# dict

Words: elasticity
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 the ability of something to stretch and go back to its usual length or size:  --the skin’s natural elasticity//\n  2  elasticity of demand:   technical the degree to which a change in the price of something leads to a change in the amount of it that is sold//


Words: Elastoplast
Meaning:
n [U and C]  trademark  BrE   a piece of thin material that is stuck to the skin to cover cuts and other small wounds//  American Equivalent:  Band-Aid//


Words: elated
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: elatus, past participle of  efferre  ’to carry up’]//  extremely happy and excited, especially because of something that has happened or is going to happen//  --He felt elated and mildly drunk.//  elated at/by//  --She was elated at the prospect of a holiday.//


Words: Elba
Meaning:
an island west of Italy where  Napoleon was sent in 1814 after the failure of his attack on Russia//


Words: elbow
Meaning:
n [C]   [Language: Old English; Origin: elboga]//\n  1 the joint where your arm bends:\n  2 the part of a shirt etc that covers your elbow:\n  3  elbow grease:   informal hard work and effort, especially when cleaning or polishing something//\n  4  give sb the elbow:   BrE  informal to tell someone that you no longer like them or want them to work for you and that they should leave//\n  5  elbow room:  enough space in which to move easily//  --There’s more elbow room in the restaurant since they extended it.//\n  6 a curved part of a pipe:    rub elbows with sb at rub1 (5)//\nelbow 2 v [T]   to push someone with your elbows, especially in order to move past them//  elbow your way through/past/into etc sth (=move through a group of people by pushing past them) //  --He elbowed his way to the bar and ordered a beer.//  --She pushed through the crowd, elbowing people out of the way .//


Words: elder
Meaning:
adj  especially BrE   [Language: Old English; Origin: ieldra, from  eald  ’old’]//  the elder of two people, especially brothers and sisters, is the one who was born first//  elder brother/son/sister/daughter etc //  --His elder son Liam became a lawyer.//  --Sarah is the elder of the two.//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  It is more usual to say older. //  ----------//\nelder 2 n [C]   [Sense: 1-5; Origin:  ELDER1]//  [Sense: 6; Origin: Old English ell[zB024]rn]//\n  1  be sb’s elder:   formal to be older than someone else//  be two/ten etc years sb’s elder //  --Janet’s sister was eight years her elder.//\n  2  sb’s elders (and betters):  people who are older than you and who you should respect//\n  3 a member of a tribe or other social group who is important and respected because they are old:  --a meeting of the village elders//\n  4 someone who has an official position of responsibility in some Christian churches:\n  5  elder abuse:  the crime of harming an old person//\n  6 a small wild tree that has white flowers and black berries:


Words: elder statesman
Meaning:
n [C]   someone old and respected, especially a politician, who people ask for advice because of his or her knowledge and experience//


Words: elderly
Meaning:
adj \n  1 used as a polite way of saying that someone is old or becoming old:  --a well-dressed elderly woman//\n  2  the elderly:  people who are old//  --a retirement village for the elderly//


Words: eldest
Meaning:
adj  especially  BrE   the eldest of a group of people, especially brothers and sisters, is the one who was born first//    old//  eldest son/daughter/brother/child etc //  --My eldest daughter is 17.//  --He was the eldest of six children.//


Words: elect
Meaning:
W3S2   v [T usually passive]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: electus, past participle of  eligere  ’to choose’]//\n  1 to choose someone for an official position by voting:  --the country’s first democratically elected government//  --a new method for electing the leader of the party//  elect sb to sth//  --He was elected to a US state governorship.//  elect sb (as) president/leader/mayor etc //  --In 1768, John Wilkes was elected as their Member of Parliament.//\n  2  elect to do sth:   formal to choose to do something//  --You can elect to delete the message or save it.//\nelect 2 adj   president-elect/governor-elect/prime minister-elect etc//  the person who has been elected as president etc, but who has not yet officially started their job//


Words: election
Meaning:
W1S2   n \n  1 [C] when people vote to choose someone for an official position:  --The Labour Party won the 2001 election by a huge majority.//  -- Elections will be held on 14 February.//  local/municipal/state/national election //  --He will be fighting local elections next May.//  presidential/mayoral/parliamentary etc election //  --The next presidential election is due in two years.//  stand for election  BrE //  --She was one of the first women to stand for election to parliament.//  run for election //\n  2 [singular] the fact of being elected to an official position:  --Within three months of his election he was forced to resign.//  sb’s election to sth//  --his election to Parliament//    general election//


Words: electioneering
Meaning:
n [U]   speeches and other activities that are intended to persuade people to vote for a particular person or political party//


Words: elective
Meaning:
adj  formal \n  1 an elective position or organization is one for which there is an election:  --the 34 elective seats in the National Assembly//\n  2 elective medical treatment is treatment that you choose to have, although you do not have to:  -- elective surgery such as hip replacements//\n  3  AmE an elective course is one that students can choose to take, although they do not have to take it in order to  graduate:\nelective 2 n [C]    AmE a course that students can choose to take, but they do not have to take it in order to graduate//


Words: elector
Meaning:
n [C]   someone who has the right to vote in an election//  --Over 36% of electors did not vote at all.//


Words: electoral
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   relating to elections and voting//  --Our electoral system strongly favours two-party government.//  --a campaign for electoral reform //  -- electorally adv //


Words: electoral college
Meaning:
n   the Electoral College//  a group of people chosen by the votes of the people in each US state, who come together to elect the President, or a similar group in other countries//


Words: electoral register
Meaning:
also electoral roll  n [C]   an official list of the people who are allowed to vote in an election//


Words: electorate
Meaning:
n [singular]   all the people in a country who have the right to vote//  --A majority of the electorate oppose the law.//


Words: electric
Meaning:
W3S2   adj   guitar, guitar, acoustic, electric//  [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Modern Latin; Origin: electricus, from  Latin electrum  ’amber’; because electricity was first made by rubbing amber]//\n  1 needing electricity to work, produced by electricity, or used for carrying electricity:  electric light/kettle/cooker etc //  --the heat from a small electric fire//  electric current/power/charge (=a flow of electricity) //  --an electric blanket  (=one with electric wires in it, used for making a bed warm) //\n  2 making people feel very excited:  --The atmosphere in the courtroom was electric .//


Words: electric chair
Meaning:
n [C usually singular]   a chair in which criminals are killed using electricity, especially in the US, in order to punish them for murder//  --He faces death by the electric chair in a Florida state prison.//


Words: electric shock therapy
Meaning:
n [U]   a method of treatment for mental illness that involves sending electricity through someone’s brain//   ECT//


Words: electrical
Meaning:
S3   adj \n  1 relating to electricity:  --The fire was caused by an electrical fault .//  --an electrical engineer  (=a person who designs and makes electrical equipment) //\n  2 using electricity:  electrical equipment/goods/appliances etc //  -- electrically/-kli/ adv //


Words: electricity
Meaning:
W3S2   n [U] \n  1 the power that is carried by wires, cables etc, and is used to provide light or heat, to make machines work etc:  --The farm was very isolated, but it had electricity.//  --the electricity supply //  --the electricity bill //\n  2 a feeling of excitement:


Words: electrify
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  electrified present participle  electrifying third person singular  electrifies  [T] //\n  1 if a performance or a speech electrifies people, it makes them feel very interested or excited:  --She would sit at the piano and sing, electrifying us all.//\n  2 to change a railway so that it uses electrical power, or to supply a building or area with electricity:  --The west coast main line has been electrified.//  -- electrifying adj //  -- electrified adj //  --electrified fences//  -- electrification/[hA366]lektr[hA369]f[hA369]ke[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: electro-
Meaning:
prefix  technical \n  1 relating to electricity or made to work by electricity:  --electrocute (=to hurt or kill someone by electricity) //  --an electromagnet//\n  2 electric and something else:  --electro-chemical//


Words: electrocute
Meaning:
v [T usually passive]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: electro- +  execute]//\n  1  BrE if someone is electrocuted, they are injured or killed by electricity passing through their body:  --Last week a housewife was electrocuted by her washing machine.//\n  2 to kill someone using electricity:  -- electrocution/[hA366]lektr[hA353]kju[hA359][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: electrode
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: electro- +  Greek hodos  ’way, path’]//  a small piece of metal or a wire that is used to send electricity through a system or through a person’s body//  --The monkeys have electrodes implanted into the brain to measure their brain activity.//


Words: electroencephalogram
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: electro- +  encephalogram, from  Greek kephale  ’head’]//   technical an EEG(2)//


Words: electrolysis
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: electro- +  Greek lysis  ’untying’]//\n  1  technical the process of separating a liquid into its chemical parts by passing an electric current through it:\n  2 the process of using electricity to destroy hair roots and to remove unwanted hairs from your face etc:


Words: electrolyte
Meaning:
n [C]  technical   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: electro- +  Greek lytos  ’untied’]//  a liquid that allows electricity to pass through it//


Words: electromagnet
Meaning:
n [C]   a piece of metal that becomes magnetic (=able to attract metal objects)  when an electric current is turned on//


Words: electromagnetism
Meaning:
n [U]    technical a force relating to electric and magnetic fields, or the study of this force//  -- electromagnetic/[hA366]lektr[hA353][hA35E]m[zB024]gnet[hA366]k[hA36B] $ -tro[hA35E]-/ adj //


Words: electron
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: electro- +  -on (as in ion)]//  a very small piece of matter with a negative electrical charge that moves around the nucleus (=central part)  of an atom//    proton, neutron//


Words: electron microscope
Meaning:
n [C]   a very powerful microscope (=scientific instrument used for looking at small objects)  that uses electrons instead of light to make things look larger//


Words: electronic
Meaning:
W3S3   adj \n  1 electronic equipment, such as computers and televisions, uses electricity that has passed through computer chips transistors, etc:  --electronic games//  --an electronic organizer (=a small piece of electronic equipment that you can use to record addresses, phone numbers etc) //\n  2 using or produced by electronic equipment:  --electronic music//  --electronic banking//  --electronic publishing (=a system of producing books, magazines etc in a form that can be read on a computer) //  -- electronically/-kli/ adv //  --electronically controlled gates//  --The information is recorded electronically.//


Words: electronic banking
Meaning:
n [U]   a service provided by banks that allows people to pay money from one account to another, pay bills etc using the Internet//   e-banking//


Words: electronic cash
Meaning:
n [U]   money that can be used to buy things on the Internet, but that does not exist in a physical form or belong to any particular country//


Words: electronic data interchange
Meaning:
n [U]  technical   EDI a way for companies and banks to send information to each other by computer using an agreed format so that the company receiving the documents can easily read them on their computer and print them out on paper//


Words: electronic funds transfer
Meaning:
n [U and C]   EFT when money is moved from one bank account, business etc to another using only computer systems//


Words: electronic organizer
Meaning:
n [C]   a small piece of electronic equipment that you can use to record addresses, telephone numbers, dates of meetings etc//


Words: electronic publishing
Meaning:
n [U]   the business of producing books, magazines, or newspapers that are designed to be read using a computer//


Words: electronic tagging
Meaning:
n [U]   a system of attaching a small piece of electronic equipment to a criminal, which allows the police to know where he or she is//


Words: electronic ticketing
Meaning:
n [U]   a service provided by airlines that allows people to buy their tickets on the Internet and usually does not give them tickets in the form of paper//


Words: electronica
Meaning:
n [U]   a general word for various different types of electronic dance and listening music//    drum ’n’ bass, house music, techno, trance//


Words: electronics
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] the study or industry of making equipment, such as computers and televisions, that work electronically:  electronics company/industry/firm etc //  --an electronics engineer//\n  2 [plural] electronic equipment:  --the market for consumer electronics//


Words: electroplate
Meaning:
v [T usually passive]   to put a very thin layer of metal onto the surface of an object, using electrolysis//


Words: elegant
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: Latin elegans  ’specially chosen as being of good quality’, from  eligere;   ELECT1]//\n  1 beautiful, attractive, or graceful:  --a tall, elegant young woman//  --You can dine in elegant surroundings .//\n  2 an idea or a plan that is elegant is very intelligent yet simple:  --an elegant solution to the problem//  -- elegantly adv //  -- elegance n  [U] //  --the style and elegance of the designs//


Words: elegiac
Meaning:
adj  literary   showing that you feel sad about someone who has died or something that no longer exists//  --He spoke of his childhood in elegiac tones.//


Words: elegy
Meaning:
n   plural  elegies  [C] //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: elegia]//  a sad poem or song, especially about someone who has died//    eulogy//


Words: element
Meaning:
W1S2   n [C]   ----------//\n   1 part:\n   2 element of surprise/truth/risk/doubt etc:\n   3 chemistry:\n   4 people:\n   5 the elements:\n   6 heating:\n   7 the elements of something:\n   8 earth/air/fire/water:\n   9 be in your element:\n  10 be out of your element:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin elementum]//\n  1 PART:  one part or feature of a whole system, plan, piece of work etc, especially one that is basic or important//  element of//  --Honesty is a vital element of her success.//  element in//  --the primary element in the country’s economy//  important/key/essential/vital etc element //  --Besides ability, the other essential element in political success is luck.//  --Business and management elements are built into the course.//\n  2  element of surprise/truth/risk/doubt etc:  an amount, usually small, of a quality or feeling//  --There is an element of truth in your argument.//\n  3 CHEMISTRY:  a simple chemical substance such as carbon or oxygen that consists of atoms of only one kind//    compound1 (1)//\n  4 PEOPLE:  a group of people who form part of a larger group, especially when the rest of the group does not approve of them//    faction//  --the hard-line communist elements in the party//\n  5  the elements [plural] the weather, especially bad weather:  --sailors battling against the elements//\n  6 HEATING:  the part of a piece of electrical equipment that produces heat//\n  7  the elements of sth:  the most simple things that you have to learn first about a subject//  --She doesn’t even know the basic elements of politeness.//\n  8 EARTH/AIR/FIRE/WATER:  one of the four substances (earth, air, fire, and water) from which people used to believe that everything was made//\n  9  be in your element:  to be in a situation that you enjoy, because you are good at it//  --Graham was in his element, building a fire and cooking the steaks.//\n  10  be out of your element:  to be in a situation that makes you uncomfortable or unhappy//  --She was out of her element in this dull little town.//


Words: elemental
Meaning:
adj \n  1 simple, basic, and important:  --Love and fear are two of the most elemental human emotions.//\n  2  technical existing as a simple chemical element that has not been combined with anything else:  --elemental sulphur//


Words: elementary
Meaning:
adj \n  1 simple or basic:  --the elementary principles of justice and democracy//  --You’ve made a very elementary mistake.//\n  2 [only before noun] concerning the first and easiest part of a subject:    intermediate, advanced//  --I’m only familiar with the subject at an elementary level.//  --I know a little elementary science.//\n  3 [only before noun]  AmE relating to elementary school:  British Equivalent:  primary//  -- elementary education //


Words: elementary particle
Meaning:
n [C]    technical one of the types of pieces of matter including electrons, protons, and neutrons that make up atoms//


Words: elementary school
Meaning:
n [C]   a school in the US where basic subjects are taught for the first six years of a child’s education//


Words: elephant
Meaning:
n [C]   tusk//  [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: oliphant, from  Greek elephas  ’elephant, ivory’]//  a very large grey animal with four legs, two tusks (=long curved teeth) and a trunk (=long nose)  that it can use to pick things up//    white elephant//


Words: Elephant Man
Meaning:
the   (1862-90) a name given to a British man called Joseph Merrick because he was seriously deformed by illness. Merrick appeared in  freak shows, where he was found by a doctor, Sir Frederick Treves, in 1886.//


Words: elevate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: elevatus, past participle of  elevare  ’to lift up’]//\n  1  formal to move someone or something to a more important level or rank, or make them better than before:  --Language has elevated humans above the other animals.//  elevate sb/sth to sth//  --Their purpose is to elevate AIDS to the top of government priorities.//\n  2  technical to lift someone or something to a higher position:  --Gradually elevate the patient into an upright position.//\n  3  technical to increase the amount, temperature, pressure etc of something:  --These drugs may elevate acid levels in the blood.//


Words: elevated
Meaning:
adj \n  1 elevated thoughts, words etc seem to be intelligent or of high moral standard:  --elevated philosophical language//\n  2 [only before noun] an elevated position or rank is very important and respected:\n  3 raised off the ground or higher up than other things:  --The train runs on an elevated track.//\n  4  formal elevated levels, temperatures etc are higher than normal:  --elevated blood sugar levels//


Words: elevating
Meaning:
adj  formal   making you feel interested in intelligent or moral subjects - sometimes used humorously//  --The lecture was an exciting and elevating experience.//


Words: elevation
Meaning:
n \n  1 [singular] a height above the level of the sea:  elevation of//  --The road climbs steadily to an elevation of 1400 feet.//\n  2 [U]  formal an act of moving someone to a more important rank or position:  elevation to//  --her sudden elevation to international stardom//\n  3 [U and C]  formal an increase in the amount or level of something:  --a sudden elevation of blood pressure//\n  4 [C]  technical an upright side of a building, as shown in a drawing done by an architect (=person who plans buildings) :  --the front elevation of a house//\n  5 [C]  technical the angle made with the horizon by pointing a gun:  --The cannon was fired at an elevation of 60 degrees.//


Words: elevator
Meaning:
W3S3   n [C] \n  1  AmE a machine that takes people and goods from one level to another in a building:  British Equivalent:  lift//  --We’ll have to take the elevator.//\n  2 a machine with a moving belt and containers, used for lifting grain and liquids, or for taking things off ships:


Words: elevator music
Meaning:
n [U]  informal   the type of music that is played in shops and public places, and is usually thought to be boring//


Words: eleven
Meaning:
number, n   [Language: Old English; Origin: endleofan]//\n  1 the number 11:  --She was sent to jail for eleven months.//  --I never go to bed before eleven (=11 o’clock) .//  --James had worked every summer since he was eleven (=11 years old) .//\n  2 [C] a team of 11 players in football or cricket:  --He plays regularly in the first eleven  (=the best team of 11 players) .//


Words: elevenses
Meaning:
n [U]  BrE  old-fashioned   a cup of coffee or tea and a biscuit, that you have in the middle of the morning//


Words: eleventh
Meaning:
adj \n  1 coming after ten other things in a series:  --in the eleventh century//  --her eleventh birthday//\n  2  the eleventh hour:  the last moment before something important happens//  --At the eleventh hour the government decided that something had to be done.//  -- eleventh pron //  --I’m planning to leave on the eleventh  (=the 11th day of the month) .//\neleventh 2 n [C]   one of eleven equal parts of something//


Words: elf
Meaning:
n   plural  elves /elvz/ [C] //  [Language: Old English; Origin: [zB024]lf]//  an imaginary creature like a small person with pointed ears and magical powers//    fairy, pixie//


Words: elfin
Meaning:
adj   someone who looks elfin is small and delicate//  --She had an elfin face and wide grey eyes.//


Words: Elgar
Meaning:
Sir Edward   (1857-1934) a British  composer of  classical music, famous for his  Enigma Variations and  Cello Concerto. He also wrote the music for the  patriotic song  Land of Hope and Glory.//


Words: Elgin Marbles
Meaning:
the   a set of ancient Greek  sculptures from the  Parthenon in Athens, which were brought to Britain by the Earl of Elgin in 1803, and are kept in the  British Museum in London//


Words: elicit
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: elicitus, past participle of  elicere  ’to draw out’]//  to succeed in getting information or a reaction from someone, especially when this is difficult//  --When her knock elicited no response , she opened the door and peeped in.//  elicit sth from sb//  --The test uses pictures to elicit words from the child.//  -- elicitation/[hA366]l[hA366]s[hA369]te[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: elide
Meaning:
v [T]  technical   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: elidere  ’to strike out’, from  laedere  ’to hurt by striking’]//  to leave out the sound of a letter or of a part of a word//  --Most English speakers elide the first ’d’ in ’Wednesday.’//  -- elision/[hA366]l[hA366][hA360][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: eligible
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: Late Latin eligibilis, from  Latin eligere;   ELECT1]//\n  1 someone who is eligible for something is able or allowed to do it, for example because they are the right age:  eligible for//  --Students on a part-time course are not eligible for a loan.//  eligible to do sth//  --Over 500,000 18-year-olds will become eligible to vote this year.//\n  2 [only before noun] an eligible man or woman would be good to marry because they are rich, attractive, and not married:  --Stephen was regarded as an eligible bachelor .//  -- eligibility/el[hA366]d[hA360][hA369]b[hA366]l[hA369]ti/ n  [U] //


Words: eliminate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: eliminatus, past participle of  eliminare  ’to put out of doors’]//\n  1 to completely get rid of something that is unnecessary or unwanted:  eliminate a need/possibility/risk/problem etc //  --The credit card eliminates the need for cash or cheques.//  --The teacher should try to eliminate the possibility that the child has a hearing defect.//  eliminate sth/sb from sth//  --Fatty foods should be eliminated from the diet.//\n  2 [usually passive] to defeat a team or person in a competition, so that they no longer take part in it:  --Our team was eliminated in the first round.//\n  3 to kill someone in order to prevent them from causing trouble:  --a ruthless dictator who eliminated all his rivals//\n  4  eliminate sb from your enquiries:   BrE if the police eliminate someone from their enquiries, they decide that that person did not commit a particular crime//


Words: elimination
Meaning:
n [U]   ----------//\n   1 removal of something:\n   2 defeat:\n   3 killing:\n   4 body process:  ----------//\n  1 REMOVAL OF SOMETHING:  the removal or destruction of something//  elimination of//  --the elimination of lead in petrol//\n  2 DEFEAT:  the defeat of a team or player in a competition, so that they may no longer take part//\n  3 KILLING:  the act of killing someone, especially to prevent them from causing trouble//  elimination of//  --The killings are part of a campaign of elimination of the political opposition.//\n  4 BODY PROCESS:   technical the process of getting rid of substances that your body no longer needs//  elimination of//  --the elimination of toxins from the body//    process of elimination at process1 (6)//


Words: Eliot
Meaning:
George   (1819-80) an British woman writer, whose real name was Mary Ann or Marian Evans. She wrote some of the greatest English novels, including  Middlemarch,  The Mill on the Floss, and  Silas Marner. Her novels give a detailed picture of many different characters at all levels of English society.//\n T.S.   (1888-1965) a US poet and writer of plays, who lived in England for most of his life. He is one of the most important writers of the 20th century, and he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1948. His works include  The Cocktail Party,  The Waste Land, and  The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock. //


Words: elite
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: , past participle of  elire  ’to choose’, from  Latin eligere;   ELECT1]//  a group of people who have a lot of power and influence because they have money, knowledge, or special skills//  political/social/economic etc elite //  --the domination of power by a small political elite//  --a struggle for power within the ruling elite //\nelite 2 adj   an elite group contains the best, most skilled or most experienced people or members of a larger group//  --an elite group of artists//  --elite universities//


Words: elitist
Meaning:
adj   an elitist system, government etc is one in which a small group of people have more power and advantages than other people//  --an elitist education system//  -- elitism n  [U] //  -- elitist n  [C] //


Words: elixir
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: Arabic al-iksir  ’the elixir’, probably from  Greek xerion  ’powder for drying wounds’, from  xeros  ’dry’]//\n  1 [C]  literary a magical liquid that is supposed to cure people of illness, make them younger etc:  --the search for the elixir of life //\n  2 [C] something that is supposed to solve problems as if by magic:  --The current new wave of technology should prove an economic elixir.//


Words: Elizabeth I
Meaning:
Queen   (1533-1603) the queen of England from 1558 until her death. She never married, and is sometimes called "the Virgin Queen". While she was queen, England’s power in the world increased, and the period is sometimes called ’the Elizabethan age’, which people think of as a great period in English history.//


Words: Elizabeth II
Meaning:
Queen   (1926-) the British queen since 1952, and also head of the British  Commonwealth. She is married to the  Duke of Edinburgh, and they have four children.//


Words: Elizabethan
Meaning:
adj   relating to the period 1558-1603 when Elizabeth I was queen of England//  --Elizabethan drama//  -- Elizabethan n  [C] //  --The Earl of Essex was a famous Elizabethan.//


Words: Elk
Meaning:
1  the Elks:  an organization for men which does  charity work in many small towns and cities in the US. Its official name is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.//\n  2 a member of this organization:


Words: elk
Meaning:
n   plural  elk  [C] //  [Language: Old English; Origin: eolh]//\n  1  BrE a very large brown North American, European, and Asian animal with wide flat horns:  American Equivalent:  moose//\n  2  AmE a large North American deer:


Words: Ellington
Meaning:
Duke   (1899-1974) a US  jazz composer and piano player, who was also a very successful band leader//


Words: ellipse
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: Latin ellipsis;   ELLIPSIS]//  a curved shape like a circle, but with two slightly longer and flatter sides//    oval//


Words: ellipsis
Meaning:
n   plural  ellipses /-si[hA359]z/ technical //  [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: Greek elleipsis, from  elleipein  ’to leave out’]//\n  1 [U and C] when words are deliberately left out of a sentence, though the meaning can still be understood. For example, you may say ’He’s leaving but I’m not’ instead of saying ’He’s leaving but I’m not leaving.’:\n  2 [C] the sign (...) used in writing to show that some words have deliberately been left out of a sentence:


Words: elliptical
Meaning:
[Date: 1600-1700; Language: Greek; Origin: elleiptikos, from  elleipein;   ELLIPSIS]//\n  1 having the shape of an ellipse:  --Kepler published his discovery of the elliptical orbits of planets in 1609.//\n  2 elliptical speech or writing is difficult to understand because more is meant than is actually said:  --The language is often elliptical and ambiguous.//


Words: Ellis Island
Meaning:
a small island close to New York City, which for over 50 years (1892-1943) was the main centre for dealing with people arriving in the US who wanted to settle in the country as  immigrants. Millions of people, mostly from Europe, passed through Ellis Island to become US citizens.//


Words: elm
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Language: Old English; Origin:]//  a type of large tree with broad leaves, or the wood from this tree//


Words: elocution
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: eloqui  ’to speak out’]//  good clear speaking in public, involving voice control, pronunciation etc//  -- elocution lessons //  -- elocutionary adj //  -- elocutionist n  [C] //


Words: elongate
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: elongatus, past participle of  elongare  ’to make longer’]//  to become longer, or make something longer than normal//  --Her legs were elongated by the very high heels which she wore.//  -- elongation/i[hA359]l[hA361][hA26E]ge[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ [hA366]l[hA361][hA359][hA26E]-/ n  [U and C] //


Words: elope
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: aloper  ’to run away’]//  to leave your home secretly in order to get married//  --My parents didn’t approve of the marriage, so we eloped.//  -- elopement n  [U and C] //


Words: eloquent
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: Latin, present participle of  eloqui;   ELOCUTION]//\n  1 able to express your ideas and opinions well, especially in a way that influences people:  --an eloquent appeal for support//\n  2 showing a feeling or meaning without using words:  --The photographs are an eloquent reminder of the horrors of war.//  -- eloquently adv //  -- eloquence n  [U] //


Words: else
Meaning:
adv   [Language: Old English; Origin: elles]//\n  1 [used after words beginning with ’some-’, ’every-’, ’any-’, and ’no-’, and after question words] :  a) besides or in addition to someone or something//  --There’s something else I’d like to talk about as well.//  --I’d like you to come, and anyone else who’s free.//  --He was awake now, as was everyone else.//  --Who else was at the party?//  --’Two coffees, please.’ ’Anything else?’ ’No, thanks.’//  -- Above all else  (=more than any other things) she was seeking love.//  b) used to talk about a different person, thing, place etc//  --He went to live with another woman.//  --I’d like to live anywhere else but here.//  --If I can’t trust you, who else can I trust?//\n  2  or else:   spoken //  a) used to say that there will be a bad result if someone does not do something//  --Hurry up or else we’ll miss the train.//  b) used to say what another possibility might be//  --The salesman will reduce the price or else include free insurance.//  c) used to threaten someone//  --Hand over the money, or else! see usage note  unless//\n  3  BrE  spoken used after a question word to say that the thing, person, or place you have mentioned is the only one possible:  --’What are you doing?’ ’Waiting for you, what else?’//\n  4  what else can sb do/say?:   spoken used to say that it is impossible to do or say anything apart from what has been mentioned//  --’Will you really sell the house? ’ ’What else can I do? I can’t live here.’//    if nothing else at nothing1 (11)//    be sth else at something(9)//


Words: elsewhere
Meaning:
adv   in, at, or to another place//  --She is becoming famous in Australia and elsewhere.//  --Kerala has less crime and alcoholism than elsewhere in India.//


Words: ELT
Meaning:
n [U]    especially BrE  English Language Teaching the teaching of the English language to people whose first language is not English//


Words: Elton John
Meaning:
(1947- ) a British  pop singer and songwriter, now officially called Sir Elton John, who was especially successful in the 1970s. One of his best-known songs, Candle in the Wind, was recorded again in 1997 with new words, to remember Princess Diana after she was killed in a car crash.//\n King   (1167-1216) the king of England from 1199 until his death. He signed the  Magna Carta in 1215, by which he agreed to accept limits on his power as king. These events are described in a play by William Shakespeare called  King John.//


Words: elucidate
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Late Latin; Origin: elucidatus, past participle of  elucidare  ’to make clear’]//   formal to explain something that is difficult to understand by providing more information//  --The full picture has not yet been elucidated.//  -- elucidation/[hA366]lu[hA359]s[hA369]de[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //  -- elucidatory/[hA366]lu[hA359]s[hA369]d[hA353]t[hA368]ri $ -d[hA353]t[hA350][hA359]ri/ adj //


Words: elude
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: eludere, from  ludere  ’to play’]//\n  1 to escape from someone or something, especially by tricking them:   avoid//  --He managed to elude his pursuers by escaping into a river.//\n  2 if something that you want eludes you, you fail to find or achieve it:  --She took the exam again, but again success eluded her.//\n  3 if a fact or the answer to a problem eludes you, you cannot remember or solve it:   escape//  --The exact terminology eludes me for the moment.//


Words: elusive
Meaning:
adj \n  1 an elusive person or animal is difficult to find or not often seen:  --She managed to get an interview with that elusive man.//\n  2 an elusive result is difficult to achieve:  --She enjoys a firm reputation in this country but wider international success has been elusive.//\n  3 an elusive idea or quality is difficult to describe or understand:  --For me, the poem has an elusive quality.//  -- elusively adv //  -- elusiveness n  [U] //


Words: Elysee Palace
Meaning:
the official home of the President of France, in Paris. Its name is sometimes used to mean the President and his advisers//  --Rumours of a split in the government were swiftly denied by the Elysee Palace.//


Words: Elysium
Meaning:
also the Elysian Fields  literary   a place of complete happiness. According to ancient Greek stories, Elysium is the place where good people go after their death.//   paradise//


Words: em-
Meaning:
prefix   the form used for en- before b, m, or p//  --embittered (=made to feel extremely disappointed) //  --empowerment (=when someone is given control of something) //


Words: emaciated
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: emaciatus, past participle of  emaciare, from  macer  ’thin’]//  extremely thin from lack of food or illness//  --The prisoners were ill and emaciated.//  -- emaciation/[hA366]me[hA366][hA35D]ie[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n, -si-/ n  [U] //\nemail 1  e-mail/i[hA359] me[hA366]l/ n \n  1 [U] a system that allows you to send and receive messages by computer:   electronic mail//  --contact someone by email//  --your email address//\n  2 [U and C] a message that is sent from one person to another using the email system:  --Send me an e-mail when you have any news.//  --I haven’t had time to check my email this morning.//\nemail 2  e-mail v [T] \n  1 to send someone an email:  --Will you e-mail me about it?//\n  2 to send someone a document using email:  --Can you email me the proposal by the end of today?//


Words: emanate
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Latin; Origin: emanatus, past participle of  emanare  ’to flow out’]//  [T]  formal to produce a smell, light etc, or to show a particular quality//  --He emanates tranquility.//  -- emanation/em[hA353]ne[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //  emanate from [emanate from sth] phr v//  to come from or out of something//  --Wonderful smells were emanating from the kitchen.//


Words: emancipate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: emancipatus, past participle of  emancipare, from  mancipium  ’ownership’]//   formal to give someone the political or legal rights that they did not have before//  --Slaves were emancipated in 1834.//  -- emancipation/[hA366]m[zB024]ns[hA369]pe[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: emancipated
Meaning:
adj \n  1 socially, politically, or legally free:\n  2  old-fashioned an emancipated woman is not influenced by old-fashioned ideas about how women should behave:


Words: Emancipation Proclamation
Meaning:
the   an announcement made in the US by President Abraham Lincoln which ordered the end of   slavery (=the practice of owning people as property) in the Confederate States  (=the southern states of the US) from January 1st 1863. The Proclamation was made during the Civil War. Soon after the war, slavery was completely ended by the "13th Amendment" to the US Constitution.//


Words: emasculate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: emasculatus, past participle of  emasculare, from  masculus  ’male’]//\n  1 to make a man feel weaker and less male:  --Some men feel emasculated if they work for a woman.//\n  2 to make someone or something weaker or less effective:  --The bill has been emasculated by Congress.//\n  3  medical to remove all or part of a male’s sex organs:   castrate//  -- emasculation/[hA366]m[zB024]skj[hA36A]le[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: embalm
Meaning:
v [T]   to treat a dead body with chemicals, oils etc to prevent it from decaying//  -- embalmer n  [C] //


Words: Embankment
Meaning:
the Embankment//   also the Thames Embankment //  a road along the north bank of the River Thames in London//


Words: embankment
Meaning:
n [C]   a wide wall of earth or stones built to stop water from flooding an area, or to support a road or railway//


Words: embargo
Meaning:
n   plural  embargoes  [C] //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Spanish; Origin: embargar  ’to stop, prevent, seize’]//  an official order to stop trade with another country//   boycott, sanctions//  embargo on/against//  --an embargo on wheat exports//  --an embargo against the country//  impose/lift an embargo (=start or end one) //  --Many allies are pushing to lift the embargo.//  trade/arms/oil etc embargo //\nembargo 2 v [T] \n  1 to officially stop particular goods being traded with another country:   boycott//  --Several countries embargoed arms shipments to Yugoslavia.//\n  2 to stop information from being made public until a particular date or until permission is given:   censor//


Words: embark
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: embarquer, from  barque  ’ship’;   BARQUE]//  to go onto a ship or a plane, or to put or take something onto a ship or plane//  → disembark//  -- embarkation/emb[hA35A][hA359]ke[hA366][hA35D][hA353]n $ -b[hA35A][hA359]r-/ n  [U and C] //  embark on/upon [embark on/upon sth] phr v//  to start something, especially something new, difficult, or exciting//  --He embarked on a new career as a teacher.//


Words: embarrass
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: embarrasser, from  Spanish embarazar, perhaps from  Vulgar Latin barra  ’bar’]//\n  1 to make someone feel ashamed, nervous, or uncomfortable, especially in front of other people:  --He didn’t want to embarrass her by asking questions.//\n  2 to do something that causes problems for a government, political organization, or politician, and makes them look bad:  --The revelations in the press have embarrassed the government.//


Words: embarrassed
Meaning:
adj \n  1 feeling nervous and uncomfortable and worrying about what people think of you, for example because you have to talk or sing in public, or because you have made a silly mistake:  --Lori gets embarrassed if we ask her to sing.//  --He looked embarrassed when I asked him where he’d been.//  very/deeply/highly/acutely embarrassed //  --Michelle was acutely embarrassed  (=very embarrassed) at having to ask for money.//  embarrassed smile/laugh/grin etc //  --Ken gave her an embarrassed grin.//  --There was an embarrassed silence.//  embarrassed to do sth//  --He was embarrassed to admit making a mistake.//  embarrassed about/at//  --I felt embarrassed about how untidy the house was.//\n  2  financially embarrassed:  having no money or having debts//  ----------//  WORD FOCUS: embarrassed //  similar words: uncomfortable,  awkward,  sheepish,  red-faced //  very embarrassed: mortified //  ----------//


Words: embarrassing
Meaning:
adj   making you feel ashamed, nervous, or uncomfortable//  --She asked a lot of embarrassing questions .//  --an embarrassing situation //  embarrassing for//  --This incident is deeply embarrassing for the government.//  -- embarrassingly adv //  --an embarrassingly poor performance//


Words: embarrassment
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] the feeling you have when you are embarrassed:  embarrassment at//  --She suffered extreme embarrassment at not knowing how to read.//  --He could not hide his embarrassment at his children’s rudeness.//  to sb’s embarrassment//  --To her embarrassment, she couldn’t remember his name.//\n  2 [C] an event that causes a government, political organization etc problems, and makes it look bad:  embarrassment to/for//  --The allegations have been an acute embarrassment  (=serious and severe embarrassment) to the Prime Minister.//  --The scandal was a further source of embarrassment to the government.//\n  3 [C] someone who behaves in a way that makes you feel ashamed, nervous, or uncomfortable:  embarrassment to//  --Tim’s drinking has made him an embarrassment to the whole family.//\n  4  financial embarrassment:  debts or a lack of money that causes problems for you//\n  5  an embarrassment of riches:  so many good things that it is difficult to decide which one you want//


Words: embassy
Meaning:
n   plural  embassies  [C] //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Old French; Origin: ambasse]//  a group of officials who represent their government in a foreign country, or the building they work in//  --the American Embassy in Paris//


Words: embattled
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: embataillier, from  bataille;   BATTLE1]//\n  1 [only before noun] an embattled person, organization etc has many problems or difficulties:  --The embattled president had to resign.//\n  2 surrounded by enemies, especially in war or fighting:  --The embattled army finally surrendered.//


Words: embed
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  embedded present participle  embedding //\n  1 [I,T usually passive] to put something firmly and deeply into something else, or to be put into something in this way:  be embedded in sth//  --A piece of glass was embedded in her hand.//\n  2 [T usually passive] if ideas, attitudes, or feelings etc are embedded, you believe or feel them very strongly:  --Feelings of guilt are deeply embedded in her personality.//\n  3 [T] to put something such as a  graphic into a computer program or page on the Internet:


Words: embellish
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: embelir, from  bel  ’beautiful’]//\n  1 to make something more beautiful by adding decorations to it:  embellish sth with sth//  --The dress was embellished with gold threads.//\n  2 to make a story or statement more interesting by adding details that are not true:  --She gave an embellished account of what had happened.//  -- embellishment n  [U and C] //


Words: ember
Meaning:
n [C usually plural]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old Norse; Origin: eimyrja]//  a piece of wood or coal that stays red and very hot after a fire has stopped burning//  --glowing embers//


Words: embezzle
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: embeseiller, from  Old French besillier  ’to destroy’]//  to steal money from the place where you work//  --Two managers were charged with embezzling $400,000.//  -- embezzlement n  [U] //  -- embezzler n  [C] //


Words: embittered
Meaning:
adj   angry, sad, or full of hate because of bad or unfair things that have happened to you//   bitter//  --a sick, embittered, and lonely old man//  -- embitter v  [T] //


Words: emblazoned
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   if something is emblazoned with a name, design etc, it has that design on it where it can easily be seen//  emblazoned with//  --a T-shirt emblazoned with a political slogan//  emblazoned on/across//  --The sponsor’s name is emblazoned on the players’ shirts.//  -- emblazon v  [T] //


Words: emblem
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: emblema  ’design set into a surface’, from  Greek emballein  ’to put in’]//\n  1 a picture, shape, or object that is used to represent a country, organization etc:    logo//  emblem of//  --The national emblem of Canada is a maple leaf.//\n  2 something that represents an idea, principle, or situation:  emblem of//  --Expensive cars are seen as an emblem of success.//


Words: emblematic
Meaning:
adj  formal   seeming to represent or be a sign of something//   representative//  emblematic of//  --The Vespa scooter became emblematic of sophisticated urban culture across Europe.//


Words: embodiment
Meaning:
n   the embodiment of sth//  someone or something that represents or is very typical of an idea or quality//   epitome//  --He is the embodiment of evil.//


Words: embody
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  embodied present participle  embodying third person singular  embodies  [T] //\n  1 to be a very good example of an idea or quality:   represent//  --She embodies everything I admire in a teacher.//\n  2  formal to include something:  --The latest model embodies many new improvements.//


Words: embolism
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Modern Latin; Origin: embolismus, from  Greek emballein;   EMBLEM]//   medical something such as a hard mass of blood or a small amount of air that blocks a tube carrying blood through the body//


Words: embossed
Meaning:
adj   having a surface that is decorated with a raised pattern//  embossed with//  --She was given a Bible embossed with her name.//  --embossed stationery//  -- emboss v  [T] //


Words: embrace
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: embracier, from  brace  ’two arms’]//\n  1 [I and T] to put your arms around someone and hold them in a friendly or loving way:   hug//  --Jack warmly embraced his son.//  --Maggie and Laura embraced.//\n  2 [T]  formal to eagerly accept a new idea, opinion, religion etc:  --We hope these regions will embrace democratic reforms.//  --Most West European countries have embraced the concept of high-speed rail networks with enthusiasm.//\n  3 [T]  formal to include something as part of a subject, discussion etc:  --This course embraces several different aspects of psychology.//\nembrace 2 n [C]   the act of holding someone close to you, especially as a sign of love//  in an embrace//  --They held each other in a tender embrace.//


Words: embroider
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: enbrouder, from  Old French brouder  ’to embroider’]//\n  1 [I and T] to decorate cloth by sewing a pattern, picture, or words on it with coloured threads:  embroider sth with sth//  --The dress was embroidered with flowers.//  embroider sth on sth//  --A colourful design was embroidered on the sleeve of the shirt.//  --a richly embroidered jacket//\n  2 [T] to make a story or report of events more interesting or exciting by adding details that are not true:   embellish//


Words: embroidery
Meaning:
n   plural  embroideries //\n  1 [U and C] a pattern sewn onto cloth, or cloth with patterns sewn onto it:\n  2 [U] the act of sewing patterns onto cloth:\n  3 [U] imaginary details that are added to make a story seem more interesting or exciting:   embellishment//


Words: embroil
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: embrouiller, from  brouiller  ’to mix together’]//  to involve someone or something in a difficult situation//  embroil sb/sth in sth//  --I became embroiled in an argument with the taxi driver.//


Words: embryo
Meaning:
n   plural  embryos  [C] //  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: Greek embryon, from  bryein  ’to swell’]//\n  1 an animal or human that has not yet been born, and has just begun to develop:    foetus//\n  2  in embryo:  at a very early stage of development//  --The system already exists in embryo.//


Words: embryonic
Meaning:
adj \n  1 at a very early stage of development:  --The plans are still only in embryonic form.//\n  2 relating to an embryo:  --embryonic development//  --embryonic cells//


Words: emcee
Meaning:
n [C]  AmE   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: M. C., short for  master of ceremonies]//  master of ceremonies someone who introduces the performers on a television or radio programme or at a social event//  --a game show emcee//  -- emcee v  [I and T] //


Words: emend
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: emendare, from  menda  ’something wrong, fault’]//  to remove the mistakes from something that has been written//    amend//  -- emendation/i[hA359]mende[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: emerald
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: emeraude, from  Latin smaragdus]//\n  1 [C] a valuable bright green stone that is often used in jewellery:\n  2 [U] a bright green colour:  -- emerald adj //


Words: Emerald Isle
Meaning:
the   a name for Ireland, used in literature, often humorously. It is called this because the countryside is very green.//


Words: emerge
Meaning:
W2   v [I]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: emergere, from  mergere  ’to dive’]//\n  1 to appear or come out from somewhere:  --The flowers emerge in the spring.//  emerge from//  --The sun emerged from behind the clouds.//\n  2 if facts emerge, they become known after being hidden or secret:    come out//  --Eventually the truth emerged .//  --Later it emerged that the judge had employed an illegal immigrant.//\n  3 to come out of a difficult experience:  emerge from//  --She emerged from the divorce a stronger person.//\n  4 to begin to be known or noticed:  --a religious sect that emerged in the 1830s//  emerge as//  --Local government has recently emerged as a major issue.//


Words: emergence
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 when something begins to be known or noticed:  emergence of//  --the emergence of Japan as a world leader//\n  2 when someone or something comes out of a difficult experience:  emergence from//  --the company’s emergence from bankruptcy//


Words: emergency
Meaning:
W3S2   n   plural  emergencies  [U and C] //  [Date: 1600-1700; Origin:  From the idea of something suddenly  ’emerging’ or happening]//  an unexpected and dangerous situation that must be dealt with immediately//    crisis//  --Lifeguards are trained to deal with emergencies .//  in an emergency//  --The staff need to know what to do in an emergency.//  -- In case of emergency , press the alarm button.//  emergency exit/supplies etc (=used in an emergency) //  --$500,000 of emergency aid for the victims of the earthquake//  --The plane had to make an emergency landing .//  --The government called an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis.//    state of emergency//


Words: emergency brake
Meaning:
n [C]    AmE a piece of equipment in a car that you pull up with your hand to stop the car from moving//   handbrake//


Words: emergency cord
Meaning:
n [C]  AmE   a chain that a passenger pulls to stop a train in an emergency//  British Equivalent:  communication cord//


Words: emergency room
Meaning:
n [C]    AmE a part of a hospital that immediately helps people who have been hurt in an accident or who are extremely ill//   ER//  British Equivalent:  casualty//


Words: emergency services
Meaning:
n [plural]    BrE official organizations such as the police or the fire service, that deal with crime, fires, and injuries//


Words: emergent
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   in the early stages of existence or development//  --the emergent nations of the world//


Words: emerging
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   in an early state of development//  --the country’s emerging oil industry//


Words: emeritus
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  emereri  ’to serve one’s full time, earn, deserve’]//  emeritus professor/director etc//   or  professor/director etc emeritus//  a professor, director etc who is no longer working but has kept his or her previous job title as an honour//


Words: Emerson
Meaning:
Ralph Waldo   (1803-82) a US poet and writer who had great influence on the religious and  philosophical thought of his time//


Words: emery
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: emeri, from  Old Italian smiriglio, from  Greek smyris]//  a very hard mineral that is used for polishing things and making them smooth//


Words: emetic
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: emetica, from  Greek emein  ’to vomit’]//   medical something that you eat or drink in order to make yourself vomit (=bring up food from your stomach) //  -- emetic adj //


Words: emigrate
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Latin; Origin: emigratus, past participle of  emigrare, from  migrare;   MIGRATE]//  to leave your own country in order to live in another country//    immigrate//  emigrate to/from//  --He emigrated to Australia as a young man.//  -- emigration/em[hA369]gre[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: emigre
Meaning:
n [C]  formal   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: , past participle of  emigrer, from  Latin emigrare;   EMIGRATE]//  someone who leaves their own country to live in another, usually for political reasons//  --Russian emigres living in Paris//


Words: Emily Post
Meaning:
(1872-1960) a US writer of books and newspaper articles which gave advice on  etiquette (=correct and polite social behaviour) //


Words: eminence
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] the quality of being famous and important:  of great/such etc eminence //  --a scientist of great eminence//\n  2  Your/His Eminence:  a title used when talking to or about a cardinal (=priest of high rank in the Roman Catholic Church) //\n  3 [C]  literary a hill or area of high ground:


Words: eminence grise
Meaning:
n   plural  eminences grises  [C] //  [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: eminence grise  ’gray eminence’, originally used of P[hA169]re Joseph, adviser of the French minister Cardinal Richelieu]//  someone who has unofficial power, often secretly, through someone else//  --Borusa had no wish to become president, instead preferring to operate as an eminence grise behind the scenes.//


Words: eminent
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: , present participle of  eminere  ’to stand out’]//  an eminent person is famous, important, and respected//  --an eminent lawyer//


Words: eminently
Meaning:
adv  formal   completely and without a doubt - use this to show approval//  --Woods is eminently suitable for the job.//


Words: emir
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Arabic; Origin: amir  ’commander’]//  a Muslim ruler, especially in Asia and parts of Africa//  --the Emir of Kuwait//


Words: emissary
Meaning:
n   plural  emissaries  [C] //  [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: emissarius, from  emittere;   EMIT]//  someone who is sent with an official message or to do official work//   envoy//  --Japan is sending two emissaries to Washington to discuss trade issues.//


Words: emission
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C usually plural] a gas or other substance that is sent into the air:  --Britain has agreed to cut emissions of nitrogen oxide from power stations.//\n  2 [U] the act of sending out light, heat, gas etc:


Words: emit
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  emitted present participle  emitting  [T] //  [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: emittere, from  mittere  ’to send’]//  to send out gas, heat, light, sound etc//  --The kettle emitted a shrill whistle.//


Words: Emmenthal
Meaning:
EmmentalEmmenthaler, Emmentaler  , Swiss cheese  AmE   a type of hard, yellow, Swiss cheese with holes in it//


Words: Emmy
Meaning:
also  Emmy Award   n [C]   a US prize given each year for special achievements in television. There are Emmys for actors, writers, directors etc, and the prize is a small  statue//


Words: emollient
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , present participle of  emollire  ’to soften’]//\n  1 making something, especially your skin, softer and smoother:  --Almond oil is renowned for its soothing, emollient properties.//\n  2 making someone feel calmer when they have been angry:  --an emollient reply//  -- emollient n  [C] //


Words: emolument
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: emolumentum  ’miller’s payment’, from  emolere  ’to crush, grind up’]//   formal money or another form of payment for work you have done//


Words: emote
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: emotion]//  to clearly show emotion, especially when you are acting//  --Siskind encourages the children to emote to the music as they dance.//


Words: emoticon
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: emotion +  icon]//  a special sign that is used to show an emotion in email and on the Internet, often by making a picture. For example, the emoticon :-) looks like a smiling face and means that you have made a joke//


Words: emotion
Meaning:
W3   n [U and C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: emouvoir  ’to cause to have strong feelings’, from  Latin movere  ’to move’]//  a strong human feeling such as love, hate, or anger//  --Her voice was full of emotion .//  conflicting/mixed emotions //  --Sara listened with mixed emotions.//  --She was good at hiding her emotions .//  --Kim received the news without showing any visible sign of emotion .//


Words: emotional
Meaning:
W3S3   adj \n  1 [only before noun] relating to your feelings or how you control them:  --She provided emotional support at a very distressing time for me.//  --Ann suffered from depression and a number of other emotional problems .//  --the physical and emotional state of the patient//\n  2 making people have strong feelings:   emotive//  --Abortion is a very emotional issue .//  --The funeral was a very emotional experience for all of us.//\n  3 having strong feelings and showing them to other people, especially by crying:  get/become emotional //  --He became very emotional when we had to leave.//\n  4 influenced by what you feel, rather than what you know:  --an emotional response to the problem//  -- emotionally adv //  --Nursing is an emotionally and physically demanding job.//


Words: emotive
Meaning:
adj   making people have strong feelings//   emotional//  emotive issue/subject/word etc //  --Child abuse is an emotive subject.//  -- emotively adv //


Words: empanel
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  empanelled present participle  empanelling  BrE //  past tense and past participle  empaneled present participle  empaneling  AmE  [T] //  to choose the members of a jury in a court of law//


Words: empathize
Meaning:
also  empathise BrE   v [I]   to be able to understand someone else’s feelings, problems etc, especially because you have had similar experiences//    sympathize//  empathize with//  --My mother died last year so I can really empathize with what he’s going through.//


Words: empathy
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1900-2000; Language: Greek; Origin: empatheia, from  pathos  ’suffering, feeling’]//  the ability to understand other people’s feelings and problems//    sympathy//  empathy with/for//  --She had great empathy with people.//  -- empathetic/emp[hA353][hA35F]et[hA366]k[hA36B]/ also empathic //   adj //


Words: emperor
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: empereor, from  Latin imperare  ’to command’]//  the man who is the ruler of an empire//


Words: Emperor’s New Clothes
Meaning:
The   a  fairy tale (=old children’s story)  by Hans Christian  Andersen about an  emperor who pays a lot of money for some new magic clothes which can only be seen by wise people. The clothes do not really exist, but the emperor does not admit he cannot see them, because he does not want to seem stupid. Everyone else pretends to see the clothes too, until a child shouts, "The Emperor has no clothes on!" The title is often used to describe a situation in which people are afraid to criticize something because everyone else seems to think it is good or important.//


Words: emphasis
Meaning:
W2S3   n   plural  emphases /-si[hA359]z/ [U and C] //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: Greek, from  emphainein  ’to show’]//\n  1 special attention or importance:  emphasis on//  --In Japan there is a lot of emphasis on politeness.//  put/place emphasis on sth //  --The course places emphasis on practical work.//  --a change of emphasis in government policy//\n  2 special importance that is given to a word or phrase by saying it louder or higher, or by printing it in a special way:  emphasis on//  --The emphasis should be on the first syllable.//  --’And I can assure you,’ she said with emphasis , ’that he is innocent.’//


Words: emphasize
Meaning:
also  emphasise BrE   v [T] \n  1 to say something in a strong way:  --The report emphasizes the importance of improving safety standards.//  --Logan made a speech emphasizing the need for more volunteers.//  emphasize that/how//  --The Prime Minister emphasized that there are no plans to raise taxes.//\n  2 to say a word or phrase louder or higher than others to give it more importance:\n  3 to make something more noticeable:  --The dress emphasized the shape of her body.//


Words: emphatic
Meaning:
adj \n  1 expressing an opinion, idea etc in a clear, strong way to show its importance:  --an emphatic denial//  emphatic that//  --Wilde was emphatic that the event should go ahead.//  emphatic about//  --He was pretty emphatic about me leaving.//\n  2  emphatic win/victory/defeat:  a win etc in which one team or player wins by a large amount//  -- emphatically/-kli/ adv //


Words: emphysema
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Modern Latin; Origin: Greek, from  emphysan  ’to swell’]//   medical a serious disease that affects the lungs, making it difficult to breathe//


Words: empire
Meaning:
W3   n [C]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin imperare;   EMPEROR]//\n  1 a group of countries that are all controlled by one ruler or government:  --the Roman empire//\n  2 a group of organizations controlled by one person:  --a business empire //


Words: Empire State Building
Meaning:
the Empire State Building//  a famous very tall office building in New York City, which has 102 floors. It was built in 1931, and for many years it was the tallest building in the world//


Words: empirical
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   [Date: 1500-1600; Origin: empiric  ’person who puts trust only in practical experience’ (16-21 centuries), from  Latin empiricus, from  Greek empeiria  ’experience’]//  based on scientific testing or practical experience, not on ideas//  → theoretical, hypothetical//  -- empirical evidence //  -- empirically/-kli/ adv //


Words: employ
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: emploier  ’to use’, from  Latin implicare;   IMPLICATE]//\n  1 to pay someone to work for you:  --The factory employs over 2000 people.//  employ sb as sth//  --Kelly is employed as a mechanic.//  employ sb to do sth//  --We have been employed to look at ways of reducing waste.//\n  2 to use a particular object, method, skill etc in order to achieve something:  employ a method/technique/tactic etc //  --The report examines teaching methods employed in the classroom.//\n  3 [usually passive]  formal to spend your time doing a particular thing:  be employed in (doing) sth//  --Her days are employed in gardening and voluntary work.//\nemploy 2 n   in sb’s employ//   old-fashioned working for someone//  --He had a number of servants in his employ.//


Words: employable
Meaning:
adj   having skills or qualities that are necessary to get a job//  --The training scheme aims to make people more employable.//


Words: employer
Meaning:
n [C]   a person, company, or organization that employs people//  --The shoe factory is the largest employer in this area.//


Words: employment
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 the condition of having a paid job:  --She was offered employment in the sales office.//  --terms and conditions of employment//  employment opportunities/prospects //  --The employment prospects for graduates in computer science are excellent.//  --Steve’s still looking for full-time employment .//  --the needs of women who combine paid employment and care for their families//  in employment//  --21.7% of all those in employment were in part-time jobs.//\n  2 the act of paying someone to work for you:  employment of//  --Mexican law prohibits the employment of children under 14.//\n  3 the number of people who have jobs:  → unemployment//  --Nationwide employment now stands at 95%.//  full employment (=a situation in which everyone has a job) //  --Many economists consider full employment an unrealistic goal.//\n  4  formal the use of a particular object, method, skill etc to achieve something:  employment of//  --Was the employment of force justified?//


Words: Employment Act
Meaning:
the   a set of laws made in the UK in 1989 in order to replace old laws which were unfair to women, and to encourage  equal opportunities (=the same chances of employment and pay for everyone) //


Words: employment agency plural
Meaning:
employment agencies  n [C]   a business that makes money by finding jobs for people//    job centre//


Words: emporium
Meaning:
n   plural  emporiums  or  emporia /-ri[hA353]/ [C]  old-fashioned //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: Greek emporion, from  emporos  ’traveler, trader’]//  a large shop//


Words: empower
Meaning:
v [T] \n  1 to give someone more control over their own life or situation:  --The Voting Rights Act was needed to empower minority groups.//\n  2  formal to give a person or organization the legal right to do something:  be empowered to do sth//  --The President is empowered to appoint judges to the Supreme Court.//  -- empowerment n  [U] //


Words: emptiness
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 a feeling of great sadness and loneliness:  --She felt an emptiness in her heart when he left.//\n  2 when there is nothing or nobody in a place:  emptiness of//  --the silence and emptiness of the desert//


Words: empty
Meaning:
adj   comparative  emptier superlative  emptiest //  ----------//\n   1 container:\n   2 place:\n   3 not used:\n   4 person/life:\n   5 empty words/gestures/promises etc:\n   6 do something on an empty stomach:\n   7 empty nest:\n   7 empty nest syndrome:\n   8 empty of something:  ----------//  [Language: Old English; Origin: [zB024]mettig]//\n  1 CONTAINER:  having nothing inside//  --an empty box//  --an empty bottle//  --an empty space behind the desk//  --The fuel tank’s almost empty.//\n  2 PLACE:  an empty place does not have any people in it//  --I hate coming home to an empty house.//  --The hall was half-empty .//  --The streets were empty.//  --The building stood empty for several years.//\n  3 NOT USED:  not being used by anyone//  --I spotted an empty table in the corner.//  --He put his feet on an empty chair.//\n  4 PERSON/LIFE:  unhappy because nothing in your life seems interesting or important//  --The divorce left him feeling empty and bitter.//  --Her life felt empty and meaningless.//\n  5  empty words/gestures/promises etc:  words etc that are not sincere, or have no effect//  --His repeated promises to pay them back were just empty words.//\n  6  do sth on an empty stomach:  to do something without having eaten any food first//  --I can’t work properly on an empty stomach.//\n  7  empty nest:   also  empty nest syndrome//  a situation in which parents become sad because their children have grown up and moved out of their house//\n  8  empty of sth:  not containing a particular type of thing, or not having a particular quality//  --The beach was almost empty of people.//  -- emptily adv //\nempty 2 v   past tense and past participle  emptied present participle  emptying third person singular  empties //\n  1  also empty out :   [T] to remove everything that is inside something//  --Did you empty the dishwasher?//  empty sth onto/into sth//  --Elinor emptied the contents of the envelope onto the table.//  --He emptied out the ashtray.//\n  2 [I] if a place empties, everyone leaves it:  --The stores were closing, and the streets began to empty.//  empty into [empty into sth] phr v//  if a river empties into a larger area of water, it flows into it//  --The Mississippi River empties into the Gulf of Mexico.//


Words: empty-handed
Meaning:
adj   without getting what you hoped or expected to get//  return/come back etc empty-handed //  --I spent all morning looking for a suitable present, but came home empty-handed.//


Words: EMU
Meaning:
Economic and Monetary Union the plan for having a single economic system and a single  currency (=type of money)  for all the members of the  EU. Most members began using the new currency in 2002.//


Words: emu
Meaning:
n   plural  emus  or  emu  [C] //  [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Portuguese; Origin: ema]//  a large Australian bird that can run very fast but cannot fly//


Words: emulate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: aemulatus, past participle of  aemulari  ’to (try to) be as good as another’]//  to do something or behave in the same way as someone else, especially because you admire them//   imitate//  --Young had hoped to emulate the success of Douglas Wilder.//  -- emulation/emj[hA36A]le[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: emulsifier
Meaning:
n [C]   a substance that is added, especially to food, to prevent liquids and solids from separating//


Words: emulsify
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  emulsified present participle  emulsifying third person singular  emulsifies  [I and T] //  to combine to become a smooth mixture, or to make two liquids do this//


Words: emulsion
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Modern Latin; Origin: Latin mulgere  ’to milk’]//\n  1 a mixture of liquids that do not completely combine, such as oil and water:\n  2  technical the substance on the surface of photographic film or paper that makes it react to light:\n  3  BrE  also emulsion paint :  a type of paint used inside buildings on walls or ceilings that is not shiny when it dries//    gloss, eggshell//


Words: en bloc
Meaning:
adv   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: ’in a block’]//  all together as a single unit, rather than separately//  --You cannot dismiss these stories en bloc.//


Words: en masse
Meaning:
adv   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: ’in a mass’]//  if people do something en masse, they do it together//  --The management team resigned en masse.//


Words: en route
Meaning:
adv   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: ’on the way’]//  on the way//  en route from/to//  --a flight en route from Tokyo to Sydney//  en route for//   BrE //  --We stayed there en route for London.//  --Why don’t we stop for lunch en route?//


Words: en suite
Meaning:
adj, adv  BrE   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: ’in succession’]//  a) an en suite bathroom is joined onto a bedroom//  --Both bedrooms have en suite bathrooms.//  b) an en suite bedroom has a bathroom joined onto it//  --57 bedrooms, all en suite//


Words: en-
Meaning:
prefix [in verbs]   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin in-, from  in  ’in’]//\n  1 to make someone or something be in a particular state or have a particular quality:  --enlarge (=make something bigger) //  --endanger (=put someone in danger) //\n  2 to go completely around something, or include all of it:  --encircle (=surround everything) //


Words: enable
Meaning:
v [T]   to make it possible for someone to do something, or for something to happen//  enable sb/sth to do sth//  --The loan enabled Jan to buy the house.//  --There are plans to enlarge the runway to enable jumbo jets to land.//  -- enabler n  [C] //


Words: enabling
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]    law an enabling law is one that makes something possible or gives someone special legal powers//


Words: enact
Meaning:
v [T] \n  1  formal to act in a play, story etc:  --a drama enacted on a darkened stage//\n  2  law to make a proposal into a law:  --Congress refused to enact the bill.//  -- enactment n  [U and C] //


Words: enamel
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1400-1500; Origin:  ENAMEL2]//\n  1 a hard shiny substance that is put onto metal, clay etc for decoration or protection:\n  2 the hard smooth outer surface of your teeth:\n  3 a type of paint that produces a shiny surface when it is dry:  -- enamel adj //\nenamel 2   past tense and past participle  enamelled present participle  enamelling  BrE //  past tense and past participle  enameled present participle  enameling  AmE  v [T] //  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: enamailler, from  Old French esmail  ’enamel’]//  to cover or decorate something with enamel//


Words: enamoured
Meaning:
BrE  enamored AmE   adj   [Date: 1200-1300; Origin: enamor  ’to cause to love’ (13-21 centuries), from  Old French enamourer, from  amour  ’love’]//\n  1 [not before noun] liking something very much:  enamoured of/with//  --You don’t seem very enamoured with your job.//\n  2  formal in love with someone:  enamoured of/with//  --He was greatly enamoured of Elizabeth.//


Words: encamp
Meaning:
v [I and T]    formal to make a camp or put people, especially soldiers, in a camp//  --The army was encamped near Damascus.//


Words: encapsulate
Meaning:
v [T] \n  1 to express or show something in a short way:   sum up//  --The words of the song neatly encapsulate the mood of the country at that time.//  encapsulate sth in sth//  --Her whole philosophy can be encapsulated in this one sentence.//\n  2 to completely cover something with something else, especially in order to prevent a substance getting out:  encapsulate sth in sth//  --The leaking fuel rods will be encapsulated in lead.//  -- encapsulation/[hA366]nk[zB024]psj[hA36A]le[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ -s[hA353]-/ n  [U and C] //


Words: Encarta
Meaning:
trademark   a type of  encyclopedia (=a product with articles about many different subjects)  which is produced only on a  CD-ROM, and is not available as a printed book. It is a  multimedia product, with pictures, sound, pieces of film etc.//


Words: encase
Meaning:
v [T]   to cover or surround something completely//  encase sth in sth//  --His broken leg was encased in plaster.//


Words: encephalitis
Meaning:
n [U]  medical   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Greek; Origin: enkephalos  ’brain’ +  English -itis]//  swelling of the brain//


Words: enchant
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: enchanter, from  Latin cantare  ’to sing’]//\n  1  formal if something that you see or hear enchants you, you like it very much:  --I was enchanted by the way she smiled.//  --The garden enchanted her.//\n  2  literary to use magic on something or someone:


Words: enchanted
Meaning:
adj \n  1 someone who is enchanted with someone or something likes them very much:  enchanted with//  --She was enchanted with the flowers you sent her.//\n  2 an enchanted object or place has been changed by magic so that it has special powers:    bewitched//  --an enchanted castle//


Words: enchanting
Meaning:
adj   very pleasant or attractive//  --an enchanting place//  --an enchanting story//  --The child looked enchanting in a pale blue dress.//  -- enchantingly adv //


Words: enchantment
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] the quality of being very pleasant or attractive:  --the enchantment of poetry//\n  2 [U and C]  literary a change caused by magic, or the state of being changed by magic:


Words: enchantress
Meaning:
n [C]  literary \n  1 a woman who uses magic on people and things:    witch//\n  2 a woman who men think is very attractive and interesting:


Words: enchilada
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: American Spanish; Origin: , past participle of  enchilar  ’to put chili into’]//\n  1 [C] a Mexican food consisting of a tortilla (=flat piece of bread)  that is rolled up and filled with meat or cheese, and covered with a spicy sauce:\n  2  the big enchilada:   AmE  informal something that is the most important or biggest of its type//  --We’re aiming our products at the big enchilada - the home computer market.//\n  3  the whole enchilada:   AmE  informal all of something//  --Come on. Let’s hear it - the whole enchilada.//


Words: encircle
Meaning:
v [T]   to surround someone or something completely//  --The island was encircled by a dusty road.//  -- encirclement n  [U] //


Words: enclave
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: Old French enclaver  ’to enclose’]//  a small area that is within a larger area where people of a different kind or nationality live//  --the former Portuguese enclave of East Timor//


Words: enclose
Meaning:
v [T] \n  1 to put something inside an envelope as well as a letter:  --Please enclose a cheque with your order.//  please find enclosed (=used in business letters to say that you are sending something with a letter) //  --Please find enclosed an agenda for the meeting.//\n  2 [usually passive] to surround something, especially with a fence or wall, in order to make it separate:  --The pool area is enclosed by a six-foot wall.//  --an enclosed area//


Words: enclosure
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] an area surrounded by a wall or fence, and used for a particular purpose:  --the bear enclosure at the zoo//\n  2 [U] the act of making an area separate by putting a wall or fence around it:  --the enclosure of arable land for pasture//\n  3 [C] something that is put inside an envelope with a letter:


Words: encompass
Meaning:
v [T]  formal \n  1 to include a wide range of ideas, subjects, etc:  --The study encompasses the social, political, and economic aspects of the situation.//\n  2 to completely cover or surround something:  --The houses encompassed about 100 square metres.//


Words: encore
Meaning:
n [C]   an additional or repeated part of a performance, especially a musical one//  --The band came back onstage for an encore.//\nencore 2 interjection   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: ’still, again’]//  said when you have enjoyed a musical performance very much and want the performer to sing or play more//


Words: encounter
Meaning:
W3   v [T]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: encontrer, from  Late Latin incontra  ’toward’]//\n  1 to experience something, especially problems or opposition:  encounter problems/difficulties //  --They encountered serious problems when two members of the expedition were injured.//  encounter opposition/resistance //  --The government has encountered strong opposition to its plans to raise income tax.//  --The doctor had encountered several similar cases in the past.//\n  2  formal to meet someone without planning to:  --I first encountered him when studying at Cambridge.//\nencounter 2 n [C] \n  1 an occasion when you meet someone, or do something with someone you do not know:  --She didn’t remember our encounter last summer.//  encounter with//  --His first encounter with Wilson was back in 1989.//  --Bernstein began training the young musician after a chance encounter at a concert (=a meeting that happened by chance) .//  --casual sexual encounters  (=occasions when people have sex) //  encounter between//  --hostile encounters between supporters of rival football teams//\n  2 an occasion when you meet or experience something:  encounter with//  --a child’s first encounter with books//  --a close encounter with a snake (=a frightening situation in which you get too close to something) //


Words: encourage
Meaning:
W1S2   v [T] \n  1 to give someone the courage or confidence to do something:  → discourage//  --I want to thank everyone who has encouraged and supported me.//  encourage sb to do sth//  --Cooder was encouraged to begin playing the guitar by his father.//  encourage sb in sth//  --Fleur encouraged Dana in her ambition to become a model.//\n  2 to persuade someone to do something:  → discourage//  --Cantor didn’t mind if they worked late; in fact, he actively encouraged it.//  encourage sb to do sth//  --A 10p rise in cigarette prices is not enough to encourage smokers to stop.//\n  3 to make something more likely to exist, happen, or develop:  --Violent TV programmes encourage anti-social behaviour.//  -- encouraged adj  [not before noun] //  --She felt encouraged by the many letters of support.//


Words: encouragement
Meaning:
n [U]   when you encourage someone or something, or the things that encourage them//  --With encouragement, Sally is starting to play with the other children.//  -- words of encouragement //  encouragement to do sth//  --She needed no encouragement to continue (=did not need any encouragement) .//


Words: encouraging
Meaning:
S3   adj   giving you hope and confidence//   reassuring//  --The encouraging news is that typhoid is on the decrease.//  --The signs are encouraging -- but there’s a long way to go.//  -- encouragingly adv //


Words: encroach
Meaning:
preposition]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: encrochier  ’to seize’, from  croche  ’hook’]//\n  1 to gradually take more of someone’s time, possessions, rights etc than you should:  encroach on/upon//  --Bureaucratic power has encroached upon the freedom of the individual.//\n  2 to gradually cover more and more land:  encroach into//  --The fighting encroached further east.//  -- encroachment n  [U and C] //  --foreign encroachment//


Words: encrusted
Meaning:
adj   covered with a hard layer of something//  encrusted with/in//  --a gold crown encrusted with diamonds//  mud-encrusted/jewel-encrusted etc //  -- encrustation/[hA366]nkr[hA356]ste[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: encrypt
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: en- +  crypt- (as in cryptogram)]//  to protect information by putting it into a special code that only some people can read, especially information that is on a computer//    decrypt//  -- encryption/[hA366]nkr[hA366]p[hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //  --secure encryption of data//  -- encrypted adj //  --files stored in encrypted form//


Words: encumber
Meaning:
v [T usually passive]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: encombrer, from  combre  ’something that prevents movement’]//   formal to make it difficult for you to do something or for something to happen//   burden//  --He died in 1874, heavily encumbered by debt.//  encumber with//  --The whole process was encumbered with bureaucracy.//  -- encumbrance n  [C] //


Words: encyclical
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Late Latin; Origin: encyclicus, from  Greek enkyklios  ’circular, general’, from  kyklos  ’circle’]//  a letter sent by the Pope to all Roman Catholic bishops//


Words: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Meaning:
the   an  encyclopedia (=a book containing articles about many different subjects) , which consists of many  volumes (=separate books that are part of a set)  and is now also available as a  CD-ROM.//


Words: encyclopedia
Meaning:
also  encyclopaedia BrE   n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: encyclopaedia  ’course of general education’, from  Greek enkyklios paideia  ’general education’]//  a book or CD, or a set of these, containing facts about many different subjects, or containing detailed facts about one subject//  --the Encyclopedia of Music//


Words: encyclopedic
Meaning:
also  encyclopaedic BrE   adj   having a lot of knowledge or information about a particular subject//  --an encyclopedic knowledge of medieval literature//


Words: end
Meaning:
n   ----------//\n   1 last part:\n   2 finished:\n   3 long object:\n   4 tip/point:\n   5 scale:\n   6 connection:\n   7 remaining piece:\n   8 aim:\n   9 part of an activity:\n  10 sport:\n  11 death:\n  12 at the end of the day:\n  13 for days/weeks etc on end:\n  14 in the end:\n  15 end of story:\n  16 the end of your tether/rope:\n  17 the end of the road/line:\n  18 make ends meet:\n  19 it’s not the end of the world:\n  20 hold/keep your end up:\n  21 no end:\n  22 no end of trouble/problems etc:\n  23 the living end:\n  24 go to the ends of the earth:\n  25 to the end of time:  ----------//  [Language: Old English; Origin: ende]//\n  1 LAST PART:   [singular] the last part of a period of time, event, activity, or story//  → beginning, start//  end of//  --Costs are expected to double by the end of 2005.//  at the end//  --What would she find at the end of her journey?//  --Hooker’s death marked the end of an era .//  --I played the tape from beginning to end .//\n  2 FINISHED:   [singular] a situation in which something is finished or no longer exists//  put/bring an end to sth //  --It’s hoped the talks may bring an end to the violence.//  call for/demand an end to sth //  --The EU is demanding an end to the ivory trade.//  --At last it seemed the war might be coming to an end .//  --The spacecraft is nearing the end of its useful life .//  be at an end//  --He rose to indicate that the conversation was at an end.//  --Well, I hope that’s the end of the matter .//  --Another year has passed, with no end in sight to the suffering.//\n  3 LONG OBJECT:   [C] the part of a place or long object that is furthest from its beginning or centre//  end of//  --Jo joined the end of the line.//  --We sat at opposite ends of the table.//  -- the far end  (=furthest from you) of the room//  --The channel measures 20 feet from end to end .//  stand/place sth on end (=in an upright position) //  --Harry stood the box on end to open it.//  lay/place sth end to end (=in a line, with the ends touching) //  --bricks laid end to end//\n  4 TIP/POINT:   [C] the thin part of something long or narrow, that is furthest from you//   tip//  end of//  --The end of the pencil snapped.//  --He lost the end of his finger.//  --He wore spectacles perched on the very end of his nose.//\n  5 SCALE:   [C usually singular] one of the two points that begin or end a scale//  lower/cheaper etc end //  --the cheaper end of the price range//  --At the opposite end of the political spectrum are the Marxist theories.//  --Some teenagers are just a nuisance, but at the other end of the scale there are kids who pose a real threat.//\n  6 CONNECTION:   [C usually singular] one of two places that are connected by a telephone call, journey etc//  the end of the phone/line //  --Sometimes, all you need is a calm voice on the end of the phone.//  --We’ll get a bus connection at the other end .//  --Any problems at your end (=where you are) ?//\n  7 REMAINING PIECE:   [C]  especially BrE a small piece of something that is left after you have finished with it//  --cigarette ends//\n  8 AIM:   [usually plural] an aim or purpose, or the result you hope to achieve//  political/military etc ends //  --40% of all research is undertaken for military ends.//  --She’ll do anything to achieve her own ends .//  --Every task has a clear end in view .//  to that end  formal //  --He wants to cut costs, and to that end is looking at ways of cutting the company’s operations.//  an end in itself (=something you do because you want to, not in order to get other advantages) //  --IT is a tool for learning, not merely an end in itself.//  the end justifies the means (=used to say that doing bad things is acceptable if they achieve an important result) //\n  9 PART OF AN ACTIVITY:   [singular]  informal part of a job, activity, or situation that involves or affects one person or group of people//  --She works in the sales end of things.//\n  10 SPORT:   [C] one of the two halves of a sports field//\n  11 DEATH:   [C usually singular] a word meaning death - used to avoid saying this directly//  --He met his end  (=died) in a car accident.//\n  12  at the end of the day:   spoken used to give your final opinion after considering all the possibilities//  --At the end of the day, it’s his decision.//\n  13  for days/weeks etc on end:  for many days, weeks etc without stopping//  --He was beaten and denied sleep for days on end.//\n  14  in the end:  after a period of time, or after everything has been done//  --What did you decide in the end? see usage note  lastly//\n  15  end of story:   spoken  informal used to avoid saying any more about a subject that is embarrassing or secret//  --I tripped and hurt my arm. That’s it - end of story.//\n  16  the end of your tether/rope:  the point at which you are so angry and tired of a situation that you can no longer deal with it//  --Frustrated and bitter, Hogan had reached the end of his tether with politics.//\n  17  the end of the road/line:  the end of a process, activity, or state//  --Our marriage had reached the end of the line .//\n  18  make ends meet:  to have only just enough money to buy the things you need//  --When Mike lost his job, we could barely make ends meet.//\n  19  it’s not the end of the world:   spoken used to tell someone that a problem is not as bad as they think//\n  20  hold/keep your end up:   BrE  informal to stay brave and hopeful in a difficult situation//\n  21  no end:   spoken  informal very much//  --Your letter cheered me up no end.//\n  22  no end of trouble/problems etc:   spoken  informal a lot of trouble etc//  --This will cause no end of trouble.//\n  23  the living end:   AmE  spoken used as an expression of slight disapproval - often used humorously//  --What will she do next? She’s the living end!//\n  24  go to the ends of the earth:   literary to do everything possible to achieve something//  --I’d go to the ends of the earth to be with him.//\n  25  to the end of time:   literary forever//    dead end//    odds and ends//    be-all and end all at be2 (15)//    to the bitter end at bitter1 (6)//    burn the candle at both ends at burn1 (19)//    jump/be thrown in at the deep end at deep1 (17)//    go off at the deep end at deep1 (18)//    be at a loose end at loose1 (14)//    make sb’s hair stand on end at hair(8)//    be on/at the receiving end (of sth) at receive(5)//    be on the sharp end of at sharp1 (19)//    come to a sticky end at sticky(6)//    the tail end of sth at tail1 (6)//    at your wits’ end at wit(7)//    get the wrong end of the stick at wrong1 (15)//\nend 2 v \n  1 [I and T] if a situation or activity ends, or if someone or something ends it, it finishes or stops:  → start, begin//  --World War II ended in 1945.//  --talks aimed at ending the conflict//  end by doing sth//  --I’d like to end by inviting questions from the audience.//  end with//  --The festival will end with a spectacular laser show.//\n  2 [T]  literary to spend the last part of your life in a particular place or doing a particular thing:  --He ended his days in prison.//  --She seemed destined to end her days living alone.//\n  3  end your life/end it all:  to kill yourself//\n  4  the ... to end all ...:  used to describe something that is the best, most important, or most exciting of its kind//  --the movie with the car chase to end all car chases//\n  5  the year/week etc ending sth:  used to refer to the year etc that ends on a particular date//  --the financial results for the year ending 31 Dec 2001//  end in [end in sth] phr v//\n  1 to finish in a particular way:  --One in three marriages ends in divorce.//\n  2  it’ll (all) end in tears:   BrE  spoken used to say that something will have a bad result or not be successful//  end up phr v//  to be in a particular situation, state, or place after a series of events, especially when you did not plan it//  --He came round for a coffee and we ended up in bed together.//  --I wondered where the pictures would end up after the auction.//  end up doing sth//  --Most slimmers end up putting weight back on.//  end up with//  --Anyone who swims in the river could end up with a nasty stomach upset.//  end up as//  --He could end up as President.//  end up like//  --I don’t want to end up like my parents.//


Words: end game
Meaning:
endgame/endge[hA366]m/ n [C usually singular]   the final stage of a war, disagreement etc when everyone is trying to gain an advantage for themselves//


Words: end product
Meaning:
n [C usually singular]   something that is produced by a particular process or activity//    by product//  --a high-quality end product//  --the end product of years of practice//


Words: end result
Meaning:
n [C usually singular]   the final result of a process or activity//  --If tasks are too challenging, the end result is that learners are discouraged.//


Words: end zone
Meaning:
n [C]   one of the areas at each end of an American football field that you touch with the ball to score//


Words: endanger
Meaning:
v [T]   to put someone or something in danger of being hurt, damaged, or destroyed//  --Smoking during pregnancy endangers your baby’s life .//  -- endangered adj //  --The lizards are classed as an endangered species  (=one that soon may no longer exist) .//  -- endangerment n  [U]  legal //  --charges of child endangerment//


Words: endear
Meaning:
v   endear to [endear sb to sb] phr v//  to make someone popular and liked//  endear yourself to sb//  --The emperor saw an opportunity to endear himself to the Athenians.//


Words: endearing
Meaning:
adj   making someone love or like you//  endearing qualities/traits etc //  --Shyness is one of her most endearing qualities.//  --an endearing smile//  -- endearingly adv //


Words: endearment
Meaning:
n [U and C]   actions or words that express your love for someone//  --nicknames and other terms of endearment //


Words: endeavour
Meaning:
BrE  endeavor AmE   v [I]   [Date: 1400-1500; Origin: dever  ’duty’ (13-17 centuries), from  Old French deveir]//   formal to try very hard//  endeavour to do sth//  --We always endeavor to please our customers.//\nendeavour 2 n  BrE  endeavor AmE   [U and C]  formal an attempt to do something new or difficult//  scientific/creative etc endeavour //  --an outstanding example of human endeavor //  endeavour to do sth//  --They made every endeavour to find the two boys.//  --Despite our best endeavours , we couldn’t start the car.//


Words: endemic
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: endemique, from  Greek endemia  ’living in a particular place’]//  an endemic disease or problem is always present in a particular place, or among a particular group of people//    epidemic, pandemic//  --Violent crime is now endemic in parts of Chicago.//


Words: ending
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] the way that a story, film, activity etc finishes:  happy/perfect/surprise etc ending //  --a story with a happy ending//  ending to//  --Cookies and coffee are the perfect ending to a meal.//\n  2 [U] when a process stops or is finished, or when you finish it:  ending of//  --the first elections since the ending of the dictatorship//\n  3 [C] the last part of a word:  --Verbal nouns have the ending -ing.//    never-ending//


Words: endive
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: Late Latin endivia, from  Late Greek entubion]//\n  1  BrE a vegetable with curly green leaves that you eat raw:\n  2  AmE a vegetable with long white bitter-tasting leaves that you eat raw or cooked:  British Equivalent:  chicory//


Words: endless
Meaning:
adj \n  1 very large in amount, size, or number:  --an endless stream of visitors//  --The possibilities are endless .//  --He’s been in a lot of trouble - drugs, guns, blackmail - the list is endless .//\n  2 something that is endless seems to continue forever:  --an endless round of boring meetings//  -- endlessly adv //  --This city is endlessly fascinating.//


Words: endocrine
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: endo-  ’inside’ (from  Greek endon) +  Greek krinein  ’to separate’]//   medical relating to the system in your body that produces hormones//  --the endocrine glands//


Words: endorphin
Meaning:
n [C usually plural]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: endo- (  ENDOCRINE) +  morphine]//  a chemical produced by your body that reduces pain and can make you feel happier//


Words: endorse
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: endosser  ’to put on the back’, from  dos  ’back’]//\n  1 to express formal support or approval for someone or something:  endorse a proposal/an idea/a candidate etc //  --The Prime Minister is unlikely to endorse this view.//\n  2 if a famous person endorses a product or service, they say in an advertisement that they use and like it:\n  3 to sign your name on the back of a cheque to show that it is correct:\n  4 [usually passive]  BrE if your driving licence is endorsed for a driving offence, an official record is made on it to show that you are guilty of the offence:  -- endorsement n  [U and C] //  --celebrity endorsements//  --the official endorsement of his candidacy//


Words: endoscope
Meaning:
n [C]  medical   an instrument used by doctors who are performing a medical operation on someone. It is a very small camera with a powerful lens, which is pushed into the body through a very small hole and sends pictures back to the doctor.//


Words: endow
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: endouer, from  Latin dotare  ’to give’]//  to give a college, hospital etc a large sum of money that provides it with an income//  endow with [endow sb/sth with sth] phr v//\n  1 to make someone or something have a particular quality, or to believe that they have it:  --Her resistance to the Nationalists endowed her with legendary status.//\n  2  be endowed with sth:  to naturally have a good feature or quality//  --She was endowed with both good looks and brains.//\n  3 to give someone something:    well-endowed//


Words: endowment
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U and C] a sum of money given to a college, hospital etc to provide it with an income, or the act of giving this money:\n  2 [C] a natural quality or ability that someone has:


Words: endowment policy
Meaning:
n [C]  BrE    technical an insurance arrangement that pays you a sum of money after an agreed period of time//


Words: endurable
Meaning:
adj  formal   if a bad situation is endurable, you can accept it, even though it is difficult or painful//   bearable//


Words: endurance
Meaning:
n [U]   the ability to continue doing something difficult or painful over a long period of time//  physical/mental endurance //  --She was pushed beyond her powers of endurance .//  --The marathon is a test of endurance .//  endurance sports/training (=designed to test or improve your endurance) //


Words: endure
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: endurer, from  Latin durare  ’to harden’]//\n  1 [T] to be in a difficult or painful situation for a long time without complaining:  --It seemed impossible that anyone could endure such pain.//  endure doing sth//  --He can’t endure being apart from me.//\n  2 [I] to remain alive or continue to exist for a long time:  --friendships which endure over many years//


Words: enduring
Meaning:
adj   continuing for a very long time//  --the enduring appeal of Shakespeare’s plays//  --enduring hatred//  -- enduringly adv //  --an enduringly popular performer//


Words: enema
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Late Latin; Origin: Greek, from  enienai  ’to send in, inject’]//  a liquid that is put into someone’s rectum to make their bowels empty//


Words: enemy
Meaning:
W2   n   plural  enemies  [C] //  [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: enemi, from  Latin inimicus, from  amicus  ’friend’]//\n  1 someone who hates you and wants to harm you:  --She’s a dangerous enemy to have.//  --Cats and dogs have always been natural enemies .//  --an old enemy of her father//  make an enemy (of sb) //  --a ruthless businessman who made a lot of enemies//  --the unforgettable sight of the president shaking hands with his sworn enemy  (=an enemy you will always hate) //  sb’s worst enemy (=the person they hate most) //  --I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy .//\n  2 someone who opposes or competes against you:  --political enemies//  --He was imprisoned for being ’an enemy of the revolution’.//\n  3  also the enemy :  the country against which your country is fighting in a war//  --He was accused of collaboration with the enemy.//  enemy forces/aircraft/territory etc //  --a town behind enemy lines //\n  4 something that people think is harmful or damaging:  --The usual enemies, cigarettes and alcohol, are targeted for tax rises.//  --The common enemy that united them was communism.//\n  5  be your own worst enemy:  to behave in a way that causes problems for yourself//\n  6  public enemy number one:   informal someone famous who has done something bad and who a lot of people do not like//  --His views made him public enemy number one in the eyes of the media.//\n  7  the enemy within:  people in a society etc that other people think are trying to secretly destroy or damage it//  --efforts to label environmentalists as the enemy within//\n  8 if one thing is the enemy of another, the second thing cannot exist because the first thing destroys it:  --Boredom is the enemy of learning.//


Words: energetic
Meaning:
adj   having or needing a lot of energy or determination//  --an energetic man//  --an energetic drive to get more customers//  energetic in doing sth//  --We need to be more energetic in promoting ourselves abroad.//  -- energetically/-kli/ adv //  --He fought energetically against apartheid.//


Words: energize
Meaning:
also  energise BrE   v [T] \n  1 to make someone feel more determined and energetic:  --The charity hopes the campaign will energise its volunteers.//\n  2 [usually passive]  technical to make a machine work:  -- energizing adj //


Words: energy
Meaning:
n   plural  energies  [U and C] //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Late Latin; Origin: energia, from  Greek energeia  ’activity’, from  ergon  ’work’]//\n  1 the physical and mental strength that makes you able to do things:  --Helping people takes time and energy .//  --Boy, where do those kids get their energy?//  --She was full of energy after her vacation.//  --a waste of energy//  have the energy to do sth//  --I don’t have the energy to deal with it right now.//  --Try to put more energy into your defensive game.//  nervous energy (=too much energy that you have when you are nervous) //\n  2 power that is used to provide heat, operate machines etc:  nuclear/solar etc energy //  --research into renewable energy sources//  --the world’s energy resources//  --energy consumption//\n  3 a special power that some people believe exists in their bodies and in some buildings:  --There was a lot of energy in the room this morning - did you feel it?//\n  4  technical in physics, the ability that something has to work or move:  --kinetic energy//\n  5  sb’s energies:  the effort and interest that you use to do things//  apply/devote/channel your energies into/to sth //  --She’s devoting all her energies to the wedding plans.//


Words: enervate
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   to make you feel tired and weak//  --The hot sun enervated her to the point of collapse.//  -- enervated adj  [not before noun] //  --David felt too enervated to resist.//  -- enervating adj //


Words: enfant terrible
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: ’terrible child’]//  a young successful person who behaves in a way that is shocking but also amusing//


Words: enfold
Meaning:
v [T]    formal to cover or surround someone or something completely//  --The wizard screamed as the darkness enfolded him.//  --He reached out to enfold her in his arms.//


Words: enforce
Meaning:
v [T] \n  1 to make people obey a rule or law:  enforce a law/ban etc //  --Governments make laws and the police enforce them.//  --Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced .//\n  2 to make something happen or force someone to do something:  enforce sth on sb//  --It is unlikely that a record company would enforce its views on an established artist.//  -- enforceable adj //  --The recommendations are not legally enforceable .//


Words: enforced
Meaning:
adj   made to happen, especially by things you cannot control//  enforced absence/separation etc //  --a period of enforced isolation//


Words: enforcer
Meaning:
n [C]   someone whose job is to make sure people do the things they should//  --a law enforcer//  --an enforcer for a drugs gang//


Words: enfranchise
Meaning:
v [T]   to give a group of people the right to vote//  → disenfranchise//  -- enfranchisement/-t[hA35D][hA366]z- $ -t[hA35D]a[hA366]z-/ n  [U] //  --the enfranchisement of EU citizens//  -- enfranchised adj //  --newly enfranchised shareholders//


Words: engage
Meaning:
W3   v  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: engager, from  gage  ’something given as a promise’]//\n  1 [I always + preposition] to be doing or to become involved in an activity:  engage in/on/upon//  --Only 10% of American adults engage in regular exercise.//  --The two parties engaged upon an escalating political struggle.//  --Mr Armstrong was engaged in prayer.//  engage in doing sth//  --Despite her illness, she remains actively engaged in shaping policy.//\n  2 [T] to attract someone’s attention and keep them interested:  engage sb’s interest/attention //  --The toy didn’t engage her interest for long.//  engage sb in conversation (=start talking to them) //\n  3  engage with sb/sth:  to get involved with other people and their ideas in order to understand them//  --Are you so tired you don’t have the energy to engage with your kids?//\n  4 [T]  formal to employ someone to do a particular job:  engage sb to do sth//  --Her father engaged a tutor to improve her maths.//  engage sb as sth//  --We’d be able to engage local people as volunteers.//\n  5 [I and T] if you engage part of a machine, or if it engages, it moves so that it fits into another part of the machine:  → disengage//  --She engaged the clutch and the car moved.//  engage with//  --The wheel engages with the cog and turns it.//\n  6 [I and T] to begin to fight an enemy:  --American forces did not directly engage.//


Words: engaged
Meaning:
adj \n  1 if two people are engaged, they have agreed to marry:  --Have you heard? Sally and Ray are getting engaged .//  --She is engaged to be married .//  engaged to//  --Kate’s engaged to a guy from England.//\n  2  BrE if you call someone on the telephone and their line is engaged, they are already speaking to someone else:  American Equivalent:  busy//  --She rang Mrs Tavett but the line was engaged .//  engaged tone/signal (=the sound you hear when the phone is engaged) //\n  3  BrE  written a public toilet that is engaged is being used:  → vacant//\n  4  be otherwise engaged:   formal to be unable to do something because you are doing something else//


Words: engagement
Meaning:
n   ----------//\n   1 before marriage:\n   2 arrangement to do something:\n   3 involvement:\n   4 fighting:\n   5 employment:\n   6 machine parts:  ----------//\n  1 BEFORE MARRIAGE:   [C] an agreement between two people to marry, or the period of time they are engaged//  engagement of/to//  --Their engagement was announced in the paper.//  --Tony was stunned when Lisa suddenly broke off their engagement  (=finished it) .//  engagement ring (=a ring that a man gives a woman to show that they are engaged) //\n  2 ARRANGEMENT TO DO SOMETHING:   [C] an official arrangement to do something, especially one that is related to your work//  official/public/royal etc engagement //  --The princess will continue to carry out royal engagements .//  --This is his only public speaking engagement on the tour.//  --His excuse of a prior engagement was accepted.//\n  3 INVOLVEMENT:   [U] when you become involved with someone or something in order to understand them//  engagement with/in//  --a strategy of engagement and cooperation with China//  --Many students pass without any real engagement in learning.//\n  4 FIGHTING:   [U and C]  technical fighting between armies etc//  --military rules of engagement //\n  5 EMPLOYMENT:   [U and C]  formal an official arrangement to employ or pay someone to do a particular job//  --Please sign to indicate your acceptance of the terms of engagement .//\n  6 MACHINE PARTS:   [U] the fitting together of the working parts of a machine//


Words: Engels
Meaning:
Friedrich   (1820-95) a German political thinker and  revolutionary who, together with Karl Marx, wrote  The  Communist Manifesto and developed the political system of  Communism//


Words: engender
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: engendrer, from  Latin generare  ’to produce’]//   formal to be the cause of a situation or feeling//  --the changes in society engendered by the war//  engender sth in sb//  --relationships that engender trust in children//


Words: engine
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: engin  ’cleverness, machine’, from  Latin ingenium  ’abilities you are born with’]//\n  1 the part of a vehicle that produces power to make it move:    motor//  start/switch on an engine //  --The engine won’t start.//  stop/turn off/switch off an engine //  --He switched off the car’s engine and waited.//  --Is the engine running smoothly?//  diesel/petrol etc engine //  --an old steam engine//  --We were stranded with engine trouble on a deserted highway.//\n  2 a vehicle that pulls a railway train:\n  3 [usually singular]  formal something powerful that causes great changes in society:  engine of change/growth etc //  --The Marshall Plan was the engine of postwar economic growth.//  --Rome’s deadly war engine //    fire engine//


Words: engineer
Meaning:
W3S3   n [C] \n  1 someone whose job is to design or build roads, bridges, machines etc:  mechanical/electrical/software etc engineer //  --He trained as a civil engineer  (=one who designs and builds roads, bridges etc) .//\n  2 someone whose job is to take care of the engines on a ship or aircraft:\n  3  BrE someone whose job is to repair electrical equipment or machines:  service/maintenance engineer //\n  4  AmE someone whose job is driving a train:\nengineer 2 v [T] \n  1 to make something happen by skilful secret planning:  --powerful enemies who engineered his downfall//  --Perhaps she could engineer a meeting between them?//\n  2 to change the genetic structure of a plant, animal etc:   genetically modify//  --the dangers of engineering native plants//  -- genetically engineered crops//\n  3 [often passive]  technical to design and plan the building of roads, bridges, machines, etc:


Words: engineering
Meaning:
W2   n [U]   the work involved in designing and building roads, bridges, machines etc//    civil engineering//    genetic engineering//


Words: England
Meaning:
1 the largest country in Britain; population 49,138,831 (2001). The capital is London:    Britain//    United Kingdom//\n  2  ... for England:   BrE  spoken a humorous way of saying that someone does a lot or too much of a particular activity//  --You know Brian, he could flirt for England.//  --They say men can’t communicate, but Lee and his mates talk for England when they get together.//


Words: English
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] the language used in Britain, the US, Australia, and some other countries:  --Do you speak English?//  --leaflets written in plain English  (=English that is easy to understand) //\n  2  the English [plural] people from England:\n  3 [U] literature written in English, studied as a subject at school or university:  --She decided to major in English.//\nEnglish 2 adj   [Language: Old English; Origin: englisc, from  Engle  ’Angles’]//\n  1 relating to England or its people:  --the English countryside//  --under English law//\n  2 relating to the language used in Britain, the US, Australia and some other countries:  --English grammar//


Words: English breakfast
Meaning:
n [C usually singular]   a large cooked breakfast consisting of bacon, eggs, toast etc//    continental breakfast//


Words: English Channel
Meaning:
the English Channel//   also the Channel //  the narrow piece of water between southern England and northern France, which French people call ’La Manche’//


Words: English Heritage
Meaning:
a British government organization which takes care of many old buildings and other places that are important in English history//    National Trust//


Words: English horn
Meaning:
n [C]  AmE   a long wooden musical instrument which is like an oboe but with a lower sound//  British Equivalent:  cor anglais//


Words: English National Opera
Meaning:
the  also the ENO   an  opera company which performs operas in English at a theatre called the London Coliseum //


Words: English Tourist Board
Meaning:
the   a British organization that tries to encourage tourists to go on holiday in England, and provides information about hotels, places to visit etc//


Words: Englishman
Meaning:
n   plural  Englishmen /-m[hA353]n/ [C] //\n  1 a man from England:\n  2  an Englishman’s home is his castle:   BrE used to say that your home is a place where you can feel safe and do whatever you want//


Words: engrave
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Origin: grave  ’to cut’ (11-21 centuries), from  Old English grafan]//\n  1 to cut words or designs on metal, wood, glass etc:  engrave sth on sth//  --Their names are engraved on a stone tablet.//  engrave sth with sth//  --a pendant engraved with a simple design//\n  2  be engraved in/on your memory/mind/heart:   literary to be impossible to forget//  -- engraver n  [C] //


Words: engraving
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] a picture made by cutting a design into metal, putting ink on the metal, and then printing it:\n  2 [U] the skill of engraving things:


Words: engross
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: engrosser, from  French en gros  ’in a mass, by wholesale’]//  if something engrosses you, it interests you so much that you do not notice anything else//  --The scene was stunning, and for a time engrossed all our attention.//  engross yourself in sth//  --Take your mind off it by engrossing yourself in a good book.//  -- engrossed adj //  --Dad was engrossed in the paper.//  --Who’s that guy Ally’s been engrossed in conversation with all night?//  -- engrossing adj //


Words: engulf
Meaning:
v [T] \n  1 if an unpleasant feeling engulfs you, you feel it very strongly:  --despair so great it threatened to engulf him//\n  2 to completely surround or cover something:  --The building was engulfed in flames .//


Words: enhance
Meaning:
W3   v [T]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: enhauncer, from  Vulgar Latin inaltiare  ’to raise’, from  Latin altus  ’high’]//  to improve something//  --Good lighting will enhance any room.//  --The publicity has done little to enhance his reputation .//  -- enhancer n  [C] //  --flavor enhancers//  -- enhancement n  [U and C] //


Words: enigma
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: aenigma, from  Greek, from  ainos  ’story’]//  someone or something that is strange and difficult to understand//   mystery//  --The neighbours regarded him as something of an enigma.//


Words: enigmatic
Meaning:
adj   mysterious and difficult to understand//  enigmatic smile/expression etc //  -- enigmatically/-kli/ adv //  --’You’ll see,’ he replied enigmatically.//


Words: enjoin
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: enjoindre, from  Latin jungere  ’to join’]//\n  1  formal to order or try to persuade someone to do something:  enjoin sb to do sth//  --The organisation has been enjoined to end all restrictions.//\n  2  law to legally prevent someone from doing something:  enjoin sb from doing sth//  --The defendant was enjoined from using the patent.//


Words: enjoy
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: enjoir, from  Latin gaudere  ’to show great happiness’]//\n  1 to get pleasure from something:  --Sandra enjoys her job in the city.//  --I enjoyed every minute of it.//  enjoy doing sth//  --Young children enjoy helping around the house.//  enjoy yourself//   (=be happy in a particular situation) //  --Julia was just starting to enjoy herself.//\n  2  formal to have a particular ability or advantage:  --These workers enjoy a high level of job security.//\n  3  enjoy!:   spoken used to say that you hope someone gets pleasure from something you give them//  --Here’s your steak - enjoy!//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  Enjoy is never followed by a preposition, and almost always has an object: Did you enjoy it (NOT Did you enjoy)? | I enjoyed myself at Cal’s (NOT I enjoyed at Cal’s). //  ----------//


Words: enjoyable
Meaning:
S3   adj   something enjoyable gives you pleasure//  --Games can make learning more enjoyable.//  --an enjoyable experience//  -- enjoyably adv //


Words: enjoyment
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U and C] the feeling of pleasure you get from having or doing something, or something you enjoy doing:  --Acting has brought me enormous enjoyment .//  --Unfortunately, a small minority want to spoil everyone else’s enjoyment .//\n  2 [U]  formal the fact of having something:


Words: enlarge
Meaning:
v [I and T]   if you enlarge something, or if it enlarges, it increases in size or scale//  --an operation to enlarge her breasts//  --Police will have the pictures enlarged in an attempt to identify the thief.//  enlarge sb’s understanding/knowledge etc //  --A good way to enlarge your vocabulary is to read a daily newspaper.//  enlarge on/upon [enlarge on/upon sth] phr v//  to provide more information about something you have already mentioned//  --Mrs Maughan did not enlarge on what she meant.//


Words: enlargement
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] a photograph that has been printed again in a bigger size:\n  2 [U and C] an increase in size or amount:  --enlargement of the EU//


Words: enlighten
Meaning:
v [T]    formal to explain something to someone//  enlighten sb as to/on/about sth//  --Baldwin enlightened her as to the nature of the experiment.//  -- enlightening adj //


Words: enlightened
Meaning:
adj \n  1 someone with enlightened attitudes has sensible, modern views and treats people fairly and kindly:  enlightened attitude/approach etc //  --’Empowerment’ is the new buzz-word in enlightened management circles.//\n  2 showing a good understanding or knowledge of something:  --We don’t actually know, but I can make an enlightened guess.//


Words: Enlightenment
Meaning:
the Enlightenment//  a period in the eighteenth century when many writers and scientists believed that science and knowledge, not religion, could improve people’s lives//


Words: enlightenment
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1  formal when you understand something clearly, or when you help someone do this:  --Isabel looked to Ron for enlightenment.//\n  2 the final stage reached in the Buddhist and Hindu religions when you no longer suffer or feel desire and you are at peace with the universe:  --the quest for spiritual enlightenment //


Words: enlist
Meaning:
v \n  1 [T] to persuade someone to help you to do something:  enlist sb’s help/services etc //  --He has enlisted the help of a sports psychologist for the team.//  --The public are being enlisted to help.//\n  2 [I,T usually passive] to join the army, navy etc:  enlist as//  --He enlisted as a private.//  enlist in//  --At the outbreak of war, he was enlisted in the army.//  -- enlistment n  [U and C] //


Words: enlisted
Meaning:
adj [usually before noun]   having a rank below that of an officer in the army, navy etc//  --officers and enlisted men //


Words: enmeshed
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   very involved in an unpleasant or complicated situation//  enmeshed in/with//  --Congress worried about becoming enmeshed in a foreign war.//


Words: enmity
Meaning:
n   plural  enmities  [U and C] //  [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: enemiste, from  enemi;   ENEMY]//   formal a feeling of hatred towards someone//  enmity between/towards//  --the enmity between the two communities//


Words: Enniskillen
Meaning:
a town in Northern Ireland where 11 people were killed by an IRA bomb on  remembrance day in November 1987//


Words: ennoble
Meaning:
v [T usually passive]  formal \n  1 to improve your character:  --art which ennobles the human race//\n  2 to make someone a member of the nobility (=the people in society who have a high rank, such as princes etc) :  -- ennoblement n  [U] //  -- ennobling adj //


Words: ennui
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: Old French enuier;   ANNOY]//   formal a feeling of being tired, bored, and unsatisfied with your life//


Words: enormity
Meaning:
n   plural  enormities //\n  1 [singular] the great size, seriousness, or difficulty of a situation, problem, event etc:  enormity of//  --Even now, the full enormity of his crimes has not been exposed.//  --the enormity of the task//\n  2 [C usually plural]  formal a very evil and cruel act:   atrocity//


Words: enormous
Meaning:
W3S2   adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: enormis  ’out of the ordinary’, from  norma  ’rule’]//  very big in size or in amount//   huge//  --an enormous bunch of flowers//  --an enormous amount of money//  --The team made an enormous effort .//


Words: enormously
Meaning:
adv   very or very much//  --an enormously successful actor//  --The project has benefited enormously from Jan’s knowledge.//


Words: enough
Meaning:
adv [always after a verb, adjective, or adverb] \n  1 to the degree that is necessary or wanted:  --Are the carrots cooked enough?//  --He just hadn’t thought enough about the possible consequences.//  --You can go to school when you’re old enough.//  enough for//  --Is the water warm enough for you?//  enough to do sth//  --Will Evans be fit enough to play?//  --The rooms are all large enough to take a third bed.//  --Surely no one would be foolish enough to lend him the money?//  --You’re late. It’s just not good enough  (=not satisfactory or acceptable) .//\n  2 fairly but not very:  --I was happy enough in Bordeaux, but I missed my family.//  --He’s a nice enough young man.//\n  3  bad/difficult/hard etc enough:  used to say that a situation is already bad and you do not want it to get any worse//  --Life’s difficult enough without you interfering all the time.//\n  4  lucky/unfortunate etc enough to be/do sth:  used to say that someone is lucky or unlucky that something happens to them//  --They were unlucky enough to be caught in the storm.//\n  5  would you be good/kind enough to do sth?:   spoken used to ask someone politely to do something for you//  --Would you be good enough to hold the door open?//\n  6  strangely/oddly/curiously etc enough:  used to say that a fact or something that happens is strange or surprising//  --Strangely enough, I didn’t feel at all nervous when I faced the audience.//\n  7  near enough:   BrE  spoken used when you are guessing a number, amount, time etc because you cannot be exact//  --The full cost comes to [hA124]3000, near enough.//    fair enough at fair1 (14)//    sure enough at sure2 (1)//\nenough 2 determiner, pron \n  1 as many or as much as is needed or wanted:  --Have I given you enough money?//  --Not enough is known about what happened.//  enough for//  --There aren’t enough chairs for everyone.//  enough to do/eat etc //  --Erica was worried that the children weren’t getting enough to eat.//  enough (sth) to do sth//  --The police didn’t have enough evidence to convict him.//  --He didn’t even earn enough to pay the rent.//  --You’ve had more than enough time to make all the preparations.//  enough to go round (=enough of something for everyone to have some) //  --Do you think we’ve got enough pizza to go round?//  not nearly/nowhere near enough  informal  (=much less than you need) //  --We only had $500, and that was nowhere near enough to buy a new camcorder.//  time/reason/trouble etc enough  old-fashioned //  --Come on - there’ll be time enough to chat later.//\n  2 used to say that a situation is already bad and you do not want it to get any worse:  --She has enough problems without you two getting into fights.//  --I don’t want to bother him - he has enough to worry about.//\n  3  have had enough (of sth):   spoken used to say you are tired or angry about a situation and want it to stop//  --When I got home I just sat down and cried. I’d had enough.//  --I’ve just about had enough of your stupid remarks.//\n  4  enough is enough:   spoken used to say that something that is happening should stop//  --There comes a point when you say enough is enough.//\n  5  that’s (quite) enough:   spoken used to tell someone to stop doing something//  --Now, you two, that’s quite enough. Sit down and be quiet.//\n  6  enough said:   spoken used to tell someone that they do not need to say any more because you understand the point they are making//  --’He’s the sort of man who wears a lot of jewellery.’ ’Enough said.’//\n  7  can’t get enough of sth/sb:   informal to enjoy something so much that you want more and more of it//  --Her millions of fans can’t get enough of her.//  ----------//  GRAMMAR //  enough comes after adjectives, never before : This one is big enough (NOT enough big). |  Is it warm enough for you? //  enough usually comes before nouns : We haven’t got enough time.| Are there enough plates? //  Sometimes people use  enough after nouns in particular expressions, but this is not very usual : There will be time enough for that later. //  !!  Nouns used with  enough must be plural or uncountable, never singular : There aren’t enough books (NOT enough book). |  She has enough money to live on. //  ----------//


Words: enraptured
Meaning:
adj  formal   enjoying something so much that you can think of nothing else//  --The orchestra played before an enraptured audience.//


Words: enrich
Meaning:
v [T] \n  1 to improve the quality of something, especially by adding things to it:  --Add fertilizer to enrich the soil.//  --Education can greatly enrich your life .//\n  2 to make someone richer:\n  3  technical to increase the number of atoms in a nuclear fuel so that it produces more power:  -- enrichment n  [U] //  --curriculum enrichment//  -- enriched adj //  --enriched uranium//


Words: enrol
Meaning:
BrE  enroll AmE   v   past tense and past participle  enrolled present participle  enrolling  [I and T] //  to officially arrange to join a school, university, or course, or to arrange for someone else to do this//  enrol on/for//   BrE //  --I decided to enrol for ’Art for Beginners’.//  enrol in//   especially AmE //  --Californians are rushing to enroll in special aerobics classes.//


Words: enrolment
Meaning:
BrE  enrollment AmE   n \n  1 [U] the process of arranging to join a school, university, course etc:  --Enrolment will take place in September.//\n  2 [C] the number of people who have arranged to join a school, university, course etc:  --Student enrolments have more than doubled.//


Words: ensconce
Meaning:
v [T usually passive]   [Date: 1500-1600; Origin: sconce  ’small strong building for defense’ (16-19 centuries), from  Dutch schans]//  to settle yourself in a place where you feel comfortable and safe//  ensconce in/at/on etc//  --Nick was comfortably ensconced in front of the TV set.//  ensconce yourself//  --Agnes had ensconced herself in the best bedroom.//


Words: ensemble
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: ensemble  ’together’, from  Latin insimul  ’at the same time’]//\n  1 [C also + plural verb]  BrE a small group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together regularly:  instrumental/string/brass etc ensemble //  ensemble of//  --an ensemble of Mexican artistes//\n  2 [C usually singular] a set of things that go together to form a whole:\n  3 [C usually singular] a set of clothes that are worn together:  --an attractive ensemble//


Words: enshrine
Meaning:
v [T usually passive]    formal if something such as a tradition or right is enshrined in something, it is preserved and protected so that people will remember and respect it//  enshrine in//  --The right of free speech is enshrined in the Constitution.//


Words: enshroud
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   to cover or surround something so that it is not possible to see, understand, or explain it//  --hills enshrouded in mist//  --the mystery that enshrouds their disappearance//


Words: ensign
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: enseigne, from  Latin insignia;   INSIGNIA]//\n  1 a flag on a ship that shows what country the ship belongs to:  --the Russian ensign//\n  2 a low rank in the US navy, or an officer who has this rank:


Words: enslave
Meaning:
v [T usually passive] \n  1 to make someone a slave:\n  2  formal if something enslaves you, it completely controls your life and your actions:  --She seemed enslaved by hatred.//  -- enslavement n  [U] //


Words: ensnare
Meaning:
v [T] \n  1  formal to trap someone in an unpleasant or illegal situation, from which they cannot escape:  ensnare in//  --Young girls were ensnared in prostitution rings.//\n  2 to catch an animal in a trap:


Words: ensue
Meaning:
v [I]  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: ensuivre, from  suivre  ’to follow’]//  to happen after or as a result of something//  ensue from//  --problems that ensue from food and medical shortages//


Words: ensuing
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   happening after a particular action or event, especially as a result of it//  the ensuing battle/conflict/debate etc //  --In the ensuing fighting, two students were killed.//  the ensuing days/months/years etc (=the days, months etc after an event) //  --The situation deteriorated over the ensuing weeks.//


Words: ensure
Meaning:
v  especially BrE  also insure  AmE  [T]   to make certain that something will happen properly//   make sure//  --facilities to ensure the safety of cyclists//  ensure (that)//  --The hospital tries to ensure that people are seen quickly.//


Words: entail
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: taile  ’legal limitation’, from  Old French taillier  ’to cut, limit’]//\n  1 to involve something as a necessary part or result:  --A new computer system entails a lot of re-training.//  --Some foreign travel is entailed in the job.//  entail doing sth//  --The journey will entail changing trains twice.//\n  2  old use if you entail property, you arrange for it to be given to a specific person, usually your oldest son, when you die:


Words: entangle
Meaning:
preposition] \n  1 to make something become twisted and caught in a rope, net etc:  entangle in/with//  --Small animals can get entangled in the net.//\n  2 to involve someone in an argument, a relationship, or a situation that is difficult to escape from:  entangle sb in sth//  --fears that the US could get entangled in another war//  be entangled with sb//  --I didn’t want to become entangled with my best friend’s wife.//  -- entangled adj //


Words: entanglement
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] a difficult situation or relationship that is hard to escape from:  --She had always been afraid of any emotional entanglements.//\n  2 [U] when something becomes entangled in something:\n  3 [C often plural] a fence made of barbed wire that prevents enemy soldiers from getting too close:


Words: Entebbe
Meaning:
a town in southern Uganda. It has an important international airport, where in 1976 Israeli soldiers saved 91 passengers who were on a plane which had been hijacked (=taken illegal control of, by threatening violence) .//


Words: entente
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: ’intention, understanding’]//  a situation in which two countries have friendly relations with each other//    detente//  --the Anglo-Russian entente//


Words: Entente Cordiale
Meaning:
a political agreement and feeling of friendship between two or more countries. The name ’Entente Cordiale’ was originally used for an agreement between Britain and France in 1904.//


Words: enter
Meaning:
v   ----------//\n   1 go into:\n   2 start working:\n   3 start an activity:\n   4 computer:\n   5 write information:\n   6 competition/examination:\n   7 period of time:\n   8 start to exist:\n   9 enter somebody’s life:\n  10 official statement:  Phrasal verbs//   enter into something//   enter upon something//  ----------//  [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: entrer, from  Latin intrare, from  intra  ’inside’]//\n  1 GO INTO:  a)  [I and T] to go or come into a place//  --Silence fell as I entered the room.//  --Few reporters dared to enter the war zone.//  b)  [T] if an object enters part of something, it goes inside it//  --The bullet had entered his brain.//\n  2 START WORKING:   [I and T] to start working in a particular profession or organization, or to start studying at a school or university//  --Both the boys entered the army.//  --She entered politics in 1996.//  --He entered the Church  (=became a priest) as a young man.//\n  3 START AN ACTIVITY:   [T] to start to take part in an activity, or become involved in a situation//  --He entered the election as the clear favourite.//  --The rebels were prepared to enter negotiations  (=start discussing something) .//\n  4 COMPUTER:  a)  [T] to put information into a computer by pressing the keys//  --Press the return key to enter the information.//  enter sth into sth//  --The names are entered into a database.//  b)  [I and T] if you enter a computer system, you are given permission to use it by the computer//  --It won’t let you enter without a password.//\n  5 WRITE INFORMATION:   [T] to write information on a particular part of a form, document etc//  --Don’t forget to enter your postcode.//  enter in/into//  --Enter your name in the space provided.//\n  6 COMPETITION/EXAMINATION:   [I and T] to arrange to take part in a race, competition, examination etc, or to arrange for someone else to take part//  --At least 30 schools entered the competition.//  enter for//  --Decisions about when he or she is entered for an examination should be taken very carefully.//\n  7 PERIOD OF TIME:   [T] to begin a period of time when something happens//  --The economy entered a period of recession in the mid 1980s.//  enter its third week/sixth day/second year etc //  --The talks have now entered their third week.//\n  8 START TO EXIST:   [T] if a new idea, thought etc enters your head, or a new quality enters something, it suddenly starts to exist there//  --A note of panic entered her voice.//  it never entered sb’s head/mind (=used to say that someone never considered a particular idea, especially when this is surprising) //  --It never entered his head that she might be seeing someone else.//\n  9  enter sb’s life:  if someone or something enters your life, you start to know them or be affected by them//  --By the time Angie entered his life, he was almost 30.//\n  10 OFFICIAL STATEMENT:   [T]  formal to make an official statement//  --Wilson entered a plea of not guilty (=said that he was not guilty at the beginning of a court case) .//  --Residents entered a number of objections to the scheme.//  enter into [enter into sth] phr v//\n  1  enter into an agreement/contract etc:  to make an official agreement to do something//  enter into an agreement/contract etc with//  --Some local authorities have entered into partnership with private companies.//\n  2 to start discussing or dealing with something:  --It could be a problem, but we don’t need to enter into that just yet.//  enter into discussions/negotiations (with sb) //  --The government refused to enter into discussions with the opposition.//\n  3 [usually in negatives] to affect a situation and be something that you consider when you make a choice:  --He always buys the best - money doesn’t enter into it.//\n  4  enter into the spirit of it/things:  to take part in a game, party etc in an eager way//  enter upon [enter upon sth] phr v//  to start doing something or being involved in it//  --countries newly entering upon industrialization//


Words: enteritis
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Greek; Origin: enteron  ’intestine’ +  English -itis]//  a painful infection in your intestines//


Words: enterprise
Meaning:
W2   n   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: entreprise, from  entreprendre  ’to undertake’, from  prendre  ’to take’]//\n  1 [C] a company, organization, or business:  -- commercial enterprises such as banks and food manufacturers//  state/public enterprise  especially BrE  (=one owned by the government) //\n  2 [U] the activity of starting and running businesses:  --the management of state enterprise  (=done by the government) //    free enterprise,  private enterprise//\n  3 [C] a large and complicated project, especially one that is done with a group of other people:   initiative//  --The programme is a joint enterprise with the London Business School.//\n  4 [U] the ability to think of new activities or ideas and make them work:  --We’re looking for young people with enterprise and creativity.//


Words: enterprise culture
Meaning:
n [U and C]   a society or attitude which encourages people to start new businesses and be successful//


Words: enterprising
Meaning:
adj   having the ability to think of new activities or ideas and make them work//  --Some enterprising students are designing software.//  --an enterprising scheme to provide interest-free loans//  -- enterprisingly adv //


Words: entertain
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: entretenir  ’to hold together, support’, from  tenir  ’to hold’]//\n  1 [I and T] to amuse or interest people in a way that gives them pleasure:  entertain sb with sth//  --She entertained the children with stories, songs and drama.//  --A museum should aim to entertain as well as educate.//\n  2 [I and T] to invite people to your home for a meal, party etc, or to take your company’s customers somewhere to have a meal, drinks etc:  --Mark usually does the cooking when we entertain.//  --Do you get an allowance for entertaining clients ?//\n  3  entertain an idea/hope/thought etc:   formal to consider an idea etc, or allow yourself to think that something might happen or be true//  --She could never entertain the idea of living in the country.//


Words: entertainer
Meaning:
n [C]   someone whose job is to tell jokes, sing etc in order to entertain people//  --Sinatra remains one of the top entertainers of all time.//  --street entertainers//


Words: entertaining
Meaning:
adj   amusing and interesting//  --Children’s TV nowadays is much more entertaining.//  --an entertaining evening//\nentertaining 2 n [U]   when you invite people for meals or to parties, at home or for business reasons//  --simple recipes for easy entertaining//  --The hotel is used for corporate entertaining  (=for business reasons) .//


Words: entertainment
Meaning:
S3   n \n  1 [U and C] things such as films, television, performances etc that are intended to amuse or interest people:  --The town provides a wide choice of entertainment.//  --There will be live entertainment  (=performed then, not recorded) throughout the day.//  light entertainment (=comedy) //  --The dolphins give good  entertainment value  (=a lot of amusement and interest) .//  the entertainment industry/business/world //\n  2 [U]  formal when you entertain someone at home, or for business:  --the entertainment of friends//


Words: enthral
Meaning:
BrE  enthrall AmE   v   past tense and past participle  enthralled present participle  enthralling  [T usually passive] //  to make someone very interested and excited, so that they listen or watch something very carefully//  be enthralled by/with sb/sth//  --The children were enthralled by the story she was telling//  -- enthralled adj //


Words: enthrone
Meaning:
v [T]   if a king or queen is enthroned, there is a ceremony to show that they are starting to rule//  -- enthronement n  [U and C] //


Words: enthuse
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: enthusiasm]//\n  1 [I] to talk about something in a very interested or excited way:  enthuse about/over//  --Rick was there, enthusing about life in Australia.//\n  2 [T usually passive] to make someone interested in something or excited by it:  be enthused by/with sth//  --The owners were certainly enthused by the offer.//


Words: enthusiasm
Meaning:
W3   n   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Greek; Origin: enthousiasmos, from  entheos  ’filled (by a god) with sudden strong abilities’, from  theos  ’god’]//\n  1 [U] a strong feeling of interest and enjoyment about something and an eagerness to be involved in it:  --Gillian and Darren greeted the speakers  with great enthusiasm .//  --We went along to the local diving club, full of enthusiasm .//  --They go about their tasks  with little enthusiasm .//  enthusiasm for//  --Britain’s apparent lack of enthusiasm for such a scheme//  --Employers  showed little enthusiasm  for the new regulations.//  --He shares your enthusiasm for jazz.//  --I left university  fired with enthusiasm  for work.//  --A delay of two hours did not  dampen their  enthusiasm .//\n  2 [C]  formal an activity or subject that someone is very interested in:  ----------//  COLLOCATES for sense 1 //  with enthusiasm //  great/much/considerable/enormous enthusiasm //  little enthusiasm //  lack of enthusiasm //  full of enthusiasm  (=very enthusiastic) //  show (great/considerable/little) enthusiasm //  lose enthusiasm //  share somebody’s enthusiasm //  fire somebody with enthusiasm  (=make them very enthusiastic) //  generate enthusiasm (=make people enthusiastic) //  dampen somebody’s enthusiasm  (=make them less enthusiastic) //  boundless/unbounded enthusiasm  (=great enthusiasm) //  ----------//


Words: enthusiast
Meaning:
n [C]   someone who is very interested in a particular activity or subject//  baseball/outdoors/sailing etc enthusiast //  --a keep-fit enthusiast//  enthusiast for//  --an enthusiast for the latest management thinking//


Words: enthusiastic
Meaning:
S3   adj   feeling or showing a lot of interest and excitement about something//  enthusiastic about (doing) sth//  --All the staff are enthusiastic about the project.//  --The singer got an enthusiastic reception.//  --an enthusiastic supporter of reform//  -- enthusiastically/-kli/ adv //


Words: entice
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: enticier, from  Latin titio  ’large burning piece of wood’]//  to persuade someone to do something or go somewhere, usually by offering them something that they want//  entice into/away/from etc//  --The birds were enticed back into Britain 40 years ago.//  entice sb/sth to do sth//  --Our special offers are intended to entice people to buy.//  -- enticement n  [U and C] //


Words: enticing
Meaning:
adj   something that is enticing attracts or interests you a lot//  --It was a hot day and the water looked enticing.//  -- enticingly adv //


Words: entire
Meaning:
W2S3   adj [only before noun]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: entier, from  Latin integer;   INTEGER]//  used when you want to emphasize that you mean all of a group, period of time, amount etc//   whole//  --It was the worst day in my entire life.//  --The entire staff agreed.//  --Have you drunk the entire bottle?//


Words: entirely
Meaning:
adv   completely and in every possible way//  --Our situation is entirely different.//  --The ridge consists entirely of volcanic rock.//  --Her reasons were not entirely clear.//


Words: entirety
Meaning:
n  formal \n  1  in its/their entirety:  including every part//  --The film has been shown in its entirety for the first time.//\n  2  the entirety of sth:   formal the whole of something//  --We stayed in the hotel throughout the entirety of the weekend.//


Words: entitle
Meaning:
v [T often passive] \n  1 to give someone the official right to do or have something:  be entitled to (do) sth//  --Full-time employees are entitled to receive health insurance.//  entitle sb to sth//  --Membership entitles you to the monthly journal.//\n  2  be entitled sth:  if a book, play etc is entitled something, that is its name//  --a documentary entitled ’The Price of Perfection’//


Words: entitlement
Meaning:
n [U and C]   the official right to have or do something, or the amount that you have a right to receive//  entitlement to//  --Do you need advice on your entitlement to state benefits?//  benefit/holiday/pension etc entitlement //  --The paid holiday entitlement is 25 days.//


Words: entitlement program
Meaning:
also entitlement  n [C]   a US government programme or system that gives money or help to people who need it//


Words: entity
Meaning:
n   plural  entities  [C] //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: entitas, from  Latin ens  ’thing that exists’, from  esse  ’to be’]//   formal something that exists as a single and complete unit//    being//  --The mind exists as a separate entity .//  --Good design brings a house and garden together as a single entity .//


Words: entomology
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: entomologie, from  Greek entomon  ’insect’]//  the scientific study of insects//  -- entomologist n  [C] //  -- entomological/ent[hA353]m[hA353]l[hA361]d[hA360][hA366]k[hA368]l[hA36B] $ -l[hA35A][hA359]-/ adj //


Words: entourage
Meaning:
n [>C usually singular, also + plural verb]  BrE   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: entourer  ’to surround’]//  a group of people who travel with an important person//  --the president and his entourage//


Words: entrails
Meaning:
n [plural]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: entrailles, from  Medieval Latin intralia, from  Latin interaneus  ’inside’]//  the inside parts of an animal or person’s body, especially their intestines//


Words: entrance
Meaning:
W3S3   n   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: entrer;   ENTER]//\n  1 [C] a door, gate etc that you go through to enter a place:  → exit//  entrance to/of//  --the main entrance to the school//  front/back/side entrance //  --the station entrance//  entrance hall/foyer/gate etc //\n  2 [C usually singular] the act of entering a place or room, especially in a way that people notice:  --Bridget made a dramatic entrance into the room.//\n  3 [U] the right or ability to go into a place:  entrance to//  --Entrance to the museum is free.//  --Reporters even managed to gain entrance to her hotel.//  --How much is the entrance fee  (=money you pay to get in somewhere) ?//\n  4 [U] permission to become a member of or become involved in a profession, university, society etc:  --the initial interview for entrance to the Civil Service//  -- entrance examinations //\n  5 [C] when a person, country, organization etc first becomes involved in a particular area of activity:  entrance into//  --The referendum blocked Switzerland’s entrance into the European Economic Area.//\n  6  make your/an entrance:  to come onto the stage in a play//\nentrance 2   v [T usually passive]  literary   [Date: 1500-1600; Origin: trance]//  if someone or something entrances you, they make you give them all your attention because they are so beautiful, interesting etc//  --I was entranced by the sweetness of her voice.//  -- entranced adj  [not before noun] //  --She stopped, entranced.//  -- entrancing adj //  --entrancing stories//


Words: entrant
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: entrer;   ENTER]//\n  1 someone who takes part in a competition:\n  2  especially BrE someone who has recently started studying at university, or working:  entrant to//  --a fall in the number of new entrants to higher education//


Words: entrap
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  entrapped present participle  entrapping  [T]  formal //  to trap someone or something, or make it impossible for them to escape from a situation, especially by tricking them//  --He felt that she was trying to entrap him.//


Words: entrapment
Meaning:
n [U]   the practice of trapping someone by tricking them, especially to show that they are guilty of a crime//


Words: entre nous
Meaning:
adv  BrE  spoken   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: ’between ourselves’]//  used humorously to tell someone that what you are going to say is secret and they must not tell anyone else//


Words: entreat
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: entraitier, from  traitier;   TREAT1]//  to ask someone, in a very emotional way, to do something for you//   beg//  entreat sb to do sth//  --His friends entreated him not to go.//


Words: entreaty
Meaning:
n   plural  entreaties  [U and C] //   formal a serious request in which you ask someone to do something for you//


Words: entree
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin:  ENTRY]//\n  1 [C] the main dish of a meal, or a dish served before the main course - used in restaurants or on formal occasions:  --an entree of roast duck//\n  2 [U and C]  formal the right or freedom to enter a place or to join a social group:  entree to/into//  --My family name gave me an entree into upper class Boston society.//


Words: entrenched
Meaning:
adj   strongly established and not likely to change - often used to show disapproval//  entrenched in//  --Ageism is entrenched in our society.//  entrenched attitudes/positions/interests etc //  --a deeply entrenched belief in male superiority//  -- entrench v  [T] //


Words: entrenchment
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] when an attitude, belief etc becomes firmly established:\n  2 [C] a system of trenches (=long deep holes) dug by soldiers for defence or protection:


Words: entrepreneur
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: entreprendre;   ENTERPRISE]//  someone who starts a new business or arranges business deals in order to make money, often in a way that involves financial risks//  -- entrepreneurial adj //


Words: entropy
Meaning:
n [U]  technical   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: German; Origin: entropie, from  Greek trepein  ’to turn, change’]//  a lack of order in a system, including the idea that the lack of order increases over a period of time//


Words: entrust
Meaning:
v [T]   to make someone responsible for doing something important, or for taking care of someone//  entrust sth/sb to sb//  --She entrusted her son’s education to a private tutor.//  be entrusted with sth/sb//  --I was entrusted with the task of looking after the money.//


Words: entry
Meaning:
n   plural  entries //  ----------//\n   1 act of entering:\n   2 becoming involved:\n   3 right to enter:\n   4 competition:\n   5 something written:\n   6 computer:\n   7 door:  ----------//  [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: entree, from  entrer;   ENTER]//\n  1 ACT OF ENTERING:   [U and C] the act of going into something//  → exit//  entry into//  --It was dark and their entry into the camp had gone unnoticed.//  --Harry made his entry into the village.//  --There was no sign of a forced entry .//  --How did the thieves gain entry  (=get in) ?//\n  2 BECOMING INVOLVED:   [U] when someone starts to take part in a system, a particular kind of work etc, or the permission they need in order to do this//  entry into/to//  --Britain’s entry into the European Union//  --the minimum height for entry into the police force//  --This enabled European banks to gain entry into new markets.//  --the entry requirements for a degree course//\n  3 RIGHT TO ENTER:   [U] the right to enter a place, building etc//  entry to/into//  --Entry to the gardens is included in the price of admission.//  --The refugees were repeatedly refused entry into (=not allowed in) the country.//  no entry (=written on signs to show that you are not allowed to go somewhere) //  --an entry visa //\n  4 COMPETITION:   [C] //  a) something that you write, make, do etc in order to try and win a competition//  --The winning entry will be published in our April issue.//  --What’s the closing date for entries?//  b)  [usually singular] the number of people or things taking part in a competition//  --We’ve attracted a record entry this year.//\n  5 SOMETHING WRITTEN:   [C] a piece of writing in a diary, or in a book containing information such as a dictionary//  --a dictionary entry//\n  6 COMPUTER:   [U] the act of putting information into a computer//  --data entry//\n  7 DOOR:   [C]  also entryway  AmE //  a door, gate, or passage that you go through to enter a place//    entrance1 (1)//


Words: entry level
Meaning:
adj  entry-level  entry level product/model/computer etc//  a product etc that is the most basic or simple of its kind, making it suitable for people who do not have much money to spend or who do not have experience using the product//


Words: Entryphone
Meaning:
n [C]    trademark a type of telephone outside a building that allows visitors to ask someone inside to open the door//


Words: entwine
Meaning:
v [I,T often passive] \n  1 to twist two things together or to wind one thing around another:  --They walked together with their arms entwined.//\n  2  be entwined (with sth):  to be closely connected with something in a complicated way//  --Our views of leadership are entwined with ideas of heroism.//


Words: enumerate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: enumeratus, past participle of  enumerare, from  numerare  ’to count’]//   formal to name a list of things one by one//


Words: enunciate
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: enuntiatus, past participle of  enuntiare, from  nuntiare  ’to report’]//\n  1 [I and T] to pronounce words clearly and carefully:\n  2 [T]  formal to express an idea clearly and exactly:  --ideas that Darwin was to enunciate decades later//  -- enunciation/[hA366]n[hA356]nsie[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: envelop
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: envoloper, from  voloper  ’to wrap’]//  to cover or wrap something or someone up completely//  envelop in//  --mountain peaks enveloped in mist//  --the enveloping darkness//


Words: envelope
Meaning:
S3   n [C]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: enveloppe, from  Old French envoloper;   ENVELOP]//\n  1 a thin paper cover in which you put and send a letter:  --envelopes and stamps//  --She tore open the envelope and frantically read the letter.//  --He got a job  stuffing envelopes   (=filling them with letters) at the campaign headquarters.//    sae,  SASE//\n  2 a layer of something that surrounds something else:  envelope of//  --an envelope of gases around the planet//\n  3  push the envelope:   AmE to try to go beyond the normal limits of something//  --a musician who pushes the envelope of improvisation//


Words: enviable
Meaning:
adj   an enviable quality, position, or possession is good and other people would like to have it//  --Now he was in the enviable position of not having to work for a living.//  -- enviably adv //


Words: envious
Meaning:
adj   wanting something that someone else has//    jealous//  envious of//  --Colleagues were envious of her success.//  --envious looks//  -- enviously adv //


Words: environment
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1600-1700; Origin: environ  ’to surround’ (14-21 centuries), from  Old French environer, from  environ  ’around’, from  viron  ’circle’]//\n  1  the environment:  the air, water, and land on Earth, which can be harmed by man’s activities //  --Some of these chemicals are very damaging to the environment.//  --legislation to protect the environment//  --the effects of acid rain on the environment//  --the government minister for the environment//\n  2 [U and C] the people and things that are around you in your life, for example the buildings you use, the people you live or work with, and the general situation you are in:  --Our first task was to improve the physical environment  (=buildings, furniture etc) in the school.//  --Young children often feel happier in the home environment .//  --The company had failed to provide a safe environment for its workers.//  working/learning environment //  --a pleasant working environment//  political/economic environment //  --a stable economic environment//\n  3 [C] the natural features of a place, for example its weather, the type of land it has, and the type of plants that grow in it:    habitat//  --a forest environment//  --a very adaptable creature that will eat different foods in different environments//  ----------//  WORD FOCUS: environment //  good for the environment: environmentally friendly,  eco-friendly,  sustainable,  recyclable,  biodegradable,  renewable,  organic //  people who want to protect the environment: greens,  eco-warriors //  things that cause harm to the environment: pollution,  greenhouse gases,  global warming,  acid rain,  deforestation //  See also:  ozone layer, fossil fuel, CFC//  ----------//


Words: Environment Agency
Meaning:
the   a British government organization whose aim is to make sure that rivers and water supplies are clean, and that factories, farmers etc do not harm the environment with their waste materials//


Words: environmental
Meaning:
adj \n  1 concerning or affecting the air, land, or water on Earth:  --the environmental damage caused by the chemical industry//  --an international meeting to discuss environmental issues //  --the environmental impact of pollution from cars//  --an environmental group  (=group of people who want to protect the environment) //\n  2 concerning the people and things around you in your life, for example the buildings you use, the people you live or work with, and the general situation you are in:  --This will reduce the environmental risks to employees’ health.//  -- environmentally adv //  --environmentally damaging projects//


Words: Environmental Protection Agency
Meaning:
the   the EPA a US government organization whose aim is to protect the land, air, and water from  pollution, for example by dangerous chemicals, smoke, or industrial waste //


Words: environmentally friendly
Meaning:
adj  also environment friendly   products that are environmentally friendly do not harm the environment when they are made or when you use them//   eco-friendly//


Words: environs
Meaning:
n [plural]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: environ;   ENVIRONMENT]//   formal the area surrounding a place//  --people living in Geneva and its environs//  --outside the environs of the college//


Words: envisage
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: envisager, from  visage;   VISAGE]//  to think that something is likely to happen in the future//  --The scheme cost a lot more than we had originally envisaged.//  envisage doing sth//  --I don’t envisage working with him again.//


Words: envision
Meaning:
v [T]   to imagine something that you think might happen in the future, especially something that you think will be good//   envisage//  --As a young teacher, I envisioned a future of educational excellence.//


Words: envoy
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: envoye, past participle of  envoyer  ’to send’]//  someone who is sent to another country as an official representative//   emissary//  --The United Nations is sending a special envoy to the area.//


Words: envy
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  envied present participle  envying third person singular  envies  [T] //\n  1 to wish that you had someone else’s possessions, abilities etc:  --I really envy you and Ian, you seem so happy together.//  --She has a lifestyle which most people would envy.//  envy sb sth//  --He envied Rosalind her youth and strength.//\n  2  I don’t envy you/her etc:   spoken used to say that you are glad that you are not in the bad situation that someone else is in//\nenvy 2 n [U]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: envie, from  Latin invidia, from  invidere  ’to look at with bad feelings’, from  videre  ’to see’]//\n  1 the feeling of wanting something that someone else has:    jealousy//  with envy//  --He watched the others with envy.//  envy of//  --his envy of the young man’s success//  twinge/pang of envy //  --I felt a twinge of envy when I saw them together.//  --She could see that all the other girls were green with envy  (=feeling a lot of envy) .//\n  2  be the envy of sb:  to be something that other people admire and want to have very much//  --an education system that is the envy of all European countries//


Words: enzyme
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: German; Origin: enzym, from  Greek zyme  ’substance that makes a flour-and-water mixture swell’]//  a chemical substance that is produced in a plant or animal, and helps chemical changes to take place in the plant or animal//


Words: Eos
Meaning:
in Greek  mythology, the goddess of the  dawn (=the beginning of the day when light first appears) . In Roman mythology her name is  Aurora.//


Words: epaulette
Meaning:
epaulet/ep[hA353]let/ n [C]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: epaulette, from  epaule  ’shoulder’]//  a small piece of cloth attached to the shoulder of a coat or shirt, especially on a military uniform//


Words: Epcot Center
Meaning:
the   the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow Center a part of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida in the US, where visitors can see some of the machines and equipment which may be used in the future//


Words: ephemera
Meaning:
n [plural]   small cheap things that people use in their ordinary life//  --a collection of sporting ephemera//


Words: ephemeral
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Greek; Origin: ephemeros  ’lasting a day’, from  hemera  ’day’]//  existing or popular for only a short time//  --Fashion is by nature ephemeral.//


Words: epic
Meaning:
n [C]   a book, poem, or film that tells a long story about brave actions and exciting events//  --a Hollywood epic//\nepic 2 adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: epicus, from  Greek epikos, from  epos  ’word, speech, poem’]//\n  1 an epic book, poem, or film tells a long story about brave actions and exciting events:  --an epic tale of mutiny on the high seas//  --epic poetry//\n  2 an epic event continues for a long time and involves brave or exciting actions:  --his epic journey to South America//\n  3 very large and impressive:  --He had produced a meal of epic proportions .//


Words: epicentre
Meaning:
BrE  epicenter AmE   n [C] \n  1 the place on the surface of the Earth that is right above the point where an earthquake begins inside the Earth:\n  2 the place where the most important things happen and important decisions are made:  --London became the epicentre of the world fashion industry.//


Words: epicure
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: epicurus, from  Epicurus (342?-270BC), Greek thinker]//   formal someone who enjoys good food and drink//


Words: epidemic
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: epidemique, from  Greek epidemos  ’visiting’]//\n  1 a large number of cases of a disease that happen at the same time:    pandemic//  --Over 500 people died during last year’s flu epidemic.//  epidemic of//  --an epidemic of cholera//\n  2 a sudden increase in the number of times that something bad happens:  epidemic of//  --Britain is suffering an epidemic of petty crime.//  -- epidemic adj  [only before noun] //  --Violent crime is reaching epidemic proportions in some cities.//


Words: epidemiology
Meaning:
n [U]   the study of the way diseases spread, and how to control them//  -- epidemiologist n  [C] //  -- epidemiological/ep[hA366]di[hA359]mi[hA353]l[hA361]d[hA360][hA366]k[hA368]l $ -l[hA35A][hA359]-/ adj //


Words: epidermis
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Late Latin; Origin: Greek, from  epi- (  EPICENTER) +  derma  ’skin’]//   technical the outside layer of your skin//


Words: epidural
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: epi- (  EPICENTER) +  dura, from  dura mater  ’outer covering of the main nerve in the back’ (14-21 centuries), from  Latin,  ’hard mother’]//  a drug that is put into your back using a needle, done to prevent you feeling pain, especially when having a baby//


Words: epiglottis
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Modern Latin; Origin: Greek, from  epi- (  EPICENTER) +  glottis (  GLOTTIS)]//  the piece of flesh that hangs down at the back of your throat//


Words: epigram
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: epigramma, from  Greek, from  epi- (  EPICENTER) +  graphein  ’to write’]//  a short sentence that expresses an idea in a clever or amusing way//  -- epigrammatic/ep[hA366]gr[hA353]m[zB024]t[hA366]k[hA36B]/ adj //


Words: epilepsy
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: epilepsie, from  Greek epilepsia, from  epilambanein  ’to seize’]//  a medical condition affecting your brain, that can make you suddenly become unconscious or unable to control your movements for a short time//


Words: epileptic
Meaning:
adj   caused by epilepsy//  --He had an epileptic fit .//\nepileptic 2 n [C]   someone who has epilepsy//


Words: epilogue
Meaning:
also  epilog AmE   n   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: Greek epilogos, from  epilegein  ’to say in addition’]//\n  1 [C] a speech or piece of writing that is added to the end of a book, film, or play and discusses or explains the ending:\n  2 [singular]  literary something that happens at the end of a series of events:    prologue//  --a disastrous epilogue to his career//


Words: Epiphany
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: epiphanie, from  Greek epiphaneia  ’appearance’]//  a Christian holy day on January 6th that celebrates the day when the Three Kings came to see the baby Jesus//


Words: episcopal
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Late Latin; Origin: episcopalis, from  episcopus  ’bishop’]//  relating to a bishop//  --his episcopal duties//


Words: episode
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Greek; Origin: epeisodion, from  epeisodios  ’coming in besides’]//\n  1 an event or a short period of time during which something happens:  --She decided she would try to forget the episode by the lake.//  --one of the most interesting episodes in his career//\n  2 a television or radio programme that is one of a series of programmes in which the same story is continued each week:  --Watch next week’s thrilling episode!//  episode of//  --the first episode of a new drama series//


Words: episodic
Meaning:
adj  formal \n  1 something that is episodic happens from time to time and then stops for a while, rather than happening all the time:  --his episodic involvement in politics//\n  2 an episodic story or memory is one in which a lot of different events happen that do not follow on from each other:


Words: epistle
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: Greek epistole  ’message, letter’, from  epistellein  ’to send to’]//   formal a long or important letter//


Words: epitaph
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: epitaphe, from  Greek epitaphion, from  epi- (  EPICENTER) +  taphos  ’tomb, funeral’]//  a short piece of writing on the stone over someone’s  grave (=place in the ground where someone is buried) //


Words: epithet
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: epitheton, from  Greek, from  epitithenai  ’to put on, add’]//  a word or short phrase used to describe someone, especially when praising them or saying something unpleasant about them//  --He hardly deserves the epithet ’fascist’.//


Words: epitome
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: Greek, from  epitemnein  ’to cut short’, from  epi- (  EPICENTER) +  temnein  ’to cut’]//  the epitome of sth//  the best possible example of something//  --She looked the epitome of elegance.//  --He was the very epitome of evil.//


Words: epitomize
Meaning:
also  epitomise BrE   v [T]   to be a very typical example of something//  --This building epitomizes the spirit of the nineteenth century.//


Words: epoch
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: epocha, from  Greek epoche  ’ending, fixed point’, from  epechein  ’to stop for a time, hold back’]//  a period of history//   era//  --the Victorian epoch//  --The king’s death marked the end of an epoch .//  -- the beginning of a new epoch //


Words: epoch-making
Meaning:
adj   very important in changing the way people live or the way a society is organized//  --the epoch-making social changes of the 1960s//


Words: eponymous
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Greek; Origin: eponymos, from  epi- (  EPICENTER) +  onyma  ’name’]//  the eponymous character in a book, film, or play is the character whose name is in its title//  --Hester, the book’s eponymous heroine//


Words: Epsom
Meaning:
a town in southeast England which is famous for its  racecourse (=place where people go to watch horse races) . One of the most famous British horse races, the  Derby, takes place at Epsom each year.//


Words: Epsom salts
Meaning:
n [plural]   [Date: 1700-1800; Origin: Epsom, town in southern England with a supply of water in which the substance was found]//  a white powder that can be mixed with water and used as a medicine//


Words: equable
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: aequabilis, from  aequare;   EQUATE]//\n  1  formal someone who is equable remains calm and happy and does not often get annoyed:  --a young man with a naturally equable temperament//\n  2  technical equable weather is neither too hot nor too cold:  --a place with a pleasant, equable climate//  -- equably adv //  --She smiled equably.//


Words: equal
Meaning:
adj   ----------//\n   1 same:\n   2 same rights/chances:\n   3 be equal to something:\n   4 on equal terms/on an equal footing:\n   5 all (other) things being equal:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: aequalis, from  aequus  ’level, equal’]//\n  1 SAME:  the same in size, number, amount, value etc as something else//    equivalent//  equal number/amount (of sth) //  --Both candidates received an equal number of votes.//  (of) equal value/importance //  --They believe that all work is of equal value.//  equal in size/length/height etc //  --The two towns are roughly equal in size.//  of equal size/length/height etc //  equal to//  --The rent was equal to half his monthly income.//\n  2 SAME RIGHTS/CHANCES:  having the same rights, opportunities etc as everyone else, whatever your race, religion, or sex//  --Our constitution states that all men are equal.//  --Our education system should provide equal opportunities for all children.//  --The government is committed to achieving equal rights for women.//\n  3  be equal to sth:  a) to have the ability to deal with a problem, piece of work etc successfully//   be up to//  --I’m not sure he’s equal to the task .//  --Are you equal to this challenge ?//  b) to be as good as something else//  --The architecture here is equal to any in the world.//\n  4  on equal terms/on an equal footing:  with neither side having any advantage over the other//  --This law will help small businesses to compete on equal terms with large multinational corporations.//\n  5  all (other) things being equal:   spoken if things are as you normally expect them to be//  --All things being equal, a small car will cost less than a larger one.//\nequal 2 S2 v   past tense and past participle  equalled present participle  equalling  BrE //  past tense and past participle  equaled present participle  equaling  AmE //\n  1 [linking verb] to be exactly the same in size, number, or amount as something else:  --Two plus two equals four.//  --Prices should become more stable when supply equals demand.//\n  2 [T] to be as good as something else, or get to the same standard as someone or something else:  --Thompson equalled the world record.//\n  3  be equalled (only) by sth:  used to say that two things are as strong or as important as each other//  --Her distaste for books was equalled only by her dislike of people.//\n  4 [T] to produce a particular result or effect:  --A highly-trained workforce equals high productivity.//\nequal 3 S3 n [C] \n  1 someone who is as important, intelligent etc as you are, or who has the same rights and opportunities as you do:  --He treats all his staff as equals.//  --a friendship between equals//  equal in//  --She wasn’t his equal in intelligence.//\n  2  be the equal of sb/sth:  to be as good as someone or something else//  --The company proved to be the equal of its US rivals.//\n  3  be without equal:   also  have no equal//   formal to be better than everyone or everything else of the same type//  --His paintings are without equal.//


Words: Equal Employment Opportunities Commission
Meaning:
the   the EEOC a US government organization whose aim is to make sure that people are not prevented from getting jobs because of their race, religion, age, sex etc, and to make sure that all workers are treated fairly and equally//


Words: Equal Opportunities Commission
Meaning:
the   a British government organization whose aim is to make sure that women and men have the same opportunities in education and jobs, and that people are not treated unfairly because of their sex//


Words: Equal Pay Act
Meaning:
the   a law in the UK, passed in 1970, which says that men and women should get equal pay for doing the same work, and should have the same conditions of employment//


Words: equality
Meaning:
n [U]   a situation in which people have the same rights, advantages etc//  equality of//  --All people have the right to equality of opportunity.//  equality with//  --Women have yet to achieve full equality with men in the workplace.//  equality between//  --equality between men and women//  racial/sexual equality //  --The government must promote racial equality.//


Words: equalize
Meaning:
also  equalise BrE   v \n  1 [T] to make two or more things the same in size, value, amount etc:  --We have tried to equalize the workload between the different teachers.//\n  2 [I]  BrE to get a point in a game, so that you have the same number of points as your opponent:  --England equalized ten minutes later.//


Words: equalizer
Meaning:
also  equaliser BrE   n [C] \n  1  BrE a point that you score in a game, that gives you the same number of points as your opponent:  --England scored the equalizer with only ten minutes to go.//\n  2 something that makes all people equal because everyone experiences it in the same way:  --Sport is a great equalizer in schools.//


Words: equally
Meaning:
adv \n  1 [+ adjective/adverb] to the same degree or amount:  --You must have a good education, but practical training is equally important.//\n  2 in equal parts or amounts:  --We agreed to divide the money equally between everyone.//\n  3 [sentence adverb] used when introducing a second idea or statement that is as important as your first one:  --We want the economy to grow, but equally we want low inflation.//


Words: equals sign
Meaning:
BrE equal sign  AmE n [C]   the sign (=) that you use in mathematics to show that two things are the same size, number, or amount//


Words: equanimity
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: aequanimitas, from  aequo animo  ’with level mind’]//   formal calmness in the way that you react to things, which means that you do not become upset or annoyed//  --He received the news with surprising equanimity.//


Words: equate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  aequare  ’to make equal’, from  aequus;   EQUAL1]//  to consider that two things are similar or connected//  equate sth with sth//  --Most people equate wealth with success.//  equate to [equate to sth] phr v//  to be equal to something//  --a rate of pay which equates to [hA124]6 per hour//


Words: equation
Meaning:
W3   n \n  1 [C] a statement in mathematics that shows that two amounts or totals are equal:  --In the equation 2x + 1 = 7, what is x?//\n  2 [C usually singular] the set of different facts, ideas, or people that all affect a situation and must be considered together:  --The tourist industry forms a crucial part of the region’s economic equation .//  --The question of cost has now entered the equation .//\n  3 [singular] when you consider that two things are similar or connected:  --the equation of violence with power//


Words: equator
Meaning:
Equator/[hA366]kwe[hA366]t[hA353] $ -[hA353]r/ n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: aequator  ’equalizer’, from  Latin aequare (  EQUATE); because day and night are equal at the equator]//  the equator//  an imaginary line drawn around the middle of the Earth that is exactly the same distance from the North Pole and the South Pole//  on/at/near the equator//  --a small village near the equator//


Words: equatorial
Meaning:
adj \n  1 near the equator:  --equatorial rainforests//\n  2 equatorial weather is very hot and wet:  --an equatorial climate//


Words: Equatorial Guinea
Meaning:
a small country in west central Africa, between Cameroon and Gabon. Population: 486,060 (2001). Capital: Malabo. The capital city is on an island 125 miles (200 km) from the main part of the country.//


Words: equestrian
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: equester  ’of a horse-rider’, from  equus  ’horse’]//  relating to horse-riding//  --equestrian sports//


Words: equidistant
Meaning:
adj   at an equal distance from two places//  equidistant from/between//  --The city is equidistant between London and Glasgow.//


Words: equilibrium
Meaning:
n [singular, U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: aequilibrium, from  aequi- (  EQUI-) +  libra  ’weight, balance’]//\n  1 a balance between different people, groups, or forces that compete with each other, so that none is stronger than the others and a situation is not likely to change suddenly:  --The government is anxious not to upset the economic equilibrium.//\n  2 a state in which you are calm and not angry or upset:  --She struggled to recover her equilibrium.//


Words: equine
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Latin; Origin: equinus, from  equus  ’horse’]//  relating to horses, or looking like a horse//


Words: equinox
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: equinoxe, from  Latin aequinoctium, from  aequi- (  EQUI-) +  nox  ’night’]//  one of the two times in a year when night and day are of equal length//  --the spring equinox//


Words: equip
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  equipped present participle  equipping  [T] //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: equiper, probably from  Old Norse skipa  ’to make ready a ship’, from  skip  ’ship’]//\n  1 to provide a person or place with the things that are needed for a particular kind of activity or work:  equip sb/sth with sth//  --They spent a lot of money equipping the school with new computers.//  --He equipped himself with a hammer and nails.//  be equipped with sth//  --The rooms are equipped with video cameras.//  be equipped to do sth//  --The emergency services are equipped to deal with disasters of this kind.//  well/poorly/fully etc equipped //  --a well equipped hospital//\n  2 to give someone the information and skills that they need to do something:  equip sb with sth//  --We equip students with the skills they will need once they leave college.//  equip sb for sth//  --training that will equip you for the job//  equip sb to do sth//  --We must equip young teachers to deal with difficult children.//


Words: equipment
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] the tools, machines, clothes etc that you need to do a particular job or activity:  --a shop selling camping equipment//  --some brand new computer equipment//  piece/bit of equipment //  --a very useful piece of equipment//\n  2 [singular] the process of equipping someone or something:  equipment of//  --A lot of money was spent on the equipment of the new hospital.//


Words: equitable
Meaning:
adj  formal   treating all people in a fair and equal way//  → inequitable//  --an equitable distribution of food supplies//  -- equitably adv //  --The work should be shared more equitably.//


Words: Equity
Meaning:
1 a  trade union in the UK for actors and actresses in film, theatre, TV, and radio:\n  2 a  trade union in the US for actors and actresses who perform in the theatre. Its full name is the Actor’s Equity Association.:


Words: equity
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: equite, from  Latin aequitas, from  aequus;   EQUAL1]//\n  1 [U]  formal a situation in which all people are treated equally and no one has an unfair advantage:  → inequity//  --a society run on the principles of equity and justice//\n  2 [U]  technical the amount of money that you would have left if you sold your house and paid off the money you borrowed to buy the house:\n  3  equities [plural]  technical  shares in a company from which the owner of the shares receives some of the company’s profits rather than a fixed regular payment:\n  4 [U]  law the principle that a fair judgment must be made in a situation where the existing laws do not provide an answer:


Words: equivalent
Meaning:
W3   adj   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: Late Latin, from  aequivalere  ’to have equal power’]//  having the same value, purpose, job etc as a person or thing of a different kind//  equivalent to//  --a qualification which is equivalent to a degree//  --I had no dollars, but offered him an equivalent amount of sterling.//  -- equivalence n  [U] //\nequivalent 2 n [C]   something that has the same value, purpose, job etc as something else//  --The word has no equivalent in English.//  equivalent of//  --He had drunk the equivalent of 15 whiskies.//


Words: equivocal
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Late Latin; Origin: aequivocus, from  Latin aequi- (  EQUI-) +  vox  ’voice’]//\n  1 if you are equivocal, you are deliberately unclear in the way that you give information or your opinion:   ambiguous//  --His answer was equivocal.//  --She was rather equivocal about her work.//\n  2 information that is equivocal is difficult to understand or explain because it contains different parts which suggest that different things are true:  --The results of the police enquiry were equivocal.//


Words: equivocate
Meaning:
v [I]    formal to avoid giving a clear or direct answer to a question//  -- equivocation/[hA366]kw[hA366]v[hA353]ke[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: er
Meaning:
interjection  BrE   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin:  A representation of the sound]//  a sound you make when you do not know exactly what to say next//  --Well, er - I’m not really sure.//


Words: ERA
Meaning:
the   Equal Rights Amendment a suggested change to US law, which was intended to give women the same legal rights as men. Although the suggested law was agreed to by  Congress, not enough states agreed in time for it to become a law.//


Words: era
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Late Latin; Origin: aera  ’number for calculating from’, from  Latin,  ’counters’, plural of  aes  ’copper, money’]//  a period of time in history that is known for a particular event, or for particular qualities//  era of//  --We live in an era of instant communication.//  --a new era of world peace//  --His death marked the end of an era .//  --the Victorian era//


Words: eradicate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  eradicare  ’to pull out by the root’, from  radix  ’root’]//  to completely get rid of something such as a disease or a social problem//  eradicate sth from sth//  --We can eradicate this disease from the world.//  --an attempt to eradicate inflation//  --This problem has now been completely eradicated.//  -- eradication/[hA366]r[zB024]d[hA369]ke[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: erase
Meaning:
S3   v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  eradere, from  radere  ’to rub roughly, scrape’]//\n  1 to remove information from a computer memory or recorded sounds from a tape:  --The computer crashed, and all our records were erased.//\n  2 to remove writing from paper:  --Some of the names had been accidentally erased.//\n  3 to get rid of something so that it has gone completely and no longer exists:  --Their dream is to erase poverty and injustice from the world.//  erase sth from your mind/memory //  --He couldn’t erase the image from his mind.//  --She had tried to erase the memory of that day.//


Words: eraser
Meaning:
n [C]   a small piece of rubber that you use to remove pencil or pen marks from paper//  British Equivalent:  rubber//


Words: Erasmus
Meaning:
Desiderius   (1466-1536) a Catholic Christian writer, teacher and priest, born in the Netherlands. He believed that the Catholic Church should become more simple, and that people should have a clearer understanding of the New Testament. His ideas had an important influence and helped to start the Reformation//


Words: erasure
Meaning:
n [U]  formal   when you erase something, or when something is erased//  --a way to avoid accidental erasure of data from your computer//


Words: erect
Meaning:
adj \n  1 in a straight upright position:  --Martin stood erect on the platform.//\n  2 an erect penis or nipple is stiff and bigger than it usually is because a person is sexually excited:\nerect 2 v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: erectus, past participle of  erigere  ’to erect’, from  regere  ’to lead straight, guide’]//\n  1  formal to build something such as a building or wall:  --an imposing town hall, erected in 1892//  --Police have erected barriers across the main roads into the town.//\n  2 to fix all the pieces of something together, and put it in an upright position:   put up//  --It took a couple of hours to erect the tent.//\n  3 to establish something such as a system or institution:


Words: erection
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] if a man has an erection, his penis increases in size and becomes stiff and upright because he is sexually excited:  have/get an erection //\n  2 [U] the act of building something or putting it in an upright position:  erection of//  --the erection of a new temple//


Words: Erector Set
Meaning:
trademark   a type of children’s toy, sold in the US, which has many small parts that can be connected together in order to build things such as cars, bridges, and machines. There is a similar type of toy in the UK called  Meccano. //


Words: Erewhon
Meaning:
a book by the British writer Samuel Butler ,published in 1872. Erewhon was an imaginary land discovered by a traveller, and Butler used it for a satire on British hypocrisy and the way society thought about crime and religion. Many years later he wrote a second book, called Erewhon Revisited.//


Words: ergative
Meaning:
adj  technical   an ergative verb can be either  transitive or  intransitive, with the same word used as the object of the transitive form and as the subject of the intransitive form, such as ’cooked’ in the sentences ’He cooked the potatoes’ and ’The potatoes cooked quickly’.//


Words: ergonomics
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1900-2000; Language: Greek; Origin: ergon  ’work’ +  English -omics (as in economics)]//  the way in which the careful design of equipment helps people to work better and more quickly//  --We were very impressed with the machine’s ergonomics.//  -- ergonomic adj //  --a new ergonomic design//  -- ergonomically/-kli/ adv //  -- ergonomist/[hA362][hA359]g[hA361]n[hA353]m[hA369]st $ [hA362][hA359]rg[hA35A][hA359]-/ n  [C] //


Words: Ericsson
Meaning:
Leif  , Eriksson   (10th century AD) an  explorer from Norway, who was probably the first European to discover America. He landed in Newfoundland in the late 10th century.//


Words: Erie
Meaning:
Lake   one of the  Great Lakes of North America, between the US and Canada. There is a lot of industry on the southern side.//


Words: Erie Canal
Meaning:
the Erie Canal//  a  canal (=artificial river)  in the US state of New York which connects Lake Erie and the Hudson River. Built in the early 19th century, the canal allowed trade between New York City and the states of the Midwest.//


Words: Eritrea
Meaning:
a country in northeast Africa, south of Sudan and north of Ethiopia, which became independent from Ethiopia in 1995 after a long war. Population: 4,298,000 (2001). Capital: Asmara. //


Words: ermine
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: , perhaps from  Medieval Latin mus Armenius  ’Armenian mouse’]//\n  1 [U] an expensive white fur, used especially for the formal clothes of judges, kings, and queens:\n  2 [C] a small animal whose fur is white in winter:


Words: Ernie
Meaning:
Electronic Random Number Indicating Equipment the computer which chooses the prize-winning numbers of  premium bonds in the UK. Its name is the short form of the man’s name ’Ernest’.//


Words: Ernst
Meaning:
Max   (1891-1976) a German painter who lived in Germany, France, and then the US. He was an important figure in  Dadaism and  surrealism//


Words: erode
Meaning:
v  also  erode away [I and T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: erodere  ’to eat away’, from  rodere;   RODENT]//\n  1 if the weather erodes rock or soil, or if rock or soil erodes, its surface is gradually destroyed:  --The cliffs are being constantly eroded by heavy seas.//  --The rocks have gradually eroded away.//\n  2 to gradually reduce something such as someone’s power or confidence:  --Our personal freedom is being gradually eroded away.//  --Repeated exam failure had eroded her confidence.//


Words: Eros
Meaning:
1 in Greek  mythology, the god of sexual and romantic love. He is usually shown in pictures as a beautiful boy with wings, holding a  bow and  arrow. In Roman mythology his name is  Cupid.:\n  2 a  statue of Eros at  Piccadilly Circus in central London:\n  3 [U] sexual love:


Words: erosion
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 the process by which rock or soil is gradually destroyed by wind, rain, or the sea:  --the problem of soil erosion//  --the erosion of the coastline//\n  2 the process by which something is gradually reduced or destroyed:  erosion of//  --the gradual erosion of our civil liberties//


Words: erotic
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Greek; Origin: erotikos, from  eros  ’sexual love’]//\n  1 an erotic book, picture, or film shows people having sex, and is intended to make people reading or looking at it have feelings of sexual pleasure:\n  2 erotic thoughts, feelings, or experiences involve sexual excitement:  --an erotic dream//  -- erotically/-kli/ adv //


Words: eroticism
Meaning:
n [U]   a style or quality that expresses strong feelings of sexual love and desire, especially in works of art//  --the eroticism of his early love poems//


Words: err
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: errer, from  Latin errare]//\n  1  err on the side of sth:  to be more careful or safe than is necessary, in order to make sure that nothing bad happens//  --It’s always best to err on the side of caution .//\n  2  old use to make a mistake:


Words: errand
Meaning:
n [C]   [Language: Old English; Origin: [zB024]rend]//  a short journey in order to do something for someone, for example delivering or collecting something for them//  --I seemed to spend my life running errands for people.//  --She was always sending me on errands .//  on an errand//  --I couldn’t stop because I was on an errand.//  --He quickly set out on his errand of mercy  (=journey to help someone in danger) .//    (send sb on) a fool’s errand at fool1 (11)//


Words: errant
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]  old-fashioned   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: , present participle of  errare;   ERR]//  behaving badly, usually by not obeying your parents or not being faithful to your husband or wife//  --an errant wife//  --their errant son//


Words: erratic
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: erratique, from  Latin errare;   ERR]//  something that is erratic does not follow any pattern or plan but happens in a way that is not regular//  --His breathing was becoming erratic.//  --She found it hard to cope with his erratic behaviour.//  -- erratically/-kli/ adv //  --He always drives erratically.//


Words: erratum
Meaning:
n   plural  errata /-t[hA353]/ [C] //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  errare;   ERR]//   technical a mistake in a book, shown in a list added after the book is printed//


Words: erroneous
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: erroneus, from  errare;   ERR]//  erroneous ideas or information are wrong and based on facts that are not correct//  --His economic predictions are based on some erroneous assumptions.//  -- erroneously adv //


Words: error
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: errour, from  Latin error, from  errare;   ERR]//\n  1 [U and C] a mistake:  error in//  --There must be an error in our calculations.//  make/commit an error //  --The government has committed a serious error.//  serious/grave/fatal error //  --I realized I had made a fatal error.//  computer/driver etc error //  --The bill was sent to the wrong person because of a computer error.//  --The accident was caused by human error  (=a mistake by a person) .//\n  2 [C] a mistake when you are working on a computer, which means that the computer program cannot do what you want it to do:  --An error message .//\n  3  error of judgment:  a mistake in the way that you examine a situation and decide what to do//  --The decision to expand the company was an error of judgement.//\n  4  be in error:  to have made a mistake, especially when making an official decision//  --The doctor has admitted that he was in error.//\n  5  do sth in error:  if you do something in error, you do it by mistake//  --The wrong man was arrested in error.//\n  6  see the error of your ways:   literary to realize that you have been behaving badly and decide to stop//    trial and error at trial1 (4)//


Words: ersatz
Meaning:
adj [usually before noun]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: German; Origin: ’something used instead of something else’]//  artificial, and not as good as the real thing//  --ersatz coffee//


Words: erstwhile
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Origin: erst  ’formerly’ (11-19 centuries) (from  Old English [zB024]rest  ’earliest’) +  while]//  former or in the past//  --She found herself ostracized by erstwhile friends.//  --his erstwhile allies//


Words: erudite
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  erudire  ’to give instruction to’, from  rudis  ’rude, uneducated’]//  showing a lot of knowledge based on careful study//   learned//  -- eruditely adv //  -- erudition/er[hA36A]d[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: erupt
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  erumpere  ’to burst out’]//\n  1 if fighting, violence, noise etc erupts, it starts suddenly:   break out//  --Violence erupted after police shot a student during the demonstration.//  --A political row erupted over the MP’s comments.//\n  2 if a volcano erupts, it explodes and sends smoke, fire, and rock into the sky:\n  3 if a place or situation erupts, there is a sudden increase in activity or emotion:  erupt into//  --They were angry to the point of erupting into riot.//  --Their conversations often erupted into minor squabbles.//\n  4  erupt into laughter/shouting etc:  to suddenly start laughing, shouting etc//  --He erupted into loud, desperate sobs.//\n  5 if spots erupt on your body, they suddenly appear on your skin:  -- eruption/[hA366]r[hA356]p[hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //  --a volcanic eruption//  --the eruption of violence//


Words: Esau
Meaning:
in the Old Testament of the Bible, the son of  Isaac, and the older brother of  Jacob, whose  twin (=one of two children born at the same time)  he was. Esau was very hungry and so he sold his  birthright (=the property or possessions that he had a right to receive from his parents)  to Jacob for "a mess of pottage", that is, for some soup that Jacob had made.//


Words: escalate
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: escalator]//\n  1 if fighting, violence, or a bad situation escalates, or if someone escalates it, it becomes much worse:  escalate into//  --Her fear was escalating into panic.//  --The fighting on the border is escalating.//  --We do not want to escalate the war.//\n  2 to become higher or increase, or to make something do this:  --The costs were escalating alarmingly.//  --policies that escalate their own costs//  --escalating crime//  -- escalation/esk[hA353]le[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //  --the escalation of fighting in June//  --a rapid escalation in value//


Words: escalator
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: escalade  ’to climb up’ (16-21 centuries) (from  French, from  Italian scalare) +  elevator]//  a set of moving stairs that take people to different levels in a building//


Words: escalope
Meaning:
n [C]  BrE   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: Old French,  ’shell’;   SCALLOP]//  a thin piece of meat with no bones in it, especially veal (=meat from a young cow) , cooked in hot oil//


Words: escapade
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: Old Italian scappare  ’to escape’, from  Vulgar Latin excappare;   ESCAPE1]//\n  1 an adventure or series of events that are exciting or contain some risk:  --their dangerous escapades in the Great War//\n  2  AmE a sexual relationship that is exciting or risky, but that is not considered serious:


Words: escape
Meaning:
W2S3   v   ----------//\n   1 person/place:\n   2 danger:\n   3 avoid:\n   4 gas/liquid etc:\n   5 sound:\n   6 escape somebody’s attention/notice:\n   7 the name/date/title etc escapes somebody:\n   8 there’s no escaping (the fact):  ----------//  [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old North French; Origin: escaper, from  Vulgar Latin excappare, from  Late Latin cappa  ’head-covering’; from the idea of throwing off something that limits your movement]//\n  1 PERSON/PLACE:   [I] to get away from a place or dangerous situation when someone is trying to catch you or stop you//  --He broke down the locked door and escaped.//  escape from/through/over etc//  --He escaped from prison in October.//  escape to//  --She escaped to Britain in 1938.//\n  2 DANGER:   [I and T] to get away from a dangerous or bad situation//  escape with//  --He escaped with minor injuries.//  escape unhurt/unscathed/unharmed etc //  --A boy escaped unhurt when the fire in his room exploded.//  --They went to the hills to escape the summer heat.//  escape sb’s clutches (=escape from someone) //  --The youth was trying to escape the clutches of two drunken female companions.//\n  3 AVOID:   [I and T] to avoid something bad or that you do not want to happen//  --He narrowly escaped death in an avalanche.//  --The two passengers escaped serious injury .//  --They must not be allowed to escape justice .//  --It seemed impossible he would escape detection .//\n  4 GAS/LIQUID ETC:   [I] if gas, liquid, light, heat etc escapes from somewhere, it comes out//  --Vents allow any steam to escape if the system overheats.//\n  5 SOUND:   [I and T]  literary if a sound escapes from someone, they accidentally make that sound//  --A small laugh escaped her.//  escape from//  --Holman let a weary sigh escape from his lips.//\n  6  escape sb’s attention/notice:  if something escapes your attention or notice, you do not see it or realize that it is there//\n  7  the name/date/title etc escapes sb:  used to say that someone cannot remember something//  --For some reason which escapes me, we had to take a taxi.//\n  8  there’s no escaping (the fact):  used to emphasize that something is definitely important or will definitely happen//  --There’s no escaping the fact that work has profound effects on emotions and health.//\nescape 2 S3 n \n  1 [U and C] the act of getting away from a place, or a dangerous or bad situation:  --The girl had no chance of escape.//  --Christina hoped it wouldn’t be too long before she could make her escape .//  escape from//  --the firm’s narrow escape from bankruptcy//  --an escape route //  --They had a lucky escape  (=were lucky not to be hurt or killed) when a car crashed into the front of their house.//\n  2 [singular, U] a way of forgetting about a bad or boring situation for a short time:  escape from//  --Travel can be an escape from the routine drudgery of life.//\n  3 [U and C] an amount of gas, liquid etc that accidentally comes out of the place where it is being kept, or an occasion when this happens:  --The lid prevents the escape of poisonous gases.//    fire escape//


Words: escaped
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   an escaped person or animal has escaped from somewhere//  --an escaped prisoner //


Words: escapism
Meaning:
n [U]   activities or entertainment that help you forget about bad or boring things for a short time//  --Books were a form of escapism from the real world.//  -- escapist adj //  --pure escapist entertainment//


Words: escarpment
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: escarp  ’slope’ (17-21 centuries), from  French escarpe, from  Italian scarpa]//  a high steep slope or cliff between two levels on a hill or mountain//


Words: escheat
Meaning:
n [C]  AmE  law   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: eschete, from  escheoir  ’to fall, be given to another’, from  Latin cadere  ’to fall’]//  a legal process in which someone’s money and property are given to the state after they die if they do not have a will, or if there is nobody else with a legal right to receive their money or property//


Words: Escher
Meaning:
M. C.   (1898-1970) a Dutch artist famous for his very detailed drawings that trick your eyes and make you think you are seeing something that is impossible//


Words: eschew
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: eschiver]//  to deliberately avoid doing or using something//  --I had eschewed politics in favour of a life practising law.//


Words: Escorial
Meaning:
Escurial, El  a former palace near Madrid, in Spain, built in the 16th century for King Philip II. The buildings include a fine church, a famous library, and a collection of art.//


Words: escort
Meaning:
v [T] \n  1 to take someone somewhere, especially when you are protecting or guarding them:  --The shipment was escorted by guards.//  escort sb back/through/to etc (sth)//  --Two Marines escorted Benny inside.//  --I escorted her to the door.//\n  2 to go with someone and show them a place:  escort sb around (sth)//  --The company escorts prospective buyers around the property.//\n  3  old-fashioned to go with someone to a social event:  --Bill escorted Ellie to the opera.//\nescort 2   n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: escorte, from  Italian scorgere  ’to guide’, from  Latin corrigere;   CORRECT1]//\n  1 a person or a group of people or vehicles that go with someone in order to protect or guard them:  --a police escort //  under escort//  --He was driven away to prison under armed escort (=protected or guarded by an escort) .//\n  2 someone who goes with someone to a formal social event:\n  3 someone who is paid to go out with someone socially:  --an escort agency//\n  4  AmE a prostitute, especially one who goes to social events or on trips with the person who pays them:


Words: escritoire
Meaning:
n [C]  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Old French; Origin: Medieval Latin scriptorium, from  Latin scriptus;   SCRIPT]//  a small writing desk//


Words: escrow
Meaning:
n [U]  law   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Old French; Origin: escroue;   SCROLL1]//  money, land, or a written contract, etc that is held by someone who is not directly involved in an agreement while the agreement is being achieved//  --a property that is being held in escrow //


Words: escudo
Meaning:
n   plural  escudos  [C] //  [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Spanish; Origin:  and  Portuguese,  ’shield’]//  the standard unit of money used in Portugal before the Euro//


Words: escutcheon
Meaning:
n [C]  formal   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: escuchon, from  Latin scutum  ’shield’]//  a shield on which someone’s coat of arms (=family sign)  is painted//


Words: Eskimo
Meaning:
n   plural  Eskimo  or  Eskimos  [C]  old-fashioned //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Danish; Origin: Eskimo and  French Esquimaux, from  Algonquian]//  an Inuit (=someone who belongs to a race of people living in the very cold northern areas of North America) . Many people now consider this word offensive.//


Words: ESL
Meaning:
n [U]   English as a Second Language the teaching of English to people, who are living in an English-speaking country, but whose first language is not English//


Words: esophagus
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Greek; Origin: oisophagos, from  oisein  ’to be going to carry’ +  phagein  ’to eat’]//  [C] the American spelling of oesophagus//


Words: esoteric
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Greek; Origin: esoterikos, from  esotero  ’further inside’, from  eiso  ’inside’]//  known and understood by only a few people who have special knowledge about something//  --the esoteric world of scientific supercomputing//  -- esoterically/-kli/ adv //


Words: ESP
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 extra-sensory perception the ability to know what will happen in the future, or to know what another person is thinking:\n  2 English for Specific Purposes  or  English for Special Purposes the teaching of English to business people, scientists etc whose first language is not English:


Words: espadrille
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: Latin spartum name of a type of grass from which it was first made]//  a light shoe that is made of cloth and rope//


Words: especial
Meaning:
adj  BrE  formal   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin specialis;   SPECIAL1]//   special//


Words: especially
Meaning:
adv \n  1 [sentence adverb] used to emphasize that something is more important or happens more with one particular thing than with others:   particularly//  --I never liked long walks, especially in winter.//  --Art books are expensive to produce, especially if they contain colour illustrations.//\n  2 [+ adjective/adverb] to a particularly high degree or much more than usual:   particularly//  --I was especially fond of chocolate biscuits.//  --Feedback is especially important in learning skills.//  --A depreciation of the dollar would make US exports cheaper and especially so in Japan.//  --Graphics are especially well handled in the book.//\n  3 for a particular person, purpose etc:  especially for//  --She bought a new pair of trainers especially for the trip.//\n  4  not especially:  not very, or not very much//  --Accidents aren’t especially common, but you never know.//  --He didn’t especially want to learn to dance.//  ----------//  WORD CHOICE: especially, specially //  It is better to use  especially  in front of adjectives to emphasize them, although some people also use  specially : The cake was especially good. |  This part is especially interesting. //  Use  especially to say that something applies more to one thing or situation than to others : Everyone loved it, especially the children.|  You should call first, especially if you’re going to be late. //  Use  specially to say that something is done or made for a particular purpose : I got this specially for you.| specially designed equipment //  !! Especially never comes at the start of a sentence : He loves fruit. He especially likes kiwis (NOT Especially he likes ...). //  ----------//


Words: Esperanto
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin:  Dr  Esperanto (from  Latin sperare  ’to hope’), name taken by Ludwik Zamenhof, who invented the language]//  an artificial language invented in 1871 to help people from different countries in the world speak to each other//


Words: espionage
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: espionnage, from  espion  ’spy’]//  the activity of secretly finding out secret information and giving it to a country’s enemies or a company’s competitors//   spying//    spy//  --a campaign of industrial espionage against his main rival//    counter-espionage//


Words: esplanade
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: Italian spianata, from  spianare  ’to make level’, from  Latin explanare;   EXPLAIN]//   especially BrE a wide street next to the sea in a town//


Words: espouse
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: espouser, from  Latin sponsus;   SPOUSE]//   formal to support an idea, belief etc, especially a political one//  espouse a cause/policy etc //  --He espoused a variety of scientific, social and political causes.//  -- espousal n  [singular, U] //  --her espousal of liberal reforms//


Words: espresso
Meaning:
n   plural  espressos  [U and C] //  [Date: 1900-2000; Language: Italian; Origin: caff[hA169] espresso  ’pressed-out coffee’]//  strong black Italian coffee, or a cup of this coffee//


Words: esprit de corps
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: ’group spirit’]//   formal feelings of loyalty towards people who are all involved in the same activity as you//   team spirit//


Words: espy
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  espied present participle  espying third person singular  espies  [T] //  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: espier;   SPY2]//   literary to suddenly see someone or something//   spy//


Words: Esq.
Meaning:
1  especially BrE  esquire a title that is sometimes written after a man’s name in the address on an official letter instead of using Mr before the name:\n  2  AmE a title of respect that is sometimes put after a lawyer’s name:  --Franklin Taylor Esq.//


Words: Esquire
Meaning:
trademark   a magazine for men, produced in the US and UK, with articles on fashion, sports, cars etc. and pictures of attractive women//


Words: esquire
Meaning:
n [singular]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: escuier;   SQUIRE]//  a formal title that can be written after a man’s name, especially in the address on an official letter//


Words: essay
Meaning:
S2   n [C]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: essai, from  Late Latin exagium  ’act of weighing’]//\n  1 a short piece of writing about a particular subject by a student as part of a course of study:  essay on/about//  --an essay on Bernard Shaw//\n  2 a short piece of writing giving someone’s ideas about politics, society etc:  essay on//  --Rousseau’s Essay on the Origin of Languages//\n  3  formal an attempt to do something:\nessay 2   v [T]    formal to attempt to do something//


Words: essence
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: Latin essentia, from  esse  ’to be’]//\n  1 [singular] the most basic and important quality of something:  essence of//  --The essence of Arsenal’s style of football was speed.//  --She seems the very essence of kindness (=she seems very kind) .//\n  2  in essence:  used when talking about the most basic and important part of something, especially an idea, belief, or argument//  --In essence his message was very simple.//\n  3 [U and C] a liquid obtained from a plant, flower etc that has a very strong smell or taste and is used especially in cooking:  --vanilla essence//\n  4  sth is of the essence:  used to say that something is very important//  --Good communications are of the essence to remain competitive.//  time/speed is of the essence (=it is very important to do something quickly) //


Words: essential
Meaning:
adj \n  1 extremely important and necessary:  essential for/to//  --A good diet is essential for everyone.//  it is essential (that)//  --It is essential that our pilots are given the best possible training.//  it is essential to do sth//  --It is essential to book in advance.//  --Window locks are fairly cheap and absolutely essential .//  --Even in small companies, computers are an essential tool.//\n  2 the essential part, quality, or feature of something is the most basic one:  --The essential difference between Sam and me was the fact that I took life seriously.//  --The essential point of relay racing is that it is a team effort.//\nessential 2 n \n  1 [C usually plural] something that is necessary to do something or in a particular situation:  --She packed a few essentials.//  --We only had the bare essentials  (=the most necessary things) .//\n  2  the essentials [plural] the basic and most important information or facts about a particular subject:  the essentials of//  --We have no reason to doubt the essentials of the girl’s story.//


Words: essential oil
Meaning:
n [C]   an oil from a plant that has a strong smell and is used for making perfume or in aromatherapy//


Words: essentially
Meaning:
W3S2   adv   used when stating the most basic facts about something//   basically//  --Ballet is essentially a middle-class interest.//  --Suicide rates have remained essentially unchanged.//  [sentence adverb] //  --Essentially, we are talking about the cold war period.//


Words: Essex
Meaning:
a  county in southeast England, between East London and the North Sea//\n the Earl of   (1566-1601) an English soldier and politician. For many years he was a close friend and adviser of Queen Elizabeth I, but after their friendship ended she ordered him to be put in prison and, later, to be killed.//


Words: est.
Meaning:
1 the written abbreviation of established :  --H. Perkins and Company, est. 1869//\n  2 the written abbreviation of estimated :


Words: establish
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: establir, from  Latin stabilire  ’to make firm’]//\n  1 to start a company, organization, system, etc that is intended to exist or continue for a long time:   found//  --The city of Boerne was established by German settlers in the 1840s.//  --Our goal is to establish a new research centre in the North.//\n  2 to begin a relationship with someone or a situation that will continue:  establish relations/links/contact etc (with sb) //  --Hungary established diplomatic relations with Chile in 1990.//  --I wondered why he should bother to try and establish contact with me.//\n  3 to find out facts that will prove that something is true:  --The police must establish the facts of the case before proceeding.//  establish that//  --The autopsy established that he had been murdered.//  establish whether/if//  --I was never able to establish whether she was telling the truth.//\n  4 to make people accept that you can do something, or that you have a particular quality:  establish yourself (as/in)//  --He had three years in which to establish himself as Prime Minister.//  --He’d already begun to establish quite a reputation as a journalist.//


Words: established
Meaning:
W3   adj [only before noun] \n  1 already in use or existing for a long period of time:  --Competition from established businesses can be formidable.//  -- well-established teaching methods//  --By 1969 the civil rights movement was already an established fact .//  --Every once in a while, the established order  (=people who rule) is overthrown.//\n  2 known to do a particular job well, because you have done it for a long time:  --an established professor of French literature//\n  3  established church/religion:   especially BrE the official church or religion in a particular country//


Words: establishment
Meaning:
W2S3   n \n  1 [C]  formal an organization or institution, especially a business, shop etc:  --a top class training establishment//\n  2  the establishment:  the group of people in a society or profession who have a lot of power and influence and are often opposed to any kind of change or new ideas//  --Young people are supposed to rebel against the Establishment.//  the medical/legal/military etc establishment //  --The public is treated with contempt by the art establishment.//\n  3 [U] the act of starting an organization, relationship, or system:  establishment of//  --the establishment of NATO in 1949//


Words: estate
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: estat;   STATE1]//\n  1 [singular]  law all of someone’s property and money, especially everything that is left after they die:  sb’s estate//  --The property is part of the deceased’s estate.//\n  2 [C] a large area of land in the country, usually with one large house on it and one owner:  --a country estate//\n  3 [C]  BrE an area where houses or buildings of a similar type have all been built together in a planned way:  council/industrial/housing etc estate //    fourth estate,  real estate//


Words: estate agent
Meaning:
n [C]    BrE someone whose business is to buy and sell houses or land for people//  American Equivalent:  real estate agent, realtor//  -- estate agency n  [C] //


Words: estate car
Meaning:
also estate  n [C]    BrE a car with a door at the back, folding back seats, and a lot of space at the back//  American Equivalent:  station wagon//


Words: esteem
Meaning:
n [U]   a feeling of respect for someone, or a good opinion of someone//  hold sb in high/great esteem //  --The critics held him in high esteem as an actor.//  token/mark of sb’s esteem (=a sign of their respect) //  --Please accept the small gift we enclose as a mark of our esteem.//  esteem for//  --my father’s complete lack of esteem for actors//    self-esteem//\nesteem 2 v [T]  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Old French; Origin: estimer, from  Latin aestimare;   ESTIMATE2]//  to respect and admire someone or something//  --Peden was greatly esteemed by the people of Ayrshire.//  --He was esteemed as a literary wit.//


Words: esteemed
Meaning:
adj [usually before noun]  formal   respected and admired//  --the esteemed French critic Olivier Boissiere//  -- highly esteemed scholars//


Words: esthete
Meaning:
n [C]   an American spelling of aesthete//  -- esthetic/i[hA359]s[hA35F]et[hA366]k $ es-/ adj //  -- esthetical adj //  -- esthetically/-kli/ adv //  -- esthetics n  [U] //


Words: estimate
Meaning:
W2S3   n [C] \n  1 a calculation of the value, size, amount etc of something:  --a rough estimate  (=not an exact calculation) of how much time we’ll need//  --A conservative estimate  (=a deliberately low estimate) puts annual sales at around $100 million.//  --The figure will only be about two million, less than half the original estimate.//  --Some estimates put the number of deaths at several hundred.//    guesstimate//\n  2 a statement of how much it will probably cost to build or repair something:  estimate for//  --The garage said they’d send me an estimate for the work.//\nestimate 2 W3S3   v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  aestimare  ’to think important’]//  to try to judge the value, size, speed, cost etc of something, without calculating it exactly//  be estimated to be/have/cost etc //  --The tree is estimated to be at least 700 years old.//  estimate sth at sth//  --Organizers estimated the crowd at 50,000.//  estimate that//  --Scientists estimate that smoking reduces life expectancy by around 12 years on average.//  estimate how many/what etc//  --It is not easy to estimate how many people have the disease.//  -- estimated adj //  --heroin with an estimated street value of [hA124]50,000//  -- estimator n  [C] //


Words: estimation
Meaning:
n \n  1 [singular] a judgment or opinion about someone or something:  in sb’s estimation//  --In your estimation, who’s going to win?//  go up/come down in sb’s estimation (=be respected or admired more or less by someone) //\n  2 [C] a calculation of the value, size, amount etc of something:  --Estimations of their total world sales are around the 50 million mark.//


Words: Estonia
Meaning:
a small country on the Baltic Sea, between Russia and Latvia, which was part of the former  Soviet Union until 1991. Population: 1,423,000 (2001). Capital: Tallinn.//  -- Estonian n  adj //


Words: estranged
Meaning:
adj \n  1  sb’s estranged husband/wife:  someone’s husband or wife whom they are no longer living with, used especially in newspaper reports//\n  2 no longer seeing or talking to a relative or good friend, because of an argument:  estranged from//  --Mill became estranged from his family after the marriage.//\n  3 no longer feeling any connection with something that used to be important in your life:   alienated//  estranged from//  --young adults who feel estranged from the church//  -- estrangement n  [U and C] //


Words: estuary
Meaning:
n   plural  estuaries  [C] //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: aestuarium, from  aestus  ’boiling, tide’]//  the wide part of a river where it goes into the sea//  --the Thames estuary//


Words: estuary English
Meaning:
n [U]   a way of speaking English that is common in London and the southeast of England. In Estuary English /t/ is pronounced as a glottal stop, and sometimes /l/ is pronounced like /w/.//


Words: et al
Meaning:
adv   written after a list of names to mean that other people are also involved in something//  --Boers et al, 2001//


Words: etc.
Meaning:
also  etc BrE   adv   et cetera used in writing after a list to show that there are many other similar things or people that you could have added//  --a shop which sells cards, calendars, wrapping paper etc//  etc etc (=used when you are rather bored or annoyed by the list you are giving) //  --The letter says pay at once, they’ve reminded us before etc etc.//


Words: etch
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Dutch; Origin: etsen, from  German [hA165]tzen  ’to feed’; because originally the lines were  ’eaten’ into the metal with acid]//\n  1 [I and T] to cut lines on a metal plate, piece of glass, stone etc to form a picture or words:  etch on//  --a gravestone with three names etched on it//  --A laser is used to etch a pattern in the smooth surface of the disc.//\n  2  be etched on/in your memory/mind:   literary if an experience, name etc is etched on your memory or mind, you cannot forget it and you think of it often//  --The island remained etched in my memory.//\n  3 [T usually passive] if someone’s face is etched with pain, sadness etc, you can see these feelings from their expression:  etch with//  --Her face was etched with tiredness.//  --Craig saw lines of pain etched around her mouth.//\n  4 [T] to make lines or patterns appear on something very clearly:  --etched glass//


Words: eternal
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin aeternus  ’eternal’]//\n  1 continuing for ever and having no end:  --the Christian promise of eternal life//  --She’s an eternal optimist  (=she always expects that good things will happen) .//\n  2 seeming to continue for ever, especially because of being boring or annoying:   never-ending//  --the eternal arguments between mother and son//\n  3  eternal truths:  principles that are always true//


Words: eternal triangle
Meaning:
n [singular]  literary   the difficult situation that occurs when two people have a sexual relationship with the same person//


Words: eternally
Meaning:
adv \n  1 for ever:  --I’ll be eternally grateful  (=very grateful) to you for this.//\n  2  informal always or very often:   constantly//  --He’s the sort of player who’s eternally arguing with the referee.//


Words: eternity
Meaning:
n \n  1  an eternity:  a period of time that seems very long because you are annoyed, anxious etc//  --Here she waited for what seemed like an eternity .//  --That week was an eternity of solitude and boredom.//\n  2 [U] the whole of time without any end:  --a little animal preserved for all eternity as a fossil//\n  3 [U] the state of existence after death that some people believe continues for ever:


Words: ethanol
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: ethane name of a type of gas  (19-21 centuries) (from  ethyl) +  -ol  ’type of alcohol’]//   technical  ethyl alcohol//


Words: ether
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: aether, from  Greek aither, from  aithein  ’to catch fire’]//\n  1 [U] a clear liquid used in the past as an anaesthetic to make people sleep before an operation:\n  2  the ether:  a) the space through which radio waves or computer signals travel//  --voices coming through the ether//  b)  also  aether BrE  literary the upper part of the sky//


Words: ethereal
Meaning:
adj   very delicate and light, in a way that does not seem real//  --ethereal beauty//  --His music is ethereal.//  -- ethereally adv //


Words: ethic
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: ethique, from  Greek ethikos, from  ethos;   ETHOS]//\n  1 [C] a general idea or belief that influences people’s behaviour and attitudes:  --The old ethic of hard work has given way to a new ethic of instant gratification.//    work ethic//\n  2  ethics [plural] moral rules or principles of behaviour for deciding what is right and wrong:  --a report on the ethics of gene therapy//  professional/business/medical ethics (=the moral rules relating to a particular profession) //  --public concern about medical ethics//  --Televised news is based on a code of ethics .//


Words: ethical
Meaning:
adj [no comparative] \n  1 relating to principles of what is right and wrong:   moral//  ethical issues/questions/problems //  --The use of animals in scientific tests raises difficult ethical questions.//  --The president must have the highest ethical standards .//\n  2 morally good or correct:  → unethical//  --I don’t think it’s ethical for you to accept a job you know you can’t do.//  -- ethical investment policies (=investing only in businesses that are considered morally acceptable) //    unethical//  -- ethically/-kli/ adv //


Words: Ethiopia
Meaning:
a country in northeast Africa on the Red Sea. Population: 65,892,000 (2001). Capital: Addis Ababa. The northern part of the country, Eritrea, fought for independence during the 1970s and 1980s, and became independent in 1993.//  -- Ethiopian n  adj //


Words: ethnic
Meaning:
W3   adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Late Latin; Origin: ethnicus, from  Greek ethnikos, from  ethnos  ’nation, people’]//\n  1 relating to a particular race, nation, or tribe and their customs and traditions:  --The school teaches pupils from different ethnic groups .//  --ethnic Russians in Estonia//  ethnic violence/divisions/strife etc (=violence etc between people from different races or cultures) //  ethnic background/origin //  --The students are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.//  --plans to partition the republic along ethnic lines  (=in a way that keeps different ethnic groups apart) //\n  2  ethnic cooking/fashion/design etc:  cooking, fashion etc from countries that are far away, which seems very different and unusual//  --ethnic music//  -- ethnically/-kli///  --Surinam is culturally and ethnically diverse.//\nethnic 2 n [C]   someone who comes from a group of people who are a different race, religion etc or who have a different background from most other people in that country//  --In that neighborhood of New York, we were all ethnics.//


Words: ethnic cleansing
Meaning:
n [U]   the action of forcing people to leave an area or country because of their racial or national group//


Words: ethnic minority
Meaning:
n [C]   a group of people of a different race from the main group in a country//  --racial discrimination against doctors from ethnic minorities//


Words: ethnocentric
Meaning:
adj   based on the idea that your own race, nation, group etc is better than any other - used in order to show disapproval//  --ethnocentric history textbooks//  -- ethnocentrism n  [U] //  -- ethnocentricity/e[hA35F]n[hA353][hA35E]sentr[hA366]s[hA369]ti $ -no[hA35E]-/ n  [U] //


Words: ethnography
Meaning:
n [U]   the scientific description of different races of people//  -- ethnographer n  [C] //  -- ethnographic/e[hA35F]n[hA353]gr[zB024]f[hA366]k[hA36B]/ adj //  -- ethnographically/-kli/ adv //


Words: ethnology
Meaning:
n [U]   the scientific study and comparison of different races of people//    anthropology, sociology//  -- ethnologist n  [C] //  -- ethnological/e[hA35F]n[hA353]l[hA361]d[hA360][hA366]k[hA368]l[hA36B] $ -l[hA35A][hA359]-/ adj //  -- ethnologically/-kli/ adv //


Words: ethos
Meaning:
n [singular]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Greek; Origin: ’custom, character’]//  the set of ideas and moral attitudes that are typical of a particular group//  --a community in which people lived according to an ethos of sharing and caring//


Words: ethyl alcohol
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin:  ethyl from  ether +  -yl  ’type of group of atoms’]//   technical the type of alcohol in alcoholic drinks//


Words: etiolated
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: etioler, from  Old North French etieuler  ’to leave short stiff pieces after a field of wheat has been cut’, from  Latin stipula  ’straw’]//\n  1  literary pale and weak:\n  2  technical a plant that is etiolated is weak and not very green because it has not received enough light:  -- etiolation/i[hA359]ti[hA353]le[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: etiology
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: aetiologia, from  Greek aitia  ’cause’]//   technical the cause of a disease or the scientific study of this//  -- etiological/i[hA359]ti[hA353]l[hA361]d[hA360][hA366]k[hA368]l[hA36B] $ -l[hA35A][hA359]-/ adj //  -- etiologically/-kli/ adv //


Words: etiquette
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: etiquette  ’ticket’ (  TICKET1); perhaps because rules of behavior were written on a small card, like a ticket]//  the formal rules for polite behaviour in society or in a particular group//  --strict rules of professional etiquette//


Words: Etna
Meaning:
also  Mount Etna   a mountain in Sicily, southern Italy, which is the highest  volcano in Europe. Mount Etna is an active volcano, which  erupts every few years.//


Words: Eton
Meaning:
also  Eton College    the most famous English  public school (=a school that is paid for by the parents and not by the government)  for boys, officially called Eton College and established in the 15th century. Eton is close to the town of Windsor, to the west of London//  -- Etonian  n  adj //


Words: etymology
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: etymologia, from  Greek, from  etymon  ’original meaning’, from  etymos  ’true’]//\n  1 [U] the study of the origins, history, and changing meanings of words:\n  2 [C] a description of the history of a word:  -- etymologist n  [C] //  -- etymological/et[hA369]m[hA353]l[hA361]d[hA360][hA366]k[hA368]l[hA36B] $ -l[hA35A][hA359]-/ adj -- etymologically/-kli/ adv //


Words: eucalyptus
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Modern Latin; Origin: eu-  ’well, good’ (from  Greek ey,  eu  ’good’) +  Greek kalyptos  ’covered’; from the covering on the tree’s buds]//  a tall tree that produces an oil with a strong smell, used in medicines//


Words: Eucharist
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: eucariste, from  Greek eucharistia, from  eucharistos  ’grateful’]//  the Eucharist//  the holy bread and wine, representing Christ’s body and blood, used during a Christian ceremony, or the ceremony itself//    communion, mass//  -- Eucharistic/ju[hA359]k[hA353]r[hA366]st[hA366]k[hA36B]/ adj //


Words: Euclid
Meaning:
(about 300 BC) a Greek  mathematician who developed a system of  geometry (=the study of angles, shapes, lines etc and their relationships with each other)  that has been known ever since as Euclidean geometry//


Words: eugenics
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Greek; Origin: eugenes  ’well born’, from  genes  ’born’]//  the study of methods to improve the mental and physical abilities of the human race by choosing who should become parents - used in order to show disapproval//


Words: eulogize
Meaning:
also  eulogise BrE   v [I and T]   to praise someone or something very much//  --The poem does not eulogize the dead soldiers.//  --Commentators are eulogizing about the 17-year-old left-hander.//  -- eulogist n  [C] //  -- eulogistic/ju[hA359]l[hA353]d[hA360][hA366]st[hA366]k[hA36B]/ adj //


Words: eulogy
Meaning:
n   plural  eulogies  [U and C] //  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: eulogium, from  Greek eulogia  ’praise’]//  a speech or piece of writing in which you praise someone or something very much, especially at a funeral//  --The minister delivered a long eulogy.//


Words: eunuch
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: eunuchus, from  Greek eunouchos, from  eune  ’bed’ +  echein  ’to be in charge of’]//  a man whose testicles have been removed, especially someone who guarded a king’s wives in some Eastern countries in the past//


Words: euphemism
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Greek; Origin: euphemismos, from  euphemos  ’sounding good’, from  pheme  ’speech’]//  a polite word or expression that you use instead of a more direct one to avoid shocking or upsetting someone//  --’Pass away’ is a euphemism for ’die’.//


Words: euphemistic
Meaning:
adj   euphemistic language uses polite words and expressions to avoid shocking or upsetting people//  -- euphemistically/-kli/ adv //


Words: euphoria
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Greek; Origin: euphoros  ’healthy’]//  an extremely strong feeling of happiness and excitement which usually only lasts for a short time//  --There was a general atmosphere of pessimism after the euphoria of last year.//


Words: euphoric
Meaning:
adj   feeling very happy and excited//  --Scientists are euphoric at the success of the test.//  -- euphorically/-kli/ adv //


Words: Euphrates
Meaning:
the Euphrates//  a long river which flows from Turkey through Syria and Iraq into the Persian Gulf//


Words: Eurasian
Meaning:
adj \n  1 relating to both Europe and Asia:\n  2  old-fashioned having one European parent and one Asian parent:\nEurasian 2 n [C]    old-fashioned someone who has one European parent and one Asian parent//


Words: eureka
Meaning:
interjection  humorous   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Greek; Origin: heureka  ’I have found’, said by the Greek scientist Archimedes when he discovered a method of testing the purity of gold]//  used to show how happy you are that you have discovered the answer to a problem, found something etc//


Words: Euro
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   European, especially relating to the European Union//  --next month’s Euro elections//


Words: euro
Meaning:
n   plural  euros  [C] //  [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: European]//  a unit of money that can be used in most countries of the European Union//  --the value of the euro against the dollar//  --Prices are given in pounds and euros.//


Words: Euro-
Meaning:
prefix [in nouns and adjectives]   a) relating to Europe, especially western Europe or the European Union//  --Euro-MPs//  --Europop//  b) European and something else//  --the Euro-Asiatic area//


Words: Euro-zone
Meaning:
the group of European countries that use the euro as a standard unit of money//  --trade among the countries of the euro-zone//


Words: Eurocrat
Meaning:
n [C]    informal a word meaning a government official of the European Union, often one who makes decisions you do not like - used especially in newspapers//


Words: Eurodollar
Meaning:
n [C usually plural]    technical a US dollar that has been put in a European bank or lent to a European customer to help trade and provide an international money system//


Words: Eurofighter
Meaning:
a fast military aircraft developed by several European countries working together, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK//


Words: Euroland
Meaning:
a name used informally by politicians, news reporters etc to describe the area of Europe in which the Euro is used as the standard unit of money//


Words: Europe
Meaning:
n \n  1 the continent that is north of the Mediterranean and goes as far east as the Ural Mountains in Russia:  --eastern Europe//\n  2  BrE the European Union:  --the Prime Minister’s stated aim of keeping Britain at the heart of Europe//\n  3  BrE the continent of Europe not including Britain and Ireland:  --British exports to Europe//


Words: European
Meaning:
n [C]   someone from Europe//\nEuropean 2 adj   relating to Europe or its people//  --European languages//  --our European partners//


Words: European Commission
Meaning:
the  also the Commission   a group of 20 officials, chosen by the countries in the  EU (=the European Union) , who suggest plans for the EU, carry out decisions that the EU has made, and make sure that the EU’s laws are obeyed//


Words: European Convention on Human Rights
Meaning:
the   an official agreement signed by the UK and most other European countries, in which they promise to allow every citizen their  human rights, such as the right to be free, to express their political opinions, and to be treated fairly. If someone thinks that one of these countries is breaking this agreement, they can officially complain to the European Human Rights Commission. If they are still not satisfied, they can take their case to a special court called the  European Court of Human Rights.//


Words: European Cup
Meaning:
the \n  1  also European Champions Cup :  a football competition in which all the teams in Europe that have been most successful in their own countries play one another, to find the best team in Europe//  --How many times have Real Madrid won the European Cup?//\n  2 the cup given to the team that wins the competition:


Words: European Cupwinners’ Cup
Meaning:
the   a football competition held in the past that involved all the teams in Europe that won the  cup final in their own country. Since 1998, these teams have entered the  UEFA Cup instead.//


Words: European Open
Meaning:
the   an important  golf competition played in Europe by players from all over the world//  --Sandy Lyle finished second in the European Open.//


Words: European Parliament
Meaning:
the   a parliament whose members are elected by the citizens of the EU (=the European Union) . Its members are called Euro MPs or MEPs.//


Words: European Super Cup
Meaning:
a football match, officially called the  UEFA Super Cup, played each year between the winners of the European Cup and the UEFA Cup//


Words: European Union
Meaning:
n   the European Union//  EU a European political and economic organization that encourages trade and friendship between the countries that are members//


Words: Eurosceptic
Meaning:
n [C]  BrE   someone, especially a politician, who is against the EU and closer relations with other European countries//  --Conservative Eurosceptics//  -- Eurosceptic adj //


Words: Eurostar
Meaning:
trademark   the railway service between London and France or Belgium, using the  tunnel under the English Channel//  --You can get to Paris by Eurostar in only 3 hours.//    le Shuttle//


Words: Eurovision Song Contest
Meaning:
the   a competition shown on television each year, in which singers or groups of singers representing European countries sing specially written songs, and judges vote for the song which they think is the best//


Words: euthanasia
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Greek; Origin: ’easy death’, from  thanatos  ’death’]//  the deliberate killing of a person who is very ill and going to die, in order to stop them suffering//


Words: euthanize
Meaning:
BrE  [T]   to kill an animal in a painless way, usually because it is very sick or old//   put down//  --The decision to euthanase a pet is heartbreaking.//


Words: evacuate
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  evacuare, from  vacuus  ’empty’]//\n  1 [T] to send people away from a dangerous place to a safe place:  evacuate sb from/to sth//  --Several families were evacuated from their homes.//  --During the war he was evacuated to Scotland.//\n  2 [I and T] to empty a place by making all the people leave:  --Police evacuated the area.//  --The order was given to evacuate.//\n  3 [T]  formal to empty your bowels:  -- evacuation/[hA366]v[zB024]kjue[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //  --the evacuation of British troops from the area//  --Police ordered the evacuation of the building.//


Words: evacuee
Meaning:
n [C]   someone who is sent away from a place because it is dangerous, for example because there is a war//


Words: evade
Meaning:
v [T]   ----------//\n   1 not talk about something:\n   2 not do something:\n   3 not pay:\n   4 escape:\n   5 not achieve/understand:  ----------//  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: evader, from  Latin evadere, from  vadere  ’to go, walk’]//\n  1 NOT TALK ABOUT SOMETHING:  to avoid talking about something, especially because you are trying to hide something//    evasion//  --I could tell that he was trying to evade the issue .//  --The minister evaded the question .//\n  2 NOT DO SOMETHING:  to not do or deal with something that you should do//    evasion//  --You can’t go on evading your responsibilities in this way.//  --You’re simply trying to evade the problem .//\n  3 NOT PAY:  to avoid paying money that you ought to pay, for example tax//    evasion//  --Employers will always try to find ways to evade tax.//\n  4 ESCAPE:  to escape from someone who is trying to catch you//  --She managed to evade the police.//  --So far he has evaded capture .//\n  5 NOT ACHIEVE/UNDERSTAND:   formal if something evades you, you cannot do it or understand it//   elude//  --The subtleties of his argument evaded me.//


Words: evaluate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: evaluation]//  to judge how good, useful, or successful something is//   assess//  --You should be able to evaluate your own work.//  --We need to evaluate the success of the campaign.//  --It can be difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments.//


Words: evaluation
Meaning:
W3   n [U and C]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: evaluation, from  evaluer  ’to evaluate’, from  value  ’value’]//  a judgment about how good, useful, or successful something is//   assessment//  --We need to carry out a proper evaluation of the new system.//  --They took some samples of products for evaluation.//


Words: evanescent
Meaning:
adj  literary   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Latin; Origin: , present participle of  evanescere  ’to disappear’]//  something that is evanescent does not last very long//


Words: evangelical
Meaning:
adj \n  1 evangelical Christians believe that they should persuade as many people as possible to become Christians:  --the evangelical church//  --evangelical missionaries//\n  2 very eager to persuade people to accept your ideas and beliefs:  --He spoke with evangelical fervour.//


Words: evangelist
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: evangeliste, from  Greek euangelion  ’good news, gospel’, from  eu-  ’good’ +  angelos  ’someone who brings a message’]//\n  1 someone who travels to different places and tries to persuade people to become Christians:\n  2  Evangelist:  one of the four writers of the books in the Bible called the Gospels//  -- evangelism n  [U] //  -- evangelistic/[hA366]v[zB024]nd[hA360][hA369]l[hA366]st[hA366]k[hA36B]/ adj //  --his evangelistic work//


Words: evangelize
Meaning:
also  evangelise BrE   v [I and T]   to try to persuade people to become Christians//  --an attempt to evangelize the whole nation//


Words: evaporate
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  evaporare, from  vapor  ’steam’]//\n  1 [I and T] if a liquid evaporates, or if heat evaporates it, it changes into a gas:  --Most of the water had evaporated.//  --The sun evaporates moisture on the leaves.//\n  2 [I] if a feeling evaporates, it slowly disappears:  --Hopes of achieving peace are beginning to evaporate.//  --His courage had evaporated away.//  -- evaporation/[hA366]v[zB024]p[hA353]re[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: evasion
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: evasion, from  Latin evasio, from  evadere;   EVADE]//\n  1 [U] when you deliberately avoid doing something that you should do, or paying an amount of money that you should pay:    evade//  --He is in prison for tax evasion .//  evasion of//  --She accused him of evasion of his responsibilities.//\n  2 [U and C] when you deliberately avoid talking about something or answering a question:    evade//  --I’m tired of his lies and evasions.//


Words: evasive
Meaning:
adj \n  1 not willing to answer questions directly:  evasive about//  --Paul’s being a bit evasive about this job.//  --an evasive reply//\n  2  take evasive action:  to move or do something quickly to avoid someone being hurt//  --Both pilots took evasive action and a collision was avoided.//  -- evasively adv //  --She answered evasively.//  -- evasiveness n  [U] //


Words: Eve
Meaning:
the first woman, according to the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions. In the Old Testament of the Bible, Eve lived in the Garden of  Eden with  Adam, the first man, and persuaded him to eat a fruit which God had forbidden them to eat.//


Words: eve
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1100-1200; Origin: even  ’evening’ (11-21 centuries), from  Old English [zB024]fen;   EVENING]//\n  1 [C usually singular] the night or day before an important day:  eve of//  --on the eve of the election//  --We’re arriving on Christmas Eve .//  --a New Year’s Eve party//\n  2 [C]  literary evening:  --one summer’s eve//


Words: Eve’s pudding
Meaning:
n [U and C]   a sweet dessert food, consisting of cooked apples with a layer of sponge cake on top//


Words: even
Meaning:
adv   [Language: Old English; Origin: efne, from  efen;   EVEN2]//\n  1 used to emphasize something that is unexpected or surprising in what you are saying:  --Most companies have suffered a drop in their profits, even very large companies.//  --It was quite difficult to see, even with the light on.//  --He became quite successful and even appeared on a television show once.//  --She did not even bother to phone us.//  --He never even acknowledged my letter.//\n  2  even bigger/better/brighter etc:  used to emphasize that someone or something is bigger, better etc//  --This will make our job even more difficult.//  --The news was even worse than we expected.//  --The new version is even better than the old one.//\n  3 used to add a stronger, more exact word to what you are saying:  --Some patients become depressed, even suicidal.//\n  4  even so:   spoken used to introduce something that is true although it is different from something that you have just said.//  --I know he’s only a child, but even so he should have known that what he was doing was wrong.//\n  5  even if:  used to emphasize that something will still be true if another thing happens//  --She’s going to have problems finding a job even if she gets her A levels.//\n  6  even though:  used to emphasize that something is true although something else has happened or is true//  --Even though he’s 24 now, he’s still like a little child.//  --I can still remember, even though it was so long ago.//\n  7  even now/then:  in spite of what has happened//  --Even now I find it hard to believe that he lied.//  --They invested in new machinery and equipment, but even then the business was still losing money.//\n  8  even as:  used to emphasize that something happens at the same moment as something else//  --He realized, even as he spoke, that no one would ever believe him.//  ----------//  GRAMMAR //  even usually goes before the word or phrase that you want to emphasize because it is surprising : Even Grandma was dancing. |  Your room is even messier than mine! //  !!  But  even usually goes after an auxiliary verb or modal verb : They have even invited the teacher (NOT They have invited even...). |  He can’t even spell his own name (NOT He even can’t...). //  even  is not used to introduce another clause. Use  even if , even though , or  even when : Even if it’s raining (NOT Even it’s raining), we go for a walk every day. |  I love you, even when you’re nasty to me. //  !! You can use ’still’ with these expressions, but do not use ’but’ or ’yet’ : Even though we’re completely different, we’re still great friends (NOT but/yet we’re great friends). //  ----------//\neven 2 adj   ----------//\n   1 level:\n   2 not changing:\n   3 divided equally:\n   4 number:\n   5 competition:\n   6 scores:\n   7 be even:\n   8 calm:\n   9 an even chance:\n  10 get even (with somebody):\n  11 break even:  ----------//  [Language: Old English; Origin: efen]//\n  1 LEVEL:  flat and level, with no parts that are higher than other parts//  → uneven//  --The floor must be completely even before we lay the tiles.//  --You need a flat, even surface to work on.//  --He had lovely white, even teeth.//\n  2 NOT CHANGING:  an even rate, speed, or temperature is steady and does not change//  --The room is kept at an even temperature.//  --Wood burns at a fairly even rate.//\n  3 DIVIDED EQUALLY:  divided equally, so that there is the same amount of something in each place, for each person etc//  --Divide the dough into three even amounts.//  --an even distribution of wealth//\n  4 NUMBER:  an even number can be divided exactly by two//  → odd//  --2, 4, 6 and 8 are even numbers.//\n  5 COMPETITION:  having teams or competitors that are equally good so that everyone has a chance of winning//  --The first half was very even, and neither side scored.//  --an even contest//\n  6 SCORES:  if the score in a game is even, two teams or players have the same number of points//  --At the end of the first half the scores is even.//\n  7  be even:   informal to no longer owe someone something, especially money//  --If you give me $5, we’ll be even.//\n  8 CALM:  calm and controlled, and not extreme//  --He read most of the speech in an even tone.//\n  9  an even chance:  a situation in which it is just as likely that something will happen as not happen//  --I think we have an even chance of winning.//  --We knew there was an even chance that the operation would fail.//\n  10  get even (with sb):   informal to do something unpleasant to someone to punish them for something that they did to you//   get revenge (on somebody)//  --I’ll get even with him one day.//\n  11  break even:  to neither make a profit nor lose money//  --We’re hoping that we’ll at least break even, and perhaps make a small profit.//    even-tempered//  -- evenness n  [U] //\neven 3 v   even out phr v//  if things even out, or if you even them out, the differences between them become smaller//   level out//  --The differences in their income should even out over time.//  even sth → out//  --Use a brush to even out the variations in colour.//  even up [even sth → up] phr v//  to make a situation or competition more equal//  --We put on a couple of more experienced players to even things up a bit.//


Words: even-handed
Meaning:
adj   giving fair and equal treatment to everyone//  --He was very even-handed in the way he treated his employees.//


Words: evening
Meaning:
n   [Language: Old English; Origin: [zB024]fnung, from  [zB024]fen  ’evening’]//\n  1 [U and C] the early part of the night between the end of the day and the time you go to bed:  --I do most of my studying  in the evening .//  --I’m usually out  on Friday evenings .//  --What are you doing  tomorrow evening ?//  --Peter left  yesterday evening .//  --I’ll see you this evening .//  --It was  early evening  by the time we got home.//  --We had just finished our  evening meal  when the doorbell rang.//  --a broadcast on the  evening news //\n  2 [C] a social event that takes place in the evening:  --a musical evening//  --an evening of music and poetry//\n  3  good evening:  used to greet someone when you meet them in the evening//  ----------//  COLLOCATES for sense 1 //  in the evening(s) //  on Monday/Friday/Saturday etc evening //  tomorrow evening //  yesterday evening //  this evening  (=today in the evening) //  early/late evening //  evening meal/news/performance etc (=something that you do or see in the evening) //  ----------//\nevening 2 interjection  informal   used to greet someone when you meet them in the evening//  --Evening, Joe. Everything all right?//


Words: evening dress
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] formal clothes that people wear for formal meals, parties, and social events in the evening:\n  2  also evening gown :   especially  AmE  [C] an attractive dress that a woman wears to a formal meal, party, or social event in the evening//


Words: Evening Standard
Meaning:
The  also The Standard   a  tabloid newspaper sold in London in the afternoon from Monday to Friday//


Words: evenly
Meaning:
adv \n  1 covering or affecting all parts of something equally:  --Make sure the surface is evenly covered with paint.//  -- Spread the butter evenly over the toast.//  --Support for the Liberals is fairly evenly spread across the country.//  --Make sure the weight is evenly distributed.//\n  2 divided in an equal way:  --The profits will be split evenly between the three of us.//  --Government ministers are fairly evenly divided on this issue.//  --The prospects for the country are fairly evenly balanced between peaceful reform and revolution.//\n  3 in a regular or steady way:  --He was breathing more evenly now.//  --rows of evenly spaced desks//\n  4  evenly matched:  if two competitors are evenly matched, they are as good as each other and so have an equal chance of winning//  --The two teams are very evenly matched.//\n  5 if you say something evenly, you say it in a calm way without getting angry or upset:   calmly//


Words: evens
Meaning:
n [U]  BrE  technical   when there is an equal chance that an animal or person will win or lose a race, and the money that someone can win by betting on the race is the same as the amount they risk//  -- evens adj //  --the evens favourite//


Words: event
Meaning:
n   ----------//\n   1 interesting/exciting:\n   2 social gathering:\n   3 race/competition:\n   4 in any/either event:\n   5 in the event:\n   6 in the event of something:\n   7 in the normal course of events:  ----------//  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: eventus, from the past participle of  evenire  ’to happen’]//\n  1 INTERESTING/EXCITING:   [C] something that happens, especially something important, interesting or unusual//  --one of the most important events in the history of mankind//  --Leaving home was a major event in his life.//  --the events which led up to the prime minister’s resignation//  --Police are trying to reconstruct the sequence of events on the night of the murder.//  --His resignation triggered a chain of events  (=series of events which each cause the next one to happen) that led eventually to the downfall of the government.//  --Nothing you could have done would have changed the course of events  (=the way in which events happened) .//\n  2 SOCIAL GATHERING:   [C] a performance, sports competition, party etc at which people gather together to watch or take part in something//  --The conference was an important social event  (=an event at which people can meet each other) .//  --one of the major sporting events of the year//  charity/fund-raising etc event //  --The school raises money by organizing fund-raising events.//\n  3 RACE/COMPETITION:   [C] one of the races or competitions that are part of a large sports competition//  --The next event will be the 100 metres.//  --The 800 metres is not his best event.//    field event,  three-day event//\n  4  in any/either event:   also at all events //  used to say that something will definitely happen or be true in spite of anything else that may happen//   in any case//  --I might see you tomorrow, but I’ll phone in any event.//\n  5  in the event:  used to emphasize what actually happened in a situation as opposed to what you thought might happen//   as it happened//  --Extra police officers were brought in, although in the event the demonstration passed off peacefully.//\n  6  in the event of sth:   also in the event that sth happens //  used to tell people what they should do if something happens//  --He left a letter for me to read in the event of his death.//\n  7  in the normal course of events:  if things happen in the normal way//   normally//  --In the normal course of events, the money should be released within about three months.//


Words: eventful
Meaning:
adj   full of interesting or important events//  --She’s led quite an eventful life.//  --an eventful day//


Words: eventing
Meaning:
n  also  three-day eventing [U]   a sport in which horses do three different sorts of competition, usually over three days//


Words: eventual
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: eventuel, from  Latin eventus  ’what happens in the end’;   EVENT]//  happening at the end of a long period of time or after a lot of other things have happened//  --Sweden were the eventual winners of the tournament.//  --Both sides were happy with the eventual outcome of the talks.//


Words: eventuality
Meaning:
n   plural  eventualities  [C] //   formal something that might happen, especially something bad//  any/every eventuality //  --We are prepared for every eventuality.//  --That is an unlikely eventuality.//


Words: eventually
Meaning:
adv   after a long time, or after a lot of things have happened//  --He eventually escaped and made his way back to England.//  --Eventually, she got a job and moved to London.//   see usage note  lastly//


Words: ever
Meaning:
adv   [Language: Old English; Origin: [zB024]fre]//\n  1 a word meaning at any time; used mostly in questions, negatives, comparisons, or sentences with ’if’:  --Nothing ever seems to upset him.//  --Have you ever been to Paris?//  --I don’t think I’ve ever been here before.//  --If you’re ever in Seattle, come and see me.//\n  2  formal always:  --Ever optimistic, I decided to take the exam again.//\n  3  hardly ever:  not very often//  --We hardly ever go out.//\n  4  never ever:   spoken never//  --You never ever offer to help!//\n  5  for ever:  for all time//  --Nothing lasts for ever.//\n  6  as ever:  as always happens//  --As ever, Joe was late.//\n  7  ever since:  continuously since//  --My back has been bad ever since I fell and hurt it two years ago.//\n  8  ever after:  for all time after something//  --I suppose they’ll get married and live happily ever after.//\n  9  hotter/colder/better etc than ever:  even hotter etc than before//  --Last night’s show was better than ever.//\n  10  as friendly/cheerful/miserable etc as ever:  as friendly etc as someone or something usually is//  --George was as miserable as ever.//  --The food was as bad as ever!//\n  11  ever so cold/wet/nice etc:   BrE  spoken very cold, wet etc//  --The assistant was ever so helpful.//  --Thanks ever so much.//\n  12  ever such a:   BrE used to emphasize what someone or something is like//  --You’ll like her, she’s ever such a nice girl.//\n  13  ever-increasing/ever-present etc:  increasing, present etc all the time//  --the ever-increasing problem of drugs in the inner cities//\n  14  Yours ever/Ever yours:   informal used at the end of a letter above the signature//\n  15  if ever there was one:   informal used to say that someone or something is a typical example of something//  --He’s a natural comedian if ever there was one.//


Words: Everest
Meaning:
also Mount Everest   the highest mountain in the world. Everest is in the Himalayas, on the border between Tibet and Nepal. It was first climbed in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary, from New Zealand, and Tenzing Norgay, from Nepal, who were members of a British team. People sometimes mention the name "Everest" when they are talking about an extremely difficult achievement.//  --Cancer researchers have made some progress, but they still have an Everest to climb.//


Words: Everglades
Meaning:
the Everglads//  an area of low, wet, warm land in the US state of Florida, covering about 5000 square miles. The Everglades, which is a National Park, is famous for its special plants and animals, especially  alligators//\nevergreen 1 adj \n  1 an evergreen tree or bush does not lose its leaves in winter:\n  2 an evergreen sportsman, singer etc is still good and popular even though they are fairly old:  --the evergreen Cliff Richard//\nevergreen 2   n [C]   a tree or bush that does not lose its leaves in winter//


Words: everlasting
Meaning:
adj  formal   continuing for ever, even after someone has died//   eternal//  --everlasting fame//  --a symbol of God’s everlasting love//  --a belief in life everlasting//


Words: every
Meaning:
determiner [always followed by a singular C noun]   [Language: Old English; Origin: [zB024]fre [zB024]lc  ’ever each’]//\n  1 used to refer to all the people or things in a particular group or all the parts of something:  --We looked carefully at every car that drove past.//  --Every child will receive a certificate at the end of the course.//  --I enjoyed every minute of the film.//  --I listened carefully to every word he said.//  every single (=used to emphasize that you mean ’all’) //  --He seems to know every single person in the school.//  every last drop/bit/scrap etc (=all of something, including even the smallest amount of it) //  --They made us pick up every last scrap of paper.//\n  2 :  a) used to say how often something happens//  every day/week/month etc (=at least once on each day, in each week etc) //  --They see each other every day.//  --Richard visits his mother every week.//  every few seconds/ten days etc //  --Re-apply your sunscreen every two hours.//  --Freda had to stop to rest every hundred metres or so (=each time she had gone 100 metres) .//  b) used to say how much distance there is between the things in a line//  every few feet/ten yards etc //  --There were traffic lights every ten yards.//\n  3  every time:  whenever//  --The roof leaks every time it rains.//\n  4  every now and then/again:   also every so often //  sometimes, but not often or regularly//  --I still see her every now and then.//\n  5  every other:  the first, third, fifth etc or the second, fourth, sixth etc//  --You only need to water plants every other day.//  --I visit my parents every other weekend.//\n  6  one in every three/two in every hundred etc:  used to show how common something is//  --In Britain, one in every three marriages now ends in divorce.//\n  7 the strongest or greatest possible:  --We wish you every happiness in your new home.//  --There is every chance that he will recover.//  --We have every reason to believe that the operation will be a success.//  --We have every intention of winning this competition.//\n  8  in every way:  in all ways//  --The school’s much better now in every way.//\n  9  every bit as good/important etc:  used to emphasize that something is equally as good, important etc as something else//  --Taking regular exercise is every bit as important as having a healthy diet.//  --I loved him every bit as much as she did.//\n  10  every Tom, Dick, and Harry:   spoken used to mean ’everyone’ or ’anyone’, especially when you disapprove because there is no limit on who can be included//  --I didn’t want every Tom, Dick and Harry knowing about my private life.//\n  11  every which way:   AmE  informal in every direction//  --The kids ran off every which way.//    every inch at inch1 (3)//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  Each or every ? See also:  each//  ----------//


Words: everyday
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   ordinary, usual, or happening every day//  --the problems of everyday life //  --wearing everyday clothes//  --a simple, everyday object//  --Describe it in ordinary everyday language .//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  Do not confuse with every day (=each day) I see him every day. //  ----------//


Words: Everyman
Meaning:
n [singular]    literary a typical, ordinary person who is not very rich and has the problems and difficulties that all people have//


Words: everyone
Meaning:
pron   every person//   everybody//  --If everyone is ready, I’ll begin.//  --Send my best wishes to everyone in the family.//  --Of course everyone else thought it was hilarious!//  --Not everyone enjoys sport.//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  Do not confuse with every one (=each one): Every one of the CDs was damaged. //  ----------//


Words: everything
Meaning:
pron \n  1 each thing or all things:  --Everything was covered in a thick layer of dust.//  --I decided to tell her everything.//  --Apart from the bus arriving late, everything else seemed to be going according to plan.//\n  2 all the things in your life, work etc:  --Everything’s fine at the moment.//  --I felt that everything was going wrong.//\n  3  be/mean everything (to sb):  to be the most important thing in someone’s life//  --Money isn’t everything.//  --His children mean everything to him.//\n  4  have everything:  to have all the things that people want in their lives//  --What do you buy for the man who has everything?//\n  5  and everything:   spoken and a lot of other similar things//  --Tina’s worried about her work and everything.//\n  6  have everything going for you:  to have all the qualities that are likely to make you succeed//  --You shouldn’t worry so much - you’ve got everything going for you.//\n  7  everything but the kitchen sink:   informal all the equipment that you need and also a lot of things that you do not need - used humorously//  --I think we’ve packed everything but the kitchen sink!//


Words: everywhere
Meaning:
W3S2   adv  also everyplace  AmE  spoken \n  1 in or to every place:  --I’ve looked everywhere but I can’t find the map.//  --He’s travelled everywhere in Europe.//  --The south should remain dry, but everywhere else will have heavy rain.//\n  2  be everywhere:  to be very common//  --You must have seen the posters, they’re everywhere.//


Words: evict
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  evincere;   EVINCE]//  to tell someone legally that they must leave the house they are living in//  evict sb from sth//  --They were unable to pay the rent, and were evicted from their home.//  be/get evicted //  --They refused to leave and were forcibly evicted  (=evicted by force) .//  --attempts to have them evicted//  -- eviction/[hA366]v[hA366]k[hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //  --The family now faces eviction from their home.//


Words: evidence
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] facts or signs that show clearly that something exists or is true:  evidence of//  --At present we have no evidence of life on other planets.//  evidence for//  --There is no evidence for these claims.//  evidence that//  --Do you have evidence that this treatment works?//  --They had failed to provide evidence of sufficient financial backing.//  clear/strong/good evidence //  --There is now clear evidence that these chemicals are damaging the environment.//  medical/scientific etc evidence //  --Medical evidence shows that men are more likely to have heart attacks than women.//  --The study produced one interesting piece of evidence .//  --There is not a shred of evidence to support the theory.//\n  2 [U] information that is given in a court of law in order to prove that someone is guilty or not guilty:  --Murrow’s evidence was enough to convict Hayes of murder.//  --He refused to give evidence at the trial.//  evidence against//  --There was very little evidence against the two men.//  in evidence//  --The documents may be used in evidence at the trial.//\n  3  be in evidence:   formal to be present and easily seen or noticed//  --The police are always in evidence at football matches.//    king’s evidence,  Queen’s evidence,  State’s evidence//\nevidence 2 v [T usually passive]    formal to show that something exists or is true//  --The volcano is still active, as evidenced by the recent eruption.//


Words: evident
Meaning:
W3   adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: Latin evidens, from  e-  ’out’ + the present participle of  videre  ’to see’]//  easy to see, notice, or understand//   obvious, clear//  evident that//  --It was evident that she was unhappy.//  --It soon became evident that she was seriously ill.//  --It was clearly evident that the company was in serious financial difficulties.//  evident to//  --It was evident to me that he was not telling the truth.//  evident in//  --The growing popularity of the subject is evident in the numbers of students wanting to study it.//  --Bob began eating his lunch with evident enjoyment.//    self-evident//


Words: evidential
Meaning:
adj   able to be used as evidence, or relating to evidence//  --All jury members should have a copy of the evidential data.//  -- evidentially adv //


Words: evidently
Meaning:
adv \n  1 used to say that something is true because you can see that it is true:   clearly//  --She was evidently a heavy smoker.//  --He was evidently in pain.//  --She was evidently upset by what she saw.//  [sentence adverb] //  --Evidently, the builders had finished and gone home early.//\n  2 used to say that you have been told that something is true:   apparently//  --He was evidently a rude, unpleasant child.//  [sentence adverb] //  --Evidently, the local authority are planning to close the school.//


Words: evil
Meaning:
W3   adj   ----------//\n   1 bad:\n   2 wrong:\n   3 unpleasant:\n   4 devil:\n   5 the evil eye:\n   6 the evil hour/day etc:  ----------//  [Language: Old English; Origin: yfel]//\n  1 BAD:  someone who is evil deliberately does very cruel things to harm other people//  --an evil dictator responsible for the deaths of millions//  --his evil deeds//\n  2 WRONG:  something that is evil is morally wrong because it harms people//  --They condemned slavery as evil.//\n  3 UNPLEASANT:  very unpleasant//  --an evil smell//  --a puddle of evil black liquid//\n  4 DEVIL:  connected with the Devil and having special powers to harm people//  --evil spirits//  --an evil spell//\n  5  the evil eye:  the power, which some people believe exists, to harm people by looking at them//  --He claimed to have the power of the evil eye.//\n  6  the evil hour/day etc:  a time when you expect something unpleasant or difficult to happen//  --Don’t delay, you’re only putting off the evil hour.//  -- evilly adv //  --Jeff grinned evilly as he picked up the phone.//\nevil 2 n \n  1 [C] something that is very bad or harmful:  --She wanted to protect her children from the evils of the outside world.//  --Poverty is one of the greatest social evils of our time.//  --the evils of capitalism//\n  2 [U] cruel or morally bad behaviour in general:  --There is too much evil in the world.//  --the eternal struggle between good and evil//    the lesser of two evils at lesser(2)//    necessary evil at necessary1 (3)//


Words: evince
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: evincere, from  vincere  ’to defeat’]//   formal to show a feeling or have a quality in a way that people can easily notice//  --She evinced no surprise at seeing them together.//


Words: eviscerate
Meaning:
v [T]  formal  or  technical   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  eviscerare, from  viscera  ’body organs’]//  to cut the organs out of a person’s or animal’s body//


Words: evocative
Meaning:
adj   making people remember something by producing a feeling or memory in them//  evocative of//  --a picture that is wonderfully evocative of a hot, summer’s day//  --beautiful, evocative music//


Words: evoke
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: evoquer, from  Latin evocare  ’to call out’, from  vocare  ’to call’]//  to produce a strong feeling or memory in someone//  --The photographs evoked strong memories of our holidays in France.//  --His appearance is bound to evoke sympathy.//  --Her speech evoked a hostile response.//  -- evocation/ev[hA353]ke[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n, i[hA359]v[hA353][hA35E]- $ ev[hA353]-, i[hA359]vo[hA35E]-/ n  [U and C] //  --The poem is an evocation of lost love.//


Words: evolution
Meaning:
W3   n [U] \n  1 the scientific idea that plants and animals develop and change gradually over a long period of time:  evolution of//  --the evolution of mammals//  --the theory of evolution //\n  2 the gradual change and development of an idea, situation, or object:  evolution of//  --the evolution of the computer//


Words: evolutionary
Meaning:
adj \n  1 relating to the way in which plants and animals develop and change gradually over a long period of time:  --the evolutionary development of birds//  --Some scientists have rejected evolutionary theory.//\n  2 relating to the way in which ideas or situations gradually change and develop over a long period of time:  --He is in favour of gradual, evolutionary social change.//


Words: evolve
Meaning:
v [I and T] \n  1 if an animal or plant evolves, it changes gradually over a long period of time:  evolve from//  --Fish evolved from prehistoric sea creatures.//  --Animals have evolved camouflage to protect themselves from predators.//\n  2 to develop and change gradually over a long period of time:  --The school has evolved its own style of teaching.//  --Businesses need to evolve rapidly.//  evolve out of//  --The idea evolved out of work done by British scientists.//  evolve into//  --The group gradually evolved into a political party.//


Words: ex
Meaning:
n [C usually singular]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: ex-]//   informal someone’s former wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend//  --I bumped into my ex in town.//


Words: ex gratia
Meaning:
adj  formal   an ex gratia payment is one that is made as a gift, and not as a legal duty//  --an ex gratia payment of [hA124]15,000//


Words: ex post facto law
Meaning:
n [C]  law   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Latin; Origin: ’from a thing done afterward’]//  a law that makes a particular action into a crime, and then punishes people who took that action before it had legally become a crime//


Words: ex-
Meaning:
prefix   [Language: Latin; Origin: ex  ’out of, from’]//  former and still living//  --his ex-wife//  --an ex-England cricketer//


Words: ex-directory
Meaning:
adj  BrE   a person or telephone number that is ex-directory is not in the public telephone book//  American Equivalent:  unlisted//  --The number is ex-directory.//  --After several threatening calls, we decided to go ex-directory. //


Words: ex-officio
Meaning:
adj  formal   an ex-officio member of an organization is only a member because of their rank or position//  -- ex officio adv //


Words: exacerbate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  exacerbare, from  acerbus  ’bitter’]//  to make a bad situation worse//  --The recession has exacerbated this problem.//  --I don’t want to exacerbate the situation.//  -- exacerbation/[hA366]gz[zB024]s[hA353]be[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ -s[hA353]r-/ n  [U] //


Words: exact
Meaning:
S3   adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: exactus, past participle of  exigere;   EXACT2]//\n  1 completely correct in every detail:  --Police are still investigating the exact cause of the accident.//  --What were his exact words?//  --The timing had to be exact.//  exact location/position/spot etc //  --The exact location of the hostages is unknown.//  exact date/time/number/amount etc //  --I know her birthday’s in July, but I can’t remember the exact date.//  exact copy/replica etc //  --It’s not an exact copy, but most people wouldn’t notice the difference.//  --Some concepts in Chinese medicine have no exact equivalent in Western medicine.//\n  2  to be exact:   formal used to emphasize that what you are saying is exact//  --She has worked at the bank for many years, nine to be exact.//\n  3  the exact colour/moment/type etc:  used to emphasize that the same thing is involved//  --the exact colour I was looking for//  --He came into the room at the exact moment I mentioned his name.//  --That’s the exact same thing my dad said.//\n  4  the exact opposite (of sb/sth):  someone or something that is as different as possible from another person or thing//  --Gina’s the exact opposite of her little sister.//\n  5  sth is not an exact science:  if you say that an activity is not an exact science, you mean that it involves opinions, guessing etc//  --Predicting the weather is not an exact science.//\n  6 someone who is exact is very careful and thorough in what they do:   precise//  -- exactness n  [U] //\nexact 2 v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  exigere  ’to drive out, demand, measure’, from  agere  ’to drive’]//\n  1  formal to demand and get something from someone by using threats, force etc:  exact sth from sb//  --I exacted a promise from Ros that she wouldn’t say a word.//\n  2  exact revenge (on sb):  if someone exacts revenge, they punish a person who has harmed them//  --Leonard was determined to exact revenge on his wife’s killer.//\n  3  exact a high/heavy price:  if something exacts a high or a heavy price, it has a very bad effect on a person or on a situation//  --The years of conflict have exacted a heavy price.//


Words: exacting
Meaning:
adj   demanding a lot of effort, careful work, or skill//   demanding//  --She was an exacting woman to work for.//  exacting standards/demands/requirements etc //  --He could never live up to his father’s exacting standards.//


Words: exactly
Meaning:
adv \n  1 used to emphasize that a number, amount, or piece of information is or should be completely correct in every detail:  --It’s exactly half past five.//  --The figures may not be exactly right, but they’re close enough.//  exactly where/what/when etc//  --I can’t remember exactly what she said.//  --It’s a tragic situation and no one will ever know exactly what happened.//  why/what/where etc exactly...?//  --Where exactly did you stay in Portugal?//\n  2 used to emphasize that something is the same or different:   precisely//  --That’s exactly what we’ve been trying to tell you.//  --It’s exactly the kind of work I’ve been looking for.//  --She tries to be exactly like her older sister.//  --Kevin’s teachers saw him as quiet and serious, but with his friends he was exactly the opposite .//  --The two candidates responded to the question in exactly the same way.//\n  3  not exactly:   spoken //  a) used as a reply to show that what someone has said is not completely correct or true//  --’You hate Lee, don’t you?’ ’Not exactly. I just think he’s a bit annoying, that’s all.’//  b) used to show that you mean the complete opposite, either humorously, or when you are annoyed//   hardly//  --I wouldn’t bother asking Dave - he’s not exactly Einstein (=he is stupid) .//\n  4  spoken used as a reply to show that you think what someone has said is completely correct or true:  --’So you think we should sell the house?’ ’Exactly.’//


Words: exaggerate
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  exaggerare  ’to make into a pile’, from  agger  ’pile’]//  to make something seem better, larger, worse etc than it really is//  --I couldn’t sleep for three days - I’m not exaggerating.//  it’s easy/difficult/impossible to exaggerate sth //  --It’s difficult to exaggerate the importance of sleep.//


Words: exaggerated
Meaning:
adj \n  1 if something is exaggerated, it is described as better, larger etc than it really is:  --The revenue figures may be slightly exaggerated .//  grossly/greatly/wildly exaggerated //  --The danger had been greatly exaggerated.//\n  2 an exaggerated sound or movement is emphasized to make people notice:  --an exaggerated sigh//  --He made an exaggerated bow.//  --He spoke with an exaggerated New York accent.//  -- exaggeratedly adv //


Words: exaggeration
Meaning:
n [U and C]   a statement or way of saying something that makes something seem better, larger etc than it really is//  --It would be an exaggeration to say that we were close friends.//  --It is no exaggeration to say that everyone will be affected by the new policy.//  --The situation can be described, without exaggeration, as disastrous.//  slight/gross exaggeration //  --That sounds like a slight exaggeration.//


Words: exalt
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: exaltare, from  altus  ’high’]//\n  1 to put someone or something into a high rank or position:\n  2 to praise someone, especially God:  --Exalt ye the Lord.//


Words: exaltation
Meaning:
n [U]  formal \n  1 a very strong feeling of happiness:\n  2 the state of being put into a high rank or position:


Words: exalted
Meaning:
adj \n  1 having a very high rank and highly respected:  --I felt shy in such exalted company.//\n  2  formal filled with a great feeling of joy:


Words: exam
Meaning:
S1   n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: examination]//\n  1 a spoken or written test of knowledge, especially an important one:  --At the end of each level, you take an exam .//  pass/fail an exam //  --Did you pass the exam?//  --He failed the school’s entrance exam .//  chemistry/French etc exam //  --How did you do in your exams ?//  --the stresses of final exams //  --The exam results will be posted up tomorrow.//  oral/written exam //  --Drivers have to take a written exam as part of their tests.//  sit an exam (=take an exam)  BrE  formal //  --He’ll sit his exams next summer.//\n  2  AmE the paper on which the questions for an exam are written:  --Do not open your exams until I tell you.//\n  3  AmE a set of medical tests:  --an eye exam//


Words: examination
Meaning:
W2S3   n \n  1 [C]  formal a spoken or written test of knowledge, especially an important one:   exam//  --The examination results will be announced in September.//  --He’s already taken the entrance examination .//\n  2 [U and C] the process of looking at something carefully in order to see what it is like:  examination of//  --a detailed examination of population statistics//  under examination//  --The proposals are still under examination.//  --The issues need further examination .//  on examination//  -- On closer examination the vases were seen to be cracked.//\n  3 [C] a set of medical tests:  --All patients had a complete physical examination.//  --A post-mortem examination  (=an examination on a dead body) showed that he died from head injuries.//\n  4 [U and C]  law the process of asking questions to get specific information, especially in a court of law:    cross-examine//


Words: examine
Meaning:
W2S3   v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: examiner, from  Latin examinare, from  examen  ’weighing out’]//\n  1 to look at something carefully and thoroughly because you want to find out more about it:  --A team of divers was sent down to examine the wreck.//  --Hegel’s philosophy will be examined in detail in Chapter 4.//  examine how/whether/what etc//  --In the course, we will examine how and why Spain became a democracy in 1931.//  examine sth for sth//  --The police will have to examine the weapon for fingerprints. see usage note  control2 //  2 if a doctor examines you, they look at your body to check that you are healthy//\n  3  formal to ask someone questions to test their knowledge of a subject:   test//  examine sb in/on sth//  --You will be examined on American history.//\n  4  law to officially ask someone questions in a court of law:    cross-examine//


Words: examiner
Meaning:
n [C]   someone from a university, college, or professional institution who tests students’ knowledge or ability//


Words: example
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin exemplum, from  eximere  ’to take out’]//\n  1 a specific fact, idea, person, or thing that is used to explain or support a general idea, or to show what is typical of a larger group:  example of//  --Can anyone give me an example of a transitive verb?//  good/typical/prime/classic etc example //  --This church is a good example of Gothic architecture.//  --She cited a number of recent examples to support her theory.//  --Certain life events have to be registered by law. The most obvious examples are births, marriages and deaths.//\n  2  for example:  used before mentioning a specific thing, person, place etc in order to explain what you mean or to support an argument//  --Many countries, for example Mexico and Japan, have a lot of earthquakes.//  --Car prices can vary a lot. For example, in Belgium the VW Golf costs $1000 less than in Britain.//\n  3 someone whose behaviour is very good and should be copied by others, or this type of behaviour:  example to//  --Her courage is an example to us all.//  --Parents should set an example for their children.//  --I suggest you follow Rosie’s example  (=copy her behaviour) and start doing regular exercise.//  --The team captain leads by example .//  --She’s a shining example  (=a very good example) of what a mother should be.//\n  4  make an example of sb:  to punish someone so that other people are afraid to do the same thing//


Words: exasperate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  exasperare, from  asper  ’rough’]//  to make someone very annoyed by continuing to do something that upsets them//  --It exasperates me to hear comments like that.//


Words: exasperated
Meaning:
adj   very annoyed and upset//  exasperated with//  --He was becoming exasperated with the child.//  --an exasperated look.//  -- exasperatedly adv //


Words: exasperating
Meaning:
adj   extremely annoying//  --You have this exasperating habit of never looking at me!//  -- exasperatingly adv //


Words: exasperation
Meaning:
n [U]   when you feel annoyed because someone continues to do something that is upsetting you//  --Carol sighed in exasperation.//


Words: excavate
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  excavare, from  cavus  ’hollow’]//\n  1 if a scientist or archaeologist excavates an area of land, they dig carefully to find ancient objects, bones etc:  --Schliemann excavated the ancient city of Troy.//\n  2  formal to make a hole in the ground by digging up soil etc:  -- excavation/eksk[hA353]ve[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: excavator
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1  BrE a large machine that digs and moves earth and soil:  American Equivalent:  steam shovel//\n  2 someone who digs to find things that have been buried under the ground for a long time:


Words: exceed
Meaning:
W3   v [T]  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: exceder, from  Latin excedere, from  cedere  ’to go’]//\n  1 to be more than a particular number or amount:  --Working hours must not exceed 42 hours a week.//  --His performance exceeded our expectations .//\n  2 to go beyond what rules or laws say you are allowed to do:  --He was fined for exceeding the speed limit.//  --The riot police had exceeded their authority .//


Words: excel
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  excelled present participle  excelling //  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: excellere, from  -cellere  ’to rise, stick up’]//\n  1 [I, not in progressive] to do something very well, or much better than most people:  excel at/in//  --Rick has always excelled at foreign languages.//\n  2  excel yourself:   BrE to do something better than you usually do//  --Graham has excelled himself with the new exhibition.//


Words: excellence
Meaning:
n [U]   the quality of being excellent//  excellence of//  --the excellence of the performance//  excellence in//  --the university’s reputation for excellence.//  --centres of academic excellence//    par excellence//


Words: Excellency
Meaning:
n   Your/His/Her Excellency//  a way of talking to or about people who hold high positions in the state or the church//  --His Excellency the Spanish ambassador//


Words: excellent
Meaning:
adj \n  1 extremely good or of very high quality:  --What an excellent idea!//  --His car is in excellent condition.//  --Second-hand computers can be excellent value.//\n  2  spoken said when you approve of something:   great//  --’I’ll bring the books over tonight.’ ’Excellent.’//  -- excellently adv //


Words: except
Meaning:
conj, prep \n  1 used to introduce the only person, thing, action, fact, or situation about which a statement is not true:  --The office is open every day except Sundays.//  --You can have any of the cakes except this one.//  except for//  --Everyone went except for Scott and Dan.//  --She felt fine except for being a little tired.//  except (that)//  --Clarissa could think of nothing to say except that she was so sorry.//  except in/by/to etc//  --Staff are not permitted to make personal phone calls except in an emergency.//  except when/where/if//  --Benson kept the studio locked except when he was working there.//  except do sth//  --She had nothing to do except spend money.//  except to do sth//  --He wouldn’t talk about work, except to say that he was busy.//\n  2 used to give the reason why something was not done or did not happen:  except (that)//  --Liz would have run, except that she didn’t want to appear to be in a hurry.//\n  3  spoken used to mention a fact that makes what you have just said seem less true:  except (that)//  --I have earrings just like those, except they’re blue//  --A date book would make a great gift, except that a lot of people already have one.//  ----------//  WORD CHOICE: except, besides, apart from, unless //  except means ’not including’ or ’but not’ : They invited everyone except Julie. //  besides means ’in addition to’ : Besides Italy (NOT except Italy), I would like to visit France and Spain. //  apart from can be used with either meaning : I ate everything apart from (OR except) the soup. |  What do you like doing apart from (OR besides) swimming? //  except  is not used to introduce another clause. Use  unless  or  except if ,  except when ,  except while ,  except that : We won’t go unless you really want to (NOT except you really want to). |  I cycle to work, except when it rains (NOT except it rains).  //  In spoken English, people sometimes leave out ’that’ : The play went well, except (that) a few people forgot their lines. //  ----------//\nexcept 2 v [T]    formal to not include something//  except sth from sth//  --High technology equipment would be excepted from any trade agreement.//


Words: excepted
Meaning:
adv   sb/sth excepted//  used to say that you are not including a particular person or thing in a statement about something//  --History excepted, Peter has made good progress in all subjects this term.//    present company excepted at present1 (7)//


Words: excepting
Meaning:
prep  formal   used to introduce the only thing or person in a group about which a statement is not true//   except (for)//  --O’Rourke answered all the questions excepting the last one.//


Words: exception
Meaning:
n [U and C] \n  1 something or someone that is not included in a general statement or does not follow a rule or pattern:  --It’s been cold, but today’s an exception.//  with the exception of sb/sth//  --We all laughed, with the exception of Maggie.//  without exception//  --Each plant, without exception, contains some kind of salt.//  notable/important/significant exception //  --With one or two notable exceptions , there are few women conductors.//  minor/major exception //  --With a few minor exceptions, the new edition is much like the previous one.//  --The law applies to all EU countries; Britain is no exception .//  --We don’t usually accept checks, but for you we’ll make an exception  (=not include you in this rule) .//  --The spelling of this word is an interesting exception to the rule .//  --Successful two-career couples are still the exception, not the rule  (=used to emphasize that something is unusual) .//\n  2  sb/sth is the exception that proves the rule:   spoken used to say that the fact that something is not true or does not exist in one situation emphasizes the fact that it is true or exists in general//  --Most people here are very dedicated; I’m afraid Rhea’s the exception that proves the rule.//\n  3  take exception to sth:  to be angry or upset because of something//  --Tom took great exception to my remark about Americans.//


Words: exceptional
Meaning:
adj \n  1 unusually good:   outstanding//  --Richard is an exceptional student.//  --exceptional bravery//\n  2 unusual and likely not to happen often:  --This is an exceptional case; I’ve never seen anything like it before.//  --Promotion in the first year is only given in exceptional circumstances . see usage note  unusual//


Words: exceptionally
Meaning:
adverb]   extremely//   outstandingly//  --She defended her position exceptionally well.//  --an exceptionally talented player//


Words: excerpt
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  excerpere, from  carpere  ’to gather, pick’]//  a short piece taken from a book, poem, piece of music etc//  excerpt of/from//  --An excerpt of the speech appeared in the Sunday paper.//  -- excerpt v  [T usually passive] //


Words: excess
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: exc[hA169]s, from  Late Latin excessus, from  Latin excedere;   EXCEED]//\n  1 [singular, U] a larger amount of something than is allowed or needed:  --After you apply the oil, wait 20 minutes before wiping off any excess.//  excess of//  --It was an excess of enthusiasm that caused the problem.//\n  2  in excess of sth:  more than a particular amount//  --The car reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.//\n  3  do sth to excess:  to do something too much or too often, so that it may harm you//  --Drinking is OK as long as you don’t do it to excess.//\n  4  excesses [plural] harmful actions that are socially or morally unacceptable:  excesses of//  --The government was unable to curb the excesses of the secret police.//  --the worst excesses of journalism//\n  5 [U] behaviour which is not acceptable because it is too extreme:  --The minister preached a long sermon against the dangers of excess.//\nexcess 2   adj [only before noun] \n  1 additional and not needed because there is already enough of something:  --Cut any excess fat from the meat.//\n  2  excess baggage/luggage:  bags or cases that weigh more than the legal limit that you can take on a plane//


Words: excessive
Meaning:
adj   much more than is reasonable or necessary//  --his excessive drinking//  --$15 for two beers seems a little excessive.//  -- excessively adv //  --excessively high taxes//


Words: exchange
Meaning:
W1S2   n   ----------//\n   1 giving/receiving:\n   2 argument/discussion:\n   3 exchange of ideas/information etc:\n   4 something you buy:\n   5 money:\n   6 students/teachers:\n   7 jobs/homes etc:\n   8 fight:\n   9 building:  ----------//\n  1 GIVING/RECEIVING:   [U and C] the act of giving someone something and receiving something else from them//  exchange of//  --an exchange of political prisoners//  in exchange for sth//  --I’ve offered to paint the kitchen in exchange for a week’s accommodation.//  --Four of my cassettes for your Madonna CD is a fair exchange .//    part exchange//\n  2 ARGUMENT/DISCUSSION:   [C] a short conversation, usually between two people who are angry with each other//  --a quiet exchange between the judge and the clerk//  --The DJ was fired after a heated exchange  (=a very angry conversation) on air with a call-in listener.//\n  3  exchange of ideas/information etc:  when people discuss or share ideas, information etc//  --The organization is dedicated to the free exchange of information.//\n  4 SOMETHING YOU BUY:   [C] the act of giving something you have bought back to the store where you bought it, for example because it does not work, fit etc, and taking something else instead//  --The store’s policy is not to allow returns or exchanges.//\n  5 MONEY:   [U] a process in which you change money from one currency to another//  --Most capital cities have extensive exchange facilities.//\n  6 STUDENTS/TEACHERS:   [C] an arrangement in which a student, teacher etc visits another school or university to work or study//  on an exchange (with sb)//  --I’m here for one term, on an exchange with Dr. Fisher.//\n  7 JOBS/HOMES ETC:   [C] an arrangement in which you stay in someone’s home, do someone’s job etc for a short time while that person stays in your home, does your job etc//  --Kate’s in New York on an employee exchange so she can get some more training.//\n  8 FIGHT:   [C] an event during a war or fight when two people, armies etc shoot or fire missiles at each other//  exchange of fire/gunfire //\n  9 BUILDING:   corn/wool/cotton etc exchange//  a large building in a town that was used in the past for buying and selling corn, wool etc//    labour exchange,  stock exchange//\nexchange 2 v [T] \n  1 :  a) to give someone something and receive the same kind of thing from them at the same time//  --We still exchange gifts at Christmas.//  --At the end of the game players traditionally exchange shirts with each other.//  --We exchanged addresses and phone numbers.//  b) to give someone something and receive something different from them//   change//  exchange sth for sth//  --Where can I exchange my dollars for pounds?//\n  2 to replace one thing with another:   swap//  exchange sth for sth//  --He exchanged the black jacket for a blue one.//\n  3  exchange words/looks etc (with sb):  if two people exchange words, looks etc, they talk to each other, look at each other etc//  --Until this evening I had never so much as exchanged a word with him.//  --The two women exchanged glances and laughed.//  --I went over and exchanged greetings with everyone.//\n  4  exchange blows (with sb):  if two people exchange blows, they hit each other//\n  5  exchange information/ideas etc:  to discuss something or share information, ideas etc//  --It’s a place where people can chat and exchange ideas.//\n  6  exchange contracts:   especially  BrE to complete the final stage of buying a house by signing a contract with the person you are buying it from//  -- exchangeable adj //


Words: Exchange and Mart
Meaning:
trademark   a British weekly magazine, which is made up of advertisements from people who want to sell things such as cars, musical instruments, or articles for the home //


Words: exchange rate
Meaning:
n [C]   the value of the money of one country compared to the money of another country//  --a more favourable exchange rate//


Words: exchange rate mechanism
Meaning:
n [U]   ERM a system for controlling the exchange rate between the money of one country and that of another//


Words: exchange student
Meaning:
n [C]   a student who goes to a foreign country to study, usually as a part of a programme//  --an 18-year-old exchange student from France//


Words: Exchequer
Meaning:
n   the Exchequer//  the British government department that is responsible for collecting taxes and paying out public money//   treasury//


Words: excise
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Middle Dutch; Origin: excijs, probably from  Old French assise  ’judgment’]//  the government tax that is put on the goods that are produced and used inside a country//  excise officer (=someone who collects excise) //  excise duty/tax (=the money paid as excise) //  --excise duty on tobacco//    Customs and Excise//\nexcise 2   v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  excidere  ’to cut out’, from  caedere  ’to cut’]//   formal to remove or get rid of something, especially by cutting it out//  --The tumour was excised.//  -- excision/[hA366]ks[hA366][hA360][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: excitable
Meaning:
adj   becoming excited too easily//  --A puppy is naturally affectionate and excitable.//  -- excitability/[hA366]ksa[hA366]t[hA353]b[hA366]l[hA369]ti/ n  [U] //


Words: excite
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: exciter, from  Latin excitare, from  citare  ’to set in movement’]//\n  1 [not in progressive] to make someone feel happy, interested, or eager:  --His playing is technically brilliant, but it doesn’t excite me.//\n  2  formal to cause a particular feeling or reaction:   arouse//  excite interest/curiosity/sympathy etc //  --The court case has excited a lot of public interest.//  --He tried not to do anything to excite the suspicion of the police.//  excite comment/speculation/a reaction //  --The book excited very little comment on this side of the Atlantic.//\n  3 to make someone feel sexual desire:   arouse//\n  4  technical to make an organ, nerve etc in your body react or increase its activity:


Words: excited
Meaning:
adj \n  1 happy, interested, or hopeful because something good has happened or will happen:  --Steve flies home tomorrow - we’re all really excited.//  excited about//  --Maria’s starting to get pretty excited about the wedding.//  excited by/at//  --We’re all excited by the prospect of a party.//  excited to do sth//  --Michelle sounded excited to hear from him.//  excited (that)//  --I’m so excited that we’re going to New York.//  --The food was nothing to get excited about  (=not very good or special) .//  --excited crowds of shoppers//\n  2 very nervous and upset about something so that you cannot relax:  excited about//  --There’s no point getting excited about it. We can’t change things.//\n  3 feeling sexual desire:  -- excitedly adv //  --People had gathered and were talking excitedly.//


Words: excitement
Meaning:
W3S3   n \n  1 [U] the feeling of being excited:  --The news caused great excitement among scientists.//  --sexual excitement//  excitement of//  --the excitement of becoming a parent//  excitement at//  --children filled with excitement at the thought of visiting Disneyland//  wild/flushed/trembling etc with excitement //  --She came in bubbling with excitement.//  in sb’s/the excitement//  --In his excitement, he knocked over a lamp.//  --In the excitement of the moment, I forgot my camera.//\n  2 [C] an exciting event or situation:  --We were both new to the excitements of life in the big city.//


Words: exciting
Meaning:
W3S2   adj   making you feel excited//  --an exciting discovery//  --’Julia and Paul are getting married!’ ’Oh, how exciting!’//  --I’ve got some very exciting news for you.//  --Let’s do something exciting.//  --Melanie finds her work exciting and rewarding.//  exciting opportunity/possibility/prospect etc //  --exciting job opportunities//  -- excitingly adv //  --the most excitingly original movie of the year//


Words: exclaim
Meaning:
v [I and T]  written   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: exclamer, from  Latin exclamare, from  clamare  ’to cry out’]//  to say something suddenly and loudly because you are surprised, angry, or excited//  --’No!’ she exclaimed in shock.//


Words: exclamation
Meaning:
n [C]   a sound, word, or short sentence that you say suddenly and loudly because you are surprised, angry, or excited//  exclamation of//  --horrified exclamations of disgust//


Words: exclamation mark
Meaning:
BrE exclamation point  AmE n [C]   the mark (!) that you write after a sentence or word that expresses surprise, anger, or excitement//


Words: exclude
Meaning:
W3S2   v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: excludere, from  claudere  ’to close’]//\n  1 to deliberately not include something:  → include//  --a special diet that excludes dairy products//  --The judges decided to exclude evidence which had been unfairly attained.//  exclude sth from sth//  --Some of the data was specifically excluded from the report.//\n  2 to not allow someone to take part in something or not allow them to enter a place, especially in a way that seems wrong or unfair:  → include//  --a mainstream exhibition that excluded women artists//  exclude sb from (doing) sth//  --The press had been deliberately excluded from the event.//  --Sarah heard the other girls talking and laughing and felt excluded.//\n  3  BrE to officially make a child leave their school because of their bad behaviour:\n  4 to decide that something is not a possibility:  --Social workers have excluded sexual abuse as a reason for the child’s disappearance.//  --At this stage we cannot entirely exclude the possibility of staff cuts.//


Words: excluding
Meaning:
prep   not including - used especially when you are making a list or calculating a total//  --Television is watched in 97 per cent of American homes (excluding Alaska and Hawaii).//


Words: exclusion
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U and C] when someone is not allowed to take part in something or enter a place:  → inclusion//  exclusion from//  --the country’s exclusion from the United Nations//\n  2 [U and C]  BrE when a child is officially made to leave their school because of their bad behaviour:\n  3  do sth to the exclusion of sth:  to do something so much that you do not do, include, or have time for other things//  --Your essays tend to concentrate on one theme to the exclusion of everything else.//\n  4 [C] something that is excluded from a contract:  → inclusion//  --You will be sent full details of the exclusions of your insurance policy.//  -- exclusionary adj //  --exclusionary business practices//


Words: exclusion zone
Meaning:
n [C]   an area that people are not allowed to enter because it is dangerous or because secret things happen there//  --the military exclusion zone//


Words: exclusive
Meaning:
adj \n  1 available or belonging only to particular people, and not shared:  exclusive access/rights/use etc //  --Our figure skating club has exclusive use of the rink on Mondays.//  exclusive report/interview/coverage etc //  --Tune in to our exclusive coverage of Wimbledon.//  exclusive to//  --This offer is exclusive to readers of The Sun.//\n  2 exclusive places, organizations, clothes etc are so expensive that not many people can afford to use or buy them:  --Bel Air is an exclusive suburb of Los Angeles.//  --an exclusive girls’ school//\n  3 deliberately not allowing someone to do something or be part of a group:  --a racially exclusive hiring policy//\n  4  mutually exclusive:  if two things are mutually exclusive, you cannot have or do both of them//  --Lesbianism and motherhood are not mutually exclusive.//\n  5  exclusive of sth:  not including something//  → inclusive of something//  --Our prices are exclusive of sales tax.//\n  6 concerned with only one thing:  --The committee’s exclusive focus will be to improve public transportation.//  -- exclusivity/eksklu[hA359]s[hA366]v[hA369]ti/ also exclusiveness //   n  [U] //  --the exclusivity of private education//\nexclusive 2 n [C]   an important or exciting story that is printed in only one newspaper, because that newspaper was the first to find out about it//  --a New York Post exclusive about the Kennedy marriage//


Words: excommunicate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Late Latin; Origin: , past participle of  excommunicare, from  communicare;   COMMUNICATE]//  to punish someone by no longer allowing them to be a member of the Roman Catholic church//  -- excommunication/eksk[hA353]mju[hA359]n[hA369]ke[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: excoriate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Late Latin; Origin: , past participle of  excoriare, from  Latin corium  ’skin’]//   formal to express a very bad opinion of a book, play etc//  --an excoriating review in the Times//


Words: excrement
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: excrementum, from  excernere;   EXCRETE]//   formal the solid waste material that you get rid of through your bowels//


Words: excrescence
Meaning:
n [C]  formal   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: excrescens, present participle of  excrescere  ’to grow out’, from  crescere  ’to grow’]//\n  1 something that is bad, unnecessary, or ugly - used to show disapproval:  --The new museum is nothing but an excrescence on the urban landscape.//\n  2 an ugly growth on an animal or plant:


Words: excreta
Meaning:
n [plural,U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Latin; Origin: excretus;   EXCRETE]//   formal the solid or liquid waste material that people and animals produce and get rid of from their bodies//


Words: excrete
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: excretus, past participle of  excernere  ’to separate out’, from  cernere  ’to separate’]//   formal to get rid of waste material from your body through your bowels, your skin etc//    secrete//


Words: excretion
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] the process of getting rid of waste material from your body:\n  2 [U and C] the waste material that people or animals get rid of from their bodies:


Words: excruciating
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Origin: excruciate  ’to cause great pain to’ (16-21 centuries), from  Latin excruciare, from  cruciare  ’to crucify’, from  crux  ’cross’]//\n  1 extremely painful:  --When I bend my arm, the pain is excruciating.//\n  2 if something is excruciating, it is extremely unpleasant, for example because it is boring or embarrassing:  --Helen described the events of the night before in excruciating detail.//  -- excruciatingly adv //  --His poetry is excruciatingly bad.//


Words: exculpate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: , past participle of  exculpare, from  Latin culpa  ’blame’]//   formal to prove that someone is not guilty of something//  -- exculpation/eksk[hA356]lpe[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: excursion
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: excursio, from  excurrere  ’to run out’]//\n  1 a short journey arranged so that a group of people can visit a place, especially while they are on holiday:  excursion to//  --Included in the tour is an excursion to the Grand Canyon.//  on an excursion//  --We went on an excursion to the Pyramids.//\n  2 a short journey made for a particular purpose:   trip//  --a shopping excursion//\n  3  excursion into sth:   formal an attempt to experience or learn about something that is new to you//  --the company’s excursion into new markets//


Words: excusable
Meaning:
adj   behaviour that is excusable can be forgiven//   forgiveable//  → inexcusable//  --an excusable reaction of anger//


Words: excuse
Meaning:
S2   v [T]   ----------//\n   1 excuse me:\n   2 forgive:\n   3 from a duty:\n   4 explain:\n   5 from a place:\n   6 excuse yourself:\n   7 excuse me (for living)!:  ----------//  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: excuser, from  Latin excusare, from  causa  ’cause, explanation’]//\n  1  excuse me:   spoken //  a) used when you want to get someone’s attention politely, especially when you want to ask a question//  --Excuse me, can you tell me the way to the museum please?//  b) used to say that you are sorry for doing something rude or embarrassing//  --Oh, excuse me. I didn’t know anyone was here.//  c) used to ask someone politely to move so that you can walk past//  --Excuse me, could I just squeeze past?//  d) used to politely tell someone that you are leaving a place//  --Excuse me a moment. I’ll be right back.//  e) used when you disagree with someone but want to be polite about it//   I’m sorry//  --Excuse me, but I don’t think that’s what he meant at all.//  f)  AmE used to show that you disagree with someone or are very surprised or upset by what they have just said//  --’You’re going to pay, right?’ ’Excuse me?’//  g)  especially AmE used to ask someone to repeat something that they have just said//   pardon me//  --’What time is it?’ ’Excuse me?’ ’I asked you what time it is.’//\n  2 FORGIVE:  to forgive someone for doing something that is not seriously wrong, such as being rude or careless//  --I’ll excuse you this time, but don’t be late again.//  --Please excuse my bad handwriting.//  excuse sb for (doing) sth//  --Please excuse me for being so late today.//  --Smith can be excused for his lack of interest in the course (=his lack of interest is reasonable) .//\n  3 FROM A DUTY:   [usually passive] to allow someone not to do something that they are supposed to do//  excuse sb from (doing) sth//  --Can I be excused from swimming today? I have a cold.//\n  4 EXPLAIN:  to be or give a good reason for someone’s careless or offensive behaviour//  --Nothing can excuse that kind of rudeness.//\n  5 FROM A PLACE:  to give someone permission to leave a place//  --May I please be excused from the table?//\n  6  excuse yourself:  to say politely that you need to leave a place//  --Richard excused himself and went to his room.//\n  7  excuse me (for living)!:   spoken used when someone has offended you or told you that you have done something wrong//  ----------//  WORD CHOICE: excuse me, pardon me, beg your pardon, sorry //  excuse me  and  pardon me  are polite expressions that you use when you do something that could be slightly embarrassing or rude, for example in the cases below. //  You usually use  sorry to apologize after you have done something wrong. See also:  regret//  Use  excuse me when you want to interrupt someone, say something to a person you do not know, or get past someone : Excuse me, do you know the time? | Excuse me, can I just reach across and get my bag? //  Use  excuse me when you have to leave someone for a short time : Excuse me for a moment while I make a call. //  excuse me can also be used, especially in American English, when you have not heard or understood what someone has said : ’You’re late.’ ’Excuse me?’ ’I said you’re late.’ ’Oh, sorry.’  Speakers of British English usually use  pardon : ’My name is Timothy.’ ’Pardon?’ //  In American English, it is also possible to use  pardon me  in these situations.  //  In British English, you usually say  pardon me  when you have done something slightly impolite such as burping or sneezing. In American English, you usually say  excuse me . //  I beg your pardon is a rather old-fashioned expression used to apologize for doing something embarrassing or for making a mistake in what you have said : There are 65 - I beg your pardon - 56 students on the course. //  !!  Do not confuse the verb  excuse /[hA366]kskju[hA359]z/ with the noun  excuse /[hA366]kskju[hA359]s/ , which means a reason for doing something wrong, often an invented or false reason. //  ----------//\nexcuse 2 S3   n [C] \n  1 a reason that you give to explain careless or offensive behaviour:  excuse for (doing) sth//  --What’s your excuse for being late this time?//  --I’m tired of listening to his excuses.//  --Fay’s always making excuses for her husband’s odd behavior.//  --I’m sure Mike has a good excuse for not coming.//  plausible/legitimate/valid etc excuse //  lame/feeble/pathetic excuse //  --That’s a lame excuse.//\n  2 a reason that you invent to explain an action and to hide your real intentions:  excuse to do sth//  --I need an excuse to call her.//  excuse for//  --The conference is an excellent excuse for a few days’ holiday by the sea.//  --Illness was used as an excuse so the defendant could avoid trial.//  look for/find an excuse //  --They were looking for any excuse to start a fight.//  --I made an excuse at the first possible moment, and got up to leave.//  --The arrival of the doctor gave them an excuse to leave.//\n  3  there is no excuse for sth:  used to say that someone’s behaviour is too bad to be explained or accepted//  --There is no excuse for such rudeness.//\n  4  make your excuses:  to explain why you are not able to do something//  --Please make my excuses at the meeting tomorrow.//\n  5  a poor/rotten etc excuse for sth:  used when you think someone or something is very bad//  --He’s a rotten excuse for a lawyer. Why on earth did you hire him?//\n  6  AmE a note written by your doctor or one of your parents saying that you were ill on a particular day:  British Equivalent:  sick note//


Words: execrate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: exsecratus, past participle of  exsecrari, from  sacer  ’holy’]//   literary to express strong disapproval or hatred for someone or something//


Words: execute
Meaning:
v [T]   ----------//\n   1 kill somebody:\n   2 do something:\n   3 perform an action:\n   4 computer:\n   5 legal document:\n   6 produce something:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: executer, from  Latin exsecutus, past participle of  exsequi  ’to execute’, from  sequi  ’to follow’]//\n  1 KILL SOMEBODY:  to kill someone, especially legally as a punishment//  execute sb for sth//  --Thousands have been executed for political crimes.//  --The report claims 13 people were summarily executed  (=killed without any trial or legal process) by the guerrillas. see usage note  kill1 //\n  2 DO SOMETHING:   formal to do something that has been carefully planned//   implement//  --The job involves drawing up and executing a plan of nursing care.//\n  3 PERFORM AN ACTION:   formal to perform a difficult action or movement//  beautifully/skilfully/poorly etc executed //  --The skaters’ routine was perfectly executed.//\n  4 COMPUTER:   technical if a computer executes a program or command (=instruction) , it makes the program or command happen or work//\n  5 LEGAL DOCUMENT:   law to make sure that the instructions in a legal document are followed//\n  6 PRODUCE SOMETHING:   formal to produce a painting, book, film etc//  --a boldly executed story//


Words: execution
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U and C] when someone is killed, especially as a legal punishment:  --their torture and summary execution  (=execution without a trial or any legal process) //  --a public execution//  --He was granted a stay of execution  (=delay in carrying out an execution) .//\n  2 [U]  formal a process in which you do something that has been carefully planned:   implementation//  execution of//  --the formulation and execution of urban policy//\n  3 [U]  law the process of making sure that the instructions in a legal document are followed:  --the execution of a will//\n  4 [U]  formal the performance of a difficult action or movement:\n  5 [U]  formal the process of producing something such as a painting, film, book etc, or the way it is produced:  --art that is unusual in design and execution//\n  6 [U and C]  technical when you make a computer program work, or a command (=instruction)  happen:


Words: executive
Meaning:
W2S3   n [C] \n  1 a manager in an organization or company who helps make important decisions:  --a marketing executive//  senior/top executive //  --top executives on high salaries//    Chief Executive//\n  2  the executive:  the part of a government that makes sure decisions and laws work well//    judiciary,  legislature//\n  3  BrE a group of people who are in charge of an organization and make the rules:  --the union’s executive//\nexecutive 2 adj [only before noun] \n  1 relating to the job of managing a business or organization and making decisions:  --a commission with executive powers //  executive body/committee etc (=a group of people who have the power to make decisions) //\n  2 for the use of people who have important jobs in a company:  --the executive dining-room//\n  3 expensive and designed for people who earn a lot of money:  executive cars/homes etc //  -- executive toys  (=objects to play with at work) //


Words: executive privilege
Meaning:
n [C]    AmE the right of a president or other government leader to keep official records and papers secret//


Words: exegesis
Meaning:
n   plural  exegeses /-si[hA359]z/ [U and C] //  [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Greek; Origin: exegeisthai  ’to explain’, from  hegeisthai  ’to lead’]//   formal a detailed explanation of a piece of writing, especially a religious piece of writing//


Words: exemplar
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Late Latin; Origin: exemplarium, from  Latin exemplum;   EXAMPLE]//   formal a good or typical example//  exemplar of//  --Milt’s career is an exemplar of survival in difficult times.//


Words: exemplary
Meaning:
adj \n  1 excellent and providing a good example for people to follow:  --a company with an exemplary record on environmental issues//\n  2 [only before noun] an exemplary punishment is very severe and is intended to stop other people from committing the same crime:


Words: exemplify
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  exemplified present participle  exemplifying third person singular  exemplifies  [T]  formal //  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: exemplificare, from  Latin exemplum;   EXAMPLE]//\n  1 to be a very typical example of something:  --The building exemplifies the style of architecture which was popular at the time.//\n  2 to give an example of something:  --Problems are exemplified in the report.//  -- exemplification/[hA366]gzempl[hA369]f[hA369]ke[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: exempt
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: exemptus, past participle of  eximere;   EXAMPLE]//  not affected by something, or not having to do it or pay it//  exempt from//  --The interest is exempt from income tax .//  --Children are exempt from the charges.//\nexempt 2 v [T]   to give someone permission not to do or pay something//  exempt sb from sth//  --Charities are exempted from paying the tax .//  --a document that exempts the owner from liability in case of accidents//


Words: exemption
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] an amount of money that you do not have to pay tax on:  --You qualify for a tax exemption on the loan.//\n  2 [U and C] permission not to do or pay something that you would normally have to do or pay:  exemption from//  --exemption from customs duties//  --The commission has the power to grant temporary exemptions. //


Words: exercise
Meaning:
n   ----------//\n   1 for health:\n   2 movement:\n   3 for a skill:\n   4 in a book:\n   5 for a particular result:\n   6 army/navy etc:\n   7 the exercise of something:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: exercice, from  Latin exercitium, from  exercere  ’to drive on, keep busy’]//\n  1 FOR HEALTH:   [U] physical activities that you do in order to stay healthy and become stronger//  --Try to fit some regular exercise into your daily routine.//  --Working in an office, I don’t get much exercise. //  do/take exercise //  --Most people need to do more exercise.//  gentle/light exercise //  --Gentle exercise can be beneficial for older people.//  vigorous/strenuous exercise //  --After the operation, you should avoid strenuous exercise.//\n  2 MOVEMENT:   [C] a movement or set of movements that you do regularly to keep your body healthy//  --stretching exercises//  --You can do exercises to strengthen your stomach muscles.//\n  3 FOR A SKILL:   [C usually plural] an activity or process that helps you practise a particular skill//  --relaxation exercises//  --role-play exercises//\n  4 IN A BOOK:   [C] a set of questions in a book that test a student’s knowledge or skill//  --Do Exercises 3 and 4 on page 51 for homework.//\n  5 FOR A PARTICULAR RESULT:   [singular] an activity or situation that has a particular quality or result//  --closing libraries as part of a cost-cutting exercise//  --It’s a pointless exercise.//  exercise in//  --Buying a house can be an exercise in frustration.//\n  6 ARMY/NAVY ETC:   [U and C] a set of activities for training soldiers etc//  --a military exercise//  on exercise//  --Half the unit was away on exercise.//\n  7  the exercise of sth:   formal the use of a power or right//  --the exercise of political leadership//\nexercise 2 W2S3 v   ----------//\n   1 use something:\n   2 do physical activity:\n   3 use part of your body:\n   4 animal:\n   5 make somebody think:  ----------//\n  1 USE SOMETHING:   [T]  formal to use a power, right, or quality that you have//  --There are plans to encourage people to exercise their right to vote.//  --People who can exercise some control over their surroundings feel less anxious.//\n  2 DO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:   [I] to do sports or physical activities in order to stay healthy and become stronger//  --It’s important to exercise regularly.//\n  3 USE PART OF YOUR BODY:   [T] to make a particular part of your body move in order to make it stronger//  --Swimming exercises all the major muscle groups.//\n  4 ANIMAL:   [T] to make an animal walk or run in order to keep it healthy and strong//  --people exercising their dogs in the park//\n  5 MAKE SOMEBODY THINK:   [T]  formal //  a) to make someone think about a subject or problem and consider how to deal with it//  --It’s an issue that’s exercised the minds of scientists for a long time.//  b)  BrE if something exercises someone, they think about it all the time and are very anxious or worried - often used humorously//  --It was clear that Flavia had been exercised by this thought.//


Words: exert
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: exsertus, past participle of  exserere  ’to push out’]//\n  1 to use your power, influence etc in order to make something happen:  --They exerted considerable influence within the school.//  --Environmental groups are exerting pressure on the government to tighten pollution laws.//\n  2  exert yourself:  to work very hard and use a lot of physical or mental energy//  --He has exerted himself tirelessly on behalf of the charity.//


Words: exertion
Meaning:
n [U and C] \n  1 a lot of physical or mental effort:  --The afternoon’s exertions had left us feeling exhausted.//  --mental exertion//\n  2 the use of power, influence etc to make something happen:  --the exertion of authority//


Words: exeunt
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: ’they go out’]//  a word written in the instructions of a play to tell two or more actors to leave the stage//


Words: exfoliate
Meaning:
v [I and T]   to remove dead cells from your skin in order to make it smoother//  -- exfoliation/eksf[hA353][hA35E]lie[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ -fo[hA35E]-/ n  [U] //


Words: exhale
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: exhalare, from  halare  ’to breathe’]//  to breathe air, smoke etc out of your mouth//  → inhale//  --Take a deep breath, then exhale slowly.//  -- exhalation/eksh[hA353]le[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: exhaust
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: exhaustus, past participle of  exhaurire, from  haurire  ’to draw off liquid, drain’]//\n  1 to make someone feel extremely tired:  --A full day’s teaching exhausts me.//  exhaust yourself//  --He’d exhausted himself carrying all the boxes upstairs.//\n  2 to use all of something:   use up//  --We are in danger of exhausting the world’s oil supply .//  --Having exhausted all other possibilities , I asked Jan to look after the baby.//\n  3  exhaust a subject/topic etc:  to talk about something so much that you have nothing more to say about it//  --Once we’d exhausted the subject of Jill’s wedding, I didn’t know what to say.//\nexhaust 2 n   exhaust, cab, caterpillar tracks//\n  1  also exhaust pipe :   [C] a pipe on a car or machine that waste gases pass through//\n  2 [U] the gas produced when an engine is working:  --exhaust fumes//


Words: exhausted
Meaning:
adj \n  1 extremely tired:   worn out//  --You look absolutely exhausted.//  exhausted from/by//  --I was exhausted by the journey.//\n  2 having or containing no more of a particular thing or substance:  --an exhausted coal mine//


Words: exhausting
Meaning:
adj   making you feel extremely tired//  --an exhausting process//  --It had been an exhausting day.//


Words: exhaustion
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 extreme tiredness:  with exhaustion//  --He collapsed with exhaustion.//  -- Sheer exhaustion forced him to give up.//  --Many runners were suffering from heat exhaustion  (=when you become tired and ill because you are too hot) .//  nervous exhaustion (=when you become ill because you have been working too hard or have been very worried) //\n  2 when all of something has been used:  exhaustion of//  --the exhaustion of oil supplies//


Words: exhaustive
Meaning:
adj   extremely thorough and complete//  --an exhaustive investigation//  --The list is by no means exhaustive .//  -- exhaustively adv //


Words: exhibit
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: exhibitus, past participle of  exhibere  ’to hold out, show’, from  habere  ’to have, hold’]//\n  1 [I and T] to show something in a public place so that people can go to see it:   show//  --Her paintings have been exhibited all over the world.//\n  2 [T]  formal to clearly show a particular quality, emotion, or ability:  exhibit signs/symptoms/behaviour etc //  --a patient who is exhibiting classic symptoms of mental illness//\nexhibit 2 n [C] \n  1 something, for example a painting, that is put in a public place so that people can go to see it:  --The exhibits date from the 17th century.//\n  2 an object that is shown in court to prove whether someone is guilty or not:  --Exhibit A is the hammer found next to the victim.//\n  3  AmE an exhibition:  --a big exhibit in Milan//


Words: exhibition
Meaning:
W2   n \n  1 [C]  especially BrE a show of paintings, photographs, or other objects that people can go to see:  exhibition of//  --an exhibition of black and white photographs//  stage/mount/hold etc an exhibition //  --The museum is staging an exhibition of Picasso’s work.//\n  2 [U] when something such as a painting is shown in a public place:  exhibition of//  --She never agreed to the public exhibition of her sculptures while she was still alive.//  on exhibition//  --A collection of paintings by David Hockney is on exhibition at the Museum of Art.//\n  3  exhibition of sth:  a situation in which someone shows a particular skill, feeling, or type of behaviour//  --I’ve never seen such an exhibition of jealousy.//\n  4  make an exhibition of yourself:  to behave in a silly or embarrassing way//   make a fool of yourself//


Words: exhibitionism
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 behaviour that is intended to make people notice or admire you - used to show disapproval:\n  2  medical a medical condition that makes someone want to show their sexual organs in public places:


Words: exhibitionist
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1 someone who likes to make other people notice them - often used to show disapproval:\n  2  medical someone who has a medical condition that makes them want to show their sexual organs in public places:  -- exhibitionist adj //


Words: exhibitor
Meaning:
n [C]   a person or company who is showing their work or products to the public//  --an exhibitor at a trade show//


Words: exhilarated
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  exhilarare, from  hilarus;   HILARIOUS]//  feeling extremely happy, excited, and full of energy//  --Dan felt strangely exhilarated by the day’s events.//  -- exhilarate v  [T] //


Words: exhilarating
Meaning:
adj   making you feel happy, excited, and full of energy//  --an exhilarating experience//  --an exhilarating walk//


Words: exhilaration
Meaning:
n [U]   a feeling of being happy, excited, and full of energy//  exhilaration of//  --She enjoyed the exhilaration of jet-skiing.//


Words: exhort
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: exhorter, from  Latin exhortari, from  hortari  ’to suggest very strongly’]//   formal to try very hard to persuade someone to do something//   urge//  exhort sb to do sth//  --Police exhorted the crowd to remain calm.//  -- exhortation/eks[hA350][hA359]te[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ -[hA350][hA359]r-/ n  [U and C] //


Words: exhume
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: exhumer, from  Medieval Latin exhumare, from  Latin humus  ’earth’]//   formal to remove a dead body from the ground, especially in order to check the cause of death//   dig up//  -- exhumation/ekshj[hA35E]me[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ ekshj[hA35E]-, egzj[hA35E]-/ n  [U and C] //


Words: exigencies
Meaning:
n [plural]    formal the things you must do in order to deal with a difficult or urgent situation//   demands//  exigencies of//  --the exigencies of war//


Words: exigent
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , present participle of  exigere;   EXACT2]//\n  1 demanding a lot of attention from other people in a way that is unreasonable:\n  2 an exigent situation is urgent, so that you must deal with it very quickly:


Words: exiguous
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: exiguus, from  exigere;   EXACT2]//  very small in amount//  --exiguous earnings//


Words: exile
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: exil, from  Latin exilium, from  exul  ’person sent away’]//\n  1 [singular, U] a situation in which you are forced to leave your country and live in another country, especially for political reasons:  in exile//  --a writer now living in exile//  --He went into exile to escape political imprisonment.//  force/drive sb into exile //  --The house was raided and the family was forced into exile.//  --He spent many years in enforced exile. //  voluntary/self-imposed exile //  --She had been in voluntary exile since 1990.//\n  2 [C] someone who has been forced to live in exile:  --political exiles//    tax exile//\nexile 2 v [T usually passive]   to force someone to leave their country, especially for political reasons//  exile sb to sth//  --Several of the leaders were arrested and exiled to France.//  exile sb from sth//  --a dictator who was exiled from his home country//  --the exiled former president//


Words: exist
Meaning:
v [I not in progressive]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: exsistere  ’to come into being, exist’, from  sistere  ’to stand’]//\n  1 to happen or be present in a particular situation or place:  --The custom of arranged marriages still exists in many countries.//  --Opportunities exist for students to gain sponsorship.//  --Stop pretending that the problem doesn’t exist.//  --The club will cease to exist if financial help is not found.//\n  2 to be real or alive:  --Do fairies really exist?//  --Tom acts as if I don’t exist at times.//\n  3 to stay alive, especially in a difficult situation when you do not have enough money, food etc:   survive//  exist on//  --The hostages existed on bread and water for over five months.//


Words: existence
Meaning:
W2S3   n \n  1 [U] the state of existing:  existence of//  --It is impossible to prove the existence of God.//  in existence//  --The organization has been in existence for 25 years.//  --Scientists have many theories about how the universe first came into existence  (=started to exist) .//  existence of//  --The very existence of the museum is threatened by lack of funding.//  --the continued existence of economic inequalities//\n  2 [C usually singular] the type of life that someone has, especially when it is bad or unhappy:  --Pablo led a miserable existence when he first moved to San Juan.//    eke out a living/existence at eke//


Words: existent
Meaning:
adj  formal   existing now//  → nonexistent//  --existent differences//\nexistent 2 n [C]  technical   something that is real and exists//


Words: existentialism
Meaning:
n [U]  technical   the belief in philosophy that people are responsible for their own actions and experiences, and that the world has no meaning//  -- existentialist adj //  -- existentialist n  [C] //


Words: existing
Meaning:
W2S3   adj [only before noun]   present or being used now//  --the existing laws//  --The service is available to all existing customers.//


Words: EXIT
Meaning:
a British organization which aims to change the law against helping seriously ill people to die if they wish to. The organization gives advice to such people and their families. The Hemlock Society is a similar organization in the US.//


Words: exit
Meaning:
S3   n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: exitus, from the past participle of  exire  ’to go out’]//\n  1 a door or space through which you can leave a public room, building etc:  --We made for the nearest exit.//  --an exit door//  --Two men were blocking her exit.//  emergency/fire exit (=a special door used only when there is a fire etc) //\n  2 [usually singular] when you leave a room or building:  --They made a quick exit when they saw the police approaching.//\n  3 a place where vehicles can leave a road such as a motorway, and join another road:  --Take the next exit for Lynchburg.//\n  4 [usually singular] when someone stops being involved in a competition or business, especially because they have not been successful:   departure//  --France’s early exit from the World Cup//\nexit 2 v [I and T] \n  1  formal to leave a place:  exit from/through//  --I exited through a side window.//  --He exited the courtroom in a fury.//\n  2 to stop using a computer program:  --Press F3 to exit.//\n  3 used in the instructions of a play to tell an actor to leave the stage:  --Exit Hamlet, bearing the body of Polonius.//


Words: exit poll
Meaning:
n [C]   the activity of asking people how they have voted in an election in order to discover the likely result//


Words: Exmoor
Meaning:
a  moor (=area of open country with rough grass and low bushes, but no farmland)  in Devon and Somerset in southwest England, famous for its wild  ponies (=small horses) .. It is a National Park and is popular with tourists.//


Words: Exodus
Meaning:
the second book of the Old Testament of the Bible, which tells the story of the Exodus, which is the journey out of Egypt to the  Promised Land, made by  Moses and the  Israelites//


Words: exodus
Meaning:
n [singular]   [Date: 1600-1700; Origin: Exodus, which describes how the Israelites left Egypt]//  a situation in which a lot of people leave a particular place at the same time//  exodus of//  --A massive exodus of doctors is forcing the government to recruit from abroad.//  exodus from/to//  --the exodus from the countryside to the towns in the 19th century//  --I joined the mass exodus for drinks during the interval.//


Words: exonerate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  exonerare, from  onus  ’load’]//  to state officially that someone who has been blamed for something is not guilty//  exonerate sb from/of sth//  --He was totally exonerated of any blame.//  -- exoneration/[hA366]gz[hA361]n[hA353]re[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ -z[hA35A][hA359]-/ n  [U] //


Words: exorbitant
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: Late Latin, present participle of  exorbitare  ’to leave the track’, from  Latin orbita  ’track’]//  an exorbitant price, amount of money etc is much higher than it should be//   astronomical//  exorbitant rent/prices etc //  --exorbitant rates of interest//  -- exorbitantly adv //


Words: exorcism
Meaning:
n [U and C] \n  1 a process during which someone tries to make an evil spirit leave a place by saying special words, or a ceremony when this is done:\n  2  literary the process of making yourself forget a bad memory or experience:


Words: exorcize
Meaning:
also  exorcise BrE   v [T] \n  1 to force evil spirits to leave a place by using special words and ceremonies:\n  2 to make yourself forget a bad memory or experience:  --trying to exorcise the past//


Words: exotic
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: exoticus, from  Greek exotikos, from  exo  ’outside’]//  something that is exotic seems unusual and interesting because it is related to a foreign country - use this to show approval//  --exotic birds//  --exotic places//  -- exotically/-kli/ adv //


Words: exotica
Meaning:
n [plural]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Latin; Origin: ’exotic things’]//  things that are unusual and exciting, especially because they come from foreign countries//


Words: expand
Meaning:
W3S2   v   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: expandere, from  pandere  ’to spread’]//\n  1 [I and T] to become larger in size, number, or amount, or to make something become larger:    expansion//  → contract//  --Water expands as it freezes.//  --Sydney’s population expanded rapidly in the 1960s.//  --exercises that expand the chest muscles//  --his expanding waistline//\n  2 [I and T] if a company, business etc expands, or if someone expands it, they open new shops, factories etc:    expansion//  --The computer industry has expanded greatly over the last decade.//  --The hotel wants to expand its business by adding a swimming pool.//  --the rapidly expanding field of information technology//  expand into//  --We have plans to expand into the U.S. market.//\n  3 [I]  literary to become more confident and start to talk more:  --After a few whiskies he started to expand a little.//  expand on/upon [expand on/upon sth] phr v//  to add more details or information to something that you have already said//  --Payne later expanded on his initial statement.//


Words: expanse
Meaning:
n [C]   a very large area of water, sky, land etc//  expanse of//  --an expanse of blue sky//  vast/wide/large etc expanse //  --the vast expanse of the ocean//


Words: expansion
Meaning:
W3   n \n  1 [U and C] when something increases in size, range, amount etc:   growth//    expand//  expansion of//  --The rapid expansion of cities can cause social and economic problems.//  expansion in//  --an expansion in student numbers//\n  2 [U and C] when a company, business etc becomes larger by opening new shops, factories etc:    expand//  --The industry has just undergone a period of rapid expansion .//\n  3 [C] an idea, story etc that is based on one that is simpler or more general:  --The novel is an expansion of a short story he wrote about forty years ago.//


Words: expansion card
Meaning:
n [C]   a circuit board that fits into a computer and makes it possible for the computer to do more things, for example play sounds or video pictures, or use a telephone line//


Words: expansionary
Meaning:
adj  formal   encouraging a business or economy to become bigger and more successful//  --expansionary fiscal policy//


Words: expansionism
Meaning:
n [U]   when a country or group increases the amount of land or power that they have - used especially to show disapproval//  --military expansionism//  -- expansionist adj //  -- expansionist n  [C] //


Words: expansive
Meaning:
adj \n  1 very friendly and willing to talk a lot:  --Hauser was in an expansive mood .//\n  2 very large in area, or using a lot of space:  --expansive beaches//  --She flung her arms out in an expansive gesture. //\n  3 including a lot of information and using a lot of words:  --an expansive definition//  --It was written in an expansive style.//\n  4 relating to a business or economy becoming bigger or more successful:  --expansive economic policies//  -- expansively adv //  -- expansiveness n  [U] //


Words: expatiate
Meaning:
v   expatiate on/upon [expatiate on/upon sth] phr v//  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: exspatiatus, past paticiple of  exspatiari  ’to wander freely’, from  spatium  ’space’]//   formal to speak or write in detail about a particular subject//


Words: expatriate
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: , past participle of  expatriare, from  Latin patria  ’your own country’]//  someone who lives in a foreign country//  --British expatriates living in Spain//  -- expatriate adj  [only before noun] //  --expatriate workers//


Words: expect
Meaning:
v [T]   ----------//\n   1 think something will happen:\n   2 demand:\n   3 think somebody/something will arrive:\n   4 think:\n   5 be expecting (a baby):\n   6 what can/do you expect?:\n   7 how do/can you expect ...?:\n   8 I expect:  ----------//  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: exspectare  ’to look forward to’, from  spectare  ’to look at’]//\n  1 THINK SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN:  to think that something will happen because it seems likely or has been planned//  expect to do sth//  --I expect to be back within a week.//  --The company expects to complete work in April.//  expect sb/sth to do sth//  --Emergency repairs were expected to take three weeks.//  --I didn’t expect him to stay so long.//  expect (that)//  --There’s the doorbell - I expect it’ll be my mother.//  --He will be hard to beat. I fully expect  (=am completely sure about) that and I’m ready.//  --’Who are you?’ he murmured, only half expecting  (=thinking it was possible, but not likely) her to answer.//  --He didn’t get his expected pay rise.//  as expected//   (=in the way that was planned or thought likely to happen) //  --As expected, the whole family was shocked by the news.//  sth is (only) to be expected (=used to say that you are not surprised by something, especially something unpleasant) //  --A little nervousness is only to be expected when you are starting a new job.//\n  2 DEMAND:  to demand that someone does something because it is a duty or seems reasonable//  expect sth from sb//  --The officer expects complete obedience from his troops.//  expect sb to do sth//  --I can’t expect her to be on time if I’m late myself.//  expect a lot of sb/expect too much of sb (=think someone can do more than may be possible) //  --The school expects a lot of its students.//\n  3 THINK SOMEBODY/SOMETHING WILL ARRIVE:  to believe that someone or something is going to arrive//  --We’re expecting Alison home any minute now.//  --Snow is expected by the weekend.//  --an expected crowd of 80,000 people//\n  4 THINK:  to think that you will find that someone or something has a particular quality or does a particular thing//  --I expected her to be taller than me, not shorter.//\n  5  be expecting (a baby):  if a woman is expecting, she is going to have a baby//\n  6  what can/do you expect?:   spoken used to say that you are not surprised by something unpleasant or disappointing//  --The train was delayed, but what do you expect?//\n  7  how do/can you expect ...?:   spoken used to say that it is unreasonable to think that something will happen or be true//  --If I can’t help her, how can you expect to?//\n  8  I expect:   BrE  spoken used to introduce or agree with a statement that you think is probably true//  --I expect you’re right.//  --’Do you think they’re going to attack?’ ’ I expect so .’//  ----------//  HINT sense 3 //  Expect or wait for ? See also:  wait1 //  ----------//


Words: expectancy
Meaning:
n [U]   the feeling that something pleasant or exciting is going to happen//  --I saw the look of expectancy in the children’s eyes.//    life expectancy//


Words: expectant
Meaning:
adj [usually before noun] \n  1 hopeful that something good or exciting will happen, or showing this:  --a row of expectant faces//\n  2  expectant mother/father:  a mother or father whose baby will be born soon//  -- expectantly adv //  --He looked expectantly at Sarah, but she didn’t speak.//


Words: expectation
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U and C] what you think or hope will happen:  expectation that//  --For some time he lived with the expectation that he was going to die.//  in (the) expectation of sth//  --Anne left Germany in the expectation of seeing her family again before very long.//  against/contrary to (all) expectations//  --Against all expectations, getting up at five is actually easier in winter.//  --Having raised expectations  (=made people more hopeful) , he went on to help only a few people.//  above/below expectations//  --Profits are below expectations.//  beyond (sb’s) expectations//  --Gina has succeeded beyond our expectations.//  --The show exceeded all expectations  (=was much better than expected) .//  come/live up to (sb’s) expectations //  --His performance did not live up to our expectations (=was not as good as we expected) //  --The number of people who attended fell short of expectations  (=was lower than expected) .//\n  2 [C usually plural] a feeling or belief about the way something should be or how someone should behave:  expectation of//  --Women who have high expectations of marriage are often disappointed.//  --Some people have totally unrealistic expectations of both medical and nursing staff.//\n  3  expectation of life:  the number of years that someone is likely to live//   life expectancy//


Words: expectorant
Meaning:
n [U]  medical   a type of medicine that you take to help you cough up phlegm (=a sticky substance)  from your lungs//


Words: expectorate
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  expectorare, from  pectus  ’chest’]//   formal to force liquid out of your mouth//   spit//


Words: expediency
Meaning:
plural  expediencies  [U and C] //  action that is quickest or most effective in a particular situation, even if it is morally wrong//  --These are not politics of honest principle; they are politics of political expediency .//


Words: expedient
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: Latin, present participle of  expedire;   EXPEDITE]//  helping you to deal with a problem quickly and effectively although sometimes in a way that is not morally right//  → inexpedient//  --This solution is politically expedient but may well cause long-term problems.//  expedient to do sth//  --We think it is expedient to make a good-will gesture to the new administration.//\nexpedient 2 n [C]   a quick and effective way of dealing with a problem//  --Moore escaped by the simple expedient of lying down in a clump of grass.//


Words: expedite
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  expedire  ’to free the feet, set free, arrange’, from  pes  ’foot’]//  to make a process or action happen more quickly//   speed up//  --strategies to expedite the decision-making process//


Words: expedition
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] a long and carefully organized journey, especially to a dangerous or unfamiliar place, or the people that make this journey:  --an expedition to the North Pole//  -- another Everest expedition//  on an expedition//  --He went on an expedition to Borneo.//\n  2 [C] a short journey, usually made for a particular purpose:   trip//  --a shopping expedition//  --a fishing expedition//


Words: expeditiously
Meaning:
adv  formal   in a quick and effective way//   efficiently//  --All issues presented to the court are considered as fairly and expeditiously as possible.//  -- expeditious adj //  --an expeditious system for examining claims for refugee status//


Words: expel
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  expelled present participle  expelling  [T] //  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: expellere, from  pellere  ’to drive’]//\n  1 to officially force someone to leave a school or organization:    expulsion//  expel sb from sth//  --Two girls were expelled from school for taking drugs.//  --The main opposition leader was expelled from her party.//  expel sb for doing sth//  --He was expelled for making racist remarks.//\n  2 to force a foreigner to leave a country, especially because they have broken the law or for political reasons:  expel sb from sth//  --Foreign priests were expelled from the country.//  expel sb for sth//  --Three diplomats were expelled for spying.//\n  3 to force air, water, or gas etc out of your body or out of a container:


Words: expend
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: expendere  ’to weigh out, pay’, from  pendere  ’to weigh’]//  to use or spend a lot of energy etc in order to do something//  expend energy/effort/time/resources etc //  --People of different ages expend different amounts of energy.//  --Manufacturers have expended a lot of time and effort trying to improve computer security.//  expend sth in/on (doing) sth//  --A great deal of time and money has been expended on creating a pleasant office atmosphere.//


Words: expendable
Meaning:
adj   not needed enough to be kept or saved//  --It’s a sad moment when a man loses his job and discovers that he is expendable.//


Words: expenditure
Meaning:
W2   n \n  1 [U and C] the total amount of money that a government, organization, or person spends during a particular period of time:    income//  expenditure on//  --expenditure on research and development//  --huge cuts in public expenditure  (=the amount of money a government spends on services for the public) //  -- government expenditure on education//  -- capital expenditure  (=spending by a company on buildings, machinery, equipment etc) //  expenditure of//  --an expenditure of [hA124]1 million//\n  2 [U] the action of spending or using time, money, energy etc:  --the expenditure of time and money on your house or garden//


Words: expense
Meaning:
W2S3   n \n  1 [U and C] the amount of money that you spend on something:  legal/medical/living/travel etc expenses (=the money that you spend for a particular purpose) //  --He borrowed [hA124]150,000 and used the money for legal expenses.//  at great/considerable/vast expense //  --Conference rooms were equipped at great expense.//  --The council must now decide whether to go to the expense of appealing through the courts.//  --Julie’s parents had spared no expense for her wedding (=they spent all the money necessary to buy the best things) .//  --Everything has been provided tonight - no expense spared .//\n  2  expenses:  money that you spend on things such as travel and food while you are doing your job, and which your employer then pays to you//  on expenses//  --Can you claim this meal on expenses?//\n  3  at the expense of sb/sth:  if something is done at the expense of someone or something else, it is only achieved by doing something that could harm the other person or thing//  --the growth in short breaks, at the expense of longer package holidays//\n  4  at sb’s expense:  a) if you do something at someone’s expense, they pay for you to do it//  --Her mansion was refurnished at taxpayers’ expense.//  b) if you make jokes at someone’s expense, you laugh about them and make them seem stupid or silly//  --Louis kept making jokes at his wife’s expense.//\n  5  all expenses paid:  having all of your costs for hotels, travel, meals etc paid for by someone else//  --The prize is an all-expenses-paid trip to Rio.//


Words: expense account
Meaning:
n [C]   money that is available to someone who works for a company so that they can pay for meals, hotels etc when travelling or entertaining people for work//  --I have an expense account and spend about [hA124]10,000 a year on entertaining.//


Words: expensive
Meaning:
adj   costing a lot of money//  → cheap//  --the most expensive restaurant in town//  --Petrol is becoming more and more expensive.//  --Photography is an expensive hobby.//  expensive to buy/run/produce/maintain etc //  --The house was too big and expensive to run.//  --For low-income families, children’s safety equipment can be  prohibitively expensive  (=so expensive that most people cannot afford it) .//  --Employing the wrong builder can be a horribly expensive mistake .//  --Her husband  had expensive tastes   (=liked expensive things) and the kids always wanted new clothes.//  -- expensively adv //  --She’s always expensively dressed.//  ----------//  WORD FOCUS: words meaning expensive //  high used about prices, rents, or charges //  fancy used about restaurants, cars, or clothes that look expensive //  posh used about hotels, restaurants, or cars that look expensive and are used by rich or high-class people //  cost a lot also cost a bomb (informal) to be very expensive //  be out of somebody’s price range to be more than someone can afford to pay //  be a rip-off (informal) to be much too expensive, so that you feel you have been cheated //  exorbitant exorbitant prices are much too high //  ----------//


Words: experience
Meaning:
n   ----------//\n   1 knowledge/skill:\n   2 knowledge of life:\n   3 something that happens:\n   4 the black/female/Russian etc experience:\n   5 work experience:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: Latin experientia  ’act of trying’, from  experiri  ’to try out’]//\n  1 KNOWLEDGE/SKILL:   [U] knowledge or skill that you gain from doing a job or activity, or the process of doing this//  experience of/in/with//  --You’ve got a lot of experience of lecturing.//  --my experience in many areas of the music business//  --He had no previous experience of managing a farm.//  --The advice in the booklet reflects the practical experience we have gained (=experience gained by actually doing something, rather than knowledge from books etc) .//  --I had some experience in fashion design.//  --She was turned down on the grounds of lack of experience .//  --I have first-hand experience  (=experience gained by doing something myself) of running a school.//  gain/get experience //  --The programme enables pupils to gain some experience of the world of work.//\n  2 KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE:   [U] knowledge that you gain about life and the world by being in different situations and meeting different people, or the process of gaining this//  in sb’s experience//  --In his experience, women did not like getting their feet wet and muddy.//  know/learn/speak from experience //  --Being a parent isn’t easy, as I know from experience.//  --All animals appear to have some capacity to learn from experience.//  --I speak from bitter experience  (=having learnt something because something unpleasant happened) .//  personal/previous/past experience //  --From personal experience, she knew and understood the problems of alcohol addiction.//  experience shows/suggests that //  --Beth’s experience suggests that people don’t really change deep down.//\n  3 SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS:   [C] something that happens to you or something you do, especially when this has an effect on what you feel or think//  -- childhood experiences //  experience of/with//  --This was my first experience of living with other people.//  experience for//  --Failing an exam was a new experience for me.//  --I had a similar experience last year.//  --The two children in this story have been through a lot of bad experiences .//  --Parachuting is quite an experience.//  memorable/unforgettable experience //  --This romantic evening cruise is a memorable experience.//  religious experience (=a situation in which you feel, hear, or see something that affects you strongly and makes you believe in God) //  --This kind of religious experience was a sign of God’s special favour.//\n  4  the black/female/Russian etc experience:  events or knowledge shared by the members of a particular society or group of people//  --No writer expresses the black experience with such passion as Toni Morisson.//\n  5  work experience:   BrE a system in which a student can work for a company in order to learn about a job, or the period during which a student does this//  --Ella is about to do work experience with a clothing manufacturer.//  on work experience//  --students on work experience//\nexperience 2 v [T] \n  1 if you experience a problem, event, or situation, it happens to you or affects you:  experience problems/difficulties //  --Many old people will experience problems as the result of retirement.//  --Children need to experience things for themselves in order to learn from them.//\n  2 to feel a particular emotion, pain etc:  --Many women experience feelings of nausea during pregnancy.//


Words: experienced
Meaning:
S3   adj   possessing skills or knowledge because you have done something often or for a long time//  → inexperienced//  --an experienced pilot//  --an experienced public speaker//  --She is experienced and self-assured.//  experienced in//  --Blake’s very experienced in microsurgery.//


Words: experiential
Meaning:
adj  informal   based on experience or related to experience//  --experiential approaches to learning//


Words: experiment
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin experimentum, from  experiri;   EXPERIENCE1]//\n  1 a scientific test done to find out how something reacts under certain conditions, or to find out if a particular idea is true:  experiment with/in/on//  --experiments with alcohol-fuelled cars//  --experiments on sleep deprivation//  experiment to test/see/demonstrate etc sth //  --The researcher sets up experiments to test the hypothesis.//  --an experiment to assess the effect of stress on athletes//  carry out/perform/do/conduct an experiment //  --Teachers are shown how to carry out many simple experiments.//  by experiment//  --Many small birds guide themselves by the stars, as has been verified by experiment.//\n  2 a process in which you test a new idea or method to see if it is useful or effective:  experiment with/in/on//  --an experiment in state socialism//\nexperiment 2   v [I] \n  1 to try using various ideas, methods etc to find out how good or effective they are:  experiment with/on/in//  --He experimented with lighter-than-air flight.//  --The teacher provided some different materials and left the children to experiment.//\n  2 to do a scientific test to find out if a particular idea is true or to obtain more information:  experiment with/on//  --I would defend the right of scientists to experiment on animals.//\n  3 to try doing something to find out what it feels like, for example having sex or using illegal drugs:  experiment with//  --She admitted she had experimented with cocaine.//  -- experimenter n  [C] //


Words: experimental
Meaning:
W3   adj \n  1 used for, relating to, or resulting from experiments:  experimental evidence/results/data //  --A hypothesis is tested by finding experimental evidence for it.//  experimental work/studies //  --experimental studies on birds and animals//  --experimental animals//\n  2 using new ideas or methods:  --an experimental theatre group//


Words: experimentally
Meaning:
adv \n  1 relating to experiments:  --data obtained experimentally//\n  2 in a way that involves using new ideas or methods:  --The drugs are being used experimentally on patients suffering from breast cancer.//\n  3 if you do something experimentally, you do it in order to see or feel what something is like:  --He moved his shoulder experimentally; it still hurt.//


Words: experimentation
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 the process of testing various ideas, methods etc to find out how good or effective they are:  experimentation with/in//  --experimentation with computer-assisted language learning//\n  2 the process of performing scientific tests to find out if a particular idea is true or to obtain more information:  --The issue of animal experimentation is an emotive subject.//\n  3 when you try doing something to find out what it feels like, for example having sex or using illegal drugs:  experimentation with//  --experimentation with cannabis//  --There is often a period of sexual experimentation during adolescence.//


Words: expert
Meaning:
W2S3   n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: Old French;   EXPERT2]//  someone who has a special skill or special knowledge of a subject, gained as a result of training or experience//  expert on/in//  --He’s a world expert on marine mammals.//  medical/technical/financial etc expert //  --Tests should be administered by a medical expert.//\nexpert 2 W3 adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin expertus, past participle of  experiri;   EXPERIENCE1]//\n  1 having a special skill or special knowledge of a subject:  → inexpert//  expert on/in/at//  --The police are expert at handling situations like this in strict confidence.//  --He cast his expert eye on the gardener’s work.//\n  2 relating to or coming from an expert:  --Ministers depend on civil servants for expert advice .//  -- expertly adv //  -- expertness n  [U] //


Words: expert system
Meaning:
n [C]   a computer system containing a lot of information about one particular subject, so that it can help someone find an answer to a problem//


Words: expert witness
Meaning:
n [C]   someone with special knowledge about a subject who is asked to give their opinion about something relating to that subject in a court of law//  --He appeared as an expert witness before several government inquiries.//


Words: expertise
Meaning:
W3   n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: expert;   EXPERT2]//  special skills or knowledge in a particular subject, that you learn by experience or training//  technical/financial/medical etc expertise //  --What he’s bringing to the company is financial expertise.//  --trainee engineers with varying degrees of computer expertise//  expertise in//  --expertise in the management of hotels//


Words: expiate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  expiare, from  pius;   PIOUS]//   formal to show you are sorry for something you have done wrong by accepting your punishment willingly, or trying to do something to improve what you did//  --She expiated her crime by becoming a nun.//  -- expiation/ekspie[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: expiration
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 the ending of a fixed period of time:\n  2  expiration date:  the American form of expiry date//


Words: expire
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: expirer, from  Latin exspirare, from  spirare  ’to breathe’]//\n  1 if an official document expires, it can no longer be legally used:   run out//  --My passport expires next week.//  --players whose contracts expire this summer//  expire in/on/at//  --My driving licence expires in March.//  --The lease on the flat expired on June 14th.//\n  2 if a period of time when someone has a particular position of authority expires, it ends:  --The chairman’s term of office has already expired.//\n  3  literary if someone expires, they die:  --Ophelia expires in Act IV of Hamlet.//


Words: expiry
Meaning:
n [U]  BrE \n  1 the end of a period of time during which an official document can legally be used, or the end of a period of authority:  American Equivalent:  expiration//  expiry of//  --the formal expiry of the presidential term in September//  --Only seven minutes remained before the expiry of the noon deadline.//\n  2  expiry date:  the date after which something is not safe to eat or can no longer be used//  American Equivalent:  expiration date//  --Check the expiry date on your passport.//  --Eggs must be marked with an expiry date that is ten days from the date of packing.//    sell-by date//


Words: explain
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: explanare  ’to make level, unfold’, from  planus  ’level, flat’]//\n  1 to tell someone about something in a way that is clear or easy to understand:  --Our lawyer carefully explained the procedure.//  explain (to sb) why/how/what etc//  --The librarian will explain how to use the catalogue system.//  --Let me explain what I mean.//  explain that//  --He explained that it had been a difficult film to make.//  explain sth to sb//  --I explained the situation to the bank manager and he arranged a loan.//\n  2 to give a reason for something or to be a reason for something:  --Wait! I can explain everything.//  --How can you explain that sort of behaviour?//  explain that//  --She explained that she had been ill.//  explain why/how/what etc//  --I’ll explain why I don’t believe your story.//  --That still doesn’t explain how he was able to hide the body.//\n  3  explain yourself:  a) to tell someone who is angry or upset with you the reasons why you did something//  --I’m going to give you five seconds to explain yourself.//  b) to say clearly what you mean//  --Sorry, I’m not explaining myself very well.//  explain away [explain sth → away] phr v//  to make something seem less important or bad by giving reasons for it//  --The difference in the treatment they receive is hard to explain away.//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  You explain something to someone: He explained the system to me (NOT explained me the system). //  ----------//


Words: explanation
Meaning:
W2S3   n \n  1 [U and C] the reasons you give for why something happened or why you did something:  --I think you owe me an explanation  (=you should explain to me) .//  explanation of/for//  --There is no convincing explanation of the overall structure of the universe.//  --There was no apparent explanation for the attack.//  provide/give an explanation //  --He gave no explanation for what he was doing that evening.//\n  2 [C] a statement or piece of writing intended to describe how something works or make something easier to understand:  provide/give an explanation //  --The ability to give clear explanations is the most important quality of the ideal teacher.//  explanation of//  --I’ll try and give you a quick explanation of how the machine works.//


Words: explanatory
Meaning:
adj   giving information about something or describing how something works, in order to make it easier to understand//  --There are explanatory notes at the end of each chapter.//    self-explanatory//


Words: expletive
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Late Latin; Origin: expletivus, from  Latin explere  ’to fill out’; because the words fill a space in a sentence without adding to the meaning]//   formal a rude word that you use when you are angry or in pain, for example ’shit’//   swear word//


Words: explicable
Meaning:
adj   able to be easily understood or explained//  → inexplicable//  --The success of the Revolution is explicable in terms of the weakness of the king’s government.//


Words: explicate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  explicare  ’to unfold’, from  plicare  ’to fold’]//   formal to explain an idea in detail//  --It is essentially a simple notion, but explicating it is difficult.//  -- explication/ekspl[hA369]ke[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: explicit
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: explicite, from  Latin explicare;   EXPLICATE]//\n  1 expressed in a way that is very clear and direct:    implicit//  --The contrast could not have been made more explicit .//  -- explicit knowledge of grammar//  --The kidnappers have given us explicit instructions not to involve the police.//  --Be explicit when you talk about money with your family.//  explicit about//  --He made the rules without being explicit about them.//\n  2 language or pictures that are explicit describe or show sex or violence very clearly:  --The film contains some very explicit love scenes.//  -- sexually explicit language//  -- explicitly adv //  -- explicitness n  [U] //


Words: explode
Meaning:
v   ----------//\n   1 burst:\n   2 increase suddenly:\n   3 strong feelings:\n   4 become dangerous:\n   5 explode the myth:\n   6 make a loud noise:  ----------//  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: explodere  ’to drive off the stage by clapping’, from  plaudere  ’to clap’]//\n  1 BURST:   [I and T] to burst, or to make something burst, into small pieces, usually with a loud noise and in a way that causes damage//    explosion//  --The device was thrown at an army patrol but failed to explode.//  --Far sooner than anyone thought possible, the Russians exploded an atomic bomb.//\n  2 INCREASE SUDDENLY:   [I] to suddenly increase greatly in number, amount, or degree//   rocket//    explosion//  --Florida’s population exploded after World War II.//\n  3 STRONG FEELINGS:   [I] to suddenly express strong feelings such as anger//    explosion//  --Paul exploded. ’What has it got to do with you?’ he yelled.//  explode with//  --She exploded with grief and anger.//  --He told a joke which made Hank explode with laughter.//  explode into//  --He exploded into a screaming, kicking rage.//\n  4 BECOME DANGEROUS:   [I] if a situation explodes, it is suddenly no longer controlled, and is often violent//   blow up//  --Riots may explode at any time.//  explode into//  --The continued tension could explode into more violence.//\n  5  explode the myth:  to prove that something that is believed by many people is actually wrong or not true//  --The programme sets out to explode the myth that some delicate tropical fish are impossible to keep.//\n  6 MAKE A LOUD NOISE:   [I] to make a very loud noise//    explosion//  --A clap of thunder exploded overhead.//


Words: exploded
Meaning:
adj  technical   an exploded drawing, model etc shows the parts of something separately but in a way that shows how they are related or put together//    unexploded//  --an exploded diagram of an engine//


Words: exploit
Meaning:
W3   v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Old French; Origin: esploit  ’result, success’, from  Latin explicitus, from  explicare;   EXPLICATE]//\n  1 to treat someone unfairly by asking them to do things for you, but giving them very little in return - used to show disapproval:  --Homeworkers can easily be exploited by employers.//\n  2 to try to get as much as you can out of a situation, sometimes unfairly:  --The violence was blamed on thugs exploiting the situation.//\n  3 to use something fully and effectively:  --The new TV companies are fully exploiting the potential of satellite transmission.//\n  4 to develop and use minerals, forests, oil etc for business or industry:  --the urgent need to exploit the resources of the Irish Sea//  -- exploitable adj //  -- exploiter n  [C] //\nexploit 2   n [C usually plural]   a brave and exciting adventure that someone has had//  exploit of//  --the daring exploits of the British Parachute Regiment//


Words: exploitation
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 a situation in which you treat someone unfairly by asking them to do things for you, but give them very little in return - used to show disapproval:  exploitation of//  --The film industry thrives on the sexual exploitation of women.//\n  2 the development and use of minerals, forests, oil etc for business or industry:  exploitation of//  --the controlled exploitation of ocean resources//  commercial/economic exploitation //\n  3 the full and effective use of something:  exploitation of//  --greater exploitation of these data//\n  4 an attempt to get as much as you can out of a situation, sometimes unfairly:  exploitation of//  --the exploitation of religion for political ends//


Words: exploitative
Meaning:
adj   taking as much as possible from someone or something and giving very little in return//  --the exploitative nature of multinational companies//


Words: exploration
Meaning:
n [U and C] \n  1 the act of travelling through a place in order to find out about it or find something such as oil or gold in it:  --oil exploration facilities in the North Sea//  --You can then use this hut as a base for explorations into the mountains around.//  exploration of//  --the exploration of space//\n  2 when you try to find out more about something by discussing it, thinking about it etc:  exploration into/of//  --an exploration into how an abused child becomes an abuser//  --the exploration of literary texts//


Words: exploratory
Meaning:
adj   done in order to find out more about something//  --He’s going to have exploratory surgery on his knee.//


Words: explore
Meaning:
W2S3   v   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: explorare, from  plorare  ’to cry out’; probably from the shouting of hunters when they see the animal they are trying to catch]//\n  1 [T] to discuss or think about something carefully:   look at//  --Management need to explore ways of improving office security.//  --I’m going to explore the possibility of a part-time job.//\n  2 [I and T] to travel around an area in order to find out about it:  --Venice is a wonderful city to explore.//\n  3  explore (sth) for oil/minerals/gold etc:  to look for something such as oil, minerals etc//\n  4 [T]  written to feel something with your hand or another part of your body to find out what it is like:  --Gingerly she explored the bump on her head with her fingers.//


Words: explosion
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] a loud sound and the energy produced by something such as a bomb bursting into small pieces:    explode//  bomb/gas/nuclear explosion //  --Several people were injured in a bomb explosion.//  --We heard a loud explosion .//  huge/massive etc explosion //  --A massive explosion ripped through the building.//\n  2 [U and C] a process in which something such as a bomb is deliberately made to explode:  --Police carried out a controlled explosion of the device.//\n  3 [C] a sudden or quick increase in the number or amount of something:  --the population explosion in India//  explosion of//  --the recent explosion of interest in Latin music and dance//\n  4 [C] a sudden expression of emotion, especially anger:   outburst//\n  5 [C] a sudden very loud noise:  explosion of//  --an explosion of laughter//


Words: explosive
Meaning:
adj \n  1 able or likely to explode:  --Because the gas is highly explosive , it needs to be kept in high-pressure containers.//  --A small explosive device  (=bomb) was set off outside the UN headquarters today.//\n  2 [usually before noun] relating to or like an explosion:  --the explosive force of volcanoes//\n  3 likely to become violent or to cause feelings of violence:  --He’s good at defusing potentially explosive situations.//  --the explosive issue of uncontrolled immigration//\n  4 showing sudden strong or angry emotion:  --Both men suddenly spoke in the same explosive tone of voice.//\n  5 [usually before noun] increasing suddenly or quickly in amount or number:  --the explosive growth of microcomputers//\n  6 an explosive sound is sudden and loud:  -- explosively adv //  -- explosiveness n  [U] //\nexplosive 2 n [U and C]   a substance that can cause an explosion//    plastic explosive//


Words: exponent
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , present participle of  exponere;   EXPOSE]//\n  1 an exponent of an idea, belief etc tries to explain it and persuade others that it is good or useful:  exponent of//  --a leading exponent of desktop publishing//\n  2 an exponent of a particular skill, idea, or activity is someone who is good at it:  exponent of//  --The most famous exponent of this approach to art was probably Charles Rennie Mackintosh.//\n  3  technical a sign written above and to the right of a number or letter to show how many times that quantity is to be multiplied by itself:


Words: exponential
Meaning:
adj  technical \n  1  exponential growth/increase etc:  exponential growth, increase etc becomes faster as the amount of the thing that is growing increases//  --an exponential increase in travel//\n  2 using a small number or letter slightly above and to the right of a number or letter that shows how many times a quantity is to be multiplied by itself:  -- exponentially adv //


Words: export
Meaning:
W2   n \n  1 [U] the business of selling and sending goods to other countries:  → import//  export of//  --a ban on the export of toxic waste//  for export//  --bales of cloth for export to the continent//  export market/industry/earnings etc //  -- Export licences  (=official document allowing you to sell something abroad) for arms are strictly controlled.//\n  2 [C usually plural] a product that is sold to another country:  → import//  --Wheat is one of the country’s chief exports.//  --Selling insurance overseas is Britain’s largest invisible export  (=a service rather than a product) .//\nexport 2   v   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: exportare, from  portare  ’to carry’]//\n  1 [I and T] to sell goods to another country:  → import//  export sth (from sb) to sb//  --The company exports tuna to the US.//\n  2 [T] to introduce an activity, idea etc to another place or country:  --Italian food has been exported all over the world.//\n  3 [T]  technical to move computer information from one computer to another, from one computer document to another, or from one piece of software to another:  → import//  -- exportation/eksp[hA350][hA359]te[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ -[hA350][hA359]r-/ n  [U] //


Words: exporter
Meaning:
n [C]   a person, company, or country that sells goods to another country//  → importer//  exporter of//  --With the expanded production of North Sea oil and gas, the UK has become a net exporter of fuel  (=it exports more fuel than it imports) .//  major/leading exporter //  --Japan is a leading exporter of textiles.//


Words: expose
Meaning:
W3   v [T]   ----------//\n   1 show:\n   2 to something dangerous:\n   3 tell the truth:\n   4 see/experience:\n   5 expose yourself:\n   6 photograph:\n   7 feelings:  ----------//  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: exposer, from  Latin exponere  ’to put out, explain’, from  ponere  ’to put’]//\n  1 SHOW:  to show something that is usually covered or hidden//  --He lifted his T-shirt to expose a jagged scar across his chest.//  expose sth to sth//  --Potatoes turn green when exposed to light.//\n  2 TO SOMETHING DANGEROUS:  to put someone in a situation where they are not protected from something dangerous or unpleasant//  expose sb to sth//  --The report revealed that workers had been exposed to high levels of radiation.//  expose yourself to ridicule/criticism etc (=say or do something that may make people laugh at you, criticize you etc) //\n  3 TELL THE TRUTH:  to show the truth about someone or something, especially when it is bad//  --The film exposes the utter horror of war.//  --The report exposes the weaknesses of modern medical practice.//  expose sb as sth//  --The baron was exposed as a liar and a cheat.//\n  4 SEE/EXPERIENCE:  to make it possible for someone to experience new ideas, ways of life etc//  expose sb to sth//  --Some children are never exposed to classical music.//\n  5  expose yourself:  if a man exposes himself, he shows his sexual organs to someone he does not know in a public place, usually because he is mentally ill//\n  6 PHOTOGRAPH:  to allow light onto a piece of film in a camera in order to take a photograph//\n  7 FEELINGS:  to show other people feelings that you usually hide, especially when this is not planned//  --I’m afraid I might expose my real feelings for him.//\n n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: , past participle of  exposer;   EXPOSE]//  a story in a newspaper or on television that shows the truth about something, especially something dishonest or shocking//  expose of//  --an expose of corrupt practices by lawyers//


Words: exposed
Meaning:
adj \n  1 not protected from the weather:  --an exposed coastline//  --the side of the garden most exposed to wind//\n  2 not covered:  --All exposed skin should be covered with protective cream.//\n  3 not protected from attack:   vulnerable//  --The old fort was very exposed.//  --These developments leave the British government in an exposed position .//


Words: exposition
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U and C]  formal a clear and detailed explanation:  exposition of//  --a lucid exposition of educational theories//\n  2 [C] a large public event at which you show or sell products, art etc:


Words: expostulate
Meaning:
v [I]  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  expostulare, from  postulare  ’to ask for’]//  to express strong disapproval, disagreement, or annoyance with someone//  -- expostulation/[hA366]ksp[hA361]st[hA35D][hA36A]le[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ -sp[hA35A][hA359]-/ n  [U and C] //


Words: exposure
Meaning:
W3   n   ----------//\n   1 to danger:\n   2 truth:\n   3 public attention:\n   4 experience:\n   5 be very cold:\n   6 photography:\n   7 show:\n   8 business:\n   9 direction:  ----------//\n  1 TO DANGER:   [U] when someone is in a situation where they are not protected from something dangerous or unpleasant//  exposure to//  --Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer.//\n  2 TRUTH:   [U] the action of showing the truth about someone or something, especially when it is bad//  exposure of//  --the exposure of his underground political activity//  exposure as//  --her fear of exposure as a spy//\n  3 PUBLIC ATTENTION:   [U] the attention that someone or something gets from newspapers, television etc//   publicity//  --The failure of their marriage has got a lot of exposure recently.//\n  4 EXPERIENCE:   [singular, U] the chance to experience new ideas, ways of life etc//  exposure to//  --The visit to Germany gave them exposure to the language.//  --her brief exposure to pop stardom//\n  5 BE VERY COLD:   [U] the harmful effects on your body of being outside in very cold weather without protection//  --We nearly died of exposure on the mountainside.//\n  6 PHOTOGRAPHY:   [C] //  a) a length of film in a camera that is used to take a photograph//  --I have three exposures left on this roll.//  b) the amount of time that light is allowed to enter the camera when taking a photograph//\n  7 SHOW:   [C] the act of showing something that is usually hidden//\n  8 BUSINESS:   [U and C] the amount of financial risk that a company or person has//\n  9 DIRECTION:   [singular] the direction in which a building, hill etc faces//  --My bedroom has a southern exposure.//    indecent exposure//


Words: expound
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: espondre, from  Latin exponere;   EXPOSE]//   formal to explain or talk about something in detail//  expound on//  --She’s always expounding on the latest dogmas of feminism.//


Words: Express
Meaning:
The   a British daily  tabloid newspaper which usually supports the ideas of the  Conservative Party//


Words: express
Meaning:
W1S2   v [T]   ----------//\n   1 feeling:\n   2 particular emotion:\n   3 something expresses itself:\n   4 mathematics:\n   5 feeding babies:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Origin:  Early  French expresser, from  Latin expressus;   EXPRESS2]//\n  1 FEELING:  to tell or show what you are feeling or thinking by using words, looks, or actions//  express your views/opinions //  --Bill’s not afraid to express his opinions.//  --Parents have expressed their concerns about their children’s safety.//  --She expressed an interest in seeing York.//  express sth in/by/through sth//  --Express your reasons for applying in simple terms.//  express sympathy/fear/anger etc //  --She doesn’t express her emotions as much as he does.//  express thanks/gratitude (for sth) (to sb) (=thank someone in a speech or by writing a letter) //  --Finally, I’d like to express my sincere thanks to all those who have helped today.//  express doubts/reservations //  --The USA expressed reservations before agreeing to sign the agreement.//  --Many people have expressed their opposition to the proposals for a new ring road.//  express yourself//   (=say what you think or feel) //  --Young children often have difficulty expressing themselves.//  --He first learnt to express himself through movement at his dance classes.//  --Words can’t express  (=it is impossible to describe) how angry we felt.//\n  2 PARTICULAR EMOTION:  to show or describe a particular feeling//  --Many of Munch’s paintings express a deep feeling of despair.//\n  3  sth expresses itself:  if something expresses itself, it becomes noticeable//   something reveals itself//  --Religious faith expresses itself in a variety of ways.//\n  4 MATHEMATICS:   technical to change an amount or quantity into a different form, especially in mathematics//  express sth as/in sth//  --Express three-quarters as a decimal.//  --The value of the coffee becomes significantly higher when expressed in foreign currency.//\n  5 FEEDING BABIES:  if a woman expresses milk, she presses milk out of her breast in order to feed it to her baby later//\nexpress 2 adj [only before noun]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: expr[hA169]s, from  Latin expressus, past participle of  exprimere  ’to press out’, from  premere  ’to press’; the idea of  ’speed’ comes from trains stopping only at specific places, so the complete journey takes less time]//\n  1 deliberate and for a specific situation:  --The school was founded with the express purpose of teaching deaf children.//\n  2 clear and definite:  express agreement/consent/authority etc //  --He is not to leave without my express permission.//  --Matthew left express instructions to keep all doors locked.//\n  3  express train/coach/bus:  a train or bus that does not stop at many places and can therefore travel more quickly//\n  4  express post/mail:  a system that delivers letters and packages very quickly//\n  5  AmE designed to help you move through a place more quickly:  --express lanes on the freeway//  --an express line at a supermarket (=where people with only a few things to buy go to pay) //\nexpress 3 n \n  1 [C usually singular] a train or bus that does not stop in many places and therefore travels quickly:  London - Gatwick Express/Orient Express (=a fast train or bus which does a particular journey regularly) //\n  2 [U] a post service that delivers letters and packages very quickly:  --Send these books by express.//\nexpress 4 adv   send/deliver sth express//  to send or deliver a letter, package etc quickly using a special post service//


Words: expression
Meaning:
n   ----------//\n   1 strong feelings/thoughts:\n   2 on somebody’s face:\n   3 word/phrase:\n   4 music/acting:\n   5 mathematics:  ----------//\n  1 STRONG FEELINGS/THOUGHTS:   [U and C] something you say, write, or do that shows what you think or feel//  expression of//  --I decided to go to the meeting as an expression of support.//  expression of sympathy/thanks/regret etc //  --The letter was a genuine expression of sympathy.//  --Student leaders are demanding greater freedom of expression  (=the right to say what you think without being punished) .//  give (political/religious/artistic) expression to sth //  --The Socialist Party was founded to give political expression to the working classes.//  --Another writer who seeks to give expression to popular oral culture is Jose Maria Arguedos.//\n  2 ON SOMEBODY’S FACE:   [U and C] a look on someone’s face that shows what they are thinking or feeling//  expression of//  --an expression of surprise//  --There was a blank expression on her face  (=no expression on her face) .//  --In the photograph he seemed devoid of facial expression  (=having no expression on his face) .//  --A pained  (=worried)  expression crossed her face.//\n  3 WORD/PHRASE:   [C] a word or group of words with a particular meaning//  --The old-fashioned expression ’in the family way’ means ’pregnant’.//  pardon/forgive/excuse the expression (=used when you think may offend someone by using particular words) //  --After the climb we were absolutely knackered, if you’ll pardon the expression.//\n  4 MUSIC/ACTING:   [U] when you put feeling or emotion into the music that you are making or into your acting//\n  5 MATHEMATICS:   [C]  technical a sign or group of signs that represent a mathematical idea or quantity//


Words: expressionism
Meaning:
n [U]   a style of painting, writing, or music that expresses feelings rather than describing objects and experiences//  -- expressionist n  [C] //  -- expressionist adj  [only before noun] //  --the expressionist movement//


Words: expressionless
Meaning:
adj   an expressionless face or voice does not show what someone thinks or feels//  → expressive//  --a blank expressionless stare//  -- expressionlessly adv //


Words: expressive
Meaning:
adj \n  1 showing very clearly what someone thinks or feels:  → expressionless//  --her wonderfully expressive eyes//\n  2  be expressive of sth:   formal showing a particular feeling or influence//  --Her poem is expressive of calm days and peace of mind.//  -- expressively adv //  -- expressiveness n  [U] //


Words: expressly
Meaning:
adv  formal \n  1 if you say something expressly, you say it very clearly and firmly:  --He was expressly forbidden to speak to the girl.//\n  2 deliberately or for a specific purpose:  --The building is expressly designed to conserve energy.//


Words: expressway
Meaning:
n [C]  AmE   a wide road in a city on which cars can travel very quickly without stopping//    freeway,  motorway//


Words: expropriate
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: , past participle of  expropriare, from  Latin proprius  ’your own’]//\n  1 if a government or someone in authority expropriates your private property, they take it away for public use:\n  2 to take something from someone illegally in order to use it:  -- expropriation/[hA366]kspr[hA353][hA35E]prie[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ -spro[hA35E]-/ n  [U and C] //


Words: expulsion
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: expulsio, from  expulsus, past participle of  expellere;   EXPEL]//\n  1 the act of forcing someone to leave a place:    expel//  expulsion of//  --the expulsion of the protesters//  expulsion from//  --his expulsion from the Soviet Union in 1964//\n  2 the act of stopping someone from going to the school where they were studying or from being part of the organization where they worked:  --The headmaster threatened the boys with expulsion.//  expulsion of//  --the expulsion from the Communist Party of its former leader//\n  3 the act of forcing air, water, gas etc out of something:


Words: expunge
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: expungere  ’to mark something with small holes to show that it is to be removed’, from  pungere  ’to make a small hole’]//\n  1 to remove a name from a list, piece of information, or book:\n  2 to make someone forget something unpleasant:  expunge sth from sth//  --I wanted to expunge the memory of that first race from my mind.//


Words: expurgated
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  expurgare, from  purgare;   PURGE1]//  an expurgated book, play etc has had some parts removed because they are considered harmful or offensive//  --an expurgated version of her writings//  -- expurgate v  [T] //


Words: exquisite
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: exquisitus, past participle of  exquirere  ’to search out’, from  quaerere  ’to look for’]//\n  1 extremely beautiful and very delicately made:  --the most exquisite craftsmanship//\n  2 very sensitive and delicate in the way you behave or do things:  --She has exquisite taste in art.//\n  3  literary exquisite pain or pleasure is felt very strongly:  -- exquisitely adv //  -- exquisiteness n  [U] //


Words: extant
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: exstans, present participle of  exstare  ’to stand out, exist’, from  stare  ’to stand’]//  still existing in spite of being very old//  --Few of the manuscripts are still extant.//


Words: extemporaneous
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Late Latin; Origin: extemporaneus, from  Latin ex tempore;   EXTEMPORE]//  spoken or done without any preparation or practice//   impromptu//  --an extemporaneous speech//  -- extemporaneously adv //


Words: extempore
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: ex tempore  ’out of the moment’]//  spoken or done without any preparation or practice//   impromptu//  --an extempore speech//  -- extempore adv //


Words: extemporize
Meaning:
also  extemporise BrE   v [I]  formal   to speak or perform without preparation or practice//  -- extemporization/[hA366]kstemp[hA353]ra[hA366]ze[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ -r[hA353]-/ n  [U and C] //


Words: extend
Meaning:
W2S3   v   ----------//\n   1 time:\n   2 area/distance:\n   3 size:\n   4 include/affect:\n   5 offer help/thanks:\n   6 arms/legs:\n   7 continue winning:\n   8 furniture:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: extendere, from  tendere  ’to stretch’]//\n  1 TIME:   [I + adverb/preposition,T] to continue for a longer period of time, or to make something last longer//  --Management have agreed to extend the deadline.//  extend for/into/over etc//  --Some of our courses extend over two years.//  extend sth for/by/until sth//  --The government has extended the ban on the import of beef until June.//\n  2 AREA/DISTANCE:   [I always + adverb/preposition] to continue for a particular distance or over a particular area//  + across/over/through etc //  --The River Nile extends as far south as Lake Victoria.//  extend 100 km/30 yards etc (from sth)//  --The shelf extends 20 cms from the bookcase.//\n  3 SIZE:   [T] to make a room, building, road etc bigger or longer//  --We plan to extend the kitchen by six feet.//\n  4 INCLUDE/AFFECT:  a)  [I always + adverb/preposition] to affect or include people, things, or places//  extend to/beyond etc//  --My duties at the school extend beyond just teaching.//  --The vote was extended to all women aged 21 and over in 1928.//  b)  [T] to make something affect more people, situations, areas etc than before//  --British Coal is planning to extend its operations in Wales.//  extend sth to sb/sth//  --We can extend our insurance cover to travel abroad.//\n  5 OFFER HELP/THANKS:   [T]  formal to officially offer someone help, sympathy, thanks etc//  extend sth to sb//  --We’d like to extend a warm welcome to our French visitors.//  --I’d like to extend my thanks to all the catering staff.//  --The Coroner extended his sympathy to the victim’s family.//  --The Headteacher has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit the school.//  --The banks have decided to extend credit to the company (=allow them to borrow more money) .//\n  6 ARMS/LEGS:   [T] to stretch out a hand or leg//  --George extended his hand  (=offered to shake hands) .//\n  7 CONTINUE WINNING:   [T] to increase the number of points, games etc by which one person or team is ahead of other competitors//  --Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the table to 10 points.//\n  8 FURNITURE:   [I and T] if a table or ladder extends, it can be made longer//


