# dict

Words: put down
Meaning:
put down\n1. If you put something down somewhere, you write or type it there.\nNever put anything down on paper which might be used in evidence against you at a later date...\nWe’ve put down on our staff development plan for this year that we would like some technology courses...\nI had prepared for the meeting by putting down what I wanted from them.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P in/on n, V P that, V P wh, also V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If you put down some money, you pay part of the price of something, and will pay the rest later.\nHe bought an investment property for $100,000 and put down $20,000...\nHe’s got to put cash down.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n3. When soldiers, police, or the government put down a riot or rebellion, they stop it by using force.\nSoldiers went in to put down a rebellion.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n4. If someone puts you down, they treat you in an unpleasant way by criticizing you in front of other people or making you appear foolish.\nI know that I do put people down occasionally...\nRacist jokes come from wanting to put down other kinds of people we feel threatened by.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n  see also put-down\n5. When an animal is put down, it is killed because it is dangerous or very ill. (mainly BRIT)\nMagistrates ordered his dog Samson to be put down immediately...\nThey think that any legislation that involved putting down dogs was wrong.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: put down to
Meaning:
put down to\n  If you put something down to a particular thing, you believe that it is caused by that thing.\nYou may be a sceptic and put it down to life’s inequalities.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P P n


Words: put forward
Meaning:
put forward\n  If you put forward a plan, proposal, or name, you suggest that it should be considered for a particular purpose or job.\nHe has put forward new peace proposals...\nI rang the Colonel and asked him to put my name forward for the vacancy in Zurich.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P for n, also V n P\n  = submit  !=withdraw


Words: put in
Meaning:
put in\n1. If you put in an amount of time or effort doing something, you spend that time or effort doing it.\nThey’ve put in time and effort to keep the strike going...\nIf we don’t put money in we will lose our investment.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If you put in a request or put in for something, you formally request or apply for that thing.\nThe ministry ordered 113 of these and later put in a request for 21 more...\nI decided to put in for a job as deputy secretary.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P for n\n\n3. If you put in a remark, you interrupt someone or add to what they have said with the remark.\n`He was a lawyer before that,’ Mary Ann put in...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P with quote\n\n4. When a ship puts in or puts into a port, it goes into the port for a short stop.\nIt’s due to put in at Aden and some other ports before arriving in Basra...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P adv/prep


Words: put off
Meaning:
put off\n1. If you put something off, you delay doing it.\nWomen who put off having a baby often make the best mothers...\nThe Association has put the event off until October.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P -ing (not pron), V n P\n  = postpone\n2. If you put someone off, you make them wait for something that they want.\nThe old priest tried to put them off, saying that the hour was late.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P\n\n3. If something puts you off something, it makes you dislike it, or decide not to do or have it.\nThe high divorce figures don’t seem to be putting people off marriage...\nHis personal habits put them off...\nThe country’s worsening reputation does not seem to be putting off the tourists...\nWe tried to visit the Abbey but were put off by the queues.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n/-ing, V n P, V P n (not pron), be V-ed P\n\n4. If someone or something puts you off, they take your attention from what you are trying to do and make it more difficult for you to do it.\nShe asked me to be serious.said it put her off if I laughed...\nIt put her off revising for her exams.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V n P n/-ing\n  = distract


Words: put on
Meaning:
put on\n1. When you put on clothing or make-up, you place it on your body in order to wear it.\nShe put on her coat and went out...\nI haven’t even put any lipstick on.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  !=take off\n2. When people put on a show, exhibition, or service, they perform it or organize it.\nThe band are hoping to put on a UK show before the end of the year...\nWe put it on and everybody said `Oh it’s a brilliant production’.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n3. If someone puts on weight, they become heavier.\nI can eat what I want but I never put on weight...\nLuther’s put on three stone.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = gain  !=lose\n4. If you put on a piece of equipment or a device, you make it start working, for example by pressing a switch or turning a knob.\nI put the radio on...\nI put on the light by the bed.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n5. If you put a record, tape, or CD on, you place it in a record, tape, or CD player and listen to it.\nShe poured them drinks, and put a record on loud...\nLet’s go into the study and put on some music.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  !=take off\n6. If you put something on, you begin to cook or heat it.\nShe immediately put the kettle on...\nPut some rice on now...\nPut on a pan of water to simmer and gently poach the eggs.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V n P, V P n (not pron)\n\n7. If you put a sum of money on something, you make a bet about it. For example, if you put .10 on a racehorse, you bet .10 that it will win.\nThey each put .20 on Matthew scoring the first goal...\nI’ll put a bet on for you.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n/-ing, V n P, also V P n (not pron)\n\n8. To put a particular amount on the cost or value of something means to add that amount to it.\nThe proposal could put 3p on a loaf of bread.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n\n  !=take off\n9. If you put on a way of behaving, you behave in a way that is not natural to you or that does not express your real feelings.\nStop putting on an act and be yourself...\nIt was hard to believe she was ill, she was putting it on.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V it P, also V n P


Words: put out
Meaning:
put out\n  If you feel put out, you feel rather annoyed or upset.\nI did not blame him for feeling put out...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\nput out\n1. If you put out an announcement or story, you make it known to a lot of people.\nThe French news agency put out a statement from the Trade Minister.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n2. If you put out a fire, candle, or cigarette, you make it stop burning.\nFiremen tried to free the injured and put out the blaze...\nHe lit a half-cigarette and almost immediately put it out again.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = extinguish\n3. If you put out an electric light, you make it stop shining by pressing a switch.\nHe crossed to the bedside table and put out the light.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = turn out  !=turn on\n4. If you put out things that will be needed, you place them somewhere ready to be used.\nPaula had put out her luggage for the coach...\nI slowly unpacked the teapot and put it out on the table.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n5. If you put out your hand, you move it forward, away from your body.\nHe put out his hand to Alfred...\nShe put her hand out and tried to touch her mother’s arm.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = stretch out, extend\n6. If you put someone out, you cause them trouble because they have to do something for you.\nI’ve always put myself out for others and I’m not doing it any more.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P\n\n7. In a sporting competition, to put out a player or team means to defeat them so that they are no longer in the competition.\nAnother Spaniard, Emilio Sanchez, put out Jens Woehrmann in three sets.\n...the debatable goal that put Villa out of the UEFA Cup in Milan.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P of n, also V n P\n  = knock out\n8.\n  see also put out


Words: put through
Meaning:
put through\n1. When someone puts through someone who is making a telephone call, they make the connection that allows the telephone call to take place.\nThe operator will put you through...\nHe asked to be put through to Charley Lunn.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, be V-ed P to n, also V P n (not pron)\n  = connect\n2. If someone puts you through an unpleasant experience, they make you experience it.\nShe wouldn’t want to put them through the ordeal of a huge ceremony...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n


Words: put together
Meaning:
put together\n1. If you put something together, you join its different parts to each other so that it can be used.\nHe took it apart brick by brick, and put it back together again...\nThe factories no longer relied upon a mechanic to put together looms within the plant.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = assemble\n2. If you put together a group of people or things, you form them into a team or collection.\nIt will be able to put together a governing coalition...\nHe is trying to put a team together for next season.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n3. If you put together an agreement, plan, or product, you design and create it.\nWe wouldn’t have time to put together an agreement...\nWe got to work on putting the book together.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n  see also put 14


Words: put up
Meaning:
put up\n1. If people put up a wall, building, tent, or other structure, they construct it so that it is upright.\nProtesters have been putting up barricades across a number of major intersections...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n  !=take down\n2. If you put up a poster or notice, you fix it to a wall or board.\nThey’re putting new street signs up...\nThe teacher training college put up a plaque to the college’s founder.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  !=take down\n3. To put up resistance to something means to resist it.\nIn the end the Kurds surrendered without putting up any resistance...\nHe’d put up a real fight to keep you there...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, V P n\n\n4. If you put up money for something, you provide the money that is needed to pay for it.\nThe state agreed to put up $69,000 to start his company...\nThe merchant banks raise capital for industry. They don’t actually put it up themselves.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = provide\n5. To put up the price of something means to cause it to increase.\nTheir friends suggested they should put up their prices...\nThey know he would put their taxes up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = raise, increase\n6. If a person or hotel puts you up or if you put up somewhere, you stay there for one or more nights.\nI wanted to know if she could put me up for a few days...\nHe decided that he would drive back to town instead of putting up for the night at the hotel.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P prep\n\n7. If a political party puts up a candidate in an election or if the candidate puts up, the candidate takes part in the election.\nThe new party is putting up 15 candidates for 22 seats...\nHe put up as a candidate.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P as n


Words: put up for
Meaning:
put up for\n  If you put something up for sale or auction, for example, you make it available to be sold or auctioned.\nThe old flower and fruit market has been put up for sale...\nShe put up her daughter for adoption in 1967.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P P n, V P n P n


Words: put up to
Meaning:
put up to\n  If you put someone up to something wrong or foolish or something which they would not normally do, you suggest that they do it and you encourage them to do it.\nHow do you know he asked me out? You put him up to it.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P P n


Words: put up with
Meaning:
put up with\n  If you put up with something, you tolerate or accept it, even though you find it unpleasant or unsatisfactory.\nThey had put up with behaviour from their son which they would not have tolerated from anyone else.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P P n


Words: put-down
Meaning:
put-down  put-downs   also put down\n  A put-down is something that you say or do to criticize someone or make them appear foolish. (INFORMAL)\nI see the term as a put-down of women...\n  N-COUNT


Words: put-upon
Meaning:
put-upon   also put upon\n  If you are put-upon, you are treated badly by someone who takes advantage of your willingness to help them. (INFORMAL)\nVolunteers from all walks of life are feeling put upon.\n  ADJ


Words: putative
Meaning:
pu.ta.tive\n   putative\n  If you describe someone or something as putative, you mean that they are generally thought to be the thing mentioned. (LEGAL or FORMAL)\n...a putative father.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: putrefaction
Meaning:
pu.tre.fac.tion\n   putrefaction\n  Putrefaction is the process of decay. (FORMAL)\n...the lingering stench of putrefaction.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: putrefy
Meaning:
pu.tre.fy\n   putrefy  putrefies  putrefying  putrefied\n  When something putrefies, it decays and produces a very unpleasant smell. (FORMAL)\nThe meat in all of the open flasks putrefied.\n...putrefying corpses.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n  = rot


Words: putrid
Meaning:
pu.trid\n   putrid\n  Something that is putrid has decayed and smells very unpleasant. (FORMAL)\n...a foul, putrid stench.\n  ADJ\n  = rotten


Words: putsch
Meaning:
putsch  putsches\n  A putsch is a sudden attempt to get rid of a government by force.\n  N-COUNT\n  = coup


Words: putt
Meaning:
putt  putts  putting  putted\n1. A putt is a stroke in golf that you make when the ball has reached the green in an attempt to get the ball in the hole.\n...a 5-foot putt.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In golf, when you putt the ball, you hit a putt.\nTurner, however, putted superbly, twice holing from 40 feet.\n  VERB: V


Words: putter
Meaning:
putt.er\n   putter  putters  puttering  puttered\n1. A putter is a club used for hitting a golf ball a short distance once it is on the green.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you putter around, you do unimportant but quite enjoyable things, without hurrying. (AM; in BRIT, use potter)\nI started puttering around outside, not knowing what I was doing...\nShe liked to putter in the kitchen.\n  VERB: V around/about, V


Words: putting green
Meaning:
putt.ing green\n   putting green  putting greens\n  A putting green is a very small golf course on which the grass is kept very short and on which there are no obstacles.\n  N-COUNT


Words: putty
Meaning:
put.ty\n   putty\n  Putty is a stiff paste used to fix sheets of glass into window frames.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: puzzle
Meaning:
puz.zle\n   puzzle  puzzles\n1. If something puzzles you, you do not understand it and feel confused.\nMy sister puzzles me and causes me anxiety.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  puz.zling\nHis letter poses a number of puzzling questions.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you puzzle over something, you try hard to think of the answer to it or the explanation for it.\nIn rehearsing Shakespeare, I puzzle over the complexities of his verse and prose.\n  VERB: V over/about n\n\n3. A puzzle is a question, game, or toy which you have to think about carefully in order to answer it correctly or put it together properly.\n...a word puzzle.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N\n\n  see also crossword\n4. You can describe a person or thing that is hard to understand as a puzzle.\nData from Voyager II has presented astronomers with a puzzle about why our outermost planet exists...\n  N-SING: a N\n  = mystery


Words: puzzled
Meaning:
puz.zled\n   puzzled\n  Someone who is puzzled is confused because they do not understand something.\nCritics remain puzzled by the British election results...\nNorman looked puzzled.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ by/about/at n


Words: puzzlement
Meaning:
puz.zle.ment\n   puzzlement\n  Puzzlement is the confusion that you feel when you do not understand something.\nHe frowned in puzzlement.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: PVC
Meaning:
PVC\n  PVC is a plastic material that is used for many purposes, for example to make clothing or shoes or to cover chairs. PVC is an abbreviation for `polyvinyl chloride’.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


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


Words: pw
Meaning:
pw is used especially when stating the weekly cost of something. pw is the written abbreviation for `per week’.\n...single room..55 pw.


Words: pygmy
Meaning:
pyg.my\n   pygmy  pygmies   also pigmy\n1. Pygmy means belonging to a species of animal which is the smallest of a group of related species.\nReaching a maximum height of 56cm the pygmy goat is essentially a pet.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A pygmy is a member of a group of very short people who live in Africa or south-east Asia.\n...the pygmy tribes of Papua New Guinea.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pyjamas
Meaning:
py.ja.mas\n   pyjamas\n  A pair of pyjamas consists of loose trousers and a loose jacket that people, especially men, wear in bed.\nMy brother was still in his pyjamas.\n...a pyjama jacket.\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N\n  The spelling pajamas is used in American English. The forms pyjama and pajama are used as modifiers.


Words: pylon
Meaning:
py.lon\n   pylon  pylons\n  Pylons are very tall metal structures which hold electric cables high above the ground so that electricity can be transmitted over long distances.\n...electricity pylons.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pyramid
Meaning:
pyra.mid\n   pyramid  pyramids\n1. Pyramids are ancient stone buildings with four triangular sloping sides. The most famous pyramids are those built in ancient Egypt to contain the bodies of their kings and queens.\nWe set off to see the Pyramids and Sphinx.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A pyramid is a shape, object, or pile of things with a flat base and sloping triangular sides that meet at a point.\nOn a plate in front of him was piled a pyramid of flat white biscuits.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. You can describe something as a pyramid when it is organized so that there are fewer people at each level as you go towards the top.\nTraditionally, the Brahmins, or the priestly class, are set at the top of the social pyramid.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pyramid selling
Meaning:
pyra.mid sell.ing\n\n  Pyramid selling is a method of selling in which one person buys a supply of a particular product direct from the manufacturer and then sells it to a number of other people at an increased price. These people sell it on to others in a similar way, but eventually the final buyers are only able to sell the product for less than they paid for it. (BUSINESS)\nIf the scheme appears to be a pyramid selling scam, have nothing to do with it.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: pyramidal
Meaning:
py.rami.dal\n   pyramidal\n  Something that is pyramidal is shaped like a pyramid. (FORMAL)\n...a black pyramidal tent.\n  ADJ


Words: pyre
Meaning:
pyre  pyres\n  A pyre is a high pile of wood built outside on which people burn a dead body or other things in a ceremony.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Pyrex
Meaning:
Py.rex\n   Pyrex\n  Pyrex is a type of strong glass which is used for making bowls and dishes that do not break when you cook things in them. (TRADEMARK)\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: pyromaniac
Meaning:
pyro.ma.ni.ac\n   pyromaniac  pyromaniacs\n  A pyromaniac is a person who has an uncontrollable desire to start fires.\n  N-COUNT


Words: pyrotechnics
Meaning:
pyro.tech.nics\n   pyrotechnics\n1. Pyrotechnics is the making or displaying of fireworks.\nThe festival will feature pyrotechnics, live music, and sculptures.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Impressive and exciting displays of skill are sometimes referred to as pyrotechnics.\n...the soaring pyrotechnics of the singer’s voice.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: Pyrrhic victory
Meaning:
Pyr.rhic vic.to.ry\n   Pyrrhic victory Pyrrhic victories  also pyrrhic victory\n  If you describe a victory as a Pyrrhic victory, you mean that although someone has won or gained something, they have also lost something which was worth even more.\n  N-COUNT


Words: python
Meaning:
py.thon\n   python  pythons\n  A python is a large snake that kills animals by squeezing them with its body.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Q & A
Meaning:
also Q and A\n  Q & A is a situation in which a person or group of people asks questions and another person or group of people answers them. Q & A is short for `question and answer’.\n...a Q & A session with a prominent politician.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: QC
Meaning:
QC  QCs\n  In Britain, a QC is a senior barrister. QC is an abbreviation for `Queen’s Counsel’.\nHe hired a top QC to defend him.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quack
Meaning:
quack  quacks  quacking  quacked\n1. If you call someone a quack or a quack doctor, you mean that they claim to be skilled in medicine but are not.\nI went everywhere for treatment, tried all sorts of quacks.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n  disapproval\n\n2. Quack remedies or quack cures are medical treatments that you think are unlikely to work because they are not scientific.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  disapproval\n\n3. When a duck quacks, it makes the noise that ducks typically make.\nThere were ducks quacking on the lawn.\n  VERB: V\n\n  Quack is also a noun.\nSuddenly he heard a quack.\n  N-COUNT; SOUND


Words: quackery
Meaning:
quack.ery\n   quackery\n  If you refer to a form of medical treatment as quackery, you think that it is unlikely to work because it is not scientific.\nTo some people, herbal medicine is quackery.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: quad
Meaning:
quad  quads\n1. Quads are the same as quadruplets.\n...a 34-year-old mother of quads.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. A quad is the same as a quadrangle. (INFORMAL)\nHis rooms were on the left-hand side of the quad.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N


Words: quad bike
Meaning:
quad bike  quad bikes\n  A quad bike is a kind of motorbike with four large wheels that people ride for fun or in races.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quadrangle
Meaning:
quad.ran.gle\n   quadrangle  quadrangles\n  A quadrangle is an open square area with buildings round it, especially in a college or school.\n  N-COUNT: oft the N


Words: quadrant
Meaning:
quad.rant\n   quadrant  quadrants\n  A quadrant is one of four equal parts into which a circle or other shape has been divided.\nA symbol appears in an upper quadrant of the screen.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, adj N, N of n


Words: quadrille
Meaning:
quad.rille\n   quadrille  quadrilles\n  A quadrille is a type of old-fashioned dance for four or more couples.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quadriplegic
Meaning:
quad.ri.plegic\n   quadriplegic  quadriplegics\n  A quadriplegic is a person who is permanently unable to use their arms and legs.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Quadriplegic is also an adjective.\nHe is now quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair.\n  ADJ


Words: quadruped
Meaning:
quad.ru.ped\n   quadruped  quadrupeds\n  A quadruped is any animal with four legs. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: quadruple
Meaning:
quad.ru.ple\n   quadruple  quadruples  quadrupling  quadrupled\n1. If someone quadruples an amount or if it quadruples, it becomes four times bigger.\nNorway has quadrupled its exports to the EU...\nThe price has quadrupled in the last few years.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. If one amount is quadruple another amount, it is four times bigger.\nThey could sell their merchandise for quadruple the asking price.\n  PREDET: PREDET det n\n\n3. You use quadruple to indicate that something has four parts or happens four times.\n...a quadruple murder.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: quadruplet
Meaning:
quad.ru.plet\n   quadruplet   quadruplets\n  Quadruplets are four children who are born to the same mother at the same time.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: quaff
Meaning:
quaff  quaffs  quaffing  quaffed\n  If you quaff an alcoholic drink, you drink a lot of it in a short time. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe’s quaffed many a glass of champagne in his time.\n  VERB: V n


Words: quagmire
Meaning:
quag.mire\n   quagmire  quagmires\n1. A quagmire is a difficult, complicated, or unpleasant situation which is not easy to avoid or escape from.\nHis people had fallen further and further into a quagmire of confusion...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing with supp\n\n2. A quagmire is a soft, wet area of land which your feet sink into if you try to walk across it.\nRain had turned the grass into a quagmire.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: quail
Meaning:
quail  quails  or quail  quails  quailing  quailed\n1. A quail is a type of small bird which is often shot and eaten.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone or something makes you quail, they make you feel very afraid, often so that you hesitate. (LITERARY)\nThe very words make many of us quail...\nHe told Naomi she was becoming just like Maya. Naomi quailed at the thought.\n  VERB: V, V at n


Words: quaint
Meaning:
quaint  quainter  quaintest\n  Something that is quaint is attractive because it is unusual and rather old-fashioned.\n...a small, quaint town with narrow streets and traditional half-timbered houses...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  quaint.ly\nThis may seem a quaintly old-fashioned idea.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj\n\n=>  quaint.ness\n...the quaintness of the rural north.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: quake
Meaning:
quake  quakes  quaking  quaked\n1. A quake is the same as an earthquake.\nThe quake destroyed mud buildings in many remote villages.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you quake, you shake, usually because you are very afraid.\nI just stood there quaking with fear...\nHer shoulders quaked.\n  VERB: V with n, V\n\n3. If you are quaking in your boots or quaking in your shoes, you feel very nervous or afraid, and may be feeling slightly weak as a result.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: Quaker
Meaning:
Quak.er\n   Quaker  Quakers\n  A Quaker is a person who belongs to a Christian group called the Society of Friends.\n  N-COUNT


Words: qualification
Meaning:
quali.fi.ca.tion\n   qualification  qualifications\n1. Your qualifications are the examinations that you have passed.\nLucy wants to study medicine but needs more qualifications.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. Qualification is the act of passing the examinations you need to work in a particular profession.\nFollowing qualification, he worked as a social worker.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. The qualifications you need for an activity or task are the qualities and skills that you need to be able to do it.\nResponsibility and reliability are necessary qualifications...\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A qualification is a detail or explanation that you add to a statement to make it less strong or less general.\nThe empirical evidence considered here is subject to many qualifications...\n  N-VAR\n\n  If something is stated or accepted without qualification, it is stated or accepted as it is, without the need for any changes.\nThe government conceded to their demands almost without qualification.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl/group\n  = without reservation


Words: qualified
Meaning:
quali.fied\n   qualified\n1. Someone who is qualified has passed the examinations that they need to pass in order to work in a particular profession.\nDemand has far outstripped supply of qualified teachers...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you give someone or something qualified support or approval, your support or approval is not total because you have some doubts.\nThe government has given qualified support to the idea...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=unqualified\n3. If you describe something as a qualified success, you mean that it is only partly successful.\nEven as a humanitarian mission it has been only a qualified success.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: qualifier
Meaning:
quali.fi.er\n   qualifier  qualifiers\n1. A qualifier is an early round or match in some competitions. The players or teams who are successful are able to continue to the next round or to the main competition.\nLast week Wales lost 5-1 to Romania in a World Cup qualifier.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In grammar, a qualifier is a word or group of words that comes after a noun and gives more information about the person or thing that the noun refers to.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3.\n  see also qualify


Words: qualify
Meaning:
quali.fy\n   qualify  qualifies  qualifying  qualified\n1. When someone qualifies, they pass the examinations that they need to be able to work in a particular profession.\nBut when I’d qualified and started teaching it was a different story...\nI qualified as a doctor from London University over 30 years ago.\n  VERB: V, V as/in n, also V to-inf\n\n2. If you qualify for something or if something qualifies you for it, you have the right to do it or have it.\nTo qualify for maternity leave you must have worked for the same employer for two years...\nThe basic course does not qualify you to practise as a therapist.\n...skills that qualify foreigners for work visas.\n...highly trained staff who are well qualified to give unbiased, practical advice.\n  VERB: V for n, V n to-inf, V n for n, V-ed, also V, V to-inf\n\n3. To qualify as something or to be qualified as something means to have all the features that are needed to be that thing.\n13 percent of American households qualify as poor, says Mr. Mishel...\nThese people seem to think that reading a few books on old age qualifies them as experts.\n  VERB: V as n, V n as n, also V\n\n4. If you qualify in a competition, you are successful in one part of it and go on to the next stage.\nNottingham Forest qualified for the final by beating Tranmere on Tuesday...\nCameroon have also qualified after beating Sierra Leone.\n...a World Cup qualifying match.\n  VERB: V for n, V, V-ing\n\n=>  quali.fi.er      qualifiers\nKenya’s Robert Kibe was the fastest qualifier for the 800 metres final.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If you qualify a statement, you make it less strong or less general by adding a detail or explanation to it.\nI would qualify that by putting it into context.\n  VERB: V n\n\n6.\n  see also qualified


Words: qualitative
Meaning:
quali.ta.tive\n   qualitative\n  Qualitative means relating to the nature or standard of something, rather than to its quantity. (FORMAL)\nThere are qualitative differences in the way children and adults think...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  quali.ta.tive.ly\nThe new media are unlikely to prove qualitatively different from the old...\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v


Words: quality
Meaning:
qual.ity\n   quality  qualities\n1. The quality of something is how good or bad it is.\nEveryone can greatly improve the quality of life...\nOther services vary dramatically in quality.\n...high quality paper and plywood.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. Something of quality is of a high standard.\n...a college of quality...\nIn our work, quality is paramount.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp, oft N n\n\n3. Someone’s qualities are the good characteristics that they have which are part of their nature.\nHe wanted to introduce mature people with leadership qualities...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu supp N\n\n4. You can describe a particular characteristic of a person or thing as a quality.\n...a childlike quality.\n...the pretentious quality of the poetry...\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N\n\n5. The quality papers or the quality press are the more serious newspapers which give detailed accounts of world events, as well as reports on business, culture, and society. (BRIT)\nEven the quality papers agreed that it was a triumph.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: quality circle
Meaning:
qual.ity cir.cle\n   quality circle quality circles\n  A quality circle is a small group of workers and managers who meet to solve problems and improve the quality of the organization’s products or services. (BUSINESS)\nRiddick’s first move was to form a quality circle.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quality control
Meaning:
qual.ity con.trol\n   quality control\n  In an organization that produces goods or provides services, quality control is the activity of checking that the goods or services are of an acceptable standard. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: quality time
Meaning:
qual.ity time\n   quality time\n  If people spend quality time together, they spend a period of time relaxing or doing things that they both enjoy, and not worrying about work or other responsibilities.\n  N-UNCOUNT  approval


Words: qualm
Meaning:
qualm  qualms\n  If you have no qualms about doing something, you are not worried that it may be wrong in some way.\nI have no qualms about recommending this approach...\n  N-COUNT


Words: quandary
Meaning:
quan.da.ry\n   quandary  quandaries\n  If you are in a quandary, you have to make a decision but cannot decide what to do.\nThe government appears to be in a quandary about what to do with so many people.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: quango
Meaning:
quango  quangos\n  In Britain, a quango is a committee which is appointed by the government but works independently. A quango has responsibility for a particular area of activity, for example the giving of government grants to arts organizations.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quantifiable
Meaning:
quan.ti.fi.able\n   quantifiable\n  Something that is quantifiable can be measured or counted in a scientific way.\nA clearly quantifiable measure of quality is not necessary.\n  ADJ\n  !=unquantifiable


Words: quantifier
Meaning:
quan.ti.fi.er\n   quantifier  quantifiers\n  In grammar, a quantifier is a word or phrase such as `plenty’ or `a lot’ which you use to refer to a quantity of something without being precise. It is often followed by `of’, as in `a lot of money’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quantify
Meaning:
quan.ti.fy\n   quantify  quantifies  quantifying  quantified\n  If you try to quantify something, you try to calculate how much of it there is.\nIt is difficult to quantify an exact figure as firms are reluctant to declare their losses.\n  VERB: usu with brd-neg, V n\n\n=>  quan.ti.fi.ca.tion\nOthers are more susceptible to attempts at quantification.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: quantitative
Meaning:
quan.ti.ta.tive\n   quantitative\n  Quantitative means relating to different sizes or amounts of things. (FORMAL)\n...the advantages of quantitative and qualitative research.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  quan.ti.ta.tive.ly\nWe cannot predict quantitatively the value or the cost of a new technology.\n  ADV


Words: quantity
Meaning:
quan.tity\n   quantity  quantities\n1. A quantity is an amount that you can measure or count.\n...a small quantity of water.\n...vast quantities of food...\nCheap goods are available, but not in sufficient quantities to satisfy demand...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Things that are produced or available in quantity are produced or available in large amounts.\nAfter some initial problems, acetone was successfully produced in quantity...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. You can use quantity to refer to the amount of something that there is, especially when you want to contrast it with its quality.\n...the less discerning drinker who prefers quantity to quality...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = amount\n4. If you say that someone or something is an unknown quantity, you mean that not much is known about what they are like or how they will behave.\nHe is an unknown quantity for his rivals.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: quantity surveyor
Meaning:
quan.tity sur.vey.or\n   quantity surveyor  quantity surveyors\n  A quantity surveyor is a person who calculates the cost and amount of materials and workers needed for a job such as building a house or a road. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: quantum
Meaning:
quan.tum\n   quantum\n1. In physics, quantum theory and quantum mechanics are concerned with the behaviour of atomic particles.\nBoth quantum mechanics and chaos theory suggest a world constantly in flux.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A quantum leap or quantum jump in something is a very great and sudden increase in its size, amount, or quality.\nThe vaccine represents a quantum leap in healthcare...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: quarantine
Meaning:
quar.an.tine\n   quarantine  quarantines  quarantining  quarantined\n1. If a person or animal is in quarantine, they are being kept separate from other people or animals for a set period of time, usually because they have or may have a disease.\nShe was sent home to Oxford and put in quarantine...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in/into n\n\n2. If people or animals are quarantined, they are stopped from having contact with other people or animals. If a place is quarantined, people and animals are prevented from entering or leaving it.\nDogs have to be quarantined for six months before they’ll let them in.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: quarrel
Meaning:
quar.rel\n   quarrel  quarrels  quarrelling  quarrelled\nin AM, use quarreling, quarreled\n1. A quarrel is an angry argument between two or more friends or family members.\nI had a terrible quarrel with my other brothers...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Quarrels between countries or groups of people are disagreements, which may be diplomatic or include fighting. (JOURNALISM)\n...New Zealand’s quarrel with France over the Rainbow Warrior incident...\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. When two or more people quarrel, they have an angry argument.\nAt one point we quarrelled, over something silly...\nMy brother quarrelled with my father.\n  V-RECIP: pl-n V, V with n\n\n4. If you say that you have no quarrel with someone or something, you mean that you do not disagree with them.\nWe have no quarrel with the people of Spain or of any other country...\n  N-SING: with neg


Words: quarrelsome
Meaning:
quar.rel.some\n   quarrelsome\n  A quarrelsome person often gets involved in arguments.\nBenedict had been a wild boy and a quarrelsome young man.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = argumentative


Words: quarry
Meaning:
quar.ry\n   quarry  quarries  quarrying  quarried\n1. A quarry is an area that is dug out from a piece of land or the side of a mountain in order to get stone or minerals.\n...an old limestone quarry.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When stone or minerals are quarried or when an area is quarried for them, they are removed from the area by digging, drilling, or using explosives.\nThe large limestone caves are also quarried for cement.\n...locally quarried stone.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V-ed\n\n=>  quar.ry.ing\nFarming, quarrying and other local industries have declined.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. A person’s or animal’s quarry is the person or animal that they are hunting.\n  N-SING


Words: quart
Meaning:
quart  quarts\n  A quart is a unit of volume that is equal to two pints.\nPick up a quart of milk or a loaf of bread.\n  N-COUNT: num N, oft N of n


Words: quarter
Meaning:
quar.ter\n   quarter  quarters  quartering  quartered\n1. A quarter is one of four equal parts of something.\nA quarter of the residents are over 55 years old...\nI’ve got to go in a quarter of an hour...\nPrices have fallen by a quarter since January...\nCut the peppers into quarters.\n  FRACTION\n\n  Quarter is also a predeterminer.\nThe largest asteroid is Ceres, which is about a quarter the size of the moon.\n  PREDET\n\n  Quarter is also an adjective.\n...the past quarter century...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A quarter is a fixed period of three months. Companies often divide their financial year into four quarters.\nThe group said results for the third quarter are due on October 29.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n3. When you are telling the time, you use quarter to talk about the fifteen minutes before or after an hour. For example, 8.15 is quarter past eight, and 8.45 is quarter to nine. In American English, you can also say that 8.15 is a quarter after eight and 8.45 is a quarter of nine.\nIt was a quarter to six...\nI got a call at quarter of seven one night...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N\n\n4. If you quarter something such as a fruit or a vegetable, you cut it into four roughly equal parts.\nChop the mushrooms and quarter the tomatoes.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If the number or size of something is quartered, it is reduced to about a quarter of its previous number or size.\nThe doses I suggested for adults could be halved or quartered.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n6. A quarter is an American or Canadian coin that is worth 25 cents.\nI dropped a quarter into the slot of the pay phone.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. A particular quarter of a town is a part of the town where a particular group of people traditionally live or work.\nLook for hotels in the French Quarter.\n  N-COUNT: supp N\n\n8. To refer to a person or group you may not want to name, you can talk about the reactions or actions from a particular quarter.\nHelp came from an unexpected quarter...\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n9. The rooms provided for soldiers, sailors, or servants to live in are called their quarters.\nMckinnon went down from deck to the officers’ quarters.\n  N-PLURAL: poss N\n\n10. If you do something at close quarters, you do it very near to a particular person or thing.\nYou can watch aircraft take off or land at close quarters...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR


Words: quarter note
Meaning:
quar.ter note\n   quarter note  quarter notes\n  A quarter note is a musical note that has a time value equal to two eighth notes. (AM; in BRIT, use crotchet)\n  N-COUNT


Words: quarter pounder
Meaning:
quar.ter pound.er\n   quarter pounder  quarter pounders\n  A quarter pounder is a hamburger that weighs four ounces before it is cooked. Four ounces is a quarter of a pound.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quarter-final
Meaning:
quarter-final  quarter-finals\nin AM, use quarterfinal\n  A quarter-final is one of the four matches in a competition which decides which four players or teams will compete in the semi-final.\nThe very least I’m looking for at Wimbledon is to reach the quarter-finals.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quarter-finalist
Meaning:
quarter-finalist  quarter-finalists\n  A quarter-finalist is a person or team that is competing in a quarter-final.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quarterback
Meaning:
quarter.back\n   quarterback  quarterbacks\n  In American football, a quarterback is the player on the attacking team who begins each play and who decides which play to use. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: quarterly
Meaning:
quar.ter.ly\n   quarterly  quarterlies\n1. A quarterly event happens four times a year, at intervals of three months.\n...the latest Bank of Japan quarterly survey of 5,000 companies.\n  ADJ\n\n  Quarterly is also an adverb.\nIt makes no difference whether dividends are paid quarterly or annually.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. A quarterly is a magazine that is published four times a year, at intervals of three months.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: quartet
Meaning:
quar.tet\n   quartet  quartets\n1. A quartet is a group of four people who play musical instruments or sing together.\n...a string quartet.\n...a quartet of singers.\n  N-COUNT-COLL\n\n2. A quartet is a piece of music for four instruments or four singers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quartz
Meaning:
quartz\n  Quartz is a mineral in the form of a hard, shiny crystal. It is used in making electronic equipment and very accurate watches and clocks.\n...a quartz crystal.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: quasar
Meaning:
qua.sar\n   quasar  quasars\n  A quasar is an object far away in space that produces bright light and radio waves.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quash
Meaning:
quash  quashes  quashing  quashed\n1. If a court or someone in authority quashes a decision or judgment, they officially reject it.\nThe Appeal Court has quashed the convictions of all eleven people.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If someone quashes rumours, they say or do something to demonstrate that the rumours are not true.\nGraham attempted to quash rumours of growing discontent.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. To quash a rebellion or protest means to stop it, often in a violent way.\nTroops were displaying an obvious reluctance to get involved in quashing demonstrations.\n  VERB: V n


Words: quasi-
Meaning:
quasi-\n  Quasi- is used to form adjectives and nouns that describe something as being in many ways like something else, without actually being that thing.\nThe flame is a quasi-religious emblem of immortality.\n  COMB in ADJ


Words: quaver
Meaning:
qua.ver\n   quaver  quavers  quavering  quavered\n1. If someone’s voice quavers, it sounds unsteady, usually because they are nervous or uncertain.\nHer voice quavered and she fell silent.\n  VERB: V\n  = tremble\n  Quaver is also a noun.\nThere was a quaver in Beryl’s voice.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A quaver is a musical note that is half as long as a crotchet. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use eighth note)\n  N-COUNT


Words: quay
Meaning:
quay  quays\n  A quay is a long platform beside the sea or a river where boats can be tied up and loaded or unloaded.\nJack and Stephen were waiting for them on the quay.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quayside
Meaning:
quay.side\n   quayside  quaysides\n  A quayside is the same as a quay.\nA large group had gathered on the quayside to see them off.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: queasy
Meaning:
quea.sy\n   queasy  queasier  queasiest\n  If you feel queasy or if you have a queasy stomach, you feel rather ill, as if you are going to be sick. (INFORMAL)\nHe was very prone to seasickness and already felt queasy.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  quea.si.ness\nThe food did nothing to stifle her queasiness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: queen
Meaning:
queen  queens\n1. A queen is a woman who rules a country as its monarch.\n...Queen Victoria...\nShe met the Queen last week.\n  N-TITLE; N-COUNT: oft the N\n\n2. A queen is a woman who is married to a king.\nThe king and queen had fled.\n  N-TITLE; N-COUNT: oft the N\n\n3. If you refer to a woman as the queen of a particular activity, you mean that she is well-known for being very good at it.\n...the queen of crime writing.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, N of n, n N\n\n  see also beauty queen\n4. In chess, the queen is the most powerful piece. It can be moved in any direction.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. A queen is a playing card with a picture of a queen on it.\n...the queen of spades.\n  N-COUNT: oft the N of n\n\n6. A queen or a queen bee is a large female bee which can lay eggs.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Queen Mother
Meaning:
Queen Moth.er\n   Queen Mother\n  The Queen Mother is the mother of a ruling king or queen.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: queen-size
Meaning:
queen-size   also queen-sized\n  A queen-size bed is larger than a double bed, but smaller than a king-size bed.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: queenly
Meaning:
queen.ly\n   queenly\n  You use queenly to describe a woman’s appearance or behaviour if she looks very dignified or behaves as if she is very important.\nShe was a queenly, organizing type.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = regal


Words: queer
Meaning:
queer  queerer  queerest  queers\n1. Something that is queer is strange. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nIf you ask me, there’s something a bit queer going on.\n  ADJ\n\n2. People sometimes call homosexual men queers. (INFORMAL, OFFENSIVE)\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Queer is also an adjective.\n...queer men.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n3. Queer means relating to homosexual people, and is used by some homosexuals.\n...contemporary queer culture.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = gay


Words: quell
Meaning:
quell  quells  quelling  quelled\n1. To quell opposition or violent behaviour means to stop it.\nTroops eventually quelled the unrest.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you quell an unpleasant feeling such as fear or anger, you stop yourself or other people from having that feeling.\nThe Information Minister is trying to quell fears of a looming oil crisis.\n  VERB: V n


Words: quench
Meaning:
quench  quenches  quenching  quenched\n  If someone who is thirsty quenches their thirst, they lose their thirst by having a drink.\nHe stopped to quench his thirst at a stream.\n  VERB: V n


Words: querulous
Meaning:
queru.lous\n   querulous\n  Someone who is querulous often complains about things. (FORMAL)\nA querulous male voice said, `Look, are you going to order, or what?’\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: query
Meaning:
que.ry\n   query  queries  querying  queried\n1. A query is a question, especially one that you ask an organization, publication, or expert.\nIf you have any queries about this insurance, please contact Travel Insurance Services Limited.\n  N-COUNT: oft N about n\n\n2. If you query something, you check it by asking about it because you are not sure if it is correct.\nIt’s got a number you can ring to query your bill...\n  VERB: V n\n  = question\n3. To query means to ask a question.\n`Is there something else?’ Ryle queried as Helen stopped speaking...\nOne of the journalists queried whether sabotage could have been involved.\n  VERB: V with quote, V wh, also V n


Words: quest
Meaning:
quest  quests\n  A quest is a long and difficult search for something. (LITERARY)\nMy quest for a better bank continues.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n, N to-inf\n  = search\n  If you go in quest of something, you try to find or obtain it.\nHe went on to say that he was going to New York in quest of peace...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR, PHR n


Words: questing
Meaning:
quest.ing\n   questing\n  If you are questing for something, you are searching for it. (LITERARY)\nHe had been questing for religious belief from an early age.\n...his questing mind and boundless enthusiasm.\n  VERB: only cont, V for n, V-ing


Words: question
Meaning:
ques.tion\n   question  questions  questioning  questioned\n1. A question is something that you say or write in order to ask a person about something.\nThey asked a great many questions about England...\nThe President refused to answer further questions on the subject...\n  N-COUNT: oft N about/on n\n\n2. If you question someone, you ask them a lot of questions about something.\nThis led the therapist to question Jim about his parents and their marriage...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  ques.tion.ing\nThe police have detained thirty-two people for questioning.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you question something, you have or express doubts about whether it is true, reasonable, or worthwhile.\nIt never occurs to them to question the doctor’s decisions...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you say that there is some question about something, you mean that there is doubt or uncertainty about it. If something is in question or has been called into question, doubt or uncertainty has been expressed about it.\nThere’s no question about their success...\nThe paper says the President’s move has called into question the whole basis of democracy in the country...\nWith the loyalty of key military units in question, that could prove an extraordinarily difficult task.\n  N-SING: with supp, also prep N\n\n5. A question is a problem, matter, or point which needs to be considered.\nBut the whole question of aid is a tricky political one...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n/wh\n\n6. The questions in an examination are the problems which are set in order to test your knowledge or ability.\nThat question did come up in the examination.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7.\n  see also questioning, cross-question, leading question, trick question\n8. The person, thing, or time in question is one which you have just been talking about or which is relevant.\nAdd up all the income you’ve received over the period in question.\n  PHRASE: n PHR\n\n9. If you say that something is out of the question, you are emphasizing that it is completely impossible or unacceptable.\nFor the homeless, private medical care is simply out of the question...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR  emphasis\n\n10. If you pop the question, you ask someone to marry you. (JOURNALISM INFORMAL)\nStuart got serious quickly and popped the question six months later.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n  = propose\n11. If you say there is no question of something happening, you are emphasizing that it is not going to happen.\nAs far as he was concerned there was no question of betraying his own comrades...\nThere is no question of the tax-payer picking up the bill for the party.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR -ing, PHR n -ing  emphasis\n\n12. If you do something without question, you do it without arguing or asking why it is necessary.\n...military formations, carrying out without question the battle orders of superior officers.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n13. You use without question to emphasize the opinion you are expressing.\nHe was our greatest storyteller, without question.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  emphasis


Words: question mark
Meaning:
ques.tion mark\n   question mark  question marks\n1. A question mark is the punctuation mark ? which is used in writing at the end of a question.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If there is doubt or uncertainty about something, you can say that there is a question mark over it.\nThere are bound to be question marks over his future...\n  N-COUNT: oft N over n


Words: question tag
Meaning:
ques.tion tag\n   question tag  question tags\n  In grammar, a question tag is a very short clause at the end of a statement which changes the statement into a question. For example, in `She said half price, didn’t she?’, the words `didn’t she’ are a question tag.\n  N-COUNT


Words: questionable
Meaning:
ques.tion.able\n   questionable\n  If you say that something is questionable, you mean that it is not completely honest, reasonable, or acceptable. (FORMAL)\nHe has been dogged by allegations of questionable business practices...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ wh\n  = dubious


Words: questioner
Meaning:
ques.tion.er\n   questioner  questioners\n  A questioner is a person who is asking a question.\nHe agreed with the questioner.\n  N-COUNT


Words: questioning
Meaning:
ques.tion.ing\n   questioning\n  If someone has a questioning expression on their face, they look as if they want to know the answer to a question. (WRITTEN)\nHe raised a questioning eyebrow.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  see also question\n=>  ques.tion.ing.ly\nBrenda looked questioningly at Daniel.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: questionnaire
Meaning:
ques.tion.naire\n   questionnaire  questionnaires\n  A questionnaire is a written list of questions which are answered by a lot of people in order to provide information for a report or a survey.\nHeadteachers will be asked to fill in a questionnaire.\n  N-COUNT


Words: queue
Meaning:
queue  queues  queuing  queued\n\n  queueing can also be used as the continuous form.\n\n1. A queue is a line of people or vehicles that are waiting for something. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use line)\nI watched as he got a tray and joined the queue...\nShe waited in the bus queue...\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n, N of n\n\n2. If you say there is a queue of people who want to do or have something, you mean that a lot of people are waiting for an opportunity to do it or have it. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use line)\nManchester United would be at the front of a queue of potential buyers...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N of n\n\n3. When people queue, they stand in a line waiting for something. (mainly BRIT)\nI had to queue for quite a while.\n...a line of women queueing for bread.\n  VERB: V, V for n\n\n  Queue up means the same as queue. (in AM, usually use line up)\nA mob of journalists are queuing up at the gate to photograph him...\nWe all had to queue up for our ration books.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P for n\n\n4. A queue is a list of computer tasks which will be done in order. (COMPUTING)\nYour print job has been sent to the network print queue.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. To queue a number of computer tasks means to arrange them to be done in order. (COMPUTING)\n  VERB


Words: queue up
Meaning:
queue up\n  If you say that people are queuing up to do or have something, you mean that a lot of them want the opportunity to do it or have it. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use line up)\nPeople are queueing up to work for me!...\nThere are a growing number of countries queueing up for membership.\n  PHRASAL VERB: usu cont, V P to-inf, V P for n\n\n  see also queue 3


Words: queue-jumping
Meaning:
queue-jumping\n  If you accuse someone of queue-jumping, you mean that they are trying to get to the front of a queue or waiting list unfairly. (BRIT)\n...queue-jumping within the National Health Service.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: quibble
Meaning:
quib.ble\n   quibble  quibbles  quibbling  quibbled\n1. When people quibble over a small matter, they argue about it even though it is not important.\nCouncil members spent the day quibbling over the final wording of the resolution...\n  V-RECIP: V over/about/with n\n\n2. A quibble is a small and unimportant complaint about something.\nThese are minor quibbles.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quiche
Meaning:
quiche  quiches\n  A quiche is a pastry case filled with a savoury mixture of eggs, cheese, and often other foods.\n  N-VAR


Words: quick
Meaning:
quick  quicker  quickest\n1. Someone or something that is quick moves or does things with great speed.\nYou’ll have to be quick. The flight leaves in about three hours...\nI think I’m a reasonably quick learner...\n  ADJ\n  !=slow\n=>  quick.ly\nCussane worked quickly and methodically...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  !=slowly\n=>  quick.ness\n...the natural quickness of his mind.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Quicker is sometimes used to mean `at a greater speed’, and quickest to mean `at the greatest speed’. Quick is sometimes used to mean `with great speed’. Some people consider this to be non-standard. (INFORMAL)\nWarm the sugar slightly first to make it dissolve quicker...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n3. Something that is quick takes or lasts only a short time.\nHe took one last quick look about the room...\nAlthough this recipe looks long, it is actually very quick to prepare...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  quick.ly\nYou can become fitter quite quickly and easily.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4. Quick means happening without delay or with very little delay.\nThese investors feel the need to make quick profits.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = speedy\n=>  quick.ly\nIt quickly became the most popular men’s fragrance in the world...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n5. Quick is sometimes used to mean `with very little delay’. (INFORMAL)\nI got away as quick as I could...\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n6. If you are quick to do something, you do not hesitate to do it.\nMark says the ideas are Katie’s own, and is quick to praise her talent...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to-inf\n\n7. If someone has a quick temper, they are easily made angry.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n8. If something cuts you to the quick, it makes you feel very upset. (LITERARY)\nI once heard her weeping in her bedroom, which cut me to the quick.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n9.\nquick as a flash: see flash\nquick off the mark: see mark\nquick on the uptake: see uptake


Words: quick fix
Meaning:
quick fix  quick fixes\n  If you refer to a quick fix to a problem, you mean a way of solving a problem that is easy but temporary or inadequate.\n...tax measures enacted as a quick fix.\n  N-COUNT: oft with neg  disapproval


Words: quick-
Meaning:
quick-\n  quick- is added to words, especially present participles, to form adjectives which indicate that a person or thing does something quickly.\nHe was saved by quick-thinking neighbours.\n...quick-drying paint.\n  COMB in ADJ


Words: quick-tempered
Meaning:
quick-tempered\n  Someone who is quick-tempered often gets angry without having a good reason.\n  ADJ


Words: quicken
Meaning:
quick.en\n   quicken  quickens  quickening  quickened\n  If something quickens or if you quicken it, it becomes faster or moves at a greater speed.\nAinslie’s pulse quickened in alarm...\nHe quickened his pace a little.\n  VERB: V, V n\n  !=slow


Words: quickfire
Meaning:
quick.fire\n   quickfire   also quick-fire\n  Quickfire speech or action is very fast with no pauses in it.\n...that talent for quickfire response.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: quickie
Meaning:
quickie  quickies\n  A quickie is something that only takes a very short time. (INFORMAL)\n...a quickie divorce...\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: quicksand
Meaning:
quick.sand\n   quicksand  quicksands\n1. Quicksand is deep, wet sand that you sink into if you try to walk on it.\nThe sandbank was uncertain, like quicksand under his feet.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n2. You can refer to a situation as quicksand when you want to suggest that it is dangerous or difficult to escape from, or does not provide a strong basis for what you are doing.\nThe research seemed founded on quicksand.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: quicksilver
Meaning:
quick.silver\n   quicksilver\n1. Quicksilver is the same as mercury. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Quicksilver movements or changes are very fast and unpredictable.\n...her quicksilver changes of mood.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: quid
Meaning:
quid  quid\n  A quid is a pound in money. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nIt cost him five hundred quid.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quid pro quo
Meaning:
quid pro quo  quid pro quos\n  A quid pro quo is a gift or advantage that is given to someone in return for something that they have done. (FORMAL)\nThe statement is emphatic in stating that there must be a quid pro quo...\n  N-COUNT


Words: quids
Meaning:
quids\n  If you are quids in, you have more money left than you expected or get more for your money than you expected. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nStill, we were quids in, we didn’t care!\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: quiescent
Meaning:
qui.es.cent\n   quiescent\n  Someone or something that is quiescent is quiet and inactive. (LITERARY)\n...a society which was politically quiescent and above all deferential.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  qui.es.cence\n...a long period of quiescence.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: quiet
Meaning:
qui.et\n   quiet  quieter  quietest  quiets  quieting  quieted\n1. Someone or something that is quiet makes only a small amount of noise.\nTania kept the children reasonably quiet and contented...\nA quiet murmur passed through the classroom...\nThe airlines have invested enormous sums in new, quieter aircraft.\n  ADJ\n  !=noisy\n=>  qui.et.ly\n`This is goodbye, isn’t it?’ she said quietly...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  qui.et.ness\n...the smoothness and quietness of the flight.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If a place is quiet, there is very little noise there.\nShe was received in a small, quiet office...\nThe street was unnaturally quiet.\n  ADJ\n  !=noisy\n=>  qui.et.ness\nI miss the quietness of the countryside.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If a place, situation, or time is quiet, there is no excitement, activity, or trouble.\nIt is very quiet without him...\nWhile he wanted Los Angeles and partying, she wanted a quiet life...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  qui.et.ly\nHis most prized time, though, will be spent quietly on his farm.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  qui.et.ness\nI do very much appreciate the quietness and privacy here.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. Quiet is silence.\nHe called for quiet and announced that the next song was in our honor...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. If you are quiet, you are not saying anything.\nI told them to be quiet and go to sleep...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n=>  qui.et.ly\nAmy stood quietly in the doorway watching him.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n6. If you refer, for example, to someone’s quiet confidence or quiet despair, you mean that they do not say much about the way they are feeling.\nHe has a quiet confidence in his ability...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  qui.et.ly\nNigel Deering, the publisher, is quietly confident about the magazine’s chances.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n7. You describe activities as quiet when they happen in secret or in such a way that people do not notice them.\nThe Swedes had sought his freedom through quiet diplomacy...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  qui.et.ly\nI slipped away quietly...\nThe goal of shifting freight from road to rail has been quietly abandoned...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj\n\n8. A quiet person behaves in a calm way and is not easily made angry or upset.\nHe’s a nice quiet man.\n  ADJ\n  = placid\n9. If someone or something quiets or if you quiet them, they become less noisy, less active, or silent. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use quieten)\nThe wind dropped and the sea quieted...\nEstela started to say something but a gesture from her husband quieted her at once.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n10. To quiet fears or complaints means to persuade people that there is no good reason for them. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use quieten)\nMusic seemed to quiet her anxiety and loneliness.\n  VERB: V n\n\n11. If someone does not go quietly, they do not leave a particular job or a place without complaining or resisting.\nShe’s not going to go quietly.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n12. If you keep quiet about something or keep something quiet, you do not say anything about it.\nI told her to keep quiet about it...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n13. If something is done on the quiet, it is done secretly or in such a way that people do not notice it.\nShe’d promised to give him driving lessons, on the quiet, when no one could see.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: quiet down
Meaning:
quiet down\n  If someone or something quiets down or if you quiet them down, they become less noisy or less active. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use quieten down)\nOnce the vote was taken, things quieted down quickly...\nTry gradually to quiet them down as bedtime approaches.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V n P


Words: quieten
Meaning:
qui.et.en\n   quieten  quietens  quietening  quietened\n1. If you quieten someone or something, or if they quieten, you make them become less noisy, less active, or silent. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use quiet)\nShe tried to quieten her breathing...\nA man shouted and the dogs suddenly quietened.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. To quieten fears or complaints means to persuade people that there is no good reason for them. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use quiet)\nRussian intelligence will take a long time to quieten the paranoia of the West.\n  VERB: V n


Words: quieten down
Meaning:
quieten down\n  If someone or something quietens down or if you quieten them down, they become less noisy or less active. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use quiet down)\nThe labour unrest which swept the country last week has quietened down...\nSomehow I managed to quieten her down...\nTom’s words before the match might also have quietened down our own supporters.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = calm down


Words: quiff
Meaning:
quiff  quiffs\n  If a man has a quiff, his hair has been combed upwards and backwards from his forehead. (mainly BRIT)\nI attempted a classic rock and roll quiff.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quill
Meaning:
quill  quills\n1. A quill is a pen made from a bird’s feather.\nShe dipped a quill in ink, then began to write.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A bird’s quills are large, stiff feathers on its wings and tail.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. The quills of a porcupine are the long sharp points on its body.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quilt
Meaning:
quilt  quilts\n1. A quilt is a thin cover filled with feathers or some other warm, soft material, which you put over your blankets when you are in bed.\n...an old patchwork quilt.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A quilt is the same as a duvet. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: quilted
Meaning:
quilt.ed\n   quilted\n  Something that is quilted consists of two layers of fabric with a layer of thick material between them, often decorated with lines of stitching which form a pattern.\n...a quilted bedspread.\n  ADJ


Words: quince
Meaning:
quince  quinces\n  A quince is a hard yellow fruit. Quinces are used for making jelly or jam.\n  N-VAR


Words: quinine
Meaning:
qui.nine\n   quinine\n  Quinine is a drug that is used to treat fevers such as malaria.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: quintessence
Meaning:
quin.tes.sence\n   quintessence\n1. The quintessence of something is the most perfect or typical example of it. (FORMAL)\nHe was the quintessence of all that Eva most deeply loathed.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp, usu the N of n\n\n2. The quintessence of something is the aspect of it which seems to represent its central nature. (FORMAL)\n...an old stone cottage, the quintessence of rural England.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp, usu the N of n


Words: quintessential
Meaning:
quin.tes.sen.tial\n   quintessential\n1. Quintessential means representing a perfect or typical example of something. (FORMAL)\nEverybody thinks of him as the quintessential New Yorker.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  quin.tes.sen.tial.ly\nIt is a familiar, and quintessentially British, ritual.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n2. Quintessential means representing the central nature of something. (FORMAL)\n...the quintessential charm of his songs.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: quintet
Meaning:
quin.tet\n   quintet  quintets\n1. A quintet is a group of five singers or musicians singing or playing together.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A quintet is a piece of music written for five instruments or five singers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quip
Meaning:
quip  quips  quipping  quipped\n1. A quip is a remark that is intended be amusing or clever. (WRITTEN)\nThe commentators make endless quips about the female players’ appearance.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. To quip means to say something that is intended to be amusing or clever. (WRITTEN)\n`He’ll have to go on a diet,’ Ballard quipped...\nThe chairman quipped that he would rather sell his airline than his computer systems.\n  VERB: V with quote, V that


Words: quirk
Meaning:
quirk  quirks\n1. A quirk is something unusual or interesting that happens by chance.\nBy a tantalising quirk of fate, the pair have been drawn to meet in the first round of the championship...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, N of n, adj N\n\n2. A quirk is a habit or aspect of a person’s character which is odd or unusual.\nBrown was fascinated by people’s quirks and foibles.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quirky
Meaning:
quirky  quirkier  quirkiest\n  Something or someone that is quirky is rather odd or unpredictable in their appearance, character, or behaviour.\nWe’ve developed a reputation for being quite quirky and original...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  quirki.ness\nYou will probably notice an element of quirkiness in his behaviour.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: quisling
Meaning:
quis.ling\n   quisling  quislings\n  A quisling is someone who helps an enemy army that has taken control of their country. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: quit
Meaning:
quit  quits  quitting\n\n  The form quit is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle.\n\n1. If you quit your job, you choose to leave it. (INFORMAL)\nHe quit his job as an office boy in Athens...\nHe figured he would quit before Johnson fired him.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. If you quit an activity or quit doing something, you stop doing it. (mainly AM)\nA nicotine spray can help smokers quit the habit without putting on weight...\nI was trying to quit smoking at the time.\n  VERB: V n/-ing, V n/-ing\n  = give up\n3. If you quit a place, you leave it completely and do not go back to it.\n...the idea that humans might one day quit the earth to colonise other planets...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you say that you are going to call it quits, you mean that you have decided to stop doing something or being involved in something.\nThey raised $630,000 through listener donations, and then called it quits...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: quite
Meaning:
quite\n1. You use quite to indicate that something is the case to a fairly great extent. Quite is less emphatic than `very’ and `extremely’.\nI felt quite bitter about it at the time...\nWell, actually it requires quite a bit of work and research...\nI was quite a long way away, on the terrace...\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv, ADV a n, ADV before v  vagueness\n\n2. You use quite to emphasize what you are saying.\nIt is quite clear that we were firing in self defence...\nThat’s a general British failing. In the USA it’s quite different...\n  ADV: ADV group, ADV before v  emphasis\n\n3. You use quite after a negative to make what you are saying weaker or less definite.\nSomething here is not quite right...\nAfter treatment he was able to continue but he was never quite the same...\n  ADV: with brd-neg, ADV group, ADV before v  vagueness\n\n4. You use quite in front of a noun group to emphasize that a person or thing is very impressive or unusual.\n`Oh, he’s quite a character,’ Sean replied...\nIt’s quite a city, Boston.\n  PREDET: PREDET a n  approval\n\n5. You can say `quite’ to express your agreement with someone. (SPOKEN)\n`And if you buy the record it’s your choice isn’t it.’.`Quite’...\n  ADV: ADV as reply  formulae


Words: quitter
Meaning:
quit.ter\n   quitter  quitters\n  If you say that someone is not a quitter, you mean that they continue doing something even though it is very difficult.\nHe won’t resign because he’s not a quitter.\n  N-COUNT: usu with brd-neg


Words: quiver
Meaning:
quiv.er\n   quiver  quivers  quivering  quivered\n1. If something quivers, it shakes with very small movements.\nHer bottom lip quivered and big tears rolled down her cheeks.\n  VERB: V\n  = tremble\n2. If you say that someone or their voice is quivering with an emotion such as rage or excitement, you mean that they are strongly affected by this emotion and show it in their appearance or voice.\nCooper arrived, quivering with rage...\n  VERB: V with n\n\n  Quiver is also a noun.\nI felt a quiver of panic.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: quixotic
Meaning:
quix.ot.ic\n   quixotic\n  If you describe someone’s ideas or plans as quixotic, you mean that they are imaginative or hopeful but unrealistic. (FORMAL)\nHe has always lived his life by a hopelessly quixotic code of honour.\n  ADJ


Words: quiz
Meaning:
quiz  quizzes  quizzing  quizzed\n1. A quiz is a game or competition in which someone tests your knowledge by asking you questions.\nWe’ll have a quiz at the end of the show.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you are quizzed by someone about something, they ask you questions about it.\nHe was quizzed about his income, debts and eligibility for state benefits...\nSybil quizzed her about life as a working girl.\n  VERB: be V-ed about n, V n about n


Words: quizmaster
Meaning:
quiz.master\n   quizmaster  quizmasters\n  A quizmaster is the person who asks the questions in a game or quiz on the television or radio. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: quizzical
Meaning:
quiz.zi.cal\n   quizzical\n  If you give someone a quizzical look or smile, you look at them in a way that shows that you are surprised or amused by their behaviour.\nHe gave Robin a mildly quizzical glance.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  quiz.zi.cal.ly\nShe looked at him quizzically.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: quoit
Meaning:
quoit  quoits\n1. Quoits is a game which is played by throwing rings over a small post. Quoits is usually played on board ships.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A quoit is a ring used in the game of quoits.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Quonset hut
Meaning:
Quon.set hut\n   Quonset hut  Quonset huts\n  A Quonset hut is a military hut made of metal. The walls and roof form the shape of a semi-circle. (AM; in BRIT, use Nissen hut)\n  N-COUNT


Words: quorate
Meaning:
quor.ate\n   quorate\n  When a committee is quorate, there are enough people present for it to conduct official business and make decisions. (BRIT)\nThe session was technically quorate.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: quorum
Meaning:
quor.um\n   quorum\n  A quorum is the minimum number of people that a committee needs in order to carry out its business officially. When a meeting has a quorum, there are at least that number of people present.\n...enough deputies to make a quorum.\n  N-SING


Words: quota
Meaning:
quo.ta\n   quota  quotas\n1. A quota is the limited number or quantity of something which is officially allowed.\nThe quota of four tickets per person had been reduced to two.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. A quota is a fixed maximum or minimum proportion of people from a particular group who are allowed to do something, such as come and live in a country or work for the government.\nThe bill would force employers to adopt a quota system when recruiting workers.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n, N n\n\n3. Someone’s quota of something is their expected or deserved share of it.\nThey have the usual quota of human weaknesses, no doubt.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = share


Words: quotable
Meaning:
quot.able\n   quotable\n  Quotable comments are written or spoken comments that people think are interesting and worth quoting.\n...one of his more quotable sayings.\n  ADJ


Words: quotation
Meaning:
quo.ta.tion\n   quotation  quotations\n1. A quotation is a sentence or phrase taken from a book, poem, or play, which is repeated by someone else.\nHe illustrated his argument with quotations from Pasternak...\n  N-COUNT\n  = quote\n2. When someone gives you a quotation, they tell you how much they will charge to do a particular piece of work.\nGet several written quotations and check exactly what’s included in the cost.\n  N-COUNT\n  = quote\n3. A company’s quotation on the stock exchange is its registration on the stock exchange, which enables its shares to be officially listed and traded. (BUSINESS)\n...an American-dominated investment manager with a quotation on the London stock market.\n  N-COUNT


Words: quotation mark
Meaning:
quo.ta.tion mark\n   quotation mark  quotation marks\n  Quotation marks are punctuation marks that are used in writing to show where speech or a quotation begins and ends. They are usually written or printed as ..... or, in Britain, `...’.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = inverted commas


Words: quote
Meaning:
quote  quotes  quoting  quoted\n1. If you quote someone as saying something, you repeat what they have written or said.\nHe quoted Mr Polay as saying that peace negotiations were already underway...\nShe quoted a great line from a book by Romain Gary...\nI gave the letter to our local press and they quoted from it.\n  VERB: V n as -ing, V n, V from n\n\n2. A quote from a book, poem, play, or speech is a passage or phrase from it.\nThe article starts with a quote from an unnamed member of the Cabinet.\n  N-COUNT: oft N from n\n  = quotation\n3. If you quote something such as a law or a fact, you state it because it supports what you are saying.\nMr Meacher quoted statistics saying that the standard of living of the poorest people had fallen.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If someone quotes a price for doing something, they say how much money they would charge you for a service they are offering or a for a job that you want them to do.\nA travel agent quoted her .160 for a flight from Bristol to Palma...\nHe quoted a price for the repairs.\n  VERB: V n n, V n\n\n5. A quote for a piece of work is the price that someone says they will charge you to do the work.\nAlways get a written quote for any repairs needed.\n  N-COUNT\n  = quotation\n6. If a company’s shares, a substance, or a currency is quoted at a particular price, that is its current market price. (BUSINESS)\nIn early trading in Hong Kong yesterday, gold was quoted at $368.20 an ounce...\nHeron is a private company and is not quoted on the Stock Market.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed at amount, be V-ed on n\n\n7. Quotes are the same as quotation marks. (INFORMAL)\nThe word `remembered’ is in quotes.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n8. You can say `quote’ to show that you are about to quote someone’s words. (SPOKEN)\nHe predicts they will have, quote, `an awful lot of explaining to do’.\n  CONVENTION


Words: quoth
Meaning:
quoth\n  Quoth means `said’. Quoth comes before the subject of the verb. (HUMOROUS or OLD-FASHIONED)\n`I blame the selectors,’ quoth he.\n  VERB: V with quote


Words: quotidian
Meaning:
quo.tid.ian\n   quotidian\n  Quotidian activities or experiences are basic, everyday activities or experiences. (FORMAL)\n...the minutiae of their quotidian existence.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: quotient
Meaning:
quo.tient\n   quotient  quotients\n  Quotient is used when indicating the presence or degree of a characteristic in someone or something.\nBeing rich doesn’t actually increase your happiness quotient...\nThe island has a high quotient of clergymen.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu n N, N of n\n\nintelligence quotient: see IQ


Words: Quran
Meaning:
Quran   also Koran, Qur’an\n  The Quran is the holy book on which the religion of Islam is based.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: Quranic
Meaning:
Quran.ic\n   Quranic   also Koranic, Qur’anic\n  Quranic is used to describe something which belongs or relates to the Quran.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: QWERTY
Meaning:
QWER.TY\n   QWERTY   also Qwerty, qwerty\n  A QWERTY keyboard on a typewriter or computer is the standard English language keyboard, on which the top line of keys begins with the letters q, w, e, r, t, and y.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: R&B
Meaning:
R&B\n  R&B is a style of popular music developed in the 1940’s from blues music, but using electrically amplified instruments. R&B is an abbreviation for `rhythm and blues’.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: R&D
Meaning:
R&D   also R and D\n  R&D refers to the research and development work or department within a large company or organization. R&D is an abbreviation for `Research and Development’.\nBusinesses need to train their workers better, and spend more on R&D.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in/on N


Words: R&R
Meaning:
also R and R\n1. R&R refers to time that you spend relaxing, when you are not working. R&R is an abbreviation for `rest and recreation’. (mainly AM)\nWinter spas are now the smart set’s choice for serious R&R.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. R&R refers to time that members of the armed forces spend relaxing, away from their usual duties. R&R is an abbreviation for `rest and recuperation’. (AM)\nTwenty-five years ago Pattaya was a sleepy fishing village. Then it was discovered by American soldiers on R&R from Vietnam.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: R, r
Meaning:
R, r  R’s, r’s\n1. R is the eighteenth letter of the English alphabet.\n  N-VAR\n\n  see also three Rs\n2. In the United States, some cinema films are marked R to show that children under 17 years old are only allowed to see them if an adult is with them.


Words: R.E.
Meaning:
R.E.\n  R.E. is a school subject in which children learn about religion and other social matters. R.E. is an abbreviation for `religious education’. (BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: R.I.P.
Meaning:
R.I.P.\n  R.I.P. is written on gravestones and expresses the hope that the person buried there may rest in peace. R.I.P. is an abbreviation for the Latin expression `requiescat in pace’ or `requiescant in pace’.\n  CONVENTION


Words: rabbi
Meaning:
rab.bi\n   rabbi  rabbis\n  A rabbi is a Jewish religious leader, usually one who is in charge of a synagogue, one who is qualified to teach Judaism, or one who is an expert on Jewish law.\n  N-COUNT; N-TITLE


Words: rabbinical
Meaning:
rab.bini.cal\n   rabbinical   or rabbinic\n  Rabbinical or rabbinic refers to the teachings of Jewish religious teachers and leaders.\n...early rabbinic scholars.\n  ADJ


Words: rabbit
Meaning:
rab.bit\n   rabbit  rabbits  rabbiting  rabbited\n  A rabbit is a small furry animal with long ears. Rabbits are sometimes kept as pets, or live wild in holes in the ground.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rabbit on
Meaning:
rabbit on\n  If you describe someone as rabbiting on, you do not like the way they keep talking for a long time about something that is not very interesting. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nWhat are you rabbiting on about?\n  PHRASAL VERB: usu cont, V P about n


Words: rabble
Meaning:
rab.ble\n   rabble\n  A rabble is a crowd of noisy people who seem likely to cause trouble.\nHe seems to attract a rabble of supporters more loyal to the man than to the cause.\n  N-SING: usu with supp


Words: rabble-rouser
Meaning:
rabble-rouser  rabble-rousers\n  A rabble-rouser is a clever speaker who can persuade a group of people to behave violently or aggressively, often for the speaker’s own political advantage.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: rabble-rousing
Meaning:
rabble-rousing\n  Rabble-rousing is encouragement that a person gives to a group of people to behave violently or aggressively, often for that person’s own political advantage.\nCritics have accused him of rabble-rousing.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: rabid
Meaning:
rab.id\n   rabid\n1. You can use rabid to describe someone who has very strong and unreasonable opinions or beliefs about a subject, especially in politics.\nThe party has distanced itself from the more rabid nationalist groups in the country.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n\n=>  rab.id.ly\nMead calls the group `rabidly right-wing’.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV -ed\n\n2. A rabid dog or other animal has the disease rabies.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: rabies
Meaning:
ra.bies\n   rabies\n  Rabies is a serious disease which causes people and animals to go mad and die. Rabies is particularly common in dogs.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: raccoon
Meaning:
rac.coon\n   raccoon  raccoons  or raccoon   also racoon\n  A raccoon is a small animal that has dark-coloured fur with white stripes on its face and on its long tail. Raccoons live in forests in North and Central America and the West Indies.\n  N-COUNT


Words: race
Meaning:
race  races  racing  raced\n1. A race is a competition to see who is the fastest, for example in running, swimming, or driving.\nThe women’s race was won by the American, Patti Sue Plumer.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you race, you take part in a race.\nIn the 10 years I raced in Europe, 30 drivers were killed...\nThey may even have raced each other.but not regularly.\n  VERB: V, V n, also V against n\n\n3. The races are a series of horse races that are held in a particular place on a particular day. People go to watch and to bet on which horse will win.\nThe high point of this trip was a day at the races.\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n\n4. A race is a situation in which people or organizations compete with each other for power or control.\nThe race for the White House begins in earnest today...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp\n\n  see also arms race, rat race\n5. A race is one of the major groups which human beings can be divided into according to their physical features, such as the colour of their skin.\nThe College welcomes students of all races, faiths, and nationalities...\n  N-VAR\n\n  see also human race, race relations\n6. If you race somewhere, you go there as quickly as possible.\nHe raced across town to the State House building...\n  VERB: V adv/prep\n\n7. If something races towards a particular state or position, it moves very fast towards that state or position.\nDo they realize we are racing towards complete economic collapse?...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n8. If you race a vehicle or animal, you prepare it for races and make it take part in races.\nHe still raced sports cars as often as he could.\n  VERB: V n\n\n9. If your mind races, or if thoughts race through your mind, you think very fast about something, especially when you are in a difficult or dangerous situation.\nI made sure I sounded calm but my mind was racing...\nBits and pieces of the past raced through her mind.\n  VERB: V, V adv/prep\n\n10. If your heart races, it beats very quickly because you are excited or afraid.\nHer heart raced uncontrollably.\n  VERB: V\n\n11.\n  see also racing\n12. You describe a situation as a race against time when you have to work very fast in order to do something before a particular time, or before another thing happens.\nAn air force spokesman said the rescue operation was a race against time.\n  PHRASE


Words: race meeting
Meaning:
race meet.ing\n   race meeting  race meetings\n  A race meeting is an occasion when a series of horse races are held at the same place, often during a period of several days. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: race relations
Meaning:
race re.la.tions\n   race relations\n  Race relations are the ways in which people of different races living together in the same community behave towards one another.\n  N-PLURAL: oft N n


Words: race riot
Meaning:
race riot  race riots\n  Race riots are violent fights between people of different races living in the same community.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: racecourse
Meaning:
race.course\n   racecourse  racecourses   also race course\n  A racecourse is a track on which horses race. (BRIT; in AM, use racetrack)\n  N-COUNT


Words: racegoer
Meaning:
race.go.er\n   racegoer  racegoers   also race-goer\n  Racegoers are people who regularly go to watch horse races. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: racehorse
Meaning:
race.horse\n   racehorse  racehorses\n  A racehorse is a horse that is trained to run in races.\n  N-COUNT


Words: racer
Meaning:
rac.er\n   racer  racers\n1. A racer is a person or animal that takes part in races.\nTim Powell is a former champion powerboat racer.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A racer is a vehicle such as a car or bicycle that is designed to be used in races and therefore travels fast.\n  N-COUNT


Words: racetrack
Meaning:
race.track\n   racetrack  racetracks   also race track\n1. A racetrack is a track on which horses race. (AM; in BRIT, use racecourse)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A racetrack is a track for races, for example car or bicycle races.\n  N-COUNT


Words: racial
Meaning:
ra.cial\n   racial\n  Racial describes things relating to people’s race.\n...the protection of national and racial minorities.\n...the elimination of racial discrimination.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  ra.cial.ly\nWe are both children of racially mixed marriages...\n  ADV: ADV -ed/adj, ADV with cl


Words: racialism
Meaning:
ra.cial.ism\n   racialism\n  Racialism means the same as racism. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use racism)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  ra.cial.ist\n...racialist groups.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: racing
Meaning:
rac.ing\n   racing\n  Racing refers to races between animals, especially horses, or between vehicles.\nMr Honda was himself a keen racing driver in his younger days...\n...horse racing...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp, oft N n


Words: racism
Meaning:
rac.ism\n   racism\n  Racism is the belief that people of some races are inferior to others, and the behaviour which is the result of this belief.\nThere is a feeling among some black people that the level of racism is declining.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: racist
Meaning:
rac.ist\n   racist  racists\n  If you describe people, things, or behaviour as racist, you mean that they are influenced by the belief that some people are inferior because they belong to a particular race.\nYou have to acknowledge that we live in a racist society.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n  A racist is someone who is racist.\nHe has a hard core of support among white racists.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rack
Meaning:
rack  racks  racking  racked\n\n  The spelling wrack is also used, mainly for meanings 2 and 3, and mainly in old-fashioned or American English.\n\n1. A rack is a frame or shelf, usually with bars or hooks, that is used for holding things or for hanging things on.\nMy rucksack was too big for the luggage rack...\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N\n\n  see also roof rack, toast rack\n2. If someone is racked by something such as illness or anxiety, it causes them great suffering or pain.\nHis already infirm body was racked by high fever...\n...a teenager racked with guilt and anxiety.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed by/with n, V-ed\n\n  see also racking\n3. If you rack your brains, you try very hard to think of something.\nShe began to rack her brains to remember what had happened at the nursing home.\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect\n\n4. If you say that someone is on the rack, you mean that they are suffering either physically or mentally. (JOURNALISM)\nOnly a year ago, he was on the rack with a heroin addiction that began when he was 13.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v\n\n5. If you say that a place is going to rack and ruin, you are emphasizing that it is slowly becoming less attractive or less pleasant because no-one is bothering to look after it.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis\n\n6. Off-the-rack clothes or goods are made in large numbers, rather than being made specially for a particular person. (AM; in BRIT, use off-the-peg)\n...the same off-the-rack dress she’s been wearing since the night before...\n  PHRASE: PHR n, PHR after v


Words: rack up
Meaning:
rack up\n  If a business racks up profits, losses, or sales, it makes a lot of them. If a sportsman, sportswoman, or team racks up wins, they win a lot of matches or races.\nLower rates mean that firms are more likely to rack up profits in the coming months...\n  PHRASAL VERB: no passive, V P n (not pron)


Words: racket
Meaning:
rack.et\n   racket  rackets\n\n  The spelling racquet is also used for meaning 3.\n\n1. A racket is a loud unpleasant noise.\nHe makes such a racket I’m afraid he disturbs the neighbours...\n  N-SING\n\n2. You can refer to an illegal activity used to make money as a racket. (INFORMAL)\nA smuggling racket is killing thousands of exotic birds each year.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n3. A racket is an oval-shaped bat with strings across it. Rackets are used in tennis, squash, and badminton.\nTennis rackets and balls are provided.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N


Words: racketeer
Meaning:
rack.et.eer\n   racketeer  racketeers\n  A racketeer is someone who makes money from illegal activities such as threatening people or selling worthless, immoral, or illegal goods or services.\n  N-COUNT


Words: racketeering
Meaning:
rack.et.eer.ing\n   racketeering\n  Racketeering is making money from illegal activities such as threatening people or selling worthless, immoral, or illegal goods or services.\nEdwards was indicted on racketeering charges but never convicted.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: racking
Meaning:
rack.ing\n   racking\n  A racking pain or emotion is a distressing one which you feel very strongly.\nShe was now shaking with long, racking sobs.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  see also nerve-racking


Words: raconteur
Meaning:
rac.on.teur\n   raconteur  raconteurs\n  A raconteur is someone, usually a man, who can tell stories in an interesting or amusing way.\nHe spoke eight languages and was a noted raconteur.\n  N-COUNT


Words: racy
Meaning:
racy  racier  raciest\n  Racy writing or behaviour is lively, amusing, and slightly shocking.\n  ADJ


Words: radar
Meaning:
ra.dar\n   radar  radars\n  Radar is a way of discovering the position or speed of objects such as aircraft or ships when they cannot be seen, by using radio signals.\n  N-VAR: oft N n


Words: radial
Meaning:
ra.dial\n   radial  radials\n  Radial refers to the pattern that you get when straight lines are drawn from the centre of a circle to a number of points round the edge.\nThe white marble floors were inlaid in a radial pattern of brass.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: radiance
Meaning:
ra.di.ance\n   radiance\n1. Radiance is great happiness which shows in someone’s face and makes them look very attractive.\nShe has the vigour and radiance of someone young enough to be her grand-daughter...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N\n\n2. Radiance is a glowing light shining from something.\nThe dim bulb of the bedside lamp cast a soft radiance over his face.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N


Words: radiant
Meaning:
ra.di.ant\n   radiant\n1. Someone who is radiant is so happy that their happiness shows in their face.\nOn her wedding day the bride looked truly radiant.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  ra.di.ant.ly\nHe smiled radiantly and embraced her...\n  ADV\n\n2. Something that is radiant glows brightly.\nThe evening sun warms the old red brick wall to a radiant glow.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  ra.di.ant.ly\nThe sun was still shining radiantly.\n  ADV


Words: radiate
Meaning:
ra.di.ate\n   radiate  radiates  radiating  radiated\n1. If things radiate out from a place, they form a pattern that is like lines drawn from the centre of a circle to various points on its edge.\n...the various walks which radiate from the Heritage Centre...\nFrom here, contaminated air radiates out to the open countryside.\n  VERB: V from n, V prep/adv\n\n2. If you radiate an emotion or quality or if it radiates from you, people can see it very clearly in your face and in your behaviour.\nShe radiates happiness and health...\nHer voice hadn’t changed but I felt the anger that radiated from her.\n  VERB: V n, V from n\n\n3. If something radiates heat or light, heat or light comes from it.\nStoves are meant to radiate heat.\n  VERB: V n


Words: radiation
Meaning:
ra.dia.tion\n   radiation\n1. Radiation consists of very small particles of a radioactive substance. Large amounts of radiation can cause illness and death.\nThey suffer from health problems and fear the long term effects of radiation...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, oft N n\n\n2. Radiation is energy, especially heat, that comes from a particular source.\nThe satellite will study energy radiation from stars.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, usu with supp


Words: radiation sickness
Meaning:
ra.dia.tion sick.ness\n   radiation sickness\n  Radiation sickness is an illness that people get when they are exposed to too much radiation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: radiator
Meaning:
ra.dia.tor\n   radiator  radiators\n1. A radiator is a hollow metal device, usually connected by pipes to a central heating system, that is used to heat a room.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The radiator in a car is the part of the engine which is filled with water in order to cool the engine.\n  N-COUNT


Words: radical
Meaning:
radi.cal\n   radical  radicals\n1. Radical changes and differences are very important and great in degree.\nThe country needs a period of calm without more surges of radical change...\nThe Football League has announced its proposals for a radical reform of the way football is run in England.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = fundamental\n=>  radi.cal.ly\n...two large groups of people with radically different beliefs and cultures.\n  ADV\n  = fundamentally\n2. Radical people believe that there should be great changes in society and try to bring about these changes.\n...threats by left-wing radical groups to disrupt the proceedings.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=conservative\n  A radical is someone who has radical views.\n  N-COUNT


Words: radicalism
Meaning:
radi.cal.ism\n   radicalism\n  Radicalism is radical beliefs, ideas, or behaviour.\nJones himself was a curious mixture of radicalism and conservatism.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=conservatism


Words: radicalize
Meaning:
radi.cal.ize\n   radicalize  radicalizes  radicalizing  radicalized\nin BRIT, also use radicalise\n  If something radicalizes a process, situation, or person, it makes them more radical.\nHe says the opposition will radicalize its demands if these conditions aren’t met.\n...women radicalized by feminism...\nThe trial was a radicalizing experience for her.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed, V-ing\n\n=>  radi.cali.za.tion\n...the radicalization of the conservative right.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: radicchio
Meaning:
ra.dic.chio\n   radicchio\n  Radicchio is a vegetable with purple and white leaves that is usually eaten raw in salads.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: radio
Meaning:
ra.dio\n   radio  radios  radioing  radioed\n1. Radio is the broadcasting of programmes for the public to listen to, by sending out signals from a transmitter.\nThe announcement was broadcast on radio and television.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. You can refer to the programmes broadcast by radio stations as the radio.\nA lot of people tend to listen to the radio in the mornings...\n  N-SING: the N\n\n3. A radio is the piece of equipment that you use in order to listen to radio programmes.\nHe sat down in the armchair and turned on the radio.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. Radio is a system of sending sound over a distance by transmitting electrical signals.\nThey are in twice daily radio contact with the rebel leader.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n5. A radio is a piece of equipment that is used for sending and receiving messages.\n...the young constable who managed to raise the alarm on his radio...\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. If you radio someone, you send a message to them by radio.\nThe officer radioed for advice...\nA few minutes after take-off, the pilot radioed that a fire had broken out.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V that, also V n, V


Words: radio astronomy
Meaning:
ra.dio as.trono.my\n   radio astronomy\n  Radio astronomy is a branch of science in which radio telescopes are used to receive and analyse radio waves from space.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: radio cassette
Meaning:
ra.dio cas.sette\n   radio cassette  radio cassettes\n  A radio cassette is a radio and a cassette player together in a single machine. (BRIT)\n...a radio cassette player.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: radio telephone
Meaning:
ra.dio tele.phone\n   radio telephone  radio telephones\n  A radio telephone is a telephone which carries sound by sending radio signals rather than by using wires. Radio telephones are often used in cars.\n  N-COUNT


Words: radio telescope
Meaning:
ra.dio tele.scope\n   radio telescope  radio telescopes\n  A radio telescope is an instrument that receives radio waves from space and finds the position of stars and other objects in space.\n  N-COUNT


Words: radio-controlled
Meaning:
radio-controlled\n  A radio-controlled device works by receiving radio signals which operate it.\n...radio-controlled model planes.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: radioactive
Meaning:
radio.ac.tive\n   radioactive\n  Something that is radioactive contains a substance that produces energy in the form of powerful and harmful rays.\nThe government has been storing radioactive waste at Fernald for 50 years.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  radio.ac.tiv.ity\n...waste which is contaminated with low levels of radioactivity.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: radiocarbon
Meaning:
radio.car.bon\n   radiocarbon   also radio carbon\n  Radiocarbon is a type of carbon which is radioactive, and which therefore breaks up slowly at a regular rate. Its presence in an object can be measured in order to find out how old the object is.\nThe most frequently used method is radiocarbon dating.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: radiographer
Meaning:
ra.di.og.ra.pher\n   radiographer  radiographers\n  A radiographer is a person who is trained to take X-rays.\n  N-COUNT


Words: radiological
Meaning:
radio.logi.cal\n   radiological\n1. Radiological means relating to radiology.\n...patients subjected to extensive radiological examinations.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Radiological means relating to radioactive materials.\n...the National Radiological Protection Board’s guidelines for storing nuclear waste.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: radiologist
Meaning:
ra.di.olo.gist\n   radiologist  radiologists\n  A radiologist is a doctor who is trained in radiology.\n  N-COUNT


Words: radiology
Meaning:
ra.di.ol.ogy\n   radiology\n  Radiology is the branch of medical science that uses X-rays and radioactive substances to treat diseases.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: radiotherapist
Meaning:
radio.thera.pist\n   radiotherapist  radiotherapists\n  A radiotherapist is a person who treats diseases such as cancer by using radiation.\n  N-COUNT


Words: radiotherapy
Meaning:
radio.thera.py\n   radiotherapy\n  Radiotherapy is the treatment of diseases such as cancer by using radiation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: radish
Meaning:
rad.ish\n   radish  radishes\n  Radishes are small red or white vegetables that are the roots of a plant. They are eaten raw in salads.\n  N-VAR


Words: radium
Meaning:
ra.dium\n   radium\n  Radium is a radioactive element which is used in the treatment of cancer.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: radius
Meaning:
ra.dius\n   radius  radii\n1. The radius around a particular point is the distance from it in any direction.\nNigel has searched for work in a ten-mile radius around his home.\n  N-SING: with supp\n\n2. The radius of a circle is the distance from its centre to its outside edge.\nHe indicated a semicircle with a radius of about thirty miles.\n  N-COUNT


Words: RAF
Meaning:
RAF\n  The RAF is the air force of the United Kingdom. RAF is an abbreviation for `Royal Air Force’.\nAn RAF helicopter rescued the men after the boat began taking in water.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: raffia
Meaning:
raf.fia\n   raffia\n  Raffia is a fibre made from palm leaves. It is used to make mats and baskets.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: raffish
Meaning:
raff.ish\n   raffish\n  Raffish people and places are not very respectable but are attractive and stylish in spite of this. (WRITTEN)\nHe was handsome in a raffish kind of way...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: raffle
Meaning:
raf.fle\n   raffle  raffles  raffling  raffled\n1. A raffle is a competition in which you buy tickets with numbers on them. Afterwards some numbers are chosen, and if your ticket has one of these numbers on it, you win a prize.\nAny more raffle tickets? Twenty-five pence each or five for a pound.\n  N-COUNT\n  = lottery\n2. If someone raffles something, they give it as a prize in a raffle.\nDuring each show we will be raffling a fabulous prize.\n  VERB: V n


Words: raft
Meaning:
raft  rafts\n1. A raft is a floating platform made from large pieces of wood or other materials tied together.\n...a river trip on bamboo rafts through dense rainforest.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A raft is a small rubber or plastic boat that you blow air into to make it float.\nThe crew spent two days and nights in their raft.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also life raft\n3. A raft of people or things is a lot of them.\nHe has surrounded himself with a raft of advisers who are very radical...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, N of n\n  = host of


Words: rafter
Meaning:
raft.er\n   rafter  rafters\n  Rafters are the sloping pieces of wood that support a roof.\nFrom the rafters of the thatched roofs hung strings of dried onions and garlic.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: rafting
Meaning:
raft.ing\n   rafting\n  Rafting is the sport of travelling down a river on a raft.\n...water sports such as boating, fishing, and rafting.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rag
Meaning:
rag  rags\n1. A rag is a piece of old cloth which you can use to clean or wipe things.\nHe was wiping his hands on an oily rag.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Rags are old torn clothes.\nThere were men, women and small children, some dressed in rags.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n3. People refer to a newspaper as a rag when they have a poor opinion of it. (INFORMAL)\n`This man Tom works for a local rag,’ he said.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n4.\n  see also ragged\n5. You use rags to riches to describe the way in which someone quickly becomes very rich after they have been quite poor.\nHis was a rags-to-riches story and people admire that.\n  PHRASE\n\n6. If you describe something as a red rag to a bull, you mean that it is certain to make a particular person or group very angry. (mainly BRIT)\nThis sort of information is like a red rag to a bull for the tobacco companies.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, like PHR


Words: rag rug
Meaning:
rag rug  rag rugs\n  A rag rug is a small carpet made of old pieces of cloth stitched or woven together.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rag trade
Meaning:
rag trade\n  The rag trade is the business and industry of making and selling clothes, especially women’s clothes.\nThe rag trade is extremely competitive, and one needs plenty of contacts in order to survive.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: rag-and-bone man
Meaning:
rag-and-bone man  rag-and-bone men\n  A rag-and-bone man is a person who goes from street to street in a vehicle or with a horse and cart buying things such as old clothes and furniture. (BRIT; in AM, use junkman, junk dealer)\n  N-COUNT


Words: raga
Meaning:
raga  ragas\n  A raga is a piece of Indian music based on a traditional scale or pattern of notes which is also called a raga.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ragamuffin
Meaning:
raga.muf.fin\n   ragamuffin  ragamuffins\n  A ragamuffin is someone, especially a child, who is dirty and has torn clothes. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nThey looked like little ragamuffins.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ragbag
Meaning:
rag.bag\n   ragbag   also rag-bag\n  A ragbag of things is a group of things which do not have much in common with each other, but which are being considered together.\nThe government was still in effect a ragbag of Social Democrats and Liberals.\n  N-SING: usu N of n


Words: rage
Meaning:
rage  rages  raging  raged\n1. Rage is strong anger that is difficult to control.\nHe was red-cheeked with rage...\nI flew into a rage...\n  N-VAR\n  = fury\n2. You say that something powerful or unpleasant rages when it continues with great force or violence.\nTrain services were halted as the fire raged for more than four hours...\nThe war rages on and the time has come to take sides.\n  VERB: V, V on\n\n3. If you rage about something, you speak or think very angrily about it.\nMonroe was on the phone, raging about her mistreatment by the brothers...\nInside, Frannie was raging...\n`I can’t see it’s any of your business,’ he raged.\n  VERB: V about/against/at n, V, V with quote\n\n4. You can refer to the strong anger that someone feels in a particular situation as a particular rage, especially when this results in violent or aggressive behaviour.\nCabin crews are reporting up to nine cases of air rage a week.\n  N-UNCOUNT: n N\n\n  see also road rage\n5. When something is popular and fashionable, you can say that it is the rage or all the rage. (INFORMAL)\nThe 1950s look is all the rage at the moment.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n6.\n  see also raging


Words: ragga
Meaning:
rag.ga\n   ragga\n  Ragga is a style of pop music similar to rap music which began in the West Indies.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ragged
Meaning:
rag.ged\n   ragged\n1. Someone who is ragged looks untidy and is wearing clothes that are old and torn.\nThe five survivors eventually reached safety, ragged, half-starved and exhausted.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  rag.ged.ly\n...raggedly dressed children.\n  ADV: ADV -ed\n\n2. Ragged clothes are old and torn.\n  ADJ\n\n3. You can say that something is ragged when it is untidy or uneven.\nO’Brien formed the men into a ragged line.\n  ADJ\n  = uneven\n=>  rag.ged.ly\nSome people tried to sing, but their voices soon died raggedly away.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV -ed


Words: raggedy
Meaning:
rag.gedy\n   raggedy\n  People and things that are raggedy are dirty and untidy. Raggedy clothes are old and torn. (INFORMAL)\n...an old man in a raggedy topcoat.\n  ADJ


Words: raging
Meaning:
rag.ing\n   raging\n1. Raging water moves very forcefully and violently.\nThe field trip involved crossing a raging torrent.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Raging fire is very hot and fierce.\nAs he came closer he saw a gigantic wall of raging flame before him.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. Raging is used to describe things, especially bad things, that are very intense.\nIf raging inflation returns, then interest rates will shoot up...\nHe felt a raging thirst.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4.\n  see also rage


Words: ragout
Meaning:
ra.gout\n   ragout  ragouts\n  A ragout is a strongly flavoured stew of meat or vegetables or both.\n  N-VAR


Words: ragtag
Meaning:
rag.tag\n   ragtag   also rag-tag\n  If you want to say that a group of people or an organization is badly organized and not very respectable, you can describe it as a ragtag group or organization. (INFORMAL)\nWe started out with a little rag-tag team of 30 people.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: ragtime
Meaning:
rag.time\n   ragtime\n  Ragtime is a kind of jazz piano music that was invented in America in the early 1900s.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: raid
Meaning:
raid  raids  raiding  raided\n1. When soldiers raid a place, they make a sudden armed attack against it, with the aim of causing damage rather than occupying any of the enemy’s land.\nThe guerrillas raided banks and destroyed a police barracks and an electricity substation.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Raid is also a noun.\nThe rebels attempted a surprise raid on a military camp...\n  N-COUNT: oft N on/against n\n\n  see also air raid\n2. If the police raid a building, they enter it suddenly and by force in order to look for dangerous criminals or for evidence of something illegal, such as drugs or weapons.\nFraud squad officers raided the firm’s offices.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Raid is also a noun.\nThey were arrested early this morning after a raid on a house by thirty armed police.\n  N-COUNT: oft N on n\n\n3. If someone raids a building or place, they enter it by force in order to steal something. (BRIT)\nA 19-year-old man has been found guilty of raiding a bank.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Raid is also a noun.\n...an armed raid on a small Post Office...\n  N-COUNT: oft N on n\n\n4. If you raid the fridge or the larder, you take food from it to eat instead of a meal or in between meals. (INFORMAL)\nShe made her way to the kitchen to raid the fridge.\n  VERB: V n


Words: raider
Meaning:
raid.er\n   raider  raiders\n1. Raiders are people who enter a building or place by force in order to steal something. (BRIT)\nThe raiders escaped with cash and jewellery.\n  N-COUNT\n  = robber\n2.\n  see also corporate raider


Words: rail
Meaning:
rail  rails  railing  railed\n1. A rail is a horizontal bar attached to posts or fixed round the edge of something as a fence or support.\nShe gripped the hand rail in the lift.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N\n\n2. A rail is a horizontal bar that you hang things on.\nThis pair of curtains will fit a rail up to 7ft 6in wide.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Rails are the steel bars which trains run on.\nThe train left the rails but somehow forced its way back onto the line.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = track\n4. If you travel or send something by rail, you travel or send it on a train.\nThe president traveled by rail to his home town.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n5. If you rail against something, you criticize it loudly and angrily. (WRITTEN)\nHe railed against hypocrisy and greed...\n  VERB: V against/at n\n\n6.\n  see also railing\n7. If something is back on the rails, it is beginning to be successful again after a period when it almost failed. (JOURNALISM)\nThey are keen to get the negotiating process back on the rails...\n  PHRASE\n\n8. If someone goes off the rails, they start to behave in a way that other people think is unacceptable or very strange, for example they start taking drugs or breaking the law.\nThey’ve got to do something about these children because clearly they’ve gone off the rails.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: railcard
Meaning:
rail.card\n   railcard  railcards\n  A railcard is an identity card that allows people to buy train tickets cheaply. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: railing
Meaning:
rail.ing\n   railing  railings\n1. A fence made from metal bars is called a railing or railings.\nHe walked out on to the balcony where he rested his arms on the railing.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2.\n  see also rail


Words: railroad
Meaning:
rail.road\n   railroad  railroads  railroading  railroaded\n1. A railroad is a route between two places along which trains travel on steel rails. (AM; in BRIT, use railway)\n...railroad tracks that led to nowhere...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A railroad is a company or organization that operates railway routes. (AM; in BRIT, use railway)\n...The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you railroad someone into doing something, you make them do it although they do not really want to, by hurrying them and putting pressure on them.\nHe more or less railroaded the rest of Europe into recognising the new `independent’ states...\nHe railroaded the reforms through.\n  VERB: V n into n/-ing, V n through


Words: railway
Meaning:
rail.way\n   railway  railways\n1. A railway is a route between two places along which trains travel on steel rails. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use railroad)\nThe road ran beside a railway.\n...a disused railway line.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A railway is a company or organization that operates railway routes. (BRIT; in AM, use railroad)\n...the state-owned French railway.\n...the privatisation of the railways.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A railway is the system and network of tracks that trains travel on. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: railwayman
Meaning:
rail.way.man\n   railwayman  railwaymen\n  Railwaymen are men who work for the railway. (BRIT; in AM, use rail workers, railroad workers)\n  N-COUNT


Words: raiment
Meaning:
rai.ment\n   raiment  raiments\n  Raiment is clothing. (LITERARY)\nI want nothing but raiment and daily bread.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: rain
Meaning:
rain  rains  raining  rained\n1. Rain is water that falls from the clouds in small drops.\nI hope you didn’t get soaked standing out in the rain...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also the N\n\n2. In countries where rain only falls in certain seasons, this rain is referred to as the rains.\n...the spring, when the rains came...\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N\n\n3. When rain falls, you can say that it is raining.\nIt was raining hard, and she hadn’t an umbrella.\n  VERB: it V\n\n4. If someone rains blows, kicks, or bombs on a person or place, the person or place is attacked by many blows, kicks, or bombs. You can also say that blows, kicks, or bombs rain on a person or place.\nThe police, raining blows on rioters and spectators alike, cleared the park...\nRockets, mortars and artillery rounds rained on buildings.\n  VERB: V n on n, V on n\n\n  Rain down means the same as rain.\nFighter aircraft rained down high explosives...\nGrenades and mortars rained down on Dubrovnik.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P on n\n\n5. If you say that someone does something rain or shine, you mean that they do it regularly, without being affected by the weather or other circumstances.\nFrances took her daughter walking every day, rain or shine.\n  PHRASE


Words: rain check
Meaning:
rain check  rain checks\n1. If you say you will take a rain check on an offer or suggestion, you mean that you do not want to accept it now, but you might accept it at another time.\nCan I take a rain check on that?\n  N-SING\n\n2. A rain check is a free ticket that is given to people when an outdoor game or event is stopped because of rain or bad weather, so that they can go to it when it is held again. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rain off
Meaning:
rain off\n  If a sports game is rained off, it has to stop, or it is not able to start, because of rain. (BRIT; in AM, use rain out)\nMost of the games have been rained off.\n...a rained-off cricket match.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V-ed P


Words: rain out
Meaning:
rain out\n  If a sports game is rained out, it has to stop, or it is not able to start, because of rain. (AM; in BRIT, use rain off)\nSaturday’s game was rained out.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P


Words: rain-swept
Meaning:
rain-swept   also rainswept\n  A rain-swept place is a place where it is raining heavily.\nHe looked up and down the rain-swept street.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: rainbow
Meaning:
rain.bow\n   rainbow  rainbows\n  A rainbow is an arch of different colours that you can sometimes see in the sky when it is raining.\n...silk brocade of every colour of the rainbow.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rainfall
Meaning:
rain.fall\n   rainfall  rainfalls\n  Rainfall is the amount of rain that falls in a place during a particular period.\nThere have been four years of below average rainfall.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: rainforest
Meaning:
rain.for.est\n   rainforest  rainforests\nin AM, also use rain forest\n  A rainforest is a thick forest of tall trees which is found in tropical areas where there is a lot of rain.\n  N-VAR


Words: rainstorm
Meaning:
rain.storm\n   rainstorm  rainstorms\n  A rainstorm is a fall of very heavy rain.\nHis car collided with another car during a heavy rainstorm.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rainy
Meaning:
rainy  rainier  rainiest\n1. During a rainy day, season, or period it rains a lot.\nThe rainy season in the Andes normally starts in December.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you say that you are saving something, especially money, for a rainy day, you mean that you are saving it until a time in the future when you might need it.\nI’ll put the rest in the bank for a rainy day.\n  PHRASE


Words: raise
Meaning:
raise  raises  raising  raised\n1. If you raise something, you move it so that it is in a higher position.\nHe raised his hand to wave...\nMilton raised the glass to his lips.\n...a small raised platform.\n  VERB: V n, V n prep/adv, V-ed\n\n2. If you raise a flag, you display it by moving it up a pole or into a high place where it can be seen.\nThey had raised the white flag in surrender...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you raise yourself, you lift your body so that you are standing up straight, or so that you are no longer lying flat.\nHe raised himself into a sitting position...\n  VERB: V pron-refl\n  = lift\n4. If you raise the rate or level of something, you increase it.\nThe Republic of Ireland is expected to raise interest rates...\n...a raised body temperature.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  = increase\n5. To raise the standard of something means to improve it.\n...a new drive to raise standards of literacy in Britain’s schools.\n  VERB: V n\n  = improve\n6. If you raise your voice, you speak more loudly, usually because you are angry.\nDon’t you raise your voice to me, Henry Rollins!...\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. A raise is an increase in your wages or salary. (AM; in BRIT, use rise)\nWithin two months Kelly got a raise.\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. If you raise money for a charity or an institution, you ask people for money which you collect on its behalf.\n...events held to raise money for Help the Aged...\n  VERB: V n for n\n\n9. If a person or company raises money that they need, they manage to get it, for example by selling their property or by borrowing.\nThey raised the money to buy the house and two hundred acres of grounds.\n  VERB: V n\n\n10. If an event raises a particular emotion or question, it makes people feel the emotion or consider the question.\nThe agreement has raised hopes that the war may end soon...\nThe accident again raises questions about the safety of the plant.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n11. If you raise a subject, an objection, or a question, you mention it or bring it to someone’s attention.\nHe had been consulted and had raised no objections.\n  VERB: V n\n\n12. Someone who raises a child looks after it until it is grown up.\nMy mother was an amazing woman. She raised four of us kids virtually singlehandedly.\n  VERB: V n\n  = bring up\n13. If someone raises a particular type of animal or crop, they breed that type of animal or grow that type of crop.\nHe raises 2,000 acres of wheat and hay.\n  VERB: V n\n\n14.\nto raise the alarm: see alarm\nto raise your eyebrows: see eyebrow\nto raise a finger: see finger\nto raise hell: see hell\nto raise a laugh: see laugh\nto raise the roof: see roof


Words: raison d’etre
Meaning:
rai.son d’etre\n   raison d’etre   also raison d’etre\n  A person’s or organization’s raison d’etre is the most important reason for them existing in the way that they do.\n...a debate about the raison d’etre of the armed forces.\n  N-SING: usu with poss


Words: Raj
Meaning:
Raj\n  The British Raj was the period of British rule in India which ended in 1947.\n...Indian living conditions under the Raj.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: rake
Meaning:
rake  rakes  raking  raked\n1. A rake is a garden tool consisting of a row of metal or wooden teeth attached to a long handle. You can use a rake to make the earth smooth and level before you put plants in, or to gather leaves together.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you rake a surface, you move a rake across it in order to make it smooth and level.\nRake the soil, press the seed into it, then cover it lightly...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you rake leaves or ashes, you move them somewhere using a rake or a similar tool.\nI watched the men rake leaves into heaps...\n  VERB: V n adv/prep


Words: rake in
Meaning:
rake in\n  If you say that someone is raking in money, you mean that they are making a lot of money very easily, more easily than you think they should. (INFORMAL)\nThe privatisation allowed companies to rake in huge profits.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: rake over
Meaning:
rake over\n  If you say that someone is raking over something that has been said, done, or written in the past, you mean that they are examining and discussing it in detail, in a way that you do not think is very pleasant.\nNobody wanted to rake over his past history.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: rake up
Meaning:
rake up\n  If someone is raking up something unpleasant or embarrassing that happened in the past, they are talking about it when you would prefer them not to mention it.\nRaking up the past won’t help anyone.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = drag up


Words: rake-off
Meaning:
rake-off  rake-offs\n  If someone who has helped to arrange a business deal takes or gets a rake-off, they illegally or unfairly take a share of the profits. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = cut


Words: raked
Meaning:
raked\n  A raked stage or other surface is sloping, for example so that all the audience can see more clearly.\nThe action takes place on a steeply raked stage.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: rakish
Meaning:
rak.ish\n   rakish\n  A rakish person or appearance is stylish in a confident, bold way.\n...a soft-brimmed hat which he wore at a rakish angle.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  rak.ish.ly\n...a hat cocked rakishly over one eye.\n  ADV


Words: rally
Meaning:
ral.ly\n   rally  rallies  rallying  rallied\n1. A rally is a large public meeting that is held in order to show support for something such as a political party.\nAbout three thousand people held a rally to mark international human rights day...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When people rally to something or when something rallies them, they unite to support it.\nHis supporters have rallied to his defence...\nHe rallied his own supporters for a fight.\n  VERB: V to n, V n\n\n3. When someone or something rallies, they begin to recover or improve after having been weak.\nHe rallied enough to thank his doctors...\n  VERB: V\n  = recover\n  Rally is also a noun.\nAfter a brief rally the shares returned to 126p.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n  = recovery\n4. A rally is a competition in which vehicles are driven over public roads.\n...an accomplished rally driver.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n5. A rally in tennis, badminton, or squash is a continuous series of shots that the players exchange without stopping.\n...a long rally.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rally around
Meaning:
rally around\n  When people rally around or rally round, they work as a group in order to support someone or something at a difficult time. (in BRIT, also use rally round)\nSo many people have rallied round to help the family...\nConnie’s friends rallied round her.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P n


Words: rallying cry
Meaning:
ral.ly.ing cry\n   rallying cry  rallying cries\n  A rallying cry or rallying call is something such as a word or phrase, an event, or a belief which encourages people to unite and to act in support of a particular group or idea.\n...an issue that is fast becoming a rallying cry for many Democrats: national health care.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rallying point
Meaning:
ral.ly.ing point\n   rallying point  rallying points\n  A rallying point is a place, event, or person that people are attracted to as a symbol of a political group or ideal.\nStudents used the death of political activists as a rallying point for anti-government protests.\n  N-COUNT\n  = focus


Words: RAM
Meaning:
RAM\n  RAM is the part of a computer in which information is stored while you are using it. RAM is an abbreviation for `Random Access Memory’. (COMPUTING)\n...a PC with 256k RAM minimum...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ram
Meaning:
ram  rams  ramming  rammed\n1. If a vehicle rams something such as another vehicle, it crashes into it with a lot of force, usually deliberately.\nThe thieves fled, ramming the policeman’s car...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you ram something somewhere, you push it there with great force.\nHe rammed the key into the lock and kicked the front door open.\n  VERB: V n adv/prep\n\n3. A ram is an adult male sheep.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4.\n  see also battering ram\n5. If something rams home a message or a point, it makes it clear in a way that is very forceful and that people are likely to listen to.\nThe report by Marks & Spencer’s chairman will ram this point home...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\nto ram something down someone’s throat: see throat


Words: ram-raid
Meaning:
ram-raid  ram-raids  ram-raiding  ram-raided\n1. A ram-raid is the crime of using a car to drive into and break a shop window in order to steal things from the shop. (BRIT)\nA shop in Station Road was the target of a ram-raid early yesterday.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If people ram-raid, they use a car to drive into and break a shop window in order to steal things from the shop. (BRIT)\nThe kids who are joyriding and ram-raiding are unemployed.\n  VERB: V, also V n\n\n=>  ram-raider      ram-raiders\nRam-raiders smashed their way into a high-class store.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Ramadan
Meaning:
Rama.dan\n   Ramadan\n  Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year, when Muslims do not eat between the rising and setting of the sun. During Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the fact that it was in this month that God first revealed the words of the Quran to Mohammed.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ramble
Meaning:
ram.ble\n   ramble  rambles  rambling  rambled\n1. A ramble is a long walk in the countryside.\n...an hour’s ramble through the woods.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you ramble, you go on a long walk in the countryside.\n...freedom to ramble across the moors.\n  VERB: V adv/prep\n\n3. If you say that a person rambles in their speech or writing, you mean they do not make much sense because they keep going off the subject in a confused way.\nSometimes she spoke sensibly; sometimes she rambled...\n  VERB: V


Words: ramble on
Meaning:
ramble on\n  If you say that someone is rambling on, you mean that they have been talking for a long time in a boring and rather confused way.\nShe only half-listened as Ella rambled on...\nHe stood in my kitchen drinking beer, rambling on about Lillian.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P about n


Words: rambler
Meaning:
ram.bler\n   rambler  ramblers\n  A rambler is a person whose hobby is going on long walks in the countryside, often as part of an organized group. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rambling
Meaning:
ram.bling\n   rambling\n1. A rambling building is big and old with an irregular shape.\n...that rambling house and its bizarre contents.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe a speech or piece of writing as rambling, you are criticizing it for being too long and very confused.\nHis actions were accompanied by a rambling monologue...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: ramblings
Meaning:
ram.blings\n   ramblings\n  If you describe a speech or piece of writing as someone’s ramblings, you are saying that it is meaningless because the person who said or wrote it was very confused or insane.\nThe official dismissed the speech as the ramblings of a desperate lunatic.\n  N-PLURAL: usu with poss  disapproval


Words: rambunctious
Meaning:
ram.bunc.tious\n   rambunctious\n  A rambunctious person is energetic in a cheerful, noisy way. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use rumbustious)\n...a very rambunctious and energetic class.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = boisterous


Words: ramekin
Meaning:
ram.ekin\n   ramekin  ramekins\n  A ramekin or a ramekin dish is a small dish in which food for one person can be baked in the oven.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ramification
Meaning:
rami.fi.ca.tion\n   ramification  ramifications\n  The ramifications of a decision, plan, or event are all its consequences and effects, especially ones which are not obvious at first.\nThe book analyses the social and political ramifications of AIDS for the gay community.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft with poss


Words: ramp
Meaning:
ramp  ramps\n  A ramp is a sloping surface between two places that are at different levels.\nLillian was coming down the ramp from the museum.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rampage
Meaning:
ram.page\n   rampage rampages  rampaging  rampaged\nPronounced   for meaning 1, and   for meaning 2.\n1. When people or animals rampage through a place, they rush about there in a wild or violent way, causing damage or destruction.\nHundreds of youths rampaged through the town, shop windows were smashed and cars overturned...\nHe used a sword to try to defend his shop from a rampaging mob.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V-ing\n\n2. If people go on the rampage, they rush about in a wild or violent way, causing damage or destruction.\nThe prisoners went on the rampage destroying everything in their way.\n  PHRASE: v PHR, v-link PHR


Words: rampant
Meaning:
ram.pant\n   rampant\n  If you describe something bad, such as a crime or disease, as rampant, you mean that it is very common and is increasing in an uncontrolled way.\nInflation is rampant and industry in decline.\n  ADJ


Words: rampart
Meaning:
ram.part\n   rampart  ramparts\n  The ramparts of a castle or city are the earth walls, often with stone walls on them, that were built to protect it.\n...a walk along the ramparts of the Old City.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: ramrod
Meaning:
ram.rod\n   ramrod  ramrods\n1. A ramrod is a long, thin rod which can be used for pushing something into a narrow tube. Ramrods were used, for example, for forcing an explosive substance down the barrel of an old-fashioned gun, or for cleaning the barrel of a gun.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone sits or stands like a ramrod or straight as a ramrod, they have a very straight back and appear rather stiff and formal.\n...a woman with iron grey hair, high cheekbones and a figure like a ramrod.\n  PHRASE\n\n3. If someone has a ramrod back or way of standing, they have a very straight back and hold themselves in a rather stiff and formal way.\nI don’t have the ramrod posture I had when I was in the Navy.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Ramrod is also an adverb.\nAt 75, she’s still ramrod straight.\n  ADV: ADV adj


Words: ramshackle
Meaning:
ram.shack.le\n   ramshackle\n1. A ramshackle building is badly made or in bad condition, and looks as if it is likely to fall down.\nThey entered the shop, which was a curious ramshackle building.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A ramshackle system, union, or collection of things has been put together without much thought and is not likely to work very well.\nThey joined with a ramshackle alliance of other rebels.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: ranch
Meaning:
ranch  ranches\n  A ranch is a large farm used for raising animals, especially cattle, horses, or sheep.\nHe lives on a cattle ranch in Australia.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also dude ranch


Words: rancher
Meaning:
ranch.er\n   rancher  ranchers\n  A rancher is someone who owns or manages a large farm, especially one used for raising cattle, horses, or sheep.\n...a cattle rancher.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ranching
Meaning:
ranch.ing\n   ranching\n  Ranching is the activity of running a large farm, especially one used for raising cattle, horses, or sheep.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rancid
Meaning:
ran.cid\n   rancid\n  If butter, bacon, or other oily foods are rancid, they have gone bad and taste old and unpleasant.\nButter is perishable and can go rancid.\n  ADJ


Words: rancorous
Meaning:
ran.cor.ous\n   rancorous\n  A rancorous argument or person is full of bitterness and anger. (FORMAL)\nThe deal ended after a series of rancorous disputes.\n  ADJ\n  = acrimonious


Words: rancour
Meaning:
ran.cour\n   rancour\nin AM, use rancor\n  Rancour is a feeling of bitterness and anger. (FORMAL)\n`That’s too bad,’ Teddy said without rancour.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rand
Meaning:
rand  rands  or rand\n  The rand is the unit of currency used in South Africa.\n...12 million rand.\n  N-COUNT: usu num N\n\n  The rand is also used to refer to the South African currency system.\nThe rand slumped by 22% against the dollar.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: random
Meaning:
ran.dom\n   random\n1. A random sample or method is one in which all the people or things involved have an equal chance of being chosen.\nThe survey used a random sample of two thousand people across England and Wales...\nThe competitors will be subject to random drug testing.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  ran.dom.ly\n...interviews with a randomly selected sample of thirty girls aged between 13 and 18.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you describe events as random, you mean that they do not seem to follow a definite plan or pattern.\n...random violence against innocent victims...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  ran.dom.ly\n...drinks and magazines left scattered randomly around.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. If you choose people or things at random, you do not use any particular method, so they all have an equal chance of being chosen.\nWe received several answers, and we picked one at random.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n4. If something happens at random, it happens without a definite plan or pattern.\nThree black people were killed by shots fired at random from a minibus.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: randomize
Meaning:
ran.dom.ize\n   randomize  randomizes  randomizing  randomized\nin BRIT, also use randomise\n  If you randomize the events or people in scientific experiments or academic research, you use a method that gives them all an equal chance of happening or being chosen. (TECHNICAL)\nThe wheel is designed with obstacles in the ball’s path to randomise its movement...\nProperly randomized studies are only now being completed.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: randy
Meaning:
randy  randier  randiest\n  Someone who is randy is sexually excited and eager to have sex. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nIt was extremely hot and I was feeling rather randy.\n  ADJ\n  = horny


Words: range
Meaning:
range  ranges  ranging  ranged\n1. A range of things is a number of different things of the same general kind.\nA wide range of colours and patterns are available...\nThe two men discussed a range of issues...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n\n\n2. A range is the complete group that is included between two points on a scale of measurement or quality.\nThe average age range is between 35 and 55.\n...properties available in the price range they are looking for.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft n N\n\n3. The range of something is the maximum area in which it can reach things or detect things.\nThe 120mm mortar has a range of 18,000 yards...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n4. If things range between two points or range from one point to another, they vary within these points on a scale of measurement or quality.\nThey range in price from $3 to $15.\n...offering merchandise ranging from the everyday to the esoteric.\n...temperatures ranging between 5.C and 20.C.\n  VERB: V from amount to amount, V from n to n, V between pl-amount\n\n5. A range of mountains or hills is a line of them.\n...the massive mountain ranges to the north.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n6. A rifle range or a shooting range is a place where people can practise shooting at targets.\nIt reminds me of my days on the rifle range preparing for duty in Vietnam.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n\n7. A range or kitchen range is an old-fashioned metal cooker. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n8. A range or kitchen range is a large metal device for cooking food using gas or electricity. A range consists of a grill, an oven, and some gas or electric rings. (AM; in BRIT, usually use cooker)\n  N-COUNT\n\n9.\n  see also free-range\n10. If something is in range or within range, it is near enough to be reached or detected. If it is out of range, it is too far away to be reached or detected.\nCars are driven through the mess, splashing everyone in range.\n...a base within range of enemy missiles...\nThe fish stayed 50 yards offshore, well out of range.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n11. If you see or hit something at close range or from close range, you are very close to it when you see it or hit it. If you do something at a range of half a mile, for example, you are half a mile away from it when you do it.\nHe was shot in the head at close range...\nThe enemy opened fire at a range of only 20 yards.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: rangefinder
Meaning:
range.finder\n   rangefinder  rangefinders\n  A rangefinder is an instrument, usually part of a camera or a piece of military equipment, that measures the distance between things that are far away from each other.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ranger
Meaning:
rang.er\n   ranger  rangers\n  A ranger is a person whose job is to look after a forest or large park.\nBill Justice is a park ranger at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rangy
Meaning:
rangy\n  If you describe a person or animal as rangy, you mean that they have long, thin, powerful legs. (WRITTEN)\n...a tall, rangy, redheaded girl.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = long-legged


Words: rank
Meaning:
rank  ranks  ranking  ranked  ranker rankest\n1. Someone’s rank is the position or grade that they have in an organization.\nHe eventually rose to the rank of captain...\nThe former head of counter-intelligence had been stripped of his rank and privileges.\n  N-VAR: with supp\n\n2. Someone’s rank is the social class, especially the high social class, that they belong to. (FORMAL)\nHe must be treated as a hostage of high rank, not as a common prisoner.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n3. If an official organization ranks someone or something 1st, 5th, or 50th, for example, they calculate that the person or thing has that position on a scale. You can also say that someone or something ranks 1st, 5th, or 50th, for example.\nThe report ranks the UK 20th out of 22 advanced nations...\n...the only British woman to be ranked in the top 50 of the women’s world rankings...\nMr Short does not even rank in the world’s top ten.\n  VERB: V n ord in/out of n, be V-ed in n, V in/among n\n\n4. If you say that someone or something ranks high or low on a scale or if you rank them high or low, you are saying how good or important you think they are.\nHis prices rank high among those of other contemporary photographers...\nInvestors ranked South Korea high among Asian nations...\nSt Petersburg’s night life ranks as more exciting than the capital’s...\n18 per cent of women ranked sex as very important in their lives...\nThe Ritz-Carlton in Aspen has to rank as one of the most extraordinary hotels I have ever been to...\n  VERB: V adj among n, V n adj among n, V as adj, V n as adj, V as n\n\n5. The ranks of a group or organization are the people who belong to it.\nThere were some misgivings within the ranks of the media too...\n  N-PLURAL: with supp\n\n6. The ranks are the ordinary members of an organization, especially of the armed forces.\nMost store managers have worked their way up through the ranks.\n  N-PLURAL: the N, oft prep N\n\n7. A rank of people or things is a row of them.\nRanks of police in riot gear stood nervously by...\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n8. A taxi rank is a place on a city street where taxis park when they are available for hire. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use stand)\nThe man led the way to the taxi rank...\n  N-COUNT\n\n9. You can use rank to emphasize a bad or undesirable quality that exists in an extreme form. (FORMAL)\nHe called it `rank hypocrisy’ that the government was now promoting equal rights.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n  = sheer\n10. You can describe something as rank when it has a strong and unpleasant smell. (OLD-FASHIONED, WRITTEN)\nThe kitchen was rank with the smell of drying uniforms.\n...the rank smell of unwashed clothes.\n  ADJ\n\n11. If you say that a member of a group or organization breaks ranks, you mean that they disobey the instructions of their group or organization.\nBritain appears unlikely to break ranks with other members of the European Union.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n12. If you say that the members of a group close ranks, you mean that they are supporting each other only because their group is being criticized.\nInstitutions tend to close ranks when a member has been accused of misconduct.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n13. If you experience something, usually something bad, that other people have experienced, you can say that you have joined their ranks.\nLast month, 370,000 Americans joined the ranks of the unemployed...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n14. If you say that someone in authority pulls rank, you mean that they unfairly force other people to do what they want because of their higher rank or position.\nThe Captain pulled rank and made his sergeant row the entire way.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  disapproval


Words: rank and file
Meaning:
rank and file\n  The rank and file are the ordinary members of an organization or the ordinary workers in a company, as opposed to its leaders or managers. (JOURNALISM)\nThere was widespread support for him among the rank and file...\n  N-SING: usu the N


Words: ranking
Meaning:
rank.ing\n   ranking  rankings\n1. In many sports, the list of the best players made by an official organization is called the rankings.\n...the 25 leading teams in the world rankings...\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n\n2. Someone’s ranking is their position in an official list of the best players of a sport.\nAgassi was playing well above his world ranking of 12.\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss\n\n3. The ranking member of a group, usually a political group, is the most senior person in it. (AM)\n...the ranking Republican on the senate intelligence committee.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: rankle
Meaning:
ran.kle\n   rankle  rankles  rankling  rankled\n  If an event or situation rankles, it makes you feel angry or bitter afterwards, because you think it was unfair or wrong.\nThey paid him only .10 for it and it really rankled...\nBritain’s refusal to sell Portugal arms in 1937 still rankled with him...\nThe only thing that rankles me is what she says about Ireland.\n  VERB: V, V with n, V n


Words: ransack
Meaning:
ran.sack\n   ransack  ransacks  ransacking  ransacked\n  If people ransack a building, they damage things in it or make it very untidy, often because they are looking for something in a quick and careless way.\nDemonstrators ransacked and burned the house where he was staying...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  ran.sack.ing\n...the ransacking of the opposition party’s offices.\n  N SING: the N of n


Words: ransom
Meaning:
ran.som\n   ransom  ransoms  ransoming  ransomed\n1. A ransom is the money that has to be paid to someone so that they will set free a person they have kidnapped.\nHer kidnapper successfully extorted a .175,000 ransom for her release...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you ransom someone who has been kidnapped, you pay the money to set them free.\nThe same system was used for ransoming or exchanging captives.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If a kidnapper is holding someone to ransom or holding them ransom in British English, or is holding a person for ransom in American English, they keep that person prisoner until they are given what they want\nHe is charged with kidnapping a businessman last year and holding him for ransom...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n4. If you say that someone is holding you to ransom in British English, or holding you for ransom in American English, you mean that they are using their power to try to force you to do something which you do not want to do.\nUnison and the other unions have the power to hold the Government to ransom.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  disapproval


Words: rant
Meaning:
rant  rants  ranting  ranted\n1. If you say that someone rants, you mean that they talk loudly or angrily, and exaggerate or say foolish things.\nAs the boss began to rant, I stood up and went out...\nEven their three dogs got bored and fell asleep as he ranted on...\n`Let’s get it over and done with, and to hell with them,’ he ranted.\n  VERB: V, V on, V with quote\n\n  Rant is also a noun.\nPart I is a rant against organised religion.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  rant.ing      rantings\nHe had been listening to Goldstone’s rantings all night...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you say that someone rants and raves, you mean that they talk loudly and angrily in an uncontrolled way.\nI don’t rant and rave or throw tea cups.\n  PHRASE: Vs inflect  disapproval


Words: rap
Meaning:
rap  raps  rapping  rapped\n1. Rap is a type of music in which the words are not sung but are spoken in a rapid, rhythmic way.\nHer favorite music was by Run DMC, a rap group.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. Someone who raps performs rap music.\n...the unexpected pleasure of hearing the Kids not only rap but even sing...\n  VERB: V\n\n3. A rap is a piece of music performed in rap style, or the words that are used in it.\nEvery member contributes to the rap, singing either solo or as part of a rap chorus.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you rap on something or rap it, you hit it with a series of quick blows.\nMary Ann turned and rapped on Simon’s door.\n...rapping the glass with the knuckles of his right hand...\nA guard raps his stick on a metal hand rail.\n  VERB: V on n, V n, V n on n\n\n  Rap is also a noun.\nThere was a sharp rap on the door.\n  N-COUNT: usu N on n\n\n5. A rap is a statement in a court of law that someone has committed a particular crime, or the punishment for committing it. (AM INFORMAL)\nYou’ll be facing a Federal rap for aiding and abetting an escaped convict.\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N for n/-ing\n\n6. A rap is an act of criticizing or blaming someone. (JOURNALISM)\nFA chiefs could still face a rap and a possible fine...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n7. If you rap someone for something, you criticize or blame them for it. (JOURNALISM)\nWater industry chiefs were rapped yesterday for failing their customers...\n  VERB: V n for/over n\n\n8. The rap about someone or something is their reputation, often a bad reputation which they do not deserve. (AM INFORMAL)\nThe rap on this guy is that he doesn’t really care...\n  N-SING: usu with supp\n\n9. If someone in authority raps your knuckles or raps you on the knuckles, they criticize you or blame you for doing something they think is wrong. (JOURNALISM)\nI joined the workers on strike and was rapped over the knuckles...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n10. If someone in authority gives you a rap on the knuckles, they criticize you or blame you for doing something they think is wrong. (JOURNALISM)\nThe remark earned him a rap on the knuckles...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n11. If you take the rap, you are blamed or punished for something, especially something that is not your fault or for which other people are equally guilty. (INFORMAL)\nWhen the client was murdered, his wife took the rap, but did she really do it?\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: rapacious
Meaning:
ra.pa.cious\n   rapacious\n  If you describe a person or their behaviour as rapacious, you disapprove of their greedy or selfish behaviour. (FORMAL)\n...a rapacious exploitation policy.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: rapacity
Meaning:
ra.pac.ity\n   rapacity\n  Rapacity is very greedy or selfish behaviour. (FORMAL)\nHe argued that the overcrowded cities were the product of a system based on `selfishness’ and `rapacity’.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss  disapproval


Words: rape
Meaning:
rape  rapes  raping  raped\n1. If someone is raped, they are forced to have sex, usually by violence or threats of violence.\nA young woman was brutally raped in her own home...\nThey’d held him down and raped him.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n2. Rape is the crime of forcing someone to have sex.\nAlmost ninety per cent of all rapes and violent assaults went unreported.\n  N-VAR\n\n3. The rape of an area or of a country is the destruction or spoiling of it. (LITERARY)\nAs a result of the rape of the forests, parts of the country are now short of water.\n  N-SING: the N of n\n\n4.\n  see also date rape, gang rape, oilseed rape


Words: rapid
Meaning:
rap.id\n   rapid\n1. A rapid change is one that happens very quickly.\n...the country’s rapid economic growth in the 1980’s...\n...the rapid decline in the birth rate in Western Europe.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  rap.id.ly\n...countries with rapidly growing populations...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj\n  = fast\n=>  ra.pid.ity\n...the rapidity with which the weather can change.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = speed\n2. A rapid movement is one that is very fast.\nHe walked at a rapid pace along Charles Street.\n...whether the Tunnel will provide more rapid car transport than ferries...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  rap.id.ly\nHe was moving rapidly around the room...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = quickly\n=>  ra.pid.ity\nThe water rushed through the holes with great rapidity.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = speed


Words: rapid transit
Meaning:
rap.id trans.it\n   rapid transit\n  A rapid transit system is a transport system in a city which allows people to travel quickly, using trains that run underground or above the streets.\n...a rapid transit link with the City and London’s underground system...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: rapid-fire
Meaning:
rapid-fire\n1. A rapid-fire gun is one that shoots a lot of bullets very quickly, one after the other.\nIn the back of the truck was a 12.7 millimeter rapid-fire machine gun.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. A rapid-fire conversation or speech is one in which people talk or reply very quickly.\nYul listened to their sophisticated, rapid-fire conversation.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. A rapid-fire economic activity or development is one that takes place very quickly. (mainly AM JOURNALISM)\n...the rapid-fire buying and selling of stocks...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: rapids
Meaning:
rap.ids\n   rapids\n  Rapids are a section of a river where the water moves very fast, often over rocks.\nHis canoe was there, on the river below the rapids.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: rapier
Meaning:
ra.pi.er\n   rapier  rapiers\n1. A rapier is a very thin sword with a long sharp point.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone has a rapier wit, you mean that they are very intelligent and quick at making clever comments or jokes in a conversation.\nJulie Burchill is famous for her precocity and rapier wit.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: rapist
Meaning:
rap.ist\n   rapist  rapists\n  A rapist is a man who has raped someone.\nThe convicted murderer and rapist is scheduled to be executed next Friday.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rappel
Meaning:
rap.pel\n   rappel  rappels  rappelling  rappelled\n  To rappel down a cliff or rock face means to slide down it in a controlled way using a rope, with your feet against the cliff or rock. (AM; in BRIT, use abseil)\nThey learned to rappel down a cliff.\n  VERB: V prep


Words: rapper
Meaning:
rap.per\n   rapper  rappers\n  A rapper is a person who performs rap music.\n...rappers like MC Hammer.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rapport
Meaning:
rap.port\n   rapport\n  If two people or groups have a rapport, they have a good relationship in which they are able to understand each other’s ideas or feelings very well.\nHe said he wanted `to establish a rapport with the Indian people’...\nThe success depends on good rapport between interviewer and interviewee...\n  N-SING: also no det, oft N with/between n


Words: rapporteur
Meaning:
rap.por.teur\n   rapporteur  rapporteurs\n  A rapporteur is a person who is officially appointed by an organization to investigate a problem or attend a meeting and to report on it. (FORMAL)\n...the United Nations special rapporteur on torture.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: rapprochement
Meaning:
rap.proche.ment\n   rapprochement\n  A rapprochement is an increase in friendliness between two countries, groups, or people, especially after a period of unfriendliness. (FORMAL)\nThere have been growing signs of a rapprochement with Vietnam.\n...the process of political rapprochement between the two former foes.\n  N-SING: also no det, oft N with/between n\n  = reconciliation


Words: rapt
Meaning:
rapt\n  If someone watches or listens with rapt attention, they are extremely interested or fascinated. (LITERARY)\nI noticed that everyone was watching me with rapt attention...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  rapt.ly\n...listening raptly to stories about fascinating people.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: raptor
Meaning:
rap.tor\n   raptor  raptors\n  Raptors are birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rapture
Meaning:
rap.ture\n   rapture\n  Rapture is a feeling of extreme happiness or pleasure. (LITERARY)\nThe film was shown to gasps of rapture at the Democratic Convention...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = delight


Words: raptures
Meaning:
rap.tures\n   raptures\n  If you are in raptures or go into raptures about something, you are extremely impressed by it and enthusiastic about it. (mainly BRIT WRITTEN)\nThey will be in raptures over the French countryside...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v


Words: rapturous
Meaning:
rap.tur.ous\n   rapturous\n  A rapturous feeling or reaction is one of extreme happiness or enthusiasm. (JOURNALISM)\nThe students gave him a rapturous welcome...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: rare
Meaning:
rare  rarer  rarest\n1. Something that is rare is not common and is therefore interesting or valuable.\n...the black-necked crane, one of the rarest species in the world...\nShe collects rare plants...\n  ADJ\n  !=common\n2. An event or situation that is rare does not occur very often.\n...on those rare occasions when he did eat alone...\nHeart attacks were extremely rare in babies, he said...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n  = uncommon  !=common\n3. You use rare to emphasize an extremely good or remarkable quality.\nFerris has a rare ability to record her observations on paper...\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n\n4. Meat that is rare is cooked very lightly so that the inside is still red.\nThick tuna steaks are eaten rare, like beef...\n  ADJ


Words: rarefied
Meaning:
rar.efied\n   rarefied\n1. If you talk about the rarefied atmosphere of a place or institution, you are expressing your disapproval of it, because it has a special social or academic status that makes it very different from ordinary life.\nIt is important for the state’s future administrators to get out of the rarefied air of the capital.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n\n2. Rarefied air is air that does not contain much oxygen, for example in mountain areas.\n...living at very high altitudes where the atmosphere is rarefied.\n  ADJ


Words: rarely
Meaning:
rare.ly\n   rarely\n  If something rarely happens, it does not happen very often.\nThey battled against other Indian tribes, but rarely fought with the whites...\nMoney was plentiful, and rarely did anyone seem very bothered about levels of expenditure...\n  ADV: ADV before v, ADV with cl/group\n  = seldom  !=often, frequently


Words: raring
Meaning:
rar.ing\n   raring\n1. If you say that you are raring to go, you mean that you are very eager to start doing something.\nAfter a good night’s sleep, Paul said he was raring to go.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n2. If you are raring to do something or are raring for it, you are very eager to do it or very eager that it should happen.\nHe is raring to charge into the fray and lay down the law...\nBaker suggested the administration wasn’t raring for a fight.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ to-inf, ADJ for n


Words: rarity
Meaning:
rar.ity\n   rarity  rarities\n1. If someone or something is a rarity, they are interesting or valuable because they are so unusual. (JOURNALISM)\nSontag has always been that rarity, a glamorous intellectual...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N in/among n\n\n2. The rarity of something is the fact that it is very uncommon.\nIt was a real prize due to its rarity and good condition...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss


Words: rascal
Meaning:
ras.cal\n   rascal  rascals\n  If you call a man or child a rascal, you mean that they behave badly and are rude or dishonest. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nWhat’s that old rascal been telling you?\n  N-COUNT


Words: rascally
Meaning:
ras.cal.ly\n   rascally\n  If you describe someone as a rascally person, you mean that they behave badly and are wicked or dishonest. (LITERARY)\nThey stumble across a ghost town inhabited by a rascally gold prospector.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: rash
Meaning:
rash  rashes\n1. If someone is rash or does rash things, they act without thinking carefully first, and therefore make mistakes or behave foolishly.\nIt would be rash to rely on such evidence...\nMr. Major is making no rash promises...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  rash.ly\nI made quite a lot of money, but I rashly gave most of it away...\n  ADV: ADV with cl, ADV after v\n\n=>  rash.ness\nWith characteristic rashness and valor, Peter plunged into the icy water.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A rash is an area of red spots that appears on your skin when you are ill or have a bad reaction to something that you have eaten or touched.\nHe may break out in a rash when he eats these nuts...\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you talk about a rash of events or things, you mean a large number of unpleasant events or undesirable things, which have happened or appeared within a short period of time.\n...one of the few major airlines left untouched by the industry’s rash of takeovers...\n  N-SING: N of n\n  = spate


Words: rasher
Meaning:
rash.er\n   rasher  rashers\n  A rasher of bacon is a slice of bacon. (BRIT; in AM, use slice)\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: rasp
Meaning:
rasp  rasps  rasping  rasped\n1. If someone rasps, their voice or breathing is harsh and unpleasant to listen to.\n`Where’ve you put it?’ he rasped...\nHe fell back into the water, his breath rasping in his heaving chest...\n  VERB: V with quote, V\n\n  Rasp is also a noun.\nHe was still laughing when he heard the rasp of Rennie’s voice.\n  N-SING: with supp\n\n2. If something rasps or if you rasp it, it makes a harsh, unpleasant sound as it rubs against something hard or rough.\nSabres rasped from scabbards and the horsemen spurred forward...\nFoden rasped a hand across his chin...\n  VERB: V prep, V n prep\n\n  Rasp is also a noun.\n...the rasp of something being drawn across the sand.\n  N-SING: with supp


Words: raspberry
Meaning:
rasp.berry\n   raspberry  raspberries\n  Raspberries are small, soft, red fruit that grow on bushes.\n  N-COUNT


Words: raspy
Meaning:
raspy\n  If someone has a raspy voice, they make rough sounds as if they have a sore throat or have difficulty in breathing. (LITERARY)\nBoth men sang in a deep, raspy tone...\n  ADJ


Words: Rasta
Meaning:
Ras.ta\n   Rasta  Rastas\n1. A Rasta is the same as a Rastafarian. (INFORMAL)\nThe LP was called Rastas Never Die.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Rasta means the same as Rastafarian. (INFORMAL)\n...Rasta singer Pablo Moses.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: Rastafarian
Meaning:
Ras.ta.far.ian\n   Rastafarian  Rastafarians\n1. A Rastafarian is a member of a Jamaican religious group which considers Haile Selassie, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, to be God. Rastafarians often have long hair which they wear in a hairstyle called dreadlocks.\nHe was one of the few thousand committed Rastafarians in South Africa.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Rastafarian is used to describe Rastafarians and their beliefs and lifestyle.\n...Rastafarian poet Benjamin Zephaniah...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: rat
Meaning:
rat  rats  ratting  ratted\n1. A rat is an animal which has a long tail and looks like a large mouse.\nThis was demonstrated in a laboratory experiment with rats.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you call someone a rat, you mean that you are angry with them or dislike them, often because they have cheated you or betrayed you. (INFORMAL)\nWhat did you do with the gun you took from that little rat Turner?\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n3. If someone rats on you, they tell someone in authority about things that you have done, especially bad things. (INFORMAL)\nThey were accused of encouraging children to rat on their parents.\n  VERB: V on n\n\n4. If someone rats on an agreement, they do not do what they said they would do. (INFORMAL)\nShe claims he ratted on their divorce settlement.\n  VERB: V on n\n\n5. If you smell a rat, you begin to suspect or realize that something is wrong in a particular situation, for example that someone is trying to deceive you or harm you.\nIf I don’t send a picture, he will smell a rat...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: rat pack
Meaning:
rat pack\n  People sometimes refer to the group of journalists and photographers who follow famous people around as the rat pack, especially when they think that their behaviour is unacceptable. (BRIT)\n  N-SING: usu the N  disapproval


Words: rat race
Meaning:
rat race\n  If you talk about getting out of the rat race, you mean leaving a job or way of life in which people compete aggressively with each other to be successful.\nI had to get out of the rat race and take a look at the real world again.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: rat run
Meaning:
rat run  rat runs\n  A rat run is a small street which drivers use during busy times in order to avoid heavy traffic on the main roads. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rat-a-tat
Meaning:
rat-a-tat\n  You use rat-a-tat to represent a series of sharp, repeated sounds, for example the sound of someone knocking at a door.\n...the rat-a-tat at the door.\n  N-SING; SOUND


Words: ratatouille
Meaning:
ra.ta.touille\n   ratatouille\n  Ratatouille is a cooked dish made with vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, aubergines, courgettes, and peppers.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N


Words: ratbag
Meaning:
rat.bag\n   ratbag  ratbags\n  If you call someone a ratbag, you are insulting them. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nLying ratbags, that’s what they are.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: ratchet
Meaning:
ratch.et\n   ratchet  ratchets  ratcheting  ratcheted\n1. In a tool or machine, a ratchet is a wheel or bar with sloping teeth, which can move only in one direction, because a piece of metal stops the teeth from moving backwards.\nThe chair has a ratchet below it to adjust the height...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If a tool or machine ratchets or if you ratchet it, it makes a clicking noise as it operates, because it has a ratchet in it.\nThe rod bent double, the reel shrieked and ratcheted...\nShe took up a sheet and ratcheted it into the typewriter.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n3. If you describe a situation as a ratchet, you mean that it is bad and can only become worse. (mainly BRIT)\n...another raising of the ratchet of violence in the conflict.\n  N-SING: with supp


Words: ratchet down
Meaning:
ratchet down\n  If something ratchets down or is ratcheted down, it decreases by a fixed amount or degree, and seems unlikely to increase again. (mainly JOURNALISM)\nWe’re trying to ratchet down the administrative costs...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  !=ratchet up


Words: ratchet up
Meaning:
ratchet up\n  If something ratchets up or is ratcheted up, it increases by a fixed amount or degree, and seems unlikely to decrease again. (JOURNALISM)\n...an attempt to ratchet up the pressure...\nHe fears inflation will ratchet up as the year ends...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P\n  !=ratchet down


Words: rate
Meaning:
rate  rates  rating  rated\n1. The rate at which something happens is the speed with which it happens.\nThe rate at which hair grows can be agonisingly slow...\nThe world’s tropical forests are disappearing at an even faster rate than experts had thought.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n2. The rate at which something happens is the number of times it happens over a period of time.\nNew diet books appear at a rate of nearly one a week...\nHis heart rate was 30 beats per minute slower...\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n3. A rate is the amount of money that is charged for goods or services.\nCalls cost 36p per minute cheap rate and 48p at all other times.\n...specially reduced rates for travellers using Gatwick Airport...\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n  see also exchange rate\n4. The rate of taxation or interest is the amount of tax or interest that needs to be paid. It is expressed as a percentage of the amount that is earned, gained as profit, or borrowed. (BUSINESS)\nThe government insisted that it would not be panicked into interest rate cuts.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n5. If you rate someone or something as good or bad, you consider them to be good or bad. You can also say that someone or something rates as good or bad.\nOf all the men in the survey, they rate themselves the least fun-loving and the most responsible...\nMost rated it a hit...\nWe rate him as one of the best...\nShe rated the course highly...\nReading books does not rate highly among Britons as a leisure activity.\n...the most highly rated player in English football.\n  VERB: no cont, V n adj, V n n, V n as n/adj, V n adv, V adv prep, V-ed\n\n6. If you rate someone or something, you think that they are good. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)\nIt’s flattering to know that other clubs have shown interest and seem to rate me...\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. If someone or something is rated at a particular position or rank, they are calculated or considered to be in that position on a list.\nHe is generally rated Italy’s No. 3 industrialist...\nHe came here rated 100th on the tennis computer.\n  V-PASSIVE: no cont, be V-ed n, be V-ed ord\n\n8. If you say that someone or something rates a particular reaction, you mean that this is the reaction you consider to be appropriate.\nThis is so extraordinary, it rates a medal and a phone call from the President...\n  VERB: no cont, V n\n  = merit\n9.\n  see also rating\n10. You use at any rate to indicate that what you have just said might be incorrect or unclear in some way, and that you are now being more precise.\nShe modestly suggests that `sex, or at any rate gender, may account for the difference’...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n11. You use at any rate to indicate that the important thing is what you are saying now, and not what was said before.\nWell, at any rate, let me thank you for all you did.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n12. If you say that at this rate something bad or extreme will happen, you mean that it will happen if things continue to develop as they have been doing.\nAt this rate they’d be lucky to get home before eight-thirty or nine.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl


Words: rate of exchange
Meaning:
rate of ex.change\n   rate of exchange  rates of exchange\n  A rate of exchange is the same as an exchange rate.\n...four thousand dinars.about four hundred dollars at the official rate of exchange.\n  N-COUNT\n  = exchange rate


Words: rate of return
Meaning:
rate of re.turn\n   rate of return rates of return\n  The rate of return on an investment is the amount of profit it makes, often shown as a percentage of the original investment. (BUSINESS)\nHigh rates of return can be earned on these investments.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rate-cap
Meaning:
rate-cap  rate-caps  rate-capping  rate-capped\n1. In Britain, when a local council was rate-capped, the government prevented it from increasing local taxes called rates, in order to force the council to reduce its spending or make it more efficient.\nNotts County Council is to cut 200 jobs in a bid to escape being rate-capped.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n=>  rate-capping\nThe project is seriously threatened by rate-capping.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A rate cap is a limit placed by the government on the amount of interest that banks or credit card companies can charge their customers. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rateable value
Meaning:
rate.able value\n   rateable value  rateable values\n  In Britain, the rateable value of a building was a value based on its size and facilities, which was used in calculating local taxes called rates.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ratepayer
Meaning:
rate.payer\n   ratepayer  ratepayers\n1. In Britain, a ratepayer was a person who owned or rented property and therefore had to pay local taxes called rates. The citizens of a district are sometimes still called the ratepayers when their interests and the use of local taxes are being considered.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In the United States, a ratepayer is a person whose property is served by an electricity, water, or telephone company, and who pays for these services.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rather
Meaning:
ra.ther\n   rather\n1. You use rather than when you are contrasting two things or situations. Rather than introduces the thing or situation that is not true or that you do not want.\nThe problem was psychological rather than physiological...\nWhen I’m going out in the evening I use the bike if I can rather than the car.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n  Rather is also a conjunction.\nShe made students think for themselves, rather than telling them what to think...\n  CONJ\n\n2. You use rather when you are correcting something that you have just said, especially when you are describing a particular situation after saying what it is not.\nHe explained what the Crux is, or rather, what it was.\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group\n\n3. If you say that you would rather do something or you’d rather do it, you mean that you would prefer to do it. If you say that you would rather not do something, you mean that you do not want to do it.\nIf it’s all the same to you, I’d rather work at home...\nKids would rather play than study...\nI would rather Lionel took it on...\nSorry. I’d rather not talk about it...\nWould you like that? Don’t hesitate to say no if you’d rather not.\n  PHRASE: MODAL inf, MODAL inf than inf, MODAL that, MODAL not inf, MODAL not\n\n4. You use rather to indicate that something is true to a fairly great extent, especially when you are talking about something unpleasant or undesirable.\nI grew up in rather unusual circumstances...\nThe first speaker began to talk, very fast and rather loudly...\nI’m afraid it’s rather a long story...\nThe reality is rather more complex...\nThe fruit is rather like a sweet chestnut...\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv, ADV a n, ADV compar, ADV too adj/adv, ADV prep\n\n5. You use rather before verbs that introduce your thoughts and feelings, in order to express your opinion politely, especially when a different opinion has been expressed.\nI rather think he was telling the truth...\n  ADV: ADV before v  politeness


Words: ratification
Meaning:
rati.fi.ca.tion\n   ratification  ratifications\n  The ratification of a treaty or written agreement is the process of ratifying it.\nThe EU will now complete ratification of the treaty by June 1.\n  N-VAR: usu sing, oft N of n


Words: ratify
Meaning:
rati.fy\n   ratify  ratifies  ratifying  ratified\n  When national leaders or organizations ratify a treaty or written agreement, they make it official by giving their formal approval to it, usually by signing it or voting for it.\nThe parliaments of Australia and Indonesia have yet to ratify the treaty.\n  VERB: V n


Words: rating
Meaning:
rat.ing\n   rating  ratings\n1. A rating of something is a score or measurement of how good or popular it is.\n...a value-for-money rating of ten out of ten...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n  see also credit rating\n2. The ratings are the statistics published each week which show how popular each television programme is.\nCBS’s ratings again showed huge improvement over the previous year.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: ratio
Meaning:
ra.tio\n   ratio  ratios\n  A ratio is a relationship between two things when it is expressed in numbers or amounts. For example, if there are ten boys and thirty girls in a room, the ratio of boys to girls is 1:3, or one to three.\nThe adult to child ratio is 1 to 6.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N of n to n


Words: ration
Meaning:
ra.tion\n   ration  rations  rationing  rationed\n1. When there is not enough of something, your ration of it is the amount that you are allowed to have.\nThe meat ration was down to one pound per person per week...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When something is rationed by a person or government, you are only allowed to have a limited amount of it, usually because there is not enough of it.\nStaples such as bread, rice and tea are already being rationed...\n...the decision to ration food...\nMotorists will be rationed to thirty litres of petrol a month...\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n, be V-ed to amount, also V n to amount\n\n3. Rations are the food which is given to people who do not have enough food or to soldiers.\nAid officials said that the first emergency food rations of wheat and oil were handed out here last month...\n  N-PLURAL\n\n4. Your ration of something is the amount of it that you normally have.\n...after consuming his ration of junk food and two cigarettes.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n5.\n  see also rationing


Words: rational
Meaning:
ra.tion.al\n   rational\n1. Rational decisions and thoughts are based on reason rather than on emotion.\nHe’s asking you to look at both sides of the case and come to a rational decision...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=irrational\n=>  ra.tion.al.ly\nIt can be very hard to think rationally when you’re feeling so vulnerable and alone.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n  !=irrationally\n=>  ra.tion.al.ity\nWe live in an era of rationality.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=irrationality\n2. A rational person is someone who is sensible and is able to make decisions based on intelligent thinking rather than on emotion.\nDid he come across as a sane rational person?...\n  ADJ\n  !=irrational


Words: rationale
Meaning:
ra.tion.ale\n   rationale  rationales\n  The rationale for a course of action, practice, or belief is the set of reasons on which it is based. (FORMAL)\nHowever, the rationale for such initiatives is not, of course, solely economic...\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n/-ing


Words: rationalism
Meaning:
ra.tion.al.ism\n   rationalism\n  Rationalism is the belief that your life should be based on reason and logic, rather than emotions or religious beliefs.\nColeridge was to spend the next thirty years attacking rationalism.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rationalist
Meaning:
ra.tion.al.ist\n   rationalist  rationalists\n1. If you describe someone as rationalist, you mean that their beliefs are based on reason and logic rather than emotion or religion.\nWhite was both visionary and rationalist.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe someone as a rationalist, you mean that they base their life on rationalist beliefs.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3.\n  see also rationalism


Words: rationalize
Meaning:
ra.tion.al.ize\n   rationalize  rationalizes  rationalizing  rationalized\nin BRIT, also use rationalise\n1. If you try to rationalize attitudes or actions that are difficult to accept, you think of reasons to justify or explain them.\nHe further rationalized his activity by convincing himself that he was actually promoting peace...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. When a company, system, or industry is rationalized, it is made more efficient, usually by getting rid of staff and equipment that are not essential. (mainly BRIT BUSINESS)\nThe network of 366 local offices is being rationalised to leave the company with 150 to 200 larger branch offices.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  = streamline\n=>  ra.tion.ali.za.tion\n...the rationalization of the textile industry.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rationing
Meaning:
ra.tion.ing\n   rationing\n  Rationing is the system of limiting the amount of food, water, petrol, or other necessary substances that each person is allowed to have or buy when there is not enough of them.\nThe municipal authorities here are preparing for food rationing.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: rattan
Meaning:
rat.tan\n   rattan\n  Rattan furniture is made from the woven strips of stems of a plant which grows in South East Asia.\n...a light airy room set with cloth-covered tables and rattan chairs.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: rattle
Meaning:
rat.tle\n   rattle  rattles  rattling  rattled\n1. When something rattles or when you rattle it, it makes short sharp knocking sounds because it is being shaken or it keeps hitting against something hard.\nShe slams the kitchen door so hard I hear dishes rattle...\nHe gently rattled the cage and whispered to the canary...\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n  Rattle is also a noun.\nThere was a rattle of rifle-fire.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  rat.tling\nAt that moment, there was a rattling at the door.\n  N-SING\n\n2. A rattle is a baby’s toy with loose bits inside which make a noise when the baby shakes it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A rattle is a wooden instrument that people shake to make a loud knocking noise at football matches or tribal ceremonies.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If something or someone rattles you, they make you nervous.\nShe refused to be rattled by his .3,000-a-day lawyer.\n  VERB: V n\n  = unnerve\n=>  rat.tled\nHe swore in Spanish, another indication that he was rattled.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n5. You can say that a bus, train or car rattles somewhere when it moves noisily from one place to another.\nThe bus from Odense rattled into a dusty village called Pozo Almonte...\n  VERB: V prep/adv


Words: rattle around
Meaning:
rattle around\n  If you say that someone rattles around in a room or other space, you mean that the space is too large for them.\nWe don’t want to move, but we’re rattling around in our large house.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P in n, also V P n


Words: rattle off
Meaning:
rattle off\n  If you rattle off something, you say it or do it very quickly and without much effort.\nHendry, playing an afternoon match, rattled off a 6-1 win over the Englishman.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = reel off


Words: rattle through
Meaning:
rattle through\n  If you rattle through something, you deal with it quickly in order to finish it. (mainly BRIT)\nShe rattled through a translation from Virgil’s Aeneid.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: rattlesnake
Meaning:
rattle.snake\n   rattlesnake  rattlesnakes\n  A rattlesnake is a poisonous American snake which can make a rattling noise with its tail.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ratty
Meaning:
rat.ty\n   ratty  rattier  rattiest\n1. If someone is ratty, they get angry and irritated easily. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nI had spent too many hours there and was beginning to get a bit ratty and fed up.\n  ADJ\n  = irritable\n2. Ratty clothes and objects are torn or in bad condition, especially because they are old. (AM)\n...my ratty old flannel pyjamas.\n  ADJ


Words: raucous
Meaning:
rau.cous\n   raucous\n  A raucous sound is loud, harsh, and rather unpleasant.\nThey heard a bottle being smashed, then more raucous laughter.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  rau.cous.ly\nThey laughed together raucously.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: raunchy
Meaning:
raun.chy\n   raunchy  raunchier  raunchiest\n  If a film, a person, or the way that someone is dressed is raunchy, they are sexually exciting. (INFORMAL)\n...her raunchy new movie.\n  ADJ


Words: ravage
Meaning:
rav.age\n   ravage  ravages  ravaging  ravaged\n  A town, country, or economy that has been ravaged is one that has been damaged so much that it is almost completely destroyed.\nFor two decades the country has been ravaged by civil war and foreign intervention.\n...Nicaragua’s ravaged economy.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed


Words: ravages
Meaning:
rav.ages\n   ravages\n  The ravages of time, war, or the weather are the damaging effects that they have.\n...a hi-tech grass pitch that can survive the ravages of a cold, wet climate.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N of n


Words: rave
Meaning:
rave  raves  raving  raved\n1. If someone raves, they talk in an excited and uncontrolled way.\nShe cried and raved for weeks, and people did not know what to do...\n`What is wrong with you, acting like that,’ she raved, pacing up and down frantically.\n  VERB: V, V with quote\n\n2. If you rave about something, you speak or write about it with great enthusiasm.\nRachel raved about the new foods she ate while she was there...\n`Such lovely clothes. I’d no idea Milan was so wonderful,’ she raved.\n  VERB: V about n, V with quote\n\n3. A rave is a big event at which young people dance to electronic music in a large building or in the open air. Raves are often associated with illegal drugs. (BRIT)\n...an all-night rave at Castle Donington.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Rave is also an adjective.\nOld faces and new talents are making it big on the rave scene.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4.\nto rant and rave: see rant\n  see also raving


Words: rave review
Meaning:
rave re.view\n   rave review  rave reviews\n  When journalists write rave reviews, they praise something such as a play or book in a very enthusiastic way.\nThe play received rave reviews from the critics.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: raven
Meaning:
ra.ven\n   raven  ravens\n  A raven is a large bird with shiny black feathers and a deep harsh call.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ravenous
Meaning:
rav.en.ous\n   ravenous\n  If you are ravenous, you are extremely hungry.\nAmy realized that she had eaten nothing since leaving Bruton Street, and she was ravenous.\n  ADJ\n  = starving\n=>  rav.en.ous.ly\nShe began to eat ravenously...\n  ADV


Words: raver
Meaning:
rav.er\n   raver  ravers\n  A raver is a young person who has a busy social life and goes to a lot of parties, raves, or nightclubs. (BRIT INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: ravine
Meaning:
ra.vine\n   ravine  ravines\n  A ravine is a very deep narrow valley with steep sides.\nThe bus is said to have overturned and fallen into a ravine.\n  N-COUNT\n  = gorge


Words: raving
Meaning:
rav.ing\n   raving\n1. You use raving to describe someone who you think is completely mad. (INFORMAL)\nMalcolm looked at her as if she were a raving lunatic.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  Raving is also an adverb.\nI’m afraid Jean-Paul has gone raving mad.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n2.\n  see also rave


Words: ravings
Meaning:
rav.ings\n   ravings\n  If you describe what someone says or writes as their ravings, you mean that it makes no sense because they are mad or very ill.\nHaig and Robertson saw it as the lunatic ravings of a mad politician.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N of n


Words: ravioli
Meaning:
ra.vio.li\n   ravioli  raviolis\n  Ravioli is a type of pasta that is shaped into small squares, filled with minced meat or cheese and served in a sauce.\n  N-MASS


Words: ravish
Meaning:
rav.ish\n   ravish  ravishes  ravishing  ravished\n  If a woman is ravished by a man, she is raped by him. (LITERARY)\nShe’ll never know how close she came to being dragged off and ravished.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: ravishing
Meaning:
rav.ish.ing\n   ravishing\n  If you describe someone or something as ravishing, you mean that they are very beautiful. (LITERARY)\nShe looked ravishing.\n  ADJ


Words: raw
Meaning:
raw  rawer  rawest\n1. Raw materials or substances are in their natural state before being processed or used in manufacturing.\nWe import raw materials and energy and export mainly industrial products.\n...two ships carrying raw sugar from Cuba.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Raw food is food that is eaten uncooked, that has not yet been cooked, or that has not been cooked enough.\n...a popular dish made of raw fish...\nThis versatile vegetable can be eaten raw or cooked...\n  ADJ\n\n3. If a part of your body is raw, it is red and painful, perhaps because the skin has come off or has been burnt.\n...the drag of the rope against the raw flesh of my shoulders...\n  ADJ\n\n4. Raw emotions are strong basic feelings or responses which are not weakened by other influences.\nHer grief was still raw and he did not know how to help her.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n5. If you describe something as raw, you mean that it is simple, powerful, and real.\n...the raw power of instinct.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n6. Raw data is facts or information that has not yet been sorted, analysed, or prepared for use.\nAnalyses were conducted on the raw data.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n7. If you describe someone in a new job as raw, or as a raw recruit, you mean that they lack experience in that job.\n...replacing experienced men with raw recruits...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = inexperienced  !=experienced\n8. Raw weather feels unpleasantly cold.\n...a raw December morning.\n  ADJ\n  = bitter\n9. Raw sewage is sewage that has not been treated to make it cleaner.\n...contamination of bathing water by raw sewage.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = untreated\n10. If you say that you are getting a raw deal, you mean that you are being treated unfairly. (INFORMAL)\nI think women have a raw deal.\n  PHRASE: v PHR\n  !=a fair deal\n11.\nto touch a raw nerve: see nerve


Words: rawhide
Meaning:
raw.hide\n   rawhide\n  Rawhide is leather that comes from cattle, and has not been treated or tanned. (AM)\nAt his belt he carried a rawhide whip.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: ray
Meaning:
ray  rays\n1. Rays of light are narrow beams of light.\n...the first rays of light spread over the horizon...\nThe sun’s rays can penetrate water up to 10 feet.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also cosmic rays, gamma rays, X-ray\n2. A ray of hope, comfort, or other positive quality is a small amount of it that you welcome because it makes a bad situation seem less bad.\nThey could provide a ray of hope amid the general business and economic gloom...\n  N-COUNT: N of n\n  = glimmer


Words: rayon
Meaning:
ray.on\n   rayon\n  Rayon is a smooth artificial fabric that is made from cellulose.\n...the old woman’s rayon dress.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: raze
Meaning:
raze  razes  razing  razed\n  If buildings, villages or towns are razed or razed to the ground, they are completely destroyed.\nDozens of villages have been razed...\nTowns such as Mittelwihr and Bennwihr were virtually razed to the ground.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, be V-ed to n


Words: razor blade
Meaning:
ra.zor blade\n   razor blade  razor blades\n  A razor blade is a small flat piece of metal with a very sharp edge which is put into a razor and used for shaving.\n  N-COUNT


Words: razor wire
Meaning:
ra.zor wire\n   razor wire\n  Razor wire is strong wire with sharp blades sticking out of it. In wars or civil conflict it is sometimes used to prevent people from entering or leaving buildings or areas of land.\n...plans to use razor wire to seal off hostels for migrant workers.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: razor-sharp
Meaning:
razor-sharp\n1. A cutting tool that is razor-sharp is extremely sharp.\n...a razor sharp butcher’s knife.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe someone or someone’s mind as razor-sharp, you mean that they have a very accurate and clear understanding of things.\n...his razor-sharp intelligence.\n  ADJ


Words: razz
Meaning:
razz  razzes  razzing  razzed\n  To razz someone means to tease them, especially in an unkind way. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nMolly razzed me about my rotten sense of direction.\n  VERB: V n


Words: razzle-dazzle
Meaning:
razzle-dazzle\n  Razzle-dazzle is the same as razzmatazz.\n...a razzle-dazzle marketing man.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: razzmatazz
Meaning:
razz.ma.tazz\n   razzmatazz\n  Razzmatazz is a noisy and showy display.\n...the colour and razzmatazz of a US election.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Rd
Meaning:
also Rd.\n  Rd is a written abbreviation for road. It is used especially in addresses and on maps or signs.\nSt Pancras Library, 100 Euston Rd, London, NW1.


Words: RDA
Meaning:
RDA  RDAs\n  The RDA of a particular vitamin or mineral is the amount that people need each day to stay healthy. RDA is an abbreviation for `recommended daily amount’.\n  N-COUNT: usu singular


Words: re
Meaning:
re\n  You use re in business letters, faxes, or other documents to introduce a subject or item which you are going to discuss or refer to in detail.\nDear Mrs Cox, Re: Household Insurance. We note from our files that we have not yet received your renewal instructions.\n\n  = regarding


Words: re-
Meaning:
re-\nUsually pronounced   for meaning 1, and before an unstressed syllable for meanings 2 and 3.\n1. Re- is added to verbs and nouns to form new verbs and nouns that refer to the repeating of an action or process. For example, to `re-read’ something means to read it again, and someone’s `re-election’ is their being elected again.\n  PREFIX\n\n2. Re- is added to verbs and nouns to form new verbs and nouns that refer to a process opposite to one that has already taken place. For example, to `reappear’ means to appear after disappearing, and to `regain’ something means to gain it after you have lost it.\n  PREFIX\n\n3. Re- is added to verbs and nouns to form new verbs and nouns which describe a change in the position or state of something. For example, to `relocate’ something means to locate it in a different place and to `rearrange’ something means to arrange it in a different way.\n  PREFIX


Words: re-educate
Meaning:
re-educate  re-educates  re-educating  re-educated\nin AM, also use reeducate\n  If an organization such as a government tries to re-educate a group of people, they try to make them adopt new attitudes, beliefs, or types of behaviour.\nWe are having to re-educate the public very quickly about something they have always taken for granted.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re-education\n...a programme of punishment and re-education of political dissidents.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: re-elect
Meaning:
re-elect  re-elects  re-electing  re-elected\nin AM, also use reelect\n  When someone such as a politician or an official who has been elected is re-elected, they win another election and are therefore able to continue in their position as, for example, president, or an official in an organization.\nThe president will pursue lower taxes if he is re-elected...\n...Ramon Mendoza was re-elected president of Real for a third successive four-year term...\nHe was overwhelmingly re-elected as party leader.\n  VERB: be V-ed, be V-ed n, be V-ed as n\n\n=>  re-election\nI would like to see him stand for re-election...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: re-enact
Meaning:
re-enact  re-enacts  re-enacting  re-enacted\nin AM and sometimes in BRIT, use reenact\n  If you re-enact a scene or incident, you repeat the actions that occurred in the scene or incident.\nHe re-enacted scenes from his TV series.\n  VERB: V n


Words: re-enactment
Meaning:
re-enactment  re-enactments\n  When a re-enactment of a scene or incident takes place, people re-enact it.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: re-enter
Meaning:
re-enter  re-enters  re-entering  re-entered\nin AM, also use reenter\n  If you re-enter a place, organization, or area of activity that you have left, you return to it.\nTen minutes later he re-entered the hotel.\n  VERB: V n


Words: re-entry
Meaning:
re-entry\nin AM, also use reentry\n1. Re-entry is the act of returning to a place, organization, or area of activity that you have left.\nThe house has been barred and bolted to prevent re-entry...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N\n\n2. Re-entry is used to refer to the moment when a spacecraft comes back into the earth’s atmosphere after being in space.\nThe station would burn up on re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N


Words: re-examine
Meaning:
re-examine  re-examines  re-examining  re-examined\nin AM, also use reexamine\n  If a person or group of people re-examines their ideas, beliefs, or attitudes, they think about them carefully because they are no longer sure if they are correct.\nHer husband and children will also have to re-examine their expectations.\n  VERB: V n\n  = reassess\n=>  re-examination      re-examinations\nIt was time for a re-examination of the situation...\n  N-VAR: usu N of n\n  = reassessment


Words: re-form
Meaning:
re-form  re-forms  re-forming  re-formed   also reform\n  When an organization, group, or shape re-forms, or when someone re-forms it, it is created again after a period during which it did not exist or existed in a different form.\nThe official trades union council voted to disband itself and re-form as a confederation...\nThe 40-year-old singer reformed his band.\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: re-route
Meaning:
re-route  re-routes  re-routing  re-routed   also reroute\n  If vehicles or planes are re-routed, they are directed along a different route because the usual route cannot be used.\nThe heavy traffic was re-routed past my front door...\nThey rerouted the planes at La Guardia airport.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n  = redirect


Words: re-run
Meaning:
re-run re-runs re-running  re-ran\nThe spelling rerun is also used. The form re-run is used in the present tense and is also the past participle of the verb. The noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. If you say that something is a re-run of a particular event or experience, you mean that what happens now is very similar to what happened in the past.\nIt was the world’s second worst air disaster, a horrific re-run of the runway collision in 1977...\n  N-SING: N of n\n  = repeat\n2. If someone re-runs a process or event, they do it or organize it again.\nEdit the input text and re-run the software...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Re-run is also a noun.\nIn the re-run he failed to make the final at all, finishing sixth.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If an election is re-run, it is organized again, for example because the correct procedures were not followed or because no candidate got a large enough majority.\nThe ballot was re-run on Mr Todd’s insistence after accusations of malpractice.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n  Re-run is also a noun.\nThe opposition has demanded a re-run of parliamentary elections held yesterday.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n4. To re-run a film, play, or television programme means to show it or put it on again.\nThey re-ran the World Cup final on a big screen.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. A re-run is a film, play, or television programme that is shown or put on again.\nViewers will have to make do with tired re-runs and second-rate movies...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n\n  = repeat


Words: reach
Meaning:
reach  reaches  reaching  reached\n1. When someone or something reaches a place, they arrive there.\nHe did not stop until he reached the door...\nHe reached Cambridge shortly before three o’clock.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n2. If someone or something has reached a certain stage, level, or amount, they are at that stage, level, or amount.\nThe process of political change in South Africa has reached the stage where it is irreversible...\nWe’re told the figure could reach 100,000 next year.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n3. If you reach somewhere, you move your arm and hand to take or touch something.\nJudy reached into her handbag and handed me a small printed leaflet...\nHe reached up for an overhanging branch.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv\n\n4. If you can reach something, you are able to touch it by stretching out your arm or leg.\nCan you reach your toes with your fingertips?\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If you try to reach someone, you try to contact them, usually by telephone.\nHas the doctor told you how to reach him or her in emergencies?...\n  VERB: V n\n  = contact\n6. If something reaches a place, point, or level, it extends as far as that place, point, or level.\n...a nightshirt which reached to his knees...\nThe water level in Lake Taihu has reached record levels...\n  VERB: V to n, V n\n\n7. When people reach an agreement or a decision, they succeed in achieving it.\nA meeting of agriculture ministers in Luxembourg today has so far failed to reach agreement over farm subsidies...\nThey are meeting in Lusaka in an attempt to reach a compromise.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n8. Someone’s or something’s reach is the distance or limit to which they can stretch, extend, or travel.\nIsabelle placed a wine cup on the table within his reach.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N\n\n9. If a place or thing is within reach, it is possible to have it or get to it. If it is out of reach, it is not possible to have it or get to it.\nIt is located within reach of many important Norman towns, including Bayeux...\nThe price is ten times what it normally is and totally beyond the reach of ordinary people.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: reaches
Meaning:
reaches\n1. The upper, middle, or lower reaches of a river are parts of a river. The upper reaches are nearer to the river’s source and the lower reaches are nearer to the sea into which it flows.\nThis year water levels in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze are unusually high.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the adj N of n\n\n2. You can refer to the distant or outer parts of a place or area as the far, farthest, or outer reaches. (FORMAL)\n...the outer reaches of the solar system.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the adj N of n\n\n3. You can refer to the higher or lower levels of an organization as its upper or lower reaches. (FORMAL)\n...the upper reaches of the legal profession.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the adj N of n\n  = echelons


Words: react
Meaning:
re.act\n   react  reacts  reacting  reacted\n1. When you react to something that has happened to you, you behave in a particular way because of it.\nThey reacted violently to the news...\nIt’s natural to react with disbelief if your child is accused of bullying...\n  VERB: V to n, V adv/prep, also V\n  = respond\n2. If you react against someone’s way of behaving, you deliberately behave in a different way because you do not like the way they behave.\nMy father never saved and perhaps I reacted against that.\n  VERB: V against n\n  = rebel\n3. If you react to a substance such as a drug, or to something you have touched, you are affected unpleasantly or made ill by it.\nSomeone allergic to milk is likely to react to cheese...\n  VERB: V to n, also V\n\n4. When one chemical substance reacts with another, or when two chemical substances react, they combine chemically to form another substance.\nCalcium reacts with water...\nUnder normal circumstances, these two gases react readily to produce carbon dioxide and water.\n  V-RECIP: V with n, pl-n V


Words: reaction
Meaning:
re.ac.tion\n   reaction  reactions\n1. Your reaction to something that has happened or something that you have experienced is what you feel, say, or do because of it.\nReaction to the visit is mixed...\nHe was surprised that his answer should have caused such a strong reaction.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n2. A reaction against something is a way of behaving or doing something that is deliberately different from what has been done before.\nAll new fashion starts out as a reaction against existing convention...\n  N-COUNT: N against n\n\n3. If there is a reaction against something, it becomes unpopular.\nPremature moves in this respect might well provoke a reaction against the reform...\n  N-SING: also no det, N against n\n\n4. Your reactions are your ability to move quickly in response to something, for example when you are in danger.\nThe sport requires very fast reactions.\n  N-PLURAL: oft poss N\n\n5. Reaction is the belief that the political or social system of your country should not change.\nThus, he aided reaction and thwarted progress.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n\n6. A chemical reaction is a process in which two substances combine together chemically to form another substance.\nOzone is produced by the reaction between oxygen and ultra-violet light...\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. If you have a reaction to a substance such as a drug, or to something you have touched, you are affected unpleasantly or made ill by it.\nEvery year, 5000 people have life-threatening reactions to anaesthetics...\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N to n


Words: reactionary
Meaning:
re.ac.tion.ary\n   reactionary  reactionaries\n  A reactionary person or group tries to prevent changes in the political or social system of their country.\nIt grew ever more clear to everyone that the Minister was too reactionary, too blinkered...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  !=radical\n  A reactionary is someone with reactionary views.\nCritics viewed him as a reactionary.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=radical


Words: reactivate
Meaning:
re.ac.ti.vate\n   reactivate  reactivates  reactivating  reactivated\n  If people reactivate a system or organization, they make it work again after a period in which it has not been working.\n...a series of economic reforms to reactivate the economy...\n  VERB: V n


Words: reactive
Meaning:
re.ac.tive\n   reactive\n1. Something that is reactive is able to react chemically with a lot of different substances.\nOzone is a highly reactive form of oxygen gas.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If someone is reactive, they behave in response to what happens to them, rather than deciding in advance how they want to behave.\nI want our organization to be less reactive and more pro-active.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  !=proactive


Words: read
Meaning:
read reads  reading\nThe form read is pronounced   when it is the present tense, and   when it is the past tense and past participle.\n1. When you read something such as a book or article, you look at and understand the words that are written there.\nHave you read this book?...\nI read about it in the paper...\nHe read through the pages slowly and carefully...\nIt was nice to read that the Duke will not be sending his son off to boarding school...\nShe spends her days reading and watching television.\n  VERB: V n, V about n, V through n, V that, V\n\n  Read is also a noun.\nI settled down to have a good read.\n  N-SING: a N\n\n2. When you read a piece of writing to someone, you say the words aloud.\nJay reads poetry so beautifully...\nI like it when she reads to us...\nI sing to the boys or read them a story before tucking them in.\n  VERB: V n, V to n, V n n, also V n to n, V\n\n3. People who can read have the ability to look at and understand written words.\nHe couldn’t read or write...\nHe could read words at 18 months.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n4. If you can read music, you have the ability to look at and understand the symbols that are used in written music to represent musical sounds.\nLater on I learned how to read music.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. When a computer reads a file or a document, it takes information from a disk or tape. (COMPUTING)\nHow can I read a Microsoft Excel file on a computer that only has Works installed?\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. You can use read when saying what is written on something or in something. For example, if a notice reads `Entrance’, the word `Entrance’ is written on it.\nThe sign on the bus read `Private: Not In Service’.\n  VERB: no cont, V with quote\n\n7. If you refer to how a piece of writing reads, you are referring to its style.\nThe book reads like a ballad...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n8. If you say that a book or magazine is a good read, you mean that it is very enjoyable to read.\nBen Okri’s latest novel is a good read.\n  N-COUNT: adj N\n\n9. If something is read in a particular way, it is understood or interpreted in that way.\nThe play is being widely read as an allegory of imperialist conquest...\nSouth Africans were praying last night that he has read the situation correctly...\n  VERB: be V-ed as n, V n adv/prep\n  = interpret\n10. If you read someone’s mind or thoughts, you know exactly what they are thinking without them telling you.\nAs if he could read her thoughts, Benny said, `You’re free to go any time you like.’\n  VERB: V n\n\n11. If you can read someone or you can read their gestures, you can understand what they are thinking or feeling by the way they behave or the things they say.\nIf you have to work in a team you must learn to read people...\n  VERB: V n\n\n12. If someone who is trying to talk to you with a radio transmitter says, `Do you read me?’, they are asking you if you can hear them.\nWe read you loud and clear. Over.\n  VERB: V n\n\n13. When you read a measuring device, you look at it to see what the figure or measurement on it is.\nIt is essential that you are able to read a thermometer.\n  VERB: V n\n\n14. If a measuring device reads a particular amount, it shows that amount.\nThe thermometer read 105 degrees Fahrenheit...\n  VERB: V amount\n\n15. If you read a subject at university, you study it. (BRIT FORMAL; in AM, use major, study)\nShe read French and German at Cambridge University...\nHe is now reading for a maths degree at Surrey University.\n  VERB: V n, V for n\n\n16. If you take something as read, you accept it as true or right and therefore feel that it does not need to be discussed or proved.\nWe took it as read that he must have been a KGB agent...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n17.\nto read between the lines: see line\n  see also reading


Words: read into
Meaning:
read into\n  If you read a meaning into something, you think it is there although it may not actually be there.\nThe addict often reads disapproval into people’s reactions to him even where it does not exist...\nIt would be wrong to try to read too much into such a light-hearted production.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n, V amount P n


Words: read out
Meaning:
read out\n  If you read out a piece of writing, you say it aloud.\nHe’s obliged to take his turn at reading out the announcements...\nShall I read them out?\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: read up on
Meaning:
read up on\n  If you read up on a subject, you read a lot about it so that you become informed about it.\nI’ve read up on the dangers of all these drugs.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P P n


Words: readable
Meaning:
read.able\n   readable\n1. If you say that a book or article is readable, you mean that it is enjoyable and easy to read.\nThis is an impeccably researched and very readable book.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A piece of writing that is readable is written or printed clearly and can be read easily.\nMy secretary worked long hours translating my almost illegible writing into a typewritten and readable script.\n  ADJ


Words: reader
Meaning:
read.er\n   reader  readers\n1. The readers of a newspaper, magazine, or book are the people who read it.\nThese texts give the reader an insight into the Chinese mind.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A reader is a person who reads, especially one who reads for pleasure.\nThanks to that job I became an avid reader...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. A reader is a book to help children to learn to read, or to help people to learn a foreign language. It contains passages of text, and often exercises to give practice in reading and writing.\n  N-COUNT


Words: readership
Meaning:
read.er.ship\n   readership  readerships\n  The readership of a book, newspaper, or magazine is the number or type of people who read it.\nIts readership has grown to over 15,000 subscribers...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp


Words: readily
Meaning:
read.ily\n   readily\n1. If you do something readily, you do it in a way which shows that you are very willing to do it.\nI asked her if she would allow me to interview her, and she readily agreed...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. You also use readily to say that something can be done or obtained quickly and easily. For example, if you say that something can be readily understood, you mean that people can understand it quickly and easily.\nThe components are readily available in hardware shops...\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v\n  = easily


Words: readiness
Meaning:
readi.ness\n   readiness\n1. If someone is very willing to do something, you can talk about their readiness to do it.\n...their readiness to co-operate with the new US envoy.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you do something in readiness for a future event, you do it so that you are prepared for that event.\nSecurity tightened in the capital in readiness for the president’s arrival.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu in N


Words: reading
Meaning:
read.ing\n   reading  readings\n1. Reading is the activity of reading books.\nI have always loved reading.\n...young people who find reading and writing difficult.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A reading is an event at which poetry or extracts from books are read to an audience.\n...a poetry reading.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Your reading of a word, text, or situation is the way in which you understand or interpret it.\nMy reading of her character makes me feel that she was too responsible a person to do those things...\n  N-COUNT: with supp, usu N of n\n\n4. The reading on a measuring device is the figure or measurement that it shows.\nThe gauge must be giving a faulty reading.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. In the British Parliament or the US Congress, a reading is one of the three stages of introducing and discussing a new bill before it can be passed as law.\nThe bill is expected to pass its second reading with a comfortable majority.\n  N-COUNT: usu ord N\n\n6. If you say that a book or an article makes interesting reading or makes for interesting reading, you mean that it is interesting to read.\nThe list of drinks, a dozen pages long, makes fascinating reading...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: reading glasses
Meaning:
read.ing glasses\n   reading glasses\n  Reading glasses are glasses that are worn by people, for example when they are reading, because they cannot see things close to them very well.\n  N-PLURAL: also a pair of N


Words: reading lamp
Meaning:
read.ing lamp\n   reading lamp  reading lamps\n  A reading lamp is a small lamp that you keep on a desk or table. You can move part of it in order to direct the light to where you need it for reading.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reading room
Meaning:
read.ing room\n   reading room  reading rooms\n  A reading room is a quiet room in a library or museum where you can read and study.\n  N-COUNT


Words: readjust
Meaning:
re.adjust\n   readjust  readjusts  readjusting  readjusted\n1. When you readjust to a new situation, usually one you have been in before, you adapt to it.\nI can understand why astronauts find it difficult to readjust to life on earth...\nThey are bound to take time to readjust after a holiday.\n  VERB: V to n, V\n\n2. If you readjust the level of something, your attitude to something, or the way you do something, you change it to make it more effective or appropriate.\nIn the end you have to readjust your expectations...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you readjust something such as a piece of clothing or a mechanical device, you correct or alter its position or setting.\nReadjust your watch. You are now on Moscow time.\n  VERB: V n


Words: readjustment
Meaning:
re.adjust.ment\n   readjustment  readjustments\n1. Readjustment is the process of adapting to a new situation, usually one that you have been in before.\nThe next few weeks will be a period of readjustment...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n\n2. A readjustment of something is a change that you make to it so that it is more effective or appropriate.\nThe organization denies that it is seeking any readjustment of state borders.\n...the effects of economic readjustment.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp


Words: readout
Meaning:
read.out\n   readout  readouts\n  If an electronic measuring device gives you a readout, it displays information about the level of something such as a speed, height, or sound.\nThe system provides a digital readout of the vehicle’s speed...\n  N-COUNT


Words: ready
Meaning:
ready  readier  readiest  readies  readying  readied\n1. If someone is ready, they are properly prepared for something. If something is ready, it has been properly prepared and is now able to be used.\nIt took her a long time to get ready for church...\nAre you ready to board, Mr. Daly?...\nTomorrow he would tell his pilot to get the aircraft ready...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ for n, ADJ to-inf\n\n2. If you are ready for something or ready to do something, you have enough experience to do it or you are old enough and sensible enough to do it.\nShe says she’s not ready for marriage...\nYou’ll have no trouble getting him into a normal school when you feel he’s ready to go.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ for n, ADJ to-inf\n\n3. If you are ready to do something, you are willing to do it.\nThey were ready to die for their beliefs...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to-inf\n  = willing\n4. If you are ready for something, you need it or want it.\nI don’t know about you, but I’m ready for bed...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ for n\n\n5. To be ready to do something means to be about to do it or likely to do it.\nShe looked ready to cry...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to-inf\n\n6. You use ready to describe things that are able to be used very quickly and easily.\nWhy does German industry enjoy such a ready supply of well-trained and well-motivated workers?\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n7. Ready money is in the form of notes and coins rather than cheques or credit cards, and so it can be used immediately.\nI’m afraid I don’t have enough ready cash.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n8. When you ready something, you prepare it for a particular purpose. (FORMAL)\nJohn’s soldiers were readying themselves for the final assault...\n  VERB: V n for n\n\n9. Ready combines with past participles to indicate that something has already been done, and that therefore you do not have to do it yourself.\nYou can buy ready-printed forms for wills at stationery shops...\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n10. If you have something at the ready, you have it in a position where it can be quickly and easily used.\nSoldiers came charging through the forest, guns at the ready.\n  PHRASE: usu n PHR


Words: ready meal
Meaning:
ready meal  ready meals\n  Ready meals are complete meals that are sold in shops. They are already prepared and you need only heat them before eating them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ready-made
Meaning:
ready-made\n1. If something that you buy is ready-made, you can use it immediately, because the work you would normally have to do has already been done.\nWe rely quite a bit on ready-made meals.they are so convenient...\n  ADJ\n\n2. Ready-made means extremely convenient or useful for a particular purpose.\nThose wishing to study urban development have a ready-made example on their doorstep...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: ready-to-wear
Meaning:
ready-to-wear\n  Ready-to-wear clothes are made in standard sizes so that they fit most people, rather than being made specially for a particular person.\nIn 1978 he launched his first major ready-to-wear collection for the Austin Reed stores.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = off-the-peg


Words: reaffirm
Meaning:
re.affirm\n   reaffirm  reaffirms  reaffirming  reaffirmed\n  If you reaffirm something, you state it again clearly and firmly. (FORMAL)\nHe reaffirmed his commitment to the country’s economic reform programme...\nThe government has reaffirmed that it will take any steps necessary to maintain law and order.\n  VERB: V n, V that


Words: reafforestation
Meaning:
re.affor.esta.tion\n   reafforestation\n  Reafforestation is the same as reforestation. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: reagent
Meaning:
re.agent\n   reagent  reagents\n  A reagent is a substance that is used to cause a chemical reaction. Reagents are often used in order to indicate the presence of another substance. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: real
Meaning:
real\n1. Something that is real actually exists and is not imagined, invented, or theoretical.\nNo, it wasn’t a dream. It was real...\nLegends grew up around a great many figures, both real and fictitious.\n  ADJ\n  !=imaginary\n2. If something is real to someone, they experience it as though it really exists or happens, even though it does not.\nWhitechild’s life becomes increasingly real to the reader.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n\n\n3. A material or object that is real is natural or functioning, and not artificial or an imitation.\n...the smell of real leather...\nWho’s to know if they’re real guns or not?...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = genuine\n4. You can use real to describe someone or something that has all the characteristics or qualities that such a person or thing typically has.\n...his first real girlfriend...\nThe only real job I’d ever had was as manager of the local cafe.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = proper\n5. You can use real to describe something that is the true or original thing of its kind, in contrast to one that someone wants you to believe is true.\nThis was the real reason for her call...\nHer real name had been Miriam Pinckus.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = true\n6. You can use real to describe something that is the most important or typical part of a thing.\nWhen he talks, he only gives glimpses of his real self...\nThe smart executive has people he can trust doing all the real work.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n7. You can use real when you are talking about a situation or feeling to emphasize that it exists and is important or serious.\nGlobal warming is a real problem...\nThe prospect of civil war is very real...\nThere was never any real danger of the children being affected...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  emphasis\n\n8. You can use real to emphasize a quality that is genuine and sincere.\nGermany has shown real determination to come to terms with the anti-Semitism of its past.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n\n9. You can use real before nouns to emphasize your description of something or someone. (mainly SPOKEN)\n`It’s a fabulous deal, a real bargain.’\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n\n10. The real cost or value of something is its cost or value after other amounts have been added or subtracted and when factors such as the level of inflation have been considered.\n...the real cost of borrowing.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = actual, net\n  You can also talk about the cost or value of something in real terms.\nIn real terms the cost of driving is cheaper than a decade ago...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n11. You can use real to emphasize an adjective or adverb. (AM INFORMAL)\nHe is finding prison life `real tough’...\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv  emphasis\n  = really\n12. If you say that someone does something for real, you mean that they actually do it and do not just pretend to do it.\nThe sex scenes were just good acting. We didn’t do it for real.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v\n\n13. If you think that someone or something is very surprising, you can ask if they are for real. (AM INFORMAL)\nIs this guy for real?\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n14. If you say that a thing or event is the real thing, you mean that it is the thing or event itself, rather than an imitation or copy.\nThe counterfeits sell for about $20 less than the real thing...\n  PHRASE


Words: real ale
Meaning:
real ale  real ales\n  Real ale is beer which is stored in a barrel and is pumped from it without the use of carbon dioxide. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-MASS


Words: real estate
Meaning:
real es.tate\n   real estate\n1. Real estate is property in the form of land and buildings, rather than personal possessions. (mainly AM)\nBy investing in real estate, he was one of the richest men in the United States.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = property\n2. Real estate businesses or real estate agents sell houses, buildings, and land. (AM; in BRIT, use estate agency, estate agents)\n...the real estate agent who sold you your house.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: real life
Meaning:
real life\n  If something happens in real life, it actually happens and is not just in a story or in someone’s imagination.\nIn real life men like Richard Gere don’t marry street girls...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu in N\n\n  Real life is also an adjective.\n...a real-life horror story.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: real property
Meaning:
real prop.er.ty\n   real property\n  Real property is property in the form of land and buildings, rather than personal possessions. (AM)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = real estate


Words: real time
Meaning:
real time\n  If something is done in real time, there is no noticeable delay between the action and its effect or consequence.\n...umpires, who have to make every decision in real time.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N


Words: real world
Meaning:
real world\n  If you talk about the real world, you are referring to the world and life in general, in contrast to a particular person’s own life, experience, and ideas, which may seem untypical and unrealistic.\nWhen they eventually leave the school they will be totally ill-equipped to deal with the real world...\n  N-SING: the N


Words: real-time
Meaning:
real-time\n  Real-time processing is a type of computer programming or data processing in which the information received is processed by the computer almost immediately. (COMPUTING)\n...real-time language translations.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: realign
Meaning:
re.align\n   realign  realigns  realigning  realigned\n  If you realign your ideas, policies, or plans, you organize them in a different way in order to take account of new circumstances.\nShe has, almost single-handedly, realigned British politics.\n  VERB: V n, also V


Words: realignment
Meaning:
re.align.ment\n   realignment  realignments\n  If a company, economy, or system goes through a realignment, it is organized or arranged in a new way.\n...a realignment of the existing political structure.\n  N-VAR: usu N of n


Words: realism
Meaning:
re.al.ism\n   realism\n1. When people show realism in their behaviour, they recognize and accept the true nature of a situation and try to deal with it in a practical way.\nIt was time now to show more political realism...\n  N-UNCOUNT  approval\n\n2. If things and people are presented with realism in paintings, stories, or films, they are presented in a way that is like real life.\nGreene’s stories had an edge of realism that made it easy to forget they were fiction...\n  N-UNCOUNT  approval


Words: realist
Meaning:
re.al.ist\n   realist  realists\n1. A realist is someone who recognizes and accepts the true nature of a situation and tries to deal with it in a practical way.\nI see myself not as a cynic but as a realist...\n  N-COUNT  approval\n\n2. A realist painter or writer is one who represents things and people in a way that is like real life.\n...perhaps the foremost realist painter of our times.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: realistic
Meaning:
re.al.is.tic\n   realistic\n1. If you are realistic about a situation, you recognize and accept its true nature and try to deal with it in a practical way.\nPolice have to be realistic about violent crime...\nIt’s only realistic to acknowledge that something, some time, will go wrong.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ about n, it v-link ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  re.al.is.ti.cal.ly\nAs an adult, you can assess the situation realistically.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj\n\n2. Something such as a goal or target that is realistic is one which you can sensibly expect to achieve.\nEstablish deadlines that are more realistic.\n  ADJ\n  = sensible\n3. You say that a painting, story, or film is realistic when the people and things in it are like people and things in real life.\n...extraordinarily realistic paintings of Indians...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  re.al.is.ti.cal.ly\nThe film starts off realistically and then develops into a ridiculous fantasy.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: realistically
Meaning:
re.al.is.ti.cal.ly\n   realistically\n  You use realistically when you want to emphasize that what you are saying is true, even though you would prefer it not to be true.\nRealistically, there is never one right answer.\n  ADV: ADV with cl  emphasis\n  = frankly\n  see also realistic


Words: reality
Meaning:
re.al.ity\n   reality  realities\n1. You use reality to refer to real things or the real nature of things rather than imagined, invented, or theoretical ideas.\nFiction and reality were increasingly blurred...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also virtual reality\n2. The reality of a situation is the truth about it, especially when it is unpleasant or difficult to deal with.\n...the harsh reality of top international competition...\n  N-COUNT: usu the N of n\n\n3. You say that something has become a reality when it actually exists or is actually happening.\n...the whole procedure that made this book become a reality...\n  N-SING\n\n4. You can use in reality to introduce a statement about the real nature of something, when it contrasts with something incorrect that has just been described.\nHe came across as streetwise, but in reality he was not.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl


Words: reality TV
Meaning:
re.al.ity TV\n\n  Reality TV is a type of television programming which aims to show how ordinary people behave in everyday life, or in situations, often created by the programme makers, which are intended to represent everyday life.\n...the Americans’ current infatuation with reality TV.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: realizable
Meaning:
re.al.iz.able\n   realizable\nin BRIT, also use realisable\n1. If your hopes or aims are realizable, there is a possibility that the things that you want to happen will happen. (FORMAL)\n...the reasonless assumption that one’s dreams and desires were realizable.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Realizable wealth is money that can be easily obtained by selling something. (FORMAL)\nThey must prove they own .250,000 of realisable assets.\n  ADJ


Words: realize
Meaning:
re.al.ize\n   realize  realizes  realizing  realized\nin BRIT, also use realise\n1. If you realize that something is true, you become aware of that fact or understand it.\nAs soon as we realised something was wrong, we moved the children away...\nPeople don’t realize how serious this recession has actually been...\nOnce they realised their mistake the phone was reconnected again...\n`That’s my brother.’.`Oh, I hadn’t realized.’\n  VERB: V that, V wh, V n, V\n\n=>  re.ali.za.tion      realizations\nThere is now a growing realisation that things cannot go on like this for much longer...\nHe nearly cried out at the sudden realization of how much Randall looked like him.\n  N-VAR: usu N that, N of n\n\n2. If your hopes, desires, or fears are realized, the things that you hope for, desire, or fear actually happen.\nStraightaway our worst fears were realised...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n=>  re.ali.za.tion\n...the realization of his worst fears.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft the N of n\n\n3. When someone realizes a design or an idea, they make or organize something based on that design or idea. (FORMAL)\nVarious textile techniques will be explored to realise design possibilities...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If someone or something realizes their potential, they do everything they are capable of doing, because they have been given the opportunity to do so.\nThe support systems to enable women to realize their potential at work are seriously inadequate...\n  VERB: V n\n  = achieve\n5. If something realizes a particular amount of money when it is sold, that amount of money is paid for it. (FORMAL)\nA selection of correspondence from P G Wodehouse realised .1,232.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re.ali.za.tion\nI have taken this course solely to assist the realisation of my assets for the benefit of all my creditors.\n  N-VAR


Words: reallocate
Meaning:
re.allo.cate\n   reallocate  reallocates  reallocating  reallocated\n  When organizations reallocate money or resources, they decide to change the way they spend the money or use the resources.\n...a cost-cutting program to reallocate people and resources within the company...\nOther areas are to lose aid so that money can be reallocated to towns devastated by pit closures.\n  VERB: V n, V n to n\n  = redistribute


Words: really
Meaning:
re.al.ly\n   really\n1. You can use really to emphasize a statement. (SPOKEN)\nI’m very sorry. I really am...\nIt really is best to manage without any medication if you possibly can...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v  emphasis\n\n2. You can use really to emphasize an adjective or adverb.\nIt was really good...\nThey were really nice people...\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv  emphasis\n  = very\n3. You use really when you are discussing the real facts about something, in contrast to the ones someone wants you to believe.\nMy father didn’t really love her...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj\n\n4. People use really in questions and negative statements when they want you to answer `no’.\nDo you really think he would be that stupid?...\n  ADV: ADV before v  emphasis\n  = honestly\n5. If you refer to a time when something really begins to happen, you are emphasizing that it starts to happen at that time to a much greater extent and much more seriously than before.\nThat’s when the pressure really started...\n  ADV: ADV before v  emphasis\n\n6. People sometimes use really to slightly reduce the force of a negative statement. (SPOKEN)\nI’m not really surprised...\n`Did they hurt you?’.`Not really’...\n  ADV: ADV after neg, usu ADV with v, also ADV with cl  vagueness\n\n7. You can say really to express surprise or disbelief at what someone has said. (SPOKEN)\n`We discovered it was totally the wrong decision.’.`Really?’...\n  CONVENTION  feelings


Words: realm
Meaning:
realm  realms\n1. You can use realm to refer to any area of activity, interest, or thought. (FORMAL)\n...the realm of politics...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n, adj N\n\n2. A realm is a country that has a king or queen. (FORMAL)\nDefence of the realm is crucial.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing\n\n3. If you say that something is not beyond the realms of possibility, you mean that it is possible.\nA fall of 50 per cent or more on prices is not beyond the realms of possibility...\n  PHRASE: realm inflects, v-link prep PHR


Words: Realtor
Meaning:
Real.tor\n   Realtor  Realtors   also realtor\n  A Realtor is a person whose job is to sell houses, buildings, and land, and who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. (TRADEMARK) (AM; in BRIT, use estate agent)\n  N-COUNT


Words: ream
Meaning:
ream  reams\n  If you say that there are reams of paper or reams of writing, you mean that there are large amounts of it. (INFORMAL)\nTheir specific task is to sort through the reams of information and try to determine what it may mean...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu N of n


Words: reap
Meaning:
reap  reaps  reaping  reaped\n  If you reap the benefits or the rewards of something, you enjoy the good things that happen as a result of it.\nYou’ll soon begin to reap the benefits of being fitter...\n  VERB: V n


Words: reaper
Meaning:
reap.er\n   reaper  reapers\n  A reaper is a machine used to cut and gather crops.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also Grim Reaper


Words: reappear
Meaning:
re.appear\n   reappear  reappears  reappearing  reappeared\n  When people or things reappear, they return again after they have been away or out of sight for some time.\nThirty seconds later she reappeared and beckoned them forward.\n  VERB: V


Words: reappearance
Meaning:
re.appear.ance\n   reappearance  reappearances\n  The reappearance of someone or something is their return after they have been away or out of sight for some time.\nHis sudden reappearance must have been a shock.\n  N-COUNT: usu with poss


Words: reappraisal
Meaning:
re.apprais.al\n   reappraisal  reappraisals\n  If there is a reappraisal of something such as an idea or plan, people think about the idea carefully and decide whether they want to change it. (FORMAL)\nBritain’s worst jail riot will force a fundamental reappraisal of prison policy...\n  N-VAR\n  = reassessment


Words: reappraise
Meaning:
re.appraise\n   reappraise  reappraises  reappraising  reappraised\n  If you reappraise something such as an idea or a plan, you think carefully about it and decide whether it needs to be changed. (FORMAL)\nIt did not persuade them to abandon the war but it did force them to reappraise their strategy.\n  VERB: V n\n  = rethink


Words: rear
Meaning:
rear  rears  rearing  reared\n1. The rear of something such as a building or vehicle is the back part of it.\nHe settled back in the rear of the taxi.\n...a stairway in the rear of the building.\n  N-SING: the N, usu N of n\n  = back  !=front\n  Rear is also an adjective.\nManufacturers have been obliged to fit rear seat belts in all new cars.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If you are at the rear of a moving line of people, you are the last person in it. (FORMAL)\nMusicians played at the front and rear of the procession...\n  N-SING: the N, usu N of n\n  = back  !=front\n3. Your rear is the part of your body that you sit on. (INFORMAL)\nI turned away from the phone to see Lewis pat a waitress on her rear.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N\n  = behind\n4. If you rear children, you look after them until they are old enough to look after themselves.\nShe reared sixteen children, six her own and ten her husband’s...\n  VERB: V n\n  = bring up, raise\n5. If you rear a young animal, you keep and look after it until it is old enough to be used for work or food, or until it can look after itself. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use raise)\nShe spends a lot of time rearing animals.\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. When a horse rears, it moves the front part of its body upwards, so that its front legs are high in the air and it is standing on its back legs.\nThe horse reared and threw off its rider.\n  VERB: V\n\n7. If you say that something such as a building or mountain rears above you, you mean that is very tall and close to you.\nThe exhibition hall reared above me behind a high fence...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n  = loom\n8. If a person or vehicle is bringing up the rear, they are the last person or vehicle in a moving line of them.\n...police motorcyclists bringing up the rear of the procession.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n9. If something unpleasant rears its head or rears its ugly head, it becomes visible or noticeable.\nThe threat of strikes reared its head again this summer...\n  PHRASE: V and N inflect


Words: Rear Admiral
Meaning:
Rear Ad.mi.ral\n   Rear Admiral  Rear Admirals\n  Rear Admiral is a rank in the navy. It is the rank below Vice Admiral.\n...Rear Admiral Douglas Cap, commander of the USS America.\n  N-TITLE; N-COUNT


Words: rear-end
Meaning:
rear-end  rear-ends  rear-ending  rear-ended\n  If a driver or vehicle rear-ends the vehicle in front, they crash into the back of it. (INFORMAL)\nA few days earlier somebody had rear-ended him.\n  VERB: V n


Words: rear-view mirror
Meaning:
rear-view mir.ror\n   rear-view mirror  rear-view mirrors   also rearview mirror\n  Inside a car, the rear-view mirror is the mirror that enables you to see the traffic behind when you are driving.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rearguard
Meaning:
rear.guard\n   rearguard\n1. In a battle, the rearguard is a group of soldiers who protect the back part of an army, especially when the army is leaving the battle.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n2. If someone is fighting a rearguard action or mounting a rearguard action, they are trying very hard to prevent something from happening, even though it is probably too late for them to succeed. (JOURNALISM)\nMr Urban looks increasingly like someone fighting a rearguard action to keep their job.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: rearm
Meaning:
re.arm\n   rearm  rearms  rearming  rearmed   also re-arm\n  If a country rearms or is rearmed, it starts to build up a new stock of military weapons.\nThey neglected to rearm in time and left Britain exposed to disaster.\n...NATO’s decision to rearm West Germany.\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: rearmament
Meaning:
re.arma.ment\n   rearmament\n  Rearmament is the process of building up a new stock of military weapons.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rearrange
Meaning:
re.arrange\n   rearrange  rearranges  rearranging  rearranged\n1. If you rearrange things, you change the way in which they are organized or ordered.\nWhen she returned, she found Malcolm had rearranged all her furniture...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you rearrange a meeting or an appointment, you arrange for it to take place at a different time to that originally intended.\nYou may cancel or rearrange the appointment...\n  VERB: V n\n  = reschedule


Words: rearrangement
Meaning:
re.arrange.ment\n   rearrangement  rearrangements\n  A rearrangement is a change in the way that something is arranged or organized.\n...a rearrangement of the job structure.\n  N-VAR


Words: rearward
Meaning:
rear.ward\n   rearward\n  If something moves or faces rearward, it moves or faces backwards.\n...a rearward facing infant carrier...\nThe centre of pressure moves rearward and the aeroplane becomes unbalanced.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = backward  !=forward\n  Rearward is also an adjective.\n...the rearward window.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: reason
Meaning:
rea.son\n   reason  reasons  reasoning  reasoned\n1. The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.\nThere is a reason for every important thing that happens...\nWho would have a reason to want to kill her?\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N for n, N to-inf\n\n2. If you say that you have reason to believe something or to have a particular emotion, you mean that you have evidence for your belief or there is a definite cause of your feeling.\nThey had reason to believe there could be trouble...\nHe had every reason to be upset...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N to-inf\n\n3. The ability that people have to think and to make sensible judgments can be referred to as reason.\n...a conflict between emotion and reason...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. If you reason that something is true, you decide that it is true after thinking carefully about all the facts.\nI reasoned that changing my diet would lower my cholesterol level...\n`Listen,’ I reasoned, `it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what Adam’s up to.’\n  VERB: V that, V with quote\n\n  see also reasoned, reasoning\n5. If one thing happens by reason of another, it happens because of it. (FORMAL)\nThe boss retains enormous influence by reason of his position...\n  PHRASE: PHR n\n\n6. If you try to make someone listen to reason, you try to persuade them to listen to sensible arguments and be influenced by them.\nThe company’s top executives had refused to listen to reason.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n7. If you say that something happened or was done for no reason, for no good reason, or for no reason at all, you mean that there was no obvious reason why it happened or was done.\nThe guards, he said, would punch them for no reason...\nFor no reason at all the two men started to laugh.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n8. If a person or thing is someone’s reason for living or their reason for being, they are the most important thing in that person’s life.\nChloe is my reason for living.\n  PHRASE: usu poss PHR\n\n9. If you say that something happened or is true for some reason, you mean that you know it happened or is true, but you do not know why.\nFor some inexplicable reason she was attracted to Patrick.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  vagueness\n\n10. If you say that you will do anything within reason, you mean that you will do anything that is fair or reasonable and not too extreme.\nI will take any job that comes along, within reason...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl, n PHR\n\n11.\nrhyme or reason: see rhyme\nto see reason: see see\nit stands to reason: see stand


Words: reason with
Meaning:
reason with\n  If you try to reason with someone, you try to persuade them to do or accept something by using sensible arguments.\nI have watched parents trying to reason with their children and have never seen it work.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n


Words: reasonable
Meaning:
rea.son.able\n   reasonable\n1. If you think that someone is fair and sensible you can say that they are reasonable.\nHe’s a reasonable sort of chap...\nOh, come on, be reasonable.\n  ADJ\n  !=unreasonable\n=>  rea.son.ably\n`I’m sorry, Andrew,’ she said reasonably.\n  ADV\n\n=>  rea.son.able.ness\n`I can understand how you feel,’ Desmond said with great reasonableness.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you say that a decision or action is reasonable, you mean that it is fair and sensible.\n...a perfectly reasonable decision...\nAt the time, what he’d done had seemed reasonable.\n  ADJ\n\n3. If you say that an expectation or explanation is reasonable, you mean that there are good reasons why it may be correct.\nIt seems reasonable to expect rapid urban growth.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  rea.son.ably\nYou can reasonably expect your goods to arrive within six to eight weeks.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4. If you say that the price of something is reasonable, you mean that it is fair and not too high.\nYou get an interesting meal for a reasonable price...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  rea.son.ably\n...reasonably priced accommodation.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n5. You can use reasonable to describe something that is fairly good, but not very good.\nThe boy answered him in reasonable French...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  rea.son.ably\nI can dance reasonably well.\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv\n\n6. A reasonable amount of something is a fairly large amount of it.\nThey will need a reasonable amount of desk area and good light.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  rea.son.ably\nFrom now on events moved reasonably quickly.\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv


Words: reasoned
Meaning:
rea.soned\n   reasoned\n  A reasoned discussion or argument is based on sensible reasons, rather than on an appeal to people’s emotions.\nAbortion is an issue which produces little reasoned argument.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval\n  = rational


Words: reasoning
Meaning:
rea.son.ing\n   reasoning  reasonings\n  Reasoning is the process by which you reach a conclusion after thinking about all the facts.\n...the reasoning behind the decision...\n  N-VAR


Words: reassemble
Meaning:
re.as.sem.ble\n   reassemble  reassembles  reassembling  reassembled\n1. If you reassemble something, you put it back together after it has been taken apart.\nWe will now try to reassemble pieces of the wreckage...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If a group of people reassembles or if you reassemble them, they gather together again in a group.\nWe shall reassemble in the car park in thirty minutes...\nMr Lucas reassembled his team in September.\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: reassert
Meaning:
re.as.sert\n   reassert  reasserts  reasserting  reasserted\n1. If you reassert your control or authority, you make it clear that you are still in a position of power, or you strengthen the power that you had.\n...the government’s continuing effort to reassert its control in the region...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If something such as an idea or habit reasserts itself, it becomes noticeable again.\nHis sense of humour was beginning to reassert itself.\n  VERB: V pron-refl


Words: reassess
Meaning:
re.as.sess\n   reassess  reassesses  reassessing  reassessed\n  If you reassess something, you think about it and decide whether you need to change your opinion about it.\nI will reassess the situation when I get home...\n  VERB: V n


Words: reassessment
Meaning:
re.as.sess.ment\n   reassessment  reassessments\n  If you make a reassessment of something, you think about it and decide whether you need to change your opinion about it.\n...the moment when we make a reassessment of ourselves.\n  N-VAR


Words: reassurance
Meaning:
re.assur.ance\n   reassurance  reassurances\n1. If someone needs reassurance, they are very worried and need someone to help them stop worrying by saying kind or helpful things.\nShe needed reassurance that she belonged somewhere...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Reassurances are things that you say to help people stop worrying about something.\n...reassurances that pesticides are not harmful.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reassure
Meaning:
re.assure\n   reassure  reassures  reassuring  reassured\n  If you reassure someone, you say or do things to make them stop worrying about something.\nI tried to reassure her, `Don’t worry about it. We won’t let it happen again.’...\nShe just reassured me that everything was fine.\n  VERB: V n, V n that, also V n about n


Words: reassured
Meaning:
re.assured\n   reassured\n  If you feel reassured, you feel less worried about something, usually because you have received help or advice.\nI feel much more reassured when I’ve been for a health check.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: reassuring
Meaning:
re.assur.ing\n   reassuring\n  If you find someone’s words or actions reassuring, they make you feel less worried about something.\nIt was reassuring to hear John’s familiar voice...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf/that\n\n=>  re.assur.ing.ly\n`It’s okay now,’ he said reassuringly.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: reawaken
Meaning:
re.awak.en\n   reawaken  reawakens  reawakening  reawakened\n  If something reawakens an issue, or an interest or feeling that you used to have, it makes you think about it or feel it again.\nThe King’s stand is bound to reawaken the painful debate about abortion...\n  VERB: V n\n  = rekindle\n=>  re.awak.en.ing\n...a reawakening of interest in stained glass.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rebadge
Meaning:
re.badge\n   rebadge rebadging rebadged\n  If a product is rebadged, it is given a new name, brand, or logo. (BRIT)\nThe car was rebadged as a Vauxhall and sold in Britain.\n  VERB: be V-ed, also V-ed


Words: rebate
Meaning:
re.bate\n   rebate  rebates\n  A rebate is an amount of money which is paid to you when you have paid more tax, rent, or rates than you needed to.\n...a tax rebate...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft n N, adj N, N on n\n  = refund


Words: rebel
Meaning:
re.bel\n   rebel rebels rebelling  rebelled\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. Rebels are people who are fighting against their own country’s army in order to change the political system there.\n...fighting between rebels and government forces.\n...rebel forces in Liberia.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. Politicians who oppose some of their own party’s policies can be referred to as rebels.\nThe rebels want another 1% cut in interest rates.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If politicians rebel against one of their own party’s policies, they show that they oppose it.\nMore than forty Conservative MPs rebelled against the government and voted against the bill.\n...MPs planning to rebel over the proposed welfare cuts...\n  VERB: V against n, V\n\n4. You can say that someone is a rebel if you think that they behave differently from other people and have rejected the values of society or of their parents.\nShe had been a rebel at school.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. When someone rebels, they start to behave differently from other people and reject the values of society or of their parents.\nThe child who rebels is unlikely to be overlooked...\nI was very young and rebelling against everything.\n  VERB: V, V against n


Words: rebellion
Meaning:
re.bel.lion\n   rebellion  rebellions\n1. A rebellion is a violent organized action by a large group of people who are trying to change their country’s political system.\nThe British soon put down the rebellion.\n  N-VAR\n  = insurrection\n2. A situation in which politicians show their opposition to their own party’s policies can be referred to as a rebellion.\nThere was a Labour rebellion when some left-wing MPs voted against the Chancellor’s tax cuts...\n  N-VAR\n  = revolt


Words: rebellious
Meaning:
re.bel.lious\n   rebellious\n1. If you think someone behaves in an unacceptable way and does not do what they are told, you can say they are rebellious.\n...a rebellious teenager...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  re.bel.lious.ness\n...the normal rebelliousness of youth.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A rebellious group of people is a group involved in taking violent action against the rulers of their own country, usually in order to change the system of government there.\nThe rebellious officers, having seized the radio station, broadcast the news of the overthrow of the monarchy.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: rebirth
Meaning:
re.birth\n   rebirth\n  You can refer to a change that leads to a new period of growth and improvement in something as its rebirth.\n...the rebirth of democracy in Latin America...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: reborn
Meaning:
re.born\n   reborn\n  If you say that someone or something has been reborn, you mean that they have become active again after a period of being inactive.\nRussia was being reborn as a great power.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed as n


Words: rebound
Meaning:
re.bound\n   rebound  rebounds  rebounding  rebounded\n1. If something rebounds from a solid surface, it bounces or springs back from it.\nHis shot in the 21st minute of the game rebounded from a post...\nThe hot liquid splashed down on the concrete and rebounded.\n  VERB: V prep, V\n\n2. If an action or situation rebounds on you, it has an unpleasant effect on you, especially when this effect was intended for someone else.\nMia realised her trick had rebounded on her...\nThe CIA was extremely wary of interfering with the foreign Press; in the past, such interference had rebounded.\n  VERB: V on/upon n, V\n\n3. If you say that someone is on the rebound, you mean that they have just ended a relationship with a girlfriend or boyfriend. This often makes them do things they would not normally do.\nHe took heroin for the first time when he was on the rebound from a broken relationship.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR\n\n4. In basketball, a rebound is a shot which someone catches after it has hit the board behind the basket.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rebrand
Meaning:
re.brand\n   rebrand  rebrands  rebranding  rebranded\n  To rebrand a product or organization means to present it to the public in a new way, for example by changing its name or appearance. (BUSINESS)\nThere are plans to rebrand many Texas stores.\n  VERB: V n


Words: rebranding
Meaning:
re.brand.ing\n   rebranding\n  Rebranding is the process of giving a product or an organization a new image, in order to make it more attractive or successful. (BUSINESS)\nThe .85m programme will involve an extensive rebranding of the airline.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rebuff
Meaning:
re.buff\n   rebuff  rebuffs  rebuffing  rebuffed\n  If you rebuff someone or rebuff a suggestion that they make, you refuse to do what they suggest.\nHis proposals have already been rebuffed by the Prime Minister.\n  VERB: V n\n  = reject\n  Rebuff is also a noun.\nThe results of the poll dealt a humiliating rebuff to Mr Jones.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp


Words: rebuild
Meaning:
re.build\n   rebuild  rebuilds  rebuilding  rebuilt\n1. When people rebuild something such as a building or a city, they build it again after it has been damaged or destroyed.\nThey say they will stay to rebuild their homes rather than retreat to refugee camps...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. When people rebuild something such as an institution, a system, or an aspect of their lives, they take action to bring it back to its previous condition.\nEveryone would have to work hard together to rebuild the economy...\nThe agency has been rebuilding under new management.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: rebuke
Meaning:
re.buke\n   rebuke  rebukes  rebuking  rebuked\n  If you rebuke someone, you speak severely to them because they have said or done something that you do not approve of. (FORMAL)\nThe president rebuked the House and Senate for not passing those bills within 100 days.\n  VERB: V n\n  = reprimand\n  Rebuke is also a noun.\nUN member countries delivered a strong rebuke to both countries for persisting with nuclear testing programs...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp\n  = reprimand


Words: rebut
Meaning:
re.but\n   rebut  rebuts  rebutting  rebutted\n  If you rebut a charge or criticism that is made against you, you give reasons why it is untrue or unacceptable. (FORMAL)\nHe spent most of his speech rebutting criticisms of his foreign policy.\n  VERB: V n\n  = refute


Words: rebuttal
Meaning:
re.but.tal\n   rebuttal  rebuttals\n  If you make a rebuttal of a charge or accusation that has been made against you, you make a statement which gives reasons why the accusation is untrue. (FORMAL)\nHe is conducting a point-by-point rebuttal of charges from former colleagues...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of/to n


Words: recalcitrant
Meaning:
re.cal.ci.trant\n   recalcitrant\n  If you describe someone or something as recalcitrant, you mean that they are unwilling to obey orders or are difficult to deal with. (FORMAL)\nThe danger is that recalcitrant local authorities will reject their responsibilities...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = stubborn\n=>  re.cal.ci.trance\n...the government’s recalcitrance over introducing even the smallest political reform.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = stubbornness


Words: recall
Meaning:
re.call\n   recall recalls recalling  recalled\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. When you recall something, you remember it and tell others about it.\nHenderson recalled that he first met Pollard during a business trip to Washington...\nHer teacher recalled: `She was always on about modelling.’...\nColleagues today recall with humor how meetings would crawl into the early morning hours...\nI recalled the way they had been dancing together...\nI have no idea what she said, something about airline travel, I seem to recall.\n  VERB: V that, V with quote, V wh, V n, V, also V -ing\n\n2. Recall is the ability to remember something that has happened in the past or the act of remembering it.\nHe had a good memory, and total recall of her spoken words.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you are recalled to your home, country, or the place where you work, you are ordered to return there.\nSpain has recalled its Ambassador after a row over refugees seeking asylum at the embassy...\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Recall is also a noun.\nThe recall of ambassador Alan Green was a public signal of America’s concern.\n  N-SING: the N of n\n\n4. In sport, if a player is recalled to a team, he or she is included in that team again after being left out.\nDean Richards was recalled to the England squad for the match with Wales...\n  VERB: V n to n\n\n  Recall is also a noun.\nIt would be great to get a recall to the England squad for Sweden.\n  N-SING\n\n5. If a company recalls a product, it asks the shops or the people who have bought that product to return it because there is something wrong with it.\nThe company said it was recalling one of its drugs...\n  VERB: V n


Words: recant
Meaning:
re.cant\n   recant  recants  recanting  recanted\n  If you recant, you say publicly that you no longer hold a set of beliefs that you had in the past. (FORMAL)\nWhite House officials ordered Williams to recant.\n...a man who had refused after torture to recant his heresy.\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: recap
Meaning:
re.cap\n   recap  recaps  recapping  recapped\n  You can say that you are going to recap when you want to draw people’s attention to the fact that you are going to repeat the main points of an explanation, argument, or description, as a summary of it.\nTo recap briefly, an agreement negotiated to cut the budget deficit was rejected 10 days ago...\nCan you recap the points included in the regional conference proposal?\n  VERB: V, V n\n  = sum up, recapitulate\n  Recap is also a noun.\nEach report starts with a recap of how we did versus our projections.\n  N-SING


Words: recapitalize
Meaning:
re.capi.tal.ize\n   recapitalize  recapitalizes  recapitalizing  recapitalized\n  If a company recapitalizes, it changes the way it manages its financial affairs, for example by borrowing money or reissuing shares. (AM BUSINESS)\nMr Warnock resigned as the company abandoned a plan to recapitalize...\nHe plans to recapitalize the insurance fund.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  re.capi.tali.za.tion      recapitalizations\n...a recapitalization of the company.\n  N-COUNT


Words: recapitulate
Meaning:
re.ca.pitu.late\n   recapitulate  recapitulates  recapitulating  recapitulated\n  You can say that you are going to recapitulate the main points of an explanation, argument, or description when you want to draw attention to the fact that you are going to repeat the most important points as a summary.\nLet’s just recapitulate the essential points...\nIt will shortly be put up for sale under the terms already communicated to you, which, to recapitulate, call for a very minimum of publicity.\n  VERB: V n, V\n  = recap, sum up\n=>  re.ca.pitu.la.tion\nChapter 9 provides a valuable recapitulation of the material already presented.\n  N-SING


Words: recapture
Meaning:
re.cap.ture\n   recapture  recaptures  recapturing  recaptured\n1. When soldiers recapture an area of land or a place, they gain control of it again from an opposing army who had taken it from them.\nThey said the bodies were found when rebels recaptured the area.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Recapture is also a noun.\n...an offensive to be launched for the recapture of the city.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n\n2. When people recapture something that they have lost to a competitor, they get it back again.\nI believe that he would be the best possibility to recapture the centre vote in the forthcoming election.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. To recapture a person or animal which has escaped from somewhere means to catch them again.\nPolice have recaptured Alan Lord, who escaped from a police cell in Bolton.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Recapture is also a noun.\n...the recapture of a renegade police chief in Panama.\n  N-SING: usu n of n\n\n4. When you recapture something such as an experience, emotion, or a quality that you had in the past, you experience it again. When something recaptures an experience for you, it makes you remember it.\nHe couldn’t recapture the form he’d shown in getting to the semi-final...\n  VERB: V n


Words: recast
Meaning:
re.cast\n   recast  recasts  recasting\n\n  The form recast is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle.\n\n1. If you recast something, you change it by organizing it in a different way.\nThe shake-up aims to recast IBM as a federation of flexible and competing subsidiaries.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re.cast.ing\n...the recasting of the political map of Europe.\n  N-SING: N of n\n\n2. To recast an actor’s role means to give the role to another actor.\nStoppard had to recast four of the principal roles.\n  VERB: V n


Words: recce
Meaning:
rec.ce\n   recce  recces  recceing  recced\n  If you recce an area, you visit that place in order to become familiar with it. People usually recce an area when they are going to return at a later time to do something there. (BRIT OLD-FASHIONED)\nThe first duty of a director is to recce his location.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Recce is also a noun.\nUncle Jim took the air rifle and went on a recce to the far end of the quarry.\n  N-COUNT


Words: recede
Meaning:
re.cede\n   recede  recedes  receding  receded\n1. If something recedes from you, it moves away.\nLuke’s footsteps receded into the night...\nAs she receded he waved goodbye.\n  VERB: V prep, V\n\n2. When something such as a quality, problem, or illness recedes, it becomes weaker, smaller, or less intense.\nJust as I started to think that I was never going to get well, the illness began to recede...\n  VERB: V\n\n3. If a man’s hair starts to recede, it no longer grows on the front of his head.\n...a youngish man with dark hair just beginning to recede...\n  VERB: V


Words: receipt
Meaning:
re.ceipt\n   receipt  receipts\n1. A receipt is a piece of paper that you get from someone as proof that they have received money or goods from you. In British English a receipt is a piece of paper that you get in a shop when you buy something, but in American English the more usual term for this is sales slip.\nI wrote her a receipt for the money.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Receipts are the amount of money received during a particular period, for example by a shop or theatre.\nHe was tallying the day’s receipts.\n  N-PLURAL: usu with supp\n  = takings\n3. The receipt of something is the act of receiving it. (FORMAL)\nGoods should be supplied within 28 days after the receipt of your order.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. If you are in receipt of something, you have received it or you receive it regularly. (FORMAL)\nWe are taking action, having been in receipt of a letter from him...\n  PHRASE


Words: receive
Meaning:
re.ceive\n   receive  receives  receiving  received\n1. When you receive something, you get it after someone gives it to you or sends it to you.\nThey will receive their awards at a ceremony in Stockholm...\nI received your letter of November 7.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = get\n2. You can use receive to say that certain kinds of thing happen to someone. For example if they are injured, you can say that they received an injury.\nHe received more of the blame than anyone when the plan failed to work...\nShe was suffering from whiplash injuries received in a car crash.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n\n3. When you receive a visitor or a guest, you greet them.\nThe following evening the duchess was again receiving guests...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you say that something is received in a particular way, you mean that people react to it in that way.\nThe resolution had been received with great disappointment within the PLO...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed prep/adv\n\n5. When a radio or television receives signals that are being transmitted, it picks them up and converts them into sound or pictures.\nThe reception was a little faint but clear enough for him to receive the signal.\n  VERB: V n, also V\n\n6. If you are on the receiving end or at the receiving end of something unpleasant, you are the person that it happens to.\nYou saw hate in their eyes and you were on the receiving end of that hate...\n  PHRASE


Words: received
Meaning:
re.ceived\n   received\n  The received opinion about something or the received way of doing something is generally accepted by people as being correct. (FORMAL)\nHe was among the first to question the received wisdom of the time...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: Received Pronunciation
Meaning:
Re.ceived Pro.nun.cia.tion\n   Received Pronunciation\n  Received Pronunciation is a way of pronouncing British English that is often used as a standard in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language. The abbreviation RP is also used. The accent represented by the pronunciations in this dictionary is Received Pronunciation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: receiver
Meaning:
re.ceiv.er\n   receiver  receivers\n1. A telephone’s receiver is the part that you hold near to your ear and speak into.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A receiver is the part of a radio or television that picks up signals and converts them into sound or pictures.\nAuto-tuning VHF receivers are now common in cars.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. The receiver is someone who is appointed by a court of law to manage the affairs of a business, usually when it is facing financial failure. (BUSINESS)\nBetween July and September, a total of 1,059 firms called in the receiver.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N


Words: receivership
Meaning:
re.ceiv.er.ship\n   receivership  receiverships\n  If a company goes into receivership, it faces financial failure and the administration of its business is handled by the receiver. (BUSINESS)\nThe company has now gone into receivership with debts of several million...\n  N-VAR: oft in/into N


Words: recent
Meaning:
re.cent\n   recent\n  A recent event or period of time happened only a short while ago.\nIn the most recent attack one man was shot dead and two others were wounded...\nSales have fallen by more than 75 percent in recent years.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: recently
Meaning:
re.cent.ly\n   recently\n  If you have done something recently or if something happened recently, it happened only a short time ago.\nThe bank recently opened a branch in Germany...\nHe was until very recently the most powerful banker in the city.\n  ADV: ADV with v, until ADV


Words: receptacle
Meaning:
re.cep.ta.cle\n   receptacle  receptacles\n  A receptacle is an object which you use to put or keep things in. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT\n  = container


Words: reception
Meaning:
re.cep.tion\n   reception  receptions\n1. The reception in a hotel is the desk or office that books rooms for people and answers their questions. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use front desk)\nHave him bring a car round to the reception...\n...the hotel’s reception desk.\n  N-SING: the N, oft N n, also at N\n\n2. The reception in an office or hospital is the place where people’s appointments and questions are dealt with. (mainly BRIT)\nWait at reception for me.\n  N-SING: the N, oft N n, also at N\n\n3. A reception is a formal party which is given to welcome someone or to celebrate a special event.\nAt the reception they served smoked salmon.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If someone or something has a particular kind of reception, that is the way that people react to them.\nMr Mandela was given a tumultuous reception in Washington...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu supp N\n\n5. If you get good reception from your radio or television, the sound or picture is clear because the signal is strong. If the reception is poor, the sound or picture is unclear because the signal is weak.\nAdjust the aerial’s position and direction for the best reception.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: reception centre
Meaning:
re.cep.tion cen.tre\n   reception centre  reception centres\n  A reception centre is a place where people who have no homes or are being looked after by the government can live until somewhere else is found for them to live. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: reception class
Meaning:
re.cep.tion class\n   reception class  reception classes\n  A reception class is a class that children go into when they first start school at the age of four or five. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: reception room
Meaning:
re.cep.tion room\n   reception room  reception rooms\n  A reception room is a room in a house, for example a living room, where people can sit. This expression is often used in descriptions of houses that are for sale. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: receptionist
Meaning:
re.cep.tion.ist\n   receptionist  receptionists\n1. In a hotel, the receptionist is the person whose job is to book rooms for people and answer their questions. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use desk clerk)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In an office or hospital, the receptionist is the person whose job is to answer the telephone, arrange appointments, and deal with people when they first arrive.\n  N-COUNT


Words: receptive
Meaning:
re.cep.tive\n   receptive\n1. Someone who is receptive to new ideas or suggestions is prepared to consider them or accept them.\nThe voters had seemed receptive to his ideas...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n\n=>  re.cep.tive.ness\nThere was less receptiveness to liberalism in some areas.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If someone who is ill is receptive to treatment, they start to get better when they are given treatment.\n...those patients who are not receptive to treatment.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n


Words: receptor
Meaning:
re.cep.tor\n   receptor  receptors\n  Receptors are nerve endings in your body which react to changes and stimuli and make your body respond in a particular way. (TECHNICAL)\n...the information receptors in our brain.\n  N-COUNT


Words: recess
Meaning:
re.cess\n   recess   recesses   recessing   recessed\n1. A recess is a break between the periods of work of an official body such as a committee, a court of law, or a government.\nThe conference broke for a recess...\n  N-COUNT: also in/from N\n\n2. When formal meetings or court cases recess, they stop temporarily. (FORMAL)\nThe hearings have now recessed for dinner...\nBefore the trial recessed today, the lawyer read her opening statement.\n  VERB: V for n, V\n\n3. In a room, a recess is part of a wall which is built further back than the rest of the wall. Recesses are often used as a place to put furniture such as shelves.\n...a discreet recess next to a fireplace.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. The recesses of something or somewhere are the parts of it which are hard to see because light does not reach them or they are hidden from view.\nHe emerged from the dark recesses of the garage...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu with supp\n\n5. If you refer to the recesses of someone’s mind or soul, you are referring to thoughts or feelings they have which are hidden or difficult to describe.\nThere was something in the darker recesses of his unconscious that was troubling him.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu with supp


Words: recessed
Meaning:
re.cessed\n   recessed\n  If something such as a door or window is recessed, it is set into the wall that surrounds it.\n...a wide passage, lit from one side by recessed windows.\n  ADJ


Words: recession
Meaning:
re.ces.sion\n   recession  recessions\n  A recession is a period when the economy of a country is doing badly, for example because industry is producing less and more people are becoming unemployed.\nThe oil price increases sent Europe into deep recession.\n  N-VAR


Words: recessional
Meaning:
re.ces.sion.al\n   recessional\n1. The recessional is a religious song which is sung at the end of a church service.\n  N-SING\n\n2. Recessional means related to an economic recession.\nMany home sellers remain stuck in a recessional rut.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: recessionary
Meaning:
re.ces.sion.ary\n   recessionary\n  Recessionary means relating to an economic recession or having the effect of creating a recession.\nReduced interest rates would help ease recessionary pressures in the economy.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: recessive
Meaning:
re.ces.sive\n   recessive\n  A recessive gene produces a particular characteristic only if a person has two of these genes, one from each parent. Compare dominant. (TECHNICAL)\nSickle-cell anaemia is passed on through a recessive gene.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: recharge
Meaning:
re.charge\n   recharge  recharges  recharging  recharged\n1. If you recharge a battery, you put an electrical charge back into the battery by connecting it to a machine that draws power from another source of electricity such as the mains.\nHe is using your mains electricity to recharge his car battery.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you recharge your batteries, you take a break from activities which are tiring or difficult in order to relax and feel better when you return to these activities.\nHe wanted to recharge his batteries and come back feeling fresh and positive.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: rechargeable
Meaning:
re.charge.able\n   rechargeable  rechargeables\n  Rechargeable batteries can be recharged and used again. Some electrical products are described as rechargeable when they contain rechargeable batteries.\n...a rechargeable battery.\n...a rechargeable drill.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: recherche
Meaning:
re.cher.che\n   recherche\n  If you describe something as recherche, you mean that it is very sophisticated or is associated with people who like things which are unusual and of a very high quality. (FORMAL)\nOnly extra-virgin olive oil will do on recherche dinner tables.\n  ADJ


Words: recidivist
Meaning:
re.cidi.vist\n   recidivist  recidivists\n  A recidivist is someone who has committed crimes in the past and has begun to commit crimes again, for example after a period in prison. (FORMAL)\nSix prisoners are still at large along with four dangerous recidivists.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  re.cidi.vism\nTheir basic criticism was that prisons do not reduce the crime rate, they cause recidivism.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: recipe
Meaning:
reci.pe\n   recipe  recipes\n1. A recipe is a list of ingredients and a set of instructions that tell you how to cook something.\n...a traditional recipe for oatmeal biscuits.\n...a recipe book.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that something is a recipe for a particular situation, you mean that it is likely to result in that situation.\nLarge-scale inflation is a recipe for disaster.\n  N-SING: a N for n


Words: recipient
Meaning:
re.cipi.ent\n   recipient  recipients\n  The recipient of something is the person who receives it. (FORMAL)\n...the largest recipient of American foreign aid...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: reciprocal
Meaning:
re.cip.ro.cal\n   reciprocal\n  A reciprocal action or agreement involves two people or groups who do the same thing to each other or agree to help each another in a similar way. (FORMAL)\nThey expected a reciprocal gesture before more hostages could be freed...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: reciprocate
Meaning:
re.cip.ro.cate\n   reciprocate  reciprocates  reciprocating  reciprocated\n  If your feelings or actions towards someone are reciprocated, the other person feels or behaves in the same way towards you as you have felt or behaved towards them.\n...he reciprocated Mr Prescott’s good wishes...\nHe needs these people to fulfill his ambitions and reciprocates by bringing out the best in each of them.\n  VERB: V n, V by -ing\n\n=>  re.cip.ro.ca.tion\nThere was no reciprocation of affection.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: reciprocity
Meaning:
reci.proc.ity\n   reciprocity\n  Reciprocity is the exchange of something between people or groups of people when each person or group gives or allows something to the other. (FORMAL)\nThey gave assurances they would press for reciprocity with Greece in the issuing of visas.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: recital
Meaning:
re.cit.al\n   recital  recitals\n1. A recital is a performance of music or poetry, usually given by one person.\n...a solo recital by the harpsichordist Maggie Cole.\n  N-COUNT: oft with supp\n\n2. If someone speaks for a long time, or says something that is boring or that has been heard many times before, you can describe it as a recital. (WRITTEN)\nBefore long we all grew bored with his frequent recital of the foods he couldn’t eat...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: recitation
Meaning:
reci.ta.tion\n   recitation  recitations\n  When someone does a recitation, they say aloud a piece of poetry or other writing that they have learned.\nThe transmission began with a recitation from the Koran.\n  N-VAR


Words: recite
Meaning:
re.cite\n   recite  recites  reciting  recited\n1. When someone recites a poem or other piece of writing, they say it aloud after they have learned it.\nThey recited poetry to one another.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you recite something such as a list, you say it aloud.\nAll he could do was recite a list of Government failings...\n  VERB: V n


Words: reckless
Meaning:
reck.less\n   reckless\n  If you say that someone is reckless, you mean that they act in a way which shows that they do not care about danger or the effect their behaviour will have on other people.\nHe is charged with causing death by reckless driving.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  reck.less.ly\nHe was leaning recklessly out of the unshuttered window...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n=>  reck.less.ness\nHe felt a surge of recklessness...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: reckon
Meaning:
reck.on\n   reckon  reckons  reckoning  reckoned\n1. If you reckon that something is true, you think that it is true. (INFORMAL)\nToni reckoned that it must be about three o’clock...\n  VERB: V that\n  = think\n2. If something is reckoned to be a particular figure, it is calculated to be roughly that amount.\nThe star’s surface temperature is reckoned to be minus 75 degrees celcius...\nThere was a proportion of research, which I reckoned at not more than 30 percent, that was basic research.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to-inf, be V-ed at n


Words: reckon on
Meaning:
reckon on\n  If you reckon on something, you feel certain that it will happen and are therefore prepared for it.\nThey are typical of couples who plan a family without reckoning on the small fortune it will cost...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n/-ing (not pron)


Words: reckon with
Meaning:
reckon with\n1. If you say that you had not reckoned with something, you mean that you had not expected it and so were not prepared for it.\nGiles had not reckoned with the strength of Sally’s feelings for him.\n  PHRASAL VERB: with brd-neg, V P n\n  = bargain for, bargain on\n2. If you say that there is someone or something to be reckoned with, you mean that they must be dealt with and it will be difficult.\nThis act was a signal to his victim’s friends that he was someone to be reckoned with...\n  PHRASE: n PHR


Words: reckoning
Meaning:
reck.on.ing\n   reckoning  reckonings\n  Someone’s reckoning is a calculation they make about something, especially a calculation that is not very exact.\nBy my reckoning we were seven or eight kilometres from Borj Mechaab.\n  N-VAR: usu poss N


Words: reclaim
Meaning:
re.claim\n   reclaim  reclaims  reclaiming  reclaimed\n1. If you reclaim something that you have lost or that has been taken away from you, you succeed in getting it back.\nIn 1986, they got the right to reclaim South African citizenship...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you reclaim an amount of money, for example tax that you have paid, you claim it back.\nThere are an estimated eight million people currently thought to be eligible to reclaim income tax.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. When people reclaim land, they make it suitable for a purpose such as farming or building, for example by draining it or by building a barrier against the sea.\nThe Netherlands has been reclaiming farmland from water.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If a piece of land that was used for farming or building is reclaimed by a desert, forest, or the sea, it turns back into desert, forest, or sea.\nThe diamond towns are gradually being reclaimed by the desert...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed by n


Words: reclamation
Meaning:
rec.la.ma.tion\n   reclamation\n  Reclamation is the process of changing land that is unsuitable for farming or building into land that can be used.\n...centuries of sea-wall construction and the reclamation of dry land from the marshes...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: recline
Meaning:
re.cline\n   recline  reclines  reclining  reclined\n1. If you recline on something, you sit or lie on it with the upper part of your body supported at an angle.\nShe proceeded to recline on a chaise longue...\n  VERB: V prep\n  = lie\n2. When a seat reclines or when you recline it, you lower the back so that it is more comfortable to sit in.\nAir France first-class seats recline almost like beds...\nRamesh had reclined his seat and was lying back smoking...\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: recluse
Meaning:
re.cluse\n   recluse  recluses\n  A recluse is a person who lives alone and deliberately avoids other people.\nHis widow became a virtual recluse for the remainder of her life.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: reclusive
Meaning:
re.clu.sive\n   reclusive\n  A reclusive person or animal lives alone and deliberately avoids the company of others.\nShe had been living a reclusive life in Los Angeles since her marriage broke up.\n  ADJ


Words: recognition
Meaning:
rec.og.ni.tion\n   recognition\n1. Recognition is the act of recognizing someone or identifying something when you see it.\nHe searched for a sign of recognition on her face, but there was none.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Recognition of something is an understanding and acceptance of it.\nThe CBI welcomed the Chancellor’s recognition of the recession and hoped for a reduction in interest rates.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n  = acknowledgement\n3. When a government gives diplomatic recognition to another country, they officially accept that its status is valid.\nHis government did not receive full recognition by Britain until July.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n4. When a person receives recognition for the things that they have done, people acknowledge the value or skill of their work.\nAt last, her father’s work has received popular recognition...\n  N-UNCOUNT: with supp\n\n5. If you say that someone or something has changed beyond recognition or out of all recognition, you mean that person or thing has changed so much that you can no longer recognize them.\nThe bodies were mutilated beyond recognition...\nThe situation in Eastern Europe has changed out of all recognition.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v  emphasis\n\n6. If something is done in recognition of someone’s achievements, it is done as a way of showing official appreciation of them.\nBrazil normalised its diplomatic relations with South Africa in recognition of the steps taken to end apartheid...\n  PREP-PHRASE


Words: recognizable
Meaning:
rec.og.niz.able\n   recognizable\nin BRIT, also use recognisable\n  If something can be easily recognized or identified, you can say that it is easily recognizable.\nThe body was found to be well preserved, his features easily recognizable...\n  ADJ: oft adv ADJ, ADJ as/by/to n\n\n=>  rec.og.niz.ably\nAt seven weeks, an embryo is about three-fourths of an inch long and recognizably human.\n  ADV: usu ADV n, ADV adj


Words: recognize
Meaning:
rec.og.nize\n   recognize  recognizes  recognizing  recognized\nin BRIT, also use recognise\n1. If you recognize someone or something, you know who that person is or what that thing is.\nThe receptionist recognized him at once...\nA man I easily recognized as Luke’s father sat with a newspaper on his lap.\n  VERB: no cont, V n, V n as n\n\n2. If someone says that they recognize something, they acknowledge that it exists or that it is true.\nI recognize my own shortcomings...\nWell, of course I recognize that evil exists.\n  VERB: no cont, V n, V that\n  = acknowledge\n3. If people or organizations recognize something as valid, they officially accept it or approve of it.\nMost doctors appear to recognize homeopathy as a legitimate form of medicine...\nFrance is on the point of recognizing the independence of the Baltic States.\n  VERB: V n as n, V n, also V that\n  = accept\n4. When people recognize the work that someone has done, they show their appreciation of it, often by giving that person an award of some kind.\nThe RAF recognized him as an outstandingly able engineer...\nNichols was recognized by the Hall of Fame in 1949.\n  VERB: V n as n, V n


Words: recoil
Meaning:
re.coil\n   recoil recoils recoiling  recoiled\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. If something makes you recoil, you move your body quickly away from it because it frightens, offends, or hurts you.\nFor a moment I thought he was going to kiss me. I recoiled in horror...\nWe are attracted by nice smells and recoil from nasty ones.\n  VERB: V, V from n\n\n  Recoil is also a noun.\n...his small body jerking in recoil from the volume of his shouting.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you recoil from doing something or recoil at the idea of something, you refuse to do it or accept it because you dislike it so much.\nPeople used to recoil from the idea of getting into debt...\nShe recoiled at the number of young girls who had to live by selling their bodies.\n  VERB: V from n, V at n


Words: recollect
Meaning:
rec.ol.lect\n   recollect  recollects  recollecting  recollected\n  If you recollect something, you remember it.\nRamona spoke with warmth when she recollected the doctor who used to be at the county hospital...\nHis efforts, the Duke recollected many years later, were distinctly half-hearted.\n  VERB: V n, V that\n  = remember


Words: recollection
Meaning:
rec.ol.lec.tion\n   recollection  recollections\n  If you have a recollection of something, you remember it.\nPat has vivid recollections of the trip...\nHe had no recollection of the crash...\n  N-VAR\n  = memory


Words: recommence
Meaning:
re.com.mence\n   recommence  recommences  recommencing  recommenced\n  If you recommence something or if it recommences, it begins again after having stopped. (WRITTEN)\nHe recommenced work on his novel...\nHis course at Sheffield University will not recommence until next year.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: recommend
Meaning:
rec.om.mend\n   recommend  recommends  recommending  recommended\n1. If someone recommends a person or thing to you, they suggest that you would find that person or thing good or useful.\nI have just spent a holiday there and would recommend it to anyone...\n`You’re a good worker, boy,’ he told him. `I’ll recommend you for a promotion.’...\nAsk your doctor to recommend a suitable therapist.\n  VERB: V n to/for/as n, V n to/for/as n, V n\n\n=>  rec.om.mend.ed\nThough ten years old, this book is highly recommended.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you recommend that something is done, you suggest that it should be done.\nThe judge recommended that he serve 20 years in prison...\nWe strongly recommend reporting the incident to the police...\nThe recommended daily dose is 12 to 24 grams...\nMany financial planners now recommend against ever fully paying off your home loan.\n  VERB: V that, V n/-ing, V-ed, V against n/-ing\n\n3. If something or someone has a particular quality to recommend them, that quality makes them attractive or gives them an advantage over similar things or people.\nLa Noblesse restaurant has much to recommend it...\nThese qualities recommended him to Olivier.\n  VERB: V n, V n to n


Words: recommendation
Meaning:
rec.om.men.da.tion\n   recommendation  recommendations\n1. The recommendations of a person or a committee are their suggestions or advice on what is the best thing to do.\nThe committee’s recommendations are unlikely to be made public...\nThe decision was made on the recommendation of the Interior Minister.\n  N-VAR: oft with poss\n\n2. A recommendation of something is the suggestion that someone should have or use it because it is good.\nThe best way of finding a solicitor is through personal recommendation.\n  N-VAR


Words: recompense
Meaning:
rec.om.pense\n   recompense  recompenses  recompensing  recompensed\n1. If you are given something, usually money, in recompense, you are given it as a reward or because you have suffered. (FORMAL)\nHe demands no financial recompense for his troubles...\nSubstantial damages were paid in recompense.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N for n, in N\n\n2. If you recompense someone for their efforts or their loss, you give them something, usually money, as a payment or reward. (FORMAL)\nThe fees offered by the NHS do not recompense dental surgeons for their professional time...\n  VERB: V n for n


Words: reconcile
Meaning:
rec.on.cile\n   reconcile  reconciles  reconciling  reconciled\n1. If you reconcile two beliefs, facts, or demands that seem to be opposed or completely different, you find a way in which they can both be true or both be successful.\nIt’s difficult to reconcile the demands of my job and the desire to be a good father...\nNegotiators must now work out how to reconcile these demands with American demands for access.\n  VERB: V pl-n, V n with n\n\n2. If you are reconciled with someone, you become friendly with them again after a quarrel or disagreement.\nHe never believed he and Susan would be reconciled...\nDevlin was reconciled with the Catholic Church in his last few days.\n  V-RECIP-PASSIVE: pl-n be V-ed, be V-ed with n\n\n3. If you reconcile two people, you make them become friends again after a quarrel or disagreement.\n...my attempt to reconcile him with Toby.\n  VERB: V n with n\n\n4. If you reconcile yourself to an unpleasant situation, you accept it, although it does not make you happy to do so.\nShe had reconciled herself to never seeing him again.\n  VERB: V pron-refl to n/-ing\n\n=>  rec.on.ciled\nShe felt a little more reconciled to her lot.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n/-ing


Words: reconciliation
Meaning:
rec.on.cilia.tion\n   reconciliation  reconciliations\n1. Reconciliation between two people or countries who have quarrelled is the process of their becoming friends again. A reconciliation is an instance of this.\n...an appeal for reconciliation between Catholics and Protestants...\n  N-VAR: oft N between/with/of n\n\n2. The reconciliation of two beliefs, facts, or demands that seem to be opposed is the process of finding a way in which they can both be true or both be successful.\n...the ideal of democracy based upon a reconciliation of the values of equality and liberty.\n  N-SING: N between/of/with n


Words: recondite
Meaning:
re.con.dite\n   recondite\n  Recondite areas of knowledge or learning are difficult to understand, and not many people know about them. (FORMAL)\nHer poems are modishly experimental in style and recondite in subject-matter.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: recondition
Meaning:
re.con.di.tion\n   recondition  reconditions  reconditioning  reconditioned\n  To recondition a machine or piece of equipment means to repair or replace all the parts that are damaged or broken.\nHe made contact with someone with an idea for reconditioning laser copiers...\nThey sell used and reconditioned motorcycle parts.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: reconfirm
Meaning:
re.con.firm\n   reconfirm  reconfirms  reconfirming  reconfirmed\n  Reconfirm means the same as confirm.\n  VERB


Words: reconnaissance
Meaning:
re.con.nais.sance\n   reconnaissance\n  Reconnaissance is the activity of obtaining military information about a place by sending soldiers or planes there, or by the use of satellites.\nThe helicopter was returning from a reconnaissance mission...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: reconnect
Meaning:
re.con.nect\n   reconnect  reconnects  reconnecting  reconnected\n  If a company reconnects your electricity, water, gas, or telephone after it has been stopped, they provide you with it once again.\nThey charge a .66.10 fee for reconnecting cut-off customers...\n  VERB: V n


Words: reconnoitre
Meaning:
rec.on.noi.tre\n   reconnoitre  reconnoitres  reconnoitring  reconnoitred\nin AM, use reconnoiter\n  To reconnoitre an area means to obtain information about its geographical features or about the size and position of an army there.\nHe was sent to Eritrea to reconnoitre the enemy position...\nI left a sergeant in command and rode forward to reconnoitre.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: reconquer
Meaning:
re.con.quer\n   reconquer  reconquers  reconquering  reconquered\n  If an army reconquers a country or territory after having lost it, they win control over it again.\nA crusade left Europe in an attempt to reconquer the Holy City.\n  VERB: V n


Words: reconsider
Meaning:
re.con.sid.er\n   reconsider  reconsiders  reconsidering  reconsidered\n  If you reconsider a decision or opinion, you think about it and try to decide whether it should be changed.\nWe want you to reconsider your decision to resign from the board...\nIf at the end of two years you still feel the same, we will reconsider.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  re.con.sid.era.tion\nThe report urges reconsideration of the decision.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: reconstitute
Meaning:
re.con.sti.tute\n   reconstitute  reconstitutes  reconstituting  reconstituted\n1. If an organization or state is reconstituted, it is formed again in a different way.\nSlowly Jewish communities were reconstituted and Jewish life began anew.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n2. To reconstitute dried food means to add water to it so that it can be eaten.\nTo reconstitute dried tomatoes, simmer in plain water until they are tender...\nTry eating reconstituted dried prunes, figs or apricots.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed


Words: reconstruct
Meaning:
re.con.struct\n   reconstruct  reconstructs  reconstructing  reconstructed\n1. If you reconstruct something that has been destroyed or badly damaged, you build it and make it work again.\nThe government must reconstruct the shattered economy...\nAlthough this part of Normandy was badly bombed during the war it has been completely reconstructed.\n  VERB: V n, V n\n  = rebuild\n2. To reconstruct a system or policy means to change it so that it works in a different way.\nShe actually wanted to reconstruct the state and transform society...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If you reconstruct an event that happened in the past, you try to get a complete understanding of it by combining a lot of small pieces of information.\nHe began to reconstruct the events of 21 December 1988, when flight 103 disappeared...\nElaborate efforts were made to reconstruct what had happened.\n  VERB: V n, V wh


Words: reconstruction
Meaning:
re.con.struc.tion\n   reconstruction  reconstructions\n1. Reconstruction is the process of making a country normal again after a war, for example by making the economy stronger and by replacing buildings that have been damaged.\n...America’s part in the post-war reconstruction of Germany.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The reconstruction of a building, structure, or road is the activity of building it again, because it has been damaged.\nWork began on the reconstruction of the road.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. The reconstruction of a crime or event is when people try to understand or show exactly what happened, often by acting it out.\nMrs Kerr was too upset to take part in a reconstruction of her ordeal.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: reconstructive
Meaning:
re.con.struc.tive\n   reconstructive\n  Reconstructive surgery or treatment involves rebuilding a part of someone’s body because it has been badly damaged, or because the person wants to change its shape.\nI needed reconstructive surgery to give me a new nose.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: reconvene
Meaning:
re.con.vene\n   reconvene  reconvenes  reconvening  reconvened\n  If a parliament, court, or conference reconvenes or if someone reconvenes it, it meets again after a break.\nThe conference might reconvene after its opening session...\nIt was certainly serious enough for him to reconvene Parliament...\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: record
Meaning:
rec.ord\n   record records recording  recorded\nThe noun and adjective are pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. If you keep a record of something, you keep a written account or photographs of it so that it can be referred to later.\nKeep a record of all the payments...\nThere’s no record of any marriage or children...\nThe result will go on your medical records.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you record a piece of information or an event, you write it down, photograph it, or put it into a computer so that in the future people can refer to it.\n...software packages which record the details of your photographs.\n...a place which has rarely suffered a famine in its recorded history.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n3. If you record something such as a speech or performance, you put it on tape or film so that it can be heard or seen again later.\nThere is nothing to stop viewers recording the films on videotape...\nThe call was answered by a recorded message saying the company had closed early.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n4. If a musician or performer records a piece of music or a television or radio show, they perform it so that it can be put onto CD, tape, or film.\nIt took the musicians two and a half days to record their soundtrack for the film...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. A record is a round, flat piece of black plastic on which sound, especially music, is stored, and which can be played on a record player. You can also refer to the music stored on this piece of plastic as a record.\nThis is one of my favourite records.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. If a dial or other measuring device records a certain measurement or value, it shows that measurement or value.\nThe test records the electrical activity of the brain...\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. A record is the best result that has ever been achieved in a particular sport or activity, for example the fastest time, the furthest distance, or the greatest number of victories.\nRoger Kingdom set the world record of 12.92 seconds...\n...the 800 metres, where she is the world record holder.\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. You use record to say that something is higher, lower, better, or worse than has ever been achieved before.\nProfits were at record levels...\nShe won the race in record time.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n9. Someone’s record is the facts that are known about their achievements or character.\nHis record reveals a tough streak...\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n10. If someone has a criminal record, it is officially known that they have committed crimes in the past.\n...a heroin addict with a criminal record going back 15 years...\n  N-COUNT\n\n11.\n  see also recording, track record\n12. If you say that what you are going to say next is for the record, you mean that you are saying it publicly and officially and you want it to be written down and remembered.\nWe’re willing to state for the record that it has enormous value.\n  PHRASE\n\n13. If you give some information for the record, you give it in case people might find it useful at a later time, although it is not a very important part of what you are talking about.\nFor the record, most Moscow girls leave school at about 18...\n  PHRASE\n\n14. If something that you say is off the record, you do not intend it to be considered as official, or published with your name attached to it.\nMay I speak off the record?...\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v, PHR n\n\n15. If you are on record as saying something, you have said it publicly and officially and it has been written down.\nThe Chancellor is on record as saying that the increase in unemployment is `a price worth paying’ to keep inflation down.\n  PHRASE\n\n16. If you keep information on record, you write it down or store it in a computer so that it can be used later.\nThe practice is to keep on record any analysis of samples.\n  PHRASE\n\n17. If something is the best, worst, or biggest on record, it is the best, worst, or biggest thing of its kind that has been noticed and written down.\nIt’s the shortest election campaign on record...\n  PHRASE\n\n(next)


Words: record .1
Meaning:
18. If you set the record straight or put the record straight, you show that something which has been regarded as true is in fact not true.\nLet me set the record straight on the misconceptions contained in your article.\n  PHRASE


Words: record holder
Meaning:
rec.ord hold.er\n   record holder  record holders\n  The record holder in a particular sport or activity is the person or team that holds the record for doing it fastest or best.\n...the British record holder for the 200m backstroke.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N


Words: record player
Meaning:
rec.ord play.er\n   record player  record players   also record-player\n  A record player is a machine on which you can play a record in order to listen to the music or other sounds on it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: record-breaker
Meaning:
record-breaker  record-breakers   also record breaker\n  A record-breaker is someone or something that beats the previous best result in a sport or other activity.\nThe movie became a box-office record breaker.\n  N-COUNT


Words: record-breaking
Meaning:
record-breaking\n  A record-breaking success, result, or performance is one that beats the previous best success, result, or performance.\nAustralia’s rugby union side enjoyed a record-breaking win over France.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: recordable
Meaning:
re.cord.able\n\n  A recordable CD or DVD is a CD or DVD that you can record onto. Compare rewritable.\n...recordable cds.\n  ADJ


Words: recorded delivery
Meaning:
rec.ord.ed de.liv.ery\n   recorded delivery\n  If you send a letter or parcel recorded delivery, you send it using a Post Office service which gives you an official record of the fact that it has been posted and delivered. (BRIT; in AM, usually use registered mail)\nUse recorded delivery for large cheques or money orders.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: recorder
Meaning:
re.cord.er\n   recorder  recorders\n1. You can refer to a cassette recorder, a tape recorder, or a video recorder as a recorder.\nRodney put the recorder on the desk top and pushed the play button.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also cassette recorder, tape recorder, video recorder\n2. A recorder is a wooden or plastic musical instrument in the shape of a pipe. You play the recorder by blowing into the top of it and covering and uncovering the holes with your fingers.\n  N-VAR: oft the N\n\n3. A recorder is a machine or instrument that keeps a record of something, for example in an experiment or on a vehicle.\nData recorders also pin-point mechanical faults rapidly, reducing repair times.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also flight recorder


Words: recording
Meaning:
re.cord.ing\n   recording  recordings\n1. A recording of something is a record, CD, tape, or video of it.\n...a video recording of a police interview.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Recording is the process of making records, CDs, tapes, or videos.\n...the recording industry.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: recount
Meaning:
re.count\n   recount recounts recounting  recounted\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. If you recount a story or event, you tell or describe it to people. (FORMAL)\nHe then recounted the story of the interview for his first job...\nHe recounted how heavily armed soldiers forced him from the presidential palace.\n  VERB: V n, V wh\n\n2. A recount is a second count of votes in an election when the result is very close.\nShe wanted a recount. She couldn’t believe that I had got more votes than her.\n  N-COUNT


Words: recoup
Meaning:
re.coup\n   recoup  recoups  recouping  recouped\n  If you recoup a sum of money that you have spent or lost, you get it back.\nInsurance companies are trying to recoup their losses by increasing premiums.\n  VERB: V n\n  = recover


Words: recourse
Meaning:
re.course\n   recourse\n  If you achieve something without recourse to a particular course of action, you succeed without carrying out that action. To have recourse to a particular course of action means to have to do that action in order to achieve something. (FORMAL)\nIt enabled its members to settle their differences without recourse to war...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N to n


Words: recover
Meaning:
re.cov.er\n   recover  recovers  recovering  recovered\n1. When you recover from an illness or an injury, you become well again.\nHe is recovering from a knee injury...\nA policeman was recovering in hospital last night after being stabbed...\n  VERB: V from n/-ing, V\n\n2. If you recover from an unhappy or unpleasant experience, you stop being upset by it.\n...a tragedy from which he never fully recovered...\nHer plane broke down and it was 18 hours before she got there. It took her three days to recover.\n  VERB: V from n, V\n\n3. If something recovers from a period of weakness or difficulty, it improves or gets stronger again.\nHe recovered from a 4-2 deficit to reach the quarter-finals...\nThe stockmarket index fell by 80% before it began to recover.\n  VERB: V from n, V\n\n4. If you recover something that has been lost or stolen, you find it or get it back.\nPolice raided five houses in south-east London and recovered stolen goods...\n  VERB: V n\n  = retrieve\n5. If you recover a mental or physical state, it comes back again. For example, if you recover consciousness, you become conscious again.\nShe had a severe attack of asthma and it took an hour to recover her breath...\n  VERB: V n\n  = regain\n6. If you recover money that you have spent, invested, or lent to someone, you get the same amount back.\nLegal action is being taken to try to recover the money...\n  VERB: V n\n  = recoup


Words: recoverable
Meaning:
re.cov.er.able\n   recoverable\n  If something is recoverable, it is possible for you to get it back.\nIf you decide not to buy, the money you have spent on the survey is not recoverable.\n  ADJ


Words: recovery
Meaning:
re.cov.ery\n   recovery  recoveries\n1. If a sick person makes a recovery, he or she becomes well again.\nHe made a remarkable recovery from a shin injury...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. When there is a recovery in a country’s economy, it improves.\nInterest-rate cuts have failed to bring about economic recovery...\n  N-VAR\n\n3. You talk about the recovery of something when you get it back after it has been lost or stolen.\nA substantial reward is being offered for the recovery of a painting by Turner...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n4. You talk about the recovery of someone’s physical or mental state when they return to this state.\n...the abrupt loss and recovery of consciousness.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N of n\n\n5. If someone is in recovery, they are being given a course of treatment to help them recover from something such as a drug habit or mental illness.\n...Carole, a compulsive pot smoker and alcoholic in recovery.\n  PHRASE


Words: recreate
Meaning:
re.cre.ate\n   recreate  recreates  recreating  recreated\n  If you recreate something, you succeed in making it exist or seem to exist in a different time or place to its original time or place.\nI am trying to recreate family life far from home.\n  VERB: V n


Words: recreation
Meaning:
rec.rea.tion\n   recreation recreations\nPronounced   for meaning 1. Pronounced   and hyphenated re.crea.tion for meaning 2.\n1. Recreation consists of things that you do in your spare time to relax.\nSaturday afternoon is for recreation and outings...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. A recreation of something is the process of making it exist or seem to exist again in a different time or place.\nThey are seeking to build a faithful recreation of the original Elizabethan theatre.\n  N-COUNT


Words: recreational
Meaning:
rec.rea.tion.al\n   recreational\n  Recreational means relating to things people do in their spare time to relax.\n...parks and other recreational facilities.\n...recreational use of alcohol.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: recreational drug
Meaning:
rec.rea.tion.al drug\n   recreational drug recreational drugs\n  Recreational drugs are drugs that people take occasionally for enjoyment, especially when they are spending time socially with other people.\nSociety largely turns a blind eye to recreational drug use.\n...recreational drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: recreational vehicle
Meaning:
rec.rea.tion.al ve.hi.cle\n   recreational vehicle recreational vehicles\n  A recreational vehicle is a large vehicle that you can live in. The abbreviation RV is also used. (mainly AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: recrimination
Meaning:
re.crimi.na.tion\n   recrimination  recriminations\n  Recriminations are accusations that two people or groups make about each other.\nThe bitter rows and recriminations have finally ended the relationship...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: recruit
Meaning:
re.cruit\n   recruit  recruits  recruiting  recruited\n1. If you recruit people for an organization, you select them and persuade them to join it or work for it.\nThe police are trying to recruit more black and Asian officers...\nIn recruiting students to Computer Systems Engineering, the University looks for evidence of all-round ability...\nHe helped to recruit volunteers to go to Pakistan to fight.\n  VERB: V n, V n to/for n, V n to-inf\n\n=>  re.cruit.er      recruiters\n...a Marine recruiter.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  re.cruit.ing\nA bomb exploded at an army recruiting office.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n\n\n2. A recruit is a person who has recently joined an organization or an army.\n  N-COUNT


Words: recruitment
Meaning:
re.cruit.ment\n   recruitment\n  The recruitment of workers, soldiers, or members is the act or process of selecting them for an organization or army and persuading them to join.\n...the examination system for the recruitment of civil servants.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: recruitment consultant
Meaning:
re.cruit.ment con.sult.ant\n   recruitment consultant recruitment consultants\n  A recruitment consultant is a person or service that helps professional people to find work by introducing them to potential employers. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: rectal
Meaning:
rec.tal\n   rectal\n  Rectal means relating to the rectum. (MEDICAL)\n...rectal cancer.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: rectangle
Meaning:
rec.tan.gle\n   rectangle  rectangles\n  A rectangle is a four-sided shape whose corners are all ninety degree angles. Each side of a rectangle is the same length as the one opposite to it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rectangular
Meaning:
rec.tan.gu.lar\n   rectangular\n  Something that is rectangular is shaped like a rectangle.\n...a rectangular table.\n  ADJ


Words: rectification
Meaning:
rec.ti.fi.ca.tion\n   rectification\n  The rectification of something that is wrong is the act of changing it to make it correct or satisfactory.\n...the rectification of an injustice.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rectify
Meaning:
rec.ti.fy\n   rectify  rectifies  rectifying  rectified\n  If you rectify something that is wrong, you change it so that it becomes correct or satisfactory.\nOnly an act of Congress could rectify the situation...\n  VERB: V n


Words: rectitude
Meaning:
rec.ti.tude\n   rectitude\n  Rectitude is a quality or attitude that is shown by people who behave honestly and morally according to accepted standards. (FORMAL)\n...people of the utmost moral rectitude.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: rector
Meaning:
rec.tor\n   rector  rectors\n  A rector is a priest in the Church of England who is in charge of a particular area.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rectory
Meaning:
rec.tory\n   rectory  rectories\n  A rectory is a house in which a Church of England rector and his family live.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rectum
Meaning:
rec.tum\n   rectum  rectums\n  Someone’s rectum is the bottom end of the tube down which waste food passes out of their body. (MEDICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: recumbent
Meaning:
re.cum.bent\n   recumbent\n  A recumbent figure or person is lying down. (FORMAL)\nHe looked down at the recumbent figure.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: recuperate
Meaning:
re.cu.per.ate\n   recuperate  recuperates  recuperating  recuperated\n  When you recuperate, you recover your health or strength after you have been ill or injured.\nI went away to the country to recuperate...\nHe is recuperating from a serious back injury.\n  VERB: V, V from n\n  = recover\n=>  re.cu.pera.tion\nLeonard was very pleased with his powers of recuperation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = recovery


Words: recuperative
Meaning:
re.cu.pera.tive\n   recuperative\n  Something that is recuperative helps you to recover your health and strength after an illness or injury.\nHuman beings have great recuperative powers.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: recur
Meaning:
re.cur\n   recur  recurs  recurring  recurred\n  If something recurs, it happens more than once.\n...a theme that was to recur frequently in his work.\n...a recurring nightmare she has had since childhood.\n  VERB: V, V-ing


Words: recurrence
Meaning:
re.cur.rence\n   recurrence  recurrences\n  If there is a recurrence of something, it happens again.\nPolice are out in force to prevent a recurrence of the violence.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n


Words: recurrent
Meaning:
re.cur.rent\n   recurrent\n  A recurrent event or feeling happens or is experienced more than once.\nRace is a recurrent theme in the work.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: recyclable
Meaning:
re.cy.clable\n   recyclable\n  Recyclable waste or materials can be processed and used again.\n...a separate bin for recyclable waste products.\n  ADJ


Words: recycle
Meaning:
re.cy.cle\n   recycle  recycles  recycling  recycled\n  If you recycle things that have already been used, such as bottles or sheets of paper, you process them so that they can be used again.\nThe objective would be to recycle 98 per cent of domestic waste...\nIt is printed on recycled paper.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n=>  re.cy.cling\n...a recycling scheme.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: red
Meaning:
red  reds  redder  reddest\n1. Something that is red is the colour of blood or fire.\n...a bunch of red roses...\n  COLOUR\n\n2. If you say that someone’s face is red, you mean that it is redder than its normal colour, because they are embarrassed, angry, or out of breath.\nWith a bright red face I was forced to admit that I had no real idea...\n  ADJ\n\n3. You describe someone’s hair as red when it is between red and brown in colour.\n...a girl with red hair...\n  ADJ\n\n4. You can refer to red wine as red.\nThe spicy flavours in these dishes call for reds rather than whites.\n  N-MASS\n\n5. If you refer to someone as a red or a Red, you disapprove of the fact that they are a communist, a socialist or have left-wing ideas. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n6. If a person or company is in the red or if their bank account is in the red, they have spent more money than they have in their account and therefore they owe money to the bank.\nThe theatre is .500,000 in the red...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n7. If you see red, you suddenly become very angry.\nI didn’t mean to break his nose. I just saw red.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8.\nlike a red rag to a bull: see rag


Words: red alert
Meaning:
red alert  red alerts\n  If a hospital, a police force, or a military force is on red alert, they have been warned that there may be an emergency, so they can be ready to deal with it.\nAll the Plymouth hospitals are on red alert...\n  N-VAR


Words: red cabbage
Meaning:
red cab.bage\n   red cabbage  red cabbages\n  A red cabbage is a cabbage with dark red leaves.\n  N-VAR


Words: red card
Meaning:
red card  red cards\n  In football or rugby, if a player is shown the red card, the referee holds up a red card to indicate that the player must leave the pitch for breaking the rules.\n  N-COUNT: usu singular


Words: red carpet
Meaning:
red car.pet\n   red carpet  red carpets\n  The red carpet is special treatment given to an important or honoured guest, for example the laying of a strip of red carpet for them to walk on.\nWe’ll give her some VIP treatment and roll out the red carpet...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: Red Crescent
Meaning:
Red Cres.cent\n   Red Crescent\n  The Red Crescent is an organization in Muslim countries that helps people who are suffering, for example as a result of war, floods, or disease.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: Red Cross
Meaning:
Red Cross\n  The Red Cross is an international organization that helps people who are suffering, for example as a result of war, floods, or disease.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: red flag
Meaning:
red flag  red flags\n1. A red flag is a flag that is red in colour and is used as a symbol to represent communism and socialism or to indicate danger or as a sign that you should stop.\nThen the rain came and the red flag went up to signal a halt.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you refer to something as a red flag, you mean that it acts as a danger signal.\nThe abnormal bleeding is your body’s own red flag of danger.\n  N-COUNT


Words: red herring
Meaning:
red her.ring\n   red herring  red herrings\n  If you say that something is a red herring, you mean that it is not important and it takes your attention away from the main subject or problem you are considering.\nAs Dr Smith left he said that the inquiry was something of a red herring.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Red Indian
Meaning:
Red In.dian\n   Red Indian  Red Indians\n  Native Americans who were living in North America when Europeans arrived there used to be called Red Indians. This use could cause offence. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: red light
Meaning:
red light  red lights\n1. A red light is a traffic signal which shines red to indicate that drivers must stop.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The red-light district of a city is the area where prostitutes work.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: red meat
Meaning:
red meat  red meats\n  Red meat is meat such as beef or lamb, which is dark brown in colour after it has been cooked.\n  N-MASS\n  !=white meat


Words: red pepper
Meaning:
red pep.per\n   red pepper  red peppers\n1. Red peppers are peppers which are sweet-tasting and can be used in cooking or eaten raw in salads.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Red pepper is a hot-tasting spicy powder made from the flesh and seeds of small, dried, red peppers. It is used for flavouring food.\n  N-MASS\n  = cayenne pepper


Words: red tape
Meaning:
red tape\n  You refer to official rules and procedures as red tape when they seem unnecessary and cause delay.\nThe little money that was available was tied up in bureaucratic red tape.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: red-blooded
Meaning:
red-blooded\n  If a man is described as red-blooded, he is considered to be strong and healthy and have a strong interest in sex. (INFORMAL)\nHers is a body which every red-blooded male cannot fail to have noticed.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: red-eye
Meaning:
red-eye  red-eyes\n\n  The spelling redeye is also used in meaning 2.\n\n1. A red-eye or a red-eye flight is a plane journey during the night. (INFORMAL)\nShe was running to catch a red-eye to New York...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In photography, redeye is the unwanted effect that you sometimes get in photographs of people or animals where their eyes appear red because of the reflection of a camera flash or other light.\nThe camera incorporates a redeye reduction facility.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: red-faced
Meaning:
red-faced\n  A red-faced person has a face that looks red, often because they are embarrassed or angry.\nA red-faced Mr Jones was led away by police...\n  ADJ


Words: red-handed
Meaning:
red-handed\n  If someone is caught red-handed, they are caught while they are in the act of doing something wrong.\nMy boyfriend and I robbed a store and were caught red-handed.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: red-headed
Meaning:
also redheaded\n  A red-headed person is a person whose hair is between red and brown in colour.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: red-hot
Meaning:
red-hot\n1. Red-hot metal or rock has been heated to such a high temperature that it has turned red.\n...red-hot iron.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A red-hot object is too hot to be touched safely.\nIn the main rooms red-hot radiators were left exposed.\n  ADJ\n\n3. Red-hot is used to describe a person or thing that is very popular, especially someone who is very good at what they do or something that is new and exciting. (JOURNALISM)\nSome traders are already stacking the red-hot book on their shelves.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: red-letter day
Meaning:
red-letter day  red-letter days\n  A red-letter day is a day that you will always remember because something good happens to you then.\n  N-COUNT


Words: redbrick
Meaning:
red.brick\n   redbrick\n  In Britain, a redbrick university is one of the universities that were established in large cities outside London in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as opposed to much older universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: redcurrant
Meaning:
red.cur.rant\n   redcurrant  redcurrants\n  Redcurrants are very small, bright red berries that grow in bunches on a bush and can be eaten as a fruit or cooked to make a sauce for meat. The bush on which they grow can also be called a redcurrant. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: redden
Meaning:
red.den\n   redden  reddens  reddening  reddened\n  If someone reddens or their face reddens, their face turns pink or red, often because they are embarrassed or angry. (WRITTEN)\nHe was working himself up to a fury, his face reddening...\n  VERB: V


Words: reddish
Meaning:
red.dish\n   reddish\n  Reddish means slightly red in colour.\nHe had reddish brown hair...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: redecorate
Meaning:
re.deco.rate\n   redecorate  redecorates  redecorating  redecorated\n  If you redecorate a room or a building, you put new paint or wallpaper on it.\nAmericans redecorate their houses and offices every few years...\nOur children have left home, and we now want to redecorate.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  re.deco.ra.tion\nThe house is in desperate need of redecoration.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: redeem
Meaning:
re.deem\n   redeem  redeems  redeeming  redeemed\n1. If you redeem yourself or your reputation, you do something that makes people have a good opinion of you again after you have behaved or performed badly.\nHe had realized the mistake he had made and wanted to redeem himself...\nThe sole redeeming feature of your behaviour is that you’re not denying it.\n  VERB: V n, V-ing\n\n2. When something redeems an unpleasant thing or situation, it prevents it from being completely bad.\nWork is the way that people seek to redeem their lives from futility...\nDoes this institution have any redeeming features?\n  VERB: V n, V-ing\n\n3. If you redeem a debt or money that you have promised to someone, you pay money that you owe or that you promised to pay. (FORMAL)\nThe amount required to redeem the mortgage was .358,587...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you redeem an object that belongs to you, you get it back from someone by repaying them money that you borrowed from them, after using the object as a guarantee.\nMake sure you know exactly what you will be paying back when you plan to redeem the item.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. In religions such as Christianity, to redeem someone means to save them by freeing them from sin and evil.\n...a new female spiritual force to redeem the world.\n  VERB: V n


Words: redeemable
Meaning:
re.deem.able\n   redeemable\n  If something is redeemable, it can be exchanged for a particular sum of money or for goods worth a particular sum.\nTheir full catalogue costs $5, redeemable against a first order.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ against/for n


Words: Redeemer
Meaning:
Re.deem.er\n   Redeemer\n  In the Christian religion, the Redeemer is Jesus Christ.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: redefine
Meaning:
re.de.fine\n   redefine  redefines  redefining  redefined\n  If you redefine something, you cause people to consider it in a new way.\nFeminists have redefined the role of women.\n  VERB: V n


Words: redefinition
Meaning:
re.defi.ni.tion\n   redefinition\n  The redefinition of something is the act or process of causing people to consider it in a new way.\n...the redefinition of the role of the intellectual.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: redemption
Meaning:
re.demp.tion\n   redemption  redemptions\n1. Redemption is the act of redeeming something or of being redeemed by something. (FORMAL)\n...redemption of the loan.\n...regional differences in the frequency of cash redemptions and quota payment.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you say that someone or something is beyond redemption, you mean that they are so bad it is unlikely that anything can be done to improve them.\nNo man is beyond redemption...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v


Words: redemptive
Meaning:
re.demp.tive\n   redemptive\n  In Christianity, a redemptive act or quality is something which leads to freedom from the consequences of sin and evil.\n...the redemptive power of Christ.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: redeploy
Meaning:
re.deploy\n   redeploy  redeploys  redeploying  redeployed\n1. If forces or troops are redeployed or if they redeploy, they go to new positions so that they are ready for action.\nWe were forced urgently to redeploy our forces...\nUS troops are redeploying to positions held earlier.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. If resources or workers are redeployed, they are used for a different purpose or task.\nSome of the workers there will be redeployed to other sites...\nIt would give us an opportunity to redeploy our resources.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: redeployment
Meaning:
re.deploy.ment\n   redeployment  redeployments\n  The redeployment of forces, troops, workers, or resources involves putting them in a different place from where they were before, or using them for a different task or purpose.\n...a redeployment of troops in the border areas...\n  N-VAR


Words: redesign
Meaning:
re.design\n   redesign  redesigns  redesigning  redesigned\n  If a building, vehicle, or system is redesigned, it is rebuilt according to a new design in order to improve it.\nThe hotel has recently been redesigned and redecorated...\nThe second step is to redesign the school system so that it produces a well-educated population.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: redevelop
Meaning:
re.devel.op\n   redevelop  redevelops  redeveloping  redeveloped\n  When an area is redeveloped, existing buildings and roads are removed and new ones are built in their place.\nBirmingham is now going to be redeveloped again.\n  VERB: be V-ed


Words: redevelopment
Meaning:
re.devel.op.ment\n   redevelopment\n  When redevelopment takes place, the buildings in one area of a town are knocked down and new ones are built in their place.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: redhead
Meaning:
red.head\n   redhead  redheads\n  A redhead is person, especially a woman, whose hair is a colour that is between red and brown.\n  N-COUNT


Words: redirect
Meaning:
re.di.rect\n   redirect   redirects   redirecting   redirected\n1. If you redirect your energy, resources, or ability, you begin doing something different or trying to achieve something different.\nControls were used to redistribute or redirect resources.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re.di.rec.tion\nA redirection of resources would be required.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, usu N of n\n\n2. If you redirect someone or something, you change their course or destination.\nShe redirected them to the men’s department.\n  VERB: V n


Words: rediscover
Meaning:
re.dis.cov.er\n   rediscover  rediscovers  rediscovering  rediscovered\n  If you rediscover something good or valuable that you had forgotten or lost, you become aware of it again or find it again.\n...a one-time rebel who had rediscovered his faith...\n  VERB: V n


Words: rediscovery
Meaning:
re.dis.cov.ery\n   rediscovery  rediscoveries\n  The rediscovery of something good that you had forgotten or lost is the fact or process of becoming aware of it again or finding it again.\nThe best part of his expedition had been the rediscovery of his natural passion for making things.\n  N-VAR: N of n


Words: redistribute
Meaning:
re.dis.trib.ute\n   redistribute  redistributes  redistributing  redistributed\n  If something such as money or property is redistributed, it is shared among people or organizations in a different way from the way that it was previously shared.\nWealth was redistributed more equitably among society...\nTaxes could be used to redistribute income.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n=>  re.dis.tri.bu.tion\n...some redistribution of income so that the better off can help to keep the worse off out of poverty.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: redneck
Meaning:
red.neck\n   redneck  rednecks\n  If someone describes a white man, especially a lower class American from the countryside, as a redneck, they disapprove of him because they think he is uneducated and has strong, unreasonable opinions. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nA large Texan redneck was shouting obscenities at Ali.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: redness
Meaning:
red.ness\n   redness\n  Redness is the quality of being red.\nSlowly the redness left Sophie’s face.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: redo
Meaning:
redo  redoes  redoing  redid  redone\n  If you redo a piece of work, you do it again in order to improve it or change it.\nThey had redone their sums.\n  VERB: V n


Words: redolent
Meaning:
redo.lent\n   redolent\n  If something is redolent of something else, it has features that make you think of that other thing. (LITERARY)\n...percussion instruments, redolent of Far Eastern cultures.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ of n


Words: redouble
Meaning:
re.dou.ble\n   redouble  redoubles  redoubling  redoubled\n  If you redouble your efforts, you try much harder to achieve something. If something redoubles, it increases in volume or intensity.\nThe president also called on nations to redouble their efforts to negotiate an international trade agreement...\nThe applause redoubled.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: redoubt
Meaning:
re.doubt\n   redoubt  redoubts\n  A redoubt is a place or situation in which someone feels safe because they know that nobody can attack them or spoil their peace. (LITERARY)\n...the last redoubt of hippy culture.\n  N-COUNT\n  = haven


Words: redoubtable
Meaning:
re.doubt.able\n   redoubtable\n  If you describe someone as redoubtable, you respect them because they have a very strong character, even though you are slightly afraid of them.\nHe is a redoubtable fighter.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = formidable


Words: redound
Meaning:
re.dound\n   redound  redounds  redounding  redounded\n  If an action or situation redounds to your benefit or advantage, it gives people a good impression of you or brings you something that can improve your situation.\nThe success in the Middle East redounds to his benefit...\n  VERB: V to n


Words: redraft
Meaning:
re.draft\n   redraft  redrafts  redrafting  redrafted\n  If you redraft something you have written, you write it again in order to improve it or change it.\nThe speech had already been redrafted 22 times.\n  VERB: be V-ed


Words: redraw
Meaning:
re.draw\n   redraw  redraws  redrawing  redrew  redrawn\n1. If people in a position of authority redraw the boundaries or borders of a country or region, they change the borders so that the country or region covers a slightly different area than before.\nThey have redrawn the country’s boundaries along ethnic lines...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If people redraw something, for example an arrangement or plan, they change it because circumstances have changed.\nWith both countries experiencing economic revolutions, it might be time to redraw the traditional relationship...\n  VERB: V n


Words: redress
Meaning:
re.dress\n   redress  redresses  redressing  redressed\n1. If you redress something such as a wrong or a complaint, you do something to correct it or to improve things for the person who has been badly treated. (FORMAL)\nMore and more victims turn to litigation to redress wrongs done to them.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you redress the balance or the imbalance between two things that have become unfair or unequal, you make them fair and equal again. (FORMAL)\nSo we’re trying to redress the balance and to give teachers a sense that both spoken and written language are equally important.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. Redress is money that someone pays you because they have caused you harm or loss. (FORMAL)\nThey are continuing their legal battle to seek some redress from the government.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = compensation


Words: reduce
Meaning:
re.duce\n   reduce  reduces  reducing  reduced\n1. If you reduce something, you make it smaller in size or amount, or less in degree.\nIt reduces the risks of heart disease...\nThe reduced consumer demand is also affecting company profits.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  !=increase\n2. If someone is reduced to a weaker or inferior state, they become weaker or inferior as a result of something that happens to them.\nThey were reduced to extreme poverty...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to n\n\n3. If you say that someone is reduced to doing something, you mean that they have to do it, although it is unpleasant or embarrassing.\nHe was reduced to begging for a living.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to n/-ing\n\n4. If something is changed to a different or less complicated form, you can say that it is reduced to that form.\nAll the buildings in the town have been reduced to rubble...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to n\n\n5. If you reduce liquid when you are cooking, or if it reduces, it is boiled in order to make it less in quantity and thicker.\nBoil the liquid in a small saucepan to reduce it by half...\nSimmer until mixture reduces.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n6. If someone or something reduces you to tears, they make you feel so unhappy that you cry.\nThe attentions of the media reduced her to tears.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: reducible
Meaning:
re.duc.ible\n   reducible\n  If you say that an idea, problem, or situation is not reducible to something simple, you mean that it is complicated and cannot be described in a simple way. (FORMAL)\nThe structure of the universe may not be reducible to a problem in physics.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n, usu with brd-neg


Words: reduction
Meaning:
re.duc.tion\n   reduction  reductions\n1. When there is a reduction in something, it is made smaller.\n...a future reduction in UK interest rates...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  !=increase\n2. Reduction is the act of making something smaller in size or amount, or less in degree.\n...a new strategic arms reduction agreement.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: reductionist
Meaning:
re.duc.tion.ist\n   reductionist\n  Reductionist describes a way of analysing problems and things by dividing them into simpler parts.\n...reductionist science...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: reductive
Meaning:
re.duc.tive\n   reductive\n  If you describe something such as a theory or a work of art as reductive, you disapprove of it because it reduces complex things to simple elements. (FORMAL)\n...a cynical, reductive interpretation.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval


Words: redundancy
Meaning:
re.dun.dan.cy\n   redundancy  redundancies\n1. When there are redundancies, an organization tells some of its employees to leave because their jobs are no longer necessary or because the organization can no longer afford to pay them. (BRIT BUSINESS; in AM, use dismissals, layoffs)\nThe ministry has said it hopes to avoid compulsory redundancies.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. Redundancy means being made redundant. (BUSINESS)\nThousands of bank employees are facing redundancy as their employers cut costs...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: redundant
Meaning:
re.dun.dant\n   redundant\n1. If you are made redundant, your employer tells you to leave because your job is no longer necessary or because your employer cannot afford to keep paying you. (BRIT BUSINESS; in AM, use be dismissed)\nMy husband was made redundant late last year.\n...a redundant miner.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Something that is redundant is no longer needed because its job is being done by something else or because its job is no longer necessary or useful.\nChanges in technology may mean that once-valued skills are now redundant.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: redwood
Meaning:
red.wood\n   redwood  redwoods\n  A redwood is an extremely tall tree which grows in California.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Redwood is the wood from this tree.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: reed
Meaning:
reed  reeds\n1. Reeds are tall plants that grow in large groups in shallow water or on ground that is always wet and soft. They have strong, hollow stems that can be used for making things such as mats or baskets.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. A reed is a small piece of cane or metal inserted into the mouthpiece of a woodwind instrument. The reed vibrates when you blow through it and makes a sound.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reedy
Meaning:
reedy\n  If you say that someone has a reedy voice, you think their voice is unpleasant because it is high and unclear.\nThe big man had a high-pitched reedy voice.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: reef
Meaning:
reef  reefs\n  A reef is a long line of rocks or sand, the top of which is just above or just below the surface of the sea.\nAn unspoilt coral reef encloses the bay.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reefer
Meaning:
reef.er\n   reefer  reefers\n1. A reefer or reefer coat is a short thick coat which is often worn by sailors. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A reefer is a cigarette containing cannabis or marijuana. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: reek
Meaning:
reek  reeks  reeking  reeked\n1. To reek of something, usually something unpleasant, means to smell very strongly of it.\nYour breath reeks of stale cigar smoke...\nThe entire house reeked for a long time.\n  VERB: V of n, V\n  = stink\n  Reek is also a noun.\nHe smelt the reek of whisky.\n  N-SING: usu N of n\n\n2. If you say that something reeks of unpleasant ideas, feelings, or practices, you disapprove of it because it gives a strong impression that it involves those ideas, feelings, or practices.\nThe whole thing reeks of hypocrisy.\n  VERB: V of n  disapproval


Words: reel
Meaning:
reel  reels  reeling  reeled\n1. A reel is a cylindrical object around which you wrap something such as cinema film, magnetic tape, fishing line, or cotton thread. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use spool)\n...a 30m reel of cable.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. If someone reels, they move about in an unsteady way as if they are going to fall.\nHe was reeling a little. He must be very drunk...\nHe lost his balance and reeled back...\n  VERB: V, V adv/prep\n\n3. If you are reeling from a shock, you are feeling extremely surprised or upset because of it.\nI’m still reeling from the shock of hearing of it...\nIt left us reeling with disbelief.\n  VERB: usu cont, V from n, V prep\n\n4. If you say that your brain or your mind is reeling, you mean that you are very confused because you have too many things to think about.\nHis mind reeled at the question.\n  VERB: V


Words: reel in
Meaning:
reel in\n  If you reel in something such as a fish, you pull it towards you by winding around a reel the wire or line that it is attached to.\nGleacher reeled in the first fish...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: reel off
Meaning:
reel off\n  If you reel off information, you repeat it from memory quickly and easily.\nShe reeled off the titles of a dozen or so of the novels.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: ref
Meaning:
ref  refs\n1. Ref. is an abbreviation for reference. It is written in front of a code at the top of business letters and documents. The code refers to a file where all the letters and documents about the same matter are kept. (BUSINESS)\nOur Ref: JAH/JW.\n\n2. The ref in a sports game, such as football or boxing, is the same as the referee. (INFORMAL)\nThe ref gave a penalty and Zidane scored.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N


Words: refectory
Meaning:
re.fec.tory\n   refectory  refectories\n  A refectory is a large room in a school, university or other institution, where meals are served and eaten.\n  N-COUNT\n  = canteen


Words: refer
Meaning:
re.fer\n   refer  refers  referring  referred\n1. If you refer to a particular subject or person, you talk about them or mention them.\nIn his speech, he referred to a recent trip to Canada.\n  VERB: V to n\n\n2. If you refer to someone or something as a particular thing, you use a particular word, expression, or name to mention or describe them.\nMarcia had referred to him as a dear friend...\n  VERB: V to n as n\n\n3. If a word refers to a particular thing, situation, or idea, it describes it in some way.\nThe term electronics refers to electrically-induced action.\n  VERB: V to n\n\n4. If a person who is ill is referred to a hospital or a specialist, they are sent there by a doctor in order to be treated.\nPatients are mostly referred to hospital by their general practitioners...\nThe patient should be referred for tests immediately.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to n, be V-ed\n\n5. If you refer a task or a problem to a person or an organization, you formally tell them about it, so that they can deal with it.\nHe could refer the matter to the high court.\n  VERB: V n to n\n\n6. If you refer someone to a person or organization, you send them there for the help they need.\nNow and then I referred a client to him.\n  VERB: V n to n\n\n7. If you refer to a book or other source of information, you look at it in order to find something out.\nHe referred briefly to his notebook.\n  VERB: V to n\n\n8. If you refer someone to a source of information, you tell them the place where they will find the information which they need or which you think will interest them.\nMr Bryan also referred me to a book by the American journalist Anthony Scaduto.\n  VERB: V n to n


Words: referee
Meaning:
ref.eree\n   referee  referees  refereeing  refereed\n1. The referee is the official who controls a sports event such as a football game or a boxing match.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When someone referees a sports event or contest, they act as referee.\nVautrot has refereed in two World Cups.\n  VERB: V\n\n3. A referee is a person who gives you a reference, for example when you are applying for a job. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use reference)\n  N-COUNT


Words: reference
Meaning:
ref.er.ence\n   reference  references\n1. Reference to someone or something is the act of talking about them or mentioning them. A reference is a particular example of this.\nHe made no reference to any agreement...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Reference is the act of consulting someone or something in order to get information or advice.\nPlease keep this sheet in a safe place for reference.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Reference books are ones that you look at when you need specific information or facts about a subject.\n...a useful reference work for teachers.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. A reference is a word, phrase, or idea which comes from something such as a book, poem, or play and which you use when making a point about something.\n...a reference from the Quran.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. A reference is something such as a number or a name that tells you where you can obtain the information you want.\nMake a note of the reference number shown on the form.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. A reference is a letter that is written by someone who knows you and which describes your character and abilities. When you apply for a job, an employer might ask for references.\nThe firm offered to give her a reference.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. A reference is a person who gives you a reference, for example when you are applying for a job. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use referee)\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. If you keep information for future reference, you keep it because it might be useful in the future.\nRead these notes carefully and keep them for future reference.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n9. You use with reference to or in reference to in order to indicate what something relates to.\nI am writing with reference to your article on salaries for scientists...\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n10.\n  see also cross-reference, frame of reference, point of reference, terms of reference


Words: reference library
Meaning:
ref.er.ence li.brary\n   reference library  reference libraries\n  A reference library is a library that contains books which you can look at in the library itself but which you cannot borrow.\n  N-COUNT


Words: referendum
Meaning:
ref.er.en.dum\n   referendum  referendums  or referenda\n  If a country holds a referendum on a particular policy, they ask the people to vote on the policy and show whether or not they agree with it.\nEstonia said it too planned to hold a referendum on independence.\n  N-COUNT: oft N on n


Words: referral
Meaning:
re.fer.ral\n   referral  referrals\n  Referral is the act of officially sending someone to a person or authority that is qualified to deal with them. A referral is an instance of this.\nLegal Aid can often provide referral to other types of agencies...\n  N-VAR: oft N to n


Words: refill
Meaning:
re.fill\n   refill refills refilling  refilled\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. If you refill something, you fill it again after it has been emptied.\nI refilled our wine glasses.\n  VERB: V n\n\n  Refill is also a noun. (INFORMAL)\nMax held out his cup for a refill.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A refill of a particular product, such as soap powder, is a quantity of that product sold in a cheaper container than the one it is usually sold in. You use a refill to fill the more permanent container when it is empty.\nRefill packs are cheaper and lighter.\n  N-COUNT


Words: refinance
Meaning:
re.fi.nance\n   refinance  refinances  refinancing  refinanced\n  If a person or a company refinances a debt or if they refinance, they borrow money in order to pay the debt. (BUSINESS)\nA loan was arranged to refinance existing debt...\nIt can be costly to refinance.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: refine
Meaning:
re.fine\n   refine  refines  refining  refined\n1. When a substance is refined, it is made pure by having all other substances removed from it.\nOil is refined to remove naturally occurring impurities.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n=>  re.fin.ing\n...oil refining.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If something such as a process, theory, or machine is refined, it is improved by having small changes made to it.\nSurgical techniques are constantly being refined.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  = improve


Words: refined
Meaning:
re.fined\n   refined\n1. A refined substance has been made pure by having other substances removed from it.\n...refined sugar.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you say that someone is refined, you mean that they are very polite and have good manners and good taste.\n...refined and well-dressed ladies...\n  ADJ\n  = genteel\n3. If you describe a machine or a process as refined, you mean that it has been carefully developed and is therefore very efficient or elegant.\nThis technique is becoming more refined and more acceptable all the time.\n  ADJ


Words: refinement
Meaning:
re.fine.ment\n   refinement  refinements\n1. Refinements are small changes or additions that you make to something in order to improve it. Refinement is the process of making refinements.\nOlder cars inevitably lack the latest safety refinements.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Refinement is politeness and good manners.\n...a girl who possessed both dignity and refinement.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: refiner
Meaning:
re.fin.er\n   refiner  refiners\n  Refiners are people or organizations that refine substances such as oil or sugar in order to sell them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: refinery
Meaning:
re.fin.ery\n   refinery  refineries\n  A refinery is a factory where a substance such as oil or sugar is refined.\n  N-COUNT


Words: refit
Meaning:
re.fit\n   refit refits refitting  refitted\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n  When a ship is refitted, it is repaired or is given new parts, equipment, or furniture.\nDuring the war, Navy ships were refitted here.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n  Refit is also a noun.\nThe ship finished an extensive refit last year.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reflate
Meaning:
re.flate\n   reflate  reflates  reflating  reflated\n  If a government tries to reflate its country’s economy, it increases the amount of money that is available in order to encourage more economic activity. (BUSINESS)\nThe administration may try to reflate the economy next year.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re.fla.tion\nMinisters are again talking about reflation and price controls.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: reflect
Meaning:
re.flect\n   reflect  reflects  reflecting  reflected\n1. If something reflects an attitude or situation, it shows that the attitude or situation exists or it shows what it is like.\nThe Los Angeles riots reflected the bitterness between the black and Korean communities in the city...\n  VERB: V n\n  = show\n2. When light, heat or other rays reflect off a surface or when a surface reflects them, they are sent back from the surface and do not pass through it.\nThe sun reflected off the snow-covered mountains...\nThe glass appears to reflect light naturally.\n  VERB: V prep, V n\n\n3. When something is reflected in a mirror or in water, you can see its image in the mirror or in the water.\nHis image seemed to be reflected many times in the mirror.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n4. When you reflect on something, you think deeply about it.\nWe should all give ourselves time to reflect...\nI reflected on the child’s future.\n  VERB: V, V on/upon n\n\n5. You can use reflect to indicate that a particular thought occurs to someone.\nThings were very much changed since before the war, he reflected.\n  VERB: V that\n\n6. If an action or situation reflects in a particular way on someone or something, it gives people a good or bad impression of them.\nThe affair hardly reflected well on the British...\nYour own personal behavior as a teacher, outside of school hours, reflects on the school itself.\n  VERB: V adv on n, V on n


Words: reflection
Meaning:
re.flec.tion\n   reflection  reflections\n1. A reflection is an image that you can see in a mirror or in glass or water.\nMeg stared at her reflection in the bedroom mirror.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Reflection is the process by which light and heat are sent back from a surface and do not pass through it.\n...the reflection of a beam of light off a mirror.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you say that something is a reflection of a particular person’s attitude or of a situation, you mean that it is caused by that attitude or situation and therefore reveals something about it.\nInhibition in adulthood seems to be very clearly a reflection of a person’s experiences as a child.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n4. If something is a reflection or a sad reflection on a person or thing, it gives a bad impression of them.\nInfection with head lice is no reflection on personal hygiene...\nThe library is unique and its break-up would be a sad reflection on the value we place on our heritage.\n  N-SING: usu N on n\n\n5. Reflection is careful thought about a particular subject. Your reflections are your thoughts about a particular subject.\nAfter days of reflection she decided to write back...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n\n  If someone admits or accepts something on reflection, they admit or accept it after having thought carefully about it.\nOn reflection, he says, he very much regrets the comments.\n  PHRASE


Words: reflective
Meaning:
re.flec.tive\n   reflective\n1. If you are reflective, you are thinking deeply about something. (WRITTEN)\nI walked on in a reflective mood to the car...\n  ADJ\n\n2. If something is reflective of a particular situation or attitude, it is typical of that situation or attitude, or is a consequence of it.\nThe German government’s support of the US is not entirely reflective of German public opinion...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of n\n\n3. A reflective surface or material sends back light or heat. (FORMAL)\nAvoid pans with a shiny, reflective base as the heat will be reflected back.\n  ADJ


Words: reflector
Meaning:
re.flec.tor\n   reflector  reflectors\n1. A reflector is a small piece of specially patterned glass or plastic which is fitted to the back of a bicycle or car or to a post beside the road, and which glows when light shines on it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A reflector is a type of telescope which uses a mirror that is shaped like a ball.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reflex
Meaning:
re.flex\n   reflex  reflexes\n1. A reflex or a reflex action is something that you do automatically and without thinking, as a habit or as a reaction to something.\nWalsh fumbled in his pocket, a reflex from his smoking days...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A reflex or a reflex action is a normal, uncontrollable reaction of your body to something that you feel, see, or experience.\n...tests for reflexes, like tapping the knee or the heel with a rubber hammer.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Your reflexes are your ability to react quickly with your body when something unexpected happens, for example when you are involved in sport or when you are driving a car.\nIt takes great skill, cool nerves and the reflexes of an athlete.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: reflexive
Meaning:
re.flex.ive\n   reflexive\n  A reflexive reaction or movement occurs immediately in response to something that happens. (FORMAL)\n...that reflexive urge for concealment.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  re.flex.ive.ly\nHe felt his head jerk reflexively.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: reflexive pronoun
Meaning:
re.flex.ive pro.noun\n   reflexive pronoun  reflexive pronouns\n  A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun such as `myself’ which refers back to the subject of a sentence or clause. For example, in the sentence `He made himself a cup of tea’, the reflexive pronoun `himself’ refers back to `he’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reflexive verb
Meaning:
re.flex.ive verb\n   reflexive verb  reflexive verbs\n  A reflexive verb is a transitive verb whose subject and object always refer to the same person or thing, so the object is always a reflexive pronoun. An example is `to enjoy yourself’, as in `Did you enjoy yourself?’.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reflexology
Meaning:
re.flex.ol.ogy\n   reflexology\n  Reflexology is the practice of massaging particular areas of the body, especially the feet, in the belief that it can heal particular organs.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  re.flex.olo.gist      reflexologists\nA reflexologist can often tell what is wrong with his client by the condition of certain parts of the feet.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reforest
Meaning:
re.for.est\n   reforest  reforests  reforesting  reforested\n  To reforest an area where there used to be a forest means to plant trees over it.\nHe decided to do something about reforesting man-made wastes of western Australia.\n  VERB: V n


Words: reforestation
Meaning:
re.for.esta.tion\n   reforestation\n  Reforestation of an area where there used to be a forest is planting trees over it.\n...the reforestation of the Apennine Mountains.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: reform
Meaning:
re.form\n   reform  reforms  reforming  reformed\n1. Reform consists of changes and improvements to a law, social system, or institution. A reform is an instance of such a change or improvement.\nThe party embarked on a programme of economic reform...\nThe Socialists introduced fairly radical reforms.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If someone reforms something such as a law, social system, or institution, they change or improve it.\n...his plans to reform the country’s economy...\nA reformed party would have to win the approval of the people.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n3. When someone reforms or when something reforms them, they stop doing things that society does not approve of, such as breaking the law or drinking too much alcohol.\nWhen his court case was coming up, James promised to reform...\nWe will try to reform him within the community.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  re.formed\n...a reformed alcoholic.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n4.\n  see also re-form


Words: reformation
Meaning:
ref.or.ma.tion\n   reformation\n1. The reformation of something is the act or process of changing and improving it.\nHe devoted his energies to the reformation of science.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. The Reformation is the movement to reform the Catholic Church in the sixteenth century, which led to the Protestant church being set up.\n...a famous statue of the Virgin which was destroyed during the Reformation.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: reformer
Meaning:
re.form.er\n   reformer  reformers\n  A reformer is someone who tries to change and improve something such as a law or a social system.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reformism
Meaning:
re.form.ism\n   reformism\n  Reformism is the belief that a system or law should be reformed.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: reformist
Meaning:
re.form.ist\n   reformist  reformists\n  Reformist groups or policies are trying to reform a system or law.\n...a strong supporter of reformist policies.\n  ADJ\n\n  A reformist is someone with reformist views.\n  N-COUNT


Words: refract
Meaning:
re.fract\n   refract  refracts  refracting  refracted\n  When a ray of light or a sound wave refracts or is refracted, the path it follows bends at a particular point, for example when it enters water or glass.\nAs we age the lenses of the eyes thicken, and thus refract light differently.\n...surfaces that cause the light to reflect and refract.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  re.frac.tion\n...the refraction of the light on the dancing waves.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: refractory
Meaning:
re.frac.tory\n   refractory\n  Refractory people are difficult to deal with or control, for example because they are unwilling to obey orders. (FORMAL)\n...refractory priests who refused to side with the king.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = recalcitrant


Words: refrain
Meaning:
re.frain\n   refrain  refrains  refraining  refrained\n1. If you refrain from doing something, you deliberately do not do it.\nMrs Hardie refrained from making any comment...\n  VERB: V from -ing\n\n2. A refrain is a short, simple part of a song, which is repeated many times.\n...a refrain from an old song.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A refrain is a comment or saying that people often repeat.\nRosa’s constant refrain is that she doesn’t have a life.\n  N-COUNT


Words: refresh
Meaning:
re.fresh\n   refresh  refreshes  refreshing  refreshed\n1. If something refreshes you when you have become hot, tired, or thirsty, it makes you feel cooler or more energetic.\nThe lotion cools and refreshes the skin...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re.freshed\nHe awoke feeling completely refreshed.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n2. If you refresh something old or dull, you make it as good as it was when it was new.\nMany view these meetings as an occasion to share ideas and refresh friendship...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If someone refreshes your memory, they tell you something that you had forgotten.\nHe walked on the opposite side of the street to refresh his memory of the building.\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If you refresh a web page, you click a button in order to get the most recent version of the page. (COMPUTING)\nPress the `reload’ button on your web browser to refresh the site and get the most current version.\n  VERB: V n


Words: refresher course
Meaning:
re.fresh.er course\n   refresher course  refresher courses\n  A refresher course is a training course in which people improve their knowledge or skills and learn about new developments that are related to the job that they do.\n  N-COUNT


Words: refreshing
Meaning:
re.fresh.ing\n   refreshing\n1. You say that something is refreshing when it is pleasantly different from what you are used to.\nIt’s refreshing to hear somebody speaking common sense...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  re.fresh.ing.ly\nHe was refreshingly honest.\n  ADV\n\n2. A refreshing bath or drink makes you feel energetic or cool again after you have been tired or hot.\nHerbs have been used for centuries to make refreshing drinks.\n  ADJ


Words: refreshment
Meaning:
re.fresh.ment\n   refreshment  refreshments\n1. Refreshments are drinks and small amounts of food that are provided, for example, during a meeting or a journey.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n2. You can refer to food and drink as refreshment. (FORMAL)\nMay I offer you some refreshment?\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: refrigerate
Meaning:
re.frig.er.ate\n   refrigerate  refrigerates  refrigerating  refrigerated\n  If you refrigerate food, you make it cold, for example by putting it in a fridge, usually in order to preserve it.\nRefrigerate the dough overnight.\n  VERB: V n


Words: refrigerator
Meaning:
re.frig.era.tor\n   refrigerator  refrigerators\n  A refrigerator is a large container which is kept cool inside, usually by electricity, so that the food and drink in it stays fresh.\n  N-COUNT\n  = fridge


Words: refuel
Meaning:
re.fu.el\n   refuel  refuels  refuelling  refuelled\nin AM, use refueling, refueled\n  When an aircraft or other vehicle refuels or when someone refuels it, it is filled with more fuel so that it can continue its journey.\nHis plane stopped in France to refuel...\nThe airline’s crew refuelled the plane.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  re.fu.el.ling\n...in-flight refuelling of Tornados.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: refuge
Meaning:
ref.uge\n   refuge  refuges\n1. If you take refuge somewhere, you try to protect yourself from physical harm by going there.\nThey took refuge in a bomb shelter...\nHis home became a place of refuge for the believers.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A refuge is a place where you go for safety and protection, for example from violence or from bad weather.\n...a refuge for battered women...\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you take refuge in a particular way of behaving or thinking, you try to protect yourself from unhappiness or unpleasantness by behaving or thinking in that way.\nAll too often, they get bored, and seek refuge in drink and drugs...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: refugee
Meaning:
refu.gee\n   refugee  refugees\n  Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their homes or their country, either because there is a war there or because of their political or religious beliefs.\n  N-COUNT


Words: refund
Meaning:
re.fund\n   refund refunds refunding  refunded\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. A refund is a sum of money which is returned to you, for example because you have paid too much or because you have returned goods to a shop.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone refunds your money, they return it to you, for example because you have paid too much or because you have returned goods to a shop.\nWe guarantee to refund your money if you’re not delighted with your purchase...\n  VERB: V n


Words: refundable
Meaning:
re.fund.able\n   refundable\n  A refundable payment will be paid back to you in certain circumstances.\nA refundable deposit is payable on arrival...\n  ADJ


Words: refurbish
Meaning:
re.fur.bish\n   refurbish  refurbishes  refurbishing  refurbished\n  To refurbish a building or room means to clean it and decorate it and make it more attractive or better equipped.\nWe have spent money on refurbishing the offices...\n  VERB: V n


Words: refurbishment
Meaning:
re.fur.bish.ment\n   refurbishment  refurbishments\n  The refurbishment of something is the act or process of cleaning it, decorating it, and providing it with new equipment or facilities.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: refusal
Meaning:
re.fus.al\n   refusal  refusals\n1. Someone’s refusal to do something is the fact of them showing or saying that they will not do it, allow it, or accept it.\n...her refusal to accept change...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If someone has first refusal on something that is being sold or offered, they have the right to decide whether or not to buy it or take it before it is offered to anyone else.\nA tenant may have a right of first refusal if a property is offered for sale.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: refuse
Meaning:
re.fuse\n   refuse refuses  refusing  refused\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced   and is hyphenated ref.use.\n1. If you refuse to do something, you deliberately do not do it, or you say firmly that you will not do it.\nHe refused to comment after the trial...\nHe expects me to stay on here and I can hardly refuse.\n  VERB: V to-inf, V\n\n2. If someone refuses you something, they do not give it to you or do not allow you to have it.\nThe United States has refused him a visa...\nThe town council had refused permission for the march.\n  VERB: V n n, V n\n\n3. If you refuse something that is offered to you, you do not accept it.\nThe patient has the right to refuse treatment.\n  VERB: V n\n  = turn down\n4. Refuse consists of the rubbish and all the things that are not wanted in a house, shop, or factory, and that are regularly thrown away; used mainly in official language.\nThe District Council made a weekly collection of refuse.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = waste, rubbish


Words: refutation
Meaning:
refu.ta.tion\n   refutation  refutations\n  A refutation of an argument, accusation, or theory is something that proves it is wrong or untrue. (FORMAL)\nHe prepared a complete refutation of the Republicans’ most serious charges.\n  N-VAR


Words: refute
Meaning:
re.fute\n   refute  refutes  refuting  refuted\n1. If you refute an argument, accusation, or theory, you prove that it is wrong or untrue. (FORMAL)\nIt was the kind of rumour that it is impossible to refute.\n  VERB: V n\n  = disprove\n2. If you refute an argument or accusation, you say that it is not true. (FORMAL)\nIsabelle is quick to refute any suggestion of intellectual snobbery.\n  VERB: V n\n  = deny


Words: regain
Meaning:
re.gain\n   regain  regains  regaining  regained\n  If you regain something that you have lost, you get it back again.\nTroops have regained control of the city...\n  VERB: V n


Words: regal
Meaning:
re.gal\n   regal\n  If you describe something as regal, you mean that it is suitable for a king or queen, because it is very impressive or beautiful.\nHe sat with such regal dignity...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  re.gal.ly\nHe inclined his head regally.\n  ADV


Words: regale
Meaning:
re.gale\n   regale  regales  regaling  regaled\n  If someone regales you with stories or jokes, they tell you a lot of them, whether you want to hear them or not.\nHe was constantly regaled with tales of woe.\n  VERB: be V-ed n with n


Words: regalia
Meaning:
re.ga.lia\n   regalia\n  Regalia consists of all the traditional clothes and items which someone such as a king or a judge wears and carries on official occasions.\n...officials in full regalia.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: regard
Meaning:
re.gard\n   regard  regards  regarding  regarded\n1. If you regard someone or something as being a particular thing or as having a particular quality, you believe that they are that thing or have that quality.\nHe was regarded as the most successful Chancellor of modern times...\nI regard creativity both as a gift and as a skill.\n  VERB: be V-ed as n, V n as n\n\n2. If you regard something or someone with a feeling such as dislike or respect, you have that feeling about them.\nHe regarded drug dealers with loathing...\n  VERB: V n with n\n\n3. If you regard someone in a certain way, you look at them in that way. (LITERARY)\nShe regarded him curiously for a moment...\nThe clerk regarded him with benevolent amusement.\n  VERB: V n, V n with n\n\n4. If you have regard for someone or something, you respect them and care about them. If you hold someone in high regard, you have a lot of respect for them.\nI have a very high regard for him and what he has achieved...\nThe Party ruled the country without regard for the people’s views.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. Regards are greetings. You use regards in expressions such as best regards and with kind regards as a way of expressing friendly feelings towards someone, especially in a letter.\nGive my regards to your family...\n  N-PLURAL: oft N to n  formulae\n\n6. You can use as regards to indicate the subject that is being talked or written about.\nAs regards the war, Haig believed in victory at any price.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n7. You can use with regard to or in regard to to indicate the subject that is being talked or written about.\nThe department is reviewing its policy with regard to immunisation.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n  = regarding\n8. You can use in this regard or in that regard to refer back to something that you have just said.\nIn this regard nothing has changed...\nI may have made a mistake in that regard.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl


Words: regarding
Meaning:
re.gard.ing\n   regarding\n  You can use regarding to indicate the subject that is being talked or written about.\nHe refused to divulge any information regarding the man’s whereabouts.\n  PREP\n  = concerning


Words: regardless
Meaning:
re.gard.less\n   regardless\n1. If something happens regardless of something else, it is not affected or influenced at all by that other thing.\nIt takes in anybody regardless of religion, colour, or creed...\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n2. If you say that someone did something regardless, you mean that they did it even though there were problems or factors that could have stopped them, or perhaps should have stopped them.\nDespite her recent surgery she has been carrying on regardless.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: regatta
Meaning:
re.gat.ta\n   regatta  regattas\n  A regatta is a sports event consisting of races between yachts or rowing boats.\n  N-COUNT: oft in names


Words: regency
Meaning:
re.gen.cy\n   regency  regencies\n\n  The spelling Regency is usually used for meaning 1.\n\n1. Regency is used to refer to the period in Britain at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and to the style of architecture, literature, and furniture that was popular at the time.\n...a huge, six-bedroomed Regency house.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A regency is a period of time when a country is governed by a regent, because the king or queen is unable to rule.\n  N-COUNT


Words: regenerate
Meaning:
re.gen.er.ate\n   regenerate  regenerates  regenerating  regenerated\n1. To regenerate something means to develop and improve it to make it more active, successful, or important, especially after a period when it has been getting worse.\nThe government will continue to try to regenerate inner city areas.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re.gen.era.tion\n...the physical and economic regeneration of the area.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If organs or tissues regenerate or if something regenerates them, they heal and grow again after they have been damaged.\nNerve cells have limited ability to regenerate if destroyed...\nNewts can regenerate their limbs.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n=>  re.gen.era.tion\nVitamin B assists in red-blood-cell regeneration.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: regenerative
Meaning:
re.gen.era.tive\n   regenerative\n  Regenerative powers or processes cause something to heal or become active again after it has been damaged or inactive.\n...the regenerative power of nature.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: regent
Meaning:
re.gent\n   regent  regents\n  A regent is a person who rules a country when the king or queen is unable to rule, for example because they are too young or too ill.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reggae
Meaning:
reg.gae\n   reggae\n  Reggae is a kind of West Indian popular music with a very strong beat.\nBob Marley provided them with their first taste of Reggae music.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: regicide
Meaning:
regi.cide\n   regicide  regicides\n1. Regicide is the act of killing a king.\nHe had become czar through regicide.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A regicide is a person who kills a king.\nSome of the regicides were sentenced to death.\n  N-COUNT


Words: regime
Meaning:
re.gime\n   regime  regimes\n1. If you refer to a government or system of running a country as a regime, you are critical of it because you think it is not democratic and uses unacceptable methods.\n...the collapse of the Fascist regime at the end of the war...\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N  disapproval\n\n2. A regime is the way that something such as an institution, company, or economy is run, especially when it involves tough or severe action.\nThe authorities moved him to the less rigid regime of an open prison.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A regime is a set of rules about food, exercise, or beauty that some people follow in order to stay healthy or attractive.\nHe has a new fitness regime to strengthen his back.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N


Words: regimen
Meaning:
regi.men\n   regimen  regimens\n  A regimen is a set of rules about food and exercise that some people follow in order to stay healthy.\nWhatever regimen has been prescribed should be rigorously followed.\n  N-COUNT\n  = regime


Words: regiment
Meaning:
regi.ment\n   regiment  regiments\n1. A regiment is a large group of soldiers that is commanded by a colonel.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A regiment of people is a large number of them.\n...robust food, good enough to satisfy a regiment of hungry customers.\n  N-COUNT: N of n


Words: regimental
Meaning:
regi.men.tal\n   regimental\n  Regimental means belonging to a particular regiment.\nMills was regimental colonel.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: regimentation
Meaning:
regi.men.ta.tion\n   regimentation\n  Regimentation is very strict control over the way a group of people behave or the way something is done.\nDemocracy is incompatible with excessive, bureaucratic regimentation of social life.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: regimented
Meaning:
regi.ment.ed\n   regimented\n  Something that is regimented is very strictly controlled.\n...the regimented atmosphere of the orphanage.\n  ADJ


Words: region
Meaning:
re.gion\n   region  regions\n1. A region is a large area of land that is different from other areas of land, for example because it is one of the different parts of a country with its own customs and characteristics, or because it has a particular geographical feature.\n...Barcelona, capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The regions are the parts of a country that are not the capital city and its surrounding area. (BRIT)\n...London and the regions...\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n\n3. You can refer to a part of your body as a region.\n...the pelvic region.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n  = area\n4. You say in the region of to indicate that an amount that you are stating is approximate.\nThe scheme will cost in the region of six million pounds.\n  PHRASE  vagueness\n  = around


Words: regional
Meaning:
re.gion.al\n   regional\n  Regional is used to describe things which relate to a particular area of a country or of the world.\n...the autonomous regional government of Andalucia.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  re.gion.al.ly\nThe impact of these trends has varied regionally.\n  ADV


Words: regionalism
Meaning:
re.gion.al.ism\n   regionalism\n  Regionalism is a strong feeling of pride or loyalty that people in a region have for that region, often including a desire to govern themselves.\nA grass-roots regionalism appears to be emerging.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: register
Meaning:
reg.is.ter\n   register  registers  registering  registered\n1. A register is an official list or record of people or things.\n...registers of births, deaths and marriages...\nHe signed the register at the hotel...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you register to do something, you put your name on an official list, in order to be able to do that thing or to receive a service.\nHave you come to register at the school?...\nThousands lined up to register to vote...\nMany students register for these courses to widen skills for use in their current job ...\nAbout 26 million people are not registered with a dentist.\n  VERB: V, V to-inf, V for n, V-ed\n\n3. If you register something, such as the name of a person who has just died or information about something you own, you have these facts recorded on an official list.\nIn order to register a car in Japan, the owner must have somewhere to park it...\n...a registered charity.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n4. When something registers on a scale or measuring instrument, it shows on the scale or instrument. You can also say that something registers a certain amount or level on a scale or measuring instrument.\nIt will only register on sophisticated X-ray equipment...\nThe earthquake registered 5.3 points on the Richter scale...\n  VERB: V on n, V n\n\n5. If you register your feelings or opinions about something, you do something that makes them clear to other people.\nVoters wish to register their dissatisfaction with the ruling party...\n  VERB: V n\n\n6. If a feeling registers on someone’s face, their expression shows clearly that they have that feeling.\nSurprise again registered on Rodney’s face.\n  VERB: V on n\n  = show\n7. If a piece of information does not register or if you do not register it, you do not really pay attention to it, and so you do not remember it or react to it.\nWhat I said sometimes didn’t register in her brain...\nThe sound was so familiar that she didn’t register it.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n8. In linguistics, the register of a piece of speech or writing is its level and style of language, which is usually appropriate to the situation or circumstances in which it is used. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-VAR\n\n9.\n  see also cash register, electoral register


Words: register office
Meaning:
reg.is.ter of.fice\n   register office  register offices\n  A register office is a place where births, marriages, and deaths are officially recorded, and where people can get married without a religious ceremony. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n  = registry office


Words: registered
Meaning:
reg.is.tered\n   registered\n  A registered letter or parcel is sent by a special postal service, for which you pay extra money for insurance in case it gets lost.\nHe asked his mother to send it by registered mail.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: registered nurse
Meaning:
reg.is.tered nurse\n   registered nurse  registered nurses\n  A registered nurse is someone who is qualified to work as a nurse. (AM, AUSTRALIAN)\n  N-COUNT


Words: registrar
Meaning:
reg.is.trar\n   registrar  registrars\n1. In Britain, a registrar is a person whose job is to keep official records, especially of births, marriages, and deaths.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A registrar is a senior administrative official in a British college or university.\n  N-COUNT


Words: registration
Meaning:
reg.is.tra.tion\n   registration  registrations\n  The registration of something such as a person’s name or the details of an event is the recording of it in an official list.\nThey have campaigned strongly for compulsory registration of dogs...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: registration number
Meaning:
reg.is.tra.tion num.ber\n   registration number  registration numbers\n  The registration number or the registration of a car or other road vehicle is the series of letters and numbers that are shown at the front and back of it. (BRIT; in AM, use license number)\nAnother driver managed to get the registration number of the car.\n  N-COUNT


Words: registry
Meaning:
reg.is.try\n   registry  registries\n  A registry is a collection of all the official records relating to something, or the place where they are kept.\nIt agreed to set up a central registry of arms sales.\n  N-COUNT


Words: registry office
Meaning:
reg.is.try of.fice\n   registry office  registry offices\n  A registry office is the same as a register office. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: regress
Meaning:
re.gress\n   regress  regresses  regressing  regressed\n  When people or things regress, they return to an earlier and less advanced stage of development. (FORMAL)\n...if your child regresses to babyish behaviour...\nSuch countries are not `developing’ at all, but regressing.\n  VERB: V to/into n, V\n\n=>  re.gres.sion      regressions\nThis can cause regression in a pupil’s learning process.\n  N-VAR


Words: regressive
Meaning:
re.gres.sive\n   regressive\n  Regressive behaviour, activities, or processes involve a return to an earlier and less advanced stage of development. (FORMAL)\nThis regressive behaviour is more common in boys.\n  ADJ


Words: regret
Meaning:
re.gret\n   regret  regrets  regretting  regretted\n1. If you regret something that you have done, you wish that you had not done it.\nI simply gave in to him, and I’ve regretted it ever since...\nEllis seemed to be regretting that he had asked the question...\nFive years later she regrets having given up her home.\n  VERB: V n, V that, V -ing\n\n2. Regret is a feeling of sadness or disappointment, which is caused by something that has happened or something that you have done or not done.\nLillee said he had no regrets about retiring.\n  N-VAR\n\n3. You can say that you regret something as a polite way of saying that you are sorry about it. You use expressions such as I regret to say or I regret to inform you to show that you are sorry about something.\n`I very much regret the injuries he sustained,’ he said...\nI regret that the United States has added its voice to such protests...\nHer lack of co-operation is nothing new, I regret to say...\n  VERB: V n, V that, V to-inf  politeness\n\n4. If someone expresses regret about something, they say that they are sorry about it. (FORMAL)\nHe expressed great regret and said that surgeons would attempt to reverse the operation...\nShe has accepted his resignation with regret.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: regretful
Meaning:
re.gret.ful\n   regretful\n  If you are regretful, you show that you regret something.\nMr Griffin gave a regretful smile...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ about n, ADJ that\n\n=>  re.gret.ful.ly\nHe shook his head regretfully.\n  ADV


Words: regrettable
Meaning:
re.gret.table\n   regrettable\n  You describe something as regrettable when you think that it is bad and that it should not happen or have happened. (FORMAL)\n...an investigation into what the army described as a regrettable incident...\n  ADJ  feelings\n  = unfortunate\n=>  re.gret.tably\nRegrettably we could find no sign of the man and the search was terminated...\n  ADV: ADV with cl, ADV adj\n  = unfortunately


Words: regroup
Meaning:
re.group\n   regroup  regroups  regrouping  regrouped\n  When people, especially soldiers, regroup, or when someone regroups them, they form an organized group again, in order to continue fighting.\nNow the rebel army has regrouped and reorganised...\nThe rebels may simply be using the truce to regroup their forces.\n  VERB: V, V n


Words: regular
Meaning:
regu.lar\n   regular  regulars\n1. Regular events have equal amounts of time between them, so that they happen, for example, at the same time each day or each week.\nTake regular exercise...\nWe’re going to be meeting there on a regular basis...\nThe cartridge must be replaced at regular intervals.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  regu.lar.ly\nHe also writes regularly for `International Management’ magazine.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  regu.lar.ity\nThe overdraft arrangements had been generous because of the regularity of the half-yearly payments.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Regular events happen often.\nThis condition usually clears up with regular shampooing.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  regu.lar.ly\nFox, badger, weasel and stoat are regularly seen here...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = frequently\n=>  regu.lar.ity\nClosures and job losses are again being announced with monotonous regularity.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you are, for example, a regular customer at a shop or a regular visitor to a place, you go there often.\nShe has become a regular visitor to Houghton Hall.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. The regulars at a place or in a team are the people who often go to the place or are often in the team.\nRegulars at his local pub have set up a fund to help out...\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. You use regular when referring to the thing, person, time, or place that is usually used by someone. For example, someone’s regular place is the place where they usually sit.\nThe man sat at his regular table near the window.\n  ADJ: det ADJ n\n  = usual\n6. A regular rhythm consists of a series of sounds or movements with equal periods of time between them.\n...a very regular beat...\n  ADJ\n  !=irregular\n=>  regu.lar.ly\nRemember to breathe regularly.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  regu.lar.ity\nExperimenters have succeeded in controlling the rate and regularity of the heartbeat.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n7. Regular is used to mean `normal’. (mainly AM)\nThe product looks and burns like a regular cigarette...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = ordinary\n8. In some restaurants, a regular drink or quantity of food is of medium size. (mainly AM)\n...a cheeseburger and regular fries.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n9. A regular pattern or arrangement consists of a series of things with equal spaces between them.\n...strange small rounded sandy hillocks, that look as if they’ve been scattered in a regular pattern on the ground.\n  ADJ\n  !=irregular\n10. If something has a regular shape, both halves are the same and it has straight edges or a smooth outline.\n...some regular geometrical shape.\n  ADJ\n  !=irregular\n=>  regu.lar.ity\n...the chessboard regularity of their fields.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n11. In grammar, a regular verb, noun, or adjective inflects in the same way as most verbs, nouns, or adjectives in the language.\n  ADJ\n  !=irregular


Words: regularity
Meaning:
regu.lar.ity\n   regularity  regularities\n1. A regularity is the fact that the same thing always happens in the same circumstances. (FORMAL)\nChildren seek out regularities and rules in acquiring language.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2.\n  see also regular


Words: regularize
Meaning:
regu.lar.ize\n   regularize  regularizes  regularizing  regularized\nin BRIT, also use regularise\n  If someone regularizes a situation or system, they make it officially acceptable or put it under a system of rules. (FORMAL)\nCohabiting couples would regularise their unions, they said...\n  VERB: V n


Words: regulate
Meaning:
regu.late\n   regulate  regulates  regulating  regulated\n  To regulate an activity or process means to control it, especially by means of rules.\nThe powers of the European Commission to regulate competition are increasing...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  regu.lat.ed\n...a planned, state-regulated economy...\n  ADJ


Words: regulation
Meaning:
regu.la.tion\n   regulation  regulations\n1. Regulations are rules made by a government or other authority in order to control the way something is done or the way people behave.\nThe European Union has proposed new regulations to control the hours worked by its employees...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n  = rule\n2. Regulation is the controlling of an activity or process, usually by means of rules.\nSome in the market now want government regulation in order to reduce costs.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: regulator
Meaning:
regu.la.tor\n   regulator  regulators\n  A regulator is a person or organization appointed by a government to regulate an area of activity such as banking or industry.\nAn independent regulator will be appointed to ensure fair competition.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  regu.la.tory\n...the UK’s financial regulatory system.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: regurgitate
Meaning:
re.gur.gi.tate\n   regurgitate  regurgitates  regurgitating  regurgitated\n1. If you say that someone is regurgitating ideas or facts, you mean that they are repeating them without understanding them properly.\nYou can get sick to death of a friend regurgitating her partner’s opinions.\n  VERB: V n  disapproval\n\n2. If a person or animal regurgitates food, they bring it back up from their stomach before it has been digested. (FORMAL)\nSometimes he regurgitates the food we give him because he cannot swallow.\n  VERB: V n\n  = bring up


Words: rehab
Meaning:
re.hab\n   rehab\n  Rehab is the process of helping someone to lead a normal life again after they have been ill, or when they have had a drug or alcohol problem. Rehab is short for rehabilitation. (INFORMAL)\n...the drug rehab programme.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: rehabilitate
Meaning:
re.ha.bili.tate\n   rehabilitate  rehabilitates  rehabilitating  rehabilitated\n1. To rehabilitate someone who has been ill or in prison means to help them to live a normal life again. To rehabilitate someone who has a drug or alcohol problem means to help them stop using drugs or alcohol.\nConsiderable efforts have been made to rehabilitate patients who have suffered in this way.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re.ha.bili.ta.tion\n...the rehabilitation of young offenders.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If someone is rehabilitated, they begin to be considered acceptable again after a period during which they have been rejected or severely criticized. (FORMAL)\nTen years later, Dreyfus was rehabilitated...\nHis candidacy has divided the party; while most have scorned him, others have sought to rehabilitate him.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: rehash
Meaning:
re.hash\n   rehash rehashes rehashing  rehashed\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. If you describe something as a rehash, you are criticizing it because it repeats old ideas, facts, or themes, though some things have been changed to make it appear new.\nThe Observer found the play `a feeble rehash of familiar Miller themes’...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, N of n  disapproval\n\n2. If you say that someone rehashes old ideas, facts, or accusations, you disapprove of the fact that they present them in a slightly different way so that they seem new or original.\nThey’ve taken some of the best bits out of the best things and rehashed them...\n  VERB: V n  disapproval


Words: rehearsal
Meaning:
re.hears.al\n   rehearsal  rehearsals\n1. A rehearsal of a play, dance, or piece of music is a practice of it in preparation for a performance.\nThe band was scheduled to begin rehearsals for a concert tour...\n  N-VAR: oft N for/of n\n\n  see also dress rehearsal\n2. You can describe an event or object which is a preparation for a more important event or object as a rehearsal for it.\nDaydreams may seem to be rehearsals for real-life situations.\n  N-COUNT: N for n


Words: rehearse
Meaning:
re.hearse\n   rehearse  rehearses  rehearsing  rehearsed\n1. When people rehearse a play, dance, or piece of music, they practise it in order to prepare for a performance.\nA group of actors are rehearsing a play about Joan of Arc...\nTens of thousands of people have been rehearsing for the opening ceremony in the workers’ stadium...\nThe cast and crew were only given three and a half weeks to rehearse.\n  VERB: V n, V for n, V\n\n2. If you rehearse something that you are going to say or do, you silently practise it by imagining that you are saying or doing it.\nAnticipate any tough questions and rehearse your answers...\nWe encouraged them to rehearse what they were going to say.\n  VERB: V n, V wh


Words: rehouse
Meaning:
re.house\n   rehouse  rehouses  rehousing  rehoused\n  If someone is rehoused, their council, local government, or other authority provides them with a different house to live in.\nMany of the 100,000 or so families who lost their homes in the earthquake have still not been rehoused...\nThe council has agreed to rehouse the family.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: reign
Meaning:
reign  reigns  reigning  reigned\n1. If you say, for example, that silence reigns in a place or confusion reigns in a situation, you mean that the place is silent or the situation is confused. (WRITTEN)\nConfusion reigned about how the debate would end...\nA relative calm reigned over the city.\n  VERB: V, V over n\n\n2. When a king or queen reigns, he or she rules a country.\n...Henry II, who reigned from 1154 to 1189.\n...George III, Britain’s longest reigning monarch.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n\n  Reign is also a noun.\n...Queen Victoria’s reign.\n  N-COUNT: with poss\n\n3. If you say that a person reigns in a situation or area, you mean that they are very powerful or successful.\nConnors reigned as the world No. 1 for 159 consecutive weeks...\nCoco Chanel reigned over fashion for half a century.\n  VERB: V, V over n\n\n  Reign is also a noun.\n...a new book celebrating Havergal’s reign as artistic director of the Citizens’ Theatre.\n  N-COUNT: with poss\n\n4. Someone or something that reigns supreme is the most important or powerful element in a situation or period of time.\nThe bicycle reigned supreme as Britain’s most popular mode of transport...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n5. A reign of terror is a period during which there is a lot of violence and killing, especially by people who are in a position of power.\nThe commanders accused him of carrying out a reign of terror.\n  PHRASE


Words: reigning
Meaning:
reign.ing\n   reigning\n  The reigning champion is the most recent winner of a contest or competition at the time you are talking about.\n...the reigning world champion.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: reimburse
Meaning:
re.im.burse\n   reimburse  reimburses  reimbursing  reimbursed\n  If you reimburse someone for something, you pay them back the money that they have spent or lost because of it. (FORMAL)\nI’ll be happy to reimburse you for any expenses you might have incurred...\nThe funds are supposed to reimburse policyholders in the event of insurer failure.\n  VERB: V n for n, V n


Words: reimbursement
Meaning:
re.im.burse.ment\n   reimbursement  reimbursements\n  If you receive reimbursement for money that you have spent, you get your money back, for example because the money should have been paid by someone else. (FORMAL)\nShe is demanding reimbursement for medical and other expenses...\n  N-VAR


Words: rein
Meaning:
rein  reins  reining  reined\n1. Reins are the thin leather straps attached round a horse’s neck which are used to control the horse.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n2. Journalists sometimes use the expression the reins or the reins of power to refer to the control of a country or organization.\nHe was determined to see the party keep a hold on the reins of power...\n  N-PLURAL: oft the N of n\n\n3. If you give free rein to someone, you give them a lot of freedom to do what they want.\nThe government continued to believe it should give free rein to the private sector in transport.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n4. If you keep a tight rein on someone, you control them firmly.\nHer parents had kept her on a tight rein with their narrow and inflexible views.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: rein back
Meaning:
rein back\n  To rein back something such as spending means to control it strictly.\nThe government would try to rein back inflation.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P


Words: rein in
Meaning:
rein in\n  To rein in something means to control it.\nHis administration’s economic policy would focus on reining in inflation...\nMary spoiled both her children, then tried too late to rein them in.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: reincarnate
Meaning:
re.incar.nate\n   reincarnate  reincarnates  reincarnating  reincarnated\n  If people believe that they will be reincarnated when they die, they believe that their spirit will be born again and will live in the body of another person or animal.\n...their belief that human souls were reincarnated in the bodies of turtles.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: reincarnation
Meaning:
re.incar.na.tion\n   reincarnation  reincarnations\n1. If you believe in reincarnation, you believe that you will be reincarnated after you die.\nMany African tribes believe in reincarnation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A reincarnation is a person or animal whose body is believed to contain the spirit of a dead person.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reindeer
Meaning:
rein.deer\n   reindeer  reindeer\n  A reindeer is a deer with large horns called antlers that lives in northern areas of Europe, Asia, and America.\n  N-COUNT


Words: reinforce
Meaning:
re.inforce\n   reinforce  reinforces  reinforcing  reinforced\n1. If something reinforces a feeling, situation, or process, it makes it stronger or more intense.\nA stronger European Parliament would, they fear, only reinforce the power of the larger countries...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If something reinforces an idea or point of view, it provides more evidence or support for it.\nThe delegation hopes to reinforce the idea that human rights are not purely internal matters.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. To reinforce an object means to make it stronger or harder.\nEventually, they had to reinforce the walls with exterior beams.\n  VERB: V n with n\n\n=>  re.inforced\nIts windows were of reinforced glass.\n  ADJ\n\n4. To reinforce an army or a police force means to make it stronger by increasing its size or providing it with more weapons. To reinforce a position or place means to make it stronger by sending more soldiers or weapons.\nBoth sides have been reinforcing their positions after yesterday’s fierce fighting...\n  VERB: V n


Words: reinforced concrete
Meaning:
re.inforced con.crete\n   reinforced concrete\n  Reinforced concrete is concrete that is made with pieces of metal inside it to make it stronger.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: reinforcement
Meaning:
re.inforce.ment\n   reinforcement  reinforcements\n1. Reinforcements are soldiers or policemen who are sent to join an army or group of police in order to make it stronger.\n...the despatch of police and troop reinforcements.\n  N-PLURAL\n\n2. The reinforcement of something is the process of making it stronger.\nI am sure that this meeting will contribute to the reinforcement of peace and security all over the world...\n  N-VAR: oft N of n


Words: reinstate
Meaning:
re.instate\n   reinstate  reinstates  reinstating  reinstated\n1. If you reinstate someone, you give them back a job or position which had been taken away from them.\nThe governor is said to have agreed to reinstate five senior workers who were dismissed...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. To reinstate a law, facility, or practice means to start having it again.\n...the decision to reinstate the grant...\n  VERB: V n


Words: reinstatement
Meaning:
re.instate.ment\n   reinstatement\n1. Reinstatement is the act of giving someone back a job or position which has been taken away from them.\nParents campaigned in vain for her reinstatement.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss\n\n2. The reinstatement of a law, facility, or practice is the act of causing it to exist again.\nHe welcomed the reinstatement of the 10 per cent bank base rate.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with poss


Words: reinvent
Meaning:
re.invent\n   reinvent  reinvents  reinventing  reinvented\n1. To reinvent something means to change it so that it seems different and new.\nThey have tried to reinvent their retail stores...\nHe was determined to reinvent himself as a poet and writer.\n  VERB: V n, V pron-refl\n\n=>  re.inven.tion\n...a reinvention of the styles of the 1940s.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If someone is trying to reinvent the wheel, they are trying to do something that has already been done successfully.\nSome of these ideas are worth pursuing, but there is no need to reinvent the wheel.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: reissue
Meaning:
re.is.sue\n   reissue  reissues  reissuing  reissued\n1. A reissue is a book, CD, or film that has not been available for some time but is now is published or produced again.\n...this welcome reissue of a 1955 Ingmar Bergman classic.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If something such as a book, CD, or film is reissued after it has not been available for some time, it is published or produced again.\nHer novels have just been reissued with eye-catching new covers.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: reiterate
Meaning:
re.it.er.ate\n   reiterate  reiterates  reiterating  reiterated\n  If you reiterate something, you say it again, usually in order to emphasize it. (FORMAL JOURNALISM)\nHe reiterated his opposition to the creation of a central bank...\nI want to reiterate that our conventional weapons are superior.\n  VERB: V n, V that\n  = repeat\n=>  re.it.era.tion      reiterations\nIt was really a reiteration of the same old entrenched positions.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n  = repetition


Words: reject
Meaning:
re.ject\n   reject rejects rejecting  rejected\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. If you reject something such as a proposal, a request, or an offer, you do not accept it or you do not agree to it.\nThe British government is expected to reject the idea of state subsidy for a new high speed railway...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re.jec.tion      rejections\nThe rejection of such initiatives indicates that voters are unconcerned about the environment.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n\n2. If you reject a belief or a political system, you refuse to believe in it or to live by its rules.\n...the children of Eastern European immigrants who had rejected their parents’ political and religious beliefs.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re.jec.tion\n...his rejection of our values.\n  N-VAR\n\n3. If someone is rejected for a job or course of study, it is not offered to them.\nOne of my most able students was rejected by another university.\n  VERB: be V-ed, also V n\n\n=>  re.jec.tion\nBe prepared for lots of rejections before you land a job.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If someone rejects another person who expects affection from them, they are cold and unfriendly towards them.\n...people who had been rejected by their lovers.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re.jec.tion\nThese feelings of rejection and hurt remain.\n  N-VAR\n\n5. If a person’s body rejects something such as a new heart that has been transplanted into it, it tries to attack and destroy it.\nIt was feared his body was rejecting a kidney he received in a transplant four years ago.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  re.jec.tion\n...a special drug which stops rejection of transplanted organs.\n  N-VAR\n\n6. If a machine rejects a coin that you put in it, the coin comes out and the machine does not work.\n  VERB\n\n7. A reject is a product that has not been accepted for use or sale, because there is something wrong with it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: rejig
Meaning:
re.jig\n   rejig  rejigs  rejigging  rejigged\n  If someone rejigs an organization or a piece of work, they arrange or organize it in a different way, in order to improve it. (BRIT; in AM, use rejigger)\n...adjustments needed to rejig the industry.\n  VERB: V n


Words: rejigger
Meaning:
re.jig.ger\n   rejigger  rejiggers  rejiggering  rejiggered\n  If someone rejiggers an organization or a piece of work, they arrange or organize it in a different way, in order to improve it. (AM; in BRIT, use rejig)\nThe government is rejiggering some tax assessment methods.\n  VERB: V n


