appropriates  appropriating  appropriated\nThe verb is pronounced\n1. Something that is appropriate is suitable or acceptable for a particular situation.\nDress neatly and attractively in an outfit appropriate to the job...\nThe teacher can then take appropriate action.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ that/to-inf, ADJ for/to n\n  !=inappropriate\n=>  ap.pro.pri.ate.ly\nIt’s entitled, appropriately enough, `Art for the Nation’.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV with cl/group\n\n2. If someone appropriates something which does not belong to them, they take it, usually without the right to do so. (FORMAL)\nSeveral other newspapers have appropriated the idea...\n  VERB: V n\n  = purloin


Words: appropriation
Meaning:
ap.pro.pria.tion\n   appropriation  appropriations\n1. An appropriation is an amount of money that a government or organization reserves for a particular purpose. (FORMAL)\nThe government raised defence appropriations by 12 per cent.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = allocation\n2. Appropriation of something that belongs to someone else is the act of taking it, usually without having the right to do so. (FORMAL)\nOther charges include fraud and illegal appropriation of land.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, usu N of n


Words: approval
Meaning:
ap.prov.al\n   approval  approvals\n1. If you win someone’s approval for something that you ask for or suggest, they agree to it.\nThe chairman has also given his approval for an investigation into the case...\nThe proposed modifications met with widespread approval.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp, oft with poss, N for n\n  = sanction\n2. Approval is a formal or official statement that something is acceptable.\nThe testing and approval of new drugs will be speeded up.\n  N-VAR\n\n3. If someone or something has your approval, you like and admire them.\nHis son had an obsessive drive to gain his father’s approval...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss


Words: approve
Meaning:
ap.prove\n   approve  approves  approving  approved\n1. If you approve of an action, event, or suggestion, you like it or are pleased about it.\nNot everyone approves of the festival...\n  VERB: oft with brd-neg, V of n\n\n2. If you approve of someone or something, you like and admire them.\nYou’ve never approved of Henry, have you?...\n  VERB: oft with brd-neg, V of n\n\n3. If someone in a position of authority approves a plan or idea, they formally agree to it and say that it can happen.\nThe Russian Parliament has approved a program of radical economic reforms...\n  VERB: V n\n  = sanction\n4.\n  see also approved, approving


Words: approved
Meaning:
ap.proved\n   approved\n  An approved method or course of action is officially accepted as appropriate in a particular situation.\nThe approved method of cleaning is industrial sand-blasting.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: approved school
Meaning:
ap.proved school\n   approved school  approved schools\n  In Britain in the past, an approved school was a boarding school where young people could be sent to stay if they had been found guilty of a crime.\n  N-COUNT


Words: approving
Meaning:
ap.prov.ing\n   approving\n  An approving reaction or remark shows support for something, or satisfaction with it.\nHis mother leaned forward and gave him an approving look.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=disapproving


Words: approximate
Meaning:
ap.proxi.mate\n   approximate approximates  approximating  approximated\nThe adjective is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. An approximate number, time, or position is close to the correct number, time, or position, but is not exact.\nThe approximate cost varies from around .150 to .250...\nThe times are approximate only.\n  ADJ\n  !=exact\n=>  ap.proxi.mate.ly\nApproximately $150 million is to be spent on improvements.\n  ADV: ADV num\n\n2. An idea or description that is approximate is not intended to be precise or accurate, but to give some indication of what something is like.\nThey did not have even an approximate idea what the Germans really wanted.\n  ADJ\n\n3. If something approximates to something else, it is similar to it but is not exactly the same.\nSomething approximating to a fair outcome will be ensured...\nBy about 6 weeks of age, most babies begin to show something approximating a dayight sleeping pattern.\n  VERB: V to n, V n


Words: approximation
Meaning:
ap.proxi.ma.tion\n   approximation  approximations\n1. An approximation is a fact, object, or description which is similar to something else, but which is not exactly the same.\nThat is a fair approximation of the way in which the next boss is being chosen.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of/to n\n\n2. An approximation is a number, calculation, or position that is close to a correct number, time, or position, but is not exact.\nClearly that’s an approximation, but my guess is there’ll be a reasonable balance.\n  N-COUNT\n  = estimate


Words: apres-ski
Meaning:
apres-ski   also apres-ski\n  Apres-ski is evening entertainment and social activities in places where people go skiing.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: apricot
Meaning:
apri.cot\n   apricot  apricots\n1. An apricot is a small, soft, round fruit with yellowish-orange flesh and a stone inside.\n...12 oz apricots, halved and stoned.\n...apricot tart.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Apricot is used to describe things that are yellowish-orange in colour.\nThe bridesmaids wore apricot and white organza...\n  COLOUR


Words: April
Meaning:
April  Aprils\n  April is the fourth month of the year in the Western calendar.\nThe changes will be introduced in April...\nThey were married on 7 April 1927 at Paddington Register Office.\n  N-VAR


Words: April Fool’s Day
Meaning:
April Fool’s Day\n  April Fool’s Day is the 1st of April, the day on which people traditionally play tricks on each other.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: apron
Meaning:
apron  aprons\n  An apron is a piece of clothing that you put on over the front of your normal clothes and tie round your waist, especially when you are cooking, in order to prevent your clothes from getting dirty.\n  N-COUNT


Words: apropos
Meaning:
ap.ro.pos\n   apropos\n1. Something which is apropos, or apropos of, a subject or event, is connected with it or relevant to it. (FORMAL)\nAll my suggestions apropos the script were accepted...\n  PREP\n  = with reference to\n2. Apropos or apropos of is used to introduce something that you are going to say which is related to the subject you have just been talking about. (FORMAL)\nApropos Dudley Moore living in California he said, `He loves the space, Californians have a lot of space.’\n  PREP


Words: apt
Meaning:
apt\n1. An apt remark, description, or choice is especially suitable.\nThe words of this report are as apt today as in 1929.\n...an apt description of the situation.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  apt.ly\n...the beach in the aptly named town of Oceanside.\n  ADV\n\n2. If someone is apt to do something, they often do it and so it is likely that they will do it again.\nShe was apt to raise her voice and wave her hands about...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to-inf\n  = liable


Words: aptitude
Meaning:
ap.ti.tude\n   aptitude  aptitudes\n  Someone’s aptitude for a particular kind of work or activity is their ability to learn it quickly and to do it well.\nAn aptitude for computing is beneficial for students taking this degree.\n  N-VAR: usu N for n/-ing


Words: aptitude test
Meaning:
ap.ti.tude test\n   aptitude test  aptitude tests\n  An aptitude test is a test that is specially designed to find out how easily and how well you can do something.\n  N-COUNT


Words: aqua
Meaning:
aqua\n  Aqua is the same as the colour aquamarine.\n...floor-length curtains in restful aqua and lavender colours.\n  COLOUR


Words: aquamarine
Meaning:
aqua.marine\n   aquamarine  aquamarines\n1. Aquamarines are clear, greenish-blue stones, sometimes used to make jewellery.\nA necklace set with aquamarines.\n...a large aquamarine ring.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Aquamarine is used to describe things that are greenish-blue in colour.\n...warm aquamarine seas and white beaches.\n  COLOUR


Words: aquarium
Meaning:
aquar.ium\n   aquarium  aquariums  or aquaria\n1. An aquarium is a building, often in a zoo, where fish and underwater animals are kept.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An aquarium is a glass tank filled with water, in which people keep fish.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Aquarius
Meaning:
Aquar.ius\n   Aquarius\n1. Aquarius is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a person pouring water. People who are born approximately between 20th January and 18th February come under this sign.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An Aquarius is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Aquarius.\n  N-SING: a N


Words: aquatic
Meaning:
aquat.ic\n   aquatic\n1. An aquatic animal or plant lives or grows on or in water.\n...aquatic birds.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Aquatic means relating to water.\n...aquatic consultant Ben Tucker.\n...our aquatic resources.\n  ADJ


Words: aqueduct
Meaning:
aque.duct\n   aqueduct  aqueducts\n1. An aqueduct is a long bridge with many arches, which carries a water supply or a canal over a valley.\n...an old Roman aqueduct.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An aqueduct is a large pipe or canal which carries a water supply to a city or a farming area.\n...a nationwide system of aqueducts to carry water to the arid parts of this country.\n  N-COUNT


Words: aqueous
Meaning:
aque.ous\n   aqueous\n  In chemistry, an aqueous solution or cream has water as its base. (TECHNICAL)\n...an aqueous solution containing various sodium salts.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = water-based


Words: aquifer
Meaning:
aqui.fer\n   aquifer  aquifers\n  In geology, an aquifer is an area of rock underneath the surface of the earth which absorbs and holds water. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: aquiline
Meaning:
aqui.line\n   aquiline\n  If someone has an aquiline nose or profile, their nose is large, thin, and usually curved. (FORMAL)\nHe had a thin aquiline nose and deep-set brown eyes.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Arab
Meaning:
Arab  Arabs\n1. Arabs are people who speak Arabic and who come from the Middle East and parts of North Africa.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Arab means belonging or relating to Arabs or to their countries or customs.\nOn the surface, it appears little has changed in the Arab world.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: arabesque
Meaning:
ara.besque\n   arabesque  arabesques\n  An arabesque is a position in ballet dancing. The dancer stands on one leg with their other leg lifted and stretched out backwards, and their arms stretched out in front of them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Arabian
Meaning:
Ara.bian\n   Arabian\n  Arabian means belonging or relating to Arabia, especially to Saudi Arabia.\n...the Arabian Peninsula.\n  ADJ


Words: Arabic
Meaning:
Ara.bic\n   Arabic\n1. Arabic is a language that is spoken in the Middle East and in parts of North Africa.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Something that is Arabic belongs or relates to the language, writing, or culture of the Arabs.\n...the development of modern Arabic literature.\n...Arabic music.\n  ADJ\n\n3. An Arabic numeral is one of the written figures such as 1, 2, 3, or 4.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: Arabist
Meaning:
Ar.ab.ist\n   Arabist  Arabists\n  An Arabist is a person who supports Arab interests or knows a lot about the Arabic language.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arable
Meaning:
ar.able\n   arable\n  Arable farming involves growing crops such as wheat and barley rather than keeping animals or growing fruit and vegetables. Arable land is land that is used for arable farming.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: arbiter
Meaning:
ar.bi.ter\n   arbiter  arbiters\n1. An arbiter is a person or institution that judges and settles a quarrel between two other people or groups. (FORMAL)\nHe was the ultimate arbiter on both theological and political matters.\n  N-COUNT\n  = adjudicator\n2. An arbiter of taste or style is someone who has a lot of influence in deciding what is fashionable or socially desirable. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: arbitrage
Meaning:
ar.bi.trage\n   arbitrage\n  In finance, arbitrage is the activity of buying shares or currency in one financial market and selling it at a profit in another. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: arbitrager
Meaning:
ar.bi.tra.ger\n   arbitrager  arbitragers   also arbitrageur\n  In finance, an arbitrager is someone who buys currencies, securities, or commodities on one country’s market in order to make money by immediately selling them at a profit on another country’s market. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: arbitrary
Meaning:
ar.bi.trary\n   arbitrary\n  If you describe an action, rule, or decision as arbitrary, you think that it is not based on any principle, plan, or system. It often seems unfair because of this.\nArbitrary arrests and detention without trial were common.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  ar.bi.trari.ly\nThe victims were not chosen arbitrarily.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: arbitrate
Meaning:
ar.bi.trate\n   arbitrate  arbitrates  arbitrating  arbitrated\n  When someone in authority arbitrates between two people or groups who are in dispute, they consider all the facts and make an official decision about who is right.\nHe arbitrates between investors and members of the association...\nThe tribunal had been set up to arbitrate in the dispute.\n  VERB: V between pl-n, V\n\n=>  ar.bi.tra.tor      arbitrators\nHe served as an arbitrator in a series of commercial disputes in India.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arbitration
Meaning:
ar.bi.tra.tion\n   arbitration\n  Arbitration is the judging of a dispute between people or groups by someone who is not involved.\nThe matter is likely to go to arbitration.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: arboreal
Meaning:
ar.bor.eal\n   arboreal\n1. Arboreal animals live in trees. (TECHNICAL)\n...arboreal marsupials which resemble monkeys.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Arboreal means relating to trees. (FORMAL)\n...the arboreal splendor of the valley.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: arboretum
Meaning:
ar.bo.retum\n   arboretum  arboreta  or arboretums\n  An arboretum is a specially designed garden of different types of trees.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arbour
Meaning:
ar.bour\n   arbour  arbours\nin AM, use arbor\n  An arbour is a shelter in a garden which is formed by leaves and stems of plants growing close together over a light framework.\n  N-COUNT\n  = bower


Words: arc
Meaning:
arc  arcs\n1. An arc is a smoothly curving line or movement.\nThe Aleutian chain is a long arc of islands in the North Pacific.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In geometry, an arc is a part of the line that forms the outside of a circle. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: arc light
Meaning:
arc light  arc lights\n  Arc lights are a type of very bright electric light.\n...the brilliant glare of the arc lights.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: arcade
Meaning:
ar.cade\n   arcade  arcades\n  An arcade is a covered passage where there are shops or market stalls.\n...a shopping arcade.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arcade game
Meaning:
ar.cade game\n   arcade game  arcade games\n  An arcade game is a computer game of the type that is often played in amusement arcades.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arcane
Meaning:
ar.cane\n   arcane\n  Something that is arcane is secret or mysterious. (FORMAL)\nUntil a few months ago few people outside the arcane world of contemporary music had heard of Gorecki.\n  ADJ


Words: arch
Meaning:
arch  arches  arching  arched\n1. An arch is a structure that is curved at the top and is supported on either side by a pillar, post, or wall.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An arch is a curved line or movement.\n  N-COUNT\n  = arc\n3. The arch of your foot is the curved section at the bottom in the middle.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you arch a part of your body such as your back or if it arches, you bend it so that it forms a curve.\nDon’t arch your back, keep your spine straight.\n  VERB: V n, also V\n\n5. If you arch your eyebrows or if they arch, you move them upwards as a way of showing surprise or disapproval. (LITERARY)\n`Oh really?’ he said, arching an eyebrow.\n  VERB: V n, also V\n  = raise\n6.\n  see also arched


Words: arch-
Meaning:
arch-\n  Arch- combines with nouns referring to people to form new nouns that refer to people who are extreme examples of something. For example, your arch-rival is the rival you most want to beat.\nNeither he nor his arch-rival, Giuseppe De Rita, won.\n...his arch-enemy.\n  COMB in N-COUNT


Words: archaeology
Meaning:
ar.chae.ol.ogy\n   archaeology   also archeology\n  Archaeology is the study of the societies and peoples of the past by examining the remains of their buildings, tools, and other objects.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  ar.chaeo.logi.cal\n...one of the region’s most important archaeological sites.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  ar.chae.olo.gist      archaeologists\nThe archaeologists found a house built around 300 BC, with a basement and attic.\n  N-COUNT


Words: archaic
Meaning:
ar.cha.ic\n   archaic\n  Archaic means extremely old or extremely old-fashioned.\n...archaic laws that are very seldom used...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = antiquated


Words: archangel
Meaning:
arch.angel\n   archangel  archangels\n  In the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions, an archangel is an angel of the highest rank.\n  N-COUNT


Words: archbishop
Meaning:
arch.bishop\n   archbishop  archbishops\n  In the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches, an archbishop is a bishop of the highest rank, who is in charge of all the bishops and priests in a particular country or region.\n...the Archbishop of Canterbury.\n...Archbishop Desmond Tutu.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE


Words: archdeacon
Meaning:
arch.deacon\n   archdeacon  archdeacons\n  An archdeacon is a high-ranking clergyman who works as an assistant to a bishop, especially in the Anglican church.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE


Words: archdiocese
Meaning:
arch.dio.cese\n   archdiocese  archdioceses\n  An archdiocese is the area over which an archbishop has control.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arched
Meaning:
arched\n1. An arched roof, window, or doorway is curved at the top.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. An arched bridge has arches as part of its structure.\n...a fortified arched bridge spanning the River Severn.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: archery
Meaning:
ar.chery\n   archery\n  Archery is a sport in which people shoot arrows at a target using a bow.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: archetypal
Meaning:
ar.che.typ.al\n   archetypal\n  Someone or something that is archetypal has all the most important characteristics of a particular kind of person or thing and is a perfect example of it. (FORMAL)\nCricket is the archetypal English game.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: archetype
Meaning:
ar.che.type\n   archetype  archetypes\n  An archetype is something that is considered to be a perfect or typical example of a particular kind of person or thing, because it has all their most important characteristics. (FORMAL)\nHe came to this country 20 years ago and is the archetype of the successful Asian businessman.\n  N-COUNT\n  = epitome


Words: archetypical
Meaning:
ar.che.typi.cal\n   archetypical\n  Archetypical means the same as archetypal.\n...an archetypical BBC voice.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: archipelago
Meaning:
archi.pela.go\n   archipelago  archipelagos  or archipelagoes\n  An archipelago is a group of islands, especially small islands.\n  N-COUNT


Words: architect
Meaning:
archi.tect\n   architect  architects\n1. An architect is a person who designs buildings.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can use architect to refer to a person who plans large projects such as landscaping or railways.\n...Paul Andreu, chief architect of French railways.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft N of n\n\n3. The architect of an idea, event, or institution is the person who invented it or made it happen. (FORMAL)\n...Russia’s chief architect of economic reform.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: architectural
Meaning:
archi.tec.tur.al\n   architectural\n  Architectural means relating to the design and construction of buildings.\n...Tibet’s architectural heritage.\n...the unique architectural style of towns like Lamu.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  archi.tec.tur.al.ly\nThe old city centre is architecturally rich...\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with cl


Words: architecture
Meaning:
archi.tec.ture\n   architecture  architectures\n1. Architecture is the art of planning, designing, and constructing buildings.\nHe studied classical architecture and design in Rome.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The architecture of a building is the style in which it is designed and constructed.\n...a fine example of Moroccan architecture.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n3. The architecture of something is its structure. (FORMAL)\n...the crumbling intellectual architecture of modern society.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, N of n


Words: archival
Meaning:
ar.chiv.al\n   archival\n  Archival means belonging or relating to archives.\n...his extensive use of archival material.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: archive
Meaning:
ar.chive\n   archive  archives\n1. The archive or archives are a collection of documents and records that contain historical information. You can also use archives to refer to the place where archives are stored.\n...the archives of the Imperial War Museum...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. Archive material is information that comes from archives.\n...pieces of archive film.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: archivist
Meaning:
archi.vist\n   archivist  archivists\n  An archivist is a person whose job is to collect, sort, and care for historical documents and records.\n  N-COUNT


Words: archway
Meaning:
arch.way\n   archway  archways\n  An archway is a passage or entrance that has a curved roof.\nAccess was via a narrow archway.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arctic
Meaning:
arc.tic\n   arctic\n1. The Arctic is the area of the world around the North Pole. It is extremely cold and there is very little light in winter and very little darkness in summer.\n...winter in the Arctic.\n...Arctic ice.\n  N-PROPER: the N\n  !=Antarctic\n2. If you describe a place or the weather as arctic, you are emphasizing that it is extremely cold. (INFORMAL)\nThe bathroom, with its ancient facilities, is positively arctic.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n  = freezing


Words: Arctic Circle
Meaning:
Arc.tic Circle\n   Arctic Circle\n  The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line drawn around the northern part of the world at approximately 66. North.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: ardent
Meaning:
ar.dent\n   ardent\n  Ardent is used to describe someone who has extremely strong feelings about something or someone.\nHe’s been one of the most ardent supporters of the administration’s policy.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = fervent, passionate


Words: ardour
Meaning:
ar.dour\n   ardour\nin AM, use ardor\n  Ardour is a strong, intense feeling of love or enthusiasm for someone or something. (LITERARY)\n...songs of genuine passion and ardour.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = passion, fervour


Words: arduous
Meaning:
ar.du.ous\n   arduous\n  Something that is arduous is difficult and tiring, and involves a lot of effort.\nThe task was more arduous than he had calculated.\n  ADJ


Words: are
Meaning:
are  WEAK   STRONG\n  Are is the plural and the second person singular of the present tense of the verb be. Are is often shortened to -’re after pronouns in spoken English.


Words: area
Meaning:
area  areas\n1. An area is a particular part of a town, a country, a region, or the world.\n...the large number of community groups in the area...\n60 years ago half the French population still lived in rural areas.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Your area is the part of a town, country, or region where you live. An organization’s area is the part of a town, country, or region that it is responsible for.\nLocal authorities have been responsible for the running of schools in their areas...\nIf there is an election in your area, you should go and vote.\n  N-COUNT: poss N\n\n3. A particular area is a piece of land or part of a building that is used for a particular activity.\n...a picnic area.\n...the main check-in area located in Terminal 1.\n  N-COUNT: supp N\n\n4. An area is a particular place on a surface or object, for example on your body.\nYou will notice that your baby has two soft areas on the top of his head.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n5. The area of a surface such as a piece of land is the amount of flat space or ground that it covers, measured in square units.\nThe islands cover a total area of 625.6 square kilometers...\n  N-VAR\n\n6. You can use area to refer to a particular subject or topic, or to a particular part of a larger, more general situation or activity.\n...the politically sensitive area of old age pensions.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n7. On a football pitch, the area is the same as the penalty area. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, the N\n  = box\n8.\n  see also catchment area, disaster area, grey area, penalty area


Words: area code
Meaning:
area code  area codes\n  The area code for a particular city or region is the series of numbers that you have to dial before someone’s personal number if you are making a telephone call to that place from a different area. (mainly AM; in BRIT, use dialling code)\n  N-COUNT


Words: aren’t
Meaning:
aren’t\n1. Aren’t is the usual spoken form of `are not’.\n\n2. Aren’t is the form of `am not’ that is used in questions or tags in spoken English.


Words: arena
Meaning:
arena  arenas\n1. An arena is a place where sports, entertainments, and other public events take place. It has seats around it where people sit and watch.\n...the largest indoor sports arena in the world.\n  N-COUNT\n  = stadium\n2. You can refer to a field of activity, especially one where there is a lot of conflict or action, as an arena of a particular kind.\nHe made it clear he had no intention of withdrawing from the political arena...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: Argentine
Meaning:
Ar.gen.tine\n   Argentine  Argentines\n  Argentine means the same as Argentinian.\n...Argentine agricultural products.\n  ADJ\n\n  An Argentine is the same as an Argentinian.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Argentinian
Meaning:
Ar.gen.tin.ian\n   Argentinian  Argentinians\n  Argentinian means belonging or relating to Argentina or its people.\n...the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires.\n  ADJ\n  = Argentine\n  An Argentinian is someone who comes from Argentina.\n  N-COUNT\n  = Argentine


Words: argon
Meaning:
ar.gon\n   argon\n  Argon is an inert gas which exists in very small amounts in the atmosphere. It is used in electric lights.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: argot
Meaning:
ar.got\n   argot  argots\n  An argot is a special language used by a particular group of people, which other people find difficult to understand. (FORMAL)\n...the argot of teenagers.\n...footballing argot.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp


Words: arguable
Meaning:
ar.gu.able\n   arguable\n1. If you say that it is arguable that something is true, you believe that it can be supported by evidence and that many people would agree with it. (FORMAL)\nIt is arguable that this was not as grave a handicap as it might appear...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ that\n\n2. An idea, point, or comment that is arguable is not obviously true or correct and should be questioned. (FORMAL)\nIt is arguable whether he ever had much control over the real economic power...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft it v-link ADJ whether\n  = debatable


Words: arguably
Meaning:
ar.gu.ably\n   arguably\n  You can use arguably when you are stating your opinion or belief, as a way of giving more authority to it.\nThey are arguably the most important band since The Rolling Stones...\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group, ADV before v


Words: argue
Meaning:
ar.gue\n   argue  argues  arguing  argued\n1. If one person argues with another, they speak angrily to each other about something that they disagree about. You can also say that two people argue.\nThe committee is concerned about players’ behaviour, especially arguing with referees...\nThey were still arguing; I could hear them down the road.\n  V-RECIP: V with n, pl-n V, also V about/over n\n\n2. If you tell someone not to argue with you, you want them to do or believe what you say without protest or disagreement.\nDon’t argue with me...\nThe children go to bed at 10.30. No one dares argue.\n  VERB: usu imper with neg, V with n, V\n\n3. If you argue with someone about something, you discuss it with them, with each of you giving your different opinions.\nHe was arguing with the King about the need to maintain the cavalry at full strength...\nThey are arguing over foreign policy...\nThe two of them sitting in their office were arguing this point.\n  V-RECIP: V with n about/over n, pl-n V about/over n, pl-n V n\n\n4. If you argue that something is true, you state it and give the reasons why you think it is true.\nHis lawyers are arguing that he is unfit to stand trial...\nIt could be argued that the British are not aggressive enough.\n  VERB: V that, it be V-ed that, also V with quote, V n\n\n5. If you argue for something, you say why you agree with it, in order to persuade people that it is right. If you argue against something, you say why you disagree with it, in order to persuade people that it is wrong.\nThe report argues against tax increases...\nI argued the case for an independent central bank.\n  VERB: V for/against n, V n\n\n6. If you argue, you support your opinions with evidence in an ordered or logical way.\nHe argued persuasively, and was full of confidence.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, also V\n\n7. If you say that no-one can argue with a particular fact or opinion, you are emphasizing that it is obviously true and so everyone must accept it. (SPOKEN)\nWe produced the best soccer of the tournament. Nobody would argue with that.\n  VERB: with brd-neg, V with n, also V that  emphasis\n\n8.\nto argue the toss: see toss


Words: argument
Meaning:
ar.gu.ment\n   argument  arguments\n1. An argument is a statement or set of statements that you use in order to try to convince people that your opinion about something is correct.\nThere’s a strong argument for lowering the price...\nThe doctors have set out their arguments against the proposals...\n  N-VAR: oft N for/against n/-ing, N that\n\n2. An argument is a discussion or debate in which a number of people put forward different or opposing opinions.\nThe incident has triggered fresh arguments about the role of the extreme right in France...\n  N-VAR: oft N about/over n\n  = debate\n3. An argument is a conversation in which people disagree with each other angrily or noisily.\nAnny described how she got into an argument with one of the marchers.\n...a heated argument.\n  N-COUNT: oft N with n, N between pl-n\n\n4. If you accept something without argument, you do not question it or disagree with it.\nHe complied without argument...\n  N-UNCOUNT: with brd-neg\n  = question\n5.\n  see also counter-argument


Words: argumentation
Meaning:
ar.gu.men.ta.tion\n   argumentation\n  Argumentation is the process of arguing in an organized or logical way, for example in philosophy. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = argument, debate


Words: argumentative
Meaning:
ar.gu.men.ta.tive\n   argumentative\n  Someone who is argumentative is always ready to disagree or start quarrelling with other people.\nYou’re in an argumentative mood today!\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = quarrelsome


Words: aria
Meaning:
aria  arias\n  An aria is a song for one of the leading singers in an opera or choral work.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arid
Meaning:
arid\n1. Arid land is so dry that very few plants can grow on it.\n...new strains of crops that can withstand arid conditions.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe something such as a period of your life or an academic subject as arid, you mean that it has so little interest, excitement, or purpose that it makes you feel bored or unhappy.\nShe had given him the only joy his arid life had ever known.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Aries
Meaning:
Aries\n1. Aries is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a ram. People who are born approximately between 21st March and 19th April come under this sign.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An Aries is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Aries.\n  N-SING: a N


Words: arise
Meaning:
arise  arises  arising  arose  arisen\n1. If a situation or problem arises, it begins to exist or people start to become aware of it.\nThe birds also attack crops when the opportunity arises.\n  VERB: V\n  = occur\n2. If something arises from a particular situation, or arises out of it, it is created or caused by the situation.\n...an overwhelming sense of guilt arising from my actions...\n  VERB: V from/out of n\n\n3. If something such as a new species, organization, or system arises, it begins to exist and develop.\nHeavy Metal music really arose in the late 60s.\n  VERB: V\n\n4. When you arise, you get out of bed in the morning. (FORMAL)\nHe arose at 6:30 a.m. as usual.\n  VERB: V\n\n5. When you arise from a sitting or kneeling position, you stand up. (FORMAL)\nWhen I arose from the chair, my father and Eleanor’s father were in deep conversation...\nArise, Sir William.\n  VERB: V from n, V


Words: aristocracy
Meaning:
ar.is.toc.ra.cy\n   aristocracy  aristocracies\n  The aristocracy is a class of people in some countries who have a high social rank and special titles.\n...a member of the aristocracy.\n  N-COUNT-COLL\n  = nobility


Words: aristocrat
Meaning:
aris.to.crat\n   aristocrat   aristocrats\n  An aristocrat is someone whose family has a high social rank, especially someone who has a title.\n  N-COUNT


Words: aristocratic
Meaning:
aris.to.crat.ic\n   aristocratic\n  Aristocratic means belonging to or typical of the aristocracy.\n...a wealthy, aristocratic family...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: arithmetic
Meaning:
arith.me.tic\n\nThe noun is pronounced   The adjective is pronounced\n1. Arithmetic is the part of mathematics that is concerned with the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of numbers.\n...an arithmetic test.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You can use arithmetic to refer to the process of doing a particular sum or calculation.\n4,000 women put in ten rupees each, which if my arithmetic is right adds up to 40,000 rupees.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N\n\n3. If you refer to the arithmetic of a situation, you are concerned with those aspects of it that can be expressed in numbers, and how they affect the situation.\nThe budgetary arithmetic suggests that government borrowing is set to surge...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu the N\n\n4. Arithmetic means relating to or consisting of calculations involving numbers.\n...a processor which performs simple arithmetic operations such as adding or multiplying numbers.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: arithmetical
Meaning:
arith.meti.cal\n   arithmetical\n  Arithmetical calculations, processes, or skills involve the addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division of numbers.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: ark
Meaning:
ark\n  In the Bible, the ark was a large boat which Noah built in order to save his family and two of every kind of animal from the Flood.\n  N-SING: usu the N


Words: arm
Meaning:
WEAPONS\n   arm  arms  arming  armed\n1. Arms are weapons, especially bombs and guns. (FORMAL)\nThe IRA had extensive supplies of arms.\n...arms control.\n  N-PLURAL: oft N n\n\n2. If you arm someone with a weapon, you provide them with a weapon.\nShe’d been so terrified that she had armed herself with a loaded rifle...\nArming the police doesn’t deter crime.\n  VERB: V n with n, V n\n\n3. If you arm someone with something that will be useful in a particular situation, you provide them with it.\nShe thought that if she armed herself with all the knowledge she could gather she could handle anything...\n  VERB: V n with n\n\n4. The arms of a city or of a noble family are its coat of arms. Arms is often used in the names of British pubs.\n...china painted with the arms of Philippe V.\n...his local pub, the Abercorn Arms.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n5.\n  see also armed, -armed, coat of arms, comrade-in-arms, small arms\n6. A person’s right to bear arms is their right to own and use guns, as a means of defence.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n7. If soldiers lay down their arms, they stop fighting and give up their weapons. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8. If one group or country takes up arms against another, they prepare to attack and fight them.\nThey threatened to take up arms against the government if their demands were not met.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR against n\n\n9. If people are up in arms about something, they are very angry about it and are protesting strongly against it.\nEnvironmental groups are up in arms about plans to sink an oil well close to Hadrian’s Wall.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\nPART OF YOUR BODY OR OF SOMETHING ELSE\n   arm  arms\n1. Your arms are the two long parts of your body that are attached to your shoulders and that have your hands at the end.\nShe stretched her arms out...\nHe had a large parcel under his left arm.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The arm of a piece of clothing is the part of it that covers your arm.\n  N-COUNT\n  = sleeve\n3. The arm of a chair is the part on which you rest your arm when you are sitting down.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. An arm of an object is a long thin part of it that sticks out from the main part.\n...the lever arm of the machine.\n...the arms of the doctor’s spectacles.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n5. An arm of land or water is a long thin area of it that is joined to a broader area.\nAt the end of the other arm of Cardigan Bay is Bardsey Island.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n6. An arm of an organization is a section of it that operates in a particular country or that deals with a particular activity.\nMillicom Holdings is the British arm of an American company.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu N of n\n  = wing\n7. If two people are walking arm in arm, they are walking together with their arms linked.\nHe walked from the court arm in arm with his wife.\n  PHRASE: usu v PHR, oft PHR with n\n\n8. If you say that something costs an arm and a leg, you mean that it is very expensive. (INFORMAL)\nA week at a health farm can cost an arm and a leg.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n9. If you hold something at arm’s length, you hold it away from your body with your arm straight.\nHe struck a match, and held it at arm’s length.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v\n\n10. If you keep someone at arm’s length, you avoid becoming too friendly or involved with them.\nShe had always kept his family at arm’s length.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n11. If you welcome some action or change with open arms, you are very pleased about it. If you welcome a person with open arms, you are very pleased about their arrival.\nThey would no doubt welcome the action with open arms...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v  approval\n\n12. If you twist someone’s arm, you persuade them to do something. (INFORMAL)\nShe had twisted his arm to get him to invite her.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect


Words: armadillo
Meaning:
ar.ma.dil.lo\n   armadillo  armadillos\n  An armadillo is a small animal whose body is covered with large bony scales and which rolls itself into a ball when it is attacked. Armadillos are mainly found in South and Central America.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Armageddon
Meaning:
Ar.ma.ged.don\n   Armageddon\n  Armageddon is a terrible battle or war that some people think will lead to the total destruction of the world or the human race.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Armagnac
Meaning:
Ar.ma.gnac\n   Armagnac  Armagnacs\n  Armagnac is a type of brandy made in south-west France.\n  N-MASS


Words: armaments
Meaning:
ar.ma.ments\n   armaments\n  Armaments are weapons and military equipment belonging to an army or country.\n...global efforts to reduce nuclear and other armaments.\n  N-PLURAL\n  = arms


Words: armband
Meaning:
arm.band\n   armband  armbands\n1. An armband is a band of fabric that you wear round your upper arm in order to show that you have an official position or belong to a particular group. Some people also wear a black armband to show that a friend or relation has died.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Armbands are plastic rings filled with air that people who are learning to swim wear on their upper arms to help them float. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: armchair
Meaning:
arm.chair\n   armchair  armchairs\n1. An armchair is a big comfortable chair which has a support on each side for your arms.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An armchair critic, fan, or traveller knows about a particular subject from reading or hearing about it rather than from practical experience.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: armed
Meaning:
armed\n1. Someone who is armed is carrying a weapon, usually a gun.\nCity police said the man was armed with a revolver.\n...a barbed-wire fence patrolled by armed guards...\nThe rebels are well organised, disciplined and very well armed.\n  ADJ\n\n2. An armed attack or conflict involves people fighting with guns or carrying weapons.\nThey had been found guilty of armed robbery.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=unarmed\n3.\n  see also arm, -armed


Words: armed forces
Meaning:
armed forces\n  The armed forces or the armed services of a country are its military forces, usually the army, navy, marines, and air force.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: armful
Meaning:
arm.ful\n   armful  armfuls\n  An armful of something is the amount of it that you can carry fairly easily.\nHe hurried out with an armful of brochures.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n  = armload


Words: armhole
Meaning:
arm.hole\n   armhole  armholes\n  The armholes of something such as a shirt or dress are the openings through which you put your arms, or the places where the sleeves are attached.\n  N-COUNT


Words: armistice
Meaning:
ar.mi.stice\n   armistice\n  An armistice is an agreement between countries who are at war with one another to stop fighting and to discuss ways of making peace.\nFinally, the Bolsheviks signed an armistice with Germany.\n  N-SING


Words: armload
Meaning:
arm.load\n   armload  armloads\n  An armload of something is the same as an armful of something.\n...an armload of books.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n  = armful


Words: armour
Meaning:
ar.mour\n   armour\nin AM, use armor\n1. In former times, armour was special metal clothing that soldiers wore for protection in battle.\n...knights in armour.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Armour consists of tanks and other military vehicles used in battle. (MILITARY)\n...the biggest movement of heavy British armour since the Second World War.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Armour is a hard, usually metal, covering that protects a vehicle against attack.\n...a formidable warhead that can penetrate the armour of most tanks.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4.\nknight in shining armour: see knight\n  see also body armour


Words: armour-plated
Meaning:
armour-plated\nin AM, use armor-plated\n  An armour-plated vehicle or building has a hard metal covering in order to protect it from gunfire and other missiles.\nHe has taken to travelling in an armour-plated car.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: armour-plating
Meaning:
armour-plating\nin AM, use armor-plating\n  The armour-plating on a vehicle or building is the hard metal covering which is intended to protect it from gunfire and other missiles.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: armoured
Meaning:
ar.moured\n   armoured\nin AM, use armored\n1. Armoured vehicles are fitted with a hard metal covering in order to protect them from gunfire and other missiles.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Armoured troops are troops in armoured vehicles.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: armourer
Meaning:
ar.mour.er\n   armourer  armourers\nin AM, use armorer\n  An armourer is someone who makes or supplies weapons.\n  N-COUNT


Words: armoury
Meaning:
ar.moury\n   armoury  armouries\nin AM, use armory\n1. A country’s armoury is all the weapons and military equipment that it has.\nNuclear weapons will play a less prominent part in NATO’s armoury in the future...\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n2. An armoury is a place where weapons, bombs, and other military equipment are stored.\n  N-COUNT\n  = arsenal\n3. In the United States, an armoury is a building used by the National Guard or Army Reserve for meetings and training.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. An armoury is a factory where weapons are made. (AM)\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. You can refer to a large number of things which someone has available for a particular purpose as their armoury. (BRIT)\nThe strongest weapon in the government’s armoury is the price cuts announced on Saturday...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp\n  = arsenal


Words: armpit
Meaning:
arm.pit\n   armpit  armpits\n  Your armpits are the areas of your body under your arms where your arms join your shoulders.\n  N-COUNT


Words: armrest
Meaning:
arm.rest\n   armrest  armrests   also arm rest\n  The armrests on a chair are the two pieces on either side that support your arms when you are sitting down.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arms race
Meaning:
arms race\n  An arms race is a situation in which two countries or groups of countries are continually trying to get more and better weapons than each other.\n  N-SING


Words: army
Meaning:
army  armies\n1. An army is a large organized group of people who are armed and trained to fight on land in a war. Most armies are organized and controlled by governments.\nAfter returning from France, he joined the army...\nThe army is about to launch a major offensive.\n  N-COUNT-COLL\n\n2. An army of people, animals, or things is a large number of them, especially when they are regarded as a force of some kind.\n...data collected by an army of volunteers.\n...armies of shoppers looking for bargains.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: N of n


Words: aroma
Meaning:
aro.ma\n   aroma  aromas\n  An aroma is a strong, pleasant smell.\n...the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: aromatherapist
Meaning:
aroma.thera.pist\n   aromatherapist  aromatherapists\n  An aromatherapist is a person who is qualified to practise aromatherapy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: aromatherapy
Meaning:
aroma.thera.py\n   aromatherapy\n  Aromatherapy is a type of treatment which involves massaging the body with special fragrant oils.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: aromatic
Meaning:
aro.mat.ic\n   aromatic\n  An aromatic plant or food has a strong, pleasant smell of herbs or spices.\n...an evergreen shrub with deep green, aromatic leaves...\n  ADJ\n  = fragrant


Words: around
Meaning:
around\nAround is an adverb and a preposition. In British English, the word `round’ is often used instead. Around is often used with verbs of movement, such as `walk’ and `drive’, and also in phrasal verbs such as `get around’ and `hand around’.\n1. To be positioned around a place or object means to surround it or be on all sides of it. To move around a place means to go along its edge, back to your starting point.\nShe looked at the papers around her...\n...a prosperous suburb built around a new mosque.\n  PREP\n\n  Around is also an adverb.\n...a village with a rocky river, a ruined castle and hills all around...\nThe Memorial seems almost ugly, dominating the landscape for miles around.\n  ADV: n ADV\n\n2. If you move around a corner or obstacle, you move to the other side of it. If you look around a corner or obstacle, you look to see what is on the other side.\nThe photographer stopped clicking and hurried around the corner...\nI peered around the edge of the shed.there was no sign of anyone else.\n  PREP\n\n3. If you turn around, you turn so that you are facing in the opposite direction.\nI turned around and wrote the title on the blackboard...\nHe straightened up slowly and spun around on the stool to face us.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n4. If you move around a place, you travel through it, going to most of its parts. If you look around a place, you look at every part of it.\nI’ve been walking around Moscow and the town is terribly quiet...\nHe glanced discreetly around the room at the other people.\n  PREP\n\n  Around is also an adverb.\nHe backed away from the edge, looking all around at the flat horizon.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n5. If someone moves around a place, they move through various parts of that place without having any particular destination.\nThey milled around the ballroom with video cameras.\n  PREP\n\n  Around is also an adverb.\nMy mornings are spent rushing around after him.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n6. If you go around to someone’s house, you visit them.\nShe helped me unpack my things and then we went around to see the other girls.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n7. You use around in expressions such as sit around and hang around when you are saying that someone is spending time in a place and not doing anything very important.\nAfter breakfast the next morning they sat around for an hour discussing political affairs.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  Around is also a preposition.\nHe used to skip lessons and hang around the harbor with some other boys.\n  PREP\n\n8. If you move things around, you move them so that they are in different places.\nShe moved things around so the table was beneath the windows.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n9. If a wheel or object turns around, it turns.\nThe boat started to spin around in the water.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n10. You use around to say that something happens in different parts of a place or area.\nElephants were often to be found in swamp in eastern Kenya around the Tana River.\n...pests and diseases around the garden.\n  PREP\n\n  Around is also an adverb.\nGiovanni has the best Parma ham for miles around.\n  ADV: ADV after v, n ADV\n\n11. If someone or something is around, they exist or are present in a place.\nThe blackbird had a quick, wary look in case the cat was anywhere around...\nJust having lots of people around that you can talk to is important...\n  ADV\n\n12. The people around you are the people who you come into contact with, especially your friends and relatives, and the people you work with.\nWe change our behaviour by observing the behaviour of those around us...\nThose around her would forgive her for weeping.\n  PREP\n\n13. If something such as a film, a discussion, or a plan is based around something, that thing is its main theme.\n...the gentle comedy based around the Larkin family...\nThe discussion centered around four subjects.\n  PREP\n\n14. You use around in expressions such as this time around or to come around when you are describing something that has happened before or things that happen regularly.\n(next)


Words: around .1
Meaning:
Senator Bentsen has declined to get involved this time around...\nWhen July Fourth comes around, the residents of Columbia City throw a noisy party.\n  ADV: n ADV, ADV after v\n\n15. When you are giving measurements, you can use around to talk about the distance along the edge of something round.\nShe was 40 inches around the hips.\n  PREP\n\n16. Around means approximately.\nMy salary was around .19,000 plus a car and expenses...\n  ADV\n  = about\n  Around is also a preposition.\nHe expects the elections to be held around November.\n  PREP\n\n17. Around about means approximately. (SPOKEN)\nThere is a Green party but it only scored around about 10 percent in the vote...\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n18. You say all around to indicate that something affects all parts of a situation or all members of a group.\nHe compared the achievements of the British and the French during 1916 and concluded that the latter were better all around.\n  PHRASE: cl PHR\n\n19. If someone has been around, they have had a lot of experience of different people and situations. (INFORMAL)\n  PHRASE\n\n20.\nthe other way around: see way


Words: arousal
Meaning:
arous.al\n   arousal\n1. Arousal is the state of being sexually excited.\n...sexual arousal...\nUse this technique to control your level of arousal.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Arousal is a state in which you feel excited or very alert, for example as a result of fear, stress, or anger.\nThinking angry thoughts can provoke strong physiological arousal.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: arouse
Meaning:
arouse  arouses  arousing  aroused\n1. If something arouses a particular reaction or attitude in people, it causes them to have that reaction or attitude.\nWe left in the daytime so as not to arouse suspicion.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If something arouses a particular feeling or instinct that exists in someone, it causes them to experience that feeling or instinct strongly.\nThere is nothing like a long walk to arouse the appetite...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you are aroused by something, it makes you feel sexually excited.\nSome men are aroused when their partner says erotic words to them.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n=>  aroused\nSome men feel that they get most sexually aroused in the morning.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n=>  arous.ing\nBeing stroked by a partner is usually more arousing than stroking yourself.\n  ADJ


Words: arr.
Meaning:
1. Arr. is a written abbreviation for arrives. It is used on timetables to indicate what time a bus, train, or plane will reach a place.\n...dep. Victoria 1927, arr. Ramsgate 2110.\n\n2. Arr. is a written abbreviation for arranged. It is used to show that a piece of music written by one person has been rewritten in a different way or for different instruments by another person.\n`A Good New Year’, sung by Kenneth McKellar, (Trad., Arr. Knight).


Words: arraign
Meaning:
ar.raign\n   arraign  arraigns  arraigning  arraigned\n  If someone is arraigned on a particular charge, they are brought before a court of law to answer that charge. (LEGAL)\nHe was arraigned for criminally abetting a traitor.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed for n/-ing


Words: arraignment
Meaning:
ar.raign.ment\n   arraignment  arraignments\n  Arraignment is when someone is brought before a court of law to answer a particular charge. (LEGAL)\nThey are scheduled for arraignment October 5th...\nCrowds appeared at the arraignments, clashing with security forces.\n  N-VAR


Words: arrange
Meaning:
ar.range\n   arrange  arranges  arranging  arranged\n1. If you arrange an event or meeting, you make plans for it to happen.\nShe arranged an appointment for Friday afternoon at four-fifteen...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you arrange with someone to do something, you make plans with them to do it.\nI’ve arranged to see him on Friday morning...\nIt was arranged that the party would gather for lunch in the Royal Garden Hotel...\nHe had arranged for the boxes to be stored until they could be collected.\n  VERB: V to-inf, it be V-ed that, V for n to-inf\n\n3. If you arrange something for someone, you make it possible for them to have it or to do it.\nI will arrange for someone to take you round...\nThe hotel manager will arrange for a baby-sitter...\nI’ve arranged your hotels for you...\n  VERB: V for n to-inf, V for n, V n\n\n4. If you arrange things somewhere, you place them in a particular position, usually in order to make them look attractive or tidy.\nWhen she has a little spare time she enjoys arranging dried flowers...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If a piece of music is arranged by someone, it is changed or adapted so that it is suitable for particular instruments or voices, or for a particular performance.\n  VERB: usu passive


Words: arranged
Meaning:
ar.ranged\n   arranged\n  If you say how things are arranged, you are talking about their position in relation to each other or to something else.\nThe house itself is three stories high and arranged around a courtyard...\n  ADJ


Words: arranged marriage
Meaning:
ar.ranged mar.riage\n   arranged marriage  arranged marriages\n  In an arranged marriage, the parents choose the person who their son or daughter will marry.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arrangement
Meaning:
ar.range.ment\n   arrangement  arrangements\n1. Arrangements are plans and preparations which you make so that something will happen or be possible.\nThe staff is working frantically on final arrangements for the summit...\nShe telephoned Ellen, but made no arrangements to see her.\n...all the travel arrangements.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft N for n, N to-inf\n\n2. An arrangement is an agreement that you make with someone to do something.\nThe caves can be visited only by prior arrangement...\nHer class teacher made a special arrangement to discuss her progress at school once a month.\n  N-COUNT: also by N\n\n3. An arrangement of things, for example flowers or furniture, is a group of them displayed in a particular way.\nThe house was always decorated with imaginative flower arrangements.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n4. If someone makes an arrangement of a piece of music, they change it so that it is suitable for particular voices or instruments, or for a particular performance.\n...an arrangement of a well-known piece by Mozart...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: arranger
Meaning:
ar.rang.er\n   arranger  arrangers\n1. An arranger is a musician who arranges music by other composers, either for particular instruments or voices, or for a particular performance.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An arranger is a person who arranges things for other people.\n...a loan arranger.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arrant
Meaning:
ar.rant\n   arrant\n  Arrant is used to emphasize that something or someone is very bad in some way.\nThat’s arrant nonsense.\n...an arrant coward.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n  = unmitigated


Words: array
Meaning:
ar.ray\n   array  arrays\n1. An array of different things or people is a large number or wide range of them.\nAs the deadline approached she experienced a bewildering array of emotions...\n  N-COUNT-COLL: usu sing, N of n\n\n2. An array of objects is a collection of them that is displayed or arranged in a particular way.\nWe visited the local markets and saw wonderful arrays of fruit and vegetables.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, N of n


Words: arrayed
Meaning:
ar.rayed\n   arrayed\n1. If things are arrayed in a particular way, they are arranged or displayed in that way. (FORMAL)\nCartons of Chinese food were arrayed on a large oak table.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ prep/adv\n\n2. If something such as a military force is arrayed against someone, it is ready and able to be used against them. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ against n


Words: arrears
Meaning:
ar.rears\n   arrears\n1. Arrears are amounts of money that you owe, especially regular payments that you should have made earlier.\nThey have promised to pay the arrears over the next five years...\n  N-PLURAL\n\n2. If someone is in arrears with their payments, or has got into arrears, they have not paid the regular amounts of money that they should have paid.\n...the 300,000 households who are more than six months in arrears with their mortgages.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v, oft amount PHR, PHR with/on n\n\n3. If sums of money such as wages or taxes are paid in arrears, they are paid at the end of the period of time to which they relate, for example after a job has been done and the wages have been earned.\nUnemployment benefit is paid fortnightly in arrears.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: arrest
Meaning:
ar.rest\n   arrest  arrests  arresting  arrested\n1. If the police arrest you, they take charge of you and take you to a police station, because they believe you may have committed a crime.\nPolice arrested five young men in connection with one of the attacks...\nThe police say seven people were arrested for minor offences.\n  VERB: V n, be V-ed for n\n\n  Arrest is also a noun.\nPolice chased the fleeing terrorists and later made two arrests...\nMurder squad detectives approached the man and placed him under arrest.\n  N-VAR: oft under N\n\n2. If something or someone arrests a process, they stop it continuing. (FORMAL)\nThe sufferer may have to make major changes in his or her life to arrest the disease...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If something interesting or surprising arrests your attention, you suddenly notice it and then continue to look at it or consider it carefully. (FORMAL)\nThe work of an architect of genius always arrests the attention no matter how little remains...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4.\n  see also house arrest


Words: arrestable
Meaning:
ar.rest.able\n\n  An arrestable offence is an offence that you can be arrested for.\nPossession of cannabis will no longer be an arrestable offence.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: arrival
Meaning:
ar.ri.val\n   arrival  arrivals\n1. When a person or vehicle arrives at a place, you can refer to their arrival.\n...the day after his arrival in England...\nHe was dead on arrival at the nearby hospital.\n...the airport arrivals hall.\n  N-VAR: oft with poss, on N\n  !=departure\n2. When someone starts a new job, you can refer to their arrival in that job.\n...the power vacuum created by the arrival of a new president...\n  N-VAR: oft with poss\n  !=departure\n3. When something is brought to you or becomes available, you can refer to its arrival.\nI was flicking idly through a newspaper while awaiting the arrival of orange juice and coffee...\n  N-SING: usu with poss\n\n4. When a particular time comes or a particular event happens, you can refer to its arrival.\nHe celebrated the arrival of the New Year with a party for his friends.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n  = coming\n5. You can refer to someone who has just arrived at a place as a new arrival.\nA high proportion of the new arrivals are skilled professionals...\n  N-COUNT: usu adj N\n  = newcomer


Words: arrive
Meaning:
ar.rive\n   arrive  arrives  arriving  arrived\n1. When a person or vehicle arrives at a place, they come to it at the end of a journey.\nFresh groups of guests arrived...\nThe Princess Royal arrived at Gatwick this morning from Jamaica.\n  VERB: V, V prep/adv\n  !=depart\n2. When you arrive at a place, you come to it for the first time in order to stay, live, or work there.\n...in the old days before the European settlers arrived in the country.\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n3. When something such as letter or meal arrives, it is brought or delivered to you.\nBreakfast arrived while he was in the bathroom.\n  VERB: V\n\n4. When something such as a new product or invention arrives, it becomes available.\nSeveral long-awaited videos will finally arrive in the shops this month...\n  VERB: V\n  = appear\n5. When a particular moment or event arrives, it happens, especially after you have been waiting for it or expecting it.\nThe time has arrived when I need to give up smoking.\n...the belief that the army would be much further forward before winter arrived.\n  VERB: V, V\n\n6. When you arrive at something such as a decision, you decide something after thinking about it or discussing it.\n...if the jury cannot arrive at a unanimous decision...\n  VERB: V at n


Words: arriviste
Meaning:
ar.ri.viste\n   arriviste  arrivistes\n  You describe someone as an arriviste when you are criticizing them because they are trying very hard to belong to an influential or important social group which you feel they have no right to belong to. (FORMAL)\n...political arrivistes.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: arrogant
Meaning:
ar.ro.gant\n   arrogant\n  Someone who is arrogant behaves in a proud, unpleasant way towards other people because they believe that they are more important than others.\nHe was so arrogant...\nThat sounds arrogant, doesn’t it?\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  ar.ro.gance\nAt times the arrogance of those in power is quite blatant.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: arrogate
Meaning:
ar.ro.gate\n   arrogate  arrogates  arrogating  arrogated\n  If someone arrogates to themselves something such as a responsibility or privilege, they claim or take it even though they have no right to do so. (FORMAL)\nThe assembly arrogated to itself the right to make changes...\nHe arrogated the privilege to himself alone.\n  VERB: V to pron-refl n, V n to pron-refl  disapproval


Words: arrow
Meaning:
ar.row\n   arrow  arrows\n1. An arrow is a long thin weapon which is sharp and pointed at one end and which often has feathers at the other end. An arrow is shot from a bow.\nWarriors armed with bows and arrows and spears have invaded their villages.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An arrow is a written or printed sign that consists of a straight line with another line bent at a sharp angle at one end. This is a printed arrow: .. The arrow points in a particular direction to indicate where something is.\nA series of arrows points the way to the modest grave of Andrei Sakharov.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arrowhead
Meaning:
arrow.head\n   arrowhead  arrowheads   also arrow-head\n  An arrowhead is the sharp, pointed part of an arrow.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arrowroot
Meaning:
arrow.root\n   arrowroot\n  Arrowroot is a substance obtained from a West Indian plant. It is used in cooking, for example for thickening sauces or in making biscuits.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: arse
Meaning:
arse  arses\n  Your arse is your bottom. (BRIT INFORMAL, RUDE; in AM, use ass)\n  N-COUNT\n\na pain in the arse: see pain


Words: arsehole
Meaning:
arse.hole\n   arsehole  arseholes\n  If one person calls another person an arsehole, they think that person is extremely stupid or has behaved in a stupid way. (BRIT  VERY RUDE; in AM, use asshole)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: arsenal
Meaning:
ar.senal\n   arsenal  arsenals\n1. An arsenal is a large collection of weapons and military equipment held by a country, group, or person.\nRussia and the other republics are committed to destroying most of their nuclear arsenals...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. An arsenal is a building where weapons and military equipment are stored.\n  N-COUNT\n  = armoury\n3. You can use arsenal to refer to a large number of tools, methods, or resources that someone has available to help them achieve what they want they want to do.\nManagers use a full arsenal of motivational techniques to get employees to take risks...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp


Words: arson
Meaning:
ar.son\n   arson\n  Arson is the crime of deliberately setting fire to a building or vehicle.\n...a terrible wave of rioting, theft and arson...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: arsonist
Meaning:
ar.son.ist\n   arsonist  arsonists\n  An arsonist is a person who deliberately sets fire to a building or vehicle.\n  N-COUNT


Words: art
Meaning:
art  arts\n1. Art consists of paintings, sculpture, and other pictures or objects which are created for people to look at and admire or think deeply about.\n...the first exhibition of such art in the West.\n...contemporary and modern American art.\n...Whitechapel Art Gallery.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Art is the activity or educational subject that consists of creating paintings, sculptures, and other pictures or objects for people to look at and admire or think deeply about.\n...a painter, content to be left alone with her all-absorbing art.\n...Farnham College of Art and Design.\n...art lessons.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. The arts are activities such as music, painting, literature, cinema, and dance, which people can take part in for enjoyment, or to create works which express serious meanings or ideas of beauty.\nCatherine the Great was a patron of the arts and sciences.\n...the art of cinema.\n  N-VAR: usu the N in pl\n\n4. At a university or college, arts are subjects such as history, literature, or languages in contrast to scientific subjects.\n...arts and social science graduates.\n...the Faculty of Arts.\n  N-PLURAL: oft N n\n\n5. Arts or art is used in the names of theatres or cinemas which show plays or films that are intended to make the audience think deeply about the content, and not simply to entertain them.\n...the Cambridge Arts Cinema.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n6. If you describe an activity as an art, you mean that it requires skill and that people learn to do it by instinct or experience, rather than by learning facts or rules.\nFishing is an art.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. Art is an old-fashioned form of the second person singular of the present tense of the verb be.\n\n8.\n  see also Bachelor of Arts, fine art, martial art, Master of Arts, state-of-the-art, work of art


Words: Art Deco
Meaning:
Art Deco   also art deco\n  Art Deco is a style of decoration and architecture that was common in the 1920s and 30s. It uses simple, bold designs on materials such as plastic and glass.\n...art deco lamps.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: art form
Meaning:
art form  art forms\n  If you describe an activity as an art form, you mean that it is concerned with creating objects, works, or performances that are beautiful or have a serious meaning.\n...Indian dance and related art forms.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Art Nouveau
Meaning:
Art Nou.veau\n   Art Nouveau   also art nouveau\n  Art Nouveau is a style of decoration and architecture that was common in the 1890s. It is characterized by flowing lines and patterns of flowers and leaves.\nWe lunched at the stunning art nouveau Cafe American.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: art-house
Meaning:
art-house   also arthouse\n  An art-house film is a film that is intended to be a serious artistic work rather than a piece of popular entertainment.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: artefact
Meaning:
ar.te.fact\n   artefact  artefacts\nin AM and sometimes in BRIT, use artifact\n  An artefact is an ornament, tool, or other object that is made by a human being, especially one that is historically or culturally interesting.\n  N-COUNT


Words: arterial
Meaning:
ar.te.rial\n   arterial\n1. Arterial means involving or relating to your arteries and the movement of blood through your body.\n...people with arterial disease.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. An arterial road or railway is a main road or railway within a complex road or railway system.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: arteriosclerosis
Meaning:
ar.te.rio.sclero.sis\n   arteriosclerosis\n  Arteriosclerosis is a medical condition in which the walls of your arteries become hard and thick, so your blood cannot flow through them properly. (MEDICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: artery
Meaning:
ar.tery\n   artery  arteries\n1. Arteries are the tubes in your body that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Compare vein.\n...patients suffering from blocked arteries.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to an important main route within a complex road, railway, or river system as an artery.\nClarence Street was one of the north-bound arteries of the central business district.\n  N-COUNT


Words: artful
Meaning:
art.ful\n   artful\n1. If you describe someone as artful, you mean that they are clever and skilful at achieving what they want, especially by deceiving people.\nSome politicians have realised that there are more artful ways of subduing people than shooting or jailing them.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = crafty\n2. If you use artful to describe the way someone has done or arranged something, you approve of it because it is clever or elegant. (FORMAL)\nThere is also an artful contrast of shapes...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval


Words: arthritic
Meaning:
ar.thrit.ic\n   arthritic\n1. Arthritic is used to describe the condition, the pain, or the symptoms of arthritis.\nI developed serious arthritic symptoms and chronic sinusitis.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. An arthritic person is suffering from arthritis, and cannot move very easily. Arthritic joints or hands are affected by arthritis.\n...an elderly lady who suffered with arthritic hands.\n  ADJ


Words: arthritis
Meaning:
ar.thri.tis\n   arthritis\n  Arthritis is a medical condition in which the joints in someone’s body are swollen and painful.\nI have a touch of arthritis in the wrist.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also rheumatoid arthritis


Words: artichoke
Meaning:
ar.ti.choke\n   artichoke  artichokes\n1. Artichokes or globe artichokes are round green vegetables that have fleshy leaves arranged like the petals of a flower.\n  N-VAR\n\n2.\n  see also Jerusalem artichoke


Words: article
Meaning:
ar.ti.cle\n   article  articles\n1. An article is a piece of writing that is published in a newspaper or magazine.\n...a newspaper article...\nAccording to an article in The Economist the drug could have side effects.\n  N-COUNT: oft N prep\n\n2. You can refer to objects as articles of some kind.\n...articles of clothing...\n...household articles.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n3. If you describe something as the genuine article, you are emphasizing that it is genuine, and often that it is very good.\nThe vodka was the genuine article.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v  emphasis\n\n4. An article of a formal agreement or document is a section of it which deals with a particular point.\n...Article 50 of the UN charter.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n, N num\n\n5. Someone who is in articles is being trained as a lawyer or accountant by a firm with whom they have a written agreement. (BRIT)\n  N-PLURAL: usu prep N\n\n6. In grammar, an article is a kind of determiner. In English, `a’ and `an’ are called the indefinite article, and `the’ is called the definite article.\n  N-COUNT


Words: article of faith
Meaning:
ar.ti.cle of faith\n   article of faith  articles of faith\n  If something is an article of faith for a person or group, they believe in it totally.\nFor Republicans it is almost an article of faith that this tax should be cut.\n  N-COUNT


Words: articled
Meaning:
ar.ti.cled\n   articled\n  In Britain, someone who is articled to a firm of lawyers or accountants is employed by the firm and is training to become qualified.\nHe was initially articled to a solicitor.\n...an articled clerk.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n, ADJ n


Words: articulate
Meaning:
ar.ticu.late\n   articulate articulates  articulating  articulated\nThe adjective is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. If you describe someone as articulate, you mean that they are able to express their thoughts and ideas easily and well.\nShe is an articulate young woman...\n  ADJ  approval\n\n2. When you articulate your ideas or feelings, you express them clearly in words. (FORMAL)\nThe president has been accused of failing to articulate an overall vision in foreign affairs.\n  VERB: V n/wh\n\n3. If you articulate something, you say it very clearly, so that each word or syllable can be heard.\nHe articulated each syllable carefully.\n  VERB: V n


Words: articulated
Meaning:
ar.ticu.lat.ed\n   articulated\n  An articulated vehicle, especially a lorry, is made in two or more sections which are joined together by metal bars, so that the vehicle can turn more easily. (BRIT; in AM, usually use rig, trailer truck)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: articulation
Meaning:
ar.ticu.la.tion\n   articulation\n1. Articulation is the action of producing a sound or word clearly, in speech or music. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The articulation of an idea or feeling is the expression of it, especially in words. (FORMAL)\nThis was seen as a way of restricting women’s articulation of grievances.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: artifice
Meaning:
ar.ti.fice\n   artifice  artifices\n  Artifice is the clever use of tricks and devices. (FORMAL)\nWeegee’s photographs are full of artfulness, and artifice.\n  N-VAR


Words: artificial
Meaning:
ar.ti.fi.cial\n   artificial\n1. Artificial objects, materials, or processes do not occur naturally and are created by human beings, for example using science or technology.\n...a wholefood diet free from artificial additives, colours and flavours...\nThe city is dotted with small lakes, natural and artificial...\n  ADJ\n  = synthetic  !=natural\n=>  ar.ti.fi.cial.ly\n...drugs which artificially reduce heart rate.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj\n\n2. An artificial state or situation exists only because someone has created it, and therefore often seems unnatural or unnecessary.\nRemoved from the artificial atmosphere of the fashion show, high-fashion clothes often look cheap and silly.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  ar.ti.fi.cial.ly\n...state subsidies that have kept retail prices artificially low.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v\n\n3. If you describe someone or their behaviour as artificial, you disapprove of them because they pretend to have attitudes and feelings which they do not really have.\nThe voice was patronizing and affected, the accent artificial.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: artificial insemination
Meaning:
ar.ti.fi.cial in.semi.na.tion\n   artificial insemination\n  Artificial insemination is a medical technique for making a woman pregnant by injecting previously stored sperm into her womb. Female animals can also be made pregnant by artificial insemination. The abbreviation AI is also used.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: artificial intelligence
Meaning:
ar.ti.fi.cial in.tel.li.gence\n   artificial intelligence\n  Artificial intelligence is a type of computer technology which is concerned with making machines work in an intelligent way, similar to the way that the human mind works. The abbreviation AI is also used.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: artificial respiration
Meaning:
ar.ti.fi.cial res.pi.ra.tion\n   artificial respiration\n  Artificial respiration is the forcing of air into the lungs of someone who has stopped breathing, usually by blowing through their mouth or nose, in order to keep them alive and to help them to start breathing again.\nShe was given artificial respiration and cardiac massage.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: artillery
Meaning:
ar.til.lery\n   artillery\n1. Artillery consists of large, powerful guns which are transported on wheels and used by an army.\nUsing tanks and heavy artillery, they seized the town.\n...the sound of artillery fire.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. The artillery is the section of an army which is trained to use large, powerful guns.\n  N-SING-COLL: the N


Words: artisan
Meaning:
ar.ti.san\n   artisan  artisans\n  An artisan is someone whose job requires skill with their hands.\n  N-COUNT\n  = craftsman


Words: artist
Meaning:
art.ist\n   artist  artists\n1. An artist is someone who draws or paints pictures or creates sculptures as a job or a hobby.\nEach poster is signed by the artist...\nI’m not a good artist.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An artist is a person who creates novels, poems, films, or other things which can be considered as works of art.\nHis books are enormously easy to read, yet he is a serious artist...\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. An artist is a performer such as a musician, actor, or dancer.\n...a popular artist who has sold millions of records.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you say that someone is an artist at a particular activity, you mean they are very skilled at it.\nHe is an exceptional footballer.an artist.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: artiste
Meaning:
ar.tiste\n   artiste  artistes\n  An artiste is a professional entertainer, for example a singer or a dancer. (mainly BRIT)\n...a cabaret artiste.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N


Words: artistic
Meaning:
ar.tis.tic\n   artistic\n1. Someone who is artistic is good at drawing or painting, or arranging things in a beautiful way.\nThey encourage boys to be sensitive and artistic...\nMary’s got it all so nice.you remember how artistic she always was with colors.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Artistic means relating to art or artists.\n...the campaign for artistic freedom.\n...their 1,300 year old artistic traditions.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  ar.tis.ti.cal.ly\n...artistically gifted children...\nArtistically, the photographs are stunning.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj/-ed, ADV with cl\n\n3. An artistic design or arrangement is beautiful.\n...an artistic arrangement of stone paving.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  ar.tis.ti.cal.ly\n...artistically carved garden ornaments.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV -ed


Words: artistry
Meaning:
art.ist.ry\n   artistry\n  Artistry is the creative skill of an artist, writer, actor, or musician.\n...portrait sculptors of considerable skill and artistry.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss


Words: artless
Meaning:
art.less\n   artless\n  Someone who is artless is simple and honest, and does not think of deceiving other people.\nShe was curiously artless.\n...Hemingway’s artless air and charming smile.\n  ADJ


Words: artwork
Meaning:
art.work\n   artwork  artworks\n1. Artwork is drawings and photographs that are prepared in order to be included in something such as a book or advertisement.\nThe artwork for the LP was done by Bill Hofstadter.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Artworks are paintings or sculptures which are of high quality.\nThe museum contains 6,000 contemporary and modern artworks.\n...a magnificent collection of priceless artwork.\n  N-VAR\n  = work of art


Words: arty
Meaning:
arty\n  Someone who is arty seems very interested in drama, film, music, poetry, or painting. People often describe someone as arty when they want to suggest that the person is pretentious. (INFORMAL)\nDidn’t you find her a little bit too arty?\n...an arty French film.\n  ADJ\n  = artsy


Words: arty-farty
Meaning:
arty-farty   or artsy-fartsy\n  If you describe someone as arty-farty, you are criticizing them for being interested in artistic ideas or activities that most people do not think are interesting or worthwhile. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n...an artsy-fartsy pretentious film.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = pretentious


Words: as
Meaning:
CONJUNCTION AND PREPOSITION USES\n   as  WEAK   STRONG\n\nPlease look at category 12 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.\n1. If something happens as something else happens, it happens at the same time.\nAnother policeman has been injured as fighting continued this morning...\nAll the jury’s eyes were on him as he continued...\nThe play started as I got there.\n  CONJ\n\n2. You use the structure as...as when you are comparing things.\nI never went through a final exam that was as difficult as that one...\nThere was no obvious reason why this could not be as good a film as the original.\n  PHRASE\n\n  As is also a conjunction.\nBeing a mother isn’t as bad as I thought at first!...\nI don’t think he was ever as fit as he should have been.\n  PHRASE\n\n3. You use as...as to emphasize amounts of something.\nYou can look forward to a significant cash return by saving from as little as .10 a month...\nShe gets as many as eight thousand letters a month.\n  PHRASE  emphasis\n\n4. You use as when you are indicating what someone or something is or is thought to be, or what function they have.\nHe has worked as a diplomat in the US, Sudan and Saudi Arabia...\nThe news apparently came as a complete surprise...\nI had natural ability as a footballer.\n  PREP\n\n5. If you do something as a child or as a teenager, for example, you do it when you are a child or a teenager.\nShe loved singing as a child and started vocal training at 12.\n  PREP\n\n6. You use as to say how something happens or is done, or to indicate that something happens or is done in the same way as something else.\nI’ll behave toward them as I would like to be treated...\nToday, as usual, he was wearing a three-piece suit...\nThe book was banned in the US, as were two subsequent books.\n  CONJ\n\n7. You use as in expressions like as a result and as a consequence to indicate how two situations or events are related to each other.\nAs a result of the growing fears about home security, more people are arranging for someone to stay in their home when they’re away...\n  PREP\n\n8. You use as to introduce short clauses which comment on the truth of what you are saying.\nAs you can see, we’re still working...\nWe were sitting, as I remember, in a riverside restaurant.\n  CONJ\n\n9. You can use as to mean `because’ when you are explaining the reason for something.\nEnjoy the first hour of the day. This is important as it sets the mood for the rest of the day.\n  CONJ\n  = since\n10. You say as it were in order to make what you are saying sound less definite.\nI’d understood the words, but I didn’t, as it were, understand the question.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  vagueness\n\n11. You use expressions such as as it is, as it turns out, and as things stand when you are making a contrast between a possible situation and what actually happened or is the case.\nI want to work at home on a Tuesday but as it turns out sometimes it’s a Wednesday or a Thursday.\n  PHRASE\n\n12.\nas against: see against\nas ever: see ever\nas a matter of fact: see fact\nas follows: see follow\nas long as: see long\nas opposed to: see opposed\nas regards: see regard\nas soon as: see soon\nas such: see such\nas well: see well\nas well as: see well\nas yet: see yet\n\nUSED WITH OTHER PREPOSITIONS AND CONJUNCTIONS\n   as  WEAK   STRONG\n1. You use as for and as to at the beginning of a sentence in order to introduce a slightly different subject that is still connected to the previous one.\nI feel that there’s a lot of pressure put on policemen. And as for putting guns in their hands, I don’t think that’s a very good idea at all.\n  PREP-PHRASE: PREP n/-ing\n\n2. You use as to to indicate what something refers to.\nThey should make decisions as to whether the student needs more help...\n  PREP-PHRASE: PREP wh\n\n3. If you say that something will happen as of, or in British English as from, a particular date or time, you mean that it will happen from that time on.\nThe border, effectively closed since 1981, will be opened as of January the 1st...\nShe is to retire as from 1 October.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n4. You use as if and as though when you are giving a possible explanation for something or saying that something appears to be the case when it is not.\nAnne shrugged, as if she didn’t know...\n  PHRASE


Words: asap
Meaning:
asap\n  asap is an abbreviation for `as soon as possible’.\nThe colonel ordered, `I want two good engines down here asap.’\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: asbestos
Meaning:
as.bes.tos\n   asbestos\n  Asbestos is a grey material which does not burn and which has been used as a protection against fire or heat.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: ascend
Meaning:
as.cend\n   ascend  ascends  ascending  ascended\n1. If you ascend a hill or staircase, you go up it. (WRITTEN)\nMrs Clayton had to hold Lizzie’s hand as they ascended the steps...\nThen we ascend steeply through forests of rhododendron.\n  VERB: V n, V prep/adv, also V\n  !=descend\n2. If a staircase or path ascends, it leads up to a higher position. (WRITTEN)\n  VERB\n  !=descend\n3. If something ascends, it moves up, usually vertically or into the air. (WRITTEN)\nKeep the drill steady while it ascends and descends...\n  VERB: V\n  !=descend\n4. If someone ascends to an important position, they achieve it or are appointed to it. When someone ascends a throne, they become king, queen, or pope. (FORMAL)\n  VERB\n\n5.\n  see also ascending


Words: ascendancy
Meaning:
as.cend.ancy\n   ascendancy   also ascendency\n  If one group has ascendancy over another group, it has more power or influence than the other group. (FORMAL)\nAlthough geographically linked, the two provinces have long fought for political ascendancy...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = dominance


Words: ascendant
Meaning:
as.cend.ant\n   ascendant\n  If someone or something is in the ascendant, they have or are getting more power, influence, or popularity than other people or things. (FORMAL)\nRadical reformers are once more in the ascendant...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: ascending
Meaning:
as.cend.ing\n   ascending\n  If a group of things is arranged in ascending order, each thing is bigger, greater, or more important than the thing before it.\nNow draw or trace ten dinosaurs in ascending order of size.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  see also ascend


Words: ascension
Meaning:
as.cen.sion\n   ascension\n1. In some religions, when someone goes to heaven, you can refer to their ascension to heaven.\n...the two-day holiday marking the Prophet’s ascension to heaven.\n  N-SING: with poss\n\n2. The ascension of a person to a high rank or important position is the act of reaching this position. (WRITTEN)\n...50 years after his ascension to the Cambodian throne.\n  N-SING: with poss, usu N to n


Words: ascent
Meaning:
as.cent\n   ascent  ascents\n1. An ascent is an upward journey, especially when you are walking or climbing.\nIn 1955 he led the first ascent of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  !=descent\n2. An ascent is an upward slope or path, especially when you are walking or climbing.\nIt was a tough course over a gradual ascent before the big climb of Bluebell Hill.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=descent\n3. An ascent is an upward, vertical movement.\nBurke pushed the button and the elevator began its slow ascent.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft poss N\n  !=descent\n4. The ascent of a person to a more important or successful position is the process of reaching this position. (WRITTEN)\n  N-SING: usu with supp\n  = rise\n5. In some religions, when someone goes to heaven, you can refer to their ascent to heaven.\n  N-SING: N prep


Words: ascertain
Meaning:
as.cer.tain\n   ascertain  ascertains  ascertaining  ascertained\n  If you ascertain the truth about something, you find out what it is, especially by making a deliberate effort to do so. (FORMAL)\nThrough doing this, the teacher will be able to ascertain the extent to which the child understands what he is reading...\nOnce they had ascertained that he was not a spy, they agreed to release him...\nTake time to ascertain what services your bank is providing, and at what cost.\n  VERB: V n, V that, V wh\n  = establish


Words: ascetic
Meaning:
as.cet.ic\n   ascetic  ascetics\n  An ascetic person has a way of life that is simple and strict, usually because of their religious beliefs.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  An ascetic is someone who is ascetic.\n  N-COUNT


Words: asceticism
Meaning:
as.ceti.cism\n   asceticism\n  Asceticism is a simple, strict way of life with no luxuries or physical pleasures.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ascorbic acid
Meaning:
ascor.bic acid\n   ascorbic acid\n  Ascorbic acid is another name for vitamin C. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ascribe
Meaning:
as.cribe\n   ascribe  ascribes  ascribing  ascribed\n1. If you ascribe an event or condition to a particular cause, you say or consider that it was caused by that thing. (FORMAL)\nAn autopsy eventually ascribed the baby’s death to sudden infant death syndrome.\n  VERB: V n to n\n  = attribute\n2. If you ascribe a quality to someone, you consider that they possess it. (FORMAL)\nWe do not ascribe a superior wisdom to government or the state.\n  VERB: V n to n\n  = attribute\n3. If you ascribe something such as a quotation or a work of art to someone, you say that they said it or created it. (FORMAL)\nHe mistakenly ascribes the expression `survival of the fittest’ to Charles Darwin.\n  VERB: V n to n\n  = attribute


Words: asexual
Meaning:
asexu.al\n   asexual\n1. Something that is asexual involves no sexual activity.\nTheir relationship was totally asexual.\n...asexual reproduction.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  asexu.al.ly\nMany fungi can reproduce asexually.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj\n\n2. Asexual creatures and plants have no sexual organs.\n...asexual parasites.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Someone who is asexual is not sexually attracted to other people.\nIt is another unfortunate myth of our culture that older people are asexual.\n  ADJ


Words: ash
Meaning:
ash  ashes\n1. Ash is the grey or black powdery substance that is left after something is burnt. You can also refer to this substance as ashes.\nA cloud of volcanic ash is spreading across wide areas of the Philippines...\nHe brushed the cigarette ash from his sleeve...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n2. A dead person’s ashes are their remains after their body has been cremated.\n  N-PLURAL: usu poss N\n\n3. An ash is a tree that has smooth grey bark and loses its leaves in winter.\n  N-VAR\n\n  Ash is the wood from this tree.\nThe rafters are made from ash.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ashamed
Meaning:
ashamed\n1. If someone is ashamed, they feel embarrassed or guilty because of something they do or they have done, or because of their appearance.\nI felt incredibly ashamed of myself for getting so angry...\nShe was ashamed that she looked so shabby...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ of/about n, ADJ that\n  !=proud\n2. If you are ashamed of someone, you feel embarrassed to be connected with them, often because of their appearance or because you disapprove of something they have done.\nI’ve never told this to anyone, but it’s true, I was terribly ashamed of my mum.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of n\n  !=proud\n3. If someone is ashamed to do something, they do not want to do it because they feel embarrassed about it.\nWomen are often ashamed to admit they are being abused.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to-inf\n  !=proud


Words: ashen
Meaning:
ash.en\n   ashen\n  Someone who is ashen looks very pale, especially because they are ill, shocked, or frightened.\n  ADJ\n  = pallid


Words: ashen-faced
Meaning:
ashen-faced\n  Someone who is ashen-faced looks very pale, especially because they are ill, shocked, or frightened.\nThe survivors were ashen-faced and visibly shaken.\n  ADJ


Words: ashore
Meaning:
ashore\n  Someone or something that comes ashore comes from the sea onto the shore.\nOil has come ashore on a ten mile stretch to the east of Plymouth...\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV


Words: ashtray
Meaning:
ash.tray\n   ashtray  ashtrays\n  An ashtray is a small dish in which smokers can put the ash from their cigarettes and cigars.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Asian
Meaning:
Asian  Asians\n  Someone or something that is Asian comes from or is associated with Asia. British people use this term especially to refer to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Americans use this term especially to refer to China, Korea, Thailand, Japan, or Vietnam.\n...Asian music.\n...the Asian community in San Francisco.\n  ADJ\n\n  An Asian is a person who comes from or is associated with a country or region in Asia.\nMany of the shops were run by Asians.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Asiatic
Meaning:
Asi.at.ic\n   Asiatic\n  Asiatic means belonging or relating to Asia or its people. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = Asian


Words: aside
Meaning:
ADVERB AND NOUN USES\n   aside  asides\nIn addition to the uses shown below, aside is used in phrasal verbs such as `cast aside’, `stand aside’, and `step aside’.\n1. If you move something aside, you move it to one side of you.\nSarah closed the book and laid it aside.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. If you take or draw someone aside, you take them a little way away from a group of people in order to talk to them in private.\nWill put his arm around her shoulders and drew her aside.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n3. If you move aside, you get out of someone’s way.\nShe had been standing in the doorway, but now she stepped aside to let them pass.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n4. If you set something such as time, money, or space aside for a particular purpose, you save it and do not use it for anything else.\nShe wants to put her pocket-money aside for holidays.\n...the ground set aside for the new cathedral.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n5. If you brush or sweep aside a feeling or suggestion, you reject it.\nTalk to a friend who will really listen and not brush aside your feelings...\nThe Prime Minister swept aside concern about the rising cost of mortgages.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n6. You use aside to indicate that you have finished talking about something, or that you are leaving it out of your discussion, and that you are about to talk about something else.\nLeaving aside the tiny minority who are clinically depressed, most people who have bad moods also have very good moods...\nEmotional arguments aside, here are the facts.\n  ADV: ADV after v, n ADV\n  = apart\n7. An aside is a comment that a character in a play makes to the audience, which the other characters are supposed not to be able to hear.\nExasperated with her children, she rolls her eyes and mutters an aside to the camera, `No wonder I drink!’.\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. An aside is something that you say that is not directly connected with what you are talking about.\nThe pace of the book is leisurely, with enjoyable literary and historical asides.\n  N-COUNT\n  = digression


Words: aside from
Meaning:
PREPOSITION USES\n   aside from\n  Aside from means the same as apart from. This form is more usual in American English.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n  = apart from


Words: asinine
Meaning:
asi.nine\n   asinine\n  If you describe something or someone as asinine, you mean that they are very foolish. (FORMAL)\n...an asinine discussion.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = idiotic, moronic


Words: ask
Meaning:
ask  asks  asking  asked\n1. If you ask someone something, you say something to them in the form of a question because you want to know the answer.\n`How is Frank?’ he asked...\nI asked him his name...\nI wasn’t the only one asking questions...\nShe asked me if I’d enjoyed my dinner...\nIf Daniel asks what happened in court we will tell him...\nYou will have to ask David about that...\n`I’m afraid to ask what it cost.’.`Then don’t ask.’\n  VERB: V with quote, V n n, V n, V n wh, V wh, V n about n, V\n\n2. If you ask someone to do something, you tell them that you want them to do it.\nWe had to ask him to leave...\n  VERB: V n to-inf\n\n3. If you ask to do something, you tell someone that you want to do it.\nI asked to see the Director.\n  VERB: V to-inf\n\n4. If you ask for something, you say that you would like it.\nI decided to go to the next house and ask for food...\n  VERB: V for n\n\n5. If you ask for someone, you say that you would like to speak to them.\nThere’s a man at the gate asking for you.\n  VERB: V for n\n\n6. If you ask someone’s permission, opinion, or forgiveness, you try to obtain it by putting a request to them.\nPlease ask permission from whoever pays the phone bill before making your call.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. If you ask someone to an event or place, you invite them to go there.\nCouldn’t you ask Jon to the party?...\nShe asked me back to her house.\n  VERB: V n to/for n, V n adv\n\n8. If someone is asking a particular price for something, they are selling it for that price.\nMr Pantelaras was asking .6,000 for his collection.\n  VERB: V n for n\n\n9. You reply `don’t ask me’ when you do not know the answer to a question, usually when you are annoyed or surprised that you have been asked.\n`She’s got other things on her mind, wouldn’t you think?’ `Don’t ask me,’ murmured Chris. `I’ve never met her.’\n  CONVENTION  feelings\n\n10. You can say `may I ask’ as a formal way of asking a question, which shows you are annoyed or suspicious about something.\nMay I ask where you’re going, sir?\n  PHRASE  feelings\n\n11. You can say `if you ask me’ to emphasize that you are stating your personal opinion.\nHe was nuts, if you ask me.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  emphasis\n\n12. If you say that someone is asking for trouble or is asking for it, you mean that they are behaving in a way that makes it very likely that they will get into trouble.\nTo go ahead with the match after such clear advice had been asking for trouble.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: ask after
Meaning:
ask after\n  If someone asks after you, they ask someone how you are.\nI had a letter from Jane. She asks after you.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n\n  = inquire after


Words: ask around
Meaning:
ask around\n  If you ask around or ask round, you ask several people a question. (in BRIT, also use ask round)\nAsk around to see what others living in your area think about their doctors.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: askance
Meaning:
askance\n1. If you look askance at someone or something, you have a doubtful or suspicious attitude towards them.\nThey have always looked askance at the western notion of democracy.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR at n\n\n2. If you look askance atsomeone, you look at them in a doubtful or suspicious way.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR at n


Words: askew
Meaning:
askew\n  Something that is askew is not straight or not level with what it should be level with.\nThere were no shutters at the windows, and some of the doors hung askew.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: asking price
Meaning:
ask.ing price\n   asking price  asking prices\n  The asking price of something is the price which the person selling it says that they want for it, although they may accept less.\nOffers 15% below the asking price are unlikely to be accepted.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: asleep
Meaning:
asleep\n1. Someone who is asleep is sleeping.\nMy four year-old daughter was asleep on the sofa.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  !=awake\n2. When you fall asleep, you start sleeping.\nSam snuggled down in his pillow and fell asleep.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n3. Someone who is fast asleep or sound asleep is sleeping deeply.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: asparagus
Meaning:
as.para.gus\n   asparagus\n  Asparagus is a vegetable that is long and green and has small shoots at one end. It is cooked and served whole.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: aspect
Meaning:
as.pect\n   aspect  aspects\n1. An aspect of something is one of the parts of its character or nature.\nClimate and weather affect every aspect of our lives...\nHe was interested in all aspects of the work here...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. The aspect of a building or window is the direction in which it faces. (FORMAL)\nThe house had a south-west aspect.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp\n\n3. In grammar, aspect is the way that a verb group shows whether an activity is continuing, is repeated, or is completed. For example, in `They were laughing’, the verb is in the progressive aspect and shows that the action was continuing. Compare tense.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: aspen
Meaning:
as.pen\n   aspen  aspens\n  An aspen is a tall tree with leaves that move a lot in the wind.\n  N-VAR


Words: asperity
Meaning:
as.per.ity\n   asperity\n  If you say something with asperity, you say it impatiently and severely. (FORMAL)\n`I told you Preskel had no idea,’ remarked Kemp with some asperity.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with N\n  = sharpness


Words: aspersions
Meaning:
as.per.sions\n   aspersions\n  If you cast aspersions on someone or something, you suggest that they are not very good in some way. (FORMAL)\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR on n


Words: asphalt
Meaning:
as.phalt\n   asphalt\n  Asphalt is a black substance used to make the surfaces of things such as roads and playgrounds.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n  = tarmac


Words: asphyxia
Meaning:
as.phyxia\n   asphyxia\n  Asphyxia is death or loss of consciousness caused by being unable to breathe properly. (MEDICAL)\nDeath was due to asphyxia through smoke inhalation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = suffocation


Words: asphyxiate
Meaning:
as.phyxi.ate\n   asphyxiate  asphyxiates  asphyxiating  asphyxiated\n  If someone is asphyxiated, they die or lose consciousness because they are unable to breathe properly.\nThree people were asphyxiated in the crush for last week’s train...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  = suffocate\n=>  as.phyxia.tion\nA post mortem examination found that she died from asphyxiation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: aspic
Meaning:
as.pic\n   aspic\n  Aspic is a clear shiny jelly made from meat juices. It is used in making cold savoury meat dishes.\n...cold chicken in aspic.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: aspirant
Meaning:
as.pir.ant\n   aspirant  aspirants\n1. Someone who is an aspirant to political power or to an important job has a strong desire to achieve it. (FORMAL)\n...the young aspirant to power...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Aspirant means the same as aspiring. (FORMAL)\n...aspirant politicians.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = would-be


Words: aspiration
Meaning:
as.pi.ra.tion\n   aspiration  aspirations\n  Someone’s aspirations are their desire to achieve things.\n...the needs and aspirations of our pupils...\n...the republic’s aspiration to statehood.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp


Words: aspirational
Meaning:
as.pi.ra.tion.al\n   aspirational\n1. If you describe someone as aspirational, you mean that they have strong hopes of moving to a higher social status. (JOURNALISM)\n...the typical tensions of an aspirational household.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe a product as aspirational, you mean that it is bought or enjoyed by people who have strong hopes of moving to a higher social class. (JOURNALISM)\nFine music, particularly opera, has become aspirational, like fine wine or foreign travel.\n  ADJ


Words: aspire
Meaning:
as.pire\n   aspire  aspires  aspiring  aspired\n  If you aspire to something such as an important job, you have a strong desire to achieve it.\n...people who aspire to public office...\nThey aspired to be gentlemen, though they fell far short of the ideal.\n  VERB: V to n/-ing, V to-inf\n\n  see also aspiring


Words: aspirin
Meaning:
as.pi.rin\n   aspirin  aspirins  or aspirin\n  Aspirin is a mild drug which reduces pain and fever.\n  N-VAR


Words: aspiring
Meaning:
as.pir.ing\n   aspiring\n  If you use aspiring to describe someone who is starting a particular career, you mean that they are trying to become successful in it.\nMany aspiring young artists are advised to learn by copying the masters.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  see also aspire


Words: ass
Meaning:
ass  asses\n1. An ass is an animal which is related to a horse but which is smaller and has long ears.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe someone as an ass, you think that they are silly or do silly things. (INFORMAL)\nHe was generally disliked and regarded as a pompous ass.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n3. Your ass is your bottom. (AM INFORMAL, RUDE; in BRIT, use arse, bum)\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. Saying that someone can kiss your ass is a very rude way of expressing anger or disagreement. (AM INFORMAL, RUDE)\n  PHRASE: V inflects  feelings\n\n5.\na pain in the ass: see pain


Words: assail
Meaning:
as.sail\n   assail  assails  assailing  assailed\n1. If someone assails you, they criticize you strongly. (WRITTEN)\nThe opposition’s newspapers assail the government each day...\n  VERB: V n\n  = attack\n2. If someone assails you, they attack you violently. (WRITTEN)\nHer husband was assailed by a young man with a knife in a Glasgow park.\n  VERB: V n\n  = attack\n3. If you are assailed by something unpleasant such as fears or problems, you are greatly troubled by a large number of them. (WRITTEN)\nShe is assailed by self-doubt and emotional insecurity.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  = beset


Words: assailant
Meaning:
as.sail.ant\n   assailant  assailants\n  Someone’s assailant is a person who has physically attacked them. (FORMAL)\nOther party-goers rescued the injured man from his assailant.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N\n  = attacker


Words: assassin
Meaning:
as.sas.sin\n   assassin  assassins\n  An assassin is a person who assassinates someone.\nHe saw the shooting and memorised the number of the assassin’s car.\n  N-COUNT


Words: assassinate
Meaning:
as.sas.si.nate\n   assassinate  assassinates  assassinating  assassinated\n  When someone important is assassinated, they are murdered as a political act.\nWould the USA be radically different today if Kennedy had not been assassinated?...\nThe plot to assassinate Martin Luther King had started long before he was actually killed.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n=>  as.sas.si.na.tion      assassinations\nShe would like an investigation into the assassination of her husband...\nHe lives in constant fear of assassination.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n, N n


Words: assault
Meaning:
as.sault\n   assault  assaults  assaulting  assaulted\n1. An assault by an army is a strong attack made on an area held by the enemy.\nThe rebels are poised for a new assault on the government garrisons...\n  N-COUNT: oft N on/upon/against n\n  = attack\n2. Assault weapons such as rifles are intended for soldiers to use in battle rather than for purposes such as hunting.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. An assault on a person is a physical attack on them.\nThe attack is one of a series of savage sexual assaults on women in the university area...\nAt the police station, I was charged with assault.\n  N-VAR: oft N on/upon n\n\n4. To assault someone means to physically attack them.\nThe gang assaulted him with iron bars...\nShe may have been sexually assaulted by her killer.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = attack\n5. An assault on someone’s beliefs is a strong criticism of them.\nHe leveled a verbal assault against his Democratic opponents.\n  N-COUNT: oft N on/upon/against n


Words: assault and battery
Meaning:
as.sault and bat.tery\n   assault and battery\n  Assault and battery is the crime of attacking someone and causing them physical harm. (LEGAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: assault course
Meaning:
as.sault course\n   assault course  assault courses\n  An assault course is an area of land covered with obstacles such as walls which people, especially soldiers, use to improve their skills and strength. (BRIT; in AM, use obstacle course)\n  N-COUNT


Words: assay
Meaning:
as.say\n   assay  assays\n  An assay is a test of a substance to find out what chemicals it contains. It is usually carried out to find out how pure a substance is. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: assemblage
Meaning:
as.sem.blage\n   assemblage  assemblages\n  An assemblage of people or things is a collection of them. (FORMAL)\nHe had an assemblage of old junk cars filling the backyard.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: assemble
Meaning:
as.sem.ble\n   assemble  assembles  assembling  assembled\n1. When people assemble or when someone assembles them, they come together in a group, usually for a particular purpose such as a meeting.\nThere wasn’t even a convenient place for students to assemble between classes...\nThousands of people, mainly Zulus, assembled in a stadium in Thokoza...\nHe has assembled a team of experts to handle queries...\n  VERB: V, V in/at n, V n\n  = gather\n2. To assemble something means to collect it together or to fit the different parts of it together.\nGreenpeace managed to assemble enough boats to waylay the ship at sea...\n  VERB: V n


Words: assembler
Meaning:
as.sem.bler\n   assembler  assemblers\n  An assembler is a person, a machine, or a company which assembles the individual parts of a vehicle or a piece of equipment such as a computer.\n  N-COUNT


Words: assembly
Meaning:
as.sem.bly\n   assembly  assemblies\n1. An assembly is a large group of people who meet regularly to make decisions or laws for a particular region or country.\n...the campaign for the first free election to the National Assembly.\n...an assembly of party members from the Russian republic.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n2. An assembly is a group of people gathered together for a particular purpose.\nHe waited until complete quiet settled on the assembly.\n  N-COUNT\n  = gathering\n3. When you refer to rights of assembly or restrictions on assembly, you are referring to the legal right that people have to gather together. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu prep N\n\n4. In a school, assembly is a gathering of all the teachers and pupils at the beginning of every school day.\nBy 9, the juniors are in the hall for assembly.\n...a long room with a stage at one end for assemblies.\n  N-VAR\n\n5. The assembly of a machine, device, or object is the process of fitting its different parts together.\nFor the rest of the day, he worked on the assembly of an explosive device.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: assembly line
Meaning:
as.sem.bly line\n   assembly line  assembly lines\n  An assembly line is an arrangement of workers and machines in a factory, where each worker deals with only one part of a product. The product passes from one worker to another until it is finished.\n  N-COUNT


Words: assembly plant
Meaning:
as.sem.bly plant\n   assembly plant  assembly plants\n  An assembly plant is a factory where large items such as cars are put together, usually using parts which have been made in other factories.\n  N-COUNT


Words: assemblyman
Meaning:
as.sembly.man\n   assemblyman  assemblymen\n  In the United States, an assemblyman is an elected member of an assembly of people who make decisions and laws.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE


Words: assemblywoman
Meaning:
assembly.woman\n   assemblywoman  assemblywomen\n  In the United States, an assemblywoman is a female elected member of an assembly of people who make decisions and laws.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE


Words: assent
Meaning:
as.sent\n   assent  assents  assenting  assented\n1. If someone gives their assent to something that has been suggested, they formally agree to it.\nHe gave his assent to the proposed legislation...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss, N to/for n\n  = agreement, consent\n2. If you assent to something, you agree to it or agree with it.\nI assented to the request of the American publishers to write this book...\n  VERB: V to n


Words: assert
Meaning:
as.sert\n   assert  asserts  asserting  asserted\n1. If someone asserts a fact or belief, they state it firmly. (FORMAL)\nMr. Helm plans to assert that the bill violates the First Amendment...\nThe defendants, who continue to assert their innocence, are expected to appeal...\nAltman asserted, `We were making a political statement about western civilisation and greed.’\n  VERB: V that, V n, V with quote\n  = declare\n=>  as.ser.tion      assertions\nThere is no concrete evidence to support assertions that the recession is truly over.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you assert your authority, you make it clear by your behaviour that you have authority.\nAfter the war, the army made an attempt to assert its authority in the south of the country...\n  VERB: V n\n  = establish\n=>  as.ser.tion\nThe decision is seen as an assertion of his authority within the company.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. If you assert your right or claim to something, you insist that you have the right to it.\nThe republics began asserting their right to govern themselves.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  as.ser.tion\nThese institutions have made the assertion of ethnic identity possible.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n4. If you assert yourself, you speak and act in a forceful way, so that people take notice of you.\nHe’s speaking up and asserting himself confidently.\n  VERB: V pron-refl


Words: assertive
Meaning:
as.ser.tive\n   assertive\n  Someone who is assertive states their needs and opinions clearly, so that people take notice.\nWomen have become more assertive in the past decade.\n  ADJ\n  !=submissive\n=>  as.ser.tive.ly\n`You don’t need to do that,’ said Pearl assertively.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n=>  as.ser.tive.ness\n...an assertiveness training class.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: assess
Meaning:
as.sess\n   assess  assesses  assessing  assessed\n1. When you assess a person, thing, or situation, you consider them in order to make a judgment about them.\nOur correspondent has been assessing the impact of the sanctions...\nIt would be a matter of assessing whether she was well enough to travel.\n  VERB: V n, V wh\n  = evaluate\n2. When you assess the amount of money that something is worth or should be paid, you calculate or estimate it.\nAsk them to send you information on how to assess the value of your belongings...\n  VERB: V n


Words: assessment
Meaning:
as.sess.ment\n   assessment  assessments\n1. An assessment is a consideration of someone or something and a judgment about them.\nThere is little assessment of the damage to the natural environment...\n  N-VAR\n  = evaluation\n2. An assessment of the amount of money that something is worth or that should be paid is a calculation or estimate of the amount.\nPrice Waterhouse have traced the losses to lenders’ inflated assessments of mortgaged property.\n  N-VAR\n  = appraisal


Words: assessor
Meaning:
as.ses.sor\n   assessor  assessors\n1. An assessor is a person who is employed to calculate the value of something, or the amount of money that should be paid, for example in tax. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT\n  = appraiser\n2. An assessor is a person who is an expert in a subject, especially someone asked to advise a court of law on that subject.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. An assessor is a person who judges the performance of someone else, for example in an exam, at an interview or at a sporting event.\n  N-COUNT


Words: asset
Meaning:
as.set\n   asset  assets\n1. Something or someone that is an asset is considered useful or helps a person or organization to be successful.\nHer leadership qualities were the greatest asset of the Conservative Party...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The assets of a company or a person are all the things that they own. (BUSINESS)\nBy the end of 1989 the group had assets of 3.5 billion francs.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: asset-stripping
Meaning:
asset-stripping\n  If a person or company is involved in asset-stripping, they buy companies cheaply, sell off their assets to make a profit, and then close the companies down. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: asshole
Meaning:
ass.hole\n   asshole  assholes\n  If one person calls another person an asshole, they think that person is extremely stupid or has behaved in a stupid way. (AM  VERY RUDE; in BRIT, use arsehole)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: assiduous
Meaning:
as.sidu.ous\n   assiduous\n  Someone who is assiduous works hard or does things very thoroughly.\nPodulski had been assiduous in learning his adopted language.\n  ADJ\n  = diligent


Words: assign
Meaning:
as.sign\n   assign  assigns  assigning  assigned\n1. If you assign a piece of work to someone, you give them the work to do.\nWhen I taught, I would assign a topic to children which they would write about...\nLater in the year, she’ll assign them research papers...\nWhen teachers assign homework, students usually feel an obligation to do it.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n n, V n\n\n2. If you assign something to someone, you say that it is for their use.\nThe selling broker is then required to assign a portion of the commission to the buyer broker...\nHe assigned her all his land in Ireland.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n n\n  = allocate\n3. If someone is assigned to a particular place, group, or person, they are sent there, usually in order to work at that place or for that person.\nI was assigned to Troop A of the 10th Cavalry...\nDid you choose Russia or were you simply assigned there?...\nEach of us was assigned a minder, someone who looked after us.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to n, be V-ed adv, be V-ed n\n\n4. If you assign a particular function or value to someone or something, you say they have it.\nUnder Mr. Harel’s system, each business must assign a value to each job...\nAssign the letters of the alphabet their numerical values--A equals 1, B equals 2, etc.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n n


Words: assignation
Meaning:
as.sig.na.tion\n   assignation  assignations\n  An assignation is a secret meeting with someone, especially with a lover. (FORMAL)\nShe had an assignation with her boyfriend.\n  N-COUNT: oft N with n


Words: assignment
Meaning:
as.sign.ment\n   assignment  assignments\n1. An assignment is a task or piece of work that you are given to do, especially as part of your job or studies.\nThe assessment for the course involves written assignments and practical tests.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to someone being given a particular task or job as their assignment to the task or job.\nAn Australian division scheduled for assignment to Greece was ordered to remain in Egypt.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N to n


Words: assimilate
Meaning:
as.simi.late\n   assimilate  assimilates  assimilating  assimilated\n1. When people such as immigrants assimilate into a community or when that community assimilates them, they become an accepted part of it.\nThere is every sign that new Asian-Americans are just as willing to assimilate...\nHis family tried to assimilate into the white and Hispanic communities...\nThe Vietnamese are trying to assimilate themselves and become Americans...\n  VERB: V, V into/with n, V pron-refl\n  = integrate\n=>  as.simi.la.tion\nThey promote social integration and assimilation of minority ethnic groups into the culture.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n  = integration\n2. If you assimilate new ideas, techniques, or information, you learn them or adopt them.\nI was speechless, still trying to assimilate the enormity of what he’d told me.\n  VERB: V n\n  = absorb\n=>  as.simi.la.tion\nThis technique brings life to instruction and eases assimilation of knowledge.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: assist
Meaning:
as.sist\n   assist  assists  assisting  assisted\n1. If you assist someone, you help them to do a job or task by doing part of the work for them.\nThe family decided to assist me with my chores...\nDr Amid was assisted by a young Asian nurse.\n  VERB: V n with n, be V-ed\n  = help\n2. If you assist someone, you give them information, advice, or money.\nThe public is urgently requested to assist police in tracing this man...\nForeign Office officials assisted with transport and finance problems...\nThe Authority will provide a welfare worker to assist you.\n  VERB: V n in -ing, V with n, V n, also V n to-inf\n  = help\n3. If something assists in doing a task, it makes the task easier to do.\n...a chemical that assists in the manufacture of proteins...\nHere are some good sources of information to assist you in making the best selection...\n  VERB: V in/with n/-ing, V n in/with n/-ing


Words: assistance
Meaning:
as.sis.tance\n   assistance\n1. If you give someone assistance, you help them do a job or task by doing part of the work for them.\nSince 1976 he has been operating the shop with the assistance of volunteers...\nShe can still come downstairs with assistance but she’s very weak.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss\n  = help, aid\n2. If you give someone assistance, you give them information or advice.\nAny assistance you could give the police will be greatly appreciated...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = help, aid\n3. If someone gives a person or country assistance, they help them by giving them money.\n...a viable programme of economic assistance...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft supp N\n  = help, aid\n4. If something is done with the assistance of a particular thing, that thing is helpful or necessary for doing it.\nThe translations were carried out with the assistance of a medical dictionary.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = help, aid\n5. Someone or something that is of assistance to you is helpful or useful to you.\nCan I be of any assistance?\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu modal PHR\n\n6. If you come to someone’s assistance, you take action to help them.\nThey are appealing to the world community to come to Jordan’s assistance...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: assistant
Meaning:
as.sis.tant\n   assistant  assistants\n1. Assistant is used in front of titles or jobs to indicate a slightly lower rank. For example, an assistant director is one rank lower than a director in an organization.\n...the Assistant Secretary of Defense.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = deputy\n2. Someone’s assistant is a person who helps them in their work.\nKalan called his assistant, Hashim, to take over while he went out...\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. An assistant is a person who works in a shop selling things to customers.\nThe assistant took the book and checked the price on the back cover...\n  N-COUNT\n  = shop assistant


Words: assistant referee
Meaning:
as.sis.tant ref.eree\n   assistant referee  assistant referees\n  An assistant referee is the same as a linesman.\n  N-COUNT


Words: associate
Meaning:
as.so.ci.ate\n   associate associates associating  associated\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun and adjective are pronounced\n1. If you associate someone or something with another thing, the two are connected in your mind.\nThrough science we’ve got the idea of associating progress with the future...\n  VERB: V n with n\n\n2. If you are associated with a particular organization, cause, or point of view, or if you associate yourself with it, you support it publicly.\nI haven’t been associated with the project over the last year...\nThe press feels the need to associate itself with the green movement.\n  VERB: be V-ed with n, V pron-refl with n\n  = affiliate\n3. If you say that someone is associating with another person or group of people, you mean they are spending a lot of time in the company of people you do not approve of.\nWhat would they think if they knew that they were associating with a murderer?...\n  VERB: V with n\n\n4. Your associates are the people you are closely connected with, especially at work.\n...the restaurant owner’s business associates.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n  = colleague\n5. Associate is used before a rank or title to indicate a slightly different or lower rank or title.\nMr Lin is associate director of the Institute...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: associated
Meaning:
as.so.ci.at.ed\n   associated\n1. If one thing is associated with another, the two things are connected with each other.\nThese symptoms are particularly associated with migraine headaches.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ with n\n\n2. Associated is used in the name of a company that is made up of a number of smaller companies which have joined together.\n...the Associated Press.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: association
Meaning:
as.so.cia.tion\n   association  associations\n1. An association is an official group of people who have the same job, aim, or interest.\n...the British Olympic Association...\nResearch associations are often linked to a particular industry.\n  N-COUNT: oft in names\n\n  see also housing association\n2. Your association with a person or a thing such as an organization is the connection that you have with them.\n...the company’s six-year association with retailer J.C. Penney Co...\n  N-COUNT: usu N with n\n  = affiliation\n3. If something has particular associations for you, it is connected in your mind with a particular memory, idea, or feeling.\nHe has a shelf full of things, each of which has associations for him...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n4. If you do something in association with someone else, you do it together.\n  PHRASE: PHR n


Words: associative
Meaning:
as.so.cia.tive\n   associative\n  Associative thoughts are things that you think of because you see, hear, or think of something that reminds you of those things or which you associate with those things.\nThe associative guilt was ingrained in his soul...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: assorted
Meaning:
as.sort.ed\n   assorted\n  A group of assorted things is a group of similar things that are of different sizes or colours or have different qualities.\n...swimsuits, sizes 12-18, in assorted colours.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = various


Words: assortment
Meaning:
as.sort.ment\n   assortment  assortments\n  An assortment is a group of similar things that are of different sizes or colours or have different qualities.\n...an assortment of cheese.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: assuage
Meaning:
as.suage\n   assuage  assuages  assuaging  assuaged\n1. If you assuage an unpleasant feeling that someone has, you make them feel it less strongly. (LITERARY)\nTo assuage his wife’s grief, he took her on a tour of Europe...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you assuage a need or desire for something, you satisfy it. (LITERARY)\nThe meat they’d managed to procure assuaged their hunger.\n  VERB: V n


Words: assume
Meaning:
as.sume\n   assume  assumes  assuming  assumed\n1. If you assume that something is true, you imagine that it is true, sometimes wrongly.\nIt is a misconception to assume that the two continents are similar...\nIf mistakes occurred, they were assumed to be the fault of the commander on the spot...\n`Today?’.`I’d assume so, yeah.’\n  VERB: V that, be V-ed to-inf, V so\n  = presume\n2. If someone assumes power or responsibility, they take power or responsibility.\nMr Cross will assume the role of Chief Executive with a team of four directors...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If something assumes a particular quality, it begins to have that quality.\nIn his dreams, the mountains assumed enormous importance.\n  VERB: V n\n  = take on\n4. You can use let us assume or let’s assume when you are considering a possible situation or event, so that you can think about the consequences.\nLet us assume those clubs actually win something. Then players will receive large bonuses...\nLet’s assume for a moment that I am a litigant in your court.\n  PHRASE: PHR that\n\n  see also assuming


Words: assumed name
Meaning:
as.sumed name\n   assumed name  assumed names\n  If you do something under an assumed name, you do it using a name that is not your real name.\n  N-COUNT: usu under N\n  = pseudonym


Words: assuming
Meaning:
as.sum.ing\n   assuming\n  You use assuming or assuming that when you are considering a possible situation or event, so that you can think about the consequences.\n`Assuming you’re right,’ he said, `there’s not much I can do about it, is there?’...\n  CONJ


Words: assumption
Meaning:
as.sump.tion\n   assumption  assumptions\n1. If you make an assumption that something is true or will happen, you accept that it is true or will happen, often without any real proof.\nDr Subroto questioned the scientific assumption on which the global warming theory is based...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N that, adj N, N of n, on N\n\n2. Someone’s assumption of power or responsibility is their taking of it.\nThe government have retained the support which greeted their assumption of power last March.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N of n


Words: assurance
Meaning:
as.sur.ance\n   assurance  assurances\n1. If you give someone an assurance that something is true or will happen, you say that it is definitely true or will definitely happen, in order to make them feel less worried.\nHe would like an assurance that other forces will not move into the territory that his forces vacate...\nHe will have been pleased by Marshal Yazov’s assurance of the armed forces’ loyalty.\n  N-VAR: oft N that, N of n\n  = guarantee\n2. If you do something with assurance, you do it with a feeling of confidence and certainty.\nMasur led the orchestra with assurance...\nThe EU is now acquiring greater assurance and authority.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Assurance is insurance that provides cover in the event of death. (BRIT)\n...endowment assurance.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also life assurance


Words: assure
Meaning:
as.sure\n   assure  assures  assuring  assured\n1. If you assure someone that something is true or will happen, you tell them that it is definitely true or will definitely happen, often in order to make them less worried.\nHe hastened to assure me that there was nothing traumatic to report...\n`Are you sure the raft is safe?’ she asked anxiously. `Couldn’t be safer,’ Max assured her confidently...\nGovernment officials recently assured Hindus of protection.\n  VERB: V n that, V n with quote, V n of n\n  = reassure\n  see also assured\n2. To assure someone of something means to make certain that they will get it.\nLast night’s resounding victory over Birmingham City has virtually assured them of promotion...\nWays must be found to assure our children a decent start in life.\n  VERB: V n of n, V n n\n  = guarantee\n3. You use phrases such as I can assure you or let me assure you to emphasize the truth of what you are saying.\nI can assure you that the animals are well cared for...\n  PHRASE: PHR that, PHR with cl  emphasis


Words: assured
Meaning:
as.sured\n   assured\n1. Someone who is assured is very confident and relaxed.\nHe was infinitely more assured than in his more recent parliamentary appearances.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  as.sur.ed.ness\nThis a lyrical work written with the authority and assuredness of an experienced writer.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = assurance\n2. If something is assured, it is certain to happen.\nOur victory is assured; nothing can stop us...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  !=uncertain\n3. If you are assured of something, you are certain to get it or achieve it.\nLaura Davies is assured of a place in Europe’s team...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of n\n\n4. If you say that someone can rest assured that something is the case, you mean that it is definitely the case, so they do not need to worry about it.\nTheir parents can rest assured that their children’s safety will be of paramount importance...\n  PHRASE: PHR that, PHR with cl  emphasis


Words: assuredly
Meaning:
as.sur.ed.ly\n   assuredly\n  If something is assuredly true, it is definitely true.\nHe is, assuredly, not alone in believing they will win...\nThe government most assuredly does believe in organic farming.\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group, ADV before v\n  = definitely


Words: asterisk
Meaning:
as.ter.isk\n   asterisk  asterisks\n  An asterisk is the sign .. It is used especially to indicate that there is further information about something in another part of the text.\n  N-COUNT


Words: astern
Meaning:
astern\n  Something that is astern is at the back of a ship or behind the back part. (TECHNICAL)\n  ADV: be ADV


Words: asteroid
Meaning:
as.ter.oid\n   asteroid  asteroids\n  An asteroid is one of the very small planets that move around the sun between Mars and Jupiter.\n  N-COUNT


Words: asthmatic
Meaning:
asth.mat.ic\n   asthmatic  asthmatics\n1. People who suffer from asthma are sometimes referred to as asthmatics.\nI have been an asthmatic from childhood and was never able to play any sports.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Asthmatic is also an adjective.\nOne child in ten is asthmatic.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Asthmatic means relating to asthma.\n...asthmatic breathing.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: astigmatism
Meaning:
astig.ma.tism\n   astigmatism\n  If someone has astigmatism, the front of their eye has a slightly irregular shape, so they cannot see properly.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: astonish
Meaning:
aston.ish\n   astonish  astonishes  astonishing  astonished\n  If something or someone astonishes you, they surprise you very much.\nHer dedication constantly astonishes me.\n  VERB: V n\n  = amaze


Words: astonished
Meaning:
aston.ished\n   astonished\n  If you are astonished by something, you are very surprised about it.\nThey were astonished to find the driver was a six-year-old boy.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ by/at n, ADJ to-inf, ADJ that


Words: astonishing
Meaning:
aston.ish.ing\n   astonishing\n  Something that is astonishing is very surprising.\n...an astonishing display of physical strength.\n  ADJ\n  = amazing\n=>  aston.ish.ing.ly\nIsabella was an astonishingly beautiful young woman...\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv, ADV with cl


Words: astonishment
Meaning:
aston.ish.ment\n   astonishment\n  Astonishment is a feeling of great surprise.\nI spotted a shooting star which, to my astonishment, was bright green in colour...\n`What?’ Meg asked in astonishment.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = amazement


Words: astound
Meaning:
astound  astounds  astounding  astounded\n  If something astounds you, you are very surprised by it.\nHe used to astound his friends with feats of physical endurance.\n  VERB: V n\n  = astonish


Words: astounded
Meaning:
astound.ed\n   astounded\n  If you are astounded by something, you are very shocked or surprised that it could exist or happen.\nI was astounded by its beauty...\nI am astounded at the comments made by the Chief Superintendent.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ by/at n, ADJ to-inf, ADJ that\n  = astonished


Words: astounding
Meaning:
astound.ing\n   astounding\n  If something is astounding, you are shocked or amazed that it could exist or happen.\nThe results are quite astounding.\n  ADJ\n  = amazing, astonishing\n=>  astound.ing.ly\n...astoundingly blue eyes...\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv, ADV with cl


Words: astrakhan
Meaning:
as.tra.khan\n   astrakhan\n  Astrakhan is black or grey curly fur from the skins of lambs. It is used for making coats and hats.\n...a coat with astrakhan collar.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: astray
Meaning:
astray\n1. If you are led astray by someone or something, you behave badly or foolishly because of them.\nThe judge thought he’d been led astray by older children.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n2. If someone or something leads you astray, they make you believe something which is not true, causing you to make a wrong decision.\nWe drove east to Rostock, where my map led me astray.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = mislead\n3. If something goes astray, it gets lost while it is being taken or sent somewhere.\nMany items of mail being sent to her have gone astray.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: astride
Meaning:
astride\n  If you sit or stand astride something, you sit or stand with one leg on each side of it.\n...three youths who stood astride their bicycles and stared.\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV


Words: astringent
Meaning:
as.trin.gent\n   astringent  astringents\n  An astringent is a liquid that you put on your skin to make it less oily or to make cuts stop bleeding.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Astringent is also an adjective.\n...an astringent lotion.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: astro-
Meaning:
astro-\n  Astro- is used to form words which refer to things relating to the stars or to outer space.\n...astro-navigation.\n  PREFIX


Words: astrologer
Meaning:
as.trolo.ger\n   astrologer  astrologers\n  An astrologer is a person who uses astrology to try to tell you things about your character and your future.\n  N-COUNT


Words: astrology
Meaning:
as.trol.ogy\n   astrology\n  Astrology is the study of the movements of the planets, sun, moon, and stars in the belief that these movements can have an influence on people’s lives.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  as.tro.logi.cal\nHe has had a keen and lifelong interest in astrological research.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: astronaut
Meaning:
as.tro.naut\n   astronaut  astronauts\n  An astronaut is a person who is trained for travelling in a spacecraft.\n  N-COUNT


Words: astronomer
Meaning:
as.trono.mer\n   astronomer  astronomers\n  An astronomer is a scientist who studies the stars, planets, and other natural objects in space.\n  N-COUNT


Words: astronomical
Meaning:
as.tro.nomi.cal\n   astronomical\n1. If you describe an amount, especially the cost of something as astronomical, you are emphasizing that it is very large indeed.\nHouses in the village are selling for astronomical prices...\n  ADJ  emphasis\n\n=>  as.tro.nomi.cal.ly\nHe was astronomically wealthy...\nHouse prices had risen astronomically.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV after v\n\n2. Astronomical means relating to astronomy.\n...the British Astronomical Association.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: astronomy
Meaning:
as.trono.my\n   astronomy\n  Astronomy is the scientific study of the stars, planets, and other natural objects in space.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: astrophysicist
Meaning:
as.tro.physi.cist\n   astrophysicist  astrophysicists\n  An astrophysicist is someone who studies astrophysics.\n  N-COUNT


Words: astrophysics
Meaning:
as.tro.phys.ics\n   astrophysics\n  Astrophysics is the study of the physical and chemical structure of the stars, planets, and other natural objects in space.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: astute
Meaning:
as.tute\n   astute\n  If you describe someone as astute, you think they show an understanding of behaviour and situations, and are skilful at using this knowledge to their own advantage.\nShe was politically astute...\nHe made a series of astute business decisions.\n  ADJ\n  = shrewd\n=>  as.tute.ly\nOxford, as Evelyn Waugh astutely observed, is a city best seen in early summer.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = shrewdly


Words: asunder
Meaning:
asun.der\n   asunder\n  If something tears or is torn asunder, it is violently separated into two or more parts or pieces. (LITERARY)\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: asylum
Meaning:
asy.lum\n   asylum  asylums\n1. If a government gives a person from another country asylum, they allow them to stay, usually because they are unable to return home safely for political reasons.\nHe applied for asylum in 1987 after fleeing the police back home.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = sanctuary\n2. An asylum is a psychiatric hospital. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: asylum seeker
Meaning:
asy.lum seek.er\n   asylum seeker  asylum seekers\n  An asylum seeker is a person who is trying to get asylum in a foreign country.\nFewer than 7% of asylum seekers are accepted as political refugees.\n  N-COUNT


Words: asymmetrical
Meaning:
asym.met.ri.cal\n   asymmetrical\n  Something that is asymmetrical has two sides or halves that are different in shape, size, or style.\n...asymmetrical shapes.\n  ADJ\n  !=symmetrical


Words: asymmetry
Meaning:
asym.me.try\n   asymmetry  asymmetries\n  Asymmetry is the appearance that something has when its two sides or halves are different in shape, size, or style.\n...the asymmetry of Van de Velde’s designs of this period.\n  N-VAR\n  !=symmetry


Words: asymptomatic
Meaning:
asymp.to.mat.ic\n   asymptomatic\n  If someone with a disease is asymptomatic, it means that they do not show any symptoms of the disease. (MEDICAL)\nI have patients who are HIV-positive and asymptomatic.\n  ADJ


Words: at
Meaning:
at  WEAK   STRONG\nIn addition to the uses shown below, at is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives to introduce extra information. At is also used in phrasal verbs such as `keep on at’ and `play at’.\n1. You use at to indicate the place or event where something happens or is situated.\nWe had dinner at a restaurant in Attleborough...\nI didn’t like being alone at home...\nHamstrings are supporting muscles at the back of the thigh...\nThe announcement was made at a news conference in Peking.\n  PREP\n\n2. If someone is at school or college, or at a particular school or college, they go there regularly to study.\nHe was shy and nervous as a boy, and unhappy at school...\nI majored in psychology at Hunter College.\n  PREP\n\n3. If you are at something such as a table, a door, or someone’s side, you are next to it or them.\nGraham was already at the door...\nAt his side was a beautiful young woman...\nHe gave the girl at the desk the message.\n  PREP\n\n4. When you are describing where someone or something is, you can say that they are at a certain distance. You can also say that one thing is at an angle in relation to another thing.\nThe two journalists followed at a discreet distance...\nThe tree was leaning at a low angle from the ground.\n  PREP\n\n5. If something happens at a particular time, that is the time when it happens or begins to happen.\nThe funeral will be carried out this afternoon at 3.00...\nHe only sees her at Christmas and Easter.\n  PREP\n\n6. If you do something at a particular age, you do it when you are that age.\nBlake emigrated to Australia with his family at 13...\nMary Martin has died at her home in California at the age of seventy-six.\n  PREP\n\n7. You use at to express a rate, frequency, level, or price.\nI drove back down the highway at normal speed...\nCheck the oil at regular intervals, and have the car serviced regularly...\nThe submarine lies at a depth of 6,000 feet in the Barents Sea.\n  PREP\n\n8. You use at before a number or amount to indicate a measurement.\n...as unemployment stays pegged at three million.\n  PREP: PREP amount\n\n9. If you look at someone or something, you look towards them. If you direct an object or a comment at someone, you direct it towards them.\nHe looked at Michael and laughed...\nThe crowds became violent and threw petrol bombs at the police...\n  PREP\n\n10. You can use at after verbs such as `smile’ or `wave’ and before nouns referring to people to indicate that you have put on an expression or made a gesture which someone is meant to see or understand.\nShe opened the door and stood there, frowning at me...\nWe waved at the staff to try to get the bill.\n  PREP: v PREP n\n\n11. If you point or gesture at something, you move your arm or head in its direction so that it will be noticed by someone you are with.\nHe pointed at the empty bottle and the waitress quickly replaced it...\nHe gestured at the shelves. `I’ve bought many books from him.’\n  PREP: v PREP n\n\n12. If you are working at something, you are dealing with it. If you are aiming at something, you are trying to achieve it.\nShe has worked hard at her marriage.\n...a $1.04m grant aimed at improving student performance on placement examinations.\n  PREP\n\n13. If something is done at someone’s invitation or request, it is done as a result of it.\nShe left the light on in the bathroom at his request...\n  PREP: PREP n with poss\n\n14. You use at to say that someone or something is in a particular state or condition.\nI am afraid we are not at liberty to disclose that information...\nTheir countries had been at war for nearly six weeks.\n  PREP: v-link PREP n\n\n15. You use at before a possessive pronoun and a superlative adjective to say that someone or something has more of a particular quality than at any other time.\nHe was at his happiest whilst playing cricket...\n  PREP: PREP poss adj-superl\n\n16. You use at to say how something is being done.\nThree people were killed by shots fired at random from a minibus...\n(next)


Words: at .1
Meaning:
Mr Martin was taken out of his car at gunpoint.\n  PREP\n\n17. You use at to show that someone is doing something repeatedly.\nShe lowered the handkerchief which she had kept dabbing at her eyes...\nMiss Melville took a cookie and nibbled at it.\n  PREP: v PREP n\n\n18. You use at to indicate an activity or task when saying how well someone does it.\nI’m good at my work...\nRobin is an expert at cheesemaking...\n  PREP: adj PREP n, n PREP n, v PREP n\n\n19. You use at to indicate what someone is reacting to.\nEleanor was annoyed at having had to wait so long for him...\nThe British team did not disguise their delight at their success...\n  PREP: adj PREP n, n PREP n, v PREP n\n\n20.\nat all: see all


Words: atavistic
Meaning:
ata.vis.tic\n   atavistic\n  Atavistic feelings or behaviour seem to be very primitive, like the feelings or behaviour of our earliest ancestors. (FORMAL)\n...an atavistic fear of snakes.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = primordial


Words: atheism
Meaning:
athe.ism\n   atheism\n  Atheism is the belief that there is no God. Compare agnosticism.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: atheist
Meaning:
athe.ist\n   atheist  atheists\n  An atheist is a person who believes that there is no God. Compare agnostic.\n  N-COUNT


Words: atheistic
Meaning:
athe.is.tic\n   atheistic\n  Atheistic means connected with or holding the belief that there is no God.\n...atheistic philosophers.\n  ADJ


Words: athlete
Meaning:
ath.lete\n   athlete  athletes\n1. An athlete is a person who does a sport, especially athletics, or track and field events.\nDaley Thompson was a great athlete.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to someone who is fit and athletic as an athlete.\nI was no athlete.\n  N-COUNT


Words: athlete’s foot
Meaning:
ath.lete’s foot\n   athlete’s foot\n  Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection in which the skin between the toes becomes cracked or peels off.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: athletic
Meaning:
ath.let.ic\n   athletic\n1. Athletic means relating to athletes and athletics.\nThey have been given college scholarships purely on athletic ability...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. An athletic person is fit, and able to perform energetic movements easily.\nXandra is an athletic 36-year-old with a 21-year-old’s body...\n  ADJ


Words: athleticism
Meaning:
ath.leti.cism\n   athleticism\n  Athleticism is someone’s fitness and ability to perform well at sports or other physical activities.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: athletics
Meaning:
ath.let.ics\n   athletics\n1. Athletics refers to track and field sports such as running, the high jump, and the javelin. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use track and field)\nAs the modern Olympics grew in stature, so too did athletics.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Athletics refers to any kind of physical sports, exercise, or games. (AM)\n...students who play intercollegiate athletics.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: atishoo
Meaning:
atishoo\n  Atishoo is used, especially in writing, to represent the sound that you make when you sneeze.


Words: ATM
Meaning:
ATM  ATMs\n  An ATM is a machine built into the wall of a bank or other building, which allows people to take out money from their bank account by using a special card. ATM is an abbreviation for `automated teller machine’. (mainly AM; in BRIT, use cash dispenser)\n  N-COUNT


Words: atmosphere
Meaning:
at.mos.phere\n   atmosphere  atmospheres\n1. A planet’s atmosphere is the layer of air or other gases around it.\nThe shuttle Columbia will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere tomorrow morning...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n2. The atmosphere of a place is the air that you breathe there.\nThese gases pollute the atmosphere of towns and cities.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n3. The atmosphere of a place is the general impression that you get of it.\nThere’s still an atmosphere of great hostility and tension in the city.\n  N-SING: usu with supp\n\n4. If a place or an event has atmosphere, it is interesting.\nThe old harbour is still full of atmosphere and well worth visiting.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = ambience


Words: atmospheric
Meaning:
at.mos.pher.ic\n   atmospheric\n1. Atmospheric is used to describe something which relates to the earth’s atmosphere.\n...atmospheric gases.\n...atmospheric pressure.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe a place or a piece of music as atmospheric, you like it because it has a particular quality which is interesting or exciting and makes you feel a particular emotion.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval


Words: atmospherics
Meaning:
at.mos.pher.ics\n   atmospherics\n  Atmospherics are elements in something such as a piece of music or a book which create a certain atmosphere.\n...Dickensian atmospherics.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: atoll
Meaning:
at.oll\n   atoll  atolls\n  An atoll is a ring of coral rock, or a group of coral islands surrounding a lagoon.\n  N-COUNT


Words: atom
Meaning:
atom  atoms\n  An atom is the smallest amount of a substance that can take part in a chemical reaction.\n  N-COUNT


Words: atomic
Meaning:
atom.ic\n   atomic\n1. Atomic means relating to power that is produced from the energy released by splitting atoms.\n...atomic energy.\n...atomic weapons.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = nuclear\n2. Atomic means relating to the atoms of substances.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: atomic bomb
Meaning:
atom.ic bomb\n   atomic bomb  atomic bombs\n  An atomic bomb or an atom bomb is a bomb that causes an explosion by a sudden release of energy that results from splitting atoms.\n  N-COUNT\n  The form atom bomb is also used, mainly in British English.


Words: atonal
Meaning:
aton.al\n   atonal\n  Atonal music is music that is not written or played in any key or system of scales.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: atone
Meaning:
atone  atones  atoning  atoned\n  If you atone for something that you have done, you do something to show that you are sorry you did it. (FORMAL)\nHe felt he had atoned for what he had done to his son...\n  VERB: V for n\n  = repent


Words: atonement
Meaning:
atone.ment\n   atonement\n  If you do something as an atonement for doing something wrong, you do it to show that you are sorry. (FORMAL)\nHe’s living in a monastery in a gesture of atonement for human rights abuses committed under his leadership...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N for n\n  = repentance


Words: atop
Meaning:
atop\n  If something is atop something else, it is on top of it. (AM; also BRIT LITERARY)\nUnder the newspaper, atop a sheet of paper, lay an envelope.\n  PREP\n  = on top of


Words: atrium
Meaning:
atrium  atriums\n  An atrium is a part of a building such as a hotel or shopping centre, which extends up through several floors of the building and often has a glass roof.\n  N-COUNT


Words: atrocious
Meaning:
atro.cious\n   atrocious\n1. If you describe something as atrocious, you are emphasizing that its quality is very bad.\nThe food here is atrocious.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n  = appalling, abominable\n=>  atro.cious.ly\nHe had written the note from memory, word perfect, and spelled atrociously.\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v\n\n2. If you describe someone’s behaviour or their actions as atrocious, you mean that it is unacceptable because it is extremely violent or cruel.\nThe judge said he had committed atrocious crimes against women...\n  ADJ\n  = appalling\n3. If you say that weather conditions are atrocious, you mean they are very bad, for example that it is extremely cold, wet, or windy.\n  ADJ\n  = appalling


Words: atrocity
Meaning:
atroc.ity\n   atrocity  atrocities\n  An atrocity is a very cruel, shocking action.\nThe killing was cold-blooded, and those who committed this atrocity should be tried and punished.\n  N-VAR


Words: atrophy
Meaning:
at.ro.phy\n   atrophy  atrophies  atrophying  atrophied\n  If a muscle or other part of the body atrophies, it decreases in size or strength, often as a result of an illness. (FORMAL)\n  VERB\n  = wither, shrivel


Words: attach
Meaning:
at.tach\n   attach  attaches  attaching  attached\n1. If you attach something to an object, you join it or fasten it to the object.\nThe gadget can be attached to any vertical surface...\nThe astronauts will attach a motor that will boost the satellite into its proper orbit...\nFor further information, please contact us on the attached form.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n, V-ed\n\n2. If someone attaches himself or herself to you, they join you and stay with you, often without being invited to do so.\nNatasha attached herself to the film crew filming at her orphanage.\n  VERB: V pron-refl to n\n\n3. If people attach a quality to someone or something, or if it attaches to them, people consider that they have that quality.\nThe authorities attached much significance to his visit.\n...the magic that still attaches to the word `spy’.\n...the stigma attached to mental illness.\n  VERB: V n to n, V to n, V-ed\n\n4. If you attach conditions to something such as an agreement, you state that specific things must be done before the agreement is valid.\nActivists are pressing the banks to attach political conditions to the signing of any new agreement...\n  VERB: V n to n\n\n5. In computing, if you attach a file to a message that you send to someone, you send it with the message but separate from it.\nIt is possible to attach executable program files to e-mail.\n  VERB: V n to n\n\n6.\nno strings attached: see string\n  see also attached


Words: attache
Meaning:
at.ta.che\n   attache  attaches\n  An attache is a member of staff in an embassy, usually with a special responsibility for something.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: attache case
Meaning:
at.ta.che case\n   attache case  attache cases\n  An attache case is a flat case for holding documents.\n  N-COUNT


Words: attached
Meaning:
at.tached\n   attached\n1. If you are attached to someone or something, you like them very much.\nShe is very attached to her family and friends.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n\n\n2. If someone is attached to an organization or group of people, they are working with them, often only for a short time.\nFord was attached to the battalion’s first line of transport.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n\n\n3. If one organization or institution is attached to a larger organization, it is part of that organization and is controlled and run by it.\nAt one time the schools were mainly attached to the church.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n\n  = affiliated


Words: attachment
Meaning:
at.tach.ment\n   attachment  attachments\n1. If you have an attachment to someone or something, you are fond of them or loyal to them.\nAs a teenager she formed a strong attachment to one of her teachers...\n  N-VAR: oft N to n\n\n2. An attachment is a device that can be fixed onto a machine in order to enable it to do different jobs.\nSome models come with attachments for dusting.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. An attachment is an extra document that is added to another document.\nJustice Fitzgerald included a 120-page discussion paper as an attachment to the annual report.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. In computing, an attachment is a file which is attached separately to a message that you send to someone.\nWhen you send an e-mail you can also send a sound or graphic file as an attachment.\n  N-COUNT


Words: attack
Meaning:
at.tack\n   attack  attacks  attacking  attacked\n1. To attack a person or place means to try to hurt or damage them using physical violence.\nHe bundled the old lady into her hallway and brutally attacked her...\nWhile Haig and Foch argued, the Germans attacked...\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n  Attack is also a noun.\n...a campaign of air attacks on strategic targets...\nRefugees had come under attack from federal troops.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n2. If you attack a person, belief, idea, or act, you criticize them strongly.\nHe publicly attacked the people who’ve been calling for secret ballot nominations...\nA newspaper ran an editorial attacking him for being a showman.\n  VERB: V n, V n for -ing\n\n  Attack is also a noun.\nThe role of the state as a prime mover in planning social change has been under attack...\nThe committee yesterday launched a scathing attack on British business for failing to invest.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n3. If something such as a disease, a chemical, or an insect attacks something, it harms or spoils it.\nThe virus seems to have attacked his throat...\nSeveral key crops failed when they were attacked by pests.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n  Attack is also a noun.\nThe virus can actually destroy those white blood cells, leaving the body wide open to attack from other infections.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n4. If you attack a job or a problem, you start to deal with it in an energetic way.\nAny attempt to attack the budget problem is going to have to in some way deal with those issues.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. In games such as football, when one team attacks the opponent’s goal, they try to score a goal.\nNow the US is controlling the ball and attacking the opponent’s goal...\nThe goal was just reward for Villa’s decision to attack constantly in the second half.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n  Attack is also a noun.\nLee was at the hub of some incisive attacks in the second half.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. An attack of an illness is a short period in which you suffer badly from it.\nIt had brought on an attack of asthma.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n7.\n  see also counter-attack, heart attack


Words: attacker
Meaning:
at.tack.er\n   attacker  attackers\n  You can refer to a person who attacks someone as their attacker.\nThere were signs that she struggled with her attacker before she was repeatedly stabbed.\n  N-COUNT


Words: attain
Meaning:
at.tain\n   attain  attains  attaining  attained\n1. If you attain something, you gain it or achieve it, often after a lot of effort. (FORMAL)\nJim is halfway to attaining his pilot’s licence.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you attain a particular state or condition, you may reach it as a result of natural development or work hard to attain this state.\n...attaining a state of calmness and confidence.\n  VERB: V n, also V to n


Words: attainable
Meaning:
at.tain.able\n   attainable\n  Something that is attainable can be achieved.\nIt is unrealistic to believe perfection is an attainable goal.\n  ADJ\n  = achievable


Words: attainment
Meaning:
at.tain.ment\n   attainment  attainments\n1. The attainment of an aim is the achieving of it. (FORMAL)\n...the attainment of independence.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = achievement\n2. An attainment is a skill you have learned or something you have achieved. (FORMAL)\n...their educational attainments.\n  N-COUNT


Words: attempt
Meaning:
at.tempt\n   attempt  attempts  attempting  attempted\n1. If you attempt to do something, especially something difficult, you try to do it.\nThe only time that we attempted to do something like that was in the city of Philadelphia...\nBefore I could attempt a reply he added over his shoulder: `Wait there.’\n  VERB: V to-inf, V n\n\n2. If you make an attempt to do something, you try to do it, often without success.\n...a deliberate attempt to destabilise the defence...\nIt was one of his rare attempts at humour.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N to-inf\n\n3. An attempt on someone’s life is an attempt to kill them.\n...an attempt on the life of the former Iranian Prime Minister.\n  N-COUNT: N on n


Words: attempted
Meaning:
at.tempt.ed\n   attempted\n  An attempted crime or unlawful action is an unsuccessful effort to commit the crime or action.\n...a case of attempted murder...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: attend
Meaning:
at.tend\n   attend  attends  attending  attended\n1. If you attend a meeting or other event, you are present at it.\nThe meeting will be attended by finance ministers from many countries...\nWe want the maximum number of people to attend to help us cover our costs.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. If you attend an institution such as a school, college, or church, you go there regularly.\nThey attended college together at the University of Pennsylvania.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you attend to something, you deal with it. If you attend to someone who is hurt or injured, you care for them.\nThe staff will helpfully attend to your needs...\n  VERB: V to n


Words: attendance
Meaning:
at.tend.ance\n   attendance  attendances\n1. Someone’s attendance at an event or an institution is the fact that they are present at the event or go regularly to the institution.\nHer attendance at school was sporadic.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. The attendance at an event is the number of people who are present at it.\nAverage weekly cinema attendance in February was 2.41 million...\nThis year attendances were 28% lower than forecast...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n3. If someone is in attendance at a place or an event, they are there.\n  PHRASE


Words: attendant
Meaning:
at.tend.ant\n   attendant  attendants\n1. An attendant is someone whose job is to serve or help people in a place such as a petrol station, a car park, or a cloakroom.\nTony Williams was working as a car-park attendant in Los Angeles.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N\n\n2. You use attendant to describe something that results from a thing already mentioned or that is connected with it.\nMr Branson’s victory, and all the attendant publicity, were well deserved.\n...the risks attendant on the exploration of the unknown.\n  ADJ: ADJ n, v-link ADJ on/upon n\n  = resulting


Words: attendee
Meaning:
at.tend.ee\n   attendee  attendees\n  The attendees at something such as a conference are the people who are attending it. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: attender
Meaning:
at.tend.er\n   attender  attenders\n  The attenders at a particular place or event are the people who go there.\nHe was a regular attender at the opera.\n  N-COUNT: usu adj N, oft N at/in/of n


Words: attention
Meaning:
at.ten.tion\n   attention  attentions\n1. If you give someone or something your attention, you look at it, listen to it, or think about it carefully.\nYou have my undivided attention...\nLater he turned his attention to the desperate state of housing in the province.\n...young children with short attention spans.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, usu with poss\n\n2. Attention is great interest that is shown in someone or something, particularly by the general public.\nVolume Two, sub-titled `The Lawyers’, will also attract considerable attention...\nThe conference may help to focus attention on the economy.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If someone or something is getting attention, they are being dealt with or cared for.\nEach year more than two million household injuries need medical attention.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. You can refer to someone’s efforts to help you, or the interest they show in you, as their attentions, especially if you dislike or disapprove of them.\nThe only way to escape the unwanted attentions of the local men was not to go out...\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N of n\n\n5. If you bring something to someone’s attention or draw their attention to it, you tell them about it or make them notice it.\nIf we don’t keep bringing this to the attention of the people, nothing will be done...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss\n\n6. If someone or something attracts your attention or catches your attention, you suddenly notice them.\nHe sat at one of the round tables and tried to attract her attention.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n7. If you pay attention to someone, you watch them, listen to them, or take notice of them. If you pay no attention to someone, you behave as if you are not aware of them or as if they are not important.\nMore than ever before, the food industry is paying attention to young consumers...\nOther people walk along the beach at night, so I didn’t pay any attention at first...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8. When people stand to attention or stand at attention, they stand straight with their feet together and their arms at their sides.\nSoldiers in full combat gear stood at attention...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: attention deficit disorder
Meaning:
at.ten.tion defi.cit dis.or.der\n   attention deficit disorder\n  Attention deficit disorder is a condition where people, especially children, are unable to concentrate on anything for very long and so find it difficult to learn and often behave in inappropriate ways. The abbreviation ADD is often used.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Meaning:
at.ten.tion defi.cit hyper.ac.tiv.ity dis.or.der\n\n  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition where people, especially children, are extremely active and unable to concentrate on anything for very long, with the result that they find it difficult to learn and often behave in inappropriate ways. The abbreviation ADHD is often used.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: attention-grabbing
Meaning:
An attention-grabbing remark or activity is one that is intended to make people notice it.\n...an attention-grabbing marketing campaign.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: attentive
Meaning:
at.ten.tive\n   attentive\n1. If you are attentive, you are paying close attention to what is being said or done.\nHe wishes the government would be more attentive to detail in their response.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  at.ten.tive.ly\nHe questioned Chrissie, and listened attentively to what she told him.\n  ADV: usu ADV after v\n\n2. Someone who is attentive is helpful and polite.\nAt society parties he is attentive to his wife...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n


Words: attenuate
Meaning:
at.tenu.ate\n   attenuate  attenuates  attenuating  attenuated\n  To attenuate something means to reduce it or weaken it. (FORMAL)\nYou could never eliminate risk, but preparation and training could attenuate it...\n  VERB: V n


Words: attenuated
Meaning:
at.tenu.at.ed\n   attenuated\n  An attenuated object is unusually long and thin. (FORMAL)\n...round arches and attenuated columns.\n  ADJ


Words: attest
Meaning:
at.test\n   attest  attests  attesting  attested\n  To attest something or attest to something means to say, show, or prove that it is true. (FORMAL)\nPolice records attest to his long history of violence...\nI can personally attest that the cold and flu season is here...\n  VERB: V to n, V that


Words: attic
Meaning:
at.tic\n   attic  attics\n  An attic is a room at the top of a house just below the roof.\n  N-COUNT


Words: attire
Meaning:
at.tire\n   attire\n  Your attire is the clothes you are wearing. (FORMAL)\n...seven women dressed in their finest attire.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N, with poss


Words: attired
Meaning:
at.tired\n   attired\n  If you describe how someone is attired, you are describing how they are dressed. (FORMAL)\nHe was faultlessly attired in black coat and striped trousers.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ in n, adv ADJ


Words: attitude
Meaning:
at.ti.tude\n   attitude  attitudes\n1. Your attitude to something is the way that you think and feel about it, especially when this shows in the way you behave.\n...the general change in attitude towards handicapped people...\nHis attitude made me angry...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft N to/towards n\n\n2. If you refer to someone as a person with attitude, you mean that they have a striking and individual style of behaviour, especially a forceful or aggressive one. (JOURNALISM)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: attitudinal
Meaning:
at.ti.tu.di.nal\n   attitudinal\n  Attitudinal means related to people’s attitudes and the way they look at their life. (FORMAL)\nDoes such an attitudinal change reflect real experiences in daily life?\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: attorney
Meaning:
at.tor.ney\n   attorney  attorneys\n  In the United States, an attorney or attorney at law is a lawyer.\n...a prosecuting attorney.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also District Attorney


Words: Attorney General
Meaning:
At.tor.ney Gen.er.al\n   Attorney General  Attorneys General\n  A country’s Attorney General is its chief law officer, who advises its government or ruler.\n  N-COUNT


Words: attract
Meaning:
at.tract\n   attract  attracts  attracting  attracted\n1. If something attracts people or animals, it has features that cause them to come to it.\nThe Cardiff Bay project is attracting many visitors...\nWarm weather has attracted the flat fish close to shore...\n  VERB: V n, V n adv/prep\n\n2. If someone or something attracts you, they have particular qualities which cause you to like or admire them. If a particular quality attracts you to a person or thing, it is the reason why you like them.\nHe wasn’t sure he’d got it right, although the theory attracted him by its logic...\nMore people would be attracted to cycling if conditions were right.\n  VERB: V n, V n to n\n\n3. If you are attracted to someone, you are interested in them sexually.\nIn spite of her hostility, she was attracted to him...\n  VERB: be V-ed to n\n\n=>  at.tract.ed\nHe was nice looking, but I wasn’t deeply attracted to him...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to n\n\n4. If something attracts support, publicity, or money, it receives support, publicity, or money.\nPresident Mwinyi said his country would also like to attract investment from private companies...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If one object attracts another object, it causes the second object to move towards it.\nAnything with strong gravity attracts other things to it.\n  VERB: V n to n, also V n\n\n6.\nto attract someone’s attention: see attention


Words: attraction
Meaning:
at.trac.tion\n   attraction  attractions\n1. Attraction is a feeling of liking someone, and often of being sexually interested in them.\nHis love for her was not just physical attraction.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An attraction is a feature which makes something interesting or desirable.\n...the attractions of living on the waterfront.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. An attraction is something that people can go to for interest or enjoyment, for example a famous building.\nThe walled city is an important tourist attraction.\n  N-COUNT


Words: attractive
Meaning:
at.trac.tive\n   attractive\n1. A person who is attractive is pleasant to look at.\nShe’s a very attractive woman...\nHe was always immensely attractive to women.\n  ADJ\n  !=unattractive\n=>  at.trac.tive.ness\nMost of us would maintain that physical attractiveness does not play a major part in how we react to the people we meet.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Something that is attractive has a pleasant appearance or sound.\nThe creamy white flowers are attractive in the spring.\n  ADJ\n  !=unattractive\n=>  at.trac.tive.ly\nIt’s an attractively illustrated, detailed guide that’s very practical.\n  ADV: usu ADV -ed/adj\n\n3. You can describe something as attractive when it seems worth having or doing.\nSmoking is still attractive to many young people who see it as glamorous.\n  ADJ\n  = appealing  !=unattractive\n=>  at.trac.tive.ly\nThe services are attractively priced and are tailored to suit individual requirements.\n  ADV: ADV -ed/adj


Words: attributable
Meaning:
at.trib.ut.able\n   attributable\n  If something is attributable to an event, situation, or person, it is likely that it was caused by that event, situation or person.\n10,000 deaths a year from chronic lung disease are attributable to smoking...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n


Words: attribute
Meaning:
at.trib.ute\n   attribute attributes attributing  attributed\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. If you attribute something to an event or situation, you think that it was caused by that event or situation.\nWomen tend to attribute their success to external causes such as luck.\n  VERB: V n to n\n  = ascribe\n2. If you attribute a particular quality or feature to someone or something, you think that they have got it.\nPeople were beginning to attribute superhuman qualities to him.\n  VERB: V n to n\n  = ascribe\n3. If a piece of writing, a work of art, or a remark is attributed to someone, people say that they wrote it, created it, or said it.\nThis, and the remaining frescoes, are not attributed to Giotto.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to n\n\n4. An attribute is a quality or feature that someone or something has.\nCruelty is a normal attribute of human behaviour...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = characteristic


Words: attrition
Meaning:
at.tri.tion\n   attrition\n  Attrition is a process in which you steadily reduce the strength of an enemy by continually attacking them. (FORMAL)\nThe rebels have declared a cease-fire in their war of attrition against the government.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: attuned
Meaning:
at.tuned\n   attuned\n1. If you are attuned to something, you can understand and appreciate it.\nHe seemed unusually attuned to people’s feelings.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n\n\n2. If your ears are attuned to a sound, you can hear it and recognize it quickly.\nTheir ears were still attuned to the sounds of the London suburb.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n


Words: atypical
Meaning:
atypi.cal\n   atypical\n  Someone or something that is atypical is not typical of its kind.\nThe economy of the province was atypical because it was particularly small...\n  ADJ\n  !=typical


Words: au fait
Meaning:
au fait\n  If you are au fait with something, you are familiar with it and know about it.\n...children who are so much more au fait with today’s technology.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n


Words: au pair
Meaning:
au pair  au pairs\n  An au pair is a young person from a foreign country who lives with a family in order to learn the language and who helps to look after the children.\n  N-COUNT


Words: aubergine
Meaning:
auber.gine\n   aubergine  aubergines\n  An aubergine is a vegetable with a smooth, dark purple skin. (BRIT; in AM, use eggplant)\n  N-VAR


Words: auction
Meaning:
auc.tion\n   auction  auctions  auctioning  auctioned\n1. An auction is a public sale where goods are sold to the person who offers the highest price.\nLord Salisbury bought the picture at auction in London some years ago...\n  N-VAR: oft for/at N, N n\n\n2. If something is auctioned, it is sold in an auction.\n  VERB


Words: auction off
Meaning:
auction off\n  If you auction off something, you sell it to the person who offers the most money for it, often at an auction.\nHer dresses will be auctioned off for charity...\nThey take drug dealers’ boats, cars and houses and auction them off after the crooks are convicted.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: auctioneer
Meaning:
auc.tion.eer\n   auctioneer  auctioneers\n  An auctioneer is a person in charge of an auction.\n  N-COUNT


Words: audacious
Meaning:
auda.cious\n   audacious\n  Someone who is audacious takes risks in order to achieve something.\n...an audacious plan to win the presidency.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = daring


Words: audacity
Meaning:
audac.ity\n   audacity\n  Audacity is audacious behaviour.\nI was shocked at the audacity and brazenness of the gangsters.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: audible
Meaning:
audible\n  A sound that is audible is loud enough to be heard.\nThe Colonel’s voice was barely audible...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  audibly\nHugh sighed audibly.\n  ADV


Words: audience
Meaning:
audi.ence\n   audience  audiences\n1. The audience at a play, concert, film, or public meeting is the group of people watching or listening to it.\nHe was speaking to an audience of students at the Institute for International Affairs.\n  N-COUNT-COLL\n\n2. The audience for a television or radio programme consists of all the people who watch or listen to it.\nThe concert will be relayed to a worldwide television audience estimated at one thousand million.\n  N-COUNT-COLL: usu with supp\n\n  see also studio audience\n3. The audience of a writer or artist is the people who read their books or look at their work.\nSay’s writings reached a wide audience during his lifetime...\n  N-COUNT-COLL: usu sing\n\n4. If you have an audience with someone important, you have a formal meeting with them.\nThe Prime Minister will seek an audience with the Queen later this morning.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N with n


Words: audio
Meaning:
audio\n  Audio equipment is used for recording and reproducing sound.\nShe uses her vocal training to record audio tapes of books for blind people.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: audio-visual
Meaning:
audio-visual   also audiovisual\n  Audio-visual equipment and materials involve both recorded sound and pictures.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: audiotape
Meaning:
audio.tape\n   audiotape  audiotapes  audiotaping audiotaped\n1. Audiotape is magnetic tape which is used to record sound.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An audiotape is a recording of speech, music, or other sounds on magnetic tape. (AM; in BRIT, usually use cassette)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you audiotape speech, music, or other sounds, you record them on magnetic tape. (AM; in BRIT, usually use tape)\nWe always audiotape these interviews.\n  VERB: V n


Words: audit
Meaning:
audit  audits  auditing  audited\n  When an accountant audits an organization’s accounts, he or she examines the accounts officially in order to make sure that they have been done correctly.\nEach year they audit our accounts and certify them as being true and fair.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Audit is also a noun.\nThe bank first learned of the problem when it carried out an internal audit.\n  N-COUNT


Words: audition
Meaning:
audi.tion\n   audition  auditions  auditioning  auditioned\n1. An audition is a short performance given by an actor, dancer, or musician so that a director or conductor can decide if they are good enough to be in a play, film, or orchestra.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n\n\n2. If you audition or if someone auditions you, you do an audition.\nThey’re auditioning for new members of the cast for `Miss Saigon’ today...\nI heard your record and I want you to come and audition.\n  VERB: V for n, V, also V n, V n for n


Words: auditor
Meaning:
audi.tor\n   auditor  auditors\n  An auditor is an accountant who officially examines the accounts of organizations.\n  N-COUNT


Words: auditorium
Meaning:
audi.to.rium\n   auditorium  auditoriums  or auditoria\n1. An auditorium is the part of a theatre or concert hall where the audience sits.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An auditorium is a large room, hall, or building which is used for events such as meetings and concerts. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: auditory
Meaning:
audi.tory\n   auditory\n  Auditory means related to hearing. (TECHNICAL)\n...the limits of the human auditory range.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: augment
Meaning:
aug.ment\n   augment  augments  augmenting  augmented\n  To augment something means to make it larger, stronger, or more effective by adding something to it. (FORMAL)\nWhile searching for a way to augment the family income, she began making dolls.\n  VERB: V n\n  = supplement\n=>  aug.men.ta.tion\nThe augmentation of the army began along traditional lines.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: augur
Meaning:
augur  augurs  auguring  augured\n  If something augurs well or badly for a person or a future situation, it is a sign that things will go well or badly. (FORMAL)\nThe renewed violence this week hardly augurs well for smooth or peaceful change...\n  VERB: V adv for n\n  = bode


Words: augury
Meaning:
augu.ry\n   augury  auguries\n  An augury is a sign of what will happen in the future. (LITERARY)\nThe auguries of death are fast gathering round his head.\n  N-COUNT\n  = omen


Words: August
Meaning:
August  Augusts\n  August is the eighth month of the year in the Western calendar.\nThe world premiere took place in August 1956...\nThe trial will resume on August the twenty-second...\nThis August has been the wettest for four years.\n  N-VAR


Words: august
Meaning:
august\n  Someone or something that is august is dignified and impressive. (FORMAL)\n...the august surroundings of the Liberal Club.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = imposing


Words: Auld Lang Syne
Meaning:
Auld Lang Syne\n  Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish song about friendship that is traditionally sung as clocks strike midnight on New Year’s Eve.\n  N-PROPER


Words: aunt
Meaning:
aunt  aunts\n  Someone’s aunt is the sister of their mother or father, or the wife of their uncle.\nShe wrote to her aunt in America...\nIt was a present from Aunt Vera.\n  N-FAMILY; N-TITLE\n\n  see also agony aunt


Words: auntie
Meaning:
auntie  aunties   also aunty\n  Someone’s auntie is their aunt. (INFORMAL)\nHis uncle is dead, but his auntie still lives here.\n...my Auntie Elsie.\n  N-FAMILY; N-TITLE


Words: aura
Meaning:
aura  auras\n  An aura is a quality or feeling that seems to surround a person or place or to come from them.\nShe had an aura of authority.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n  = air


Words: aural
Meaning:
aural\n  Aural means related to the sense of hearing. Compare acoustic.\nHe became famous as an inventor of astonishing visual and aural effects.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: auspices
Meaning:
aus.pices\n   auspices\n  If something is done under the auspices of a particular person or organization, or under someone’s auspices, it is done with their support and approval. (FORMAL)\n  PHRASE: PHR n


Words: auspicious
Meaning:
aus.pi.cious\n   auspicious\n  Something that is auspicious indicates that success is likely. (FORMAL)\nHis career as a playwright had an auspicious start.\n  ADJ\n  !=inauspicious


Words: Aussie
Meaning:
Aussie  Aussies\n  Aussie means Australian. (INFORMAL)\n...Aussie comedy actor Paul Hogan.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  An Aussie is a person from Australia. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: austere
Meaning:
aus.tere\n   austere\n1. If you describe something as austere, you approve of its plain and simple appearance.\nThe church was austere and simple.\n  ADJ  approval\n\n2. If you describe someone as austere, you disapprove of them because they are strict and serious.\nI found her a rather austere, distant, somewhat cold person.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n3. An austere way of life is one that is simple and without luxuries.\nThe life of the troops was still comparatively austere.\n  ADJ\n  = spartan\n4. An austere economic policy is one which reduces people’s living standards sharply.\n...a set of very austere economic measures to control inflation.\n  ADJ


Words: austerity
Meaning:
aus.ter.ity\n   austerity  austerities\n1. Austerity is a situation in which people’s living standards are reduced because of economic difficulties.\n...the years of austerity which followed the war.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, oft N n\n\n2. If you refer to something as showing austerity, you like its plain and simple appearance. (FORMAL)\n...many abandoned buildings, some of which have a compact classical austerity and dignity.\n  N-UNCOUNT  approval


Words: Australasian
Meaning:
Aus.tral.asian\n   Australasian\n  Australasian means belonging or relating to Australasia or to its people.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: Australian
Meaning:
Aus.tral.ian\n   Australian  Australians\n1. Something that is Australian belongs or relates to Australia, or to its people or culture.\nShe went solo backpacking for eight months in the Australian outback.\n  ADJ\n\n2. An Australian is someone who comes from Australia.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Austrian
Meaning:
Aus.trian\n   Austrian  Austrians\n1. Something that is Austrian belongs or relates to Austria, or to its people or culture.\n...the Austrian government.\n  ADJ\n\n2. An Austrian is someone who comes from Austria.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Austro-
Meaning:
Austro-\n  Austro- combines with adjectives indicating nationality to form adjectives which describe something connected with Austria and another country.\n...the Austro-Hungarian Empire.\n  COMB in ADJ


Words: auteur
Meaning:
auteur  auteurs\n  You can refer to a film director as an auteur when they have a very strong artistic influence on the films they make.\n  N-COUNT


Words: authentic
Meaning:
authen.tic\n   authentic\n1. An authentic person, object, or emotion is genuine.\n...authentic Italian food...\nThey have to look authentic.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = genuine, real  !=fake, imitation\n=>  au.then.tic.ity\nThere are factors, however, that have cast doubt on the statue’s authenticity.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss\n\n2. If you describe something as authentic, you mean that it is such a good imitation that it is almost the same as or as good as the original.\n...patterns for making authentic frontier-style clothing.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval\n\n3. An authentic piece of information or account of something is reliable and accurate.\nI had obtained the authentic details about the birth of the organization.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: authenticate
Meaning:
authen.ti.cate\n   authenticate  authenticates  authenticating  authenticated\n  If you authenticate something, you state officially that it is genuine after examining it.\nHe says he’ll have no problem authenticating the stamp...\n  VERB: V n


Words: author
Meaning:
author  authors\n1. The author of a piece of writing is the person who wrote it.\n...Jill Phillips, author of the book `Give Your Child Music’.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. An author is a person whose job is writing books.\nHaruki Murakami is Japan’s best-selling author.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. The author of a plan or proposal is the person who thinks of it and works out the details.\nThe authors of the plan believe they can reach this point within about two years.\n  N-COUNT: N of n\n\n4.\n  see also co-author


Words: authoress
Meaning:
author.ess\n   authoress  authoresses\n  An authoress is a female author. Many female writers object to this word, and prefer to be called authors.\n  N-COUNT


Words: authorial
Meaning:
autho.rial\n   authorial\n  Authorial means relating to the author of something such as a book or play.\nThere are times when the book suffers from excessive authorial control.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: authoring
Meaning:
author.ing\n   authoring\n  Authoring is the creation of documents, especially for the Internet. (COMPUTING)\n...software authoring tools.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: authoritarian
Meaning:
authori.tar.ian\n   authoritarian  authoritarians\n  If you describe a person or an organization as authoritarian, you are critical of them controlling everything rather than letting people decide things for themselves.\nSenior officers could be considering a coup to restore authoritarian rule.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n  = dictatorial\n  An authoritarian is someone who is authoritarian.\nDon became the overly strict authoritarian he felt his brother needed.\n  N-COUNT


Words: authoritarianism
Meaning:
authori.tari.an.ism\n   authoritarianism\n  Authoritarianism is the state of being authoritarian or the belief that people with power, especially the State, have the right to control other people’s actions. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: authoritative
Meaning:
authori.ta.tive\n   authoritative\n1. Someone or something that is authoritative gives an impression of power and importance and is likely to be obeyed.\nHe has a commanding presence and deep, authoritative voice...\n  ADJ\n\n2. Someone or something that is authoritative has a lot of knowledge of a particular subject.\nThe first authoritative study of polio was published in 1840...\n  ADJ


Words: authority
Meaning:
author.ity\n   authority  authorities\n1. The authorities are the people who have the power to make decisions and to make sure that laws are obeyed.\nThis provided a pretext for the authorities to cancel the elections...\n  N-PLURAL: oft the N\n\n2. An authority is an official organization or government department that has the power to make decisions.\n...the Health Education Authority...\nAny alterations had to meet the approval of the local planning authority.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft in names\n\n  see also local authority\n3. Authority is the right to command and control other people.\nThe judge had no authority to order a second trial.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. If someone has authority, they have a quality which makes other people take notice of what they say.\nHe had no natural authority and no capacity for imposing his will on others.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. Authority is official permission to do something.\nThe prison governor has refused to let him go, saying he must first be given authority from his own superiors.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = authorization\n6. Someone who is an authority on a particular subject knows a lot about it.\nHe’s universally recognized as an authority on Russian affairs.\n  N-COUNT: N on n\n  = expert\n7. If you say you have it on good authority that something is true, you mean that you believe it is true because you trust the person who told you about it.\nI have it on good authority that there’s no way this light can cause skin cancer.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR that


Words: authorize
Meaning:
author.ize\n   authorize  authorizes  authorizing  authorized\nin BRIT, also use authorise\n  If someone in a position of authority authorizes something, they give their official permission for it to happen.\nIt would certainly be within his power to authorize a police raid like that...\n  VERB: V n\n  = sanction\n=>  authori.za.tion      authorizations\nThe United Nations will approve his request for authorization to use military force to deliver aid.\n  N-VAR


Words: authorship
Meaning:
author.ship\n   authorship\n  The authorship of a piece of writing is the identity of the person who wrote it.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: autism
Meaning:
autism\n  Autism is a mental disorder that affects children, particularly their ability to relate to other people.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: auto-immune
Meaning:
auto-immune   also autoimmune\n  Auto-immune describes medical conditions in which normal cells are attacked by the body’s immune system.\n...auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: autobiographical
Meaning:
auto.bio.graphi.cal\n   autobiographical\n  An autobiographical piece of writing relates to events in the life of the person who has written it.\n...a highly autobiographical novel of a woman’s search for identity.\n  ADJ


Words: autobiography
Meaning:
auto.bi.og.ra.phy\n   autobiography  autobiographies\n  Your autobiography is an account of your life, which you write yourself.\nHe published his autobiography last autumn.\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss


Words: autocracy
Meaning:
autoc.ra.cy\n   autocracy  autocracies\n1. Autocracy is government or control by one person who has complete power.\nMany poor countries are abandoning autocracy.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An autocracy is a country or organization that is ruled by one person who has complete power.\nShe ceded all power to her son-in-law who now runs the country as an autocracy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: autocrat
Meaning:
auto.crat\n   autocrat  autocrats\n  An autocrat is a person in authority who has complete power.\n  N-COUNT


Words: autocratic
Meaning:
auto.crat.ic\n   autocratic\n  An autocratic person or organization has complete power and makes decisions without asking anyone else’s advice.\nThe people have grown intolerant in recent weeks of the King’s autocratic ways.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Autocue
Meaning:
Auto.cue\n   Autocue  Autocues\n  An Autocue is a device used by people speaking on television or at a public event, which displays words for them to read. (TRADEMARK) (BRIT; in AM, use Teleprompter)\n  N-COUNT


Words: autograph
Meaning:
auto.graph\n   autograph  autographs  autographing  autographed\n1. An autograph is the signature of someone famous which is specially written for a fan to keep.\nHe went backstage and asked for her autograph...\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss\n\n2. If someone famous autographs something, they put their signature on it.\nI autographed a copy of one of my books.\n...an autographed photo of Clark Gable.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: automate
Meaning:
auto.mate\n   automate  automates  automating  automated\n  To automate a factory, office, or industrial process means to put in machines which can do the work instead of people.\nHe wanted to use computers to automate the process.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  auto.ma.tion\nIn the last ten years automation has reduced the work force here by half.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: automated
Meaning:
auto.mat.ed\n   automated\n  An automated factory, office, or industrial process uses machines to do the work instead of people.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: automatic
Meaning:
auto.mat.ic\n   automatic  automatics\n1. An automatic machine or device is one which has controls that enable it to perform a task without needing to be constantly operated by a person. Automatic methods and processes involve the use of such machines.\nModern trains have automatic doors.\n  ADJ\n\n2. An automatic is a gun that keeps firing shots until you stop pulling the trigger.\nHe drew his automatic and began running in the direction of the sounds...\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. An automatic is a car in which the gears change automatically as the car’s speed increases or decreases.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. An automatic action is one that you do without thinking about it.\nAll of the automatic body functions, even breathing, are affected.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  auto.mati.cal.ly\nStrangely enough, you will automatically wake up after this length of time...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n5. If something such as an action or a punishment is automatic, it happens without people needing to think about it because it is the result of a fixed rule or method.\nThose drivers should face an automatic charge of manslaughter...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  auto.mati.cal.ly\nAs an account customer, you are automatically entitled to a variety of benefits...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV n/adj


Words: automatic pilot
Meaning:
auto.mat.ic pi.lot\n   automatic pilot   or autopilot\n1. If you are on automatic pilot or on autopilot, you are acting without thinking about what you are doing, usually because you have done it many times before.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n2. An automatic pilot or an autopilot is a device in an aircraft that automatically keeps it on a particular course.\n  N-SING


Words: automatic transmission
Meaning:
auto.mat.ic trans.mis.sion\n   automatic transmission\n  A car that is fitted with automatic transmission has a gear system in which the gears change automatically.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: automaton
Meaning:
automa.ton\n   automaton  automatons  or automata\n1. If you say that someone is an automaton, you are critical of them because they behave as if they are so tired or bored that they do things without thinking.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n2. An automaton is a small, mechanical figure that can move automatically.\n  N-COUNT


Words: automotive
Meaning:
auto.mo.tive\n   automotive\n  Automotive is used to refer to things relating to cars.\n...a chain of stores selling automotive parts.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: autonomous
Meaning:
autono.mous\n   autonomous\n1. An autonomous country, organization, or group governs or controls itself rather than being controlled by anyone else.\nThey proudly declared themselves part of a new autonomous province.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = independent\n2. An autonomous person makes their own decisions rather than being influenced by someone else.\nHe treated us as autonomous individuals who had to learn to make up our own minds about important issues.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = independent


Words: autonomy
Meaning:
autono.my\n   autonomy\n1. Autonomy is the control or government of a country, organization, or group by itself rather than by others.\nActivists stepped up their demands for local autonomy last month.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = independence\n2. Autonomy is the ability to make your own decisions about what to do rather than being influenced by someone else or told what to do. (FORMAL)\nEach of the area managers enjoys considerable autonomy in the running of his own area.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = independence


Words: autopsy
Meaning:
autop.sy\n   autopsy  autopsies\n  An autopsy is an examination of a dead body by a doctor who cuts it open in order to try to discover the cause of death.\n  N-COUNT\n  = post-mortem


Words: autumn
Meaning:
autumn  autumns\n  Autumn is the season between summer and winter when the weather becomes cooler and the leaves fall off the trees. (BRIT; in AM, usually use fall)\n  N-VAR


Words: autumnal
Meaning:
autum.nal\n   autumnal\n1. Autumnal means having features that are characteristic of autumn. (LITERARY)\n...the autumnal colours of the trees...\n  ADJ\n\n2. Autumnal means happening in autumn.\n...the autumnal equinox.\n  ADJ


Words: auxiliary
Meaning:
aux.ilia.ry\n   auxiliary  auxiliaries\n1. An auxiliary is a person who is employed to assist other people in their work. Auxiliaries are often medical workers or members of the armed forces.\nNursing auxiliaries provide basic care, but are not qualified nurses.\n  N-COUNT\n  = ancillary\n2. Auxiliary staff and troops assist other staff and troops.\nThe government’s first concern was to augment the army and auxiliary forces.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Auxiliary equipment is extra equipment that is available for use when necessary.\n...an auxiliary motor.\n...auxiliary fuel tanks.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. In grammar, an auxiliary or auxiliary verb is a verb which is used with a main verb, for example to form different tenses or to make the verb passive. In English, the basic auxiliary verbs are `be’, `have’, and `do’. Modal verbs such as `can’ and `will’ are also sometimes called auxiliaries.\n  N-COUNT


Words: avail
Meaning:
avail  avails  availing  availed\n1. If you do something to no avail or to little avail, what you do fails to achieve what you want. (WRITTEN)\nHis efforts were to no avail...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n2. If you avail yourself of an offer or an opportunity, you accept the offer or make use of the opportunity. (FORMAL)\nGuests should feel at liberty to avail themselves of your facilities.\n  VERB: V pron-refl of n


Words: available
Meaning:
avail.able\n   available\n1. If something you want or need is available, you can find it or obtain it.\nSince 1978, the amount of money available to buy books has fallen by 17%...\nThere are three small boats available for hire...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  avail.abil.ity\n...the easy availability of guns.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu the N of n\n\n2. Someone who is available is not busy and is therefore free to talk to you or to do a particular task.\nMr Leach is on holiday and was not available for comment.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: avalanche
Meaning:
ava.lanche\n   avalanche  avalanches\n1. An avalanche is a large mass of snow that falls down the side of a mountain.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to a very large quantity of things that all arrive or happen at the same time as an avalanche of them.\nThe newcomer was greeted with an avalanche of publicity.\n  N-SING: usu N of n


Words: avant-garde
Meaning:
avant-garde\n  Avant-garde art, music, theatre, and literature is very modern and experimental.\n...avant-garde concert music.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  Avant-garde is also a noun.\nHe was an enthusiast for the avant-garde.


Words: avarice
Meaning:
ava.rice\n   avarice\n  Avarice is extremely strong desire for money and possessions. (LITERARY)\nHe paid a month’s rent in advance, just enough to satisfy the landlord’s avarice.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: avaricious
Meaning:
ava.ri.cious\n   avaricious\n  An avaricious person is very greedy for money or possessions.\nHe sacrificed his own career so that his avaricious brother could succeed.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: avenge
Meaning:
avenge  avenges  avenging  avenged\n  If you avenge a wrong or harmful act, you hurt or punish the person who is responsible for it.\nHe has devoted the past five years to avenging his daughter’s death...\nShe had decided to avenge herself and all the other women he had abused.\n  VERB: V n, V pron-refl


Words: avenue
Meaning:
av.enue\n   avenue  avenues\n1. Avenue is sometimes used in the names of streets. The written abbreviation Ave. is also used.\n...the most expensive stores on Park Avenue.\n  N-IN-NAMES\n\n2. An avenue is a wide, straight road, especially one with trees on either side.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. An avenue is a way of getting something done.\nTalbot was presented with 80 potential avenues of investigation...\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft N of n\n  = channel


Words: aver
Meaning:
aver  avers  averring  averred\n  If you aver that something is the case, you say very firmly that it is true. (FORMAL)\nHe avers that chaos will erupt if he loses...\n`Entertaining is something that everyone in the country can enjoy,’ she averred.\n  VERB: V that, V with quote, also V\n  = declare


Words: average
Meaning:
av.er.age\n   average  averages  averaging  averaged\n1. An average is the result that you get when you add two or more numbers together and divide the total by the number of numbers you added together.\nTake the average of those ratios and multiply by a hundred.\n  N-COUNT\n  = mean\n  Average is also an adjective.\nThe average price of goods rose by just 2.2%...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = mean\n2. You use average to refer to a number or size that varies but is always approximately the same.\nIt takes an average of ten weeks for a house sale to be completed.\n  N-SING: a N of amount\n\n3. An average person or thing is typical or normal.\nThe average adult man burns 1,500 to 2,000 calories per day...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. An amount or quality that is the average is the normal amount or quality for a particular group of things or people.\nMost areas suffered more rain than usual, with Northern Ireland getting double the average for the month.\n  N-SING: the N\n  = norm\n  Average is also an adjective.\n.2.20 for a beer is average.\n...a woman of average height.\n  ADJ\n\n5. Something that is average is neither very good nor very bad, usually when you had hoped it would be better.\nI was only average academically.\n  ADJ\n\n6. To average a particular amount means to do, get, or produce that amount as an average over a period of time.\nWe averaged 42 miles per hour.\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. You say on average or on an average to indicate that a number is the average of several numbers.\nAmerican shares rose, on average, by 38%...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n8. If you say that something is true on average, you mean that it is generally true.\nOn average, American firms remain the most productive in the world.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n9.\nlaw of averages: see law


Words: average out
Meaning:
average out\n  If a set of numbers average out to a particular figure or if you average them out to that figure, their average is calculated to be that figure.\nThere are six glasses of wine in one bottle, which averages out to 50p a glass...\nAveraging it out between us there’s less than .10 a month each to live on.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P to/at n, V n P, also V P n (not pron)


Words: averse
Meaning:
averse\n  If you say that you are not averse to something, you mean that you quite like it or quite want to do it. (FORMAL)\nHe’s not averse to publicity, of the right kind.\n  ADJ: usu with neg, v-link ADJ to n


Words: aversion
Meaning:
aver.sion\n   aversion  aversions\n  If you have an aversion to someone or something, you dislike them very much.\nMany people have a natural and emotional aversion to insects.\n  N-VAR: usu N to/for n/-ing


Words: avert
Meaning:
avert  averts  averting  averted\n1. If you avert something unpleasant, you prevent it from happening.\nTalks with the teachers’ union over the weekend have averted a strike...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you avert your eyes or gaze from someone or something, you look away from them.\n  VERB


Words: aviator
Meaning:
avia.tor\n   aviator  aviators\n  An aviator is a pilot of a plane, especially in the early days of flying. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: avid
Meaning:
avid\n1. You use avid to describe someone who is very enthusiastic about something that they do.\nHe misses not having enough books because he’s an avid reader.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  av.id.ly\nThank you for a most entertaining magazine, which I read avidly each month.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you say that someone is avid for something, you mean that they are very eager to get it.\nHe was intensely eager, indeed avid, for wealth.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ for n\n\n=>  av.id.ly\nWestern suppliers too are competing avidly for business abroad.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: avionics
Meaning:
avi.on.ics\n   avionics\n  Avionics is the science of electronics used in aviation. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: avocado
Meaning:
avo.ca.do\n   avocado  avocados\nin BRIT, also use avocado pear\n  Avocados are pear-shaped vegetables, with hard skins and large stones, which are usually eaten raw.\n  N-VAR


Words: avocation
Meaning:
avo.ca.tion\n   avocation  avocations\n  Your avocation is a job or activity that you do because you are interested in it, rather than to earn your living. (FORMAL)\nHe was a printer by trade and naturalist by avocation.\n  N-VAR


Words: avoid
Meaning:
avoid  avoids  avoiding  avoided\n1. If you avoid something unpleasant that might happen, you take action in order to prevent it from happening.\nThe pilots had to take emergency action to avoid a disaster...\nWomen have to dress modestly, to avoid being harassed by the locals.\n  VERB: V n, V -ing\n\n2. If you avoid doing something, you choose not to do it, or you put yourself in a situation where you do not have to do it.\nBy borrowing from dozens of banks, he managed to avoid giving any of them an overall picture of what he was up to...\nHe was always careful to avoid embarrassment.\n  VERB: V -ing, V n\n\n3. If you avoid a person or thing, you keep away from them. When talking to someone, if you avoid the subject, you keep the conversation away from a particular topic.\nShe eventually had to lock herself in the toilets to avoid him...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If a person or vehicle avoids someone or something, they change the direction they are moving in, so that they do not hit them.\nThe driver had ample time to brake or swerve and avoid the woman.\n  VERB: V n


Words: avoidable
Meaning:
avoid.able\n   avoidable\n  Something that is avoidable can be prevented from happening.\nThe tragedy was entirely avoidable.\n  ADJ


Words: avoidance
Meaning:
avoid.ance\n   avoidance\n  Avoidance of someone or something is the act of avoiding them.\n...the avoidance of stress.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: avow
Meaning:
avow  avows  avowing  avowed\n  If you avow something, you admit it or declare it. (FORMAL)\n...a public statement avowing neutrality...\n  VERB: V n


Words: avowed
Meaning:
avowed\n1. If you are an avowed supporter or opponent of something, you have declared that you support it or oppose it. (FORMAL)\nShe is an avowed vegetarian.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. An avowed belief or aim is one that you have declared formally or publicly. (FORMAL)\n...the council’s avowed intention to stamp on racism.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: avuncular
Meaning:
avun.cu.lar\n   avuncular\n  An avuncular man or a man with avuncular behaviour is friendly and helpful towards someone younger. (FORMAL)\nHe began to talk in his most gentle and avuncular manner.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: await
Meaning:
await  awaits  awaiting  awaited\n1. If you await someone or something, you wait for them. (FORMAL)\nHe’s awaiting trial, which is expected to begin early next year.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. Something that awaits you is going to happen or come to you in the future. (FORMAL)\nA nasty surprise awaited them in Rosemary Lane.\n  VERB: V n


Words: awake
Meaning:
awake  awakes  awaking  awoke  awoken\n1. Someone who is awake is not sleeping.\nI don’t stay awake at night worrying about that...\nNightmares kept me awake all night.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ after v\n\n2. Someone who is wide awake is fully awake and unable to sleep.\nI could not relax and still felt wide awake.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\n3. When you awake or when something awakes you, you wake up. (LITERARY)\nAt midnight he awoke and listened to the radio for a few minutes...\nThe sound of many voices awoke her with a start.\n  VERB: V, V n\n  = wake up


Words: awaken
Meaning:
awak.en\n   awaken  awakens  awakening  awakened\n1. To awaken a feeling in a person means to cause them to start having this feeling. (LITERARY)\nThe aim of the cruise was to awaken an interest in and an understanding of foreign cultures.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. When you awaken, or when something or someone awakens you, you wake up. (LITERARY)\nUnfortunately, Grandma always seems to awaken at awkward moments...\nHe was snoring when Desmond awakened him.\n  VERB: V, V n\n  = wake up


Words: awakening
Meaning:
awak.en.ing\n   awakening  awakenings\n1. The awakening of a feeling or realization is the start of it.\n...the awakening of national consciousness in people.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp\n\n2. If you have a rude awakening, you are suddenly made aware of an unpleasant fact.\n  PHRASE


Words: award
Meaning:
award  awards  awarding  awarded\n1. An award is a prize or certificate that a person is given for doing something well.\nShe presented a bravery award to schoolgirl Caroline Tucker.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N, N for n\n\n2. In law, an award is a sum of money that a court decides should be given to someone.\n...workmen’s compensation awards.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A pay award is an increase in pay for a particular group of workers.\n...this year’s average pay award for teachers of just under 8%.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If someone is awarded something such as a prize or an examination mark, it is given to them.\nShe was awarded the prize for both films...\nFor his dedication the Mayor awarded him a medal of merit.\n  VERB: be V-ed n, V n n\n\n5. To award something to someone means to decide that it will be given to that person.\nWe have awarded the contract to a British shipyard...\nA High Court judge had awarded him .6 million damages.\n  VERB: V n to n, V n n


Words: award-winning
Meaning:
award-winning\n  An award-winning person or thing has won an award, especially an important or valuable one.\n...an award-winning photo-journalist.\n...his award-winning film.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: aware
Meaning:
aware\n1. If you are aware of something, you know about it.\nSmokers are well aware of the dangers to their own health...\nHe should have been aware of what his junior officers were doing...\nHe must have been aware that my parents’ marriage was breaking up.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ of n, ADJ that\n  !=unaware\n=>  aware.ness\nThe 1980s brought an awareness of green issues...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of/about n, N that\n\n2. If you are aware of something, you realize that it is present or is happening because you hear it, see it, smell it, or feel it.\nShe was acutely aware of the noise of the city...\nJane was suddenly aware that she was digging her nails into her thigh.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ of n, ADJ that\n  = conscious  !=unaware\n3. Someone who is aware notices what is happening around them or happening in the place where they live.\nThey are politically very aware.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n=>  aware.ness\nHe introduced radio to the school to increase the children’s awareness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: awash
Meaning:
awash\n1. If the ground or a floor is awash, it is covered in water, often because of heavy rain or as the result of an accident.\nThe bathroom floor was awash.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n2. If a place is awash with something, it contains a large amount of it.\nThis, after all, is a company which is awash with cash.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ with n


Words: away
Meaning:
away\nAway is often used with verbs of movement, such as `go’ and `drive’, and also in phrasal verbs such as `do away with’ and `fade away’.\n1. If someone or something moves or is moved away from a place, they move or are moved so that they are no longer there. If you are away from a place, you are not in the place where people expect you to be.\nAn injured policeman was led away by colleagues...\nHe walked away from his car...\nShe drove away before either of them could speak again...\nJason was away on a business trip...\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV, oft ADV prep\n\n2. If you look or turn away from something, you move your head so that you are no longer looking at it.\nShe quickly looked away and stared down at her hands...\nAs he stands up, he turns his face away from her so that she won’t see his tears.\n  ADV: ADV after v, oft ADV prep\n\n3. If you put or tidy something away, you put it where it should be. If you hide someone or something away, you put them in a place where nobody can see them or find them.\nI put my journal away and prepared for bed...\nAll her letters were carefully filed away in folders...\nI have $100m hidden away where no one will ever find it.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n4. If something is away from a person or place, it is at a distance from that person or place.\nThe two women were sitting as far away from each other as possible...\n...country estate thirty miles away from town.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n5. You use away to talk about future events. For example, if an event is a week away, it will happen after a week.\n...the Washington summit, now only just over two weeks away...\n  ADV: be amount ADV\n\n6. When a sports team plays away, it plays on its opponents’ ground.\n...a sensational 4-3 victory for the team playing away.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  Away is also an adjective.\nCharlton are about to play an important away match.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n7. You can use away to say that something slowly disappears, becomes less significant, or changes so that it is no longer the same.\nSo much snow has already melted away...\nHis voice died away in a whisper...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n8. You use away to show that there has been a change or development from one state or situation to another.\nThere’s been a dramatic shift away from traditional careers towards business and commerce.\n  ADV: ADV after v, n ADV, oft ADV prep\n\n9. You can use away to emphasize a continuous or repeated action.\nHe would often be working away on his word processor late into the night...\n  ADV: ADV after v  emphasis\n\n10. You use away to show that something is removed.\nThe waitress whipped the plate away and put down my bill...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n11.\nfar and away: see far\nright away: see right


Words: awe
Meaning:
awe  awes  awed\n1. Awe is the feeling of respect and amazement that you have when you are faced with something wonderful and often rather frightening.\nShe gazed in awe at the great stones...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you are awed by someone or something, they make you feel respectful and amazed, though often rather frightened.\nI am still awed by David’s courage...\nThe crowd listened in awed silence.\n  VERB: usu passive, no cont, be V-ed, V-ed\n\n3. If you are in awe of someone or if you stand in awe of them, you have a lot of respect for them and are slightly afraid of them.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: awe-inspiring
Meaning:
awe-inspiring\n  If you describe someone or something as awe-inspiring, you are emphasizing that you think that they are remarkable and amazing, although sometimes rather frightening.\nThe higher we climbed, the more awe-inspiring the scenery became.\n  ADJ  emphasis


Words: awesome
Meaning:
awe.some\n   awesome\n  An awesome person or thing is very impressive and often frightening.\n...the awesome responsibility of sending men into combat.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: awestruck
Meaning:
awe.struck\n   awestruck   also awe-struck\n  If someone is awestruck, they are very impressed and amazed by something. (WRITTEN)\nI stood and gazed at him, awestruck that anyone could be so beautiful.\n  ADJ


Words: awful
Meaning:
aw.ful\n   awful\n1. If you say that someone or something is awful, you dislike that person or thing or you think that they are not very good.\nWe met and I thought he was awful...\n...an awful smell of paint...\nEven if the weather’s awful there’s lots to do...\nJeans look awful on me.\n  ADJ\n  = dreadful  !=wonderful\n=>  aw.ful.ness\nThe programme’s awfulness has ensured it is talked about.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you say that something is awful, you mean that it is extremely unpleasant, shocking, or bad.\nHer injuries were massive. It was awful...\nSome of their offences are so awful they would chill the blood.\n  ADJ\n  = horrific\n3. If you look or feel awful, you look or feel ill.\nI hardly slept at all and felt pretty awful...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = terrible\n4. You can use awful with noun groups that refer to an amount in order to emphasize how large that amount is.\nI’ve got an awful lot of work to do.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n  = tremendous\n=>  aw.ful.ly\nWould you mind awfully waiting a bit, I’ll be back right away.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj/adv\n  = terribly\n5. You can use awful with adjectives that describe a quality in order to emphasize that particular quality. (AM INFORMAL)\nGosh, you’re awful pretty...\n  ADV: ADV adj  emphasis\n  = very


Words: awhile
Meaning:
awhile\n  Awhile means for a short time. It is more commonly spelled `a while’, which is considered more correct, especially in British English.\nHe worked awhile as a pharmacist in Cincinnati.\n  ADV: usu ADV after v


Words: awkward
Meaning:
awk.ward\n   awkward\n1. An awkward situation is embarrassing and difficult to deal with.\nI was the first to ask him awkward questions but there’ll be harder ones to come...\nThere was an awkward moment as couples decided whether to stand next to their partners.\n  ADJ\n  = tricky\n=>  awk.ward.ly\nThere was an awkwardly long silence.\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed\n\n2. Something that is awkward to use or carry is difficult to use or carry because of its design. A job that is awkward is difficult to do.\nIt was small but heavy enough to make it awkward to carry...\nFull-size tripods can be awkward, especially if you’re shooting a low-level subject.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to-inf\n  = tricky\n=>  awk.ward.ly\nThe autoexposure button is awkwardly placed under the lens release button.\n  ADV: ADV -ed\n\n3. An awkward movement or position is uncomfortable or clumsy.\nAmy made an awkward gesture with her hands.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  awk.ward.ly\nHe fell awkwardly and went down in agony clutching his right knee...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4. Someone who feels awkward behaves in a shy or embarrassed way.\nWomen frequently say that they feel awkward taking the initiative in sex...\n  ADJ\n  = uncomfortable\n=>  awk.ward.ly\n`This is Malcolm,’ the girl said awkwardly, to fill the silence.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n5. If you say that someone is awkward, you are critical of them because you find them unreasonable and difficult to live with or deal with.\nShe’s got to an age where she is being awkward.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: awning
Meaning:
awn.ing\n   awning  awnings\n  An awning is a piece of material attached to a caravan or building which provides shelter from the rain or sun.\n  N-COUNT\n  = canopy


Words: AWOL
Meaning:
AWOL\n1. AWOL is an abbreviation for `absent without leave’. If someone in the Armed Forces goes AWOL, they leave their post without the permission of a superior officer.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n2. If you say that someone has gone AWOL, you mean that they have disappeared without telling anyone where they were going. (INFORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: awry
Meaning:
awry\n  If something goes awry, it does not happen in the way it was planned.\nShe was in a fury over a plan that had gone awry.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: axe
Meaning:
axe  axes  axing  axed\nin AM, use ax\n1. An axe is a tool used for cutting wood. It consists of a heavy metal blade which is sharp at one edge and attached by its other edge to the end of a long handle.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone’s job or something such as a public service or a television programme is axed, it is ended suddenly and without discussion.\nCommunity projects are being axed by hard-pressed social services departments.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  = cut\n3. If a person or institution is facing the axe, that person is likely to lose their job or that institution is likely to be closed, usually in order to save money. (JOURNALISM)\n  N-SING: the N\n\n4. If someone has an axe to grind, they are doing something for selfish reasons. (INFORMAL)\nHe seems like a decent bloke and I’ve got no axe to grind with him.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  disapproval


Words: axes
Meaning:
Pronounced   for meaning 1, and   for meaning 2.\n1. Axes is the plural of axe.\n\n2. Axes is the plural of axis.


Words: axiom
Meaning:
axi.om\n   axiom  axioms\n  An axiom is a statement or idea which people accept as being true. (FORMAL)\n...the long-held axiom that education leads to higher income.\n  N-COUNT: oft N that\n  = principle


Words: axiomatic
Meaning:
axio.mat.ic\n   axiomatic\n  If something is axiomatic, it seems to be obviously true. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ that\n  = self-evident


Words: axis
Meaning:
axis  axes\n1. An axis is an imaginary line through the middle of something.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An axis of a graph is one of the two lines on which the scales of measurement are marked.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ayatollah
Meaning:
aya.tol.lah\n   ayatollah  ayatollahs\n  An ayatollah is a type of Muslim religious leader.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE


Words: aye
Meaning:
aye  ayes   also ay\n1. Aye means yes; used in some dialects of British English.\n`Do you remember your first day at school?’.`Oh aye. Yeah.’\n  CONVENTION\n\n2. If you vote aye, you vote in favour of something.\n  ADV\n\n3. The ayes are the people who vote in favour of something.\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n  !=noes


Words: azalea
Meaning:
azalea  azaleas\n  An azalea is a woody plant with shiny, dark-green leaves which produces many brightly-coloured flowers in the spring.\n  N-COUNT


Words: azure
Meaning:
az.ure\n   azure\n  Azure is used to describe things that are bright blue. (LITERARY)\n...an azure sky.\n  COLOUR: usu COLOUR n


Words: B&B
Meaning:
B&B  B&Bs   also b&b\n1. B&B is the same as bed and breakfast.\n...three nights b&b.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A B&B is the same as a bed and breakfast.\nThere are B&Bs all over the islands.\n  N-COUNT


Words: B, b
Meaning:
B, b  B’s, b’s\n1. B is the second letter of the English alphabet.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you get a B as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is good.\n  N-VAR


Words: B-movie
Meaning:
B-movie  B-movies\n  A B-movie is a film which is produced quickly and cheaply and is often considered to have little artistic value.\n...some old Hollywood B-movie.\n  N-COUNT


Words: B-side
Meaning:
B-side  B-sides\n  The B-side of a pop record has the less important or less popular song on it. Compare A-side.\n...a compilation of the band’s A and B-sides.\n  N-COUNT


Words: B.O.
Meaning:
B.O.\n  B.O. is an unpleasant smell caused by sweat on a person’s body. B.O. is an abbreviation for `body odour’. (BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: B2B
Meaning:
B2B is the selling of goods and services by one company to another using the Internet. B2B is an abbreviation for `business to business’. (BUSINESS)\nAmerican analysts have been somewhat cautious in estimating the size of the B2B market.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: B2C
Meaning:
B2C is the selling of goods and services by businesses to consumers using the Internet. B2C is an abbreviation for `business to consumer’. (BUSINESS)\n19 per cent of B2C companies are now worth little more than the cash on their balance sheets.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: BA
Meaning:
BA  BAs   also B.A.\n1. A BA is a first degree in an arts or social science subject. BA is an abbreviation for `Bachelor of Arts’.\nI did a BA in film making.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. BA is written after someone’s name to indicate that they have a BA.\n...Helen Rich, BA (Hons).


Words: babble
Meaning:
bab.ble\n   babble  babbles  babbling  babbled\n1. If someone babbles, they talk in a confused or excited way.\nMomma babbled on and on about how he was ruining me...\nThey all babbled simultaneously...\n`Er, hello, viewers,’ he babbled.\n  VERB: V on/away, V, V with quote\n\n2. You can refer to people’s voices as a babble of sound when they are excited and confused, preventing you from understanding what they are saying.\nKemp knocked loudly so as to be heard above the high babble of voices...\n  N-SING: usu N of n


Words: babe
Meaning:
babe  babes\n1. Some people use babe as an affectionate way of addressing someone they love. (AM INFORMAL)\nI’m sorry, babe. I didn’t mean it.\n  N-VOC  feelings\n  = honey\n2. Some men refer to an attractive young woman as a babe. This use could cause offence. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A babe is the same as a baby. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n...newborn babes.\n  N-COUNT


Words: babel
Meaning:
ba.bel\n   babel\n  If there is a babel of voices, you hear a lot of people talking at the same time, so that you cannot understand what they are saying.\n...a confused babel of sound.\n  N-SING\n  = babble, hubbub


Words: baby
Meaning:
baby  babies\n1. A baby is a very young child, especially one that cannot yet walk or talk.\nMy wife has just had a baby...\nClaire had to dress her baby sister.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A baby animal is a very young animal.\n...a baby elephant.\n...baby birds.\n  N-COUNT: usu N n\n\n3. Baby vegetables are vegetables picked when they are very small.\nServe with baby new potatoes.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. Some people use baby as an affectionate way of addressing someone, especially a young woman, or referring to them. (INFORMAL)\nYou have to wake up now, baby...\n  N-VOC; N-COUNT: usu sing\n  = love


Words: baby boom
Meaning:
baby boom  baby booms\n  A baby boom is a period of time when a lot of babies are born in a particular place. (INFORMAL)\nI’m a product of the postwar baby boom.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: baby boomer
Meaning:
baby boom.er\n   baby boomer  baby boomers   also baby-boomer\n  A baby boomer is someone who was born during a baby boom, especially during the years after the end of the Second World War. (mainly JOURNALISM INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: baby buggy
Meaning:
baby bug.gy\n   baby buggy  baby buggies\n1. A baby buggy is a small folding seat with wheels, which a young child can sit in and which can be pushed around. (BRIT; in AM, use stroller)\n  N-COUNT\n  = stroller, pushchair\n2. A baby buggy is another word for a baby carriage. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


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


Words: baby talk
Meaning:
baby talk   also baby-talk\n  Baby talk is the language used by babies when they are just learning to speak, or the way in which some adults speak when they are talking to babies.\nMaria was talking baby talk to the little one.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: babyhood
Meaning:
ba.by.hood\n   babyhood\n  Your babyhood is the period of your life when you were a baby.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: babyish
Meaning:
ba.by.ish\n   babyish\n  Babyish actions, feelings, or looks are like a baby’s, or are immature.\n...a fat, babyish face...\nI’m ashamed of the babyish nonsense I write.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: babysit
Meaning:
baby.sit\n   babysit  babysits  babysitting  babysat\n  If you babysit for someone or babysit their children, you look after their children while they are out.\nI promised to babysit for Mrs Plunkett...\nYou can take it in turns to babysit...\nShe had been babysitting him and his four-year-old sister.\n  VERB: V for n, V, V n\n\n=>  baby.sitter      babysitters\nIt can be difficult to find a good babysitter.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  baby.sitting\nWould you like me to do any babysitting?\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: baccalaureate
Meaning:
bac.ca.lau.re.ate\n   baccalaureate  baccalaureates\n1. The baccalaureate is an examination taken by students at the age of eighteen in France and some other countries.\n  N-SING\n\n2. In the United States, a baccalaureate service or address is a service that is held or a talk that is given during the ceremony when students receive their degrees.\n  N-COUNT: usu N n


Words: Bachelor of Arts
Meaning:
Bach.elor of Arts\n   Bachelor of Arts  Bachelors of Arts\n  A Bachelor of Arts is a first degree in an arts or social science subject. In British English, it can also mean a person with that degree. The abbreviation BA or B.A. is also used.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Bachelor of Science
Meaning:
Bach.elor of Sci.ence\n   Bachelor of Science  Bachelors of Science\n  A Bachelor of Science is a first degree in a science subject. In British English, it can also mean a person with that degree. The abbreviation BSc or B.Sc. is also used.\n  N-COUNT


Words: bachelor’s degree
Meaning:
bach.elor’s de.gree\n   bachelor’s degree  bachelor’s degrees\n  A bachelor’s degree is a first degree awarded by universities.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also BA, BSc


Words: bacillus
Meaning:
ba.cil.lus\n   bacillus  bacilli\n  A bacillus is any bacterium that has a long, thin shape.\n  N-COUNT


Words: back
Meaning:
VERB USES\n   back  backs  backing  backed\n1. If a building backs onto something, the back of it faces in the direction of that thing or touches the edge of that thing.\nWe live in a ground floor flat which backs onto a busy street...\nHis garden backs onto a school.\n  VERB: V onto n, V onto n\n\n2. When you back a car or other vehicle somewhere or when it backs somewhere, it moves backwards.\nHe backed his car out of the drive...\nI heard the engines revving as the lorries backed and turned.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V, also V n\n  = reverse\n3. If you back a person or a course of action, you support them, for example by voting for them or giving them money.\nThere is a new witness to back his claim that he is a victim of mistaken identity.\n  VERB: V n\n  = support\n=>  -backed\n...government-backed loans to Egypt.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n4. If you back a particular person, team, or horse in a competition, you predict that they will win, and usually you bet money that they will win.\nRoland Nilsson last night backed Sheffield Wednesday to win the UEFA Cup...\nIt is upsetting to discover that you have backed a loser.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, V n\n\n5. If a singer is backed by a band or by other singers, they provide the musical background for the singer.\nShe was backed by acoustic guitar, bass and congas.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed by n\n\n6.\n  see also backing\n\nADVERB USES\n   back\nIn addition to the uses shown below, back is also used in phrasal verbs such as `date back’ and `fall back on’.\n\nPlease look at category 17 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.\n1. If you move back, you move in the opposite direction to the one in which you are facing or in which you were moving before.\nThe photographers drew back to let us view the body...\nShe stepped back from the door expectantly...\nHe pushed her away and she fell back on the wooden bench...\n  ADV: ADV after v, oft ADV prep\n\n2. If you go back somewhere, you return to where you were before.\nI went back to bed...\nI’m due back in London by late afternoon...\nSmith changed his mind and moved back home...\nI’ll be back as soon as I can...\nHe made a round-trip to the terminal and back.\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV, oft ADV prep/adv\n\n3. If someone or something is back in a particular state, they were in that state before and are now in it again.\nThe rail company said it expected services to get slowly back to normal...\nDenise hopes to be back at work by the time her daughter is one...\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV, oft ADV prep\n\n4. If you give or put something back, you return it to the person who had it or to the place where it was before you took it. If you get or take something back, you then have it again after not having it for a while.\nShe handed the knife back...\nPut it back in the freezer...\nYou’ll get your money back.\n  ADV: ADV after v, oft ADV prep\n\n5. If you put a clock or watch back, you change the time shown on it so that it shows an earlier time, for example when the time changes to winter time or standard time.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n6. If you write or call back, you write to or telephone someone after they have written to or telephoned you. If you look back at someone, you look at them after they have started looking at you.\nThey wrote back to me and they told me that I didn’t have to do it...\nIf the phone rings say you’ll call back after dinner...\nLee looked at Theodora. She stared back.\n  ADV: ADV after v, oft ADV prep\n\n7. You can say that you go or come back to a particular point in a conversation to show that you are mentioning or discussing it again.\nCan I come back to the question of policing once again?...\nGoing back to the school, how many staff are there?\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV to n\n\n8. If something is or comes back, it is fashionable again after it has been unfashionable for some time.\nShort skirts are back...\nConsensus politics could easily come back into fashion.\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV, oft ADV prep\n\n9. If someone or something is kept or situated back from a place, they are at a distance away from it.\nKeep back from the edge of the platform...\nI’m a few miles back from the border...\nHe started for Dot’s bedroom and Myrtle held him back.\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV, oft ADV from n\n\n10. If something is held or tied back, it is held or tied so that it does not hang loosely over something.\nThe curtains were held back by tassels.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n11. If you lie or sit back, you move your body backwards into a relaxed sloping or flat position, with your head and body resting on something.\nShe lay back and stared at the ceiling...\nShe leaned back in her chair and smiled.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n  !=forward\n12. If you look or shout back at someone or something, you turn to look or shout at them when they are behind you.\nNick looked back over his shoulder and then stopped, frowning...\nHe called back to her.\n  ADV: ADV after v, oft ADV prep\n\n13. You use back in expressions like back in London or back at the house when you are giving an account, to show that you are going to start talking about what happened or was happening in the place you mention.\nMeanwhile, back in London, Palace Pictures was collapsing...\nLater, back at home, the telephone rang.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV prep\n\n(next)


