# dict

Words: hold against
Meaning:
hold against\n  If you hold something against someone, you let their actions in the past influence your present attitude towards them and cause you to deal severely or unfairly with them.\nBernstein lost the case, but never held it against Grundy.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n


Words: hold back
Meaning:
hold back\n1. If you hold back or if something holds you back, you hesitate before you do something because you are not sure whether it is the right thing to do.\nThe administration had several reasons for holding back...\nMelancholy and mistrust of men hold her back.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V n P\n\n2. To hold someone or something back means to prevent someone from doing something, or to prevent something from happening.\nStagnation in home sales is holding back economic recovery...\nJake wanted to wake up, but sleep held him back.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n3. If you hold something back, you keep it in reserve to use later.\nFarmers apparently hold back produce in the hope that prices will rise.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n4. If you hold something back, you do not include it in the information you are giving about something.\nYou seem to be holding something back.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P\n\n5. If you hold back something such as tears or laughter, or if you hold back, you make an effort to stop yourself from showing how you feel.\nShe kept trying to hold back her tears...\nI was close to tears with frustration, but I held back.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P, also V n P


Words: hold down
Meaning:
hold down\n1. If you hold down a job or a place in a team, you manage to keep it.\nHe never could hold down a job...\nConstant injury problems had made it tough for him to hold down a regular first team place.\n  PHRASAL VERB: oft with brd-neg, V P n (not pron), V P n (not pron), also V n P\n\n2. If you hold someone down, you keep them under control and do not allow them to have much freedom or power or many rights.\nEveryone thinks there is some vast conspiracy wanting to hold down the younger generation.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: hold in
Meaning:
hold in\n  If you hold in an emotion or feeling, you do not allow yourself to express it, often making it more difficult to deal with.\nDepression can be traced to holding in anger...\nGo ahead and cry. Don’t hold it in.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: hold off
Meaning:
hold off\n1. If you hold off doing something, you delay doing it or delay making a decision about it.\nThe hospital staff held off taking Rosenbaum in for an X-ray...\nThey have threatened military action but held off until now.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P -ing, V P\n\n2. If you hold off a challenge in a race or competition, you do not allow someone to pass you.\nBetween 1987 and 1990, Steffi Graf largely held off Navratilova’s challenge for the crown.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: hold on
Meaning:
hold on   or hold onto\n1. If you hold on, or hold onto something, you keep your hand on it or around it, for example to prevent the thing from falling or to support yourself.\nHis right arm was extended up beside his head, still holding on to a coffee cup...\nHe was struggling to hold onto a rock on the face of the cliff...\nDespite her aching shoulders, Nancy held on.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P to n, V P n, V P\n\n2. If you hold on, you manage to achieve success or avoid failure in spite of great difficulties or opposition.\nThis Government deserved to lose power a year ago. It held on.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n3. If you ask someone to hold on, you are asking them to wait for a short time. (SPOKEN)\nThe manager asked him to hold on while he investigated.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n  = hang on


Words: hold on to
Meaning:
hold on to   or hold onto\n1. If you hold on to something that gives you an advantage, you succeed in keeping it for yourself, and prevent it from being taken away or given to someone else.\nFirms are now keen to hold on to the people they recruit.\n...a politician who knew how to hold onto power.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P P n, V P n\n\n2. If you hold on to something, you keep it for a longer time than would normally be expected.\nDo you think you could hold on to that report for the next day or two?...\nPeople hold onto letters for years and years.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P P n, V P n\n  = keep\n3. If you hold on to your beliefs, ideas, or principles, you continue to believe in them and do not change or abandon them if others try to influence you or if circumstances cause you to doubt them.\nHe was imprisoned for 19 years yet held on to his belief in his people.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P P n


Words: hold out
Meaning:
hold out\n1. If you hold out your hand or something you have in your hand, you move your hand away from your body, for example to shake hands with someone.\n`I’m Nancy Drew,’ she said, holding out her hand...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)\n\n2. If you hold out for something, you refuse to accept something which you do not think is good enough or large enough, and you continue to demand more.\nI should have held out for a better deal...\nHe can only hold out a few more weeks.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P for n, V P\n\n3. If you say that someone is holding out on you, you think that they are refusing to give you information that you want. (INFORMAL)\nHe had always believed that kids could sense it when you held out on them.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P on n\n\n4. If you hold out, you manage to resist an enemy or opponent in difficult circumstances and refuse to give in.\nOne prisoner was still holding out on the roof of the jail.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n5. If you hold out hope of something happening, you hope that in the future something will happen as you want it to.\nHe still holds out hope that they could be a family again.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: hold over
Meaning:
hold over\n1. If you hold something over someone, you use it in order to threaten them or make them do what you want.\nDid Laurie know something, and hold it over Felicity?\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P n\n\n2. If something is held over, it does not happen or it is not dealt with until a future date.\nFurther voting might be held over until tomorrow...\nWe would have held the story over until the next day.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P, V n P, also V P n (not pron)


Words: hold together
Meaning:
hold together\n  If you hold a group of people together, you help them to live or work together without arguing, although they may have different aims, attitudes, or interests.\nHer 13-year-old daughter is holding the family together...\n...the political balance which holds together the government...\nThe coalition will never hold together for six months.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron), V P


Words: hold up
Meaning:
hold up\n1. If you hold up your hand or something you have in your hand, you move it upwards into a particular position and keep it there.\nShe held up her hand stiffly...\nHold it up so that we can see it.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n2. If one thing holds up another, it is placed under the other thing in order to support it and prevent it from falling.\nMills have iron pillars all over the place holding up the roof...\nHer legs wouldn’t hold her up.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n\n3. To hold up a person or process means to make them late or delay them.\nWhy were you holding everyone up?...\nContinuing violence could hold up progress towards reform.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = delay\n4. If someone holds up a place such as a bank or a shop, they point a weapon at someone there to make them give them money or valuable goods.\nA thief ran off with hundreds of pounds yesterday after holding up a petrol station.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = rob\n5. If you hold up something such as someone’s behaviour, you make it known to other people, so that they can criticize or praise it.\nHe had always been held up as an example to the younger ones.\n  PHRASAL VERB: be V-ed P as n, also V n P as n\n\n6. If something such as a type of business holds up in difficult conditions, it stays in a reasonably good state.\nChildren’s wear is one area that is holding up well in the recession.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n\n7. If an argument or theory holds up, it is true or valid, even after close examination.\nI’m not sure if the argument holds up, but it’s stimulating.\n  PHRASAL VERB\n  = stand up\n8.\n  see also hold-up


Words: hold with
Meaning:
hold with\n  If you do not hold with an activity or action, you do not approve of it.\nI don’t hold with the way they do things nowadays.\n  PHRASAL VERB: with brd-neg, V P n


Words: hold-up
Meaning:
hold-up  hold-ups\n1. A hold-up is a situation in which someone is threatened with a weapon in order to make them hand over money or valuables.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A hold-up is something which causes a delay.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A hold-up is the stopping or very slow movement of traffic, sometimes caused by an accident which happened earlier.\nThey arrived late due to a motorway hold-up.\n  N-COUNT


Words: holdall
Meaning:
hold.all\n   holdall  holdalls   also hold-all\n  A holdall is a strong bag which you use to carry your clothes and other things, for example when you are travelling. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use carryall)\n  N-COUNT


Words: holder
Meaning:
hold.er\n   holder  holders\n1. A holder is someone who owns or has something.\nThis season the club has had 73,500 season-ticket holders.\n  N-COUNT: n N, N of n\n\n2. A holder is a container in which you put an object, usually in order to protect it or to keep it in place.\n...a toothbrush holder.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N


Words: holding
Meaning:
hold.ing\n   holding  holdings\n1. If you have a holding in a company, you own shares in it. (BUSINESS)\nThat would increase Olympia & York’s holding to 35%...\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n  = investment\n2. A holding operation or action is a temporary one that is intended to keep a situation under control and to prevent it from becoming worse.\nA garden is, at best, a holding operation against nature.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: holding company
Meaning:
hold.ing com.pa.ny\n   holding company holding companies\n  A holding company is a company that has enough shares in one or more other companies to be able to control the other companies. (BUSINESS)\n  N-COUNT


Words: holdout
Meaning:
hold.out\n   holdout  holdouts\n  A holdout is someone who refuses to agree or act with other people in a particular situation and by doing so stops the situation from progressing or being resolved. (AM)\nFrance has been the holdout in trying to negotiate an end to the dispute.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hole
Meaning:
hole  holes  holing  holed\n1. A hole is a hollow space in something solid, with an opening on one side.\nHe took a shovel, dug a hole, and buried his once-prized possessions...\n...a 60ft hole.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A hole is an opening in something that goes right through it.\nThese tiresome creatures eat holes in the leaves...\n...kids with holes in the knees of their jeans.\n  N-COUNT: oft N in n\n\n3. A hole is the home or hiding place of a mouse, rabbit, or other small animal.\n...a rabbit hole.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A hole in a law, theory, or argument is a fault or weakness that it has.\nThere were some holes in that theory, some unanswered questions.\n  N-COUNT: oft N in n\n\n5. A hole is also one of the nine or eighteen sections of a golf course.\nI played nine holes with Gary Player today.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. A hole is one of the places on a golf course that the ball must drop into, usually marked by a flag.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. If you say that you need something or someone like a hole in the head, you are emphasizing that you do not want them and that they would only add to the problems that you already have. (INFORMAL)\nWe need more folk heroes like we need a hole in the head.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  emphasis\n\n8. If you say that you are in a hole, you mean that you are in a difficult or embarrassing situation. (INFORMAL)\nHe admitted that the government was in `a dreadful hole’.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n9. If you get a hole in one in golf, you get the golf ball into the hole with a single stroke.\n  PHRASE: usu v PHR\n\n10. If you pick holes in an argument or theory, you find weak points in it so that it is no longer valid. (INFORMAL)\nHe then goes on to pick holes in the article before reaching his conclusion.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hole up
Meaning:
hole up\n  If you hole up somewhere, you hide or shut yourself there, usually so that people cannot find you or disturb you. (INFORMAL)\nHis creative process involves holing up in his Paris flat with the phone off the hook.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: hole-in-the-wall
Meaning:
hole-in-the-wall\n  A hole-in-the-wall machine is a machine built into the wall of a bank or other building, which allows people to take out money from their bank account by using a special card. (BRIT INFORMAL; in AM, use ATM)\n  N-SING: usu N n\n  = cash dispenser


Words: holed up
Meaning:
holed up\n  If you are holed up somewhere, you are hiding or staying there, usually so that other people cannot find or disturb you. (INFORMAL)\nIf he had another well-stocked hideaway like this, he could stay holed up for months...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: holiday
Meaning:
holi.day\n   holiday  holidays  holidaying  holidayed\n1. A holiday is a period of time during which you relax and enjoy yourself away from home. People sometimes refer to their holiday as their holidays. (BRIT; in AM, use vacation)\nWe rang Duncan to ask where he was going on holiday...\nIschia is a popular seaside holiday resort...\nWe’re going to Scotland for our holidays.\n  N-COUNT: also on/from N\n\n2. A holiday is a day when people do not go to work or school because of a religious or national festival.\nNew Year’s Day is a public holiday throughout Britain...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n  see also bank holiday\n3. The holidays are the time when children do not have to go to school. (BRIT; in AM, use vacation)\n...the first day of the school holidays.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N, oft n N\n\n4. If you have a particular number of days’ or weeks’ holiday, you do not have to go to work for that number of days or weeks. (BRIT; in AM, use vacation)\nEvery worker will be entitled to four weeks’ paid holiday a year.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n5. If you are holidaying in a place away from home, you are on holiday there. (BRIT; in AM, use vacation)\nSampling the local cuisine is one of the delights of holidaying abroad...\n  VERB: oft cont, V prep/adv


Words: holiday camp
Meaning:
holi.day camp\n   holiday camp  holiday camps\n  In Britain, a holiday camp is a place which provides holiday accommodation and entertainment for large numbers of people.\n  N-COUNT


Words: holiday rep
Meaning:
holi.day rep\n   holiday rep holiday reps\n  A holiday rep is someone employed by a holiday company to help look after people when they are on holiday. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n  = travel rep, tour rep


Words: holidaymaker
Meaning:
holi.day.maker\n   holidaymaker  holidaymakers\n  A holidaymaker is a person who is away from their home on holiday. (BRIT; in AM, use vacationer)\n  N-COUNT


Words: holier-than-thou
Meaning:
holier-than-thou\n  If you describe someone as holier-than-thou, you disapprove of them because they seem to believe that they are more religious or have better moral qualities than anyone else.\nHe has always sounded holier-than-thou.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = self-righteous


Words: holiness
Meaning:
ho.li.ness\n   holiness\n1. Holiness is the state or quality of being holy.\nWe were immediately struck by this city’s holiness.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. You say Your Holiness or His Holiness when you address or refer respectfully to the Pope or to leaders of some other religions.\nThe President received His Holiness at the White House.\n  N-VOC: poss N; PRON: poss PRON  politeness


Words: holism
Meaning:
ho.lism\n   holism\n  Holism is the belief that everything in nature is connected in some way. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: holistic
Meaning:
ho.lis.tic\n   holistic\n  Holistic means based on the principles of holism. (FORMAL)\n...practitioners of holistic medicine.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: holler
Meaning:
hol.ler\n   holler  hollers  hollering  hollered\n  If you holler, you shout loudly. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nThe audience whooped and hollered...\n`Watch out!’ he hollered...\nCal hollered for help...\n  VERB: V, V with quote, V at/for n\n  = shout, yell\n  Holler is also a noun.\nOn the ship’s deck, after the whoops and hollers, the butchering begins.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Holler out means the same as holler.\nI hollered out the names...\nI heard him holler out, `Somebody bombed the Church.’\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n, V P with quote


Words: hollow
Meaning:
hol.low\n   hollow  hollows  hollowing  hollowed\n1. Something that is hollow has a space inside it, as opposed to being solid all the way through.\n...a hollow tree.\n...a hollow cylinder.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A surface that is hollow curves inwards.\nHe looked young, dark and sharp-featured, with hollow cheeks.\n  ADJ\n\n3. A hollow is a hole inside a tree.\nI made my home there, in the hollow of a dying elm.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. A hollow is an area that is lower than the surrounding surface.\nBelow him the town lay warm in the hollow of the hill.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of/in/between n\n\n5. If you describe a statement, situation, or person as hollow, you mean they have no real value, worth, or effectiveness.\nAny threat to bring in the police is a hollow one.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  hol.low.ness\nOne month before the deadline we see the hollowness of these promises.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of/behind n\n\n6. If someone gives a hollow laugh, they laugh in a way that shows that they do not really find something amusing.\nMurray Pick’s hollow laugh had no mirth in it.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n7. A hollow sound is dull and echoing.\n...the hollow sound of a gunshot.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n8. If something is hollowed, its surface is made to curve inwards or downwards.\nThe mule’s back was hollowed by the weight of its burden.\n...her high, elegantly hollowed cheekbones.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed


Words: holly
Meaning:
hol.ly\n   holly  hollies\n  Holly is an evergreen tree or shrub which has hard, shiny leaves with sharp points, and red berries in winter.\n  N-VAR


Words: Hollywood
Meaning:
Hol.ly.wood\n   Hollywood\n  You use Hollywood to refer to the American film industry that is based in Hollywood, California.\n...a major Hollywood studio.\n  N-PROPER: oft N n


Words: holocaust
Meaning:
holo.caust\n   holocaust  holocausts\n1. A holocaust is an event in which there is a lot of destruction and many people are killed, especially one caused by war.\nA nuclear holocaust seemed a very real possibility in the ’50s.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. The Holocaust is used to refer to the killing by the Nazis of millions of Jews during the Second World War.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: hologram
Meaning:
holo.gram\n   hologram  holograms\n  A hologram is a three-dimensional photographic image created by laser beams.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hols
Meaning:
hols\n  Some people refer to their holidays as their hols. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nWhere did you go for your hols?\n  N-PLURAL: usu supp N\n  = holidays


Words: holster
Meaning:
hol.ster\n   holster  holsters\n  A holster is a holder for a small gun, which is worn on a belt around someone’s waist or on a strap around their shoulder.\n  N-COUNT


Words: holy
Meaning:
holy  holier  holiest\n1. If you describe something as holy, you mean that it is considered to be special because it is connected with God or a particular religion.\nTo them, as to all Tibetans, this is a holy place.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A holy person is a religious leader or someone who leads a religious life.\n  ADJ\n\n3.\n  see also holier-than-thou


Words: Holy Communion
Meaning:
Holy Com.mun.ion\n   Holy Communion\n  Holy Communion is the most important religious service in the Christian church, in which people share bread and wine as a symbol of the Last Supper and the death of Christ.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: holy of holies
Meaning:
holy of holies\n  A holy of holies is a place that is so sacred that only particular people are allowed to enter; often used in informal English to refer humorously to a place where only a few special people can go.\n...the holy of holies in the Temple.\n...the Aldeburgh Festival, the holy of holies in the contemporary British music scene.\n  N-SING


Words: holy orders
Meaning:
holy or.ders\n   holy orders   also Holy Orders\n  Someone who is in holy orders is a member of the Christian clergy.\nHe took holy orders in 1935.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: Holy Spirit
Meaning:
Holy Spir.it\n   Holy Spirit\n  In the Christian religion, the Holy Spirit is one of the three aspects of God, together with God the Father and God the Son.\n  N-PROPER: the N\n  = Holy Ghost


Words: Holy Week
Meaning:
Holy Week\n  In the Christian religion, Holy Week is the week before Easter, when Christians remember the events leading up to the death of Christ.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: homage
Meaning:
hom.age\n   homage\n  Homage is respect shown towards someone or something you admire, or to a person in authority.\nPalace has released two marvellous films that pay homage to our literary heritage...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N to n


Words: home
Meaning:
home  homes\n1. Someone’s home is the house or flat where they live.\nLast night they stayed at home and watched TV...\n...his home in Hampstead.\n...the allocation of land for new homes.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N, also at N\n\n2. You can use home to refer in a general way to the house, town, or country where someone lives now or where they were born, often to emphasize that they feel they belong in that place.\nShe gives frequent performances of her work, both at home and abroad...\nHis father worked away from home for much of Jim’s first five years...\nWarwick is home to some 550 international students...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. Home means to or at the place where you live.\nHis wife wasn’t feeling too well and she wanted to go home...\nHi, Mom, I’m home!...\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV\n\n4. Home means made or done in the place where you live.\n...cheap but healthy home cooking...\nAll you have to do is make a home video.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n5. Home means relating to your own country as opposed to foreign countries.\nEurope’s software companies still have a growing home market.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = domestic\n6. A home is a large house or institution where a number of people live and are looked after, instead of living in their own houses or flats. They usually live there because they are too old or ill to look after themselves or for their families to care for them.\n...an old people’s home.\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. You can refer to a family unit as a home.\nShe had, at any rate, provided a peaceful and loving home for Harriet...\n  N-COUNT\n\n8. If you refer to the home of something, you mean the place where it began or where it is most typically found.\nThis south-west region of France is the home of claret.\n  N-SING: with supp, usu N of n\n\n9. If you find a home for something, you find a place where it can be kept.\nThe equipment itself is getting smaller, neater and easier to find a home for.\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n\n\n10. If you press, drive, or hammer something home, you explain it to people as forcefully as possible.\nIt is now up to all of us to debate this issue and press home the argument.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n11. When a sports team plays at home, they play a game on their own ground, rather than on the opposing team’s ground.\nI scored in both games against Barcelona; we drew at home and beat them away.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu at N\n\n  Home is also an adjective.\nAll three are Chelsea fans, and attend all home games together.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=away\n12. If you feel at home, you feel comfortable in the place or situation that you are in.\nHe spoke very good English and appeared pleased to see us, and we soon felt quite at home...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n13. To bring something home to someone means to make them understand how important or serious it is.\nTheir sobering conversation brought home to everyone present the serious and worthwhile work the Red Cross does.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR to n\n\n14. If you say that someone is, in British English home and dry, or in American English home free, you mean that they have been successful or that they are certain to be successful.\nThe prime minister and the moderates are not yet home and dry.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n15. If a situation or what someone says hits home or strikes home, people accept that it is real or true, even though it may be painful for them to realize.\nDid the reality of war finally hit home?...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n16. You can say a home from home in British English or a home away from home in American English to refer to a place in which you are as comfortable as in your own home.\nMany cottages are a home from home, offering microwaves, dishwashers, tvs and videos.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR  approval\n\n17. If you say to a guest `Make yourself at home’, you are making them feel welcome and inviting them to behave in an informal, relaxed way.\n  CONVENTION  politeness\n\n18. If you say that something is nothing to write home about, you mean that it is not very interesting or exciting. (INFORMAL)\n(next)


Words: home .1
Meaning:
So a dreary Monday afternoon in Walthamstow is nothing to write home about, right?\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR\n\n19. If something that is thrown or fired strikes home, it reaches its target. (WRITTEN)\nOnly two torpedoes struck home.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: home birth
Meaning:
home birth  home births\n  If a woman has a home birth, she gives birth to her baby at home rather than in a hospital.\n  N-VAR


Words: Home Counties
Meaning:
Home Coun.ties\n   Home Counties   also home counties\n  The Home Counties are the counties which surround London.\n  N-PROPER-PLURAL: the N


Words: home economics
Meaning:
home eco.nom.ics\n   home economics\n  Home economics is a school subject dealing with how to run a house well and efficiently.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: home field
Meaning:
home field  home fields\n  A sports team’s home field is their own playing field, as opposed to that of other teams. (AM; in BRIT, use home ground)\n  N-COUNT


Words: home ground
Meaning:
home ground  home grounds\n1. A sports team’s home ground is their own playing field, as opposed to that of other teams. (BRIT; in AM, use home field)\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you say that someone is on their home ground, you mean that they are in or near where they work or live, and feel confident and secure because of this.\nAlthough he was on home ground, his campaign had been rocked by adultery allegations.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v


Words: home help
Meaning:
home help  home helps\n  A home help is a person who is employed to visit sick or old people at home and help with their cleaning or cooking. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: home in
Meaning:
home in\n1. If you home in on one particular aspect of something, you give all your attention to it.\nThe critics immediately homed in on the group’s newly-elected members.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P on n\n\n2. If something such as a missile homes in on something else, it is aimed at that thing and moves towards it.\nTwo rockets homed in on it from behind without a sound...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P on n\n\n  see also homing


Words: Home Office
Meaning:
Home Of.fice\n   Home Office\n  The Home Office is the department of the British Government which is responsible for things such as the police, broadcasting, and making decisions about people who want to come to live in Britain.\n  N-PROPER: usu the N


Words: home owner
Meaning:
home own.er\n   home owner  home owners   also homeowner\n  A home owner is a person who owns the house or flat that they live in.\n  N-COUNT


Words: home page
Meaning:
home page home pages  also homepage\n  On the Internet, a person’s or organization’s home page is the main page of information about them, which often contains links to other pages about them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: home rule
Meaning:
home rule\n  If a country or region has home rule, it has its own independent government and laws.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Home Secretary
Meaning:
Home Sec.re.tary\n   Home Secretary  Home Secretaries\n  The Home Secretary is the member of the British government who is in charge of the Home Office.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing


Words: home shopping
Meaning:
home shop.ping\n   home shopping\n  Home shopping is shopping that people do by ordering goods from their homes, using catalogues, television channels, or computers.\n...America’s most successful home-shopping channel.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: home stretch
Meaning:
home stretch\nin BRIT, also use home straight\n1. The home stretch or the home straight is the last part of a race.\nHolmes matched Boulmerka stride for stride down the home straight to finish second.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n2. You can refer to the last part of any activity that lasts for a long time as the home stretch or the home straight, especially if the activity is difficult or boring.\n...as his two hours of banter, quips and anecdotes goes into the home straight.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: home truth
Meaning:
home truth  home truths\n  Home truths are unpleasant facts that you learn about yourself, usually from someone else. (BRIT)\nWe held a team meeting and a few home truths were spelled out.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: home-brew
Meaning:
home-brew\n  Home-brew is beer or wine that is made in someone’s home, rather than in a brewery.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: home-grown
Meaning:
home-grown\n  Home-grown fruit and vegetables have been grown in your garden, rather than on a farm, or in your country rather than abroad.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: home-made
Meaning:
home-made\n  Something that is home-made has been made in someone’s home, rather than in a shop or factory.\nThe bread, pastry and mayonnaise are home-made...\nA home-made bomb exploded during the disturbances.\n  ADJ


Words: homeboy
Meaning:
home.boy\n   homeboy  homeboys\n  A homeboy is a boy or man from the same area as you, especially one from the same social group as you. (AM INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: homecoming
Meaning:
home.coming\n   homecoming  homecomings\n1. Your homecoming is your return to your home or your country after being away for a long time.\nHer homecoming was tinged with sadness.\n  N-VAR: oft poss N\n\n2. Homecoming is a day or weekend each year when former students of a particular school, college, or university go back to it to meet each other again and go to dances and sports matches. (AM)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: homegirl
Meaning:
home.girl\n   homegirl  homegirls\n  A homegirl is a girl or woman from the same area as you, especially one from the same social group as you. (AM INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: homeland
Meaning:
home.land\n   homeland  homelands\n1. Your homeland is your native country. (mainly WRITTEN)\nMany are planning to return to their homeland.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N\n\n2. The homelands were regions within South Africa in which black South Africans had a limited form of self-government.\n  N-COUNT


Words: homeless
Meaning:
home.less\n   homeless\n  Homeless people have nowhere to live.\n...the growing number of homeless families...\nHundreds were made homeless.\n  ADJ\n\n  The homeless are people who are homeless.\n...shelters for the homeless.\n  N-PLURAL: the N\n\n=>  home.less.ness\nThe only way to solve homelessness is to provide more homes.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: homely
Meaning:
home.ly\n   homely\n1. If you describe a room or house as homely, you like it because you feel comfortable and relaxed there. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use homey)\nWe try and provide a very homely atmosphere.\n  ADJ  approval\n  = cosy\n2. If you describe a woman as homely, you mean that she has a warm, comforting manner and looks like someone who would enjoy being at home and running a family. (BRIT)\nMrs Jones was a pleasant, homely person with a ready smile.\n  ADJ\n\n3. If you say that someone is homely, you mean that they are not very attractive to look at. (AM)\nThe man was homely and overweight.\n  ADJ\n  = plain


Words: homemaker
Meaning:
home.maker\n   homemaker  homemakers\n  A homemaker is a woman who spends a lot of time looking after her home and family. If you describe a woman as a homemaker, you usually mean that she does not have another job.\n  N-COUNT


Words: homeopath
Meaning:
homeo.path\n   homeopath  homeopaths\nin BRIT, also use homoeopath\n  A homeopath is someone who treats illness by homeopathy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: homeopathic
Meaning:
homeo.path.ic\n   homeopathic\nin BRIT, also use homoeopathic\n  Homeopathic means relating to or used in homeopathy.\n...homeopathic remedies.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: homeopathy
Meaning:
homeopa.thy\n   homeopathy\nin BRIT, also use homoeopathy\n  Homeopathy is a way of treating an illness in which the patient is given very small amounts of a drug that produces signs of the illness in healthy people.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: homesick
Meaning:
home.sick\n   homesick\n  If you are homesick, you feel unhappy because you are away from home and are missing your family, friends, and home very much.\nShe’s feeling a little homesick.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n=>  home.sick.ness\nThere were inevitable bouts of homesickness.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: homespun
Meaning:
home.spun\n   homespun\n1. You use homespun to describe opinions or ideas that are simple and not based on special knowledge.\nThe book is simple homespun philosophy.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Homespun clothes are made from cloth that has been made at home, rather than in a factory.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: homestead
Meaning:
home.stead\n   homestead  homesteads\n1. A homestead is a farmhouse, together with the land around it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In United States history, a homestead was a piece of government land in the west, which was given to someone so they could settle there and develop a farm. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hometown
Meaning:
home.town\n   hometown  hometowns   also home town\n  Someone’s hometown is the town where they live or the town that they come from.\n  N-COUNT: with poss


Words: homeward
Meaning:
home.ward\n   homeward   also homewards\n1. If you are on a homeward journey, you are on a journey towards your home.\nShe is ready for her homeward journey.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If you are travelling homeward or homewards, you are travelling towards your home.\nJohn drove homeward through the lanes...\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: homeward bound
Meaning:
home.ward bound\n   homeward bound\n  People or things that are homeward bound are on their way home.\nI’d be homeward bound even before Grant arrived...\n  ADJ


Words: homework
Meaning:
home.work\n   homework\n1. Homework is school work that teachers give to pupils to do at home in the evening or at the weekend.\nHave you done your homework, Gemma?\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you do your homework, you find out what you need to know in preparation for something.\nBefore you go near a stockbroker, do your homework.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: homey
Meaning:
homey\n  If you describe a room or house as homey, you like it because you feel comfortable and relaxed there. (mainly AM INFORMAL; in BRIT, usually use homely)\n...a large, homey dining room.\n  ADJ  approval\n  = cosy


Words: homicidal
Meaning:
homi.ci.dal\n   homicidal\n  Homicidal is used to describe someone who is dangerous because they are likely to kill someone.\nThat man is a homicidal maniac.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: homicide
Meaning:
homi.cide\n   homicide  homicides\n  Homicide is the illegal killing of a person. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use murder)\nThe police arrived at the scene of the homicide.\n  N-VAR


Words: homily
Meaning:
homi.ly\n   homily  homilies\n  A homily is a speech or piece of writing in which someone complains about the state of something or tells people how they ought to behave. (FORMAL)\n...a receptive audience for his homily on moral values.\n  N-COUNT


Words: homing
Meaning:
hom.ing\n   homing\n1. A weapon or piece of equipment that has a homing system is able to guide itself to a target or to give out a signal that guides people to it.\nAll the royal cars are fitted with electronic homing devices.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. An animal that has a homing instinct has the ability to remember and return to a place where it has been in the past.\nThen the pigeons flew into thick fog, and the famous homing instinct failed.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: homing pigeon
Meaning:
hom.ing pi.geon\n   homing pigeon  homing pigeons\n  A homing pigeon is a pigeon that is trained to return to a particular place, especially in races with other pigeons.\n  N-COUNT


Words: homo sapiens
Meaning:
homo sa.pi.ens\n   homo sapiens\n  Homo sapiens is used to refer to modern human beings as a species, in contrast to other species of ape or animal, or earlier forms of human. (TECHNICAL)\nWhat distinguishes homo sapiens from every other living creature is the mind.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: homoerotic
Meaning:
homo.erot.ic\n   homoerotic\n  Homoerotic is used to describe things such as films, literature, and images intended to be sexually appealing to homosexual men.\n  ADJ


Words: homogeneity
Meaning:
homo.genei.ty\n   homogeneity\n  Homogeneity is the quality of being homogeneous. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = uniformity


Words: homogeneous
Meaning:
homo.geneous\n   homogeneous     also homogenous\n  Homogeneous is used to describe a group or thing which has members or parts that are all the same. (FORMAL)\nThe unemployed are not a homogeneous group...\n  ADJ


Words: homogenize
Meaning:
ho.mog.enize\n   homogenize  homogenizes  homogenizing  homogenized\nin BRIT, also use homogenise\n  If something is homogenized, it is changed so that all its parts are similar or the same, especially in a way that is undesirable.\nEven Brussels bureaucrats can’t homogenize national cultures and tastes.\n  VERB: V n  disapproval


Words: homogenized
Meaning:
ho.mog.enized\n   homogenized\nin BRIT, also use homogenised\n  Homogenized milk is milk where the fat has been broken up so that it is evenly distributed.\n  ADJ


Words: homophobia
Meaning:
homo.pho.bia\n   homophobia\n  Homophobia is a strong and unreasonable dislike of homosexual people, especially homosexual men.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: homophobic
Meaning:
ho.mo.pho.bic\n   homophobic\n  Homophobic means involving or related to a strong and unreasonable dislike of homosexual people, especially homosexual men.\n  ADJ


Words: homophone
Meaning:
homo.phone\n   homophone  homophones\n  In linguistics, homophones are words with different meanings which are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently. For example, `write’ and `right’ are homophones.\n  N-COUNT


Words: homosexual
Meaning:
homo.sex.ual\n   homosexual  homosexuals\n1. A homosexual relationship is a sexual relationship between people of the same sex.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Someone who is homosexual is sexually attracted to people of the same sex.\nA fraud trial involving two homosexual lawyers was abandoned.\n  ADJ\n\n  Homosexual is also a noun.\nThe judge said that discrimination against homosexuals is deplorable.\n  N-COUNT\n\n=>  homo.sex.ual.ity\n...a place where gays could openly discuss homosexuality.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Hon.
Meaning:
Hon.\n  Hon. is an abbreviation for honourable and honorary when they are used as part of a person’s title.\n  N-TITLE


Words: hone
Meaning:
hone  hones  honing  honed\n1. If you hone something, for example a skill, technique, idea, or product, you carefully develop it over a long period of time so that it is exactly right for your purpose.\nLeading companies spend time and money on honing the skills of senior managers...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you hone a blade, weapon, or tool, you sharpen it on a stone or with a special device. (TECHNICAL)\n...four grinding wheels for honing fine edged tools and implements.\n...a thin, honed blade.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  = sharpen


Words: honest
Meaning:
hon.est\n   honest\n1. If you describe someone as honest, you mean that they always tell the truth, and do not try to deceive people or break the law.\nI know she’s honest and reliable.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hon.est.ly\nShe fought honestly for a just cause and for freedom.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. If you are honest in a particular situation, you tell the complete truth or give your sincere opinion, even if this is not very pleasant.\nI was honest about what I was doing...\nHe had been honest with her and she had tricked him!...\n  ADJ\n  = frank\n=>  hon.est.ly\nIt came as a shock to hear an old friend speak so honestly about Ted.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = frankly\n3. You say `honest’ before or after a statement to emphasize that you are telling the truth and that you want people to believe you. (INFORMAL)\nI’m not sure, honest.\n  ADV: ADV with cl  emphasis\n\n4. Some people say `honest to God’ to emphasize their feelings or to emphasize that something is really true. (INFORMAL)\nI wish we weren’t doing this, Lillian, honest to God, I really do...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR n  emphasis\n\n5. You can say `to be honest’ before or after a statement to indicate that you are telling the truth about your own opinions or feelings, especially if you think these will disappoint the person you are talking to.\nTo be honest the house is not quite our style...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  feelings


Words: honest broker
Meaning:
hon.est bro.ker\n   honest broker  honest brokers\n  If a person or country acts as an honest broker, they try to help people resolve a dispute or arrange a deal by talking to all sides and finding out what they want, without favouring any one side.\nCanada’s prime minister will be hoping to play honest broker in the row between the United States and Japan.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: honestly
Meaning:
hon.est.ly\n   honestly\n1. You use honestly to emphasize that you are referring to your, or someone else’s, true beliefs or feelings.\nBut did you honestly think we wouldn’t notice?\n  ADV: ADV before v  emphasis\n\n2. You use honestly to emphasize that you are telling the truth and that you want people to believe you. (SPOKEN)\nHonestly, I don’t know anything about it...\n  ADV: ADV with cl  emphasis\n\n3. You use honestly to indicate that you are annoyed or impatient. (SPOKEN)\nHonestly, Nev! Must you be quite so crude!...\n  ADV: ADV with cl  feelings\n  = really\n4.\n  see also honest


Words: honesty
Meaning:
hon.es.ty\n   honesty\n  Honesty is the quality of being honest.\nThey said the greatest virtues in a politician were integrity, correctness and honesty.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  You say in all honesty when you are saying something that might be disappointing or upsetting, and you want to soften its effect by emphasizing your sincerity.\nIn all honesty, aren’t there already far too many pages of scientific research published every week?...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  emphasis


Words: honey
Meaning:
hon.ey\n   honey  honeys\n1. Honey is a sweet, sticky, yellowish substance that is made by bees.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. You call someone honey as a sign of affection. (mainly AM)\nHoney, I don’t really think that’s a good idea.\n  N-VOC


Words: honeycomb
Meaning:
honey.comb\n   honeycomb  honeycombs\n  A honeycomb is a wax structure consisting of rows of six-sided spaces where bees store their honey.\n  N-VAR


Words: honeyed
Meaning:
hon.eyed\n   honeyed\n1. You can describe someone’s voice or words as honeyed when they are very pleasant to listen to, especially if you want to suggest that they are insincere.\nHis gentle manner and honeyed tones reassured Andrew...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. You can describe something as honeyed when it tastes or smells of honey, or is the pale yellowish colour of honey. (LITERARY)\nI could smell the honeyed ripeness of melons and peaches.\n...a warm, honeyed light.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: honeymoon
Meaning:
honey.moon\n   honeymoon  honeymoons  honeymooning  honeymooned\n1. A honeymoon is a holiday taken by a man and a woman who have just got married.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When a recently-married couple honeymoon somewhere, they go there on their honeymoon.\nThey honeymooned in Venice.\n  VERB: V\n\n3. You can use honeymoon to refer to a period of time after the start of a new job or new government when everyone is pleased with the person or people concerned and is nice to them.\nBrett is enjoying a honeymoon period with both press and public.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: honeypot
Meaning:
honey.pot\n   honeypot  honeypots\n1. If you describe something as a honeypot, you mean that it is very desirable or very popular.\n...traditional tourist honeypots such as London, Bath, Edinburgh, and York.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If something attracts people like bees to a honeypot or like bees round a honeypot, it attracts people in large numbers.\nThis is the show that attracts computer industry people like bees to a honeypot.\n  PHRASE


Words: honeysuckle
Meaning:
honey.suckle\n   honeysuckle  honeysuckles\n  Honeysuckle is a climbing plant with sweet-smelling yellow, pink, or white flowers.\n  N-VAR


Words: honeytrap
Meaning:
honey.trap\n   honeytrap honeytraps\n  A honeytrap is a situation in which someone is tricked into immoral or illegal sexual behaviour so that their behaviour can be publicly exposed.\n  N-COUNT


Words: honk
Meaning:
honk  honks  honking  honked\n  If you honk the horn of a vehicle or if the horn honks, you make the horn produce a short loud sound.\nDrivers honked their horns in solidarity with the peace marchers...\nHorns honk. An angry motorist shouts.\n  VERB: V n, V\n  = hoot\n  Honk is also a noun.\nShe pulled to the right with a honk.\n  N-COUNT


Words: honky-tonk
Meaning:
honky-tonk  honky-tonks\n1. A honky-tonk is a cheap bar or nightclub. (AM)\n...little honky-tonk bars in Texas.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n2. Honky-tonk is the kind of piano music that was formerly played in honky-tonks.\n...the beat of honky-tonk pianos.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: honor guard
Meaning:
hon.or guard\n   honor guard\n  An honor guard is a group of troops who formally greet or accompany someone special such as a visiting head of state. (AM; in BRIT, use guard of honour)\n  N-SING


Words: honorarium
Meaning:
hono.rar.ium\n   honorarium  honoraria  or honorariums\n  An honorarium is a fee that someone receives for doing something which is not a normal part of their job, for example giving a talk.\n  N-COUNT


Words: honorary
Meaning:
hon.or.ary\n   honorary\n1. An honorary title or membership of a group is given to someone without their needing to have the necessary qualifications, usually because of their public achievements.\n...an honorary member of the Golf Club.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. Honorary is used to describe an official job that is done without payment.\n...the honorary secretary of the Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: honorific
Meaning:
hon.or.if.ic\n   honorific\n  An honorific title or way of talking is used to show respect or honour to someone. (FORMAL)\nHe was given the honorific title of national chairman...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: honour
Meaning:
hon.our\n   honour  honours  honouring  honoured\nin AM, use honor\n1. Honour means doing what you believe to be right and being confident that you have done what is right.\nI do not believe I can any longer serve with honour as a member of your government.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An honour is a special award that is given to someone, usually because they have done something good or because they are greatly respected.\nHe was showered with honours.among them an Oscar.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If someone is honoured, they are given public praise or an award for something they have done.\nTwo American surgeons were last week honoured with the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n4. If you describe doing or experiencing something as an honour, you mean you think it is something special and desirable.\nFive other cities had been competing for the honour of staging the Games...\n  N-SING: oft N of -ing, it v-link N to-inf\n\n5. If you say that you would be honoured to do something, you are saying very politely and formally that you would be pleased to do it. If you say that you are honoured by something, you are saying that you are grateful for it and pleased about it.\nPeter Alliss says he would be honoured to be asked...\nIt’s a very flattering offer, and I’m honoured by your confidence in me.\n  V-PASSIVE: be V-ed to-inf, be V-ed  politeness\n\n6. To honour someone means to treat them or regard them with special attention and respect.\nHer Majesty later honoured the Headmaster with her presence at lunch...\nThose right-wing people who most honour their monarch see no reason for any apology.\n  VERB: V n with n, V n\n\n=>  hon.oured\nMrs Patrick Campbell was an honoured guest.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n7. If you honour an arrangement or promise, you do what you said you would do.\nThe two sides agreed to honour a new ceasefire...\n  VERB: V n\n\n8. Honours is a type of university degree which is of a higher standard than a pass or ordinary degree.\n...an honours degree in business studies.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n\n\n9. Judges, and mayors in the United States, are sometimes called your honour or referred to as his honour or her honour.\nI bring this up, your honor, because I think it is important to understand the background of the defendant.\n  N-VOC: poss N; PRON: poss PRON\n\n10.\n  see also guest of honour, lap of honour, maid of honour\n11. If someone does the honours at a social occasion or public event, they act as host or perform some official function. (INFORMAL)\nA well-known television personality did the honours at the official opening of the show.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n12. If something is arranged in honour of a particular event, it is arranged in order to celebrate that event.\nThe Foundation is holding a dinner at the Museum of American Art in honour of the opening of their new show.\n  PREP-PHRASE\n\n13. If something is arranged or happens in someone’s honour, it is done specially to show appreciation of them.\nHe will attend an outdoor concert in his honour in the centre of Paris...\n  PHRASE: n PHR, PHR after v, PHR with cl


Words: honourable
Meaning:
hon.our.able\n   honourable\nin AM, use honorable\n1. If you describe people or actions as honourable, you mean that they are good and deserve to be respected and admired.\nI believe he was an honourable man, dedicated to the people and his union...\nHowever, their intentions are honourable.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hon.our.ably\nHe also felt she had not behaved honorably in the leadership election.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v\n\n2. Honourable is used as a title before the names of some members of the nobility, judges, and some other officials.\n...the Honourable Mr Justice Swinton Thomas.\n  ADJ: the ADJ n-proper


Words: honourable mention
Meaning:
hon.our.able men.tion\n   honourable mention  honourable mentions\nin AM, use honorable mention\n  If something that you do in a competition is given an honourable mention, it receives special praise from the judges although it does not actually win a prize.\n  N-COUNT


Words: honours list
Meaning:
hon.ours list\n   honours list  honours lists\n  In Britain, the honours list is the list of people who have been selected to receive titles or awards from the Queen because of their achievements.\nHe has been made an MBE in the New Year Honours list.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N in sing, oft supp N


Words: Hons
Meaning:
Hons\n  In Britain, Hons is an abbreviation for Honours, used after the names of some university degrees, mainly first degrees.\n...Kevin P Kearns, BA (Hons), University of Liverpool.


Words: hoo-ha
Meaning:
hoo-ha\n  If there is a hoo-ha, there is a lot of fuss about something. (INFORMAL)\nSchulman is a little tired of the hoo-ha about the all-women team.\n  N-SING: also no det


Words: hood
Meaning:
hood  hoods\n1. A hood is a part of a coat which you can pull up to cover your head. It is in the shape of a triangular bag attached to the neck of the coat at the back.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The hood of a car is the metal cover over the engine at the front. (AM; in BRIT, use bonnet)\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A cooker hood is an electrical device fitted over a cooker above head height, and containing an extractor fan and usually a light.\n  N-COUNT: usu n N


Words: hooded
Meaning:
hood.ed\n   hooded\n1. A hooded piece of clothing or furniture has a hood.\n...a blue, hooded anorak.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If someone has hooded eyes, their eyelids always look as though they are partly closed.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n3. A hooded person is wearing a hood or a piece of clothing pulled down over their face, so they are difficult to recognize.\nThe class was held hostage by a hooded gunman.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hoodlum
Meaning:
hood.lum\n   hoodlum  hoodlums\n  A hoodlum is a violent criminal, especially one who is a member of a group. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hoodwink
Meaning:
hood.wink\n   hoodwink  hoodwinks  hoodwinking  hoodwinked\n  If someone hoodwinks you, they trick or deceive you.\nPeople expect others to be honest, which is why conmen find it so easy to hoodwink people...\n  VERB: V n\n  = con


Words: hoof
Meaning:
hoof  hoofs  or hooves\n  The hooves of an animal such as a horse are the hard lower parts of its feet.\nThe horses’ hooves often could not get a proper grip.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: hoofer
Meaning:
hoof.er\n   hoofer  hoofers\n  A hoofer is a dancer, especially one who dances in musicals. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hook
Meaning:
hook  hooks  hooking  hooked\n1. A hook is a bent piece of metal or plastic that is used for catching or holding things, or for hanging things up.\nOne of his jackets hung from a hook.\n...curtain hooks...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you hook one thing to another, you attach it there using a hook. If something hooks somewhere, it can be hooked there.\nPaul hooked his tractor to the car and pulled it to safety.\n...one of those can openers that hooked onto the wall.\n  VERB: V n to/onto n, V onto n, also V n prep, V prep\n\n3. If you hook your arm, leg, or foot round an object, you place it like a hook round the object in order to move it or hold it.\nShe latched on to his arm, hooking her other arm around a tree...\n  VERB: V n prep\n\n4. If you hook a fish, you catch it with a hook on the end of a line.\nAt the first cast I hooked a huge fish.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. A hook is a short sharp blow with your fist that you make with your elbow bent, usually in a boxing match.\nLewis desperately needs to keep clear of Ruddock’s big left hook.\n  N-COUNT: usu adj N\n\n6. If you are hooked into something, or hook into something, you get involved with it. (mainly AM)\nI’m guessing again now because I’m not hooked into the political circles...\nEager to hook into a career but can’t find one right for you?\n  VERB: be/get V-ed into n, V into n\n\n7. If you hook into the Internet, you make a connection with the Internet on a particular occasion so that you can use it.\n...an interactive media tent where people will be able to hook into the internet.\n  VERB: V into n\n\n  Hook up means the same as hook.\n...a UK firm that lets Britons hook up to the Internet.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P to n\n\n8. If someone gets off the hook or is let off the hook, they manage to get out of the awkward or unpleasant situation that they are in. (INFORMAL)\nHis opponents have no intention of letting him off the hook until he agrees to leave office immediately.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n9. If you take a phone off the hook, you take the receiver off the part that it normally rests on, so that the phone will not ring.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n10. If your phone is ringing off the hook, so many people are trying to telephone you that it is ringing constantly. (AM)\nSince war broke out, the phones at donation centers have been ringing off the hook.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n11.\nby hook or by crook: see crook\nhook, line, and sinker: see sinker


Words: hook up
Meaning:
hook up\n1.\nsee hook 7\n2. When someone hooks up a computer or other electronic machine, they connect it to other similar machines or to a central power supply.\n...technicians who hook up computer systems and networks...\nHe brought it down, hooked it up, and we got the generator going.\n...if the machine is hooked up to an apartment’s central wiring system.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P, be V-ed P to n


Words: hook-up
Meaning:
hook-up  hook-ups\n  A hook-up is a connection between two places, systems, or pieces of equipment.\nWater and electric hook-ups are available and facilities are good.\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N


Words: hooked
Meaning:
hooked\n1. If you describe something as hooked, you mean that it is shaped like a hook.\nHe was thin and tall, with a hooked nose.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you are hooked on something, you enjoy it so much that it takes up a lot of your interest and attention. (INFORMAL)\nMany of the leaders have become hooked on power and money...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ on n\n\n3. If you are hooked on a drug, you are addicted to it. (INFORMAL)\nHe spent a number of years hooked on cocaine, heroin and alcohol.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ on n


Words: hooky
Meaning:
hooky   also hookey\n  If a child plays hooky, they stay away from school without permission. (mainly AM INFORMAL; in BRIT, use play truant)\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hooligan
Meaning:
hoo.li.gan\n   hooligan  hooligans\n  If you describe people, especially young people, as hooligans, you are critical of them because they behave in a noisy and violent way in a public place.\n...riots involving football hooligans.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: hooliganism
Meaning:
hoo.li.gan.ism\n   hooliganism\n  Hooliganism is the behaviour and actions of hooligans.\n...police investigating football hooliganism.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hoop
Meaning:
hoop  hoops\n1. A hoop is a large ring made of wood, metal, or plastic.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone makes you jump through hoops, they make you do lots of difficult or boring things in order to please them or achieve something.\nHe had the duty receptionist almost jumping through hoops for him. But to no avail.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hooped
Meaning:
hooped\n  If something is hooped, it is decorated with hoops or horizontal stripes, or it contains hoops as part of its structure. (mainly BRIT)\n...a hooped arbour of iron rods.\n...red hooped sleeves.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hooray
Meaning:
hoo.ray\n   hooray\n  People sometimes shout `Hooray!’ when they are very happy and excited about something.\n  EXCLAM\n\nhip hip hooray: see hip


Words: hoot
Meaning:
hoot  hoots  hooting  hooted\n1. If you hoot the horn on a vehicle or if it hoots, it makes a loud noise on one note. (mainly BRIT)\nI never hoot my horn when I pick a girl up for a date...\nSomewhere in the distance a siren hooted...\nI can be very rude to motorists who hoot at me...\n  VERB: V n, V, V at n\n\n  Hoot is also a noun. (in AM, usually use honk, toot)\nMortlake strode on, ignoring the car, in spite of a further warning hoot.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you hoot, you make a loud high-pitched noise when you are laughing or showing disapproval.\nThe protesters chanted, blew whistles and hooted at the name of Governor Pete Wilson...\n  VERB: V\n\n  Hoot is also a noun.\nHis confession was greeted with derisive hoots...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. When an owl hoots, it makes a sound like a long `oo’.\nOut in the garden an owl hooted suddenly.\n  VERB: V\n\n4. If you say that you don’t give a hoot or don’t care two hoots about something, you are emphasizing that you do not care at all about it. (INFORMAL)\nAlan doesn’t care two hoots about Irish politics...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR about/for n, PHR wh  emphasis


Words: hooter
Meaning:
hoot.er\n   hooter  hooters\n  A hooter is a device such as a horn that makes a hooting noise. (BRIT OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hoover
Meaning:
hoo.ver\n   hoover  hoovers  hoovering  hoovered\n1. A Hoover is a vacuum cleaner. (TRADEMARK) (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you hoover a room or a carpet, you clean it using a vacuum cleaner. (BRIT)\nShe hoovered the study and the sitting-room.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  hoo.ver.ing\nI finished off the hoovering upstairs.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also the N


Words: hop
Meaning:
hop  hops  hopping  hopped\n1. If you hop, you move along by jumping on one foot.\nI hopped down three steps...\nMalcolm hopped rather than walked.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V\n\n  Hop is also a noun.\n`This really is a catchy rhythm, huh?’ he added, with a few little hops.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When birds and some small animals hop, they move along by jumping on both feet.\nA small brown fawn hopped across the trail in front of them.\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n  Hop is also a noun.\nThe rabbit got up, took four hops and turned round.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you hop somewhere, you move there quickly or suddenly. (INFORMAL)\nMy wife and I were the first to arrive and hopped on board...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n  = jump\n4. A hop is a short, quick journey, usually by plane. (INFORMAL)\nIt is a three-hour drive from Geneva but can be reached by a 20-minute hop in a private helicopter.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. Hops are flowers that are dried and used for making beer.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n6. If you are caught on the hop, you are surprised by someone doing something when you were not expecting them to and so you are not prepared for it. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nHis plans almost caught security chiefs and hotel staff on the hop.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v


Words: hope
Meaning:
hope  hopes  hoping  hoped\n1. If you hope that something is true, or if you hope for something, you want it to be true or to happen, and you usually believe that it is possible or likely.\nShe had decided she must go on as usual, follow her normal routine, and hope and pray...\nHe hesitates before leaving, almost as though he had been hoping for conversation...\nI hope to get a job within the next two weeks...\nThe researchers hope that such a vaccine could be available in about ten years’ time...\n`We’ll speak again.’.`I hope so.’...\n  VERB: V, V for n, V to-inf, V that, V soot\n\n2. If you say that you cannot hope for something, or if you talk about the only thing that you can hope to get, you mean that you are in a bad situation, and there is very little chance of improving it.\nThings aren’t ideal, but that’s the best you can hope for...\n...these mountains, which no one can hope to penetrate.\n  VERB: with brd-neg, V for n, V to-inf\n\n  Hope is also a noun.\nThe only hope for underdeveloped countries is to become, as far as possible, self-reliant...\n  N-VAR\n\n3. Hope is a feeling of desire and expectation that things will go well in the future.\nBut Kevin hasn’t given up hope of being fit...\nConsumer groups still hold out hope that the president will change his mind...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. If someone wants something to happen, and considers it likely or possible, you can refer to their hopes of that thing, or to their hope that it will happen.\nThey have hopes of increasing trade between the two regions...\nThe delay in the programme has dashed Japan’s hopes of commercial success in space...\n  N-COUNT: with supp, oft N of n/-ing, N that\n\n5. If you think that the help or success of a particular person or thing will cause you to be successful or to get what you want, you can refer to them as your hope.\nRoemer represented the best hope for a businesslike climate in Louisiana.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n6. If you are in a difficult situation and do something and hope for the best, you hope that everything will happen in the way you want, although you know that it may not.\nSome companies are cutting costs and hoping for the best.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n7. If you tell someone not to get their hopes up, or not to build their hopes up, you are warning them that they should not become too confident of progress or success.\nThere is no reason for people to get their hopes up over this mission...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8. If you say that someone has not got a hope in hell of doing something, you are emphasizing that they will not be able to do it. (INFORMAL)\nEverybody knows they haven’t got a hope in hell of forming a government anyway.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR, oft PHR of -ing  emphasis\n\n9. If you have high hopes or great hopes that something will happen, you are confident that it will happen.\nI had high hopes that Derek Randall might play an important part...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR, usu PHR that, PHR of n/-ing, PHR for n\n\n10. If you hope against hope that something will happen, you hope that it will happen, although it seems impossible.\nShe glanced about the hall, hoping against hope that Richard would be waiting for her.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR that\n\n11. You use `I hope’ in expressions such as `I hope you don’t mind’ and `I hope I’m not disturbing you’, when you are being polite and want to make sure that you have not offended someone or disturbed them.\nI hope you don’t mind me coming to see you...\nI hope I haven’t said anything to upset you.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl  politeness\n\n12. You say `I hope’ when you want to warn someone not to do something foolish or dangerous.\nI hope you won’t be too harsh with the girl...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR not\n\n13. If you do one thing in the hope of another thing happening, you do it because you think it might cause or help the other thing to happen, which is what you want.\nHe was studying in the hope of being admitted to an engineering college...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR of -ing, PHR that\n\n(next)


Words: hope .1
Meaning:
14. If you live in hope that something will happen, you continue to hope that it will happen, although it seems unlikely, and you realize that you are being foolish.\nMy mother bought lots of tickets and lived in hope of winning the prize.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR that, PHR of -ing\n\n15. If you say `Some hope’, or `Not a hope’, you think there is no possibility that something will happen, although you may want it to happen. (INFORMAL)\nThe industry reckons it will see orders swell by 10% this financial year. Some hope.\n  CONVENTION  feelings


Words: hoped-for
Meaning:
hoped-for\n  Hoped-for is used to describe something that people would like to happen, and which they usually think is likely or possible. (JOURNALISM)\nThe hoped-for economic recovery in Britain did not arrive...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hopeful
Meaning:
hope.ful\n   hopeful  hopefuls\n1. If you are hopeful, you are fairly confident that something that you want to happen will happen.\nI am hopeful this misunderstanding will be rectified very quickly...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ that, ADJ of n/-ing\n\n=>  hope.ful.ly\n`Am I welcome?’ He smiled hopefully, leaning on the door.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If something such as a sign or event is hopeful, it makes you feel that what you want to happen will happen.\nThe result of the election in is yet another hopeful sign that peace could come to the Middle East.\n  ADJ\n\n3. A hopeful action is one that you do in the hope that you will get what you want to get.\nWe’ve chartered the aircraft in the hopeful anticipation that the government will allow them to leave.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. If you refer to someone as a hopeful, you mean that they are hoping and trying to achieve success in a particular career, election, or competition.\nHis soccer skills continue to be put to good use in his job as football coach to young hopefuls.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hopefully
Meaning:
hope.ful.ly\n   hopefully\n  You say hopefully when mentioning something that you hope will happen. Some careful speakers of English think that this use of hopefully is not correct, but it is very frequently used.\nHopefully, you won’t have any problems after reading this.\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group


Words: hopeless
Meaning:
hope.less\n   hopeless\n1. If you feel hopeless, you feel very unhappy because there seems to be no possibility of a better situation or success.\nHe had not heard her cry before in this uncontrolled, hopeless way...\nThe economic crisis makes jobs almost impossible to find and even able pupils feel hopeless about job prospects.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hope.less.ly\nI looked around hopelessly.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV prep\n\n=>  hope.less.ness\nShe had a feeling of hopelessness about the future.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Someone or something thing that is hopeless is certain to fail or be unsuccessful.\nI don’t believe your situation is as hopeless as you think. If you love each other, you’ll work it out...\n  ADJ\n\n3. If someone is hopeless at something, they are very bad at it. (INFORMAL)\nI’d be hopeless at working for somebody else...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ at n\n\n4. You use hopeless to emphasize how bad or inadequate something or someone is.\nArgentina’s economic policies were a hopeless mess.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n\n=>  hope.less.ly\nHarry was hopelessly lost...\n  ADV: usu ADV adj/-ed/prep, also ADV after v


Words: hopper
Meaning:
hop.per\n   hopper  hoppers\n  A hopper is a large cone-shaped device into which substances such as grain, coal, or animal food can be put and from which they can be released when required.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hopscotch
Meaning:
hop.scotch\n   hopscotch\n  Hopscotch is a children’s game which involves jumping between squares which are drawn on the ground.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: horde
Meaning:
horde  hordes\n  If you describe a crowd of people as a horde, you mean that the crowd is very large and excited and, often, rather frightening or unpleasant.\nThis attracts hordes of tourists to Las Vegas.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n


Words: horizon
Meaning:
ho.ri.zon\n   horizon  horizons\n1. The horizon is the line in the far distance where the sky seems to meet the land or the sea.\nA grey smudge appeared on the horizon. That must be Calais, thought Fay...\nThe sun had already sunk below the horizon.\n  N-SING: usu the N\n\n2. Your horizons are the limits of what you want to do or of what you are interested or involved in.\nAs your horizons expand, these new ideas can give a whole new meaning to life...\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n3. If something is on the horizon, it is almost certainly going to happen or be done quite soon.\nWith breast cancer, as with many common diseases, there is no obvious breakthrough on the horizon...\n  PHRASE


Words: horizontal
Meaning:
hori.zon.tal\n   horizontal  horizontals\n1. Something that is horizontal is flat and level with the ground, rather than at an angle to it.\nThe board consists of vertical and horizontal lines...\n  ADJ\n\n  Horizontal is also a noun.\nDo not raise your left arm above the horizontal.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n=>  hori.zon.tal.ly\nThe wind was cold and drove the snow at him almost horizontally.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV -ed\n\n2. A horizontal is a line or structure that is horizontal.\nThe undulating planes of the countryside provide relief from the hard horizontals and verticals of the urban scene.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hormonal
Meaning:
hor.mo.nal\n   hormonal\n  Hormonal means relating to or involving hormones.\n...our individual hormonal balance.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hormone
Meaning:
hor.mone\n   hormone  hormones\n  A hormone is a chemical, usually occurring naturally in your body, that makes an organ of your body do something.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hormone replacement therapy
Meaning:
hor.mone re.place.ment thera.py\n   hormone replacement therapy\n  If a woman has hormone replacement therapy, she takes the hormone oestrogen, usually in order to control the symptoms of the menopause. The abbreviation HRT is often used.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: horn
Meaning:
horn  horns\n1. On a vehicle such as a car, the horn is the device that makes a loud noise as a signal or warning.\nHe sounded the car horn.\n  N-COUNT: oft supp N\n\n2. The horns of an animal such as a cow or deer are the hard pointed things that grow from its head.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n3. Horn is the hard substance that the horns of animals are made of. Horn is sometimes used to make objects such as spoons, buttons, or ornaments.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also horn-rimmed\n4. A horn is a musical instrument of the brass family. It is a long circular metal tube, wide at one end, which you play by blowing.\n  N-COUNT: oft the N\n\n5. A horn is a simple musical instrument consisting of a metal tube that is wide at one end and narrow at the other. You play it by blowing into it.\n...a hunting horn.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6.\n  see also shoehorn\n7. If you blow your own horn, you boast about yourself. (mainly AM)\n  PHRASE\n\n8. If two people lock horns, they argue about something.\nDuring his six years in office, Seidman has often locked horns with lawmakers.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, pl-n PHR\n\n9. If you are on the horns of a dilemma, you have to choose between two things, both of which are unpleasant or difficult.\nThe bird is caught on the horns of a dilemma. Should it attack the predator, even though it then risks its own life? Or should it get out while the going is good?\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n10. If someone pulls in their horns or draws in their horns, they start behaving more cautiously than they did before, especially by spending less money.\nCustomers are drawing in their horns at a time of high interest rates.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n11.\nto take the bull by the horns: see bull


Words: horn-rimmed
Meaning:
horn-rimmed\n  Horn-rimmed glasses have plastic frames that look as though they are made of horn.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: horned
Meaning:
horned\n  Horned animals have horns, or parts of their bodies that look like horns.\n...horned cattle.\n...the call of a horned lark.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hornet
Meaning:
hor.net\n   hornet  hornets\n1. A hornet is a large wasp. Hornets live in nests and have a powerful sting.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you say that someone has stirred up a hornet’s nest, you mean that they have done something which has caused a lot of argument or trouble.\n  PHRASE: usu PHR after v


Words: hornpipe
Meaning:
horn.pipe\n   hornpipe  hornpipes\n  A hornpipe is a lively dance which was traditionally danced by sailors.\n  N-COUNT


Words: horny
Meaning:
horny  hornier  horniest\n1. If you describe someone as horny, you mean that they are sexually aroused or that they easily become sexually aroused. (INFORMAL)\n...horny adolescent boys.\n  ADJ\n  = randy\n2. Something that is horny is hard, strong, and made of horn or of a hard substance like horn.\nHis fingernails had grown long, and horny...\n  ADJ


Words: horoscope
Meaning:
horo.scope\n   horoscope  horoscopes\n  Your horoscope is a prediction of events which some people believe will happen to you in the future. Horoscopes are based on the position of the stars when you were born.\n  N-COUNT


Words: horrendous
Meaning:
hor.ren.dous\n   horrendous\n1. Something that is horrendous is very unpleasant or shocking.\nHe described it as the most horrendous experience of his life...\n  ADJ\n  = horrific\n2. Some people use horrendous to describe something that is so big or great that they find it extremely unpleasant. (INFORMAL)\n...the usually horrendous traffic jams.\n  ADJ\n  = dreadful\n=>  hor.ren.dous.ly\nMany outings can now be horrendously expensive for parents with a young family.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj/-ed, also ADV after v


Words: horrible
Meaning:
hor.ri.ble\n   horrible\n1. If you describe something or someone as horrible, you do not like them at all. (INFORMAL)\nThe record sounds horrible.\n...a horrible small boy.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hor.ri.bly\nWhen trouble comes they behave selfishly and horribly.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. You can call something horrible when it causes you to feel great shock, fear, and disgust.\nStill the horrible shrieking came out of his mouth.\n  ADJ\n  = terrible\n=>  hor.ri.bly\nA two-year-old boy was horribly murdered.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. Horrible is used to emphasize how bad something is.\nThat seems like a horrible mess that will drag on for years...\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n  = awful\n=>  hor.ri.bly\nOur plans have gone horribly wrong...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj


Words: horrid
Meaning:
hor.rid\n   horrid\n1. If you describe something as horrid, you mean that it is very unpleasant indeed. (INFORMAL)\nWhat a horrid smell!\n  ADJ\n  = horrible\n2. If you describe someone as horrid, you mean that they behave in a very unpleasant way towards other people. (INFORMAL)\nI must have been a horrid little girl...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n  = horrible


Words: horrific
Meaning:
hor.rif.ic\n   horrific\n1. If you describe a physical attack, accident, or injury as horrific, you mean that it is very bad, so that people are shocked when they see it or think about it.\nI have never seen such horrific injuries...\n  ADJ\n  = horrendous\n=>  hor.rifi.cal.ly\nHe had been horrifically assaulted before he died.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you describe something as horrific, you mean that it is so big that it is extremely unpleasant.\n...piling up horrific extra amounts of money on top of your original debt.\n  ADJ\n  = horrendous\n=>  hor.rifi.cal.ly\nOpera productions are horrifically expensive.\n  ADV: ADV adj


Words: horrify
Meaning:
hor.ri.fy\n   horrify  horrifies  horrifying  horrified\n  If someone is horrified, they feel shocked or disgusted, usually because of something that they have seen or heard.\nHis family were horrified by the change.\n...a crime trend that will horrify all parents.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n  = appal\n=>  hor.ri.fied\nWhen I saw these figures I was horrified...\n  ADV


Words: horrifying
Meaning:
hor.ri.fy.ing\n   horrifying\n  If you describe something as horrifying, you mean that it is shocking or disgusting.\nThese were horrifying experiences...\nThe scale of the problem is horrifying.\n  ADJ\n  = appalling\n=>  hor.ri.fy.ing.ly\n...horrifyingly high levels of infant mortality...\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v


Words: horror
Meaning:
hor.ror\n   horror  horrors\n1. Horror is a feeling of great shock, fear, and worry caused by something extremely unpleasant.\nAs I watched in horror the boat began to power away from me.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = terror\n2. If you have a horror of something, you are afraid of it or dislike it very much.\n...his horror of death.\n  N-SING: N of n\n\n3. The horror of something, especially something that hurts people, is its very great unpleasantness.\n...the horror of this most bloody of civil wars.\n  N-SING: oft N of n\n\n4. You can refer to extremely unpleasant or frightening experiences as horrors.\nCan you possibly imagine all the horrors we have undergone since I last wrote you?\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n5. A horror film or story is intended to be very frightening.\n...a psychological horror film.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n6. You can refer to an account of a very unpleasant experience or event as a horror story.\n...a horror story about lost luggage while flying.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: horror-struck
Meaning:
horror-struck\n  If you describe someone as horror-struck or horror-stricken, you mean that they feel very great horror at something that has happened.\n`What is the matter with Signora Anna?’ he whispered, horror-struck at her vacant face.\n  ADJ\n  = appalled


Words: hors d’oeuvre
Meaning:
hors d’oeu.vre\n   hors d’oeuvre  hors d’oeuvres\n  Hors d’oeuvres are small amounts of food that are served before the main part of a meal.\n  N-VAR


Words: horse
Meaning:
horse  horses\n1. A horse is a large animal which people can ride. Some horses are used for pulling ploughs and carts.\nA small man on a grey horse had appeared.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. When you talk about the horses, you mean horse races in which people bet money on the horse which they think will win. (INFORMAL)\nHe still likes to bet on the horses.\n  N-PLURAL: the N, usu on the N\n\n3. A vaulting horse is a tall piece of gymnastics equipment for jumping over.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If you hear something from the horse’s mouth, you hear it from someone who knows that it is definitely true.\nHe has got to hear it from the horse’s mouth. Then he can make a judgment as to whether his policy is correct or not.\n  PHRASE: v PHR\n\n5.\n  see also clothes horse, dark horse, rocking horse, seahorse


Words: horse chestnut
Meaning:
horse chest.nut\n   horse chestnut  horse chestnuts   also horse-chestnut\n1. A horse chestnut is a large tree which has leaves with several pointed parts and shiny reddish-brown nuts called conkers that grow in cases with points on them.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. Horse chestnuts are the nuts of a horse chestnut tree. They are more commonly called conkers.\n  N-COUNT


Words: horse racing
Meaning:
horse rac.ing\n   horse racing   also horse-racing, horseracing\n  Horse racing is a sport in which horses ridden by people called jockeys run in races, sometimes jumping over fences.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: horse riding
Meaning:
horse rid.ing\n   horse riding   also horse-riding\n  Horse riding is the activity of riding a horse, especially for enjoyment or as a form of exercise. (BRIT; in AM, use horseback riding)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: horse show
Meaning:
horse show  horse shows\n  A horse show is a sporting event in which people riding horses compete in order to demonstrate their skill and control.\n  N-COUNT


Words: horse-drawn
Meaning:
horse-drawn   also horsedrawn\n  A horse-drawn carriage, cart, or other vehicle is one that is pulled by one or more horses.\n...a horse-drawn open-topped carriage.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: horse-trading
Meaning:
horse-trading   also horsetrading\n1. If you describe discussions or negotiations as horse-trading, you disapprove of them because they are unofficial and involve compromises. (BRIT mainly JOURNALISM)\n...the anger and distaste many people feel at the political horse-trading involved in forming a government.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n\n2. When negotiation or bargaining is forceful and shows clever and careful judgment, you can describe it as horse-trading. (AM)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: horseback
Meaning:
horse.back\n   horseback\n1. If you do something on horseback, you do it while riding a horse.\nIn remote mountain areas, voters arrived on horseback.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu on/by N\n\n2. A horseback ride is a ride on a horse.\n...a horseback ride into the mountains.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Horseback is also an adverb.\nMany people in this area ride horseback.\n  ADV


Words: horseback riding
Meaning:
horse.back rid.ing\n   horseback riding\n  Horseback riding is the activity of riding a horse, especially for enjoyment or as a form of exercise. (AM; in BRIT, use horse riding)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: horsebox
Meaning:
horse.box\n   horsebox horseboxes  also horse box\n  A horsebox is a vehicle which is used to take horses from one place to another. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: horsehair
Meaning:
horse.hair\n   horsehair\n  Horsehair is hair from the tails or manes of horses and was used in the past to fill mattresses and furniture such as armchairs.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: horseman
Meaning:
horse.man\n   horseman  horsemen\n  A horseman is a man who is riding a horse, or who rides horses well.\nGerald was a fine horseman.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: horseplay
Meaning:
horse.play\n   horseplay\n  Horseplay is rough play in which people push and hit each other, or behave in a silly way. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: horsepower
Meaning:
horse.power\n   horsepower\n  Horsepower is a unit of power used for measuring how powerful an engine is.\n...a 300-horsepower engine.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu num N


Words: horseradish
Meaning:
horse.radish\n   horseradish\n1. Horseradish is a small white vegetable that is the root of a crop. It has a very strong sharp taste and is often made into a sauce.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Horseradish or horseradish sauce is a sauce made from horseradish. It is often eaten with roast beef.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: horseshoe
Meaning:
horse.shoe\n   horseshoe  horseshoes\n1. A horseshoe is a piece of metal shaped like a U, which is fixed with nails to the bottom of a horse’s foot in order to protect it.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A horseshoe is an object in the shape of a horseshoe which is used as a symbol of good luck, especially at a wedding.\n  N-COUNT


Words: horsewhip
Meaning:
horse.whip\n   horsewhip  horsewhips  horsewhipping  horsewhipped   also horse-whip\n1. A horsewhip is a long, thin piece of leather on the end of a short, stiff handle. It is used to train and control horses.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone horsewhips an animal or a person, they hit them several times with a horsewhip in order to hurt or punish them.\nThese young louts deserve to be horse-whipped.\n  VERB: V n


Words: horsewoman
Meaning:
horse.woman\n   horsewoman  horsewomen\n  A horsewoman is a woman who is riding a horse, or who rides horses well.\nShe developed into an excellent horsewoman.\n  N-COUNT


Words: horsey
Meaning:
horsey   also horsy\n1. Someone who is horsey likes horses a lot and spends a lot of time with them. (INFORMAL)\n...a very horsey family.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe a woman as horsey, you are saying in a rather rude way that her face reminds you of a horse, for example because it is long and thin.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: horticultural
Meaning:
hor.ti.cul.tur.al\n   horticultural\n  Horticultural means concerned with horticulture.\n...Monkton horticultural show.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: horticulturalist
Meaning:
hor.ti.cul.tur.al.ist\n   horticulturalist  horticulturalists\n  A horticulturalist is a person who grows flowers, fruit, and vegetables, especially as their job.\n  N-COUNT


Words: horticulture
Meaning:
hor.ti.cul.ture\n   horticulture\n  Horticulture is the study and practice of growing plants.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hose
Meaning:
hose  hoses  hosing  hosed\n1. A hose is a long, flexible pipe made of rubber or plastic. Water is directed through a hose in order to do things such as put out fires, clean cars, or water gardens.\nYou’ve left the garden hose on...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A hose is a pipe made of rubber or plastic, along which a liquid or gas flows, for example from one part of an engine to another.\nWater in the engine compartment is sucked away by a hose.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you hose something, you wash or water it using a hose.\nWe wash our cars and hose our gardens without even thinking of the water that uses.\n  VERB: V n


Words: hose down
Meaning:
hose down\n  When you hose something or someone down, you clean them using a hose.\nIn one driveway a chauffeur wearing rubber boots was hosing down a limousine...\nWhen the children come in covered in sand you can just hose them down.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: hosepipe
Meaning:
hose.pipe\n   hosepipe  hosepipes\n  A hosepipe is a hose that people use to water their gardens or wash their cars. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n  = hose


Words: hosiery
Meaning:
ho.siery\n   hosiery\n  You use hosiery to refer to tights, stockings, and socks, especially when they are on sale in shops. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hospice
Meaning:
hos.pice\n   hospice  hospices\n  A hospice is a special hospital for people who are dying, where their practical and emotional needs are dealt with as well as their medical needs.\n  N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES


Words: hospitable
Meaning:
hos.pi.table\n   hospitable\n1. A hospitable person is friendly, generous, and welcoming to guests or people they have just met.\nThe locals are hospitable and welcoming...\n  ADJ\n\n2. A hospitable climate or environment is one that encourages the existence or development of particular people or things.\nEven in summer this place did not look exactly hospitable.\n  ADJ


Words: hospital
Meaning:
hos.pi.tal\n   hospital  hospitals\n  A hospital is a place where people who are ill are looked after by nurses and doctors.\n...a children’s hospital with 120 beds...\nA couple of weeks later my mother went into hospital...\n  N-VAR


Words: hospitality
Meaning:
hos.pi.tal.ity\n   hospitality\n1. Hospitality is friendly, welcoming behaviour towards guests or people you have just met.\nEvery visitor to Georgia is overwhelmed by the kindness, charm and hospitality of the people.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Hospitality is the food, drink, and other privileges which some companies provide for their visitors or clients at major sporting or other public events.\n...corporate hospitality tents.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hospitalize
Meaning:
hos.pi.tal.ize\n   hospitalize  hospitalizes  hospitalizing  hospitalized\nin BRIT, also use hospitalise\n  If someone is hospitalized, they are sent or admitted to hospital.\nMost people do not have to be hospitalized for asthma or pneumonia.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n=>  hos.pi.tali.za.tion\nOccasionally hospitalization is required to combat dehydration.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: host
Meaning:
host  hosts  hosting  hosted\n1. The host at a party is the person who has invited the guests and provides the food, drink, or entertainment.\nApart from my host, I didn’t know a single person there...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone hosts a party, dinner, or other function, they have invited the guests and provide the food, drink, or entertainment.\nTonight she hosts a ball for 300 guests.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. A country, city, or organization that is the host of an event provides the facilities for that event to take place.\nBarcelona was chosen to be host of the 1992 Olympic games.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n4. If a country, city, or organization hosts an event, they provide the facilities for the event to take place.\nCannes hosts the annual film festival.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If a person or country plays host to an event or an important visitor, they host the event or the visit.\nThe Prime Minister played host to French Premier Jacques Chirac.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n6. The host of a radio or television show is the person who introduces it and talks to the people who appear in it.\nI am host of a live radio programme.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n  = presenter\n7. The person who hosts a radio or television show introduces it and talks to the people who appear in it.\nShe also hosts a show on St Petersburg Radio.\n  VERB: V n\n\n8. A host of things is a lot of them.\nA host of problems may delay the opening of the Channel Tunnel...\n  QUANT\n  = multitude\n9. A host or a host computer is the main computer in a network of computers, which controls the most important files and programs.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n10. The host of a parasite is the plant or animal which it lives on or inside and from which it gets its food. (TECHNICAL)\nWhen the eggs hatch the larvae eat the living flesh of the host animal.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n\n\n11. The Host is the bread which is used to represent the body of Christ in Christian church services such as Holy Communion. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, the N


Words: hostage
Meaning:
hos.tage\n   hostage  hostages\n1. A hostage is someone who has been captured by a person or organization and who may be killed or injured if people do not do what that person or organization demands.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone is taken hostage or is held hostage, they are captured and kept as a hostage.\nHe was taken hostage while on his first foreign assignment as a television journalist.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n3. If you say you are hostage to something, you mean that your freedom to take action is restricted by things that you cannot control.\nWith the reduction in foreign investments, the government will be even more a hostage to the whims of the international oil price...\n  N-VAR: N to n


Words: hostel
Meaning:
hos.tel\n   hostel  hostels\n  A hostel is a large house where people can stay cheaply for a short period of time. Hostels are usually owned by local government authorities or charities. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n  see also youth hostel


Words: hostess
Meaning:
host.ess\n   hostess  hostesses\n1. The hostess at a party is the woman who has invited the guests and provides the food, drink, or entertainment.\nThe hostess introduced them...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A hostess at a night club or dance hall is a woman who is paid by a man to be with him for the evening.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hostile
Meaning:
hos.tile\n   hostile\n1. If you are hostile to another person or an idea, you disagree with them or disapprove of them, often showing this in your behaviour.\nMany people felt he would be hostile to the idea of foreign intervention...\nThe West has gradually relaxed its hostile attitude to this influential state...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to/towards n\n\n2. Someone who is hostile is unfriendly and aggressive.\nDrinking may make a person feel relaxed and happy, or it may make her hostile, violent, or depressed...\n  ADJ\n  = aggressive\n3. Hostile situations and conditions make it difficult for you to achieve something.\nIf this round of talks fails, the world’s trading environment is likely to become increasingly hostile.\n  ADJ\n\n4. A hostile takeover bid is one that is opposed by the company that is being bid for. (BUSINESS)\nKingfisher launched a hostile bid for Dixons.\n  ADJ\n\n5. In a war, you use hostile to describe your enemy’s forces, organizations, weapons, land, and activities.\nThe city is encircled by a hostile army...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = enemy


Words: hostilities
Meaning:
hos.til.ities\n   hostilities\n  You can refer to fighting between two countries or groups who are at war as hostilities. (FORMAL)\nThe authorities have urged people to stock up on fuel in case hostilities break out.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: hostility
Meaning:
hos.til.ity\n   hostility\n1. Hostility is unfriendly or aggressive behaviour towards people or ideas.\nThe last decade has witnessed a serious rise in the levels of racism and hostility to Black and ethnic groups...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N to/towards n\n\n2. Your hostility to something you do not approve of is your opposition to it.\nThere is hostility among traditionalists to this method of teaching history.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N to/towards n


Words: hot
Meaning:
hot  hotter  hottest  hots  hotting  hotted\n1. Something that is hot has a high temperature.\nWhen the oil is hot, add the sliced onion...\nWhat he needed was a hot bath and a good sleep...\n  ADJ\n  !=cold, cool\n2. Hot is used to describe the weather or the air in a room or building when the temperature is high.\nIt was too hot even for a gentle stroll...\nIt was a hot, humid summer day...\n  ADJ\n  !=chilly, cold\n3. If you are hot, you feel as if your body is at an unpleasantly high temperature.\nI was too hot and tired to eat more than a few mouthfuls...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  !=cold\n4. You can say that food is hot when it has a strong, burning taste caused by chillies, pepper, or ginger.\n...hot curries.\n...a dish that’s spicy but not too hot.\n  ADJ\n  = spicy  !=mild\n5. A hot issue or topic is one that is very important at the present time and is receiving a lot of publicity. (JOURNALISM)\nThe role of women in war has been a hot topic of debate in America since the Gulf conflict.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n6. Hot news is new, recent, and fresh. (INFORMAL)\n...eight pages of the latest movies, video releases and the hot news from Tinseltown.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n7. You can use hot to describe something that is very exciting and that many people want to see, use, obtain, or become involved with. (INFORMAL)\nThe hottest show in town was the Monet Exhibition at the Art Institute...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n8. You can use hot to describe something that no one wants to deal with, often because it has been illegally obtained and is very valuable or famous. (INFORMAL)\nIf too much publicity is given to the theft of important works, the works will become too hot to handle and be destroyed.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n9. You can describe a situation that is created by a person’s behaviour or attitude as hot when it is unpleasant and difficult to deal with. (INFORMAL)\nWhen the streets get too hot for them, they head south in one stolen car after another.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n10. A hot contest is one that is intense and involves a great deal of activity and determination. (INFORMAL)\nIt took hot competition from abroad, however, to show us just how good Scottish cashmere really is.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = fierce\n11. If a person or team is the hot favourite, people think that they are the one most likely to win a race or competition.\nAtlantic City is the hot favourite to stage the fight.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n12. Someone who has a hot temper gets angry very quickly and easily.\nHis hot temper was making it increasingly difficult for others to work with him.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  see also hot-tempered\n13. If someone blows hot and cold, they keep changing their attitude towards something, sometimes being very enthusiastic and at other times expressing no interest at all.\nThe media, meanwhile, has blown hot and cold on the affair.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR on/over/about n\n\n14. If you are hot and bothered, you are so worried and anxious that you cannot think clearly or behave sensibly.\nRay was getting very hot and bothered about the idea.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, oft PHR about n\n\n15. If you say that one person has the hots for another, you mean that they feel a strong sexual attraction to that person. (INFORMAL)\nI’ve had the hots for him ever since he came to college.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: hot air
Meaning:
hot air\n  If you say that someone’s claims or promises are just hot air, you are criticizing them because they are made mainly to impress people and have no real value or meaning. (INFORMAL)\nHis justification for the merger was just hot air...\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: hot button
Meaning:
hot but.ton\n   hot button hot buttons\n  A hot button is a subject or problem that people have very strong feelings about. (mainly AM JOURNALISM)\nAbortion is still one of the hot button issues of US life.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: hot flush
Meaning:
hot flush  hot flushes\n  A hot flush is a sudden hot feeling in the skin which women often experience at the time of their menopause. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use hot flash)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hot key
Meaning:
hot key hot keys\n  A hot key is a key, or a combination of keys, on a computer keyboard that you can press in order to make something happen, without having to type the full instructions. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hot link
Meaning:
hot link hot links\n  A hot link is a word or phrase in a hypertext document that can be selected in order to access additional information. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hot potato
Meaning:
hot po.ta.to\n   hot potato  hot potatoes\n  If you describe a problem or issue as a hot potato, you mean that it is very difficult and nobody wants to deal with it. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hot rod
Meaning:
hot rod  hot rods\n  A hot rod is a fast car used for racing, especially an old car fitted with a new engine. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hot seat
Meaning:
hot seat\n  If you are in the hot seat, you are responsible for making important and difficult decisions. (INFORMAL)\nHe is to remain in the hot seat as chief executive.\n  PHRASE: usu in/into PHR


Words: hot spot
Meaning:
hot spot  hot spots   also hotspot\n1. You can refer to an exciting place where there is a lot of activity or entertainment as a hot spot. (INFORMAL)\n...a popular and lively package tour hotspot.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to an area where there is fighting or serious political trouble as a hot spot. (JOURNALISM)\nThere were many hot spots in the region, where fighting had been going on.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hot stuff
Meaning:
hot stuff\n  If you think that someone or something is hot stuff, you find them exciting or sexually attractive. (INFORMAL)\nHis love letters were hot stuff, apparently.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hot tub
Meaning:
hot tub  hot tubs\n  A hot tub is a very large, round bath which several people can sit in together.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hot up
Meaning:
hot up\n  When something hots up, it becomes more active or exciting. (BRIT)\nThe bars rarely hot up before 1am...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P


Words: hot-air balloon
Meaning:
hot-air balloon  hot-air balloons\n  A hot-air balloon is a large balloon with a basket underneath in which people can travel. The balloon is filled with hot air in order to make it float in the air.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hot-blooded
Meaning:
hot-blooded\n  If you describe someone as hot-blooded, you mean that they are very quick to express their emotions, especially anger and love.\nBoth of these dancers knew full well why they attracted the attentions of two hot-blooded young men.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=cold-blooded


Words: hot-desk
Meaning:
hot-desk hot-desks hot-desking hot-desked\n  If employees hot-desk, they are not assigned particular desks and work at any desk that is available. (BUSINESS)\nSome ministers will have to hot-desk until more accommodation can be found.\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  hot-desking\nI think that very few employees prefer hot-desking to having a fixed desk.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hot-foot
Meaning:
hot-foot  hot-foots  hot-footing  hot-footed   also hotfoot\n  If you hot-foot it somewhere, you go there in a hurry. (INFORMAL)\n...a group of actors hot-footing it for the bar.\n  VERB: V it adv/prep


Words: hot-headed
Meaning:
hot-headed\n  If you describe someone as hot-headed, you are criticizing them for acting too quickly, without thinking of the consequences.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: hot-tempered
Meaning:
hot-tempered\n  If you describe someone as hot-tempered, you think they get angry very quickly and easily.\n  ADJ


Words: hot-water bottle
Meaning:
hot-water bot.tle\n   hot-water bottle  hot-water bottles   also hot water bottle\n  A hot-water bottle is a rubber container that you fill with hot water and put in a bed to make it warm.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hot-wire
Meaning:
hot-wire  hot-wires  hot-wiring  hot-wired\n  If someone, especially a thief, hot-wires a car, they start its engine using a piece of wire rather than the key.\nA youth was inside the car, attempting to hot-wire it.\n  VERB: V n


Words: hotbed
Meaning:
hot.bed\n   hotbed  hotbeds\n  If you say that somewhere is a hotbed of an undesirable activity, you are emphasizing that a lot of the activity is going on there or being started there.\n...a state now known worldwide as a hotbed of racial intolerance.\n  N-COUNT: with supp, usu N of n  emphasis


Words: hotch-potch
Meaning:
hotch-potch   also hotchpotch\n  A hotch-potch is an untidy mixture of different types of things. (BRIT; in AM, use hodgepodge)\nThe palace is a complete hotch-potch of architectural styles.\n  N-SING: usu with supp, oft N of n\n  = jumble


Words: hotel
Meaning:
ho.tel\n   hotel  hotels\n  A hotel is a building where people stay, for example on holiday, paying for their rooms and meals.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hotelier
Meaning:
ho.tel.ier\n   hotelier  hoteliers\n  A hotelier is a person who owns or manages a hotel.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hothead
Meaning:
hot.head\n   hothead  hotheads\n  If you refer to someone as a hothead, you are criticizing them for acting too quickly, without thinking of the consequences.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: hothouse
Meaning:
hot.house\n   hothouse  hothouses\n1. A hothouse is a heated building, usually made of glass, in which plants and flowers can be grown.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to a situation or place as a hothouse when there is intense activity, especially intellectual or emotional activity.\n...the reputation of the College as a hothouse of novel ideas.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n, N of n


Words: hotline
Meaning:
hot.line\n   hotline  hotlines   also hot line\n1. A hotline is a telephone line that the public can use to contact an organization about a particular subject. Hotlines allow people to obtain information from an organization or to give the organization information.\n...a telephone hotline for gardeners seeking advice...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A hotline is a special, direct telephone line between the heads of government in different countries.\nThey have discussed setting up a military hotline between Hanoi and Bangkok.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hotly
Meaning:
hot.ly\n   hotly\n1. If people discuss, argue, or say something hotly, they speak in a lively or angry way, because they feel strongly.\nThe bank hotly denies any wrongdoing.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = vehemently\n2. If you are being hotly pursued, someone is trying hard to catch you and is close behind you.\nHe’d snuck out of America hotly pursued by the CIA.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = closely


Words: hotplate
Meaning:
hot.plate\n   hotplate  hotplates\n1. A hotplate is a flat surface, usually on top of a cooker or stove, that you heat in order to cook food on it. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A hotplate is a portable device that you use for cooking food or keeping it warm.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hotpot
Meaning:
hot.pot\n   hotpot  hotpots   also hot-pot\n  A hotpot is a mixture of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid in the oven. (mainly BRIT)\n...lamb hotpot.\n  N-VAR\n  = stew, casserole


Words: hotshot
Meaning:
hot.shot\n   hotshot  hotshots\n  If you refer to someone as a hotshot, you mean they are very good at a particular job and are going to be very successful.\n...a bunch of corporate hotshots...\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: houmous
Meaning:
hou.mous\n   houmous   also humous, hummus\n  Houmous is a smooth food made from chick peas which people usually eat with bread or vegetables.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hound
Meaning:
hound  hounds  hounding  hounded\n1. A hound is a type of dog that is often used for hunting or racing.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If someone hounds you, they constantly disturb or speak to you in an annoying or upsetting way.\nNewcomers are constantly hounding them for advice...\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. If someone is hounded out of a job or place, they are forced to leave it, often because other people are constantly criticizing them.\nThere is a general view around that he has been hounded out of office by the press.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed out of/from n


Words: hour
Meaning:
hour  hours\n1. An hour is a period of sixty minutes.\nThey waited for about two hours...\nI only slept about half an hour that night.\n...a twenty-four hour strike...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. People say that something takes or lasts hours to emphasize that it takes or lasts a very long time, or what seems like a very long time.\nGetting there would take hours.\n  N-PLURAL  emphasis\n\n3. A clock that strikes the hour strikes when it is exactly one o’clock, two o’clock, and so on.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n4. You can refer to a particular time or moment as a particular hour. (LITERARY)\n...the hour of his execution...\n  N-SING: with supp\n  = time\n5. If you refer, for example, to someone’s hour of need or hour of happiness, you are referring to the time in their life when they are or were experiencing that condition or feeling. (LITERARY)\n...the darkest hour of my professional life.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n6. You can refer to the period of time during which something happens or operates each day as the hours during which it happens or operates.\n...the hours of darkness...\nPhone us on this number during office hours.\n  N-PLURAL: with supp\n\n7. If you refer to the hours involved in a job, you are talking about how long you spend each week doing it and when you do it.\nI worked quite irregular hours...\n  N-PLURAL\n\n8.\nsee eleventh hour\nsee lunch hour\nsee rush hour\n9. If you do something after hours, you do it outside normal business hours or the time when you are usually at work.\n...a local restaurant where steel workers unwind after hours...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR n\n\n  see also after-hours\n10. If you say that something happens at all hours of the day or night, you disapprove of it happening at the time that it does or as often as it does.\nShe didn’t want her fourteen-year-old daughter coming home at all hours of the morning.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v  disapproval\n\n11. If something happens in the early hours or in the small hours, it happens in the early morning after midnight.\nGibbs was arrested in the early hours of yesterday morning.\n  PHRASE\n\n12. If something happens on the hour, it happens every hour at, for example, nine o’clock, ten o’clock, and so on, and not at any number of minutes past an hour.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v\n\n13. Something that happens out of hours happens at a time that is not during the usual hours of business or work. (mainly BRIT)\nTeachers refused to run out of hours sports matches because they weren’t being paid.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR n


Words: hourglass
Meaning:
hour.glass\n   hourglass  hourglasses   also hour glass\n  An hourglass is a device that was used to measure the passing of an hour. It has two round glass sections linked by a narrow channel, and contains sand which takes an hour to flow from the top section into the lower one.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hourly
Meaning:
hour.ly\n   hourly\n1. An hourly event happens once every hour.\nHe flipped on the radio to get the hourly news broadcast.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Hourly is also an adverb.\nThe hospital issued press releases hourly.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. Your hourly earnings are the money that you earn in one hour.\nThey have little prospect of finding new jobs with the same hourly pay.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: house
Meaning:
house houses  housing  housed\nPronounced   for the noun and adjective, and   for the verb. The form houses is pronounced\n1. A house is a building in which people live, usually the people belonging to one family.\nShe has moved to a smaller house.\n...her parents’ house in Warwickshire.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You can refer to all the people who live together in a house as the house.\nIf he set his alarm clock for midnight, it would wake the whole house...\n  N-SING: usu the N\n  = household\n3. House is used in the names of types of places where people go to eat and drink.\n...a steak house.\n...an old Salzburg coffee house.\n  N-COUNT: n N\n\n4. House is used in the names of types of companies, especially ones which publish books, lend money, or design clothes.\nMany of the clothes come from the world’s top fashion houses...\nEventually she was fired from her job at a publishing house.\n  N-COUNT: n N\n\n5. House is sometimes used in the names of office buildings and large private homes or expensive houses. (mainly BRIT)\nI was to go to the very top floor of Bush House in Aldwych.\n...Harewood House near Leeds.\n  N-IN-NAMES: n N\n\n6. You can refer to the two main bodies of Britain’s parliament and the United States of America’s legislature as the House or a House.\nSome members of the House and Senate worked all day yesterday...\n  N-COUNT\n\n7. A house is a family which has been or will be important for many generations, especially the family of a king or queen.\n...the House of Windsor.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n8. The house is the part of a theatre, cinema, or other place of entertainment where the audience sits. You can also refer to the audience at a particular performance as the house.\nThey played in front of a packed house.\n  N-COUNT\n\n9. A restaurant’s house wine is the cheapest wine it sells, which is not listed by name on the wine list.\nTweed ordered a carafe of the house wine.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n10. To house someone means to provide a house or flat for them to live in.\nPart III of the Housing Act 1985 imposes duties on local authorities to house homeless people...\nRegrettably we have to house families in these inadequate flats.\n  VERB: V n, V n adv/prep\n\n11. A building or container that houses something is the place where it is located or from where it operates.\nThe chateau itself is open to the public and houses a museum of motorcycles and cars...\n  VERB: no cont, V n\n\n12. If you say that a building houses a number of people, you mean that is the place where they live or where they are staying.\nThe building will house twelve boys and eight girls...\n  VERB: no cont, V n\n  = accommodate\n13.\n  see also boarding house, chapter house, clearing house, council house, doll’s house, full house, open house, opera house, public house, Wendy house, White House\n14. If a person or their performance or speech brings the house down, the audience claps, laughs, or shouts loudly because the performance or speech is very impressive or amusing. (INFORMAL)\nIt’s really an amazing dance. It just always brings the house down.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n15. If two people get on like a house on fire, they quickly become close friends, for example because they have many interests in common. (INFORMAL)\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n16. If you are given something in a restaurant or bar on the house, you do not have to pay for it.\nThe owner knew about the engagement and brought them glasses of champagne on the house.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v\n\n17. If someone gets their house in order, puts their house in order, or sets their house in order, they arrange their affairs and solve their problems.\nSome think Stempel’s departure will help the company get its financial house in order...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: house arrest
Meaning:
house ar.rest\n   house arrest\n  If someone is under house arrest, they are officially ordered not to leave their home, because they are suspected of being involved in an illegal activity.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu under N


Words: house guest
Meaning:
house guest  house guests\n  A house guest is a person who is staying at someone’s house for a period of time.\n  N-COUNT


Words: house lights
Meaning:
house lights\n  In a theatre or cinema, when the house lights dim or go down, the lights where the audience sits are switched off. When the house lights come up, the lights are switched on.\n  N-PLURAL: the N


Words: House of Commons
Meaning:
House of Com.mons\n   House of Commons\n  The House of Commons is the part of parliament in Britain or Canada whose members are elected. The building where they meet is also called the House of Commons.\nThe House of Commons has overwhelmingly rejected demands to bring back the death penalty for murder...\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: house of God
Meaning:
house of God  houses of God\n  A Christian church is sometimes referred to as a house of God.\n  N-COUNT


Words: House of Lords
Meaning:
House of Lords\n  The House of Lords is the part of the parliament in Britain whose members have not been elected. The building where they meet is also called the House of Lords.\nThe legislation has twice been rejected by the House of Lords.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: House of Representatives
Meaning:
House of Rep.re.senta.tives\n   House of Representatives\n  The House of Representatives is the less powerful of the two parts of Congress in the United States, or the equivalent part of the system of government in some other countries.\nThe House of Representatives approved a new budget plan.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: house owner
Meaning:
house own.er\n   house owner  house owners   also house-owner\n  A house owner is a person who owns a house.\n  N-COUNT


Words: house party
Meaning:
house par.ty\n   house party  house parties\n  A house party is a party held at a big house in the country, usually at a weekend, where the guests stay for a few days.\n  N-COUNT


Words: house plant
Meaning:
house plant  house plants   also houseplant\n  A house plant is a plant which is grown in a pot indoors.\n  N-COUNT\n  = pot plant


Words: house-to-house
Meaning:
house-to-house   also house to house\n  A house-to-house activity involves going to all the houses in an area one after another.\nSecurity officers have carried out a number of house-to-house searches.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = door-to-door\n  House-to-house is also an adverb.\nThey’re going house to house, rounding up the residents.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: houseboat
Meaning:
house.boat\n   houseboat  houseboats\n  A houseboat is a small boat on a river or canal which people live in.\n  N-COUNT


Words: housebound
Meaning:
house.bound\n   housebound\n  Someone who is housebound is unable to go out of their house, usually because they are ill or cannot walk far.\nIf you are housebound, you can arrange for a home visit from a specialist adviser.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: houseboy
Meaning:
house.boy\n   houseboy  houseboys\n  A houseboy is a man or boy who cleans and does other jobs in someone else’s house. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: housebreaker
Meaning:
house.break.er\n   housebreaker  housebreakers\n  A housebreaker is someone who enters another person’s house by force, for example by breaking the locks or windows, in order to steal their possessions.\n  N-COUNT\n  = burglar


Words: housebreaking
Meaning:
house.break.ing\n   housebreaking\n  Housebreaking is the crime of entering another person’s house by force, for example by breaking the locks or windows, in order to steal their possessions.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = burglary


Words: housecoat
Meaning:
house.coat\n   housecoat  housecoats\n  A housecoat is a long loose piece of clothing that some women wear over their underwear or nightclothes when they are at home during the day.\n  N-COUNT\n  = dressing gown


Words: household
Meaning:
house.hold\n   household  households\n1. A household is all the people in a family or group who live together in a house.\n...growing up in a male-only household...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. The household is your home and everything that is connected with looking after it.\n...household chores.\n  N-SING: oft N n\n\n3. Someone or something that is a household name or word is very well known.\nToday, fashion designers are household names...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: householder
Meaning:
house.holder\n   householder  householders\n  The householder is the person who owns or rents a particular house.\nMillions of householders are eligible to claim the new council tax benefit.\n  N-COUNT


Words: househusband
Meaning:
house.husband\n   househusband  househusbands   also house husband\n  A househusband is a married man who does not have a paid job, but instead looks after his home and children.\n  N-COUNT


Words: housekeeper
Meaning:
house.keeper\n   housekeeper  housekeepers\n  A housekeeper is a person whose job is to cook, clean, and look after a house for its owner.\n  N-COUNT


Words: housekeeping
Meaning:
house.keeping\n   housekeeping\n1. Housekeeping is the work and organization involved in running a home, including the shopping and cleaning.\nI thought that cooking and housekeeping were unimportant, easy tasks.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Housekeeping is the money that you use to buy food, cleaning materials, and other things that you need in your home. (BRIT)\n...the housekeeping money Jim gave her each week.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: housemaid
Meaning:
house.maid\n   housemaid  housemaids\n  A housemaid is a female servant who does cleaning and other work in someone’s house.\n  N-COUNT


Words: houseman
Meaning:
house.man\n   houseman  housemen\n1. A houseman is a doctor who has a junior post in a hospital and usually sleeps there. (BRIT; in AM, use intern)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A houseman is a man who is a servant in a house. (AM; in BRIT, use manservant)\n  N-COUNT


Words: housemaster
Meaning:
house.master\n   housemaster  housemasters\n  A housemaster is a male teacher who is in charge of one of the houses in a school. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: housemate
Meaning:
house.mate\n   housemate  housemates\n  Your housemate is someone who shares a house with you. You do not use `housemate’ to refer to members of your family or your boyfriend or girlfriend.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N


Words: houseproud
Meaning:
house.proud\n   houseproud   also house-proud\n  Someone who is houseproud spends a lot of time cleaning and decorating their house, because they want other people to admire it. (mainly BRIT)\n  ADJ


Words: houseroom
Meaning:
house.room\n   houseroom   also house room\n  If you say that you wouldn’t give something houseroom, you are emphasizing that you do not want it or do not like it at all. (mainly BRIT)\n  PHRASE: V inflects, with brd-neg  emphasis


Words: Houses of Parliament
Meaning:
Houses of Par.lia.ment\n   Houses of Parliament\n  In Britain, the Houses of Parliament are the British parliament, which consists of two parts, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The buildings where the British parliament does its work are also called the Houses of Parliament.\n...issues aired in the Houses of Parliament...\n  N-PROPER-COLL: the N


Words: housewares
Meaning:
house.wares\n   housewares\n  Some shops and manufacturers refer to objects on sale for use in your house as housewares, especially objects related to cooking and cleaning.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: housewarming
Meaning:
house.warm.ing\n   housewarming  housewarmings   also house-warming\n  A housewarming is a party that you give for friends when you have just moved to a new house.\nI’m so sorry I missed the housewarming.\n...a housewarming party.\n  N-COUNT: oft N n


Words: housewife
Meaning:
house.wife\n   housewife  housewives\n  A housewife is a married woman who does not have a paid job, but instead looks after her home and children.\n  N-COUNT


Words: housework
Meaning:
house.work\n   housework\n  Housework is the work such as cleaning, washing, and ironing that you do in your home.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: housing
Meaning:
hous.ing\n   housing\n  You refer to the buildings in which people live as housing when you are talking about their standard, price, or availability.\n...a shortage of affordable housing...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = accommodation


Words: housing association
Meaning:
hous.ing as.so.cia.tion\n   housing association  housing associations\n  A housing association is an organization which owns houses and helps its members to rent or buy them more cheaply than on the open market. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: housing benefit
Meaning:
hous.ing ben.efit\n   housing benefit  housing benefits\n  In Britain, housing benefit is money that the government gives to people with no income or very low incomes to pay for part or all of their rent.\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl


Words: housing development
Meaning:
hous.ing de.vel.op.ment\n   housing development  housing developments\n  A housing development is the same as a housing estate.\n  N-COUNT


Words: housing estate
Meaning:
hous.ing es.tate\n   housing estate  housing estates\n  A housing estate is a large number of houses or flats built close together at the same time. (BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: housing project
Meaning:
hous.ing pro.ject\n   housing project  housing projects\n  A housing project is a group of homes for poorer families which is funded and controlled by the local government. (AM)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hovel
Meaning:
hov.el\n   hovel  hovels\n1. A hovel is a small hut, especially one which is dirty or needs a lot of repair.\nThey lived in a squalid hovel for the next five years.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. You describe a house, room, or flat as a hovel to express your disapproval or dislike of it because it is dirty, untidy, and in poor condition.\nI went for a living-in job, but the room I was given was a hovel.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n  = dump


Words: hover
Meaning:
hov.er\n   hover  hovers  hovering  hovered\n1. To hover means to stay in the same position in the air without moving forwards or backwards. Many birds and insects can hover by moving their wings very quickly.\nBeautiful butterflies hovered above the wild flowers...\n  VERB: V\n\n2. If you hover, you stay in one place and move slightly in a nervous way, for example because you cannot decide what to do.\nJudith was hovering in the doorway...\nWith no idea of what to do for my next move, my hand hovered over the board.\n  VERB: V, V prep/adv\n\n3. If you hover, you are in an uncertain situation or state of mind.\nShe hovered on the brink of death for three months as doctors battled to save her...\n  VERB: V prep/adv\n\n4. If a something such as a price, value, or score hovers around a particular level, it stays at more or less that level and does not change much.\nIn September 1989 the exchange rate hovered around 140 yen to the dollar...\n  VERB: V prep/adv


Words: hovercraft
Meaning:
hover.craft\n   hovercraft  hovercraft\n  A hovercraft is a vehicle that can travel across land and water. It floats above the land or water on a cushion of air.\n  N-COUNT: also by N


Words: how
Meaning:
how\n1. You use how to ask about the way in which something happens or is done.\nHow do I make payments into my account?...\nHow do you manage to keep the place so tidy?...\nHow are you going to plan for the future?\n  QUEST\n\n  How is also a conjunction.\nI don’t want to know how he died...\nI didn’t know how to tell you.\n  CONJ\n\n2. You use how after certain adjectives and verbs to introduce a statement or fact, often something that you remember or expect other people to know about.\nIt’s amazing how people collect so much stuff over the years...\nIt’s important to become acutely aware of how your eating ties in with your stress level.\n  CONJ\n\n3. You use how to ask questions about the quantity or degree of something.\nHow much money are we talking about?...\nHow many full-time staff have we got?...\nHow long will you be staying?...\nHow old is your son now?...\nHow fast were you driving?...\nHe was asked how serious the situation had become.\n  QUEST: QUEST much/many, QUEST adj/adv\n\n4. You use how when you are asking someone whether something was successful or enjoyable.\nHow was your trip down to Orlando?...\nI wonder how Sam got on with him.\n  QUEST\n\n5. You use how to ask about someone’s health or to find out someone’s news.\nHi! How are you doing?...\nHow’s Rosie?...\nHow’s the job?...\n  QUEST\n\n6. `How do you do’ is a polite way of greeting someone when you meet them for the first time.\n  CONVENTION  formulae\n\n7. You use how to emphasize the degree to which something is true.\nI didn’t realize how heavy that shopping was going to be...\nFranklin told them all how happy he was to be in Britain again.\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv  emphasis\n\n8. You use how in exclamations to emphasize an adjective, adverb, or statement.\nHow strange that something so simple as a walk on the beach could suddenly mean so much...\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv/cl  emphasis\n\n9. You use how in expressions such as `How can you...’ and `How could you...’ to indicate that you disapprove of what someone has done or that you find it hard to believe.\nHow can you drink so much beer, Luke?...\nHow could he be so indiscreet?\n  QUEST: QUEST can/could  disapproval\n\n10. You use how in expressions such as `how about...’ or `how would you like...’ when you are making an offer or a suggestion.\nHow about a cup of coffee?...\nYou want Jeannie to make the appointment for you? How about the end of next week?...\n  QUEST\n\n11. If you ask someone `How about you?’ you are asking them what they think or want.\nWell, I enjoyed that. How about you two?...\n  CONVENTION\n\n12. You use how about to introduce a new subject which you think is relevant to the conversation you have been having.\nAre your products and services competitive? How about marketing?\n  PHRASE: PHR n\n\n13. You ask `How come?’ or `How so?’ when you are surprised by something and are asking why it happened or was said. (INFORMAL)\n`They don’t say a single word to each other.’.`How come?’...\n  PHRASE: oft PHR cl


Words: howdy
Meaning:
how.dy\n   howdy\n  `Howdy’ is an informal way of saying `Hello’. (AM DIALECT)\n  CONVENTION  formulae


Words: however
Meaning:
how.ever\n   however\n1. You use however when you are adding a comment which is surprising or which contrasts with what has just been said.\nThis was not an easy decision. It is, however, a decision that we feel is dictated by our duty...\nSome of the food crops failed. However, the cotton did quite well...\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n\n2. You use however before an adjective or adverb to emphasize that the degree or extent of something cannot change a situation.\nYou should always strive to achieve more, however well you have done before...\nHowever hard she tried, nothing seemed to work...\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv, ADV many/much  emphasis\n\n3. You use however when you want to say that it makes no difference how something is done.\nHowever we adopt healthcare reform, it isn’t going to save major amounts of money...\nWear your hair however you want.\n  CONJ\n\n4. You use however in expressions such as or however long it takes and or however many there were to indicate that the figure you have just mentioned may not be accurate.\nWait 30 to 60 minutes or however long it takes.\n  ADV: ADV many/much, ADV adv  vagueness\n\n5. You can use however to ask in an emphatic way how something has happened which you are very surprised about. Some speakers of English think that this form is incorrect and prefer to use `how ever’.\nHowever did you find this place in such weather?\n  QUEST  emphasis\n  = how


Words: howitzer
Meaning:
how.itz.er\n   howitzer  howitzers\n  A howitzer is a large gun with a short barrel, which fires shells high up into the air so that they will drop down onto the target.\n  N-COUNT


Words: howl
Meaning:
howl  howls  howling  howled\n1. If an animal such as a wolf or a dog howls, it makes a long, loud, crying sound.\nSomewhere in the streets beyond a dog suddenly howled, baying at the moon.\n  VERB: V\n\n  Howl is also a noun.\nThe dog let out a savage howl and, wheeling round, flew at him.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If a person howls, they make a long, loud cry expressing pain, anger, or unhappiness.\nHe howled like a wounded animal as blood spurted from the gash...\n  VERB: V\n\n  Howl is also a noun.\nWith a howl of rage, he grabbed the neck of a broken bottle and advanced.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. When the wind howls, it blows hard and makes a loud noise.\nThe wind howled all night, but I slept a little...\nIt sank in a howling gale.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n\n4. If you howl something, you say it in a very loud voice. (INFORMAL)\n`Get away, get away, get away’ he howled...\nThe crowd howled its approval.\n  VERB: V with quote, V n\n\n5. If you howl with laughter, you laugh very loudly.\nJoe, Pink, and Booker howled with delight...\nThe crowd howled, delirious.\n  VERB: V with n, V\n\n  Howl is also a noun.\nHis stories caused howls of laughter.\n  N-COUNT


Words: howler
Meaning:
howl.er\n   howler  howlers\n  A howler is a stupid mistake. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)\nI felt as if I had made an outrageous howler.\n  N-COUNT\n  = blunder


Words: HP
Meaning:
HP\n  HP is an abbreviation for hire purchase. (BRIT)\nI have never bought anything on HP.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft on N


Words: HQ
Meaning:
HQ  HQs\n  HQ is an abbreviation for headquarters.\n...the European Commission’s luxurious HQ.\n  N-VAR


Words: HR
Meaning:
In a company or other organization, the HR department is the department with responsibility for the recruiting, training, and welfare of the staff. HR is an abbreviation for `human resources’. (BUSINESS)


Words: HRH
Meaning:
HRH\n  HRH is an abbreviation for `His Royal Highness’ or `Her Royal Highness’ when it is used as part of the title of a prince or princess.\n  N-TITLE


Words: HRT
Meaning:
HRT\n  HRT is given to women and involves taking the hormone oestrogen, usually in order to control the symptoms of the menopause. HRT is an abbreviation for `hormone replacement therapy’.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: HTML
Meaning:
HTML\n  HTML is a system of codes for producing documents for the Internet. HTML is an abbreviation for `hypertext markup language’. (COMPUTING)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: HTTP
Meaning:
HTTP is a way of formatting and transmitting messages on the Internet. HTTP is an abbreviation for `hypertext transfer protocol’. (COMPUTING)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hub
Meaning:
hub  hubs\n1. You can describe a place as a hub of an activity when it is a very important centre for that activity.\nThe island’s social hub is the Cafe Sport...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n\n  = centre\n2. The hub of a wheel is the part at the centre.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: hubbub
Meaning:
hub.bub\n   hubbub  hubbubs\n1. A hubbub is a noise made by a lot of people all talking or shouting at the same time. (WRITTEN)\nThere was a hubbub of excited conversation from over a thousand people.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n\n2. You can describe a situation where there is great confusion or excitement as a hubbub.\nIn all the hubbub over the election, one might be excused for missing yesterday’s announcement.\n  N-SING: also no det


Words: hubby
Meaning:
hub.by\n   hubby  hubbies\n  You can refer to a woman’s husband as her hubby. (INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N


Words: hubcap
Meaning:
hub.cap\n   hubcap  hubcaps   also hub cap\n  A hubcap is a metal or plastic disc that covers and protects the centre of a wheel on a car, truck, or other vehicle.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hubris
Meaning:
hu.bris\n   hubris\n  If you accuse someone of hubris, you are accusing them of arrogant pride. (FORMAL)\n...a tale of how an honourable man pursuing honourable goals was afflicted with hubris and led his nation towards catastrophe.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = arrogance


Words: huckster
Meaning:
huck.ster\n   huckster  hucksters\n  If you refer to someone as a huckster, you are criticizing them for trying to sell useless or worthless things in a dishonest or aggressive way. (AM)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: huddle
Meaning:
hud.dle\n   huddle  huddles  huddling  huddled\n1. If you huddle somewhere, you sit, stand, or lie there holding your arms and legs close to your body, usually because you are cold or frightened.\nShe huddled inside the porch as she rang the bell...\nMyrtle sat huddled on the side of the bed, weeping.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V-ed\n  = hunch\n2. If people huddle together or huddle round something, they stand, sit, or lie close to each other, usually because they all feel cold or frightened.\nTired and lost, we huddled together...\nThe survivors spent the night huddled around bonfires.\n  VERB: V adv/prep, V-ed\n\n3. If people huddle in a group, they gather together to discuss something quietly or secretly.\nOff to one side, Sticht, Macomber, Jordan, and Kreps huddled to discuss something...\nThe president has been huddling with his most senior aides...\nMrs Clinton was huddled with advisers at her headquarters.\n  V-RECIP: pl-n V, V with n, V-ed\n\n4. A huddle is a small group of people or things that are standing very close together or lying on top of each other, usually in a disorganized way.\nWe lay there: a huddle of bodies, gasping for air...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: hue
Meaning:
hue\n1. A hue is a colour. (LITERARY)\nThe same hue will look different in different light.\n  N-COUNT\n  = shade\n2. If people raise a hue and cry about something, they protest angrily about it. (WRITTEN)\nJust as the show ended, he heard a huge hue and cry outside.\n  PHRASE


Words: huff
Meaning:
huff  huffs  huffing  huffed\n1. If you huff, you indicate that you are annoyed or offended about something, usually by the way that you say something.\n`This’, huffed Mr Buthelezi, `was discrimination.’\n  VERB: V with quote\n\n2. If someone is in a huff, they are behaving in a bad-tempered way because they are annoyed and offended. (INFORMAL)\nAfter the row in a pub he drove off in a huff.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR


Words: huffy
Meaning:
huffy\n  Someone who is huffy is obviously annoyed or offended about something. (INFORMAL)\nI, in my turn, became embarrassed and huffy and told her to take the money back.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  huffi.ly\n`I appreciate your concern for my feelings,’ Bess said huffily, `but I’m a big girl now’.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: hug
Meaning:
hug  hugs  hugging  hugged\n1. When you hug someone, you put your arms around them and hold them tightly, for example because you like them or are pleased to see them. You can also say that two people hug each other or that they hug.\nShe had hugged him exuberantly and invited him to dinner the next day...\nWe hugged and kissed.\n  V-RECIP: V n (non-recip), pl-n V\n  = embrace\n  Hug is also a noun.\nSyvil leapt out of the back seat, and gave him a hug.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you hug something, you hold it close to your body with your arms tightly round it.\nShaerl trudged toward them, hugging a large box...\nShe hugged her legs tight to her chest...\n  VERB: V n, V n adv/prep\n\n3. Something that hugs the ground or a stretch of land or water stays very close to it. (WRITTEN)\nThe road hugs the coast for hundreds of miles...\n  VERB: V n\n\n4.\n  see also bear hug


Words: huge
Meaning:
huge  huger  hugest\n1. Something or someone that is huge is extremely large in size.\n...a tiny little woman with huge black glasses...\n  ADJ\n  = massive  !=tiny\n2. Something that is huge is extremely large in amount or degree.\nI have a huge number of ties because I never throw them away...\n  ADJ\n  = enormous\n=>  huge.ly\nIn summer this hotel is a hugely popular venue for wedding receptions.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v\n  = enormously\n3. Something that is huge exists or happens on a very large scale, and involves a lot of different people or things.\nAnother team is looking at the huge problem of debts between companies...\n  ADJ\n  = enormous  !=tiny


Words: huh
Meaning:
huh\n  Huh is used in writing to represent a noise that people make at the end of a question if they want someone to agree with them or if they want someone to repeat what they have just said. Huh is also used to show that someone is surprised or not impressed.\nCan we just get on with it, huh?...


Words: hulk
Meaning:
hulk  hulks\n1. The hulk of something is the large, ruined remains of it.\n...the ruined hulk of the old church tower...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. You use hulk to describe anything which is large and seems threatening to you.\nI followed his big hulk into the house.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: hulking
Meaning:
hulk.ing\n   hulking\n  You use hulking to describe a person or object that is extremely large, heavy, or slow-moving, especially when they seem threatening in some way.\nWhen I woke up there was a hulking figure staring down at me...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hull
Meaning:
hull  hulls\n  The hull of a boat or tank is the main body of it.\nThe hull had suffered extensive damage to the starboard side.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hullabaloo
Meaning:
hul.la.ba.loo\n   hullabaloo\n  A hullabaloo is a lot of noise or fuss made by people who are angry or excited about something. (INFORMAL)\nI was scared by the hullabaloo over my arrival.\n  N-SING\n  = rumpus


Words: hum
Meaning:
hum  hums  humming  hummed\n1. If something hums, it makes a low continuous noise.\nThe birds sang, the bees hummed...\nThere was a low humming sound in the sky.\n  VERB: V, V-ing\n\n  Hum is also a noun.\n...the hum of traffic...\n  N-SING: oft the N of n\n\n2. When you hum a tune, you sing it with your lips closed.\nShe was humming a merry little tune...\nHe hummed to himself as he opened the trunk.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n3. If you say that a place hums, you mean that it is full of activity.\nThe place is really beginning to hum...\nOn Saturday morning, the town hums with activity and life.\n  VERB: V, V with n\n\n4. Hum is sometimes used to represent the sound people make when they are not sure what to say.\nHum, I am sorry but I thought you were French.\n  CONVENTION\n\n5.\nhum and haw: see haw\n  see also ho hum


Words: human
Meaning:
hu.man\n   human  humans\n1. Human means relating to or concerning people.\n...the human body.\n...human history.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. You can refer to people as humans, especially when you are comparing them with animals or machines.\nIts rate of growth was fast.much more like that of an ape than that of a human.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Human feelings, weaknesses, or errors are ones that are typical of humans rather than machines.\n...an ever growing risk of human error...\n  ADJ


Words: human growth hormone
Meaning:
hu.man growth hor.mone\n   human growth hormone human growth hormones\n  Human growth hormone is a hormone that is used to help short people, especially short children, to grow taller. The abbreviation HGH is also used.\n  N-VAR


Words: human interest
Meaning:
hu.man in.ter.est\n   human interest\n  If something such as a news story has human interest, people are likely to find it interesting because it gives interesting details about the person or people involved.\n...a human interest story.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: human nature
Meaning:
hu.man na.ture\n   human nature\n  Human nature is the natural qualities and ways of behaviour that most people have.\nIt seems to be human nature to worry.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: human race
Meaning:
hu.man race\n   human race\n  The human race is the same as mankind.\nCan the human race carry on expanding and growing the same way that it is now?\n  N-SING: the N


Words: human resources
Meaning:
hu.man re.sources\n   human resources\n  In a company or other organization, the department of human resources is the department with responsibility for the recruiting, training, and welfare of the staff. The abbreviation HR is often used. (BUSINESS)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = personnel


Words: human rights
Meaning:
hu.man rights\n   human rights\n  Human rights are basic rights which many societies believe that all people should have.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: human shield
Meaning:
hu.man shield\n   human shield\n  If a group of people are used as a human shield in a battle or war, they are put in a particular place so that the enemy will be unwilling to attack that place and harm them.\n  N-SING


Words: humane
Meaning:
hu.mane\n   humane\n1. Humane people act in a kind, sympathetic way towards other people and animals, and try to do them as little harm as possible.\nIn the mid-nineteenth century, Dorothea Dix began to campaign for humane treatment of the mentally ill.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hu.mane.ly\nOur horse had to be humanely destroyed after breaking his right foreleg.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Humane values and societies encourage people to act in a kind and sympathetic way towards others, even towards people they do not agree with or like.\n...the humane values of socialism...\n  ADJ


Words: humanism
Meaning:
hu.man.ism\n   humanism\n  Humanism is the belief that people can achieve happiness and live well without religion.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  hu.man.ist      humanists\nHe is a practical humanist, who believes in the dignity of mankind.\n  N-COUNT


Words: humanistic
Meaning:
hu.man.ist.ic\n   humanistic\n  A humanistic idea, condition, or practice relates to humanism.\nReligious values can often differ greatly from humanistic morals.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: humanitarian
Meaning:
hu.mani.tar.ian\n   humanitarian\n  If a person or society has humanitarian ideas or behaviour, they try to avoid making people suffer or they help people who are suffering.\nAir bombardment raised criticism on the humanitarian grounds that innocent civilians might suffer.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: humanitarianism
Meaning:
hu.mani.tari.an.ism\n   humanitarianism\n  Humanitarianism is humanitarian ideas or actions.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: humanity
Meaning:
hu.man.ity\n   humanity  humanities\n1. All the people in the world can be referred to as humanity.\nThey face charges of committing crimes against humanity.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A person’s humanity is their state of being a human being, rather than an animal or an object. (FORMAL)\n...a man who’s almost lost his humanity in his bitter hatred of his rivals.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with poss\n\n3. Humanity is the quality of being kind, thoughtful, and sympathetic towards others.\nHer speech showed great maturity and humanity.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. The humanities are the subjects such as history, philosophy, and literature which are concerned with human ideas and behaviour.\n...students majoring in the humanities.\n  N-PLURAL: oft the N


Words: humanize
Meaning:
hu.man.ize\n   humanize  humanizes  humanizing  humanized\nin BRIT, also use humanise\n  If you humanize a situation or condition, you improve it by changing it in a way which makes it more suitable and pleasant for people.\nJo Robinson began by humanizing the waiting time at the health centre with tea-making and toys for children.\n  VERB: V n


Words: humanly
Meaning:
hu.man.ly\n   humanly\n  If something is humanly possible, it is possible for people to do it.\nShe has gained a reputation for creating books as perfect as is humanly possible...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, pron-indef PHR, as PHR


Words: humble
Meaning:
hum.ble\n   humble  humbler  humblest  humbles  humbling  humbled\n1. A humble person is not proud and does not believe that they are better than other people.\nHe gave a great performance, but he was very humble...\n  ADJ\n  !=proud\n=>  hum.bly\n`I’m a lucky man, undeservedly lucky,’ he said humbly.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. People with low social status are sometimes described as humble.\nSpyros Latsis started his career as a humble fisherman in the Aegean...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = lowly\n3. A humble place or thing is ordinary and not special in any way.\nThere are restaurants, both humble and expensive, that specialize in them...\n  ADJ\n\n4. People use humble in a phrase such as in my humble opinion as a polite way of emphasizing what they think, even though they do not feel humble about it.\nIt is, in my humble opinion, perhaps the best steak restaurant in Great Britain.\n  ADJ  politeness\n  = modest\n=>  hum.bly\nSo may I humbly suggest we all do something next time.\n  ADV: ADV before v\n\n5. If you eat humble pie, you speak or behave in a way which tells people that you admit you were wrong about something.\nAnson was forced to eat humble pie and publicly apologise to her.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n6. If you humble someone who is more important or powerful than you, you defeat them easily.\nHonda won fame in the 1980s as the little car company that humbled the industry giants...\n  VERB: V n\n\n7. If something or someone humbles you, they make you realize that you are not as important or good as you thought you were.\nTed’s words humbled me...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  hum.bled\nI came away very humbled and recognizing that I, for one, am not well-informed.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hum.bling\nGiving up an addiction is a humbling experience.\n  ADJ


Words: humbug
Meaning:
hum.bug\n   humbug\n  If you describe someone’s language or behaviour as humbug, you mean that it is dishonest or insincere.\nThere was all the usual humbug and obligatory compliments from ministers...\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: humdinger
Meaning:
hum.ding.er\n   humdinger  humdingers\n  If you describe someone or something as a humdinger, you mean that they are very impressive, exciting, or enjoyable. (INFORMAL)\nIt should be a humdinger of a match...\nHis latest novel is a humdinger.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft a N of n  approval


Words: humdrum
Meaning:
hum.drum\n   humdrum\n  If you describe someone or something as humdrum, you mean that they are ordinary, dull, or boring.\n...her lawyer husband, trapped in a humdrum but well-paid job...\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: humid
Meaning:
hu.mid\n   humid\n  You use humid to describe an atmosphere or climate that is very damp, and usually very hot.\nVisitors can expect hot and humid conditions...\n  ADJ\n  = sticky, heavy  !=dry


Words: humidifier
Meaning:
hu.midi.fi.er\n   humidifier  humidifiers\n  A humidifier is a machine for increasing the amount of moisture in the air.\n  N-COUNT


Words: humidity
Meaning:
hu.mid.ity\n   humidity\n1. You say there is humidity when the air feels very heavy and damp.\nThe heat and humidity were insufferable.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Humidity is the amount of water in the air.\nThe humidity is relatively low.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: humiliate
Meaning:
hu.mili.ate\n   humiliate  humiliates  humiliating  humiliated\n  To humiliate someone means to say or do something which makes them feel ashamed or stupid.\nShe had been beaten and humiliated by her husband...\nHis teacher continually humiliates him in maths lessons.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n=>  hu.mili.at.ed\nI have never felt so humiliated in my life.\n  ADJ


Words: humiliating
Meaning:
hu.mili.at.ing\n   humiliating\n  If something is humiliating, it embarrasses you and makes you feel ashamed and stupid.\nThe Conservatives have suffered a humiliating defeat...\n  ADJ\n  = crushing\n=>  hu.mili.at.ing.ly\nThousands of men struggled humiliatingly for jobs...\nHe was caught cheating during the Seoul Olympics and humiliatingly stripped of his title.\n  ADV: usu ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed, also ADV with cl


Words: humiliation
Meaning:
hu.milia.tion\n   humiliation  humiliations\n1. Humiliation is the embarrassment and shame you feel when someone makes you appear stupid, or when you make a mistake in public.\nShe faced the humiliation of discussing her husband’s affair.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A humiliation is an occasion or a situation in which you feel embarrassed and ashamed.\nThe result is a humiliation for the prime minister.\n  N-COUNT


Words: humility
Meaning:
hu.mil.ity\n   humility\n  Someone who has humility is not proud and does not believe they are better than other people.\n...a deep sense of humility...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=pride


Words: hummingbird
Meaning:
humming.bird\n   hummingbird  hummingbirds\n  A hummingbird is a small brightly coloured bird found in America, especially Central and South America. It has a long thin beak and powerful narrow wings that can move very fast.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hummock
Meaning:
hum.mock\n   hummock  hummocks\n  A hummock is a small raised area of ground, like a very small hill.\n  N-COUNT\n  = hillock


Words: humongous
Meaning:
hu.mong.ous\n   humongous   also humungous\n  If you describe something or someone as humongous, you are emphasizing that they are very large or important. (INFORMAL)\nWe had a humongous row just because she left...\nBarbra Streisand is such a humungous star.\n  ADJ  emphasis


Words: humorist
Meaning:
hu.mor.ist\n   humorist  humorists\n  A humorist is a writer who specializes in writing amusing things.\n...a political humorist.\n  N-COUNT


Words: humorous
Meaning:
hu.mor.ous\n   humorous\n  If someone or something is humorous, they are amusing, especially in a clever or witty way.\nHe was quite humorous, and I liked that about him.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hu.mor.ous.ly\nHe looked at me humorously as he wrestled with the door...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj


Words: humour
Meaning:
hu.mour\n   humour  humours  humouring  humoured\nin AM, use humor\n1. You can refer to the amusing things that people say as their humour.\nHer humour and determination were a source of inspiration to others.\n  N-UNCOUNT: supp N\n\n  see also sense of humour\n2. Humour is a quality in something that makes you laugh, for example in a situation, in someone’s words or actions, or in a book or film.\nShe felt sorry for the man but couldn’t ignore the humour of the situation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you are in a good humour, you feel cheerful and happy, and are pleasant to people. If you are in a bad humour, you feel bad-tempered and unhappy, and are unpleasant to people.\nChristina was still not clear why he had been in such ill humour...\n  N-VAR: supp N\n  = temper\n4. If you do something with good humour, you do it cheerfully and pleasantly.\nHugo bore his illness with great courage and good humour.\n  N-UNCOUNT: adj N\n\n5. If you humour someone who is behaving strangely, you try to please them or pretend to agree with them, so that they will not become upset.\nShe disliked Dido but was prepared to tolerate her for a weekend in order to humour her husband.\n  VERB: V n


Words: humourless
Meaning:
hu.mour.less\n   humourless\nin AM, use humorless\n  If you accuse someone of being humourless, you mean that they are very serious about everything and do not find things amusing.\nHe was a straight-faced, humourless character.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = solemn


Words: hump
Meaning:
hump  humps  humping  humped\n1. A hump is a small hill or raised area.\nThe path goes over a large hump by a tree before running near a road.\n  N-COUNT\n  = mound\n2. A camel’s hump is the large lump on its back.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. A hump is a large lump on a person’s back, usually caused by illness or old age.\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N\n\n4. If you hump something heavy, you carry it from one place to another with great difficulty. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nCharlie humped his rucksack up the stairs to his flat.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n  = lug\n5. If someone gets the hump, they get very annoyed about something. (BRIT INFORMAL)\nFans just get the hump when they lose.\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: humpback
Meaning:
hump.back\n   humpback  humpbacks\n  A humpback or a humpback whale is a large whale with a curved back.\n  N-COUNT


Words: humpbacked bridge
Meaning:
hump.backed bridge\n   humpbacked bridge  humpbacked bridges\n  A humpbacked bridge or humpback bridge is a short and very curved bridge with a shape similar to a semi-circle. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: humped
Meaning:
humped\n  If someone is humped, their back is bent so that their shoulders are further forward than usual and their head hangs down.\nI was humped like an old lady.\n  ADJ


Words: humus
Meaning:
hu.mus\n   humus\n  Humus is the part of soil which consists of dead plants that have begun to decay.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hunch
Meaning:
hunch  hunches  hunching  hunched\n1. If you have a hunch about something, you are sure that it is correct or true, even though you do not have any proof. (INFORMAL)\nI had a hunch that Susan and I would work well together...\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you hunch forward, you raise your shoulders, put your head down, and lean forwards, often because you are cold, ill, or unhappy.\nHe got out his map of Yorkshire and hunched over it to read the small print.\n  VERB: V adv/prep\n\n3. If you hunch your shoulders, you raise them and lean forwards slightly.\nWes hunched his shoulders and leaned forward on the edge of the counter.\n  VERB: V n


Words: hunchback
Meaning:
hunch.back\n   hunchback  hunchbacks\n  A hunchback is someone who has a large lump on their back because their spine is curved. (OFFENSIVE, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hunched
Meaning:
hunched\n  If you are hunched, or hunched up, you are leaning forwards with your shoulders raised and your head down, often because you are cold, ill, or unhappy.\nA solitary hunched figure emerged from Number Ten...\n  ADJ


Words: hundred
Meaning:
hun.dred\n   hundred  hundreds\n\n  The plural form is hundred after a number, or after a word or expression referring to a number, such as `several’ or `a few’.\n\n1. A hundred or one hundred is the number 100.\nAccording to one official more than a hundred people have been arrested.\n  NUM: usu aum NUM\n\n2. If you refer to hundreds of things or people, you are emphasizing that there are very many of them.\nHundreds of tree species face extinction...\n  QUANT: QUANT of pl-n  emphasis\n\n  You can also use hundreds as a pronoun.\nHundreds have been killed in the fighting and thousands made homeless.\n  PRON\n\n3. You can use a hundred per cent or one hundred per cent to emphasize that you agree completely with something or that it is completely right or wrong. (INFORMAL)\nAre you a hundred per cent sure it’s your neighbour?...\n  PHRASE: PHR adj, PHR after v  emphasis\n  = absolutely


Words: hundredth
Meaning:
hun.dredth\n   hundredth  hundredths\n1. The hundredth item in a series is the one that you count as number one hundred.\nThe bank celebrates its hundredth anniversary in December.\n  ORD\n\n2. A hundredth of something is one of a hundred equal parts of it.\nMitchell beat Lewis by three-hundredths of a second.\n  FRACTION


Words: hundredweight
Meaning:
hundred.weight\n   hundredweight  hundredweights\n  A hundredweight is a unit of weight that is equal to 112 pounds in Britain and to 100 pounds in the United States.\n...a hundredweight of coal.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  The plural form is hundredweight after a number.


Words: hung
Meaning:
hung\n1. Hung is the past tense and past participle of most of the senses of hang.\n\n2. A hung jury is the situation that occurs when a jury is unable to reach a decision because there is not a clear majority of its members in favour of any one decision. In British English you can also talk about a hung parliament or a hung council.\nIn the event of a hung Parliament he would still fight for everything in the manifesto...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hung up
Meaning:
hung up\n  If you say that someone is hung up about a particular person or thing, you are criticizing them for thinking or worrying too much about that person or thing. (INFORMAL)\nIt was a time when people weren’t so hung-up about health...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ about/on n  disapproval


Words: Hungarian
Meaning:
Hun.gar.ian\n   Hungarian  Hungarians\n1. Hungarian means belonging or relating to Hungary, or to its people, language, or culture.\n...the Hungarian government.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. A Hungarian is a Hungarian citizen, or a person of Hungarian origin.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n3. Hungarian is the language spoken by people who live in Hungary.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hunger
Meaning:
hun.ger\n   hunger  hungers  hungering  hungered\n1. Hunger is the feeling of weakness or discomfort that you get when you need something to eat.\nHunger is the body’s signal that levels of blood sugar are too low...\nThe nutritionally balanced menus are designed to help you lose up to a pound a day without hunger pangs.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Hunger is a severe lack of food which causes suffering or death.\nThree hundred people in this town are dying of hunger every day.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = starvation\n3. If you have a hunger for something, you want or need it very much. (WRITTEN)\nGeffen has a hunger for success that seems bottomless.\n  N-SING: also no det, with supp, oft N for n\n  = craving\n4. If you say that someone hungers for something or hungers after it, you are emphasizing that they want it very much. (FORMAL)\nBut Jules was not eager for classroom learning, he hungered for adventure.\n  VERB: V for/after n  emphasis


Words: hunger strike
Meaning:
hun.ger strike\n   hunger strike  hunger strikes\n  If someone goes on hunger strike or goes on a hunger strike, they refuse to eat as a way of protesting about something.\nThe protesters have been on hunger strike for 17 days...\n  N-VAR\n\n=>  hun.ger strik.er      hunger strikers\nThe five hunger strikers in London called off their strike and celebrated the good news.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hungover
Meaning:
hung.over\n   hungover   also hung-over; hung over\n  Someone who is hungover is unwell because they drank too much alcohol on the previous day.\nHe was still hungover on the 25-minute bus drive to work the following morning.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: hungry
Meaning:
hun.gry\n   hungry  hungrier  hungriest\n1. When you are hungry, you want some food because you have not eaten for some time and have an uncomfortable or painful feeling in your stomach.\nMy friend was hungry, so we drove to a shopping mall to get some food...\n  ADJ\n  !=full\n=>  hun.gri.ly\nJames ate hungrily.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If people go hungry, they do not have enough food to eat.\nLeonidas’ family had been poor, he went hungry for years.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n3. If you say that someone is hungry for something, you are emphasizing that they want it very much. (LITERARY)\nI left Oxford in 1961 hungry to be a critic.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ for n, v-link ADJ to-inf  emphasis\n  = eager\n  Hungry is also a combining form.\n...power-hungry politicians.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n=>  hun.gri.ly\nHe looked at her hungrily. What eyes! What skin!\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: hunk
Meaning:
hunk  hunks\n1. A hunk of something is a large piece of it.\n...a thick hunk of bread.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. If you refer to a man as a hunk, you mean that he is big, strong, and sexually attractive. (INFORMAL)\n...a blond, blue-eyed hunk.\n  N-COUNT  approval


Words: hunker
Meaning:
hunk.er\n   hunker  hunkers  hunkering  hunkered\n=>  hunker down\n\n1. If you hunker down, you bend your knees so that you are in a low position, balancing on your feet. (AM)\nBetty hunkered down on the floor...\nHe ended up hunkering down beside her.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P on n, V P beside n\n  = squat\n2. If you say that someone hunkers down, you mean that they are trying to avoid doing things that will make them noticed or put them in danger. (AM)\nTheir strategy for the moment is to hunker down and let the fuss die down.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P\n  = lie low


Words: hunt
Meaning:
hunt  hunts  hunting  hunted\n1. If you hunt for something or someone, you try to find them by searching carefully or thoroughly.\nA forensic team was hunting for clues...\n  VERB: V for n\n  = search\n  Hunt is also a noun.\nThe couple had helped in the hunt for the toddlers.\n  N-COUNT\n  = search\n2. If you hunt a criminal or an enemy, you search for them in order to catch or harm them.\nDetectives have been hunting him for seven months...\n  VERB: V n, also V for n\n\n  Hunt is also a noun.\nDespite a nationwide hunt for the kidnap gang, not a trace of them was found.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N for n\n\n3. When people or animals hunt, they chase and kill wild animals for food or as a sport.\nAs a child I learned to hunt and fish...\nHe got up at four and set out on foot to hunt black grouse.\n  VERB: V, V n, also V for n\n\n  Hunt is also a noun.\nHe set off for a nineteen-day moose hunt in Nova Scotia.\n  N-COUNT: oft n N\n\n4. In Britain, when people hunt, they ride horses over fields with dogs called hounds and try to catch and kill foxes, as a sport.\nShe liked to hunt as often as she could.\n  VERB: V, also V n\n\n  Hunt is also a noun.\nThe hunt was held on land owned by the Duke of Marlborough.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. In Britain, a hunt is a group of people who meet regularly to hunt foxes.\n  N-COUNT\n\n6. If a team or competitor is in the hunt for something, they still have a chance of winning it.\nWe’re still in the hunt for the League title and we want to go all the way in the Cup.\n  PHRASE: usu v-link PHR for\n\n7.\n  see also hunting, witch-hunt


Words: hunt down
Meaning:
hunt down\n  If you hunt down a criminal or an enemy, you find them after searching for them.\nLast December they hunted down and killed one of the gangsters...\nIt took her four months to hunt him down.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P


Words: hunt out
Meaning:
hunt out\n  If you hunt out something that is hidden or difficult to find, you search for it and eventually find it.\nI’ll try and hunt out the information you need...\nAmerican consumers are accustomed to hunting out bargains.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P n (not pron), also V n P\n  = dig out


Words: hunt saboteur
Meaning:
hunt sabo.teur\n   hunt saboteur  hunt saboteurs\n  A hunt saboteur is someone who tries to stop a hunt from taking place or being successful because they believe it is cruel to the animal being hunted.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hunter
Meaning:
hunt.er\n   hunter  hunters\n1. A hunter is a person who hunts wild animals for food or as a sport.\nThe hunters stalked their prey.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. People who are searching for things of a particular kind are often referred to as hunters.\n...job-hunters.\n...treasure hunters.\n  N-COUNT: n N\n  = seeker\n  see also bargain hunter, headhunter


Words: hunter-gatherer
Meaning:
hunter-gatherer  hunter-gatherers\n  Hunter-gatherers were people who lived by hunting and collecting food rather than by farming. There are still groups of hunter-gatherers living in some parts of the world.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hunting
Meaning:
hunt.ing\n   hunting\n1. Hunting is the chasing and killing of wild animals by people or other animals, for food or as a sport.\nDeer hunting was banned in Scotland in 1959.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Hunting is the activity of searching for a particular thing.\nJobclub can help you with job hunting.\n  N-UNCOUNT: n N\n\n  Hunting is also a combining form.\nLee has divided his time between flat-hunting and travelling.\n  COMB in N-UNCOUNT


Words: hunting ground
Meaning:
hunt.ing ground\n   hunting ground  hunting grounds\n1. If you say that a place is a good hunting ground for something, you mean that people who have a particular interest are likely to find something that they want there.\nOther people’s weddings are the perfect hunting ground for ideas...\n  N-COUNT: oft N for n\n\n2. A hunting ground is an area where people or animals chase and kill wild animals for food or as a sport.\n  N-COUNT


Words: huntsman
Meaning:
hunts.man\n   huntsman  huntsmen\n  A huntsman is a person who hunts wild animals, especially one who hunts foxes on horseback using dogs.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hurdle
Meaning:
hur.dle\n   hurdle  hurdles  hurdling  hurdled\n1. A hurdle is a problem, difficulty, or part of a process that may prevent you from achieving something.\nTwo-thirds of candidates fail at this first hurdle and are packed off home...\n  N-COUNT: usu supp N\n  = obstacle\n2. Hurdles is a race in which people have to jump over a number of obstacles, that are also called hurdles. You can use hurdles to refer to one or more races.\nDavis won the 400m. hurdles in a new Olympic time of 49.3 sec.\n  N-COUNT-COLL\n\n3. If you hurdle, you jump over something while you are running.\nHe crossed the lawn and hurdled the short fence...\nShe learnt to hurdle by leaping over bales of hay on her family’s farm.\n  VERB: V n, V


Words: hurdler
Meaning:
hur.dler\n   hurdler  hurdlers\n  A hurdler is an athlete who takes part in hurdles races.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hurl
Meaning:
hurl  hurls  hurling  hurled\n1. If you hurl something, you throw it violently and with a lot of force.\nGroups of angry youths hurled stones at police...\nSimon caught the grenade and hurled it back...\nGangs rioted last night, breaking storefront windows and hurling rocks and bottles.\n  VERB: V n prep, V n with adv, V n\n\n2. If you hurl abuse or insults at someone, you shout insults at them aggressively.\nHow would you handle being locked in the back of a cab while the driver hurled abuse at you?\n  VERB: V n at n, also V n


Words: hurly-burly
Meaning:
hurly-burly\n  If you talk about the hurly-burly of a situation, you are emphasizing how noisy or busy it is.\nNo one expects him to get involved in the hurly-burly of campaigning.\n  N-SING: usu the N, oft N of n  emphasis


Words: hurricane
Meaning:
hur.ri.cane\n   hurricane  hurricanes\n  A hurricane is an extremely violent wind or storm.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hurried
Meaning:
hur.ried\n   hurried\n1. A hurried action is done quickly, because you do not have much time to do it in.\n...a hurried breakfast.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  hur.ried.ly\n...students hurriedly taking notes.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. A hurried action is done suddenly, in reaction to something that has just happened.\nDowning Street denied there had been a hurried overnight redrafting of the text.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  hur.ried.ly\nThe moment she saw it, she blushed and hurriedly left the room.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. Someone who is hurried does things more quickly than they should because they do not have much time to do them.\nParisians on the street often looked worried, hurried and unfriendly.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = rushed


Words: hurry
Meaning:
hur.ry\n   hurry  hurries  hurrying  hurried\n1. If you hurry somewhere, you go there as quickly as you can.\nClaire hurried along the road...\nBob hurried to join him, and they rode home together.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V\n\n2. If you hurry to do something, you start doing it as soon as you can, or try to do it quickly.\nMrs Hardie hurried to make up for her tactlessness by asking her guest about his holiday...\nThere was no longer any reason to hurry.\n  VERB: V to-inf, V\n\n3. If you are in a hurry to do something, you need or want to do something quickly. If you do something in a hurry, you do it quickly or suddenly.\nKate was in a hurry to grow up, eager for knowledge and experience...\n  N-SING: usu in a N, oft N to-inf\n\n4. To hurry something means the same as to hurry up something.\n...The President’s attempt to hurry the process of independence.\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If you hurry someone to a place or into a situation, you try to make them go to that place or get into that situation quickly.\nThey say they are not going to be hurried into any decision...\nI don’t want to hurry you.\n  VERB: V n prep/adv, V n\n  = rush\n6. If you say to someone `There’s no hurry’ or `I’m in no hurry’ you are telling them that there is no need for them to do something immediately.\nI’ll need to talk with you, but there’s no hurry...\n  PHRASE\n\n7. If you are in no hurry to do something, you are very unwilling to do it.\nI love it at St Mirren so I’m in no hurry to go anywhere...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR to-inf, PHR for n


Words: hurry up
Meaning:
hurry up\n1. If you tell someone to hurry up, you are telling them do something more quickly than they were doing.\nFranklin told Howe to hurry up and take his bath; otherwise, they’d miss their train...\nHurry up with that coffee, will you.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P with n\n\n2. If you hurry something up or hurry it along, you make it happen faster or sooner than it would otherwise have done.\n...if you want to hurry up the application process...\nPetter saw no reason to hurry the divorce along.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P\n  = speed up


Words: hurt
Meaning:
hurt  hurts  hurting  hurt\n1. If you hurt yourself or hurt a part of your body, you feel pain because you have injured yourself.\nYasin had seriously hurt himself while trying to escape from the police...\nHe had hurt his back in an accident.\n  VERB: V pron-refl, V n\n\n2. If a part of your body hurts, you feel pain there.\nHis collar bone only hurt when he lifted his arm.\n  VERB: V\n\n3. If you are hurt, you have been injured.\nHis comrades asked him if he was hurt...\nThey were dazed but did not seem to be badly hurt.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n4. If you hurt someone, you cause them to feel pain.\nI didn’t mean to hurt her, only to keep her still...\nOuch. That hurt.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n5. If someone hurts you, they say or do something that makes you unhappy.\nHe is afraid of hurting Bessy’s feelings...\nWhat hurts most is the betrayal, the waste.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n6. If you are hurt, you are upset because of something that someone has said or done.\nYes, I was hurt, jealous...\n  ADJ\n\n7. If you say that you are hurting, you mean that you are experiencing emotional pain.\nI am lonely and I am hurting.\n  VERB: only cont, V\n\n8. To hurt someone or something means to have a bad effect on them or prevent them from succeeding.\nThe combination of hot weather and decreased water supplies is hurting many industries...\n  VERB: V n\n  = damage\n9. A feeling of hurt is a feeling that you have when you think that you have been treated badly or judged unfairly.\nI was full of jealousy and hurt...\n  N-VAR\n  = pain\n10. If you say `It won’t hurt to do something’ or `It never hurts to do something’, you are recommending an action which you think is helpful or useful. (INFORMAL)\nIt wouldn’t hurt you to be a bit more serious.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR to-inf


Words: hurtful
Meaning:
hurt.ful\n   hurtful\n  If you say that someone’s comments or actions are hurtful, you mean that they are unkind and upsetting.\nHer comments can only be hurtful to Mrs Green’s family.\n  ADJ\n  = upsetting


Words: hurtle
Meaning:
hurt.le\n   hurtle  hurtles  hurtling  hurtled\n  If someone or something hurtles somewhere, they move there very quickly, often in a rough or violent way.\nA pretty young girl came hurtling down the stairs.\n  VERB: V prep\n  = career, dash


Words: husband
Meaning:
hus.band\n   husband  husbands\n  A woman’s husband is the man she is married to.\nEva married her husband Jack in 1957...\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N


Words: husbandry
Meaning:
hus.band.ry\n   husbandry\n  Husbandry is farming animals, especially when it is done carefully and well.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hush
Meaning:
hush  hushes  hushing  hushed\n1. You say `Hush!’ to someone when you are asking or telling them to be quiet.\nHush, my love, it’s all right.\n  CONVENTION\n\n2. If you hush someone or if they hush, they stop speaking or making a noise.\nShe tried to hush her noisy father...\nI had to box Max’s ears to get him to hush.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n3. You say there is a hush in a place when everything is quiet and peaceful, or suddenly becomes quiet.\nA hush fell over the crowd and I knew something terrible had happened.\n  N-SING: also no det\n  = silence


Words: hush money
Meaning:
hush mon.ey\n   hush money\n  If a person is paid hush money, someone gives them money not to reveal information they have which could be damaging or embarrassing. (INFORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hush up
Meaning:
hush up\n  If someone hushes something up, they prevent other people from knowing about it.\nThe scandal has been discussed by the politburo, although the authorities have tried to hush it up...\nThe Ministry desperately tried to hush up the whole affair.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, V P n (not pron)\n  = cover up


Words: hush-hush
Meaning:
hush-hush\n  Something that is hush-hush is secret and not to be discussed with other people. (INFORMAL)\nApparently there’s a very hush-hush project under way up north...\n  ADJ\n  = secret


Words: hushed
Meaning:
hushed\n1. A hushed place is peaceful and much quieter and calmer than usual.\nThe house seemed muted, hushed as if it had been deserted...\n  ADJ\n  = quiet  !=noisy\n2. A hushed voice or hushed conversation is very quiet.\nWe discussed the situation in hushed whispers.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: husky
Meaning:
husky  huskier huskiest huskies\n1. If someone’s voice is husky, it is low and rather rough, often in an attractive way.\nHis voice was husky with grief.\n...Dietrich’s deep, husky voice.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  huski.ly\n`Ready?’ I asked huskily.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. If you describe a man as husky, you think that he is tall, strong, and attractive. (INFORMAL)\n...a very husky young man, built like a football player.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n3. A husky is a strong, furry dog, which is used to pull sledges across snow.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hussy
Meaning:
hus.sy\n   hussy  hussies\n  If someone refers to a girl or woman as a hussy, they are criticizing her for behaving in a shocking or immoral way. (HUMOROUS, OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: hustings
Meaning:
hus.tings\n   hustings\n  The political campaigns and speeches before an election are sometimes referred to as the hustings. (mainly BRIT)\nWith only days to go before elections in Pakistan, candidates are battling it out at the hustings.\n  N-PLURAL: usu the N


Words: hustle
Meaning:
hus.tle\n   hustle  hustles  hustling  hustled\n1. If you hustle someone, you try to make them go somewhere or do something quickly, for example by pulling or pushing them along.\nThe guards hustled Harry out of the car...\n  VERB: V n prep/adv\n\n2. If you hustle, you go somewhere or do something as quickly as you can.\nYou’ll have to hustle if you’re to get home for supper...\nThey had finished the exam and the teacher was hustling to get the papers gathered up.\n  VERB: V, V to-inf\n\n3. If someone hustles, they try to earn money or gain an advantage from a situation, often by using dishonest or illegal means. (mainly AM)\nWe’re expected to hustle and fight for what we want...\nI hustled some tickets from a magazine and off we went.\n  VERB: V, V n from n\n\n4. Hustle is busy, noisy activity.\nShell Cottage provides the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of London...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = bustle


Words: hustler
Meaning:
hus.tler\n   hustler  hustlers\n1. If you refer to someone as a hustler, you mean that they try to earn money or gain an advantage from situations they are in by using dishonest or illegal methods. (INFORMAL)\n...an insurance hustler.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n\n2. A hustler is a prostitute, especially a male prostitute. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hut
Meaning:
hut  huts\n1. A hut is a small house with only one or two rooms, especially one which is made of wood, mud, grass, or stones.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. A hut is a small wooden building in someone’s garden, or a temporary building used by builders or repair workers.\n  N-COUNT\n  = shed


Words: hutch
Meaning:
hutch  hutches\n  A hutch is a wooden structure that rabbits or other small pet animals are kept in.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hyacinth
Meaning:
hya.cinth\n   hyacinth  hyacinths\n  A hyacinth is a plant with a lot of small, sweet-smelling flowers growing closely around a single stem. It grows from a bulb and the flowers are usually blue, pink, or white.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hybrid
Meaning:
hy.brid\n   hybrid  hybrids\n1. A hybrid is an animal or plant that has been bred from two different species of animal or plant. (TECHNICAL)\nAll these brightly coloured hybrids are so lovely in the garden.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Hybrid is also an adjective.\n...the hybrid maize seed.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. You can use hybrid to refer to anything that is a mixture of other things, especially two other things.\n...a hybrid of solid and liquid fuel.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Hybrid is also an adjective.\n...a hybrid system.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hybridize
Meaning:
hy.brid.ize\n   hybridize  hybridizes  hybridizing  hybridized\nin BRIT, also use hybridise\n  If one species of plant or animal hybridizes with another, the species reproduce together to make a hybrid. You can also say that you hybridize one species of plant or animal with another. (TECHNICAL)\nAll sorts of colours will result as these flowers hybridise freely...\nWild boar readily hybridises with the domestic pig...\nHybridising the two species will reduce the red to orange...\nSome people will take the seeds and hybridize the resulting plants with others of their own.\n  V-RECIP: pl-n V, V with n, V pl-n, V n with n


Words: hydrate
Meaning:
hy.drate\n   hydrate  hydrates  hydrating  hydrated\n1. A hydrate is a chemical compound that contains water.\n...aluminium hydrate.\n  N-MASS: usu n/adj N\n\n2. If a substance hydrates your skin, it makes it softer and less dry.\nAfter-sun products will cool and hydrate your skin.\n  VERB: V n\n  = moisturize


Words: hydraulic
Meaning:
hy.drau.lic\n   hydraulic\n  Hydraulic equipment or machinery involves or is operated by a fluid that is under pressure, such as water or oil.\nThe boat has no fewer than five hydraulic pumps.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  hy.drau.li.cal.ly\n...hydraulically operated pistons for raising and lowering the blade.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: hydraulics
Meaning:
hy.drau.lics\n   hydraulics\n  Hydraulics is the study and use of systems that work using hydraulic pressure.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hydrocarbon
Meaning:
hydro.car.bon\n   hydrocarbon  hydrocarbons\n  A hydrocarbon is a chemical compound that is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hydrochloric acid
Meaning:
hydro.chlo.ric acid\n   hydrochloric acid\n  Hydrochloric acid is a colourless, strong acid containing hydrogen and chlorine.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hydroelectric
Meaning:
hydro.elec.tric\n   hydroelectric   also hydro-electric\n  Hydroelectric means relating to or involving electricity made from the energy of running water.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: hydroelectricity
Meaning:
hydro.elec.tric.ity\n  also hydro-electricity\n  Hydroelectricity is electricity made from the energy of running water.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hydrofoil
Meaning:
hydro.foil\n   hydrofoil  hydrofoils\n  A hydrofoil is a boat which can travel partly out of the water on a pair of flat parts like wings. You can also refer to the flat parts as hydrofoils.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hydrogen
Meaning:
hydro.gen\n   hydrogen\n  Hydrogen is a colourless gas that is the lightest and commonest element in the universe.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hydrogen bomb
Meaning:
hydro.gen bomb\n   hydrogen bomb  hydrogen bombs\n  A hydrogen bomb is a nuclear bomb in which energy is released from hydrogen atoms.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hydrogen peroxide
Meaning:
hydro.gen per.ox.ide\n   hydrogen peroxide\n  Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that is often used to make hair lighter or to kill germs.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hydroplane
Meaning:
hydro.plane\n   hydroplane  hydroplanes\n  A hydroplane is a speedboat which rises out of the water when it is travelling fast.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hydrotherapy
Meaning:
hydro.thera.py\n   hydrotherapy\n  Hydrotherapy is a method of treating people with some diseases or injuries by making them swim or do exercises in water.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hyena
Meaning:
hy.ena\n   hyena  hyenas\n  A hyena is an animal that looks rather like a dog and makes a sound which is similar to a human laugh. Hyenas live in Africa and Asia.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hygiene
Meaning:
hy.giene\n   hygiene\n  Hygiene is the practice of keeping yourself and your surroundings clean, especially in order to prevent illness or the spread of diseases.\nBe extra careful about personal hygiene.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = cleanliness


Words: hygienic
Meaning:
hy.gien.ic\n   hygienic\n  Something that is hygienic is clean and unlikely to cause illness.\n...a white, clinical-looking kitchen that was easy to keep clean and hygienic.\n  ADJ


Words: hygienist
Meaning:
hy.gien.ist\n   hygienist  hygienists\n  A hygienist or a dental hygienist is a person who is trained to clean people’s teeth and to give them advice on how to look after their teeth and gums.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hymen
Meaning:
hy.men\n   hymen  hymens\n  A hymen is a piece of skin that often covers part of a girl’s or woman’s vagina and breaks, usually when she has sex for the first time. (MEDICAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hymn
Meaning:
hymn  hymns\n1. A hymn is a religious song that Christians sing in church.\nI like singing hymns.\n...a hymn book.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe a film, book, or speech as a hymn to something, you mean that it praises or celebrates that thing. (mainly JOURNALISM)\n...a hymn to freedom and rebellion...\n  N-COUNT: N to n


Words: hype
Meaning:
hype  hypes  hyping  hyped\n1. Hype is the use of a lot of publicity and advertising to make people interested in something such as a product.\nWe are certainly seeing a lot of hype by some companies...\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N  disapproval\n\n2. To hype a product means to advertise or praise it a lot.\nWe had to hype the film to attract the financiers...\n  VERB: V n  disapproval\n\n  Hype up means the same as hype.\nThe media seems obsessed with hyping up individuals or groups...\n  PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)


Words: hype up
Meaning:
hype up\n  To hype someone up means to deliberately make them very excited about something.\nEveryone at school used to hype each other up about men all the time.\n  PHRASAL VERB: V n P, also V P n (not pron)\n\n  see also hype 2


Words: hyped up
Meaning:
hyped up   also hyped-up\n  If someone is hyped up about something, they are very excited or anxious about it. (INFORMAL)\nWe were both so hyped up about buying the house, we could not wait to get in there.\n  ADJ


Words: hyper
Meaning:
hy.per\n   hyper\n  If someone is hyper, they are very excited and energetic. (INFORMAL)\nI was incredibly hyper. I couldn’t sleep.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = hyperactive


Words: hyper-
Meaning:
hyper-\n  Hyper- is used to form adjectives that describe someone as having a lot or too much of a particular quality.\nI hated my father. He was hyper-critical and mean...\nHe is one of those lean, hyper-fit people.\n  PREFIX


Words: hyperactive
Meaning:
hyper.ac.tive\n   hyperactive\n  Someone who is hyperactive is unable to relax and is always moving about or doing things.\nHis research was used in planning treatments for hyperactive children.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hyper.ac.tiv.ity\n...an extreme case of hyperactivity.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hyperbole
Meaning:
hyper.bo.le\n   hyperbole\n  If someone uses hyperbole, they say or write things that make something sound much more impressive than it really is. (TECHNICAL or FORMAL)\n...the hyperbole that portrays him as one of the greatest visionaries in the world.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hyperbolic
Meaning:
hyper.bol.ic\n   hyperbolic\n  If you describe language as hyperbolic, you mean that it makes something sound much more impressive than it really is. (TECHNICAL or FORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: hyperinflation
Meaning:
hyper.in.fla.tion\n   hyperinflation   also hyper-inflation\n  Hyperinflation is very severe inflation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hyperlink
Meaning:
hyper.link\n   hyperlink  hyperlinks  hyperlinking hyperlinked\n1. In an HTML document, a hyperlink is a link to another part of the document or to another document. Hyperlinks are shown as words with a line under them. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If a document or file is hyperlinked, it contains hyperlinks. (COMPUTING)\nThe database is fully hyperlinked both within the database and to thousands of external links.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed


Words: hypermarket
Meaning:
hyper.mar.ket\n   hypermarket  hypermarkets\n  A hypermarket is a very large supermarket. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: hypersensitive
Meaning:
hyper.sen.si.tive\n   hypersensitive\n1. If you say that someone is hypersensitive, you mean that they get annoyed or offended very easily.\nStudent teachers were hypersensitive to any criticism of their performance.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to/about n\n  = touchy\n2. Someone who is hypersensitive is extremely sensitive to certain drugs or chemicals. (MEDICAL)\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n


Words: hypertension
Meaning:
hyper.ten.sion\n   hypertension\n  Hypertension is a medical condition in which a person has very high blood pressure.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hypertext
Meaning:
hyper.text\n   hypertext\n  In computing, hypertext is a way of connecting pieces of text so that you can go quickly and directly from one to another. (COMPUTING)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hyperventilate
Meaning:
hy.per.ven.ti.late\n   hyperventilate  hyperventilates  hyperventilating  hyperventilated\n  If someone hyperventilates, they begin to breathe very fast in an uncontrollable way, usually because they are very frightened, tired, or excited.\nI hyperventilate when they come near me with the needle.\n  VERB: V\n\n=>  hyper.ven.ti.la.tion\nSeveral notable researchers are studying the effects of hyperventilation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hyphen
Meaning:
hy.phen\n   hyphen  hyphens\n  A hyphen is the punctuation sign used to join words together to make a compound, as in `left-handed’. People also use a hyphen to show that the rest of a word is on the next line.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hyphenated
Meaning:
hy.phen.at.ed\n   hyphenated\n  A word that is hyphenated is written with a hyphen between two or more of its parts.\n...hyphenated names such as Wong-Shong or Li-Wong.\n  ADJ


Words: hypnosis
Meaning:
hyp.no.sis\n   hypnosis\n1. Hypnosis is a state in which a person seems to be asleep but can still see, hear, or respond to things said to them.\nBevin is now an adult and has re-lived her birth experience under hypnosis.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Hypnosis is the art or practice of hypnotizing people.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = hypnotism


Words: hypnotherapist
Meaning:
hyp.no.thera.pist\n   hypnotherapist  hypnotherapists\n  A hypnotherapist is a person who treats people by using hypnotherapy.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hypnotherapy
Meaning:
hyp.no.thera.py\n   hypnotherapy\n  Hypnotherapy is the practice of hypnotizing people in order to help them with a mental or physical problem, for example to help them give up smoking.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hypnotic
Meaning:
hyp.not.ic\n   hypnotic\n1. If someone is in a hypnotic state, they have been hypnotized.\nThe hypnotic state actually lies somewhere between being awake and being asleep.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Something that is hypnotic holds your attention or makes you feel sleepy, often because it involves repeated sounds, pictures, or movements.\nHis songs are often both hypnotic and reassuringly pleasant...\n  ADJ


Words: hypnotism
Meaning:
hyp.no.tism\n   hypnotism\n  Hypnotism is the practice of hypnotizing people.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = hypnosis\n=>  hyp.no.tist      hypnotists\nHe was put into a trance by a police hypnotist.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hypnotize
Meaning:
hyp.no.tize\n   hypnotize  hypnotizes  hypnotizing  hypnotized\nin BRIT, also use hypnotise\n1. If someone hypnotizes you, they put you into a state in which you seem to be asleep but can still see, hear, or respond to things said to you.\nA hypnotherapist will hypnotize you and will stop you from smoking...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you are hypnotized by someone or something, you are so fascinated by them that you cannot think of anything else.\nHe’s hypnotized by that black hair and that white face...\nDavey sat as if hypnotized by the sound of Nick’s voice.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed\n  = mesmerize


Words: hypochondria
Meaning:
hypo.chon.dria\n   hypochondria\n  If someone suffers from hypochondria, they continually worry about their health and imagine that they are ill, although there is really nothing wrong with them.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hypochondriac
Meaning:
hypo.chon.dri.ac\n   hypochondriac  hypochondriacs\n  A hypochondriac is a person who continually worries about their health, although there is really nothing wrong with them.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hypocrisy
Meaning:
hy.poc.ri.sy\n   hypocrisy  hypocrisies\n  If you accuse someone of hypocrisy, you mean that they pretend to have qualities, beliefs, or feelings that they do not really have.\nHe accused newspapers of hypocrisy in their treatment of the story...\n  N-VAR  disapproval\n  !=sincerity


Words: hypocrite
Meaning:
hypo.crite\n   hypocrite  hypocrites\n  If you accuse someone of being a hypocrite, you mean that they pretend to have qualities, beliefs, or feelings that they do not really have.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: hypocritical
Meaning:
hypo.criti.cal\n   hypocritical\n  If you accuse someone of being hypocritical, you mean that they pretend to have qualities, beliefs, or feelings that they do not really have.\nIt would be hypocritical to say I travel at 70mph simply because that is the law...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  !=sincere


Words: hypodermic
Meaning:
hypo.der.mic\n   hypodermic  hypodermics\n  A hypodermic needle or syringe is a medical instrument with a hollow needle, which is used to give injections.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Hypodermic is also a noun.\nHe held up a hypodermic to check the dosage.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hypotenuse
Meaning:
hy.pot.enuse\n   hypotenuse  hypotenuses\n  The hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle is the side opposite its right angle. (TECHNICAL)\n  N-COUNT: usu the N


Words: hypothermia
Meaning:
hypo.ther.mia\n   hypothermia\n  If someone has hypothermia, their body temperature has become dangerously low as a result of being in severe cold for a long time. (MEDICAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hypothesis
Meaning:
hy.poth.esis\n   hypothesis  hypotheses\n  A hypothesis is an idea which is suggested as a possible explanation for a particular situation or condition, but which has not yet been proved to be correct. (FORMAL)\nWork will now begin to test the hypothesis in rats...\n  N-VAR\n  = theory


Words: hypothesize
Meaning:
hy.poth.esize\n   hypothesize  hypothesizes  hypothesizing  hypothesized\nin BRIT, also use hypothesise\n  If you hypothesize that something will happen, you say that you think that thing will happen because of various facts you have considered. (FORMAL)\nTo explain this, they hypothesise that galaxies must contain a great deal of missing matter which cannot be detected...\nI have long hypothesized a connection between these factors.\n  VERB: V that, V n, also V


Words: hypothetical
Meaning:
hypo.theti.cal\n   hypothetical\n  If something is hypothetical, it is based on possible ideas or situations rather than actual ones.\nLet’s look at a hypothetical situation in which Carol, a recovering cocaine addict, gets invited to a party.\n...a purely hypothetical question.\n  ADJ\n  = theoretical\n=>  hypo.theti.cal.ly\nHe was invariably willing to discuss the possibilities hypothetically...\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, ADV with cl, also ADV adj\n  = theoretically


Words: hysterectomy
Meaning:
hys.ter.ec.to.my\n   hysterectomy  hysterectomies\n  A hysterectomy is a surgical operation to remove a woman’s womb.\n  N-COUNT


Words: hysteria
Meaning:
hys.te.ria\n   hysteria\n1. Hysteria among a group of people is a state of uncontrolled excitement, anger, or panic.\nNo one could help getting carried away by the hysteria...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. A person who is suffering from hysteria is in a state of violent and disturbed emotion as a result of shock. (MEDICAL)\nBy now, she was screaming, completely overcome with hysteria.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: hysterical
Meaning:
hys.teri.cal\n   hysterical\n1. Someone who is hysterical is in a state of uncontrolled excitement, anger, or panic.\nPolice and bodyguards had to protect him as the almost hysterical crowds struggled to approach him...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hys.teri.cal.ly\nI don’t think we can go round screaming hysterically: `Ban these dogs. Muzzle all dogs.’\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/adv\n\n2. Someone who is hysterical is in a state of violent and disturbed emotion that is usually a result of shock.\nI suffered bouts of really hysterical depression.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hys.teri.cal.ly\nI was curled up on the floor in a corner sobbing hysterically.\n  ADV\n\n3. Hysterical laughter is loud and uncontrolled. (INFORMAL)\nI had to rush to the loo to avoid an attack of hysterical giggles.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  hys.teri.cal.ly\nShe says she hasn’t laughed as hysterically since she was 13.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4. If you describe something or someone as hysterical, you think that they are very funny and they make you laugh a lot. (INFORMAL)\nPaul Mazursky was Master of Ceremonies, and he was pretty hysterical.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  hys.teri.cal.ly\nIt wasn’t supposed to be a comedy but I found it hysterically funny.\n  ADV: ADV adj


Words: hysterics
Meaning:
hys.ter.ics\n   hysterics\n1. If someone is in hysterics or is having hysterics, they are in a state of uncontrolled excitement, anger, or panic. (INFORMAL)\nI’m sick of your having hysterics, okay?...\n  N-PLURAL: oft in N\n\n2. If someone is in hysterics or is having hysterics, they are in a state of violent and disturbed emotion that is usually a result of shock.\nIt was such a shock I had hysterics...\n  N-PLURAL: oft in N\n  = hysteria\n3. You can say that someone is in hysterics or is having hysterics when they are laughing loudly in an uncontrolled way. (INFORMAL)\nHe’d often have us all in absolute hysterics.\n  N-PLURAL: oft in N


Words: I
Meaning:
I\n  A speaker or writer uses I to refer to himself or herself. I is a first person singular pronoun. I is used as the subject of a verb.\nJim and I are getting married...\nShe liked me, I think.\n  PRON: PRON v


Words: I’d
Meaning:
I’d\n1. I’d is the usual spoken form of `I had’, especially when `had’ is an auxiliary verb.\nI felt absolutely certain that I’d seen her before.\n\n2. I’d is the usual spoken form of `I would’.\nThere are some questions I’d like to ask...


Words: I’ll
Meaning:
I’ll\n  I’ll is the usual spoken form of `I will’ or `I shall’.\nI’ll be leaving town in a few weeks...


Words: I’m
Meaning:
I’m\n  I’m is the usual spoken form of `I am’.\nI’m sorry...\nI’m already late for my next appointment...


Words: I’ve
Meaning:
I’ve\n  I’ve is the usual spoken form of `I have’, especially when `have’ is an auxiliary verb.\nI’ve been invited to meet with the American Ambassador...\nI’ve no other appointments.


Words: i.e.
Meaning:
i.e.\n  i.e. is used to introduce a word or sentence which makes what you have just said clearer or gives details.\n...strategic points.i.e. airports or military bases.


Words: ibid
Meaning:
ibid\n  Ibid is used in books and journals to indicate that a piece of text taken from somewhere else is from the same source as the previous piece of text.\n  CONVENTION


Words: ice
Meaning:
ice  ices  icing  iced\n1. Ice is frozen water.\nGlaciers are moving rivers of ice...\n...a bitter lemon with ice.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you ice a cake, you cover it with icing.\nI’ve iced and decorated the cake.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3.\n  see also iced, icing\n4. If you break the ice at a party or meeting, or in a new situation, you say or do something to make people feel relaxed and comfortable.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n  see also ice-breaker\n5. If you say that something cuts no ice with you, you mean that you are not impressed or influenced by it.\nThat sort of romantic attitude cuts no ice with money-men.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR with n\n\n6. If someone puts a plan or project on ice, they delay doing it.\nThe deal was put on ice for three months...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR\n\n7. If you say that someone is on thin ice or is skating on thin ice, you mean that they are doing something risky which may have serious or unpleasant consequences.\nI had skated on thin ice and, so far, got away with it.\n  PHRASE


Words: Ice Age
Meaning:
Ice Age\n  The Ice Age was a period of time lasting many thousands of years, during which a lot of the earth’s surface was covered with ice.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: ice bucket
Meaning:
ice buck.et\n   ice bucket  ice buckets\n  An ice bucket is a container which holds ice cubes or cold water and ice. You can use it to provide ice cubes to put in drinks, or to put bottles of wine in and keep the wine cool.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ice cap
Meaning:
ice cap  ice caps   also ice-cap\n  The ice caps are the thick layers of ice and snow that cover the North and South Poles.\n  N-COUNT: usu the N


Words: ice cream
Meaning:
ice cream  ice creams   also ice-cream\n1. Ice cream is a very cold sweet food which is made from frozen cream or a substance like cream and has a flavour such as vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry.\nI’ll get you some ice cream.\n  N-MASS\n\n2. An ice cream is an amount of ice cream sold in a small container or a cone made of thin biscuit.\nDo you want an ice cream?...\n  N-COUNT


Words: ice cube
Meaning:
ice cube  ice cubes\n  An ice cube is a small square block of ice that you put into a drink in order to make it cold.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ice hockey
Meaning:
ice hock.ey\n   ice hockey   also ice-hockey\n  Ice hockey is a game played on ice between two teams of 11 players who use long curved sticks to hit a small rubber disk, called a puck, and try to score goals. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use hockey)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ice lolly
Meaning:
ice lol.ly\n   ice lolly  ice lollies   also ice-lolly\n  An ice lolly is a piece of flavoured ice or ice cream on a stick. (BRIT; in AM, use Popsicle)\n  N-COUNT


Words: ice pack
Meaning:
ice pack  ice packs\n  An ice pack is a bag full of ice which is used to cool parts of the body when they are injured or painful.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ice pick
Meaning:
ice pick  ice picks   also icepick\n  An ice pick is a small pointed tool that you use for breaking ice.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ice rink
Meaning:
ice rink  ice rinks\n  An ice rink is a level area of ice, usually inside a building, that has been made artificially and kept frozen so that people can skate on it.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ice sheet
Meaning:
ice sheet  ice sheets\n  An ice sheet is a large thick area of ice, especially one that exists for a long time.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ice-breaker
Meaning:
ice-breaker  ice-breakers   also icebreaker\n1. An ice-breaker is a large ship which sails through frozen waters, breaking the ice as it goes, in order to create a passage for other ships.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An ice-breaker is something that someone says or does in order to make it easier for people have never met before to talk to each other.\nThis exercise can be quite a useful ice-breaker for new groups.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ice-cold
Meaning:
ice-cold\n1. If you describe something as ice-cold, you are emphasizing that it is very cold.\n...delicious ice-cold beer...\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe someone as ice-cold, you are emphasizing that they do not allow their emotions to affect them or that they lack feeling and friendliness.\n...the gunman’s ice-cold stare.\n  ADJ


Words: ice-cool
Meaning:
ice-cool\n  If you describe someone as ice-cool, you admire them because they are calm and do not show emotion in difficult situations. (JOURNALISM)\nThe ice-cool driver has built a reputation for pulling out his best performances under pressure.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  approval


Words: ice-skate
Meaning:
ice-skate  ice-skates\n  Ice-skates are boots with a thin metal bar underneath that people wear to move quickly on ice.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ice-skating
Meaning:
ice-skating   also ice skating\n  If you go ice-skating, you move about on ice wearing ice-skates. This activity is also a sport.\nThey took me ice-skating on a frozen lake.\n  VERB: only cont, V\n\n  Ice-skating is also a noun.\nI love watching ice-skating on television.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = skating


Words: iceberg
Meaning:
ice.berg\n   iceberg  icebergs\n  An iceberg is a large tall mass of ice floating in the sea.\n  N-COUNT\n\nthe tip of the iceberg: see tip


Words: icebox
Meaning:
ice.box\n   icebox  iceboxes   also ice-box\n  An icebox is the same as a refrigerator. (AM OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT


Words: iced
Meaning:
iced\n1. An iced drink has been made very cold, often by putting ice in it.\n...iced tea.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. An iced cake is covered with a layer of icing.\nWe were all given little iced cakes.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Icelander
Meaning:
Ice.land.er\n   Icelander  Icelanders\n  An Icelander is a person who comes from Iceland.\n  N-COUNT


Words: Icelandic
Meaning:
Ice.land.ic\n   Icelandic\n1. Something that is Icelandic belongs or relates to Iceland, to its people, or to its language.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Icelandic is the official language of Iceland.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: icicle
Meaning:
ici.cle\n   icicle  icicles\n  An icicle is a long pointed piece of ice hanging down from a surface. It forms when water comes slowly off the surface, and freezes as it falls.\n  N-COUNT


Words: icing
Meaning:
ic.ing\n   icing\n1. Icing is a sweet substance made from powdered sugar that is used to cover and decorate cakes.\n...a birthday cake with yellow icing.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you describe something as the icing on the cake, you mean that it makes a good thing even better, but it is not essential.\nThe third goal was the icing on the cake.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: icing sugar
Meaning:
ic.ing sug.ar\n   icing sugar\n  Icing sugar is very fine white sugar that is used for making icing and sweets. (BRIT; in AM, usually use confectioners’ sugar)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: icky
Meaning:
disapproval\n\n1. If you describe something as icky, you mean that it is too emotional or sentimental. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nThey’ve even got one of those icky photos of themselves on the bedside table.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe a substance as icky, you mean that it is disgustingly sticky. (mainly AM INFORMAL)\nShe could feel something icky on her fingers.\n  ADJ


Words: icon
Meaning:
icon  icons\n1. If you describe something or someone as an icon, you mean that they are important as a symbol of a particular thing.\nOnly Marilyn has proved as enduring a fashion icon.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. An icon is a picture of Christ, his mother, or a saint painted on a wooden panel.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. An icon is a picture on a computer screen representing a particular computer function. If you want to use it, you move the cursor onto the icon using a mouse. (COMPUTING)\n  N-COUNT


Words: iconic
Meaning:
icon.ic\n   iconic\n  An iconic image or thing is important or impressive because it seems to be a symbol of something. (FORMAL)\nThe ads helped Nike to achieve iconic status.\n  ADJ


Words: iconoclast
Meaning:
icono.clast\n   iconoclast  iconoclasts\n  If you describe someone as an iconoclast, you mean that they often criticize beliefs and things that are generally accepted by society. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: iconoclastic
Meaning:
icono.clas.tic\n   iconoclastic\n  If you describe someone or their words or ideas as iconoclastic, you mean that they contradict established beliefs. (FORMAL)\nIs it utopian to hope that such iconoclastic ideas will gain ground?...\n  ADJ


Words: iconography
Meaning:
ico.no.gra.phy\n   iconography\n  The iconography of a group of people consists of the symbols, pictures, and objects which represent their ideas and way of life.\n...the iconography of revolutionary posters.\n...religious iconography.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: icy
Meaning:
icy  icier  iciest\n1. If you describe something as icy or icy cold, you mean that it is extremely cold.\nAn icy wind blew hard across the open spaces...\n  ADJ\n\n2. An icy road has ice on it.\n  ADJ\n\n3. If you describe a person or their behaviour as icy, you mean that they are not affectionate or friendly, and they show their dislike or anger in a quiet, controlled way.\nHis response was icy.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = cold, frosty  !=warm\n=>  ici.ly\n`Have you finished?’ he asked icily...\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV adj


Words: ID
Meaning:
ID  IDs\n  If you have ID or an ID, you are carrying a document such as an identity card or driver’s licence which proves that you are a particular person.\nI had no ID on me so I couldn’t prove I was the owner of the car...\n  N-VAR\n  = identification


Words: idea
Meaning:
idea  ideas\n1. An idea is a plan, suggestion, or possible course of action.\nIt’s a good idea to plan ahead...\nI really like the idea of helping people...\nShe told me she’d had a brilliant idea.\n  N-COUNT: oft adj N, N to-inf, N of n/-ing\n\n2. An idea is an opinion or belief about what something is like or should be like.\nSome of his ideas about democracy are entirely his own.\n...the idea that reading too many books ruins your eyes...\n  N-COUNT: usu N about/on/of n, N that\n  = notion\n3. If someone gives you an idea of something, they give you information about it without being very exact or giving a lot of detail.\nThis table will give you some idea of how levels of ability can be measured...\nIf you cannot remember the exact date give a rough idea of when it was.\n  N-SING: N of n/wh\n\n4. If you have an idea of something, you know about it to some extent.\nNo one has any real idea how much the company will make next year.\n  N-SING: with supp\n\n5. If you have an idea that something is the case, you think that it may be the case, although you are not certain.\nI had an idea that he joined the army later, but I may be wrong.\n  N-SING: N that  vagueness\n\n6. The idea of an action or activity is its aim or purpose.\nThe idea is to encourage people to get to know their neighbours.\n  N-SING: the N\n  = objective\n7. If you have the idea of doing something, you intend to do it.\nHe sent for a number of books he admired with the idea of re-reading them...\n  N-COUNT: N of -ing\n  = intention\n8. You can use idea in expressions such as I’ve no idea or I haven’t the faintest idea to emphasize that you do not know something.\n`Is she coming by coach?’.`Well I’ve no idea.’\n  N-SING: with brd-neg  emphasis\n  = notion\n9. If someone gets the idea, they understand how to do something or they understand what you are telling them. (INFORMAL)\nIt isn’t too difficult once you get the idea...\n  PHRASE: V inflects


Words: ideal
Meaning:
ideal  ideals\n1. An ideal is a principle, idea, or standard that seems very good and worth trying to achieve.\nThe party has drifted too far from its socialist ideals...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. Your ideal of something is the person or thing that seems to you to be the best possible example of it.\n...the Japanese ideal of beauty...\n  N-SING: oft poss N\n\n3. The ideal person or thing for a particular task or purpose is the best possible person or thing for it.\nShe decided that I was the ideal person to take over the job...\n  ADJ\n  = perfect\n4. An ideal society or world is the best possible one that you can imagine.\nWe do not live in an ideal world...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: idealism
Meaning:
ideal.ism\n   idealism\n  Idealism is the beliefs and behaviour of someone who has ideals and who tries to base their behaviour on these ideals.\nShe never lost her respect for the idealism of the 1960s...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  ideal.ist      idealists\nHe is not such an idealist that he cannot see the problems.\n  N-COUNT


Words: idealistic
Meaning:
ideal.is.tic\n   idealistic\n  If you describe someone as idealistic, you mean that they have ideals, and base their behaviour on these ideals, even though this may be impractical.\nIdealistic young people died for the cause...\n  ADJ


Words: idealize
Meaning:
ideal.ize\n   idealize  idealizes  idealizing  idealized\nin BRIT, also use idealise\n  If you idealize something or someone, you think of them, or represent them to other people, as being perfect or much better than they really are.\nPeople idealize the past...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  ideal.ized\n...an idealised image of how a parent should be...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  ideali.za.tion      idealizations\n...Marie’s idealisation of her dead husband.\n  N-VAR


Words: ideally
Meaning:
ideal.ly\n   ideally\n1. If you say that ideally a particular thing should happen or be done, you mean that this is what you would like to happen or be done, but you know that this is may not be possible or practical.\nPeople should, ideally, eat much less fat.\n  ADV: ADV with cl/group\n  = preferably\n2. If you say that someone or something is ideally suited, ideally located, or ideally qualified, you mean that they are as well suited, located, or qualified as they could possibly be.\nThey were an extremely happy couple, ideally suited...\n  ADV: usu ADV -ed, also ADV after v\n  = perfectly


Words: identical
Meaning:
iden.ti.cal\n   identical\n  Things that are identical are exactly the same.\nThe two parties fought the last election on almost identical manifestos.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to/with n\n\n=>  iden.ti.cal.ly\n...nine identically dressed female dancers.\n  ADV: usu ADV -ed/adj, also ADV after v


Words: identical twin
Meaning:
iden.ti.cal twin\n   identical twin  identical twins\n  Identical twins are twins of the same sex who look exactly the same.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl


Words: identifiable
Meaning:
iden.ti.fi.able\n   identifiable\n  Something or someone that is identifiable can be recognized.\nIn the corridor were four dirty, ragged bundles, just identifiable as human beings...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ as/by/from n\n  = recognizable


Words: identification
Meaning:
iden.ti.fi.ca.tion\n   identification  identifications\n1. The identification of something is the recognition that it exists, is important, or is true.\nEarly identification of a disease can prevent death and illness...\n  N-VAR: oft N of n\n\n2. Your identification of a particular person or thing is your ability to name them because you know them or recognize them.\nHe’s made a formal identification of the body.\n  N-VAR\n\n3. If someone asks you for some identification, they want to see something such as a driving licence, which proves who you are.\nThe woman who was on passport control asked me if I had any further identification.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = ID\n4. The identification of one person or thing with another is the close association of one with the other.\n...the identification of Spain with Catholicism.\n  N-VAR: usu N of n with n\n  = association\n5. Identification with someone or something is the feeling of sympathy and support for them.\nMarilyn had an intense identification with animals.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N with n\n  = empathy


Words: identify
Meaning:
iden.ti.fy\n   identify  identifies  identifying  identified\n1. If you can identify someone or something, you are able to recognize them or distinguish them from others.\nThere are a number of distinguishing characteristics by which you can identify a Hollywood epic...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you identify someone or something, you name them or say who or what they are.\nPolice have already identified around 10 murder suspects...\nThe reporters identified one of the six Americans as an Army Specialist...\n  VERB: V n, V n as n/-ing\n  = name\n3. If you identify something, you discover or notice its existence.\nScientists claim to have identified natural substances with cancer-combating properties...\n  VERB: V n\n  = discover\n4. If a particular thing identifies someone or something, it makes them easy to recognize, by making them different in some way.\nShe wore a little nurse’s hat on her head to identify her...\nHis boots and purple beret identify him as commanding the Scottish Paratroops.\n  VERB: V n, V n as -ing\n  = distinguish\n5. If you identify with someone or something, you feel that you understand them or their feelings and ideas.\nShe would only play a role if she could identify with the character...\n  VERB: V with n\n\n6. If you identify one person or thing with another, you think that they are closely associated or involved in some way.\nShe hates playing the sweet, passive women that audiences identify her with...\nThe candidates all want to identify themselves with reform.\n  VERB: V n with n, V pron-refl with n\n  = associate


Words: identikit
Meaning:
iden.ti.kit\n   identikit  identikits   also Identikit\n  An identikit or an identikit picture is a drawing of the face of someone the police want to question. It is made from descriptions given to them by witnesses to a crime. Compare e-fit, Photofit. (TRADEMARK) (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: identity
Meaning:
iden.tity\n   identity  identities\n1. Your identity is who you are.\nAbu is not his real name, but it’s one he uses to disguise his identity...\n  N-COUNT: with poss\n\n2. The identity of a person or place is the characteristics they have that distinguish them from others.\nI wanted a sense of my own identity.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft with poss, adj N


Words: identity card
Meaning:
iden.tity card\n   identity card  identity cards\n  An identity card is a card with a person’s name, photograph, date of birth, and other information on it. In some countries, people are required to carry identity cards in order to prove who they are.\n  N-COUNT


Words: identity parade
Meaning:
iden.tity pa.rade\n   identity parade  identity parades\n  At an identity parade, a witness to a crime tries to identify the criminal from among a line of people. (BRIT; in AM, usually use line-up)\n  N-COUNT


Words: ideogram
Meaning:
ideo.gram\n   ideogram  ideograms\n1. An ideogram is a sign or symbol that represents a particular idea or thing rather than a word. The writing systems of Japan and China, for example, use ideograms.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. In languages such as English which are written using letters and words, an ideogram is a sign or symbol that can be used to represent a particular word. %, ? and & are examples of ideograms.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ideological
Meaning:
ideo.logi.cal\n   ideological\n  Ideological means relating to principles or beliefs.\nOthers left the party for ideological reasons...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  ideo.logi.cal.ly\n...an ideologically sound organisation...\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed, ADV with cl, ADV after v


Words: ideologist
Meaning:
ideolo.gist\n   ideologist  ideologists\n  An ideologist is someone who develops or supports a particular ideology.\n  N-COUNT


Words: ideologue
Meaning:
ideo.logue\n   ideologue  ideologues\n  An ideologue is the same as an ideologist. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: ideology
Meaning:
ideol.ogy\n   ideology  ideologies\n  An ideology is a set of beliefs, especially the political beliefs on which people, parties, or countries base their actions.\n...capitalist ideology.\n  N-VAR


Words: idiocy
Meaning:
id.io.cy\n   idiocy  idiocies\n  If you refer to something as idiocy, you mean that you think it is very stupid.\n...the idiocy of continuing government subsidies for environmentally damaging activities.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n/-ing\n  = lunacy


Words: idiom
Meaning:
idi.om\n   idiom  idioms\n1. A particular idiom is a particular style of something such as music, dance, or architecture. (FORMAL)\nMcCartney was also keen to write in a classical idiom, rather than a pop one...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp\n  = style\n2. An idiom is a group of words which have a different meaning when used together from the one they would have if you took the meaning of each word separately. (TECHNICAL)\nProverbs and idioms may become worn with over-use...\n  N-COUNT\n  = phrase\n3. Idiom of a particular kind is the language that people use at a particular time or in a particular place. (FORMAL)\n...her command of the Chinese idiom.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: idiomatic
Meaning:
idio.mat.ic\n   idiomatic\n  Idiomatic language uses words in a way that sounds natural to native speakers of the language.\n...her remarkable command of idiomatic English.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: idiosyncrasy
Meaning:
idio.syn.cra.sy\n   idiosyncrasy  idiosyncrasies\n  If you talk about the idiosyncrasies of someone or something, you are referring to their rather unusual habits or characteristics.\nEveryone has a few little idiosyncrasies...\n  N-VAR: usu with poss\n  = eccentricity, peculiarity


Words: idiosyncratic
Meaning:
idio.syn.crat.ic\n   idiosyncratic\n  If you describe someone’s actions or characteristics as idiosyncratic, you mean that they are rather unusual.\n...a highly idiosyncratic personality.\n  ADJ\n  = eccentric


Words: idiot
Meaning:
id.iot\n   idiot  idiots\n  If you call someone an idiot, you are showing that you think they are very stupid or have done something very stupid.\nI knew I’d been an idiot to stay there...\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n  = fool


Words: idiot box
Meaning:
id.iot box\n   idiot box\n  The idiot box is the television. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL; in AM, use boob tube)\n  N-SING: the N


Words: idiotic
Meaning:
idi.ot.ic\n   idiotic\n  If you call someone or something idiotic, you mean that they are very stupid or silly.\nWhat an idiotic thing to say!\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = ridiculous\n=>  idi.oti.cal.ly\n...his idiotically romantic views.\n  ADV


Words: idle
Meaning:
idle  idles  idling  idled\n1. If people who were working are idle, they have no jobs or work.\nEmployees have been idle almost a month because of shortages.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n2. If machines or factories are idle, they are not working or being used.\nNow the machine is lying idle.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n3. If you say that someone is idle, you disapprove of them because they are not doing anything and you think they should be.\n...idle bureaucrats who spent the day reading newspapers...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  idle.ness\nIdleness is a very bad thing for human nature.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  idly\nWe were not idly sitting around.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n4. Idle is used to describe something that you do for no particular reason, often because you have nothing better to do.\nBrian kept up the idle chatter for another five minutes.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  idly\nWe talked idly about magazines and baseball...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n5. You refer to an idle threat or boast when you do not think the person making it will or can do what they say.\nIt was more of an idle threat than anything...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = empty\n6. To idle a factory or other place of work means to close it down because there is no work to do or because the workers are on strike. (AM BUSINESS; in BRIT, usually use shut down)\n...idled assembly plants.\n  VERB: V-ed, also V n\n\n7. To idle workers means to stop them working. (AM BUSINESS; in BRIT, use lay off)\nThe strike has idled about 55,000 machinists.\n  VERB: V n\n\n8. If an engine or vehicle is idling, the engine is running slowly and quietly because it is not in gear, and the vehicle is not moving.\nBeyond a stand of trees a small plane idled...\n  VERB: V


Words: idler
Meaning:
idler  idlers\n  If you describe someone as an idler, you are criticizing them because you think they are lazy and should be working.\nThe Duke resents being seen as a moneyed idler.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n  = loafer


Words: idol
Meaning:
idol  idols\n1. If you refer to someone such as a film, pop, or sports star as an idol, you mean that they are greatly admired or loved by their fans.\nA great cheer went up from the crowd as they caught sight of their idol...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. An idol is a statue or other object that is worshipped by people who believe that it is a god.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you refer to someone as a fallen idol, you mean that they have lost people’s respect and admiration because of something bad that they have done.\n  PHRASE: N inflects


Words: idolatry
Meaning:
idola.try\n   idolatry\n1. Someone who practises idolatry worships idols. (FORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you refer to someone’s admiration for a particular person as idolatry, you think it is too great and uncritical. (FORMAL)\nTheir affection for her soon increased almost to idolatry.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval


Words: idolize
Meaning:
idol.ize\n   idolize  idolizes  idolizing  idolized\nin BRIT, also use idolise\n  If you idolize someone, you admire them very much.\nNaomi idolised her father as she was growing up...\n  VERB: V n\n  = worship


Words: idyll
Meaning:
id.yll\n   idyll  idylls\nin AM, also use idyl\n  If you describe a situation as an idyll, you mean that it is idyllic.\nShe finds that the sleepy town she moves to isn’t the rural idyll she imagined...\n  N-COUNT


Words: idyllic
Meaning:
idyl.lic\n   idyllic\n  If you describe something as idyllic, you mean that it is extremely pleasant, simple, and peaceful without any difficulties or dangers.\n...an idyllic setting for a summer romance...\n  ADJ


Words: if
Meaning:
if\n1. You use if in conditional sentences to introduce the circumstances in which an event or situation might happen, might be happening, or might have happened.\nShe gets very upset if I exclude her from anything...\nYou can go if you want...\nIf you went into town, you’d notice all the pubs have loud jukeboxes...\nDo you have a knack for coming up with ideas? If so, we would love to hear from you.\n  CONJ\n\n2. You use if in indirect questions where the answer is either `yes’ or `no’.\nHe asked if I had left with you, and I said no...\nI wonder if I might have a word with Mr Abbot?\n  CONJ\n  = whether\n3. You use if to suggest that something might be slightly different from what you are stating in the main part of the sentence, for example that there might be slightly more or less of a particular quality.\nSometimes, that standard is quite difficult, if not impossible, to achieve...\nI’m working on my fitness and I will be ready in a couple of weeks, if not sooner...\n  CONJ: with neg\n\n4. You use if, usually with `can’, `could’, `may’, or `might’, at a point in a conversation when you are politely trying to make a point, change the subject, or interrupt another speaker.\nIf I could just make another small point about the weightlifters in the Olympics...\n  CONJ\n\n5. You use if at or near the beginning of a clause when politely asking someone to do something.\nI wonder if you’d be kind enough to give us some information, please?...\n  CONJ  politeness\n\n6. You use if not in front of a word or phrase to indicate that your statement does not apply to that word or phrase, but to something closely related to it that you also mention.\nShe understood his meaning, if not his words, and took his advice.\n  PHRASE\n\n7. You use if to introduce a subordinate clause in which you admit a fact which you regard as less important than the statement in the main clause.\nIf there was any disappointment it was probably temporary...\n  CONJ\n\n8. You use if ever with past tenses when you are introducing a description of a person or thing, to emphasize how appropriate it is.\nI became a distraught, worried mother, a useless role if ever there was one...\n  PHRASE  emphasis\n\n9. You use if only with past tenses to introduce what you think is a fairly good reason for doing something, although you realize it may not be a very good one.\nShe writes me often, if only to scold me because I haven’t written to her...\n  PHRASE\n\n10. You use if only to express a wish or desire, especially one that cannot be fulfilled.\nIf only you had told me that some time ago...\n  PHRASE  feelings\n\n11. You use as if when you are making a judgment about something that you see or notice. Your belief or impression might be correct, or it might be wrong.\nThe whole room looks as if it has been lovingly put together over the years...\n  PHRASE\n\n12. You use as if to describe something or someone by comparing them with another thing or person.\nHe points two fingers at his head, as if he were holding a gun...\n  PHRASE\n\n13. You use as if to emphasize that something is not true. (SPOKEN)\nGetting my work done! My God! As if it mattered.\n  PHRASE  emphasis\n\n14. You use `if anything’ to introduce something which strengthens or changes the meaning of the statement you have just made, but only in a small or unimportant way.\nLiving together didn’t harm our friendship. If anything it strengthened it...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl\n\n15. You use `It’s not as if’ to introduce a statement which, if it were true, might explain something puzzling, although in fact it is not true.\nI am surprised by the fuss she’s making. It’s not as if my personality has changed.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n16. You say `if I were you’ to someone when you are giving them advice.\nIf I were you, Mrs Gretchen, I just wouldn’t worry about it...\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl


Words: iffy
Meaning:
if.fy\n   iffy\n1. If you say that something is iffy, you mean that it is not very good in some way. (INFORMAL)\nIf your next record’s a bit iffy, you’re forgotten...\n  ADJ\n  = dodgy\n2. If something is iffy, it is uncertain. (INFORMAL)\nHis political future has looked iffy for most of this year.\n  ADJ\n  = doubtful


Words: igloo
Meaning:
ig.loo\n   igloo  igloos\n  Igloos are dome-shaped houses built from blocks of snow by the Inuit people.\n  N-COUNT


Words: igneous
Meaning:
ig.ne.ous\n   igneous\n  In geology, igneous rocks are rocks that were once so hot that they were liquid. (TECHNICAL)\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: ignite
Meaning:
ig.nite\n   ignite  ignites  igniting  ignited\n1. When you ignite something or when it ignites, it starts burning or explodes.\nThe bombs ignited a fire which destroyed some 60 houses...\nThe blasts were caused by pockets of methane gas that ignited.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. If something or someone ignites your feelings, they cause you to have very strong feelings about something. (LITERARY)\nThere was one teacher who really ignited my interest in words...\n  VERB: V n


Words: ignition
Meaning:
ig.ni.tion\n   ignition  ignitions\n1. In a car engine, the ignition is the part where the fuel is ignited.\nThe device automatically disconnects the ignition.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Inside a car, the ignition is the part where you turn the key so that the engine starts.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n3. Ignition is the process of something starting to burn.\nThe ignition of methane gas killed eight men.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ignoble
Meaning:
ig.no.ble\n   ignoble\n  If you describe something as ignoble, you mean that it is bad and something to be ashamed of. (FORMAL)\n...ignoble thoughts.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: ignominious
Meaning:
ig.no.mini.ous\n   ignominious\n  If you describe an experience or action as ignominious, you mean it is embarrassing because it shows a great lack of success. (FORMAL)\n...their ignominious defeat...\n  ADJ\n  = humiliating\n=>  ig.no.mini.ous.ly\nTheir soldiers had to retreat ignominiously after losing hundreds of lives.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: ignominy
Meaning:
ig.no.miny\n   ignominy\n  Ignominy is shame or public disgrace. (FORMAL)\n...the ignominy of being made redundant...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n/-ing


Words: ignoramus
Meaning:
ig.no.ra.mus\n   ignoramus  ignoramuses\n  If you describe someone as an ignoramus, you are being critical of them because they do not have the knowledge you think they ought to have. (FORMAL)\n  N-COUNT  disapproval


Words: ignorance
Meaning:
ig.no.rance\n   ignorance\n  Ignorance of something is lack of knowledge about it.\nI am embarrassed by my complete ignorance of history...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of/about n


Words: ignorant
Meaning:
ig.no.rant\n   ignorant\n1. If you describe someone as ignorant, you mean that they do not know things they should know. If someone is ignorant of a fact, they do not know it.\nPeople don’t like to ask questions for fear of appearing ignorant...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of/about n\n\n2. People are sometimes described as ignorant when they do something that is not polite or kind. Some people think that it is not correct to use ignorant with this meaning.\n  ADJ


Words: ignore
Meaning:
ig.nore\n   ignore  ignores  ignoring  ignored\n1. If you ignore someone or something, you pay no attention to them.\nShe said her husband ignored her...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you say that an argument or theory ignores an important aspect of a situation, you are criticizing it because it fails to consider that aspect or to take it into account.\nSuch arguments ignore the question of where ultimate responsibility lay.\n  VERB: V n\n  = overlook


Words: il-
Meaning:
il-\n  Il- is added to words that begin with the letter `l’ to form words with the opposite meaning.\n...an awful illegible signature...\nHe could face a charge of illegally importing weapons.\n  PREFIX


Words: ilk
Meaning:
ilk\n  If you talk about people or things of the same ilk, you mean people or things of the same type as a person or thing that has been mentioned.\nHe currently terrorises politicians and their ilk on `Newsnight’...\nWhere others of his ilk have battled against drugs, Gabriel’s problems have centred on his marriage.\n  N-SING: supp N\n  = kind


Words: ill
Meaning:
ill  ills\n1. Someone who is ill is suffering from a disease or a health problem.\nIn November 1941 Payne was seriously ill with pneumonia...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n  People who are ill in some way can be referred to as, for example, the mentally ill.\nI used to work with the mentally ill...\n  N-PLURAL: the adv N\n\n2. Difficulties and problems are sometimes referred to as ills. (FORMAL)\nHis critics maintain that he’s responsible for many of Algeria’s ills.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, usu with supp\n\n3. Ill is evil or harm. (LITERARY)\nThey say they mean you no ill.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. Ill means the same as `badly’. (FORMAL)\nThe company’s conservative instincts sit ill with competition.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n5. You can use ill in front of some nouns to indicate that you are referring to something harmful or unpleasant. (FORMAL)\nShe had brought ill luck into her family...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = bad\n6. If you say that someone can ill afford to do something, or can ill afford something, you mean that they must prevent it from happening because it would be harmful or embarrassing to them. (FORMAL)\nIt’s possible he won’t play but I can ill afford to lose him...\n  PHRASE: PHR to-inf, PHR n\n\n7. If you fall ill or are taken ill, you suddenly become ill.\nShortly before Christmas, he was mysteriously taken ill...\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n8.\nto speak ill of someone: see speak


Words: ill effects
Meaning:
ill ef.fects\n   ill effects   also ill-effects\n  If something has ill effects, it causes problems or damage.\nSome people are still suffering ill effects from the contamination of their water.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: ill health
Meaning:
ill health\n  Someone who suffers from ill health has an illness or keeps being ill.\nHe was forced to retire because of ill health...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: ill will
Meaning:
ill will   also ill-will\n  Ill will is unfriendly or hostile feelings that you have towards someone.\nHe didn’t bear anyone any ill will...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = animosity


Words: ill wind
Meaning:
ill wind\n  You can describe an unfortunate event as an ill wind if someone benefits from it. The expression occurs in the proverb `It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good’.\nBut it’s an ill wind; I recovered and married one of my nurses from that hospital.\n  N-SING: usu a N


Words: ill-
Meaning:
ill-\n  Ill- is added to words, especially adjectives and past participles, to add the meaning `badly’ or `inadequately’. For example, `ill-written’ means badly written.\n...ill-disciplined children.\n  COMB in ADJ


Words: ill-advised
Meaning:
ill-advised\n  If you describe something that someone does as ill-advised, you mean that it is not sensible or wise.\nThey would be ill-advised to do this...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to-inf


Words: ill-bred
Meaning:
ill-bred\n  If you say that someone is ill-bred, you mean that they have bad manners.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = uncouth


Words: ill-conceived
Meaning:
ill-conceived\n  If you describe a plan or action as ill-conceived, you mean that it is likely to fail or have bad consequences because it has not been thought about carefully enough.\n...an ill-conceived plan to close the coal mine.\n  ADJ


Words: ill-considered
Meaning:
ill-considered\n  If you describe something that someone says or does as ill-considered, you mean that it is not sensible or not appropriate.\nHe made some ill-considered remarks about the cost.\n  ADJ


Words: ill-defined
Meaning:
ill-defined\n  If you describe something as ill-defined, you mean that its exact nature or extent is not as clear as it should be or could be.\n...staff with ill-defined responsiblities.\n  ADJ


Words: ill-equipped
Meaning:
ill-equipped\n  Someone who is ill-equipped to do something does not have the ability, the qualities, or the equipment necessary to do it.\nUniversities were ill-equipped to meet the massive intake of students...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ for n


Words: ill-fated
Meaning:
ill-fated\n  If you describe something as ill-fated, you mean that it ended or will end in an unsuccessful or unfortunate way.\nEngland’s footballers are back home after their ill-fated trip to Algeria.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: ill-fitting
Meaning:
ill-fitting\n  An ill-fitting piece of clothing does not fit the person who is wearing it properly.\nHe wore an ill-fitting green corduroy suit.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: ill-founded
Meaning:
ill-founded\n  Something that is ill-founded is not based on any proper proof or evidence.\nSuspicion and jealousy, however ill-founded, can poison a marriage.\n  ADJ


Words: ill-gotten gains
Meaning:
ill-gotten gains\n  Ill-gotten gains are things that someone has obtained in a dishonest or illegal way.\nBut many leaders have invested their ill-gotten gains in several different countries.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: ill-mannered
Meaning:
ill-mannered\n  If you describe someone as ill-mannered, you are critical of them because they are impolite or rude. (FORMAL)\nChantal would have considered it ill-mannered to show surprise.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = bad-mannered  !=well-mannered


Words: ill-prepared
Meaning:
ill-prepared\n  If you are ill-prepared for something, you have not made the correct preparations for it, for example because you are not expecting it to happen.\nThe government was ill-prepared for the problems it now faces...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ for n, ADJ to-inf


Words: ill-starred
Meaning:
ill-starred\n  If you describe something or someone as ill-starred, you mean that they were unlucky or unsuccessful. (LITERARY)\n...an ill-starred attempt to create jobs in Northern Ireland.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: ill-tempered
Meaning:
ill-tempered\n  If you describe someone as ill-tempered, you mean they are angry or hostile, and you may be implying that this is unreasonable. (FORMAL)\nIt was a day of tense and often ill-tempered debate.\n  ADJ


Words: ill-timed
Meaning:
ill-timed\n  If you describe something as ill-timed, you mean that it happens or is done at the wrong time, so that it is damaging or rude.\nHe argued that the tax cut was ill-timed.\n  ADJ\n  = inopportune


Words: ill-treat
Meaning:
ill-treat  ill-treats  ill-treating  ill-treated\n  If someone ill-treats you, they treat you badly or cruelly.\nThey thought Mr Smith had been ill-treating his wife...\n  VERB: V n\n  = mistreat, abuse


Words: ill-treatment
Meaning:
ill-treatment\n  Ill-treatment is harsh or cruel treatment.\nIll-treatment of animals remains commonplace...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = abuse


Words: illegal
Meaning:
il.legal\n   illegal  illegals\n1. If something is illegal, the law says that it is not allowed.\nIt is illegal to intercept radio messages...\n...illegal drugs.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n\n=>  il.legal.ly\nThey were yesterday convicted of illegally using a handgun...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  il.legal.ity      illegalities\nThere is no evidence of illegality.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Illegal immigrants or workers have travelled into a country or are working without official permission.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  Illegal immigrants or workers are sometimes referred to as illegals.\n...a clothing factory where many illegals worked.\n  N-COUNT


Words: illegible
Meaning:
il.leg.ible\n   illegible\n  Writing that is illegible is so unclear that you cannot read it.\n  ADJ


Words: illegitimacy
Meaning:
il.legiti.ma.cy\n   illegitimacy\n  Illegitimacy is the state of being born of parents who were not married to each other.\nIllegitimacy rates are soaring.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: illegitimate
Meaning:
il.legiti.mate\n   illegitimate\n1. A person who is illegitimate was born of parents who were not married to each other.\n  ADJ\n\n2. Illegitimate is used to describe activities and institutions that are not in accordance with the law or with accepted standards of what is right.\nThe election was dismissed as illegitimate by the opposition...\n  ADJ


Words: illiberal
Meaning:
il.lib.er.al\n   illiberal\n  If you describe someone or something as illiberal, you are critical of them because they do not allow or approve of much freedom or choice of action.\n...illiberal legislation...\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: illicit
Meaning:
il.lic.it\n   illicit\n  An illicit activity or substance is not allowed by law or the social customs of a country.\nDante clearly condemns illicit love.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: illiteracy
Meaning:
il.lit.era.cy\n   illiteracy\n  Illiteracy is the state of not knowing how to read or write.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: illiterate
Meaning:
il.lit.er.ate\n   illiterate  illiterates\n1. Someone who is illiterate does not know how to read or write.\nA large percentage of the population is illiterate.\n  ADJ\n\n  An illiterate is someone who is illiterate.\n...an educational centre for illiterates.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. If you describe someone as musically, technologically, or economically illiterate, you mean that they do not know much about music, technology, or economics.\n  ADJ: usu adv ADJ


Words: illness
Meaning:
ill.ness\n   illness  illnesses\n1. Illness is the fact or experience of being ill.\nIf your child shows any signs of illness, take her to the doctor...\nMental illness is still a taboo subject.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An illness is a particular disease such as measles or pneumonia.\nShe returned to her family home to recover from an illness.\n  N-COUNT


Words: illogical
Meaning:
il.logi.cal\n   illogical\n  If you describe an action, feeling, or belief as illogical, you are critical of it because you think that it does not result from a logical and ordered way of thinking.\nIt is illogical to oppose the repatriation of economic migrants...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf  disapproval\n  = irrational, unreasonable\n=>  il.logi.cal.ly\nIllogically, I felt guilty.\n  ADV


Words: illuminate
Meaning:
il.lu.mi.nate\n   illuminate  illuminates  illuminating  illuminated\n1. To illuminate something means to shine light on it and to make it brighter and more visible. (FORMAL)\nNo streetlights illuminated the street...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you illuminate something that is unclear or difficult to understand, you make it clearer by explaining it carefully or giving information about it. (FORMAL)\nThey use games and drawings to illuminate their subject.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  il.lu.mi.nat.ing\nHis autobiography provides an illuminating insight into his mind.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf


Words: illuminated
Meaning:
il.lu.mi.nat.ed\n   illuminated\n  Something that is illuminated is lit up, usually by electric lighting.\n...an illuminated sign...\n  ADJ


Words: illumination
Meaning:
il.lu.mi.na.tion\n   illumination  illuminations\n1. Illumination is the lighting that a place has. (FORMAL)\nThe only illumination came from a small window high in the opposite wall.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Illuminations are coloured lights which are put up in towns, especially at Christmas, in order to make them look attractive, especially at night. (mainly BRIT)\n...the famous Blackpool illuminations.\n  N-PLURAL


Words: illumine
Meaning:
il.lu.mine\n   illumine  illumines  illumining  illumined\n  To illumine something means the same as to illuminate it. (LITERARY)\nThe interchange of ideas illumines the debate...\nBy night, the perimeter wire was illumined by lights.\n  VERB: V n, V n


Words: illusion
Meaning:
il.lu.sion\n   illusion  illusions\n1. An illusion is a false idea or belief.\nNo one really has any illusions about winning the war.\n  N-VAR: oft N that, N of n/-ing\n  = delusion\n2. An illusion is something that appears to exist or be a particular thing but does not actually exist or is in reality something else.\nFloor-to-ceiling windows can give the illusion of extra height...\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n/-ing


Words: illusionist
Meaning:
il.lu.sion.ist\n   illusionist  illusionists\n  An illusionist is a performer who makes it seem that strange or impossible things are happening, for example that a person has disappeared or been cut in half.\n  N-COUNT


Words: illusory
Meaning:
il.lu.so.ry\n   illusory\n  If you describe something as illusory, you mean that although it seems true or possible, it is in fact false or impossible.\nHis freedom is illusory.\n  ADJ


Words: illustrate
Meaning:
il.lus.trate\n   illustrate  illustrates  illustrating  illustrated\n1. If you say that something illustrates a situation that you are drawing attention to, you mean that it shows that the situation exists.\nThe example of the United States illustrates this point...\nThe incident graphically illustrates how parlous their position is...\nThe case also illustrates that some women are now trying to fight back.\n  VERB: V n, V wh, V that\n  = demonstrate\n2. If you use an example, story, or diagram to illustrate a point, you use it show that what you are saying is true or to make your meaning clearer.\nLet me give another example to illustrate this difficult point...\nThroughout, she illustrates her analysis with excerpts from discussions.\n  VERB: V n, V n with n\n\n=>  il.lus.tra.tion\nHere, by way of illustration, are some extracts from our new catalogue.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu prep N\n\n3. If you illustrate a book, you put pictures, photographs or diagrams into it.\nShe went on to art school and is now illustrating a book...\nHe has illustrated the book with black-and-white photographs.\n  VERB: V n, V n with n\n\n=>  il.lus.trat.ed\nThe book is beautifully illustrated throughout.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  il.lus.tra.tion\n...the world of children’s book illustration.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: illustration
Meaning:
il.lus.tra.tion\n   illustration  illustrations\n1. An illustration is an example or a story which is used to make a point clear.\n...a perfect illustration of the way Britain absorbs and adapts external influences.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. An illustration in a book is a picture, design, or diagram.\nShe looked like a princess in a nineteenth-century illustration.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3.\n  see also illustrate


Words: illustrative
Meaning:
il.lus.tra.tive\n   illustrative\n  If you use something as an illustrative example, or for illustrative purposes, you use it to show that what you are saying is true or to make your meaning clearer. (FORMAL)\nA second illustrative example was taken from The Observer newspaper...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n


Words: illustrator
Meaning:
il.lus.tra.tor\n   illustrator  illustrators\n  An illustrator is an artist who draws pictures and diagrams for books and magazines.\n  N-COUNT


Words: illustrious
Meaning:
il.lus.tri.ous\n   illustrious\n  If you describe someone as an illustrious person, you mean that they are extremely well known because they have a high position in society or they have done something impressive.\n...his long and illustrious career.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = distinguished


Words: im-
Meaning:
im-\n  Im- is added to words that begin with `m’, `p’, or `b’ to form words with the opposite meaning.\nHe implied that we were emotionally immature...\nDon’t stare at me.it’s impolite!...\nThe illness is triggered by a chemical imbalance in the brain.\n  PREFIX


Words: image
Meaning:
im.age\n   image  images\n1. If you have an image of something or someone, you have a picture or idea of them in your mind.\nThe image of art theft as a gentleman’s crime is outdated...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. The image of a person, group, or organization is the way that they appear to other people.\nThe tobacco industry has been trying to improve its image.\n  N-COUNT: oft with poss\n\n3. An image is a picture of someone or something. (FORMAL)\n...photographic images of young children...\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. An image is a poetic description of something. (FORMAL)\nThe natural images in the poem are meant to be suggestive of realities beyond themselves.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If you are the image of someone else, you look very much like them.\nMarianne’s son was the image of his father.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n6.\nspitting image: see spit\n  see also mirror image


Words: imagery
Meaning:
im.age.ry\n   imagery\n1. You can refer to the descriptions in something such as a poem or song, and the pictures they create in your mind, as its imagery. (FORMAL)\n...the nature imagery of the ballad.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. You can refer to pictures and representations of things as imagery, especially when they act as symbols. (FORMAL)\nThis is an ambitious and intriguing movie, full of striking imagery.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: imaginable
Meaning:
im.agi.nable\n   imaginable\n1. You use imaginable after a superlative such as `best’ or `worst’ to emphasize that something is extreme in some way.\n...their imprisonment under some of the most horrible circumstances imaginable...\n  ADJ: adj-superl n ADJ, adj-superl ADJ n  emphasis\n  = conceivable\n2. You use imaginable after a word like `every’ or `all’ to emphasize that you are talking about all the possible examples of something. You use imaginable after `no’ to emphasize that something does not have the quality mentioned.\nParents encourage every activity imaginable.\n  ADJ: ADJ n, n ADJ  emphasis\n  = possible


Words: imaginary
Meaning:
im.agi.nary\n   imaginary\n  An imaginary person, place, or thing exists only in your mind or in a story, and not in real life.\nLots of children have imaginary friends.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: imagination
Meaning:
im.agi.na.tion\n   imagination  imaginations\n1. Your imagination is the ability that you have to form pictures or ideas in your mind of things that are new and exciting, or things that you have not experienced.\nAntonia is a woman with a vivid imagination...\nThe Government approach displays a lack of imagination.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. Your imagination is the part of your mind which allows you to form pictures or ideas of things that do not necessarily exist in real life.\nLong before I ever went there, Africa was alive in my imagination.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. If you say that someone or something captured your imagination, you mean that you thought they were interesting or exciting when you saw them or heard them for the first time.\nItalian football captured the imagination of the nation last season.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n4. If you say that something stretches your imagination, you mean that it is good because it makes you think about things that you had not thought about before.\nTheir films are exciting and really stretch the imagination.\n  PHRASE: V inflects  approval\n\n5.\nnot by any stretch of the imagination: see stretch


Words: imaginative
Meaning:
im.agi.na.tive\n   imaginative\n  If you describe someone or their ideas as imaginative, you are praising them because they are easily able to think of or create new or exciting things.\n...an imaginative writer.\n  ADJ  approval\n  = inventive\n=>  im.agi.na.tive.ly\nThe hotel is decorated imaginatively and attractively.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: imagine
Meaning:
im.ag.ine\n   imagine  imagines  imagining  imagined\n1. If you imagine something, you think about it and your mind forms a picture or idea of it.\nHe could not imagine a more peaceful scene...\nCan you imagine how she must have felt when Mary Brent turned up with me in tow?...\nImagine you’re lying on a beach, listening to the steady rhythm of waves lapping the shore...\nI can’t imagine you being unfair to anyone, Leigh.\n  VERB: V n/-ing, V wh, V that, V n -ing/prep\n\n2. If you imagine that something is the case, you think that it is the case.\nI imagine you’re referring to Jean-Paul Sartre...\n`Was he meeting someone?’.`I imagine so.’\n  VERB: V that, V soot\n  = suppose\n3. If you imagine something, you think that you have seen, heard, or experienced that thing, although actually you have not.\nI realised that I must have imagined the whole thing.\n  VERB: V n, also V that\n  = dream


Words: imaging
Meaning:
im.ag.ing\n   imaging\n  Imaging is the process of forming images that represent things such as sound waves, temperature, chemicals, or electrical activity. (TECHNICAL)\n...thermal imaging cameras.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: imaginings
Meaning:
im.ag.in.ings\n   imaginings\n  Imaginings are things that you think you have seen or heard, although actually you have not. (LITERARY)\n  N-PLURAL


Words: imam
Meaning:
imam  imams\n  In Islam, an imam is a religious leader, especially the leader of a Muslim community or the person who leads the prayers in a mosque.\n  N-COUNT


Words: IMAX
Meaning:
IMAX\n  IMAX is a system for showing films on very large screens with very clear sound and pictures. (TRADEMARK)\n...a new IMAX cinema.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N n


Words: imbalance
Meaning:
im.bal.ance\n   imbalance  imbalances\n  If there is an imbalance in a situation, the things involved are not the same size, or are not the right size in proportion to each other.\n...the imbalance between the two sides in this war.\n  N-VAR: oft N in/between pl-n


Words: imbalanced
Meaning:
im.bal.anced\n   imbalanced\n  If you describe a situation as imbalanced, you mean that the elements within it are not evenly or fairly arranged.\n...the present imbalanced structure of world trade.\n  ADJ\n  = uneven


Words: imbecile
Meaning:
im.becile\n   imbecile  imbeciles\n1. If you call someone an imbecile, you are showing that you think they are stupid or have done something stupid.\nI don’t want to deal with these imbeciles any longer.\n  N-COUNT  disapproval\n  = idiot\n2. Imbecile means stupid.\nIt was an imbecile thing to do.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: imbibe
Meaning:
im.bibe\n   imbibe  imbibes  imbibing  imbibed\n1. To imbibe alcohol means to drink it. (FORMAL, often HUMOROUS)\nThey were used to imbibing enormous quantities of alcohol...\nNo one believes that current nondrinkers should be encouraged to start imbibing.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n2. If you imbibe ideas or arguments, you listen to them, accept them, and believe that they are right or true. (FORMAL)\nAs a clergyman’s son he’d imbibed a set of mystical beliefs from the cradle.\n  VERB: V n\n  = absorb


Words: imbroglio
Meaning:
im.bro.glio\n   imbroglio  imbroglios\n  An imbroglio is a very confusing or complicated situation. (LITERARY)\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp


Words: imbue
Meaning:
im.bue\n   imbue  imbues  imbuing  imbued\n  If someone or something is imbued with an idea, feeling, or quality, they become filled with it. (FORMAL)\nAs you listen, you notice how every single word is imbued with a breathless sense of wonder.\n...men who can imbue their hearers with enthusiasm.\n  VERB: be V-ed with n, V n with n\n  = infuse\n=>  im.bued\n...a Guards officer imbued with a military sense of duty and loyalty.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n


Words: IMF
Meaning:
IMF\n  The IMF is an international agency which tries to promote trade and improve economic conditions in poorer countries, sometimes by lending them money. IMF is an abbreviation for `International Monetary Fund’.\n  N-PROPER: the N


Words: IMHO
Meaning:
IMHO is the written abbreviation for `in my humble opinion’, mainly used in text messages and e-mails. (COMPUTING)


Words: imitate
Meaning:
imi.tate\n   imitate  imitates  imitating  imitated\n1. If you imitate someone, you copy what they do or produce.\n...a genuine German musical which does not try to imitate the American model.\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If you imitate a person or animal, you copy the way they speak or behave, usually because you are trying to be funny.\nClarence screws up his face and imitates the Colonel again.\n  VERB: V n\n  = mimic


Words: imitation
Meaning:
imi.ta.tion\n   imitation  imitations\n1. An imitation of something is a copy of it.\n...the most accurate imitation of Chinese architecture in Europe.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. Imitation means copying someone else’s actions.\nThey discussed important issues in imitation of their elders...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft in N of n\n\n3. Imitation things are not genuine but are made to look as if they are.\n...a complete set of Dickens bound in imitation leather.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. If someone does an imitation of another person, they copy the way they speak or behave, sometimes in order to be funny.\nHe gave his imitation of Queen Elizabeth’s royal wave...\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n  = impersonation


Words: imitative
Meaning:
imi.ta.tive\n   imitative\n  People and animals who are imitative copy others’ behaviour.\nBabies of eight to twelve months are generally highly imitative.\n  ADJ


Words: imitator
Meaning:
imi.ta.tor\n   imitator  imitators\n  An imitator is someone who copies what someone else does, or copies the way they speak or behave.\nHe doesn’t take chances; that’s why he’s survived and most of his imitators haven’t.\n...a group of Elvis imitators.\n  N-COUNT


Words: immaculate
Meaning:
im.macu.late\n   immaculate\n1. If you describe something as immaculate, you mean that it is extremely clean, tidy, or neat.\nHer front room was kept immaculate.\n  ADJ\n  = pristine\n=>  im.macu.late.ly\nAs always he was immaculately dressed.\n  ADV\n\n2. If you say that something is immaculate, you are emphasizing that it is perfect, without any mistakes or bad parts at all.\nThe goalkeeper’s performance was immaculate.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n  = flawless\n=>  im.macu.late.ly\nThe orchestra plays immaculately...\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: immanent
Meaning:
im.ma.nent\n   immanent\n  If you say that a quality is immanent in a particular thing, you mean that the thing has that quality, and cannot exist or be imagined without it. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ


Words: immaterial
Meaning:
im.ma.teri.al\n   immaterial\n  If you say that something is immaterial, you mean that it is not important or not relevant.\nWhether we like him or not is immaterial.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n  = irrelevant


Words: immature
Meaning:
im.ma.ture\n   immature\n1. Something or someone that is immature is not yet completely grown or fully developed.\nShe is emotionally immature.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  im.ma.tu.rity\nIn spite of some immaturity in the figure drawing and painting, it showed real imagination.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you describe someone as immature, you are being critical of them because they do not behave in a sensible or responsible way.\nShe’s just being childish and immature.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  im.ma.tu.rity\n...his immaturity and lack of social skills.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: immeasurable
Meaning:
im.meas.ur.able\n   immeasurable\n  If you describe something as immeasurable, you are emphasizing how great it is. (FORMAL)\nHis contribution is immeasurable.\n  ADJ  emphasis


Words: immeasurably
Meaning:
im.meas.ur.ably\n   immeasurably\n  You use immeasurably to emphasize the degree or extent of a process or quality. (FORMAL)\nThey have improved immeasurably since their arrival...\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj  emphasis\n  = infinitely


Words: immediacy
Meaning:
im.medi.acy\n   immediacy\n  The immediacy of an event or situation is the quality that it has which makes it seem important or exciting because it is happening at the present time.\nDo they understand the immediacy of the crisis?...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: immediate
Meaning:
im.medi.ate\n   immediate\n1. An immediate result, action, or reaction happens or is done without any delay.\nThese tragic incidents have had an immediate effect...\nMy immediate reaction was just disgust.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = instant\n2. Immediate needs and concerns exist at the present time and must be dealt with quickly.\nRelief agencies say the immediate problem is not a lack of food, but transportation.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = pressing\n3. The immediate person or thing comes just before or just after another person or thing in a sequence.\nHis immediate superior, General Geichenko, had singled him out for special mention.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. You use immediate to describe an area or position that is next to or very near a particular place or person.\nOnly a handful had returned to work in the immediate vicinity...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n5. Your immediate family are the members of your family who are most closely related to you, for example your parents, children, brothers, and sisters.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: immediately
Meaning:
im.medi.ate.ly\n   immediately\n1. If something happens immediately, it happens without any delay.\nHe immediately flung himself to the floor...\nIngrid answered Peter’s letter immediately.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If something is immediately obvious, it can be seen or understood without any delay.\nThe cause of the accident was not immediately apparent.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n  = instantly\n3. Immediately is used to indicate that someone or something is closely and directly involved in a situation.\nThe man immediately responsible for this misery is the province’s governor...\n  ADV: ADV adj/-ed\n\n4. Immediately is used to emphasize that something comes next, or is next to something else.\nShe always sits immediately behind the driver...\n  ADV: ADV prep/adj\n  = directly\n5. If one thing happens immediately something else happens, it happens after that event, without any delay. (mainly BRIT)\nImmediately I’ve done it I feel completely disgusted with myself.\n  CONJ


Words: immemorial
Meaning:
im.memo.ri.al\n   immemorial\n  If you say that something has been happening since time immemorial or from time immemorial, you are emphasizing that it has been happening for many centuries. (LITERARY)\nIt has remained virtually unchanged since time immemorial...\n  PHRASE  emphasis


Words: immense
Meaning:
im.mense\n   immense\n  If you describe something as immense, you mean that it is extremely large or great.\n...an immense cloud of smoke...\nWith immense relief I stopped running.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = enormous\n=>  im.men.si.ty\nThe immensity of the universe is difficult to grasp.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: immensely
Meaning:
im.mense.ly\n   immensely\n  You use immensely to emphasize the degree or extent of a quality, feeling, or process.\nI enjoyed this movie immensely.\n  ADV: usu ADV adj, also ADV after v  emphasis\n  = enormously


Words: immerse
Meaning:
im.merse\n   immerse  immerses  immersing  immersed\n1. If you immerse yourself in something that you are doing, you become completely involved in it.\nSince then I’ve lived alone and immersed myself in my career.\n  VERB: V pron-refl in n\n\n=>  im.mersed\nHe’s really becoming immersed in his work.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ in n\n\n2. If something is immersed in a liquid, someone puts it into the liquid so that it is completely covered.\nThe electrodes are immersed in liquid.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed in n


Words: immersion
Meaning:
im.mer.sion\n   immersion\n1. Someone’s immersion in a subject is their complete involvement in it.\n...long-term assignments that allowed them total immersion in their subjects.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N in n\n\n2. Immersion of something in a liquid means putting it into the liquid so that it is completely covered.\nThe wood had become swollen from prolonged immersion.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N in n


Words: immigrant
Meaning:
im.mi.grant\n   immigrant  immigrants\n  An immigrant is a person who has come to live in a country from some other country. Compare emigrant.\n...illegal immigrants.\n...immigrant visas.\n  N-COUNT


Words: immigrate
Meaning:
im.mi.grate\n   immigrate  immigrates  immigrating  immigrated\n  If someone immigrates to a particular country, they come to live or work in that country, after leaving the country where they were born.\n...a Russian-born professor who had immigrated to the United States...\nHe immigrated from Ulster in 1848...\n10,000 people are expected to immigrate in the next two years.\n  VERB: no passive, V to n, V from n, V


Words: immigration
Meaning:
im.mi.gra.tion\n   immigration\n1. Immigration is the coming of people into a country in order to live and work there.\nThe government has decided to tighten its immigration policy.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Immigration or immigration control is the place at a port, airport, or international border where officials check the passports of people who wish to come into the country.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: imminent
Meaning:
im.mi.nent\n   imminent\n  If you say that something is imminent, especially something unpleasant, you mean it is almost certain to happen very soon.\nThere appeared no imminent danger...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  im.mi.nence\nThe imminence of war was on everyone’s mind.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n


Words: immobile
Meaning:
im.mo.bile\n   immobile\n1. Someone or something that is immobile is completely still.\nJoe remained as immobile as if he had been carved out of rock.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = motionless\n=>  im.mo.bil.ity\nHyde maintained the rigid immobility of his shoulders.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Someone or something that is immobile is unable to move or unable to be moved.\nA riding accident left him immobile.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n\n=>  im.mo.bil.ity\nAgain, the pain locked me into immobility.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: immobilize
Meaning:
im.mo.bi.lize\n   immobilize  immobilizes  immobilizing  immobilized\nin BRIT, also use immobilise\n  To immobilize something or someone means to stop them from moving or operating.\n...a car alarm system that immobilises the engine...\n  VERB: V n


Words: immobilizer
Meaning:
im.mo.bi.liz.er\n   immobilizer  immobilizers\nin BRIT, also use immobiliser\n  An immobilizer is a device on a car which prevents it from starting unless a special key is used, so that no one can steal the car.\n  N-COUNT


Words: immoderate
Meaning:
im.mod.er.ate\n   immoderate\n  If you describe something as immoderate, you disapprove of it because it is too extreme. (FORMAL)\nHe launched an immoderate tirade on Turner.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n  = excessive


Words: immodest
Meaning:
im.mod.est\n   immodest\n1. If you describe someone’s behaviour as immodest, you mean that it shocks or embarrasses you because you think that it is rude.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you say that someone is immodest, you disapprove of the way in which they often say how good, important, or clever they are.\nHe could become ungraciously immodest about his own capacities.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ  disapproval\n  = boastful  !=modest


Words: immoral
Meaning:
im.mor.al\n   immoral\n  If you describe someone or their behaviour as immoral, you believe that their behaviour is morally wrong.\n...those who think that birth control and abortion are immoral.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n=>  im.mo.ral.ity\n...a reflection of our society’s immorality.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: immortal
Meaning:
im.mor.tal\n   immortal  immortals\n1. Someone or something that is immortal is famous and likely to be remembered for a long time.\n...Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte’s immortal love story...\n  ADJ\n\n  An immortal is someone who is immortal.\nHe called Moore `one of the immortals of soccer’.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n=>  im.mor.tal.ity\nSome people want to achieve immortality through their works.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Someone or something that is immortal will live or last for ever and never die or be destroyed.\nThe pharaohs were considered gods and therefore immortal.\n  ADJ\n  !=mortal\n  An immortal is an immortal being.\n...porcelain figurines of the Chinese immortals.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n=>  im.mor.tal.ity\nThe Greeks accepted belief in the immortality of the soul.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you refer to someone’s immortal words, you mean that what they said is well-known, and you are usually about to quote it.\n...Roosevelt’s immortal words, `Speak softly and carry a big stick.’\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: immortalize
Meaning:
im.mor.tal.ize\n   immortalize  immortalizes  immortalizing  immortalized\nin BRIT, also use immortalise\n  If someone or something is immortalized in a story, film, or work of art, they appear in it, and will be remembered for it. (WRITTEN)\nThe town of Whitby was immortalised in Bram Stoker’s famous Dracula story...\nD H Lawrence immortalised her in his novel `Women in Love’.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: immovable
Meaning:
im.mov.able\n   immovable\n1. An immovable object is fixed and cannot be moved.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If someone is immovable in their attitude to something, they will not change their mind.\nOn one issue, however, she was immovable.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = resolute


Words: immune
Meaning:
im.mune\n   immune\n1. If you are immune to a particular disease, you cannot be affected by it.\nMost adults are immune to Rubella.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to n\n\n=>  im.mun.ity\nBirds in outside cages develop immunity to airborne bacteria.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N to n\n\n2. If you are immune to something that happens or is done, you are not affected by it.\nFootball is not immune to economic recession.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to n\n\n3. Someone or something that is immune from a particular process or situation is able to escape it.\nMembers of the Bundestag are immune from prosecution for corruption...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ from n\n\n=>  im.mun.ity\nThe police are offering immunity to witnesses.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n  see also diplomatic immunity


Words: immune system
Meaning:
im.mune sys.tem\n   immune system  immune systems\n  Your immune system consists of all the organs and processes in your body which protect you from illness and infection.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: immunize
Meaning:
im.mun.ize\n   immunize  immunizes  immunizing  immunized\nin BRIT, also use immunise\n  If people or animals are immunized, they are made immune to a particular disease, often by being given an injection.\nWe should require that every student is immunized against hepatitis B...\nThe monkeys had been immunized with a vaccine made from infected cells...\nAll parents should have their children immunized.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed against n, be V-ed, have n V-ed\n\n=>  im.mun.iza.tion      immunizations\n...universal immunization against childhood diseases...\n  N-VAR


Words: immutable
Meaning:
im.mu.table\n   immutable\n  Something that is immutable will never change or cannot be changed. (FORMAL)\n...the eternal and immutable principles of right and wrong.\n  ADJ


Words: imp
Meaning:
imp  imps\n1. In fairy stories, an imp is a small, magical creature that often causes trouble in a playful way.\n  N-COUNT\n  = sprite\n2. People sometimes refer to a naughty child as an imp. (INFORMAL)\n  N-COUNT


Words: impact
Meaning:
im.pact\n   impact impacts impacting  impacted\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. The impact that something has on a situation, process, or person is a sudden and powerful effect that it has on them.\nThey say they expect the meeting to have a marked impact on the future of the country...\nWhen an executive comes into a new job, he wants to quickly make an impact.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N on n\n\n2. An impact is the action of one object hitting another, or the force with which one object hits another.\nThe plane is destroyed, a complete wreck: the pilot must have died on impact...\n  N-VAR\n\n3. To impact on a situation, process, or person means to affect them.\nSuch schemes mean little unless they impact on people.\n...the potential for women to impact the political process.\n  VERB: V on/upon n, V n\n\n4. If one object impacts on another, it hits it with great force. (FORMAL)\n...the sharp tinkle of metal impacting on stone...\nWhen a large object impacts the Earth, it makes a crater.\n  VERB: V on/upon/with n, V n


Words: impair
Meaning:
im.pair\n   impair  impairs  impairing  impaired\n  If something impairs something such as an ability or the way something works, it damages it or makes it worse. (FORMAL)\nConsumption of alcohol impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  im.paired\nThe blast left him with permanently impaired hearing.\n  ADJ


Words: impairment
Meaning:
im.pair.ment\n   impairment  impairments\n  If someone has an impairment, they have a condition which prevents their eyes, ears, or brain from working properly.\nHe has a visual impairment in the right eye.\n  N-VAR: usu with supp


Words: impale
Meaning:
im.pale\n   impale  impales  impaling  impaled\n  To impale something on a pointed object means to cause the point to go into it or through it.\nResearchers observed one bird impale a rodent on a cactus...\n  VERB: V n on n, also V n, V n with n


Words: impart
Meaning:
im.part\n   impart  imparts  imparting  imparted\n1. If you impart information to people, you tell it to them. (FORMAL)\nThe ability to impart knowledge and command respect is the essential qualification for teachers...\nI am about to impart knowledge to you that you will never forget.\n  VERB: V n, V n to n\n  = convey\n2. To impart a particular quality to something means to give it that quality. (FORMAL)\nShe managed to impart great elegance to the unpretentious dress she was wearing...\n  VERB: V n to n


Words: impartial
Meaning:
im.par.tial\n   impartial\n  Someone who is impartial is not directly involved in a particular situation, and is therefore able to give a fair opinion or decision about it.\nCareers officers offer impartial advice to all pupils.\n  ADJ\n  !=partial, biased\n=>  im.par.tial.ity\n...a justice system lacking impartiality by democratic standards.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  im.par.tial.ly\nHe has vowed to oversee the elections impartially.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: impassable
Meaning:
im.pass.able\n   impassable\n  If a road, path, or route is impassable, it is impossible to travel over because it is blocked or in bad condition.\n  ADJ


Words: impasse
Meaning:
im.passe\n   impasse\n  If people are in a difficult position in which it is impossible to make any progress, you can refer to the situation as an impasse.\nThe company says it has reached an impasse in negotiations with the union.\n  N-SING\n  = deadlock


Words: impassioned
Meaning:
im.pas.sioned\n   impassioned\n  An impassioned speech or piece of writing is one in which someone expresses their strong feelings about an issue in a forceful way. (JOURNALISM or WRITTEN)\nHe made an impassioned appeal for peace.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = fervent


Words: impassive
Meaning:
im.pas.sive\n   impassive\n  If someone is impassive or their face is impassive, they are not showing any emotion. (WRITTEN)\nHe searched Hill’s impassive face for some indication that he understood...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  im.pas.sive.ly\nThe lawyer looked impassively at him and said nothing.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: impatient
Meaning:
im.pa.tient\n   impatient\n1. If you are impatient, you are annoyed because you have to wait too long for something.\nThe big clubs are becoming increasingly impatient at the rate of progress.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ\n\n=>  im.pa.tient.ly\nPeople have been waiting impatiently for a chance to improve the situation.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  im.pa.tience\nThere is considerable impatience with the slow pace of political change...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you are impatient, you are easily irritated by things.\nBeware of being too impatient with others...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  im.pa.tient.ly\n`Come on, David,’ Harry said impatiently.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  im.pa.tience\nThere was a hint of impatience in his tone.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you are impatient to do something or impatient for something to happen, you are eager to do it or for it to happen and do not want to wait.\nHe was impatient to get home...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ to-inf, ADJ for n\n\n=>  im.pa.tience\nShe showed impatience to continue the climb.\n  N-UNCOUNT: N to-inf, N for n


Words: impeach
Meaning:
im.peach\n   impeach  impeaches  impeaching  impeached\n  If a court or a group in authority impeaches a president or other senior official, it charges them with committing a crime which makes them unfit for office.\n...an opposition move to impeach the President.\n  VERB: V n


Words: impeachment
Meaning:
im.peach.ment\n   impeachment  impeachments\n  The impeachment of a senior official is their trial for a crime which makes them unfit for office.\nThere are grounds for impeachment.\n  N-VAR


Words: impeccable
Meaning:
im.pec.cable\n   impeccable\n  If you describe something such as someone’s behaviour or appearance as impeccable, you are emphasizing that it is perfect and has no faults.\nShe had impeccable taste in clothes...\n  ADJ  emphasis\n\n=>  im.pec.cably\nHe was impeccably polite.\n  ADV


Words: impecunious
Meaning:
im.pecu.ni.ous\n   impecunious\n  Someone who is impecunious has very little money. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ\n  = poor


Words: impede
Meaning:
im.pede\n   impede  impedes  impeding  impeded\n  If you impede someone or something, you make their movement, development, or progress difficult. (FORMAL)\nFallen rock is impeding the progress of rescue workers.\n  VERB: V n\n  = hinder, hamper


Words: impediment
Meaning:
im.pedi.ment\n   impediment  impediments\n1. Something that is an impediment to a person or thing makes their movement, development, or progress difficult. (FORMAL)\nHe was satisfied there was no legal impediment to the marriage.\n  N-COUNT: oft N to n, also without N\n  = obstacle\n2. Someone who has a speech impediment has a disability which makes speaking difficult.\n  N-COUNT


Words: impel
Meaning:
im.pel\n   impel  impels  impelling  impelled\n  When something such as an emotion impels you to do something, it affects you so strongly that you feel forced to do it.\n...the courage and competitiveness which impels him to take risks...\n  VERB: V n to-inf\n  = force, compel


Words: impending
Meaning:
im.pend.ing\n   impending\n  An impending event is one that is going to happen very soon. (FORMAL)\nOn the morning of the expedition I awoke with a feeling of impending disaster...\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: impenetrable
Meaning:
im.pen.etrable\n   impenetrable\n1. If you describe something such as a barrier or a forest as impenetrable, you mean that it is impossible or very difficult to get through.\n...the Caucasus range, an almost impenetrable barrier between Europe and Asia.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. If you describe something such as a book or a theory as impenetrable, you are emphasizing that it is impossible or very difficult to understand.\nHis books are notoriously impenetrable.\n  ADJ  emphasis\n  = incomprehensible\n=>  im.pen.etrably\n...impenetrably detailed reports on product sales.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n  = incomprehensibly


Words: imperative
Meaning:
im.pera.tive\n   imperative  imperatives\n1. If it is imperative that something is done, that thing is extremely important and must be done. (FORMAL)\nIt was imperative that he act as naturally as possible...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  = vital\n2. An imperative is something that is extremely important and must be done. (FORMAL)\nThe most important political imperative is to limit the number of US casualties.\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n3. In grammar, a clause that is in the imperative, or in the imperative mood, contains the base form of a verb and usually has no subject. Examples are `Go away’ and `Please be careful’. Clauses of this kind are typically used to tell someone to do something.\n  N-SING: the N\n\n4. An imperative is a verb in the base form that is used, usually without a subject, in an imperative clause.\n  N-COUNT


Words: imperceptible
Meaning:
im.per.cep.tible\n   imperceptible\n  Something that is imperceptible is so small that it is not noticed or cannot be seen.\nBrian’s hesitation was almost imperceptible.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  im.per.cep.tibly\nThe disease develops gradually and imperceptibly.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj


Words: imperfect
Meaning:
im.per.fect\n   imperfect\n1. Something that is imperfect has faults and is not exactly as you would like it to be. (FORMAL)\nWe live in an imperfect world...\n  ADJ\n  !=perfect\n=>  im.per.fect.ly\nThis effect was imperfectly understood by designers at that time.\n  ADV: usu ADV -ed/adj\n\n2. In grammar, the imperfect or the imperfect tense of a verb is used to describe continuous situations or repeated actions in the past. Examples are `I was reading’ and `they were eating’.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: imperfection
Meaning:
im.per.fec.tion\n   imperfection  imperfections\n1. An imperfection in someone or something is a fault, weakness, or undesirable feature that they have.\nHe concedes that there are imperfections in the socialist system...\n  N-VAR\n  = flaw, failing\n2. An imperfection in something is a small mark or damaged area which may spoil its appearance.\n...imperfections in the cloth.\n  N-COUNT\n  = flaw, blemish


Words: imperial
Meaning:
im.perial\n   imperial\n1. Imperial is used to refer to things or people that are or were connected with an empire.\n...the Imperial Palace in Tokyo...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. The imperial system of measurement uses inches, feet, and yards to measure length, ounces and pounds to measure weight, and pints and gallons to measure volume.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: imperialism
Meaning:
im.peri.al.ism\n   imperialism\n  Imperialism is a system in which a rich and powerful country controls other countries, or a desire for control over other countries.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: imperialist
Meaning:
im.peri.al.ist\n   imperialist  imperialists\n  Imperialist means relating to or based on imperialism.\nThe developed nations have all benefited from their imperialist exploitation.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  An imperialist is someone who has imperialist views.\n  N-COUNT


Words: imperialistic
Meaning:
im.peri.al.is.tic\n   imperialistic\n  If you describe a country as imperialistic, you disapprove of it because it wants control over other countries.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: imperil
Meaning:
im.per.il\n   imperil  imperils  imperilling  imperilled\nin AM, use imperiling, imperiled\n  Something that imperils you puts you in danger. (FORMAL)\nYou imperilled the lives of other road users by your driving.\n  VERB: V n\n  = endanger


Words: imperious
Meaning:
im.peri.ous\n   imperious\n  If you describe someone as imperious, you mean that they have a proud manner and expect to be obeyed. (WRITTEN)\nHer attitude is imperious at times...\n  ADJ\n  = haughty\n=>  im.peri.ous.ly\nImperiously she beckoned me out of the room.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: imperishable
Meaning:
im.per.ish.able\n   imperishable\n  Something that is imperishable cannot disappear or be destroyed. (LITERARY)\nMy memories are within me, imperishable.\n  ADJ


Words: impermanent
Meaning:
im.per.ma.nent\n   impermanent\n  Something that is impermanent does not last for ever. (FORMAL)\nWe are reminded just how small and how impermanent we are.\n  ADJ\n  = transient  !=permanent\n=>  im.per.ma.nence\nHe was convinced of the impermanence of his work.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: impermeable
Meaning:
im.per.meable\n   impermeable\n  Something that is impermeable will not allow fluid to pass through it. (FORMAL)\nThe canoe is made from an impermeable wood.\n  ADJ\n  = waterproof


Words: impersonal
Meaning:
im.per.son.al\n   impersonal\n1. If you describe a place, organization, or activity as impersonal, you mean that it is not very friendly and makes you feel unimportant because it involves or is used by a large number of people.\nBefore then many children were cared for in large impersonal orphanages...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n\n2. If you describe someone’s behaviour as impersonal, you mean that they do not show any emotion about the person they are dealing with.\nWe must be as impersonal as a surgeon with his knife...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  im.per.son.al.ly\nThe doctor treated Ted gently but impersonally.\n  ADV\n\n3. An impersonal room or statistic does not give any information about the character of the person to whom it belongs or relates.\nThe rest of the room was neat and impersonal...\n  ADJ


Words: impersonate
Meaning:
im.per.son.ate\n   impersonate  impersonates  impersonating  impersonated\n  If someone impersonates a person, they pretend to be that person, either to deceive people or to make people laugh.\nHe was returned to prison in 1977 for impersonating a police officer...\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  im.per.sona.tion      impersonations\nShe did impersonations of his teachers.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: impersonator
Meaning:
im.per.sona.tor\n   impersonator  impersonators\n  An impersonator is a stage performer who impersonates famous people.\n  N-COUNT\n  = impressionist


Words: impertinence
Meaning:
im.per.ti.nence\n   impertinence  impertinences\n  If someone talks or behaves in a rather impolite and disrespectful way, you can call this behaviour impertinence or an impertinence.\nHe was punished for his impertinence.\n  N-VAR\n  = impudence, cheek


Words: impertinent
Meaning:
im.per.ti.nent\n   impertinent\n  If someone talks or behaves in a rather impolite and disrespectful way, you can say that they are being impertinent.\nWould it be impertinent to ask where exactly you were?...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n  = impudent, cheeky


Words: imperturbable
Meaning:
im.per.turb.able\n   imperturbable\n  If you describe someone as imperturbable, you mean that they remain calm, even in disturbing or dangerous situations. (WRITTEN)\nThomas, of course, was cool and aloof and imperturbable.\n  ADJ


Words: impervious
Meaning:
im.per.vi.ous\n   impervious\n1. If you are impervious to someone’s actions, you are not affected or influenced by them.\nShe seems almost impervious to the criticism from all sides...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to n\n\n2. Something that is impervious to water, heat, or a particular object is able to resist it or stop it passing through it.\nThe floorcovering you select will need to be impervious to water.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n  = impermeable


Words: impetuosity
Meaning:
im.petu.os.ity\n   impetuosity\n  Impetuosity is the quality of being impetuous.\nWith characteristic impetuosity, he announced he was leaving school.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: impetuous
Meaning:
im.petu.ous\n   impetuous\n  If you describe someone as impetuous, you mean that they are likely to act quickly and suddenly without thinking or being careful.\nHe was young and impetuous...\n  ADJ\n  = rash, impulsive


Words: impetus
Meaning:
im.petus\n   impetus\n  Something that gives a process impetus or an impetus makes it happen or progress more quickly.\nThis decision will give renewed impetus to the economic regeneration of east London...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also a N, oft N for n\n  = stimulus


Words: impinge
Meaning:
im.pinge\n   impinge  impinges  impinging  impinged\n  Something that impinges on you affects you to some extent. (FORMAL)\n...the cuts in defence spending that have impinged on two of the region’s largest employers.\n  VERB: V on/upon n\n  = impact


Words: impious
Meaning:
im.pi.ous\n   impious\n  If you describe someone as impious, you mean that they show a lack of respect for religious things. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ\n  = irreverent


Words: impish
Meaning:
imp.ish\n   impish\n  If you describe someone or their behaviour as impish, you mean that they are rather disrespectful or naughty in a playful way.\nGillespie is well known for his impish sense of humour.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  imp.ish.ly\nHe smiled at me impishly.\n  ADV


Words: implacable
Meaning:
im.plac.able\n   implacable\n  If you say that someone is implacable, you mean that they have very strong feelings of hostility or disapproval which nobody can change.\n...the threat of invasion by a ruthless and implacable enemy...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  im.plac.ably\nHis union was implacably opposed to the privatization of the company.\n  ADV: usu ADV -ed/adj, also ADV after v


Words: implant
Meaning:
im.plant\n   implant implants implanting  implanted\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. To implant something into a person’s body means to put it there, usually by means of a medical operation.\nTwo days later, they implanted the fertilized eggs back inside me.\n...a surgically implanted birth-control device.\n  VERB: V n adv/prep, V-ed\n\n=>  im.plan.ta.tion\nThe embryos were tested to determine their sex prior to implantation.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An implant is something that is implanted into a person’s body.\nA woman can choose to have breast implants.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. When an egg or embryo implants in the womb, it becomes established there and can then develop.\nNon-identical twins are the result of two fertilised eggs implanting in the uterus at the same time.\n  VERB: V in n, also V\n\n=>  im.plan.ta.tion\n...the 11 days required to allow for normal implantation of a fertilized egg.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n4. If you implant an idea or attitude in people, you make it become accepted or believed.\nThe speech implanted a dangerous prejudice in their minds...\nHe is devoting much of his energy to implanting an element of distrust in the community.\n  VERB: V n in/into n, V n\n  = sow


Words: implausible
Meaning:
im.plau.sible\n   implausible\n  If you describe something as implausible, you believe that it is unlikely to be true.\nI had to admit it sounded like an implausible excuse...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  im.plau.sibly\nThey are, rather implausibly, close friends.\n  ADV


Words: implement
Meaning:
im.ple.ment\n   implement implements implementing  implemented\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. If you implement something such as a plan, you ensure that what has been planned is done.\nThe government promised to implement a new system to control financial loan institutions...\n  VERB: V n\n  = carry out\n=>  im.ple.men.ta.tion\nVery little has been achieved in the implementation of the peace agreement signed last January.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. An implement is a tool or other piece of equipment. (FORMAL)\n...writing implements.\n  N-COUNT


Words: implicate
Meaning:
im.pli.cate\n   implicate  implicates  implicating  implicated\n  To implicate someone means to show or claim that they were involved in something wrong or criminal.\nHe was obliged to resign when one of his own aides was implicated in a financial scandal...\nHe didn’t find anything in the notebooks to implicate Stu.\n  VERB: V n in n, V n\n\n  see also implicated\n=>  im.pli.ca.tion\n...his implication in a murder.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: implicated
Meaning:
im.pli.cat.ed\n   implicated\n  If someone or something is implicated in a crime or a bad situation, they are involved in it or responsible for it.\nThe President was implicated in the cover-up and forced to resign...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ in n\n\n  see also implicate


Words: implication
Meaning:
im.pli.ca.tion\n   implication  implications\n1. The implications of something are the things that are likely to happen as a result.\nThe Attorney General was aware of the political implications of his decision to prosecute...\nThe low level of current investment has serious implications for future economic growth.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl, oft N of/for n\n  = consequence\n2. The implication of a statement, event, or situation is what it implies or suggests is the case.\nThe implication was obvious: vote for us or it will be very embarrassing for you...\n  N-COUNT\n  = inference\n  If you say that something is the case by implication, you mean that a statement, event, or situation implies that it is the case.\nHis authority and, by implication, that of his management team is under threat.\n  PHRASE: PHR with cl/group\n\n3.\n  see also implicate


Words: implicit
Meaning:
im.plic.it\n   implicit\n1. Something that is implicit is expressed in an indirect way.\nThis is seen as an implicit warning not to continue with military action...\n  ADJ\n  !=explicit\n=>  im.plic.it.ly\nThe jury implicitly criticised the government by their verdict.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  !=explicitly\n2. If a quality or element is implicit in something, it is involved in it or is shown by it. (FORMAL)\n...the delays implicit in formal council meetings...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ in n\n\n3. If you say that someone has an implicit belief or faith in something, you mean that they have complete faith in it and no doubts at all.\nHe had implicit faith in the noble intentions of the Emperor.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = absolute\n=>  im.plic.it.ly\nI trust him implicitly.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: implode
Meaning:
im.plode\n   implode  implodes  imploding  imploded\n1. If something implodes, it collapses into itself in a sudden and violent way.\nThe engine imploded...\n  VERB: V\n\n2. If something such as an organization or a system implodes, it suddenly ends completely because it cannot deal with the problems it is experiencing.\n...the possibility that the party may implode in opposition.\n  VERB: V\n  = collapse


Words: implore
Meaning:
im.plore\n   implore  implores  imploring  implored\n  If you implore someone to do something, you ask them to do it in a forceful, emotional way.\nOpposition leaders this week implored the president to break the deadlock...\n`Tell me what to do!’ she implored him.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, V n with quote\n  = beg


Words: imploring
Meaning:
im.plor.ing\n   imploring\n  An imploring look, cry, or letter shows that you very much want someone to do something and are afraid they may not do it.\nFrank looked at Jim with imploring eyes.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = pleading\n=>  im.plor.ing.ly\nMichael looked at him imploringly, eyes brimming with tears.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: imply
Meaning:
im.ply\n   imply  implies  implying  implied\n1. If you imply that something is the case, you say something which indicates that it is the case in an indirect way.\n`Are you implying that I have something to do with those attacks?’ she asked coldly...\nShe felt undermined by the implied criticism.\n  VERB: V that, V-ed, also V n\n  = suggest\n2. If an event or situation implies that something is the case, it makes you think it likely that it is the case.\nExports in June rose 1.5%, implying that the economy was stronger than many investors had realized...\nA `frontier-free’ Europe implies a greatly increased market for all economic operators.\n  VERB: V that, V n\n  = suggest


Words: impolite
Meaning:
im.po.lite\n   impolite\n  If you say that someone is impolite, you mean that they are rather rude and do not have good manners.\nIt is impolite to ask too many questions.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n  !=polite


Words: imponderable
Meaning:
im.pon.der.able\n   imponderable  imponderables\n  An imponderable is something unknown which it is difficult or impossible to estimate or make correct guesses about.\nThey are speculating on the imponderables of the future.\n  N-COUNT


Words: import
Meaning:
im.port\n   import imports importing  imported\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. To import products or raw materials means to buy them from another country for use in your own country.\nBritain last year spent nearly .5000 million more on importing food than selling abroad...\nTo import from Russia, a Ukrainian firm needs Russian roubles.\n...imported goods from Mexico and India.\n  VERB: V n, V from n, V-ed\n  !=export\n  Import is also a noun.\nGermany, however, insists on restrictions on the import of Polish coal...\n  N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl\n  !=export\n=>  im.por.ta.tion\n...restrictions concerning the importation of birds.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n\n\n2. Imports are products or raw materials bought from another country for use in your own country.\n...farmers protesting about cheap imports.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n3. The import of something is its importance. (FORMAL)\nSuch arguments are of little import.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = consequence\n4. If you import files or information into one type of software from another type, you open them in a format that can be used in the new software. (COMPUTING)\nYou can import files from Microsoft Word 5.1 or MacWrite II.\n  VERB: V n\n  !=export\n5. The import of something is its meaning, especially when the meaning is not clearly expressed. (FORMAL)\nI have already spoken about the import of his speech.\n  N-SING: with poss


Words: importance
Meaning:
im.por.tance\n   importance\n1. The importance of something is its quality of being significant, valued, or necessary in a particular situation.\nWe have always stressed the importance of economic reform...\nSafety is of paramount importance.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. Importance means having influence, power, or status.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: important
Meaning:
im.por.tant\n   important\n1. Something that is important is very significant, is highly valued, or is necessary.\nThe planned general strike represents an important economic challenge to the government...\nIt’s important to answer her questions as honestly as you can...\nIt was important that he rest.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n, it v-link ADJ to-inf/that\n\n=>  im.por.tant.ly\nI was hungry, and, more importantly, my children were hungry.\n  ADV\n\n2. Someone who is important has influence or power within a society or a particular group.\n...an important figure in the media world.\n  ADJ


Words: importer
Meaning:
im.port.er\n   importer  importers\n  An importer is a country, firm, or person that buys goods from another country for use in their own country.\n...an importer of exotic food.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: importunate
Meaning:
im.por.tu.nate\n   importunate\n  If you describe someone as importunate, you think they are annoying because they keep trying to get something from you. (FORMAL)\nHis secretary shielded him from importunate visitors.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = troublesome


Words: importune
Meaning:
im.por.tune\n   importune  importunes  importuning  importuned\n  If someone importunes another person, they ask them for something or ask them to do something, in an annoying way. (FORMAL)\nOne can no longer walk the streets without seeing beggars importuning passers by.\n  VERB: V n, also V n to-inf, V n for n  disapproval\n  = pester


Words: impose
Meaning:
im.pose\n   impose  imposes  imposing  imposed\n1. If you impose something on people, you use your authority to force them to accept it.\nBritain imposed fines on airlines which bring in passengers without proper papers...\nMany companies have imposed a pay freeze...\nThe conditions imposed on volunteers were stringent.\n  VERB: V n on n, V n, V-ed\n\n=>  im.po.si.tion\n...the imposition of a ban on cycling in the city centre.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. If you impose your opinions or beliefs on other people, you try and make people accept them as a rule or as a model to copy.\nParents of either sex should beware of imposing their own tastes on their children.\n  VERB: V n on n\n\n3. If something imposes strain, pressure, or suffering on someone, it causes them to experience it.\nThe filming imposed an additional strain on her.\n  VERB: V n on n\n  = inflict\n4. If someone imposes on you, they unreasonably expect you to do something for them which you do not want to do.\nI was afraid you’d simply feel we were imposing on you...\n  VERB: V on/upon n\n\n=>  im.po.si.tion      impositions\nI know this is an imposition. But please hear me out.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If someone imposes themselves on you, they force you to accept their company although you may not want to.\nI didn’t want to impose myself on my married friends.\n  VERB: V pron-refl on n


Words: imposing
Meaning:
im.pos.ing\n   imposing\n  If you describe someone or something as imposing, you mean that they have an impressive appearance or manner.\n...the imposing wrought-iron gates at the entrance to the estate.\n  ADJ


Words: impossible
Meaning:
im.pos.sible\n   impossible\n1. Something that is impossible cannot be done or cannot happen.\nIt was impossible for anyone to get in because no one knew the password...\nHe thinks the tax is impossible to administer...\nKeller is good at describing music.an almost impossible task to do well.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf/that, ADJ to-inf\n  !=possible\n  The impossible is something which is impossible.\nThey were expected to do the impossible...\n  N-SING: the N\n\n=>  im.pos.sibly\nMathematical physics is an almost impossibly difficult subject.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n=>  im.pos.sibil.ity      impossibilities\n...the impossibility of knowing absolute truth.\n  N-VAR: oft the N of n\n\n2. An impossible situation or an impossible position is one that is very difficult to deal with.\nThe Government was now in an almost impossible position.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = hopeless\n3. If you describe someone as impossible, you are annoyed that their bad behaviour or strong views make them difficult to deal with.\nThe woman is impossible, thought Frannie.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = intolerable


Words: impostor
Meaning:
im.pos.tor\n   impostor  impostors   also imposter\n  Someone who is an impostor is dishonestly pretending to be someone else in order to gain an advantage.\nHe was an imposter, who masqueraded as a doctor.\n  N-COUNT


Words: impotence
Meaning:
im.po.tence\n   impotence\n1. Impotence is a lack of power to influence people or events.\n...a sense of impotence in the face of deplorable events.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = powerlessness\n2. Impotence is a man’s sexual problem in which his penis fails to get hard or stay hard.\nImpotence affects 10 million men in the US alone.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: impotent
Meaning:
im.po.tent\n   impotent\n1. If someone feels impotent, they feel that they have no power to influence people or events.\nThe aggression of a bully leaves people feeling hurt, angry and impotent...\n  ADJ\n  = powerless\n2. If a man is impotent, he is unable to have sex normally, because his penis fails to get hard or stay hard.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: impound
Meaning:
im.pound\n   impound  impounds  impounding  impounded\n  If something is impounded by policemen, customs officers or other officials, they officially take possession of it because a law or rule has been broken.\nThe ship was impounded under the terms of the UN trade embargo...\nThe police moved in, arrested him and impounded the cocaine.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n  = confiscate


Words: impoverish
Meaning:
im.pov.er.ish\n   impoverish  impoverishes  impoverishing  impoverished\n1. Something that impoverishes a person or a country makes them poor.\nWe need to reduce the burden of taxes that impoverish the economy.\n...a society impoverished by wartime inflation.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n\n=>  im.pov.er.ished\n...an attempt to lure businesses into impoverished areas.\n  ADJ\n\n2. A person or thing that impoverishes something makes it worse in quality.\n...plants that impoverish the soil quickly.\n  VERB: V n


Words: impoverishment
Meaning:
im.pov.er.ish.ment\n   impoverishment\n  Impoverishment is the state or process of being impoverished.\nNational isolation can only cause economic and cultural impoverishment.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: impracticable
Meaning:
im.prac.ti.cable\n   impracticable\n  If something such as a course of action is impracticable, it is impossible to do.\nSuch measures would be highly impracticable and almost impossible to apply.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: impractical
Meaning:
im.prac.ti.cal\n   impractical\n1. If you describe an object, idea, or course of action as impractical, you mean that it is not sensible or realistic, and does not work well in practice.\nIt became impractical to make a business trip by ocean liner.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n  !=practical\n2. If you describe someone as impractical, you mean that they do not have the abilities or skills to do practical work such as making, repairing, or organizing things.\nGeniuses are supposed to be eccentric and hopelessly impractical.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ\n  !=practical


Words: imprecation
Meaning:
im.pre.ca.tion\n   imprecation  imprecations\n  An imprecation is something rude, angry, or hostile that is said to or about someone. (FORMAL)\n  N-VAR


Words: imprecise
Meaning:
im.pre.cise\n   imprecise\n  Something that is imprecise is not clear, accurate, or precise.\nThe charges were vague and imprecise...\n  ADJ


Words: imprecision
Meaning:
im.pre.ci.sion\n   imprecision\n  Imprecision is the quality of being imprecise.\nThis served to hide the confusion and imprecision in their thinking.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: impregnable
Meaning:
im.preg.nable\n   impregnable\n1. If you describe a building or other place as impregnable, you mean that it cannot be broken into or captured.\nThe old Dutch fort with its thick high walls looks virtually impregnable...\n  ADJ\n  = impenetrable\n2. If you say that a person or group is impregnable, or their position is impregnable, you think they cannot be defeated by anyone.\nThe Bundesbank’s seemingly impregnable position has begun to weaken.\n  ADJ\n  = unassailable


Words: impregnate
Meaning:
im.preg.nate\n   impregnate  impregnates  impregnating  impregnated\n1. If someone or something impregnates a thing with a substance, they make the substance spread through it and stay in it.\nUndercover officers found drug-making equipment used to impregnate paper with LSD.\n  VERB: V n with n\n\n=>  -impregnated\n...nicotine-impregnated chewing gum.\n  COMB in ADJ\n\n2. When a man or a male animal impregnates a female, he makes her pregnant. (FORMAL)\nNorman’s efforts to impregnate her failed.\n  VERB: V n


Words: impresario
Meaning:
im.pre.sa.rio\n   impresario  impresarios\n  An impresario is a person who arranges for plays, concerts, and other entertainments to be performed.\n  N-COUNT


Words: impress
Meaning:
im.press\n   impress  impresses  impressing  impressed\n1. If something impresses you, you feel great admiration for it.\nWhat impressed him most was their speed...\nCannon’s film impresses on many levels.\n  VERB: V n, V\n\n=>  im.pressed\nI was very impressed by one young man at my lectures...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ by/with n\n\n2. If you impress something on someone, you make them understand its importance or degree.\nI had always impressed upon the children that if they worked hard they would succeed in life...\nI’ve impressed upon them the need for more professionalism...\nI impressed on him what a huge honour he was being offered.\n  VERB: V on/upon n that, V on/upon n n, V on/upon n wh\n\n3. If something impresses itself on your mind, you notice and remember it.\nBut this change has not yet impressed itself on the minds of the British public.\n  VERB: V pron-refl on n\n\n4. If someone or something impresses you as a particular thing, usually a good one, they gives you the impression of being that thing.\nBilly Sullivan had impressed me as a fine man.\n  VERB: V n as n/-ing


Words: impression
Meaning:
im.pres.sion\n   impression  impressions\n1. Your impression of a person or thing is what you think they are like, usually after having seen or heard them. Your impression of a situation is what you think is going on.\nWhat were your first impressions of college?...\nMy impression is that they are totally out of control...\n  N-COUNT: oft poss N, N of n, N that\n\n2. If someone gives you a particular impression, they cause you to believe that something is the case, often when it is not.\nI don’t want to give the impression that I’m running away from the charges...\n  N-SING: usu with supp, oft N that, N of n\n\n3. An impression is an amusing imitation of someone’s behaviour or way of talking, usually someone well-known.\nHe did impressions of Sean Connery and James Mason.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n  = impersonation\n4. An impression of an object is a mark or outline that it has left after being pressed hard onto a surface.\n...the world’s oldest fossil impressions of plant life.\n  N-COUNT\n\n5. If someone or something makes an impression, they have a strong effect on people or a situation.\nThe aid coming in has made no impression on the horrific death rates.\n  PHRASE: V inflects\n\n6. If you are under the impression that something is the case, you believe that it is the case, usually when it is not actually the case.\nHe had apparently been under the impression that a military coup was in progress.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR, usu PHR that


Words: impressionable
Meaning:
im.pres.sion.able\n   impressionable\n  Someone who is impressionable, usually a young person, is not very critical and is therefore easy to influence.\nThe law is intended to protect young and impressionable viewers.\n  ADJ


Words: Impressionism
Meaning:
Im.pres.sion.ism\n   Impressionism\n  Impressionism is a style of painting developed in France between 1870 and 1900 which concentrated on showing the effects of light on things rather than on clear and exact detail.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: Impressionist
Meaning:
Im.pres.sion.ist\n   Impressionist  Impressionists\n1. An Impressionist is an artist who painted in the style of Impressionism.\n...the French Impressionists.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An Impressionist painting is by an Impressionist or is in the style of Impressionism.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: impressionist
Meaning:
im.pres.sion.ist\n   impressionist  impressionists\n  An impressionist is an entertainer who does amusing imitations of well-known people.\n  N-COUNT


Words: impressionistic
Meaning:
im.pres.sion.is.tic\n   impressionistic\n  An impressionistic work of art or piece of writing shows the artist’s or writer’s impressions of something rather than giving clear details.\nHis paintings had become more impressionistic as his eyesight dimmed.\n  ADJ


Words: impressive
Meaning:
im.pres.sive\n   impressive\n  Something that is impressive impresses you, for example because it is great in size or degree, or is done with a great deal of skill.\nIt is an impressive achievement...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  im.pres.sive.ly\n...an impressively bright and energetic American woman called Cathie Gould...\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v


Words: imprimatur
Meaning:
im.pri.ma.tur\n   imprimatur  imprimaturs\n  If something such as a product has someone’s imprimatur, that person has given it their official approval, for example by allowing their name to be shown on it.\n...a tennis racket bearing Andre Agassi’s imprimatur.\n  N-COUNT: usu poss N


Words: imprint
Meaning:
im.print\n   imprint imprints imprinting  imprinted\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. If something leaves an imprint on a place or on your mind, it has a strong and lasting effect on it.\nThe city bears the imprint of Japanese investment...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, usu N of/on n\n\n2. When something is imprinted on your memory, it is firmly fixed in your memory so that you will not forget it.\nThe skyline of domes and minarets was imprinted on my memory...\nHe repeated the names, as if to imprint them in his mind...\n  VERB: be V-ed on/in n, V n on/in n\n\n3. An imprint is a mark or outline made by the pressure of one object on another.\nThe ground still bore the imprints of their feet.\n  N-COUNT\n\n4. If a surface is imprinted with a mark or design, that mark or design is printed on the surface or pressed into it.\nStationery can be imprinted with your message or logo...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed with/on n


Words: imprison
Meaning:
im.pris.on\n   imprison  imprisons  imprisoning  imprisoned\n  If someone is imprisoned, they are locked up or kept somewhere, usually in prison as a punishment for a crime or for political opposition.\nThe local priest was imprisoned for 18 months on charges of anti-state agitation...\nDutch colonial authorities imprisoned him for his part in the independence movement.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n


Words: imprisonment
Meaning:
im.pris.on.ment\n   imprisonment\n  Imprisonment is the state of being imprisoned.\nShe was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: improbable
Meaning:
im.prob.able\n   improbable\n1. Something that is improbable is unlikely to be true or to happen.\n...a highly improbable coincidence...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ that\n  = unlikely  !=probable, likely\n=>  im.prob.abil.ity      improbabilities\n...the improbability of such an outcome.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you describe something as improbable, you mean it is strange, unusual, or ridiculous.\nOn the face of it, their marriage seems an improbable alliance.\n  ADJ\n  = unlikely\n=>  im.prob.ably\nThe sea is an improbably pale turquoise...\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v, ADV with cl


Words: impromptu
Meaning:
im.promp.tu\n   impromptu\n  An impromptu action is one that you do without planning or organizing it in advance.\nThis afternoon the Palestinians held an impromptu press conference...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: improper
Meaning:
im.prop.er\n   improper\n1. Improper activities are illegal or dishonest. (FORMAL)\n25 officers were investigated following allegations of improper conduct during the murder inquiry...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  im.prop.er.ly\nI acted neither fraudulently nor improperly.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Improper conditions or methods of treatment are not suitable or good enough for a particular purpose. (FORMAL)\nThe improper use of medicine could lead to severe adverse reactions.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = inappropriate\n=>  im.prop.er.ly\nThe study confirmed many reports that doctors were improperly trained...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n3. If you describe someone’s behaviour as improper, you mean that it is rude or shocking. (OLD-FASHIONED)\nHe would never be improper, he is always the perfect gentleman.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = indecent


Words: impropriety
Meaning:
im.pro.pri.ety\n   impropriety  improprieties\n  Impropriety is improper behaviour. (FORMAL)\nHe resigned amid allegations of financial impropriety.\n  N-VAR


Words: improv
Meaning:
im.prov\n   improv\n  Improv is acting or singing in which someone invents the words or music as they speak. Improv is an abbreviation for `improvisation’. (INFORMAL)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: improve
Meaning:
im.prove\n   improve  improves  improving  improved\n1. If something improves or if you improve it, it gets better.\nBoth the texture and condition of your hair should improve...\nTime won’t improve the situation...\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n2. If a skill you have improves or you improve a skill, you get better at it.\nTheir French has improved enormously...\nHe said he was going to improve his football.\n  VERB: V, V n\n\n3. If you improve after an illness or an injury, your health gets better or you get stronger.\nHe had improved so much the doctor had cut his dosage.\n  VERB: V\n  = recover\n4. If you improve on a previous achievement of your own or of someone else, you achieve a better standard or result.\nWe need to improve on our performance against France.\n  VERB: V on n


Words: improvement
Meaning:
im.prove.ment\n   improvement  improvements\n1. If there is an improvement in something, it becomes better. If you make improvements to something, you make it better.\n...the dramatic improvements in organ transplantation in recent years...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If you say that something is an improvement on a previous thing or situation, you mean that it is better than that thing.\nThe new Prime Minister is an improvement on his predecessor...\n  N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N on n


Words: improvise
Meaning:
im.pro.vise\n   improvise  improvises  improvising  improvised\n1. If you improvise, you make or do something using whatever you have or without having planned it in advance.\nYou need a wok with a steaming rack for this; if you don’t have one, improvise...\nThe vet had improvised a harness...\n...an improvised stone shelter.\n  VERB: V, V n, V-ed\n\n=>  im.provi.sa.tion      improvisations\nFunds were not abundant and clever improvisation was necessary.\n  N-VAR\n\n2. When performers improvise, they invent music or words as they play, sing, or speak.\nI asked her what the piece was and she said, `Oh, I’m just improvising’...\nUncle Richard intoned a chapter from the Bible and improvised a prayer...\nI think that the art of a storyteller is to take the story and improvise on it.\n  VERB: V, V n, V on n\n\n=>  im.provi.sa.tion      improvisations\n...an improvisation on `Jingle Bells’.\n  N-VAR: oft N on n


Words: imprudent
Meaning:
im.pru.dent\n   imprudent\n  If you describe someone’s behaviour as imprudent, you think it is not sensible or carefully thought out. (FORMAL)\n...an imprudent investment...\n  ADJ\n  = unwise


Words: impudent
Meaning:
im.pu.dent\n   impudent\n  If you describe someone as impudent, you mean they are rude or disrespectful, or do something they have no right to do. (FORMAL)\nSome of them were impudent and insulting.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = cheeky\n=>  im.pu.dence\nOne sister had the impudence to wear the other’s clothes.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = cheek


Words: impugn
Meaning:
im.pugn\n   impugn  impugns  impugning  impugned\n  If you impugn something such as someone’s motives or integrity, you imply that they are not entirely honest or honourable. (FORMAL)\nThe Secretary’s letter questions my veracity and impugns my motives...\n  VERB: V n


Words: impulse
Meaning:
im.pulse\n   impulse  impulses\n1. An impulse is a sudden desire to do something.\nUnable to resist the impulse, he glanced at the sea again...\n  N-VAR: oft N to-inf\n\n2. An impulse is a short electrical signal that is sent along a wire or nerve or through the air, usually as one of a series.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. An impulse buy or impulse purchase is something that you decide to buy when you see it, although you had not planned to buy it.\nThe curtains were an impulse buy.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n4. If you do something on impulse, you suddenly decide to do it, without planning it.\nSean’s a fast thinker, and he acts on impulse...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v


Words: impulsive
Meaning:
im.pul.sive\n   impulsive\n  If you describe someone as impulsive, you mean that they do things suddenly without thinking about them carefully first.\nHe is too impulsive to be a responsible prime minister...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  im.pul.sive.ly\nHe studied her face for a moment, then said impulsively: `Let’s get married’...\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n=>  im.pul.sive.ness\nThe president’s impulsiveness often worries his advisers.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: impunity
Meaning:
im.pu.nity\n   impunity\n  If you say that someone does something with impunity, you disapprove of the fact that they are not punished for doing something bad.\nThese gangs operate with apparent impunity.\n  PHRASE: PHR after v  disapproval


Words: impure
Meaning:
im.pure\n   impure\n  A substance that is impure is not of good quality because it has other substances mixed with it.\n  ADJ


Words: impurity
Meaning:
im.pu.rity\n   impurity  impurities\n1. Impurities are substances that are present in small quantities in another substance and make it dirty or of an unacceptable quality.\nThe air in the factory is filtered to remove impurities.\n  N-COUNT: usu pl\n\n2. Impurity is the state of being no longer pure, especially sexually pure.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: impute
Meaning:
im.pute\n   impute  imputes  imputing  imputed\n  If you impute something such as blame or a crime to someone, you say that they are responsible for it or are the cause of it. (FORMAL)\nIt is grossly unfair to impute blame to the United Nations.\n  VERB: V n to n\n  = attribute


Words: in
Meaning:
POSITION OR MOVEMENT\n   in\nIn addition to the uses shown below, in is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information. In is also used with verbs of movement such as `walk’ and `push’, and in phrasal verbs such as `give in’ and `dig in’.\n1. Someone or something that is in something else is enclosed by it or surrounded by it. If you put something in a container, you move it so that it is enclosed by the container.\nHe was in his car.\n...clothes hanging in the wardrobe...\n  PREP\n\n2. If something happens in a place, it happens there.\nWe spent a few days in a hotel...\nHe had intended to take a holiday in America...\n  PREP\n\n3. If you are in, you are present at your home or place of work.\nMy flatmate was in at the time...\n  ADV: be ADV\n  !=out\n4. When someone comes in, they enter a room or building.\nShe looked up anxiously as he came in...\nThey shook hands and went in.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n5. If a train, boat, or plane has come in or is in, it has arrived at a station, port, or airport.\nWe’d be watching every plane coming in from Melbourne...\nLook. The train’s in. We’ll have to run for it now.\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV\n\n6. When the sea or tide comes in, the sea moves towards the shore rather than away from it.\nShe thought of the tide rushing in, covering the wet sand...\n  ADV: ADV after v, be ADV\n  !=out\n7. Something that is in a window, especially a shop window, is just behind the window so that you can see it from outside.\nThere was a camera for sale in the window.\n  PREP\n\n8. When you see something in a mirror, the mirror shows an image of it.\nI couldn’t bear to see my reflection in the mirror...\n  PREP\n\n9. If you are dressed in a piece of clothing, you are wearing it.\nHe was a big man, smartly dressed in a suit and tie.\n  PREP: oft -ed PREP n\n\n10. Something that is covered or wrapped in something else has that thing over or round its surface.\nHis legs were covered in mud.\n  PREP: oft -ed PREP n\n\n11. If there is something such as a crack or hole in something, there is a crack or hole on its surface.\nThere was a deep crack in the ceiling above him.\n  PREP\n\nOTHER USES AND PHRASES\n   in  ins\n1. If you say that something is in, or is the in thing, you mean it is fashionable or popular. (INFORMAL)\nA few years ago jogging was the in thing...\n  ADJ\n\n2. You use in with a present participle to indicate that when you do something, something else happens as a result.\nIn working with others, you find out more about yourself.\n  PREP: PREP -ing\n\n3. If you say that someone is in for a shock or a surprise, you mean that they are going to experience it.\nYou might be in for a shock at the sheer hard work involved...\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n4. If someone has it in for you, they dislike you and try to cause problems for you. (INFORMAL)\nThe other kids had it in for me.\n  PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n\n\n5. If you are in on something, you are involved in it or know about it.\nI don’t know. I wasn’t in on that particular argument...\n  PREP-PHRASE: v-link PREP n, v n PREP n\n\n6. If you are in with a person or group, they like you and accept you, and are likely to help you. (INFORMAL)\n  PHRASE: PHR n\n\n7. You use in that to introduce an explanation of a statement you have just made.\nI’m lucky in that I’ve got four sisters.\n  PHRASE\n\n8. The ins and outs of a situation are all the detailed points and facts about it.\n...the ins and outs of high finance...\n  PHRASE: usu the PHR of n/-ing\n\nTIME AND NUMBERS\n   in\n1. If something happens in a particular year, month, or other period of time, it happens during that time.\n...that early spring day in April 1949...\nExport orders improved in the last month...\nIn the evening, the people assemble in the mosques...\n  PREP\n\n2. If something happens in a particular situation, it happens while that situation is going on.\nHis father had been badly wounded in the last war.\n...issues you struggle with in your daily life.\n  PREP\n\n3. If you do something in a particular period of time, that is how long it takes you to do it.\nHe walked two hundred and sixty miles in eight days.\n  PREP: PREP amount\n\n4. If something will happen in a particular length of time, it will happen after that length of time.\nI’ll have some breakfast ready in a few minutes...\nThey’ll be back in six months.\n  PREP: PREP amount\n\n5. You use in to indicate roughly how old someone is. For example, if someone is in their fifties, they are between 50 and 59 years old.\n...young people in their twenties.\n  PREP: PREP poss pl-num\n\n6. You use in to indicate roughly how many people or things do something.\n...men who came there in droves...\n  PREP: oft PREP num\n\n7. You use in to express a ratio, proportion, or probability.\nLast year, one in five boys left school without a qualification...\n  PREP: num PREP num\n\nSTATES AND QUALITIES\n   in\n1. If something or someone is in a particular state or situation, that is their present state or situation.\nThe economy was in trouble...\nDave was in a hurry to get back to work...\nTheir equipment was in poor condition...\n  PREP: v-link PREP n\n\n2. You use in to indicate the feeling or desire which someone has when they do something, or which causes them to do it.\nSimpson looked at them in surprise...\nChris was weeping in anger and grief...\n  PREP\n\n3. If a particular quality or ability is in you, you naturally have it.\nViolence is not in his nature...\n  PREP: oft PREP pron to-inf\n\n4. You use in when saying that someone or something has a particular quality.\nHe had all the qualities I was looking for in a partner...\n`I don’t agree,’ she said, surprised at the strength in her own voice...\n  PREP\n\n5. You use in to indicate how someone is expressing something.\nInformation is given to the patient verbally and in writing.\n...lessons in languages other than Spanish.\n  PREP\n\n6. You use in in expressions such as in a row or in a ball to describe the arrangement or shape of something.\nThe cards need to be laid out in two rows...\nHer ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line...\n  PREP\n\n7. If something is in a particular colour, it has that colour.\n...white flowers edged in pink...\n  PREP: oft -ed PREP colour\n\n8. You use in to specify which feature or aspect of something you are talking about.\nThe movie is nearly two hours in length...\nThere is a big difference in the amounts that banks charge.\n...a real increase in the standard of living...\n  PREP\n\nINCLUSION OR INVOLVEMENT\n   in\n1. If something is in a book, film, play, or picture, you can read it or see it there.\nDon’t stick too precisely to what it says in the book.\n  PREP\n\n2. If you are in something such as a play or a race, you are one of the people taking part.\nAlf offered her a part in the play he was directing...\nMore than fifteen thousand people took part in the memorial service.\n  PREP\n\n3. Something that is in a group or collection is a member of it or part of it.\nThe New England team are the worst in the league.\n  PREP\n\n4. You use in to specify a general subject or field of activity.\n...those working in the defence industry.\n...future developments in medicine.\n  PREP


Words: in extremis
Meaning:
in ex.tre.mis\n   in extremis\n  If someone or something is in extremis, they are in a very difficult situation and have to use extreme methods. (FORMAL)\nThe use of antibiotics is permitted only in extremis.\n  PHRASE: PHR with v


Words: in situ
Meaning:
in situ\n  If something remains in situ, especially while something is done to it, it remains where it is. (FORMAL)\nMajor works of painting, sculpture, mosaic and architecture were examined in situ in Venice.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n  In situ is also an adjective.\n...technical data derived from laboratory and in-situ experimentation.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: in tray
Meaning:
in tray  in trays   also in-tray\n  An in tray is a shallow container used in offices to put letters and documents in before they are dealt with. Compare out tray.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=out tray


Words: in vitro
Meaning:
in vi.tro\n   in vitro\n  In vitro fertilization is a method of helping a woman to have a baby in which an egg is removed from one of her ovaries, fertilized outside her body, and then replaced in her womb.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: in-
Meaning:
in-\n  In- is added to some words to form words with the opposite meaning. For example, something that is incorrect is not correct.\n...incomplete answers.\n...women who are insecure about themselves.\n  PREFIX


Words: in-flight
Meaning:
in-flight   also inflight\n  In-flight services are ones that are provided on board an aeroplane.\n...an inflight magazine.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: in-house
Meaning:
In-house work or activities are done by employees of an organization or company, rather than by workers outside the organization or company.\nA lot of companies do in-house training.\n  ADJ\n\n  In-house is also an adverb.\nThe magazine is still produced in-house.\n  ADV


Words: in-laws
Meaning:
in-laws\n  Your in-laws are the parents and close relatives of your husband or wife.\n  N-PLURAL: usu poss N


Words: in-patient
Meaning:
in-patient  in-patients\nin AM and sometimes in BRIT, use inpatient\n  An in-patient is someone who stays in hospital while they receive their treatment.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=out-patient\n  In-patient is also an adjective.\n...inpatient hospital care.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: in-service
Meaning:
in-service\n  If people working in a particular profession are given in-service training, they attend special courses to improve their skills or to learn about new developments in their field.\n...in-service courses for teachers.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: in-store
Meaning:
also instore\n  In-store facilities are facilities that are available within a department store, supermarket or other large shop.\n...in-store banking.\n...an instore bakery.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  In-store is also an adverb.\nAsk in-store for details.\n  ADV: ADV after v


Words: in-your-face
Meaning:
in-your-face   also in-yer-face\n  Someone who has an in-your-face attitude seems determined to behave in a way that is unusual or shocking, and does not care what people think of them. (INFORMAL)\nIt’s in-your-face feminism, and it’s meant to shock.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: in.
Meaning:
in. is a written abbreviation for inch. The plural can be `in.’ or `ins’.\n...30.4 x 25.4 cm (12 x 10 in)...\nIt is 24 ins wide and 16 ins high.


Words: inability
Meaning:
in.abil.ity\n   inability\n  If you refer to someone’s inability to do something, you are referring to the fact that they are unable to do it.\nHer inability to concentrate could cause an accident.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N to-inf, usu with poss\n  !=ability


Words: inaccessible
Meaning:
in.ac.ces.sible\n   inaccessible\n1. An inaccessible place is very difficult or impossible to reach.\n...the remote, inaccessible areas of the Andes rainforests.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n\n=>  in.ac.ces.sibil.ity\nIts inaccessibility makes food distribution difficult.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If something is inaccessible, you are unable to see, use, or buy it.\nNinety-five per cent of its magnificent collection will remain inaccessible to the public...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n\n  = unavailable\n=>  in.ac.ces.sibil.ity\n...the problem of inaccessibility of essential goods.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n\n\n3. Someone or something that is inaccessible is difficult or impossible to understand or appreciate.\n...using language that is inaccessible to working people.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n  disapproval\n\n=>  in.ac.ces.sibil.ity\n...the inaccessibility of his literature.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: inaccuracy
Meaning:
in.ac.cu.ra.cy\n   inaccuracy  inaccuracies\n  The inaccuracy of a statement or measurement is the fact that it is not accurate or correct.\nHe was disturbed by the inaccuracy of the answers...\n  N-VAR\n  !=accuracy


Words: inaccurate
Meaning:
in.ac.cu.rate\n   inaccurate\n  If a statement or measurement is inaccurate, it is not accurate or correct.\nThe book is both inaccurate and exaggerated...\n  ADJ\n  !=accurate\n=>  in.ac.cu.rate.ly\nHe claimed his remarks had been reported inaccurately.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: inaction
Meaning:
in.ac.tion\n   inaction\n  If you refer to someone’s inaction, you disapprove of the fact that they are doing nothing.\nHe is bitter about the inaction of the other political parties.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss  disapproval


Words: inactive
Meaning:
in.ac.tive\n   inactive\n  Someone or something that is inactive is not doing anything or is not working.\nHe certainly was not politically inactive...\n  ADJ\n  !=active\n=>  in.ac.tiv.ity\nThe players have comparatively long periods of inactivity.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=activity


Words: inadequacy
Meaning:
in.ad.equa.cy\n   inadequacy  inadequacies\n1. The inadequacy of something is the fact that there is not enough of it, or that it is not good enough.\n...the inadequacy of the water supply...\n  N-VAR: oft the N of n\n  = deficiency  !=adequacy\n2. If someone has feelings of inadequacy, they feel that they do not have the qualities and abilities necessary to do something or to cope with life in general.\n...his deep-seated sense of inadequacy.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = accidentally


Words: inadequate
Meaning:
in.ad.equate\n   inadequate\n1. If something is inadequate, there is not enough of it or it is not good enough.\nSupplies of food and medicines are inadequate...\n  ADJ\n  = deficient  !=adequate\n=>  in.ad.equate.ly\nThe projects were inadequately funded.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If someone feels inadequate, they feel that they do not have the qualities and abilities necessary to do something or to cope with life in general.\nI still feel inadequate, useless and mixed up...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: inadmissible
Meaning:
in.ad.mis.si.ble\n   inadmissible\n1. Inadmissible evidence cannot be used in a court of law.\nThe judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible.\n  ADJ\n  !=admissible\n2. If you say that something that someone says or does is inadmissible, you think that it is totally unacceptable.\nHe said the use of force would be inadmissible.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ  disapproval


Words: inadvertent
Meaning:
in.ad.vert.ent\n   inadvertent\n  An inadvertent action is one that you do without realizing what you are doing.\nThe government has said it was an inadvertent error.\n  ADJ\n  = unintentional  !=deliberate\n=>  in.ad.vert.ent.ly\nI inadvertently pressed the wrong button.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n  = accidentally


Words: inadvisable
Meaning:
in.ad.vis.able\n   inadvisable\n  A course of action that is inadvisable should not be carried out because it is not wise or sensible.\nFor three days, it was inadvisable to leave the harbour.\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n  = unwise  !=advisable


Words: inalienable
Meaning:
in.al.ien.able\n   inalienable\n  If you say that someone has an inalienable right to something, you are emphasizing that they have a right to it which cannot be changed or taken away. (FORMAL)\nHe said the republic now had an inalienable right to self-determination.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  emphasis


Words: inane
Meaning:
in.ane\n   inane\n  If you describe someone’s behaviour or actions as inane, you think they are very silly or stupid.\nHe always had this inane grin...\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  = idiotic\n=>  in.ane.ly\nHe lurched through the bar, grinning inanely.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n=>  in.an.ity\n...the inanity of the conversation.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: inanimate
Meaning:
in.ani.mate\n   inanimate\n  An inanimate object is one that has no life.\nHe thought of the baby almost as an inanimate object.\n  ADJ\n  !=animate


Words: inapplicable
Meaning:
in.ap.pli.cable\n   inapplicable\n  Something that is inapplicable to what you are talking about is not relevant or appropriate to it.\nHis theory was inapplicable to many underdeveloped economies.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n\n  = irrelevant  !=applicable


Words: inappropriate
Meaning:
in.ap.pro.pri.ate\n   inappropriate\n1. Something that is inappropriate is not useful or suitable for a particular situation or purpose.\nThere is no suggestion that clients have been sold inappropriate policies.\n  ADJ\n  !=appropriate\n=>  in.ap.pro.pri.ate.ly\nHe was dressed inappropriately for the heat in a dark suit.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you say that someone’s speech or behaviour in a particular situation is inappropriate, you are criticizing it because you think it is not suitable for that situation.\nI feel the remark was inappropriate for such a serious issue...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ for n, it v-link ADJ to-inf  disapproval\n\n=>  in.ap.pro.pri.ate.ly\nYou have the law on your side if the bank is acting inappropriately.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj


Words: inarticulate
Meaning:
in.ar.ticu.late\n   inarticulate\n  If someone is inarticulate, they are unable to express themselves easily or well in speech.\nInarticulate and rather shy, he had always dreaded speaking in public...\n  ADJ\n  !=articulate


Words: inasmuch as
Meaning:
in.as.much as\n   inasmuch as\n  You use inasmuch as to introduce a statement which explains something you have just said, and adds to it. (FORMAL)\nThis was a good decision inasmuch as it worked for you.\n  PHRASE\n  = insofar as


Words: inattention
Meaning:
in.at.ten.tion\n   inattention\n  A person’s inattention is their lack of attention.\nVital evidence had been lost through a moment’s inattention.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  !=attention


Words: inattentive
Meaning:
in.at.ten.tive\n   inattentive\n  Someone who is inattentive is not paying complete attention to a person or thing, which often causes an accident or problems.\n  ADJ\n  !=attentive


Words: inaudible
Meaning:
in.audible\n   inaudible\n  If a sound is inaudible, you are unable to hear it.\nHis voice was almost inaudible...\n  ADJ\n  !=audible


Words: inaugural
Meaning:
in.augu.ral\n   inaugural\n  An inaugural meeting or speech is the first meeting of a new organization or the first speech by the new leader of an organization or a country.\nIn his inaugural address, the President appealed for unity.\n  ADJ: ADJ n


Words: inaugurate
Meaning:
in.augu.rate\n   inaugurate  inaugurates  inaugurating  inaugurated\n1. When a new leader is inaugurated, they are formally given their new position at an official ceremony.\nThe new President will be inaugurated on January 20.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n\n=>  in.augu.ra.tion      inaugurations\n...the inauguration of the new Governor.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n, N n\n\n2. When a new building or institution is inaugurated, it is declared open in a formal ceremony.\nA new centre for research on toxic waste was inaugurated today at Imperial College.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed\n  = open\n=>  in.augu.ra.tion\nThey later attended the inauguration of the University.\n  N-COUNT: usu N of n\n\n3. If you inaugurate a new system or service, you start it. (FORMAL)\nPan Am inaugurated the first scheduled international flight.\n  VERB: V n


Words: inauspicious
Meaning:
in.aus.pi.cious\n   inauspicious\n  An inauspicious event is one that gives signs that success is unlikely. (FORMAL)\nThe meeting got off to an inauspicious start when he was late.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=auspicious


Words: inboard
Meaning:
in.board\n   inboard\n  An inboard motor or engine is inside a boat rather than attached to the outside.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=outboard


Words: inborn
Meaning:
in.born\n   inborn\n  Inborn qualities are natural ones which you are born with.\nHe had an inborn talent for languages...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = innate, inbred


Words: inbound
Meaning:
in.bound\n   inbound\n  An inbound flight is one that is arriving from another place.\n...a special inbound flight from Honduras.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=outbound


Words: inbred
Meaning:
in.bred\n   inbred\n1. Inbred means the same as inborn.\n...behaviour patterns that are inbred.\n  ADJ\n  = innate, inborn\n2. People who are inbred have ancestors who are all closely related to each other.\nThe whole population is so inbred that no genetic differences remain...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: inbreeding
Meaning:
in.breed.ing\n   inbreeding\n  Inbreeding is the repeated breeding of closely related animals or people.\nIn the 19th century, inbreeding nearly led to the extinction of the royal family.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: inbuilt
Meaning:
in.built\n   inbuilt   also in-built\n  An inbuilt quality is one that someone has from the time they were born or that something has from the time it was produced. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use built-in)\nThe children had this inbuilt awareness that not everyone was as lucky as they were.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: Inc.
Meaning:
Inc. is an abbreviation for Incorporated when it is used after a company’s name. (AM BUSINESS)\n...BP America Inc.


Words: inc.
Meaning:
In written advertisements, inc. is an abbreviation for including.\n...a two-night break for .210 per person, inc. breakfast and dinner.\n\n  = incl.


Words: incalculable
Meaning:
in.cal.cu.lable\n   incalculable\n  Something that is incalculable cannot be calculated or estimated because it is so great.\nHe warned that the effects of any war would be incalculable...\n  ADJ\n  = inestimable


Words: incandescent
Meaning:
in.can.des.cent\n   incandescent\n1. Incandescent substances or devices give out a lot of light when heated. (TECHNICAL)\n...incandescent gases.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe someone or something as incandescent, you mean that they are very lively and impressive. (LITERARY)\nGill had an extraordinary, incandescent personality.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  in.can.des.cence\nShe burned with an incandescence that had nothing to do with her looks.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n3. If you say that someone is incandescent with rage, you mean that they are extremely angry. (LITERARY)\nIt makes me incandescent with fury.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n


Words: incantation
Meaning:
in.can.ta.tion\n   incantation  incantations\n  An incantation is a series of words that a person says or sings as a magic spell. (FORMAL)\n...strange prayers and incantations.\n  N-COUNT\n  = chant


Words: incapable
Meaning:
in.ca.pable\n   incapable\n1. Someone who is incapable of doing something is unable to do it.\nShe seemed incapable of taking decisions...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ of -ing\n  !=capable\n2. An incapable person is weak or stupid.\nHe lost his job for allegedly being incapable.\n  ADJ\n  !=capable


Words: incapacitate
Meaning:
in.ca.paci.tate\n   incapacitate  incapacitates  incapacitating  incapacitated\n  If something incapacitates you, it weakens you in some way, so that you cannot do certain things. (FORMAL)\nA serious fall incapacitated the 68-year-old congressman.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  in.ca.paci.tat.ed\nHe is incapacitated and can’t work.\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ


Words: incapacity
Meaning:
in.ca.pac.ity\n   incapacity\n  The incapacity of a person, society, or system to do something is their inability to do it. (FORMAL)\n...Europe’s incapacity to take collective action...\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss, oft N to-inf\n  = inability


Words: incarcerate
Meaning:
in.car.cer.ate\n   incarcerate  incarcerates  incarcerating  incarcerated\n  If people are incarcerated, they are kept in a prison or other place. (FORMAL)\nThey were incarcerated for the duration of the war...\nIt can cost $40,000 to $50,000 to incarcerate a prisoner for a year.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n  = imprison\n=>  in.car.cera.tion\n...her mother’s incarceration in a psychiatric hospital.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = imprisonment


Words: incarnate
Meaning:
in.car.nate\n   incarnate incarnates  incarnating  incarnated\nThe adjective is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. If you say that someone is a quality incarnate, you mean that they represent that quality or are typical of it in an extreme form.\nShe is evil incarnate...\n  ADJ: n ADJ\n  = personified\n2. You use incarnate to say that something, especially a god or spirit, is represented in human form.\nWhy should God become incarnate as a male?...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, n ADJ, ADJ n\n\n3. If you say that a quality is incarnated in a person, you mean that they represent that quality or are typical of it in an extreme form.\nThe iniquities of the regime are incarnated in one man.\n...a writer who incarnates the changing consciousness of the Americas.\n  VERB: be V-ed in n, V n\n  = embody\n4. If you say that someone or something is incarnated in a particular form, you mean that they appear on earth in that form.\nThe god Vishnu was incarnated on earth as a king.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed prep


Words: incarnation
Meaning:
in.car.na.tion\n   incarnation  incarnations\n1. If you say that someone is the incarnation of a particular quality, you mean that they represent that quality or are typical of it in an extreme form.\nThe regime was the very incarnation of evil...\n  N-COUNT: N of n\n  = embodiment\n2. An incarnation is an instance of being alive on earth in a particular form. Some religions believe that people have several incarnations in different forms.\nShe began recalling a series of previous incarnations...\n  N-COUNT


Words: incautious
Meaning:
in.cau.tious\n   incautious\n  If you say that someone is incautious, you are criticizing them because they do or say something without thinking or planning. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n  disapproval\n  = rash  !=cautious\n=>  in.cau.tious.ly\nIncautiously, Crook had asked where she was.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: incendiary
Meaning:
in.cen.di.ary\n   incendiary  incendiaries\n1. Incendiary weapons or attacks are ones that cause large fires.\nFive incendiary devices were found in her house.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. An incendiary is an incendiary bomb.\nA shower of incendiaries struck the Opera House.\n  N-COUNT


Words: incense
Meaning:
in.cense\n   incense incenses  incensing  incensed\nThe noun is pronounced   The verb is pronounced\n1. Incense is a substance that is burned for its sweet smell, often as part of a religious ceremony.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. If you say that something incenses you, you mean that it makes you extremely angry.\nThis proposal will incense conservation campaigners.\n  VERB: V n\n  = enrage\n=>  in.censed\nMum was incensed at his lack of compassion...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ at/by n, ADJ that


Words: incentive
Meaning:
in.cen.tive\n   incentive  incentives\n  If something is an incentive to do something, it encourages you to do it.\nThere is little or no incentive to adopt such measures...\n  N-VAR: oft N to-inf\n  = inducement


Words: inception
Meaning:
in.cep.tion\n   inception\n  The inception of an institution or activity is the start of it. (FORMAL)\nSince its inception the company has produced 53 different aircraft designs.\n  N-UNCOUNT: with poss


Words: incessant
Meaning:
in.ces.sant\n   incessant\n  An incessant process or activity is one that continues without stopping.\n...incessant rain.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = constant  !=intermittent\n=>  in.ces.sant.ly\nDee talked incessantly.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v


Words: incest
Meaning:
in.cest\n   incest\n  Incest is the crime of two members of the same family having sexual intercourse, for example a father and daughter, or a brother and sister.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: incestuous
Meaning:
in.ces.tu.ous\n   incestuous\n1. An incestuous relationship is one involving sexual intercourse between two members of the same family, for example a father and daughter, or a brother and sister.\nThey accused her of an incestuous relationship with her father.\n  ADJ\n\n2. If you describe a group of people as incestuous, you disapprove of the fact that they are not interested in ideas or people from outside the group.\nIts inhabitants are a close and incestuous lot...\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: inch
Meaning:
inch  inches  inching  inched\n1. An inch is an imperial unit of length, approximately equal to 2.54 centimetres. There are twelve inches in a foot.\n...18 inches below the surface.\n  N-COUNT: num N, oft N of n\n\n2. To inch somewhere or to inch something somewhere means to move there very slowly and carefully, or to make something do this.\n...a climber inching up a vertical wall of rock...\nHe inched the van forward...\nAn ambulance inched its way through the crowd.\n  VERB: V prep/adv, V n prep/adv, V way prep/adv\n\n3. If you say that someone looks every inch a certain type of person, you are emphasizing that they look exactly like that kind of person.\nHe looks every inch the City businessman...\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR n  emphasis\n\n4. If someone or something moves inch by inch, they move very slowly and carefully.\nThe car moved forward inch by inch...\n  PHRASE: PHR after v  emphasis


Words: inchoate
Meaning:
in.cho.ate\n   inchoate\n  If something is inchoate, it is recent or new, and vague or not yet properly developed. (FORMAL)\nHis dreams were senseless and inchoate.\n  ADJ\n  = unformed


Words: incidence
Meaning:
in.ci.dence\n   incidence  incidences\n  The incidence of something bad, such as a disease, is the frequency with which it occurs, or the occasions when it occurs.\nThe incidence of breast cancer increases with age.\n  N-VAR


Words: incident
Meaning:
in.ci.dent\n   incident  incidents\n  An incident is something that happens, often something that is unpleasant. (FORMAL)\nThese incidents were the latest in a series of disputes between the two nations...\n  N-COUNT: also without N


Words: incident room
Meaning:
in.ci.dent room\n   incident room  incident rooms\n  An incident room is a room used by the police while they are dealing with a major crime or accident. (BRIT)\nPolice have set up an incident room as they begin to investigate this morning’s fire.\n  N-COUNT: usu sing


Words: incidental
Meaning:
in.ci.den.tal\n   incidental\n  If one thing is incidental to another, it is less important than the other thing or is not a major part of it.\nThe playing of music proved to be incidental to the main business of the evening...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n


Words: incidental music
Meaning:
in.ci.den.tal mu.sic\n   incidental music\n  In a film, play, or television programme, incidental music is music that is played to create a particular atmosphere.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: incidentally
Meaning:
in.ci.den.tal.ly\n   incidentally\n1. You use incidentally to introduce a point which is not directly relevant to what you are saying, often a question or extra information that you have just thought of.\n`I didn’t ask you to come. Incidentally, why have you come?’\n  ADV: ADV with cl\n\n2. If something occurs only incidentally, it is less important than another thing or is not a major part of it.\nThe letter mentioned my great-aunt and uncle only incidentally.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: incinerate
Meaning:
in.cin.er.ate\n   incinerate  incinerates  incinerating  incinerated\n  When authorities incinerate rubbish or waste material, they burn it completely in a special container.\nThe government is trying to stop hospitals incinerating their own waste.\n  VERB: V n\n\n=>  in.cin.era.tion\n...banning the incineration of lead batteries.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: incinerator
Meaning:
in.cin.era.tor\n   incinerator  incinerators\n  An incinerator is a special large container for burning rubbish at a very high temperature.\n  N-COUNT


Words: incipient
Meaning:
in.cipi.ent\n   incipient\n  An incipient situation or quality is one that is starting to happen or develop. (FORMAL)\n...an incipient economic recovery...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  = impending


Words: incise
Meaning:
in.cise\n   incise  incises  incising  incised\n  If an object is incised with a design, the design is carefully cut into the surface of the object with a sharp instrument. (FORMAL)\nAfter the surface is polished, a design is incised or painted.\n...a set of chairs incised with Grecian scrolls.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed


Words: incision
Meaning:
in.ci.sion\n   incision  incisions\n  An incision is a sharp cut made in something, for example by a surgeon who is operating on a patient.\nThe technique involves making a tiny incision in the skin.\n  N-COUNT\n  = opening, cut


Words: incisive
Meaning:
in.ci.sive\n   incisive\n  You use incisive to describe a person, their thoughts, or their speech when you approve of their ability to think and express their ideas clearly, briefly, and forcefully.\n...a shrewd operator with an incisive mind...\n  ADJ  approval


Words: incisor
Meaning:
in.ci.sor\n   incisor  incisors\n  Your incisors are the teeth at the front of your mouth which you use for biting into food.\n  N-COUNT


Words: incite
Meaning:
in.cite\n   incite  incites  inciting  incited\n  If someone incites people to behave in a violent or illegal way, they encourage people to behave in that way, usually by making them excited or angry.\nHe incited his fellow citizens to take their revenge...\nThe party agreed not to incite its supporters to violence...\nThey pleaded guilty to possessing material likely to incite racial hatred.\n  VERB: V n to-inf, V n to n, V n


Words: incitement
Meaning:
in.cite.ment\n   incitement  incitements\n  If someone is accused of incitement to violent or illegal behaviour, they are accused of encouraging people to behave in that way.\nBritish law forbids incitement to murder...\n  N-VAR: oft N to n


Words: incl.
Meaning:
1. In written advertisements, incl. is an abbreviation for including.\n...only .19.95 (incl. VAT and delivery).\n\n  = inc.\n2. In written advertisements, incl. is an abbreviation for inclusive.\nOpen 19th July-6th September, Sun to Thurs incl.


Words: inclement
Meaning:
in.clem.ent\n   inclement\n  Inclement weather is unpleasantly cold or stormy. (FORMAL)\n  ADJ\n  !=clement


Words: inclination
Meaning:
in.cli.na.tion\n   inclination  inclinations\n  An inclination is a feeling that makes you want to act in a particular way.\nHe had neither the time nor the inclination to think of other things...\n  N-VAR: usu with supp, oft N to-inf, oft with brd-neg


Words: incline
Meaning:
in.cline\n   incline inclines inclining  inclined\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. If you incline to think or act in a particular way, or if something inclines you to it, you are likely to think or act in that way. (FORMAL)\nI incline to the view that he is right.\n...the factors which incline us towards particular beliefs...\nMany end up as team leaders, which inclines them to co-operate with the bosses...\nThose who fail incline to blame the world for their failure.\n  VERB: V to/towards n, V n to/towards n, V n to-inf, V to-inf\n\n2. If you incline your head, you bend your neck so that your head is leaning forward. (WRITTEN)\nJack inclined his head very slightly.\n  VERB: V n\n\n3. An incline is land that slopes at an angle. (FORMAL)\nHe came to a halt at the edge of a steep incline.\n  N-COUNT\n  = slope


Words: inclined
Meaning:
in.clined\n   inclined\n1. If you are inclined to behave in a particular way, you often behave in that way, or you want to do so.\nNobody felt inclined to argue with Smith...\nIf you are so inclined, you can watch TV.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ to-inf, ADJ to n, so ADJ\n\n2. If you say that you are inclined to have a particular opinion, you mean that you hold this opinion but you are not expressing it strongly.\nI am inclined to agree with Alan.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to-inf  vagueness\n\n3. Someone who is mathematically inclined or artistically inclined, for example, has a natural talent for mathematics or art.\n...the needs of academically inclined pupils.\n  ADJ: adv ADJ\n\n4.\n  see also incline


Words: include
Meaning:
in.clude\n   include  includes  including  included\n1. If one thing includes another thing, it has the other thing as one of its parts.\nThe trip has been extended to include a few other events...\n  VERB: V n\n\n2. If someone or something is included in a large group, system, or area, they become a part of it or are considered a part of it.\nI had worked hard to be included in a project like this...\nThe President is expected to include this idea in his education plan.\n  VERB: be V-ed in n, V n in n


Words: included
Meaning:
in.clud.ed\n   included\n  You use included to emphasize that a person or thing is part of the group of people or things that you are talking about.\nAll of us, myself included, had been totally committed to the Party...\nFood is included in the price.\n  ADJ: n ADJ, v-link ADJ  emphasis


Words: including
Meaning:
in.clud.ing\n   including\n  You use including to introduce examples of people or things that are part of the group of people or things that you are talking about.\nStars including Joan Collins are expected to attend.\n  PREP: PREP n/-ing\n  !=excluding


Words: inclusion
Meaning:
in.clu.sion\n   inclusion  inclusions\n  Inclusion is the act of making a person or thing part of a group or collection.\n...a confident performance which justified his inclusion in the team.\n  N-VAR: usu with poss


Words: inclusive
Meaning:
in.clu.sive\n   inclusive\n1. If a price is inclusive, it includes all the charges connected with the goods or services offered. If a price is inclusive of postage and packing, it includes the charge for this.\n...all prices are inclusive of delivery.\n...an inclusive price of .32.90.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of n\n\n  Inclusive is also an adverb.\n...a special introductory offer of .5,995 fully inclusive.\n  ADV: amount ADV\n\n  see also all-inclusive\n2. After stating the first and last item in a set of things, you can add inclusive to make it clear that the items stated are included in the set.\nTraining will commence on 5 October, running from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive.\n  ADJ: n ADJ\n\n3. If you describe a group or organization as inclusive, you mean that it allows all kinds of people to belong to it, rather than just one kind of person.\nThe academy is far more inclusive now than it used to be.\n  ADJ\n  !=exclusive


Words: incognito
Meaning:
in.cog.ni.to\n   incognito\n  Someone who is incognito is using a false name or wearing a disguise, in order not to be recognized or identified.\nHotel inspectors have to travel incognito...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ after v


Words: incoherent
Meaning:
in.co.her.ent\n   incoherent\n1. If someone is incoherent, they are talking in a confused and unclear way.\nThe man was almost incoherent with fear...\n  ADJ\n  !=coherent\n=>  in.co.her.ence\nBeth’s incoherence told Amy that something was terribly wrong.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n=>  in.co.her.ent.ly\nHe collapsed on the floor, mumbling incoherently.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. If you say that something such as a policy is incoherent, you are criticizing it because the different parts of it do not fit together properly.\n...an incoherent set of objectives.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  !=coherent\n=>  in.co.her.ence\n...the general incoherence of government policy.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N of n


Words: income
Meaning:
in.come\n   income  incomes\n  A person’s or organization’s income is the money that they earn or receive, as opposed to the money that they have to spend or pay out.\nMany families on low incomes will be unable to afford to buy their own home...\n  N-VAR


Words: income support
Meaning:
in.come sup.port\n   income support\n  In Britain, income support is money that the government gives regularly to people with no income or very low incomes.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: income tax
Meaning:
in.come tax\n   income tax  income taxes\n  Income tax is a certain percentage of your income that you have to pay regularly to the government.\n  N-VAR


Words: incomer
Meaning:
in.comer\n   incomer  incomers\n  An incomer is someone who has recently come to live in a particular place or area. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: incoming
Meaning:
in.com.ing\n   incoming\n1. An incoming message or phone call is one that you receive.\nWe keep a tape of incoming calls.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=outgoing\n2. An incoming plane or passenger is one that is arriving at a place.\nThe airport was closed for incoming flights.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=outgoing\n3. An incoming official or government is one that has just been appointed or elected.\n...the problems confronting the incoming government.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=outgoing


Words: incommunicado
Meaning:
in.com.mu.ni.ca.do\n   incommunicado\n1. If someone is being kept incommunicado, they are not allowed to talk to anyone outside the place where they are.\nHe was held incommunicado in prison for ten days before being released without charge.\n  ADJ: usu v n ADJ\n\n2. If someone is incommunicado, they do not want to be disturbed, or are in a place where they cannot be contacted.\nYesterday she was incommunicado, putting the finishing touches to her autobiography...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ


Words: incomparable
Meaning:
in.com.pa.rable\n   incomparable\n1. If you describe someone or something as incomparable, you mean that they are extremely good or impressive.\n...a play starring the incomparable Edith Evans...\n  ADJ\n\n2. You use incomparable to emphasize that someone or something has a good quality to a great degree. (FORMAL)\n...an area of incomparable beauty.\n  ADJ: ADJ n  emphasis\n  = superlative


Words: incomparably
Meaning:
in.com.pa.rably\n   incomparably\n  You can use incomparably to mean `very much’ when you are comparing two things and emphasizing the difference between them. (FORMAL)\n...his incomparably brilliant love songs...\n  ADV: ADV compar  emphasis\n  = infinitely


Words: incompatible
Meaning:
in.com.pat.ible\n   incompatible\n1. If one thing or person is incompatible with another, they are very different in important ways, and do not suit each other or agree with each other.\nThey feel strongly that their religion is incompatible with the political system...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ with n\n  !=compatible\n=>  in.com.pat.ibil.ity\nIncompatibility between the mother’s and the baby’s blood groups may cause jaundice.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N between/of/with n\n\n2. If one type of computer or computer system is incompatible with another, they cannot use the same programs or be linked up together.\nThis made its mini-computers incompatible with its mainframes...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n\n  !=compatible


Words: incompetence
Meaning:
in.com.pe.tence\n   incompetence\n  If you refer to someone’s incompetence, you are criticizing them because they are unable to do their job or a task properly.\nThe incompetence of government officials is appalling.\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n  !=competence


Words: incompetent
Meaning:
in.com.pe.tent\n   incompetent  incompetents\n  If you describe someone as incompetent, you are criticizing them because they are unable to do their job or a task properly.\nHe wants the power to sack incompetent teachers.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  !=competent\n  An incompetent is someone who is incompetent.\nI’m surrounded by incompetents!\n  N-COUNT


Words: incomplete
Meaning:
in.com.plete\n   incomplete\n  Something that is incomplete is not yet finished, or does not have all the parts or details that it needs.\nThe clearing of rubbish and drains is still incomplete...\n  ADJ\n  !=complete


Words: incomprehensible
Meaning:
in.com.pre.hen.sible\n   incomprehensible\n  Something that is incomprehensible is impossible to understand.\n...incomprehensible mathematics puzzles.\n  ADJ


Words: incomprehension
Meaning:
in.com.pre.hen.sion\n   incomprehension\n  Incomprehension is the state of being unable to understand something or someone.\nRosie had a look of incomprehension on her face.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: inconceivable
Meaning:
in.con.ceiv.able\n   inconceivable\n  If you describe something as inconceivable, you think it is very unlikely to happen or be true.\nIt was inconceivable to me that Toby could have been my attacker...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft it v-link ADJ that\n  = unthinkable


Words: inconclusive
Meaning:
in.con.clu.sive\n   inconclusive\n1. If research or evidence is inconclusive, it has not proved anything.\nResearch has so far proved inconclusive...\n  ADJ\n  !=conclusive\n2. If a contest or conflict is inconclusive, it is not clear who has won or who is winning.\nThe past two elections were inconclusive.\n  ADJ


Words: incongruity
Meaning:
in.con.gru.ity\n   incongruity  incongruities\n  The incongruity of something is its strangeness when considered together with other aspects of a situation. (FORMAL)\nShe smiled at the incongruity of the question.\n  N-VAR: oft N of n


Words: incongruous
Meaning:
in.con.gru.ous\n   incongruous\n  Someone or something that is incongruous seems strange when considered together with other aspects of a situation. (FORMAL)\nShe was small and fragile and looked incongruous in an army uniform...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  in.con.gru.ous.ly\n...buildings perched incongruously in a high green valley.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed


Words: inconsequential
Meaning:
in.con.sequen.tial\n   inconsequential\n  Something that is inconsequential is not important.\n...a constant reminder of just how insignificant and inconsequential their lives were...\n  ADJ\n  = unimportant


Words: inconsiderable
Meaning:
in.con.sid.er.able\n   inconsiderable\n  If you describe an amount or quality as not inconsiderable, you are emphasizing that it is, in fact, large or present to a large degree.\nThe production costs are a not inconsiderable .8 million...\n  ADJ: with neg, usu ADJ n  emphasis


Words: inconsiderate
Meaning:
in.con.sid.er.ate\n   inconsiderate\n  If you accuse someone of being inconsiderate, you mean that they do not take enough care over how their words or actions will affect other people.\nMotorists were criticised for being inconsiderate to pedestrians.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  !=considerate


Words: inconsistency
Meaning:
in.con.sist.en.cy\n   inconsistency  inconsistencies\n1. If you refer to someone’s inconsistency, you are criticizing them for not behaving in the same way every time a similar situation occurs.\nHis worst fault was his inconsistency...\n  N-UNCOUNT  disapproval\n  !=consistency\n2. If there are inconsistencies in two statements, one cannot be true if the other is true.\nWe were asked to investigate the alleged inconsistencies in his evidence.\n  N-VAR


Words: inconsistent
Meaning:
in.con.sist.ent\n   inconsistent\n1. If you describe someone as inconsistent, you are criticizing them for not behaving in the same way every time a similar situation occurs.\nYou are inconsistent and unpredictable.\n  ADJ  disapproval\n  !=consistent\n2. Someone or something that is inconsistent does not stay the same, being sometimes good and sometimes bad.\nWe had a terrific start to the season, but recently we’ve been inconsistent...\n  ADJ\n  !=consistent\n3. If two statements are inconsistent, one cannot possibly be true if the other is true.\nThe evidence given in court was inconsistent with what he had previously told them.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ with n\n  !=consistent\n4. If something is inconsistent with a set of ideas or values, it does not fit in well with them or match them.\nThis legislation is inconsistent with what they call Free Trade...\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ with n\n  !=consistent


Words: inconsolable
Meaning:
in.con.sol.able\n   inconsolable\n  If you say that someone is inconsolable, you mean that they are very sad and cannot be comforted.\nWhen my mother died I was inconsolable.\n  ADJ


Words: inconspicuous
Meaning:
in.con.spicu.ous\n   inconspicuous\n1. Someone who is inconspicuous does not attract attention to themselves.\nI’ll try to be as inconspicuous as possible...\n  ADJ\n  = unobtrusive  !=conspicuous\n=>  in.con.spicu.ous.ly\nI sat inconspicuously in a corner.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. Something that is inconspicuous is not easily seen or does not attract attention because it is small, ordinary, or hidden away.\n...an inconspicuous grey building.\n  ADJ\n  = unobtrusive  !=conspicuous


Words: incontinence
Meaning:
in.con.ti.nence\n   incontinence\n  Incontinence is the inability to prevent urine or faeces coming out of your body.\nIncontinence is not just a condition of old age.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: incontinent
Meaning:
in.con.ti.nent\n   incontinent\n  Someone who is incontinent is unable to prevent urine or faeces coming out of their body.\nHis diseased bladder left him incontinent.\n  ADJ


Words: incontrovertible
Meaning:
in.con.tro.vert.ible\n   incontrovertible\n  Incontrovertible evidence or facts are absolutely certain and cannot be shown to be wrong.\nWe have incontrovertible evidence of what took place.\n  ADJ\n  = indisputable\n=>  in.con.tro.vert.ibly\nNo solution is incontrovertibly right.\n  ADV


Words: inconvenience
Meaning:
in.con.ven.ience\n   inconvenience  inconveniences  inconveniencing  inconvenienced\n1. If someone or something causes inconvenience, they cause problems or difficulties.\nWe apologize for any inconvenience caused during the repairs...\n  N-VAR\n\n2. If someone inconveniences you, they cause problems or difficulties for you.\nHe promised to be quick so as not to inconvenience them any further.\n  VERB: V n


Words: inconvenient
Meaning:
in.con.ven.ient\n   inconvenient\n  Something that is inconvenient causes problems or difficulties for someone.\nCan you come at 10.30? I know it’s inconvenient for you, but I must see you...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ for n\n  !=convenient\n=>  in.con.ven.ient.ly\nThe Oriental is a comfortable hotel, but rather inconveniently situated.\n  ADV\n  !=conveniently


Words: incorporate
Meaning:
in.cor.po.rate\n   incorporate  incorporates  incorporating  incorporated\n1. If one thing incorporates another thing, it includes the other thing. (FORMAL)\nThe new cars will incorporate a number of major improvements.\n  VERB: V n\n  = contain\n2. If someone or something is incorporated into a large group, system, or area, they become a part of it. (FORMAL)\nThe agreement would allow the rebels to be incorporated into a new national police force...\nThe party vowed to incorporate environmental considerations into all its policies.\n  VERB: be V-ed into n, V n into n\n\n=>  in.cor.po.ra.tion\n...the incorporation of Piedmont Airlines and PSA into US Air.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n into n


Words: Incorporated
Meaning:
In.cor.po.rated\n   Incorporated\n  Incorporated is used after a company’s name to show that it is a legally established company in the United States. (AM BUSINESS)\n...MCA Incorporated.\n  ADJ: n ADJ


Words: incorrect
Meaning:
in.cor.rect\n   incorrect\n1. Something that is incorrect is wrong and untrue.\nHe denied that his evidence about the telephone call was incorrect...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf\n  !=correct\n=>  in.cor.rect.ly\nThe magazine suggested incorrectly that he was planning to retire.\n  ADV: ADV with v\n\n2. Something that is incorrect is not the thing that is required or is most suitable in a particular situation.\n...injuries caused by incorrect posture.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=correct\n=>  in.cor.rect.ly\nHe was told that the doors had been fitted incorrectly.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: incorrigible
Meaning:
in.cor.ri.gible\n   incorrigible\n  If you tell someone they are incorrigible, you are saying, often in a humorous way, that they have faults which will never change.\n`Sue, you are incorrigible!’ he said...\nGamblers are incorrigible optimists.\n  ADJ


Words: incorruptible
Meaning:
in.cor.rupt.ible\n   incorruptible\n  If you describe someone as incorruptible, you approve of the fact that they cannot be persuaded or paid to do things that they should not do.\nHe was a sound businessman, totally reliable and incorruptible.\n  ADJ  approval


Words: increase
Meaning:
in.crease\n   increase increases increasing  increased\nThe verb is pronounced   The noun is pronounced\n1. If something increases or you increase it, it becomes greater in number, level, or amount.\nThe population continues to increase...\nJapan’s industrial output increased by 2%...\nThe company has increased the price of its cars...\n  VERB: V, V by/from/to amount, V n\n  !=decrease\n2. If there is an increase in the number, level, or amount of something, it becomes greater.\n...a sharp increase in productivity...\n  N-COUNT: oft N in n, N of amount\n  = rise  !=decrease\n3. If something is on the increase, it is happening more often or becoming greater in number or intensity.\nCrime is on the increase.\n  PHRASE: v-link PHR


Words: increasingly
Meaning:
in.creas.ing.ly\n   increasingly\n  You can use increasingly to indicate that a situation or quality is becoming greater in intensity or more common.\nHe was finding it increasingly difficult to make decisions...\nIncreasingly, their goals have become more radical.\n  ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v, ADV with cl


Words: incredible
Meaning:
in.cred.ible\n   incredible\n1. If you describe something or someone as incredible, you like them very much or are impressed by them, because they are extremely or unusually good.\nThe wildflowers will be incredible after this rain...\n  ADJ  approval\n  = fantastic\n=>  in.cred.ibly\nTheir father was incredibly good-looking.\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv\n\n2. If you say that something is incredible, you mean that it is very unusual or surprising, and you cannot believe it is really true, although it may be.\nIt seemed incredible that people would still want to play football during a war...\n  ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ that\n  !=credible\n=>  in.cred.ibly\nIncredibly, some people don’t like the name.\n  ADV: usu ADV with cl\n\n3. You use incredible to emphasize the degree, amount, or intensity of something.\nIt’s incredible how much Francesca wants her father’s approval...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n, also it v-link ADJ wh, v-link ADJ  emphasis\n  = amazing\n=>  in.cred.ibly\nIt was incredibly hard work.\n  ADV: ADV adj/adv


Words: incredulity
Meaning:
in.cre.du.lity\n   incredulity\n  If someone reacts with incredulity to something, they are unable to believe it because it is very surprising or shocking.\nThe announcement has been met with incredulity...\n  N-UNCOUNT\n  = disbelief


Words: incredulous
Meaning:
in.credu.lous\n   incredulous\n  If someone is incredulous, they are unable to believe something because it is very surprising or shocking.\n`He made you do it?’ Her voice was incredulous...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  in.credu.lous.ly\n`You told Pete?’ Rachel said incredulously. `I can’t believe it!’\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: increment
Meaning:
in.cre.ment\n   increment  increments\n1. An increment in something or in the value of something is an amount by which it increases. (FORMAL)\nThe average yearly increment in labour productivity in industry was 4.5 per cent...\n  N-COUNT: oft N in/of n\n\n2. An increment is an amount by which your salary automatically increases after a fixed period of time. (FORMAL)\nMany teachers qualify for an annual increment.\n  N-COUNT


Words: incremental
Meaning:
in.cre.men.tal\n   incremental\n  Incremental is used to describe something that increases in value or worth, often by a regular amount. (FORMAL)\n...our ability to add production capacity at relatively low incremental cost...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: incriminate
Meaning:
in.crimi.nate\n   incriminate  incriminates  incriminating  incriminated\n  If something incriminates you, it suggests that you are responsible for something bad, especially a crime.\nHe claimed that the drugs had been planted to incriminate him...\nThey are afraid of incriminating themselves and say no more than is necessary.\n  VERB: V n, V pron-refl\n\n=>  in.crimi.nat.ing\nPolice had reportedly searched his flat and found incriminating evidence.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: incubate
Meaning:
in.cu.bate\n   incubate  incubates  incubating  incubated\n1. When birds incubate their eggs, they keep the eggs warm until the baby birds come out.\nThe birds returned to their nests and continued to incubate the eggs.\n  VERB: V n, also V\n\n=>  in.cu.ba.tion\nMale albatrosses share in the incubation of eggs.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. When a germ in your body incubates or is incubated, it develops for a period of time before it starts making you feel ill.\nThe virus can incubate for up to ten days after the initial infection.\n  VERB: V, also V n\n\n=>  in.cu.ba.tion\nThe illness has an incubation period of up to 11 days.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N n


Words: incubator
Meaning:
in.cu.ba.tor\n   incubator  incubators\n1. An incubator is a piece of hospital equipment which helps weak or small babies to survive. It consists of a transparent container in which the oxygen and temperature levels can be controlled.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An incubator is a piece of equipment used to keep eggs or bacteria at the correct temperature for them to develop.\n  N-COUNT


Words: inculcate
Meaning:
in.cul.cate\n   inculcate  inculcates  inculcating  inculcated\n  If you inculcate an idea or opinion in someone’s mind, you teach it to them by repeating it until it is fixed in their mind. (FORMAL)\nWe have tried to inculcate a feeling of citizenship in youngsters...\nThe aim is to inculcate business people with an appreciation of different cultures...\nGreat care was taken to inculcate the values of nationhood and family.\n  VERB: V n in n, V n with n, V n\n  = instil


Words: incumbent
Meaning:
in.cum.bent\n   incumbent  incumbents\n1. An incumbent is someone who holds an official post at a particular time. (FORMAL)\nIn general, incumbents have a 94 per cent chance of being re-elected.\n  N-COUNT\n\n  Incumbent is also an adjective.\n...the only candidate who defeated an incumbent senator.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n2. If it is incumbent upon you to do something, it is your duty or responsibility to do it. (FORMAL)\nIt is incumbent upon all of us to make an extra effort.\n  ADJ: it v-link ADJ upon/on n to-inf


Words: incur
Meaning:
in.cur\n   incur  incurs  incurring  incurred\n  If you incur something unpleasant, it happens to you because of something you have done. (WRITTEN)\nThe government had also incurred huge debts...\n...the terrible damage incurred during the past decade.\n  VERB: V n, V-ed\n  = sustain


Words: incurable
Meaning:
in.cur.able\n   incurable\n1. If someone has an incurable disease, they cannot be cured of it.\nHe is suffering from an incurable skin disease.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  in.cur.ably\n...youngsters who are disabled, or incurably ill.\n  ADV: ADV adj\n\n2. You can use incurable to indicate that someone has a particular quality or attitude and will not change.\nPoor old William is an incurable romantic...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n=>  in.cur.ably\nI know you think I’m incurably nosey.\n  ADV: ADV adj


Words: incursion
Meaning:
in.cur.sion\n   incursion  incursions\n1. If there is an incursion into a country, enemy soldiers suddenly enter it. (FORMAL)\n...armed incursions into border areas by rebel forces.\n  N-COUNT: oft N into n\n\n2. If someone or something enters an area where you would not expect them to be, or where they have not been found before, you can call this an incursion, especially when you disapprove of their presence. (FORMAL)\n...her disastrous incursion into the property market.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n


Words: indebted
Meaning:
in.debt.ed\n   indebted\n1. If you say that you are indebted to someone for something, you mean that you are very grateful to them for something.\nI am deeply indebted to him for his help.\n  ADJ: v-link ADJ to n\n\n=>  in.debt.ed.ness\nMortimer recounted his indebtedness to her in his autobiography.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu N to n\n\n2. Indebted countries, organizations, or people are ones that owe money to other countries, organizations, or people.\nAmerica’s treasury secretary identified the most heavily indebted countries.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  in.debt.ed.ness\nThe company has reduced its indebtedness to just $15 million.\n  N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp


Words: indecency
Meaning:
in.de.cen.cy\n   indecency\n1. If you talk about the indecency of something or someone, you are indicating that you find them morally or sexually offensive.\n...the indecency of their language.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. In law, an act of indecency is an illegal sexual act.\nThey were found guilty of acts of gross indecency.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: indecent
Meaning:
in.de.cent\n   indecent\n1. If you describe something as indecent, you mean that it is shocking and offensive, usually because it relates to sex or nakedness.\nHe accused Mrs Moore of making an indecent suggestion.\n  ADJ\n  = obscene\n=>  in.de.cent.ly\n...an indecently short skirt.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj\n\n2. If you describe the speed or amount of something as indecent, you are indicating, often in a humorous way, that it is much quicker or larger than is usual or desirable.\nThe opposition says the legislation was drafted with indecent haste.\n  ADJ\n\n=>  in.de.cent.ly\n...an indecently large office.\n  ADV


Words: indecent assault
Meaning:
in.de.cent as.sault\n   indecent assault\n  Indecent assault is the crime of attacking someone in a way which involves touching or threatening them sexually, but not forcing them to have sexual intercourse.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: indecent exposure
Meaning:
in.de.cent ex.po.sure\n   indecent exposure\n  Indecent exposure is a criminal offence that is committed when someone exposes their genitals in public.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: indecipherable
Meaning:
in.de.ci.pher.able\n   indecipherable\n  If writing or speech is indecipherable, you cannot understand what the words are.\nMaggie’s writing was virtually indecipherable...\nHe uttered little indecipherable sounds.\n  ADJ


Words: indecision
Meaning:
in.de.ci.sion\n   indecision\n  If you say that someone suffers from indecision, you mean that they find it very difficult to make decisions.\nAfter months of indecision, the government gave the plan the go-ahead on Monday...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: indecisive
Meaning:
in.de.ci.sive\n   indecisive\n1. If you say that someone is indecisive, you mean that they find it very difficult to make decisions.\nHe was criticised as a weak and indecisive leader.\n  ADJ\n  !=decisive\n=>  in.de.ci.sive.ness\nThe mayor was criticized by radical reformers for his indecisiveness.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft with poss\n\n2. An indecisive result in a contest or election is one which is not clear or definite.\nThe outcome of the battle was indecisive.\n  ADJ\n  = inconclusive


Words: indeed
Meaning:
in.deed\n   indeed\n1. You use indeed to confirm or agree with something that has just been said.\nLater, he admitted that the payments had indeed been made...\n`Did you know him?’.`I did indeed.’...\n`That’s a topic which has come to the fore very much recently.’.`Indeed.’\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV with cl/group  emphasis\n\n2. You use indeed to introduce a further comment or statement which strengthens the point you have already made.\nWe have nothing against diversity; indeed, we want more of it...\n  ADV: ADV with cl  emphasis\n\n3. You use indeed at the end of a clause to give extra force to the word `very’, or to emphasize a particular word.\nThe engine began to sound very loud indeed...\n  ADV: adj ADV  emphasis


Words: indefatigable
Meaning:
in.de.fati.gable\n   indefatigable\n  You use indefatigable to describe someone who never gets tired of doing something. (FORMAL)\nHis indefatigable spirit helped him to cope with his illness...\n  ADJ\n  = untiring, tireless\n=>  in.de.fati.gab.ly\nShe worked indefatigably and enthusiastically to interest the young in music.\n  ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj


Words: indefensible
Meaning:
in.de.fen.sible\n   indefensible\n1. If you say that a statement, action, or idea is indefensible, you mean that it cannot be justified or supported because it is completely wrong or unacceptable.\nShe described the new policy as `morally indefensible’.\n  ADJ\n  !=defensible\n2. Places or buildings that are indefensible cannot be defended if they are attacked.\nThe checkpoint was abandoned as militarily indefensible.\n  ADJ


Words: indefinable
Meaning:
in.de.fin.able\n   indefinable\n  An indefinable quality or feeling cannot easily be described. (WRITTEN)\nThere was something indefinable in her eyes...\n  ADJ


Words: indefinite
Meaning:
in.defi.nite\n   indefinite\n1. If you describe a situation or period as indefinite, you mean that people have not decided when it will end.\nThe trial was adjourned for an indefinite period.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. Something that is indefinite is not exact or clear.\n...at some indefinite time in the future.\n  ADJ


Words: indefinite article
Meaning:
in.defi.nite ar.ti.cle\n   indefinite article  indefinite articles\n  The words `a’ and `an’ are sometimes called the indefinite article.\n  N-COUNT


Words: indefinite pronoun
Meaning:
in.defi.nite pro.noun\n   indefinite pronoun  indefinite pronouns\n  An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun such as `someone’, `anything’, or `nobody’, which you use to refer in a general way to a person or thing.\n  N-COUNT


Words: indefinitely
Meaning:
in.defi.nite.ly\n   indefinitely\n  If a situation will continue indefinitely, it will continue for ever or until someone decides to change it or end it.\nThe visit has now been postponed indefinitely...\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: indelible
Meaning:
in.del.ible\n   indelible\n  If you say that something leaves an indelible impression, you mean that it is very unlikely to be forgotten.\nMy visit to India in 1986 left an indelible impression on me...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n=>  in.del.ibly\nThe horrors he experienced are imprinted, perhaps indelibly, in his brain.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: indelicate
Meaning:
in.deli.cate\n   indelicate\n  If something or someone is indelicate, they are rude or embarrassing. (FORMAL)\nShe really could not touch upon such an indelicate subject.\n  ADJ


Words: indemnify
Meaning:
in.dem.ni.fy\n   indemnify  indemnifies  indemnifying  indemnified\n  To indemnify someone against something bad happening means to promise to protect them, especially financially, if it happens. (FORMAL)\nThey agreed to indemnify the taxpayers against any loss...\nIt doesn’t have the money to indemnify everybody.\n  VERB: V n against n, V n


Words: indemnity
Meaning:
in.dem.nity\n   indemnity  indemnities\n1. If something provides indemnity, it provides insurance or protection against damage or loss. (FORMAL)\nPolitical exiles had not been given indemnity from prosecution.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. An indemnity is an amount of money paid to someone because of some damage or loss they have suffered. (FORMAL)\nThe government paid the family an indemnity for the missing pictures.\n  N-VAR


Words: indent
Meaning:
in.dent\n   indent  indents  indenting  indented\n  When you indent a line of writing, you start it further away from the edge of the paper than all the other lines.\nIndent the second line.\n  VERB: V n


Words: indentation
Meaning:
in.den.ta.tion\n   indentation  indentations\n1. An indentation is the space at the beginning of a line of writing when it starts further away from the edge of the paper than all the other lines.\n  N-COUNT\n\n2. An indentation is a shallow hole or cut in the surface or edge of something.\nUsing a knife, make slight indentations around the edges of the pastry.\n  N-COUNT


Words: indented
Meaning:
in.dent.ed\n   indented\n  If something is indented, its edge or surface is uneven because parts of it have been worn away or cut away.\n  ADJ


Words: indentured
Meaning:
in.den.tured\n   indentured\n  In the past, an indentured worker was one who was forced to work for someone for a period of time, because of an agreement made by people in authority.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n


Words: independence
Meaning:
in.de.pend.ence\n   independence\n1. If a country has or gains independence, it has its own government and is not ruled by any other country.\nIn 1816, Argentina declared its independence from Spain.\n  N-UNCOUNT\n\n2. Someone’s independence is the fact that they do not rely on other people.\nHe was afraid of losing his independence.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N


Words: Independence Day
Meaning:
In.de.pend.ence Day\n   Independence Day\n  A country’s Independence Day is the day on which its people celebrate their independence from another country that ruled them in the past. In the United States, Independence Day is celebrated each year on 4th July.\nHe died on Independence Day, 1831.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: independent
Meaning:
in.de.pend.ent\n   independent  independents\n1. If one thing or person is independent of another, they are separate and not connected, so the first one is not affected or influenced by the second.\nYour questions should be independent of each other...\nTwo independent studies have been carried out.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of/from n\n\n=>  in.de.pen.dent.ly\n...several people working independently in different areas of the world.\n  ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj, oft ADV of/from n\n\n2. If someone is independent, they do not need help or money from anyone else.\nPhil was now much more independent of his parents...\nShe would like to be financially independent...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ of/from n\n  !=dependent\n=>  in.de.pen.dent.ly\nWe aim to help disabled students to live and study independently.\n  ADV: ADV after v, ADV adj/-ed\n\n3. Independent countries and states are not ruled by other countries but have their own government.\nPapua New Guinea became independent from Australia in 1975.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ from/of n\n\n4. An independent organization or other body is one that controls its own finances and operations, rather than being controlled by someone else.\n...an independent television station.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n5. An independent school does not receive money from the government or local council, but from the fees paid by its students’ parents or from charities. (BRIT)\nHe taught chemistry at a leading independent school.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=state\n6. An independent inquiry or opinion is one that involves people who are not connected with a particular situation, and should therefore be fair.\nThe government ordered an independent inquiry into the affair...\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n7. An independent politician is one who does not represent any political party.\nThere’s been a late surge of support for an independent candidate.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n  An independent is an independent politician.\n  N-COUNT


Words: indescribable
Meaning:
in.de.scrib.able\n   indescribable\n  You use indescribable to emphasize that a quality or condition is very intense or extreme, and therefore cannot be properly described.\n...her indescribable joy when it was confirmed her son was alive...\n  ADJ  emphasis\n  = inexpressible\n=>  in.de.scrib.ably\n...indescribably filthy conditions.\n  ADV: ADV adj


Words: indestructible
Meaning:
in.de.struct.ible\n   indestructible\n  If something is indestructible, it is very strong and cannot be destroyed.\nThis type of plastic is almost indestructible.\n  ADJ


Words: indeterminacy
Meaning:
in.de.ter.mi.na.cy\n   indeterminacy\n  The indeterminacy of something is its quality of being uncertain or vague. (FORMAL)\n...the indeterminacy of language.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: indeterminate
Meaning:
in.de.ter.mi.nate\n   indeterminate\n  If something is indeterminate, you cannot say exactly what it is.\nI hope to carry on for an indeterminate period.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  = indefinite


Words: index
Meaning:
in.dex\n   index  indices  indexes  indexing  indexed\n\n  The usual plural is indexes, but the form indices can be used for meaning 1.\n\n1. An index is a system by which changes in the value of something and the rate at which it changes can be recorded, measured, or interpreted.\n...the UK retail price index.\n...economic indices.\n  N-COUNT: with supp\n\n2. An index is an alphabetical list that is printed at the back of a book and tells you on which pages important topics are referred to.\nThere’s even a special subject index.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. If you index a book or a collection of information, you make an alphabetical list of the items in it.\nThis vast archive has been indexed and made accessible to researchers...\nShe’s indexed the book by author, by age, and by illustrator.\n  VERB: be V-ed, V n\n\n4. If a quantity or value is indexed to another, a system is arranged so that it increases or decreases whenever the other one increases or decreases.\nMinimum pensions and wages are to be indexed to inflation.\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed to n\n\n5.\n  see also card index


Words: index card
Meaning:
in.dex card\n   index card  index cards\n  An index card is a small card on which you can write information. Index cards are kept in a box, arranged in order.\n  N-COUNT


Words: index finger
Meaning:
in.dex fin.ger\n   index finger  index fingers\n  Your index finger is the finger that is next to your thumb.\n  N-COUNT\n  = forefinger


Words: index-linked
Meaning:
index-linked\n  Index-linked pensions or payments change as inflation or the cost of living changes. (mainly BRIT)\n  ADJ


Words: Indian
Meaning:
In.dian\n   Indian  Indians\n1. Indian means belonging or relating to India, or to its people or culture.\n...the Indian government.\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n\n2. An Indian is an Indian citizen, or a person of Indian origin.\n  N-COUNT\n\n3. Indians are the people who lived in North, South, or Central America before Europeans arrived, or people related to them. The usual name for them now is Native Americans. (OLD-FASHIONED)\n  N-COUNT\n\n4.\n  see also Anglo-Indian


Words: Indian summer
Meaning:
In.dian sum.mer\n   Indian summer  Indian summers\n  You can refer to a period of unusually warm and sunny weather during the autumn as an Indian summer.\n  N-COUNT


Words: indicate
Meaning:
in.di.cate\n   indicate  indicates  indicating  indicated\n1. If one thing indicates another, the first thing shows that the second is true or exists.\nA survey of retired people has indicated that most are independent and enjoying life...\nOur vote today indicates a change in United States policy...\nThis indicates whether remedies are suitable for children.\n  VERB: V that, V n, V wh\n\n2. If you indicate an opinion, an intention, or a fact, you mention it in an indirect way.\nMr Rivers has indicated that he may resign...\nU.S. authorities have not yet indicated their monetary policy plans.\n  VERB: V that, V n\n\n3. If you indicate something to someone, you show them where it is, especially by pointing to it. (FORMAL)\nHe indicated a chair. `Sit down.’\n  VERB: V n\n\n4. If one thing indicates something else, it is a sign of that thing.\nDreams can help indicate your true feelings...\n  VERB: V n\n\n5. If a technical instrument indicates something, it shows a measurement or reading.\nThe needles that indicate your height are at the top right-hand corner...\nThe temperature gauge indicated that it was boiling.\n  VERB: V n, V that\n  = show\n6. When drivers indicate, they make lights flash on one side of their vehicle to show that they are going to turn in that direction. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use signal)\nHe told us when to indicate and when to change gear.\n  VERB: V, also V n\n  = signal


Words: indication
Meaning:
in.di.ca.tion\n   indication  indications\n  An indication is a sign which suggests, for example, what people are thinking or feeling.\nAll the indications are that we are going to receive reasonable support from abroad...\nHe gave no indication that he was ready to compromise.\n  N-VAR\n  = sign


Words: indicative
Meaning:
in.dica.tive\n   indicative\n1. If one thing is indicative of another, it suggests what the other thing is likely to be. (FORMAL)\nThe result was indicative of a strong retail market...\n  ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ of n/wh\n\n2. In grammar, a clause that is in the indicative, or in the indicative mood, has a subject followed by a verb group. Examples are `I’m hungry’ and `She was followed’. Clauses of this kind are typically used to make statements.\n  N-SING: the N


Words: indicator
Meaning:
in.di.ca.tor\n   indicator  indicators\n1. An indicator is a measurement or value which gives you an idea of what something is like.\n...vital economic indicators, such as inflation, growth and the trade gap...\n  N-COUNT: usu with supp\n\n2. A car’s indicators are the flashing lights that tell you when it is going to turn left or right. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use turn signals)\n  N-COUNT


Words: indict
Meaning:
in.dict\n   indict  indicts  indicting  indicted\n  If someone is indicted for a crime, they are officially charged with it. (mainly AM LEGAL)\nHe was later indicted on corruption charges...\nShe has been indicted for possessing cocaine...\n  VERB: usu passive, be V-ed on n, be V-ed for -ing


Words: indictment
Meaning:
in.dict.ment\n   indictment  indictments\n1. If you say that one thing is an indictment of another thing, you mean that it shows how bad the other thing is.\nIt’s a sad indictment of society that policemen are regarded as easy targets by thugs.\n  N-COUNT: oft N of n\n\n2. An indictment is a formal accusation that someone has committed a crime. (mainly AM LEGAL)\nProsecutors may soon seek an indictment on racketeering and fraud charges...\n  N-VAR: oft N against n\n  = charge


Words: indie
Meaning:
in.die\n   indie  indies\n1. Indie music refers to rock or pop music produced by new bands working with small, independent record companies. (mainly BRIT)\n...a multi-racial indie band.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n  !=mainstream\n  An indie is an indie band or record company.\n  N-COUNT\n  !=major\n2. Indie films are produced by small independent companies rather than by major studios. (mainly BRIT)\n...the indie movie Happiness.\n  ADJ: ADJ n\n\n  An indie is an indie film or film company.\n  N-COUNT


Words: indifference
Meaning:
in.dif.fer.ence\n   indifference\n  If you accuse someone of indifference to something, you mean that they have a complete lack of interest in it.\n...his callous indifference to the plight of his son.\n  N-UNCOUNT: oft N to n


Words: indifferent
Meaning:
in.dif.fer.ent\n   indifferent\n1. If you accuse someone of being indifferent to something, you mean that they have a complete lack of interest in it.\nPeople have become indifferent to the suffering of others.\n  ADJ: oft ADJ to n\n\n=>  in.dif.fer.ent.ly\n`Not that it matters,’ said Tench indifferently.\n  ADV: ADV after v\n\n2. If you describe something or someone as indifferent, you mean that their standard or quality is not very good, and often quite bad.\nShe had starred in several very indifferent movies...\n  ADJ\n  = mediocre\n=>  in.dif.fer.ent.ly\n...an eight-year-old girl who reads tolerably and writes indifferently.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: indigenous
Meaning:
in.dig.enous\n   indigenous\n  Indigenous people or things belong to the country in which they are found, rather than coming there or being brought there from another country. (FORMAL)\n...the country’s indigenous population.\n  ADJ\n  = native


Words: indigestible
Meaning:
in.di.gest.ible\n   indigestible\n1. Food that is indigestible cannot be digested easily.\nFried food is very indigestible.\n  ADJ\n  !=digestible\n2. If you describe facts or ideas as indigestible, you mean that they are difficult to understand, complicated, and dull.\n...a dense, indigestible and wordy book.\n  ADJ  disapproval


Words: indigestion
Meaning:
in.di.ges.tion\n   indigestion\n  If you have indigestion, you have pains in your stomach and chest that are caused by difficulties in digesting food.\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: indignant
Meaning:
in.dig.nant\n   indignant\n  If you are indignant, you are shocked and angry, because you think that something is unjust or unfair.\nHe is indignant at suggestions that they were secret agents...\n  ADJ: oft ADJ at/about n/-ing, ADJ that\n\n=>  in.dig.nant.ly\n`That is not true,’ Erica said indignantly.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: indignation
Meaning:
in.dig.na.tion\n   indignation\n  Indignation is the feeling of shock and anger which you have when you think that something is unjust or unfair.\nShe was filled with indignation at the conditions under which miners were forced to work...\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: indignity
Meaning:
in.dig.nity\n   indignity  indignities\n  If you talk about the indignity of doing something, you mean that it makes you feel embarrassed or unimportant. (FORMAL)\nLater, he suffered the indignity of having to flee angry protesters...\n  N-VAR: oft the N of -ing\n  = humiliation


Words: indirect
Meaning:
in.di.rect\n   indirect\n1. An indirect result or effect is not caused immediately and obviously by a thing or person, but happens because of something else that they have done.\nBusinesses are feeling the indirect effects from the recession that’s going on elsewhere...\n  ADJ: usu ADJ n\n  !=direct\n=>  in.di.rect.ly\nDrugs are indirectly responsible for the violence...\n  ADV: usu ADV adj, ADV with v, also ADV with cl\n\n2. An indirect route or journey does not use the shortest or easiest way between two places.\nThe goods went by a rather indirect route.\n  ADJ\n  !=direct\n3. Indirect remarks and information suggest something or refer to it, without actually mentioning it or stating it clearly.\nHis remarks amounted to an indirect appeal for economic aid...\n  ADJ\n\n=>  in.di.rect.ly\nHe referred indirectly to the territorial dispute.\n  ADV: ADV with v


Words: indirect discourse
Meaning:
in.di.rect dis.course\n   indirect discourse\n  Indirect discourse is the same as indirect speech. (AM)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: indirect object
Meaning:
in.di.rect ob.ject\n   indirect object  indirect objects\n  An indirect object is an object which is used with a transitive verb to indicate who benefits from an action or gets something as a result. For example, in `She gave him her address’, `him’ is the indirect object. Compare direct object.\n  N-COUNT


Words: indirect question
Meaning:
in.di.rect ques.tion\n   indirect question  indirect questions\n  An indirect question is the same as a reported question. (mainly BRIT)\n  N-COUNT


Words: indirect speech
Meaning:
in.di.rect speech\n   indirect speech\n  Indirect speech is speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use the person’s actual words: for example, `They said you didn’t like it’, `I asked him what his plans were’, and `Citizens complained about the smoke’. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use indirect discourse)\n  N-UNCOUNT


Words: indirect tax
Meaning:
in.di.rect tax\n   indirect tax  indirect taxes\n  An indirect tax is a tax on goods and services which is added to their price. Compare direct tax.\n  N-COUNT


Words: indirect taxation
Meaning:
in.di.rect taxa.tion\n   indirect taxation\n  Indirect taxation is a system in which a government raises money by means of indirect taxes.\n  N-UNCOUNT


