# dict

Words: ’tude
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: attitude]//   spoken a style, type of behaviour etc that shows that you have the confidence to do unusual and exciting things without caring what other people think - used humorously//   attitude//  --the trend of restaurants serving nasty ’tude with their food//


Words: -’d
Meaning:
1 the short form of ’would’:  --I asked if she’d be willing to help.//\n  2 the short form of ’had’:  --Nobody knew where he’d gone.//\n  3 the short form of ’did’:  --Where’d you get that?//


Words: -’s
Meaning:
1 the short form of ’is’:  --John’s here.//  --What’s that?//  --She’s writing a letter.//\n  2 the short form of ’has’:  --Polly’s gone out.//  --A spider’s got eight legs.//\n  3 a short form of ’us’ used only in ’let’s’:\n  4  spoken a short form of ’does’, used in questions after ’who’,`what’ etc that many people think is incorrect:  --How’s he plan to do that?//\n-’s 2 suffix \n  1 forms the  possessive case of singular nouns, and of plural nouns that do not end in -s:  --my sister’s husband//  --Mary’s generosity//  --yesterday’s lesson//  --the children’s bedroom//\n  2  BrE the shop or home of someone:  --I bought it at the baker’s (=at the baker’s shop) .//  --I met him at Mary’s (=at Mary’s house) .//


Words: -ability
Meaning:
suffix  also -ibility   [Language: Old French; Origin: -abilite, from  Latin -abilitas, from  -abilis;   -ABLE]//  makes nouns from adjectives ending in -able and -ible//  --manageability//  --suitability//


Words: -able
Meaning:
suffix  also -ible  [in adjectives]   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin -abilis, from  -bilis  ’capable or worthy of’]//\n  1 that you can do something to:  --washable (=it can be washed) //  --unbreakable (=it cannot be broken) //  --loveable (=easy to love) //\n  2 having a particular quality or condition:  --knowledgeable (=knowing a lot) //  --comfortable//  -- -ably/[hA353]bli/ -ibly//   suffix  [in adverbs] //  --unbelievably//


Words: -aholic
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns and adjectives]   [Origin: alcoholic]//  someone who cannot stop doing something or using something//  a workaholic (=someone who never stops working) //  a chocaholic (=someone who loves chocolate) //


Words: -an
Meaning:
suffix  also -ean -ian   [Language: Old French; Origin: -en, from  Latin -anus]//\n  1 [in adjectives and nouns] someone or something of, from, or connected with a particular thing, place, or person:  --suburban//  --Jamesian//\n  2 [in nouns] someone skilled in or studying a particular subject:  --a historian (=someone who studies history) //


Words: -ance
Meaning:
suffix -ence  [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin -antia, from  -ant;   -ANT]//  the action, state, or quality of doing something or of being something//  --his sudden appearance (=he appeared suddenly) //  --her brilliance (=she isbrilliant) //


Words: -ancy
Meaning:
suffix  -ency [in nouns]   [Language: Latin; Origin: -antia]//  the state or quality of doing something or of being something//  --expectancy (=state of expecting) //  --hesitancy//  --complacency (=being complacent) //


Words: -ant
Meaning:
suffix  , -ent  [in nouns and adjectives]   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin, a present participle ending]//  someone or something that does something//  --a servant (=someone who serves others) //  --disinfectant (=substance for killing germs) //  --expectant (=expecting) //  --pleasant (=pleasing) //


Words: -ar
Meaning:
suffix   [Sense: 1; Origin: Latin -aris]//  [Sense: 2; Origin: -er]//\n  1 [in adjectives] relating to something:  --stellar (=relating to stars) //  --polar (=relating to the North or South Pole) //\n  2 [in nouns] someone who does something:  --a liar (=someone who lies) //


Words: -archy
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -archie, from  Latin -archia, from  Greek, from  archein;   ARCH-]//  used to talk about a particular type of government//  --anarchy (=no government) //  --monarchy (=having a king or queen) //


Words: -ard
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin:]//  someone who is usually or always in a particular state//  --a drunkard//


Words: -arian
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Latin; Origin: -arius;   -ARY]//\n  1 [in nouns] someone who believes in or does a particular thing:  --a vegetarian (=someone who does not eat meat) //  --a librarian (=someone who works in a library) //\n  2 [in adjectives] for people of this type, or relating to them:  --a vegetarian restaurant//


Words: -ate
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Latin; Origin: -atus]//\n  1 [in adjectives] full of or showing a particular quality:  --affectionate (=showing love) //\n  2 [in verbs] to make something have a particular quality:  --activate (=make something start working) //  --regulate (=control something or make it regular) //\n  3 [in nouns] a group of people with particular duties:  --the electorate (=voters) //\n  4 [in nouns] the job, rank, or degree of a particular type of person:  --She was awarded her doctorate (=PhD) .//\n  5 [in nouns] a chemical salt formed from a particular acid:  --phosphate//  -- -ately/[hA369]tli/ [in adverbs] //  --fortunately//


Words: -athon
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Origin: marathon]//  an event in which a particular thing is done for a very long time, especially to collect money//  --a swimathon//


Words: -ation
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin -atio]//  the act, state, or result of doing something//  --an examination of the contents (=examining them) //  --the combination of several factors//


Words: -ative
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -atif, from  Latin -ativus]//  liking something or tending to do something or show a particular quality//  --talkative (=liking to talk a lot) //  --argumentative (=enjoying arguments) //  --imaginative (=showing imagination) //


Words: -ator
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -atour, from  Latin -ator]//  someone or something that does something//  --a narrator (=someone who tells a story) //  --a generator (=machine that produces electricity) //


Words: -cide
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   another form of the suffix -icide//  --genocide (=killing a whole race of people) //  -- -cidal [in adjectives] //  -- -cidally [in adverbs] //


Words: -coated
Meaning:
suffix \n  1  metal-coated/plastic-coated etc:  covered with a thin layer of metal, plastic etc//    sugar-coated//\n  2  white-coated/fur-coated etc:  wearing a white coat, fur coat etc//


Words: -consuming
Meaning:
suffix   using a lot of something such as time, energy, or space//  --a time-consuming job//  --energy-consuming labour//


Words: -craft
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns] \n  1 a vehicle of a particular type:  --a spacecraft//  --a hovercraft//  --several aircraft//\n  2 skill of a particular kind:  --statecraft (=skill in government) //  --stagecraft (=skill in acting, directing etc in plays) //


Words: -crat
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: French; Origin: -crate, from  -cratie;   -CRACY]//  another form of the suffix -ocrat//


Words: -cy
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -cie, from  Latin -tia]//\n  1 the state or quality of being something:  --accuracy//  --bankruptcy//\n  2 a particular rank or position:  --a baronetcy//


Words: -dom
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Old English; Origin:]//\n  1 [in U nouns] the state of being something:  --freedom//  --boredom//\n  2 [in C nouns] :  a) an area ruled in a particular way//  --a kingdom//  b) a particular rank//  --a dukedom//    officialdom//


Words: -ean
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives and nouns]   another form of the  suffix -an//  --Keynesean economics (=according to the ideas of Keynes) //


Words: -ectomy
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Modern Latin; Origin: -ectomia  ’cutting out’]//   technical the removing of a particular part of someone’s body by an operation//  --an appendectomy (=removing the appendix) //


Words: -ed
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Old English; Origin: -ed,  -od]//\n  1 forms the regular past tense and past participle of verbs. The past participle form is often used as an adjective:  --I want, I wanted, I have wanted//  --I show, I showed, I have shown//  --He walked away.//  --a sound that echoed through the room//  --a wanted criminal//\n  2 [in adjectives] having a particular thing:  --a bearded man (=a man with a beard) //  --a kind-hearted woman//


Words: -ee
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Anglo-French; Origin: Latin -atus]//\n  1 someone who is being treated in a particular way:  --the payee (=someone who is paid) //  --a trainee//  --an employee//\n  2 someone who is in a particular state or who is doing something:  --an absentee (=someone who is absent) //  --an escapee//


Words: -eer
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -ier, from  Latin -arius]//  someone who does or makes a particular thing//  --an auctioneer (=someone who runs auction sales) //  --a profiteer (=someone who makes unfair profits) //


Words: -en
Meaning:
suffix   [Sense: 1; Origin: Old English]//  [Sense: 2; Origin: Old English -nian]//\n  1 [in adjectives] made of a particular material or substance:  --a golden crown//  --wooden seats//\n  2 [in verbs] to make something have a particular quality:  --darken (=make or become dark) //  --strengthen (=make or become stronger) //


Words: -enabled
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   Internet-enabled/Java-enabled etc//  a computer program that is Internet-enabled, Java-enabled etc can be used with that program or includes it as one of its features//  --Find out more about our free Internet-enabled software.//


Words: -ent
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives and nouns]   [Language: Latin; Origin: -ent-, the base form of the present participle ending]//  someone or something that does something, or that has a particular quality//  --local residents//    -ant//


Words: -er
Meaning:
suffix   forms the comparative of many short adjectives and adverbs//  --hot, hotter//  --dry, drier//  --fast, faster//    -est//\n-er 2 suffix [in nouns]  1 someone who does something or is doing something:  --a dancer//  --a driver//\n  2 something that does something:  --a scraper (=a tool you use for scraping) //    -ar,  -or//


Words: -ery
Meaning:
suffix  also -ry  (in nouns)   [Language: Old French; Origin: -ier  ’-er’ +  ie  ’-y’]//\n  1 a quality or condition:  --bravery (=the quality of being brave) //  --slavery (=the condition of being a slave) //\n  2 things of a particular kind:  --machinery (=different types of machines) //  --all her finery (=beautiful clothes) //\n  3 a place where a particular activity happens:  --a bakery (=where bread is baked) //  --an oil refinery//


Words: -ese
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Portuguese; Origin: -es and  Italian -ese, from  Latin -ensis]//\n  1 [in nouns] the people or language of a particular country or place:  --the Viennese (=people from Vienna) .//  --l’m learning Japanese (=the language of Japan) .//\n  2 [in adjectives] belonging to a particular country or place:  --Chinese music//\n  3 [in nouns]  informal language or words used by a particular group, especially when it sounds ugly or is difficult to understand:  --journalese (=language used in newspapers) //  --officialese (=language used in official or legal writing) //


Words: -esque
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   [Language: French; Origin: Italian -esco]//\n  1 in the manner or style of a particular person, group, or place:  --Kafkaesque (=in the style of the writer Franz Kafka) //\n  2 having a particular quality:  --picturesque (=pleasant to look at) //


Words: -est
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Old English; Origin: -est,  -ost]//  forms the superlative of many short adjectives and adverbs//  --cold, colder, coldest//  --early, earlier, earliest//    -er1 //


Words: -eth
Meaning:
suffix  also -th  old use  or  biblical   [Language: Old English; Origin: -eth,  -ath]//  forms the third person singular of verbs//  --he giveth//


Words: -ette
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: French; Origin:]//\n  1 a small thing of a particular type:  --a kitchenette (=small kitchen) //  --a snackette (=a very small meal) //\n  2 a woman who is doing a particular job:  --an usherette (=female usher) //\n  3 something that is not real, but is imitation(2):  --flannelette//  --chairs covered with leatherette//


Words: -ey
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   [Origin: -y]//  the form used for -y, especially after y//  --clayey soil//


Words: -fashion
Meaning:
suffix [in adverbs]   like something, or in the way that a particular group of people does something//  --They ate Indian-fashion, using their fingers.//


Words: -fold
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Old English; Origin: -feald]//\n  1 [in adjectives] of a particular number of kinds:  --The government’s role in healthcare is twofold: first, to provide the resources and, second, to make them work better for patients.//\n  2 [in adverbs] a particular number of times:  --The value of the house has increased fourfold (=it is now worth four times as much as before) .//


Words: -free
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives and adverbs]   without something that you do not want//  --a trouble-free journey//  --duty-free cigarettes//  --a salt-free diet//  --They live in the house rent-free.//


Words: -ful
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives] \n  1 full of something:  --an eventful day//\n  2 having the quality of something or causing something:  --restful colours//  --Is it painful?//  -- fully/f[hA368]li/ suffix  [in adverbs] //  --shouting cheerfully//\n-ful 2 suffix [in nouns]  1 the amount of a substance needed to fill a particular container:  --two cupfuls of milk//\n  2 as much as can be carried by or contained in a particular part of the body:  --an armful of flowers//


Words: -grader
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   first-grader/fourth-grader etc//  a student in one of the 12 years in an American school//


Words: -gram
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Latin; Origin: -gramma, from  Greek, from  gramma;   GRAM]//  a message delivered as an amusing surprise//  --On his birthday we sent him a kissagram (=a woman who was paid to give him a message and kiss him) .//


Words: -graphy
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Latin; Origin: -graphia, from  Greek, from  graphein  ’to write’]//  used in nouns to mean a way of making pictures or of writing//  --radiography//  --photography//  --calligraphy//


Words: -head
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns] \n  1 the top of something:  --the pithead (=the top of a coalmine) //  --a letterhead (=a name and address printed at the top of a letter) //\n  2 the place where something begins:  --a fountainhead//


Words: -high
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   of a particular height//  --The wall was about chest-high (=as high as your chest) .//  --a 7000 metre-high mountain//


Words: -hood
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old English; Origin: -had]//\n  1 used to refer to a period of time or a state:  --during his childhood (=when he was a child) //  --parenthood (=the state of being a parent) //\n  2 the people who belong to a particular group:  --the priesthood (=all the people who are priests) //


Words: -i
Meaning:
suffix   plural  -is //\n  1 [in nouns] a person from a particular country or place, or their language:  --two Pakistanis//  --speakers of Hindi//\n  2 [in adjectives] of a particular place or country:  --Bengali food//  --the Israeli army//


Words: -ian
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives and nouns]   another form of the suffix -an//  --Dickensian characters (=like those in Dickens’ books) //  --a librarian (=someone who works in a library) //


Words: -iana
Meaning:
suffix  also -ana  [in nouns]   [Language: Latin; Origin:]//  a group or collection of objects, papers, etc that are related to someone or something//  --Victoriana//  --Shakespeariana//


Words: -ible
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin -ibilis]//  another form of the suffix -able//  --irresistible//  --visible//


Words: -ic
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Old French; Origin: -ique, from  Latin -icus]//\n  1 [in adjectives] of, like, or related to a particular thing:  --photographic (=of photography) //  --an alcoholic drink (=containing alcohol) //  --polysyllabic (=containing severalsyllables) //  --pelvic (=of the pelvis) //  --Byronic (=like or connected with the poet Byron) //\n  2 [in nouns] someone who is affected by a particular unusual condition, a mental illness for example:  --an alcoholic (=someone who cannot stop drinking alcohol) //  -- -ically/[hA366]kli/ [in adverbs] //  --photographically//


Words: -ical
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   [Language: Late Latin; Origin: -icalis]//  another form of the suffix -ic(1)//  --historical (=of history) //  --satirical//  -- -ically/[hA366]kli/ [in adverbs] //  --historically//


Words: -ician
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -icien, from  Latin -ica +  Old French -ien  ’-ian’]//  a skilled worker who deals with a particular thing//  --a beautician (=someone who gives beauty treatments) //  --a technician (=someone with technical or scientific skills) //


Words: -icide
Meaning:
suffix  also -cide  [in nouns]   [Origin: -cide]//  someone or something that kills a particular person or thing, or the act of killing//  --insecticide (=chemical substance for killing insects) //  --suicide (=the act of killing yourself) //  -- -icidal/[hA366]sa[hA366]dl/ suffix  [in adjectives] //  -- -icidally/[hA366]sa[hA366]dl-i/ suffix  [in adverbs] //


Words: -ics
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Origin: -ic +  -s (translating  Greek -ika (plural))]//\n  1 the scientific study or use of something:  --linguistics (=the study of language) //  --electronics (=the study or making of electronic equipment) //\n  2 the actions typically done by someone with particular skills:  --athletics (=running, jumping, throwing, etc) //  --acrobatics//\n  3 used to make nouns out of words ending in -ical or -ic:  --the acoustics (=sound qualities) of the hall//


Words: -ide
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]  technical   [Language: German; Origin: -id, from  French -ide (as in  oxide)]//  a chemical substance made up of two or more  elements//  --cyanide//  --sulphide//


Words: -iform
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]  technical   [Language: French; Origin: -iforme, from  Latin -iformis, from  forma;   FORM1]//  having a particular shape//  --cruciform (=cross-shaped) //


Words: -ify
Meaning:
suffix [in verbs]  also -fy   [Language: Old French; Origin: -ifier, from  Latin -ificare, from  -ficare;   -FY]//\n  1 to make something be in a particular state or condition:  --to purify (=make or become pure) //  --to clarify the situation (=make it clear) //\n  2 to fill someone with a particular feeling:  --Spiders terrify me (=make me very afraid) .//\n  3  informal to do something in a silly or annoying way:  --to speechify (=make speeches, using important sounding words) //\n  4 to make something or someone be like or typical of a person or group:  --Frenchified (=like the French) //


Words: -ing
Meaning:
suffix   [Sense: 1; Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old English; Origin: -ende]//  [Sense: 2; Origin: Old English -ing,  -ung]//\n  1 forms the present participle of verbs:  --They’re dancing.//  --to go dancing//  --a dancing bear//\n  2 [in U nouns] the action or process of doing something:  --She hates swimming.//  --No parking.//\n  3 [in C nouns] :  a) an example of doing something//  --to hold a meeting//  b) a product or result of doing something//  --a beautiful painting//\n  4 [in nouns] something used to do something or used for making something:  --a silk lining//  --ten metres of curtaining (=cloth for curtains) //


Words: -ion
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin -io]//  the act, state, or result of doing something//  --the completion of the task (=act of finishing it) //  --his election (=he was elected) to the post//  --Young children demand a lot of attention.//


Words: -ish
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Old English; Origin: -isc]//\n  1 [in nouns] the people or language of a particular country or place:  --Are the British unfriendly?//  --learning to speak Turkish//  --She’s Swedish.//\n  2 [in adjectives] of a particular place:  --Spanish food (=from Spain) //\n  3 [in adjectives] typical of or like a particular type of person:  --foolish behaviour (=typical of a fool) //  --Don’t be so childish! (=do not behave like a child) //  --snobbish//\n  4 [in adjectives] the ending of some adjectives that show disapproval:  --selfish//\n  5 [in adjectives] rather:   quite//  --youngish (=not very young, but not old either) //  --tallish//  --reddish hair//\n  6 [in adjectives]  spoken  approximately:  --We’ll expect you eightish (=at about 8 o’clock) .//  --He’s fortyish (=about 40 years old) .//


Words: -ism
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: French; Origin: -isme, from  Latin -isma and  -ismus, from  Greek -isma and  -ismos, from verbs ending in  -izein;   -IZE]//\n  1 a political belief or religion based on a particular principle or the ideas and beliefs of a particular person:  --socialism//  --Buddhism//\n  2 the action or process of doing something:  --his criticism of my work//\n  3 an action or remark that has a particular quality:  --her witticisms (=funny remarks) //\n  4 the state of being like something or someone, or having a particular quality:  --heroism (=being ahero; bravery) //  --magnetism (=beingmagnetic) //\n  5 illness caused by too much of something:  --alcoholism//\n  6 the practice of treating people unfairly because of something:  --sexism (=making unfair differences between men and women) //  --racism//


Words: -ist
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Old French; Origin: -iste, from  Latin -ista,  -istes, from  Greek -istes, from verbs ending in  -izein;   -IZE]//\n  1 [in nouns] someone who believes in a particular religion or set of principles or ideas:  --a Buddhist//  --an atheist//  --a Scottish Nationalist//\n  2 [in adjectives] relating to or showing a particular political or religious belief:  --her socialist views//  --rightist parties (=political parties withright-wing opinions) //\n  3 [in nouns] someone who studies a particular subject, plays a particular instrument, or does a particular type of work:  --a linguist (=someone who studies or learns languages) //  --a novelist (=someone who writesnovels) //  --a guitarist (=someone who plays theguitar) //  --a machinist (=someone who operates a machine) //    -ologist//\n  4 [in adjectives] treating people unfairly because of something:  --a very sexist remark (=making unfair differences between men and women) //\n  5 [in nouns] someone who treats people unfairly because of something:  --They’re a bunch of racists.//


Words: -ite
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin -ita,  -ites, from  Greek -ites]//\n  1 [in nouns] a follower or supporter of a particular idea or person - often used in order to show disapproval:  --a group of Trotskyites (=followers of Trotsky’s political ideas) //  --the Pre-Raphaelites//\n  2 [in adjectives] relating to a particular set of religious or political ideas, or with the ideas of a particular person:  --his Reaganite opinions//\n  3 someone who lives in a particular place or belongs to a particular group:  --a Brooklynite (=someone from Brooklyn) //  --the Israelites (=in the Bible) //


Words: -itis
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Latin; Origin: Greek, from  -ites;   -ITE]//\n  1 an illness or infection that effects a particular part of your body:  --tonsillitis (=infection of thetonsils) //\n  2  humorous the condition of having too much of something or liking something too much:  --televisionitis (=watching too much television) //


Words: -ity
Meaning:
suffix  also -ty  [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -ite, from  Latin -itas]//  the state of having a particular quality, or something that has that quality//  --with great regularity (=regularly) //  --such stupidities (=stupid actions or remarks) //


Words: -ive
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns and adjectives]   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin -ivus]//  someone or something that does something or can do something//  --an explosive (=substance that can explode) //  --a detective (=someone who tries to discover facts about crimes) //  --the adoptive parents (=whoadopt a child) //


Words: -ization
Meaning:
also  -isation BrE   suffix   makes nouns from verbs ending in -ize//  --civilization//  --crystallization//


Words: -ize
Meaning:
also  -ise BrE   suffix [in verbs]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -iser, from  Late Latin -izare, from  Greek -izein]//\n  1 to make something have more of a particular quality:  --We need to modernize our procedures. (=make them more modern) //  --Americanized spelling (=spelling made more American) //  --privatized transport (=bus or train services that are owned and operated by private companies) //\n  2 to change something to something else, or be changed to something else:  --The liquid crystallized. (=turned intocrystals) //\n  3 to speak or think in the way mentioned:  --to soliloquize (=speak asoliloquy, to yourself) //  --I sat and listened to him sermonizing. (=speaking solemnly, as if in asermon) //\n  4 to put into a particular place:  --She was hospitalized after the accident.//


Words: -led
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   having a particular thing as the most important cause or influence//  --an export-led economic recovery//


Words: -less
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   [Language: Old English; Origin: -leas, from  leas  ’lacking, false’]//\n  1 without something:  --I felt powerless.//  --a childless couple//  --tasteless food//\n  2 not doing or using something:  --You’re too careless.//  --It’s perfectly harmless.//\n  3 not possible to treat or affect in a particular way:  --on countless occasions//  --She’s tireless.//


Words: -let
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -elet, from  -el  ’small’ (from  Latin -ellus) +  -et]//  a small kind of something//  --a booklet//  --a piglet//


Words: -like
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   [Origin:  LIKE6]//  used after a noun to say that something is similar to or typical of the noun//  --a jelly-like substance//  --childlike simplicity//  --ladylike behaviour//


Words: -ling
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old English; Origin:]//  a small, young, or less important type of something//  --a duckling//  --princelings//


Words: -logue
Meaning:
also  -log AmE   suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin -logus, from  Greek -logos, from  legein  ’to speak’]//  something that is written or spoken//  --a monologue (=a speech by one person) //


Words: -logy
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -logie, from  Latin -logia, from  Greek, from  logos;   LOGIC]//  another form of the suffix -ology//  --mineralogy (=the study of minerals) //


Words: -ly
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Old English; Origin: -lic,  -lice]//\n  1 [in adverbs] in a particular way:  --She smiled happily.//  --He was walking slowly.//\n  2 [in adverbs] considered in a particular way:  --Politically speaking it was a rather unwise remark.//  --a financially sound proposal//\n  3 [in adjectives and adverbs] happening at regular periods of time:  --an hourly check (=done every hour) //  --They visit monthly (=once every month) .//\n  4 [in adjectives] like a particular thing in manner, nature, or appearance:  --with queenly grace//  --a motherly woman (=showing the love, kindness etc of a mother) //


Words: -manship
Meaning:
suffix [in U nouns]   a particular art or skill//  --seamanship (=sailing skill) //  --statesmanship (=skill at being a political or government leader) //


Words: -ment
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin -mentum]//  used to form a noun from a verb to show actions, the people who do them, or their results//  --the government (=the people who govern a country) //  --the replacement of something (=the action of replacing something) //  --some interesting new developments//  -- -mental/mentl/ suffix  [in adjectives] //  --governmental//


Words: -meter
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: French; Origin: -m[hA169]tre, from  Greek metron  ’measure’]//  an instrument for measuring something//  --a speedometer//


Words: -metre
Meaning:
BrE  -meter AmE   suffix [in nouns]   part of a metre, or a number of metres//  --a millimetre//  --a kilometer//


Words: -monger
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old English; Origin: mangere]//\n  1 someone who sells a particular thing:  --a fishmonger//\n  2  rumour-monger/gloom-monger/doom-monger etc:  someone who says unpleasant things//  --The rumour-mongers have been busy again.//  --the economic gloom-mongers//    warmonger//


Words: -most
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   nearest to something//  --the northernmost town in Sweden (=the town that is furthest to the north) //  --the topmost branches of the tree//


Words: -nd
Meaning:
suffix   used for forming written ordinal numbers with 2//  --the 2nd (=second) of March//  --her 22nd birthday//


Words: -ness
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old English; Origin: -nes]//  used to form nouns from adjectives//  --loudness//  --sadness//


Words: -nik
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Yiddish; Origin: Russian and  Polish]//  someone who is connected with a particular activity or set of beliefs//  --a peacenik (=someone who supports peace) //


Words: -ocracy
Meaning:
suffix  also -cracy  [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -cracie, from  Late Latin -cratia, from  Greek, from  kratos  ’strength, power’]//  government by a particular sort of people or according to a particular principle//  --democracy (=government by the people) //  --meritocracy (=government by people with the most ability) //


Words: -ocrat
Meaning:
suffix  also -crat  [in nouns] \n  1 someone who believes in a particular principle of government:  --a democrat (=someone who believes in government by the people) //\n  2 a member of a powerful or governing social class or group:  --a technocrat (=a scientist who controls an organization or country) //  -- -ocratic/[hA353]kr[zB024]t[hA366]k/ suffix -- -ocratically/[hA353]kr[zB024]t[hA366]kli/ suffix //


Words: -ologist
Meaning:
suffix  also -logist  [in nouns]   a person who studies or has knowledge of a particular kind of science//  --a biologist//


Words: -ology
Meaning:
suffix  also -logy  [in nouns]   [Origin: -logy]//\n  1 the study of something, especially something scientific:  --geology (=the study of rocks and the Earth) //  --climatology (=the study of climate) //  --Egyptology (=the study of ancient Egypt) //\n  2 the things studied by a particular science:  --The geology (=structure of the rocks etc) of north Devon is particularly interesting.//  -- -ological/[hA353]l[hA361]d[hA360][hA366]k[hA368]l $ -l[hA35A][hA359]-/ suffix  [in adjectives] //  -- -ologically/[hA353]l[hA361]d[hA360][hA366]kli $ [hA353]l[hA35A][hA359]-/ suffix  [in adverbs] //  --geologically interesting//


Words: -or
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Latin; Origin:]//\n  1 someone who does something or is doing something:  --an actor (=someone who acts) //  --an inventor//  --a translator//\n  2 something that does something:  --a calculator (=a machine which calculates) //  --a word processor//    -er2 ,  -ar//


Words: -ory
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   a place or thing that is used for doing something//  --an observatory (=a place from where people watch something, especially the stars) //\n-ory 2 suffix [in adjectives]  describes something that does a particular thing//  --an explanatory note (=that gives an explanation) //  --a congratulatory telegram (=that congratulates someone) //


Words: -osis
Meaning:
suffix   plural  -oses /[hA353][hA35E]si[hA359]z $ o[hA35E]-/ [in nouns] //  [Language: Latin; Origin: Greek]//\n  1 a diseased condition:  --silicosis (=a lung disease) //  --neuroses (=medical conditions that affect the mind) //\n  2 a condition or process:  --a metamorphosis (=change from one state to another) //  -- -otic/[hA361]t[hA366]k $ [hA35A][hA359]t[hA366]k/ suffix  [in adjectives] //  --neurotic//  --hypnotic//  -- -otically/[hA361]t[hA366]kli $ [hA35A][hA359]t-/ suffix  [in adverbs] //


Words: -ous
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -ous,  -eus, from  Latin -osus and  -us]//  describes something that has a particular quality//  --dangerous (=full of danger) //  --spacious (=with a lot of space) //


Words: -phile
Meaning:
suffix  also  -phil [in nouns]   [Language: French; Origin: Greek -philos, from  philos  ’dear, friendly’]//  someone who likes something//  --a bibliophile (=someone who likes books) //  --an Anglophile (=someone who likes English or British things) //


Words: -philia
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns] \n  1  technical a tendency to feel sexually attracted in a way that is not approved of or not normal:  --necrophilia (=a sexual attraction to dead bodies) //\n  2 a love of something:  --Francophilia (=a love of French things) //


Words: -philiac
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]  technical   someone who feels sexually attracted in a way that is not approved of//  --a necrophiliac//


Words: -phobe
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Greek; Origin: -phobos  ’fearing’]//  someone who dislikes or hates something//  --a xenophobe (=someone who hates foreigners) //  --a technophobe (=someone who dislikes and fears modern technology such as computers) //


Words: -phobia
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Late Latin; Origin:  PHOBIA]//\n  1  technical a strong unreasonable dislike or fear of something, which may be part of a mental illness:  --claustrophobia (=fear of being in a small enclosed space) //  --aquaphobia (=fear of water) //\n  2 a dislike or hatred of something:  --Anglophobia (=a dislike of English or British things) //


Words: -phobic
Meaning:
suffix  technical \n  1 [in nouns] someone who has a strong unreasonable fear of something:  --He’s a claustrophobic (=he fears small enclosed places) .//\n  2 [in adjectives] suffering from or connected with a strong unreasonable fear of something:  --I’m a bit agoraphobic (=I am afraid of crowds and open places) .//


Words: -phone
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: Greek; Origin: -phonos  ’sounding’, from  phone;   PHON-]//\n  1 [in nouns] an instrument or machine relating to sound or hearing, especially a musical instrument:  --earphones (=for listening to a radio etc) //  --a saxophone//\n  2 [in nouns]  technical someone who speaks a particular language:  --a Francophone (=someone who speaks French) //\n  3 [in adjectives] speaking a particular language:  --Francophone nations (=nations where French is spoken) //


Words: -proof
Meaning:
suffix \n  1 [in adjectives] used to describe something which a particular thing cannot harm or pass through, or which protects people against that thing:  --a bulletproof car//  --a waterproof jacket//  --an ovenproof dish (=that cannot be harmed by heat) //\n  2 [in adjectives] used to describe something which cannot easily be affected or damaged by someone or something:  --a childproof container//  --vandal-proof//\n  3 [in verbs] to treat or make something so that a particular thing cannot harm it or pass through it, or so that it gives protection against it:  --soundproof a room (=so that sound cannot get into or out of it) //


Words: -rage
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   road-rage/air-rage etc//  when someone becomes extremely angry and violent while they are driving, on a plane etc//  --He was attacked in a road-rage incident.//


Words: -ranking
Meaning:
suffix   used to say where someone or something is on a scale that shows how good they are, or what position they have, compared with other people or things//  high/top/low/middle-ranking //  --a top-ranking tennis player//


Words: -rd
Meaning:
suffix   used with ordinal numbers ending in 3, except 13//  --the 3rd (=third) of June//  --his 53rd birthday//


Words: -ridden
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   [Origin: Past participle of  ride]//  very full of something unpleasant//  --mosquito-ridden swamps//  --disease-ridden slums//


Words: -s
Meaning:
suffix \n  1 forms the plural of nouns:  --a cat and two dogs//\n  2 forms the third person singular of the present tense of most verbs:  --he plays//  --she sits//


Words: -s’
Meaning:
suffix   forms the  possessive case of plural nouns//  --the girls’ dresses//  --the islands’ inhabitants//


Words: -seater
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   four-seater/12-seater etc//  a vehicle, piece of furniture etc with space for four, 12 etc people to sit//


Words: -ship
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old English; Origin: -scipe]//\n  1 :  a) a particular position or job, or the time during which you have it//  --He was offered a professorship (=the job of professor) .//  --in Mr Major’s premiership (=when he was prime minister) //  --her application for British citizenship//\n  2 the state of having something:  --Private car ownership has almost doubled in the past 10 years.//  --Their friendship developed soon afterwards.//\n  3 a particular art or skill:  --his superb musicianship//  --a work of great scholarship//    -manship//\n  4 all the people in a particular group:  --a magazine with a readership of 9000 (=with 9000 readers) //


Words: -smith
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   a maker of something//  --a gunsmith (=someone who makes guns) //  --a wordsmith (=someone who works with words, for example a journalist) //


Words: -some
Meaning:
suffix   [Sense: 1; Origin: Old English -sum]//  [Sense: 2; Origin: some]//\n  1 [in adjectives] tending to behave in a particular way, or having a particular quality:  --a troublesome boy (=who causes trouble) //  --a bothersome back injury (=that bothers you) //\n  2 [in nouns] a group of a particular number, for example in a game:  --a golf foursome (=four people playing golf together) //


Words: -speak
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   the special language or difficult words that are used in a particular business or activity//  --computerspeak//


Words: -sphere
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]  technical   relating to the air or gases surrounding the Earth//  --the atmosphere//


Words: -st
Meaning:
suffix \n  1 forms written ordinal numbers with 1:  --the 1st (=first) prize//  --my 21st birthday//\n  2  old use  or  biblical another form of the suffix -est(2):  --thou dost (=you do) //


Words: -taker
Meaning:
suffix   used with nouns to describe people who take or collect things//  --senior decision-takers//  --I’m just a message-taker.//  --a ticket-taker at the recreation hall//  --the policy of not doing deals with hostage takers//  --treatment for drug takers //


Words: -th
Meaning:
suffix   [Sense: 1; Origin: Old English -tha]//  [Sense: 2; Origin: Old English -eth,  -ath,  -th]//\n  1 forms ordinal numbers, except with 1, 2, or 3:  --the 17th of June//  --a fifth of the total//    -nd,  -rd,  -st//\n  2  old use  or  biblical another form of  -eth:  he doth (=does) //


Words: -to-be
Meaning:
suffix   bride-/husband-/parent- etc to-be//  someone who will soon be married, soon be a parent etc//  --a magazine aimed at young mums-to-be//


Words: -ty
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: -te, from  Latin -tas]//  another form of  -ity//  --certainty (=being certain) //


Words: -ular
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   [Language: Latin; Origin: -ularis]//  of or relating to something//  --glandular fever//  --tubular steel//


Words: -ure
Meaning:
suffix [in nouns]   [Language: Old French; Origin: Latin -ura]//  used to make nouns that show actions or results//  --the closure (=closing) of the factory//  --exposure//  --failure//


Words: -ville
Meaning:
suffix   [Language: French; Origin: ville;   VILLAGE]//\n  1 used in the names of places, especially in the US, to mean city or town:  --Jacksonville, Florida//\n  2  informal used humorously with adjectives or nouns followed by ’s’ to show that a person, place, or thing has a particular quality:  --Her party was really dullsville.//


Words: -ward
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives]   [Language: Old English; Origin: -weard]//  towards a particular direction or place//  --our homeward journey//  --a downward movement//


Words: -wards
Meaning:
suffix  also -ward  especially  AmE [in adverbs]   [Language: Old English; Origin: -weardes, from  -weard;   -WARD]//  towards a particular direction or place//  --We’re travelling northwards.//  --look skywards//


Words: -ware
Meaning:
suffix [in U nouns]   [Date: 1300-1400; Origin: ware  ’goods’ (11-20 centuries), from  Old English waru]//\n  1 things made of a particular material, especially for use in the home:  --glassware (=glass bowls, glasses etc) //  --silverware (=silver spoons, knives etc) //\n  2 things used in a particular place for the preparation or serving of food:  --ovenware (=dishes for use in the oven) //  --tableware (=plates, glasses, knives etc) //\n  3 things used in operating a computer:  --software (=programs) //  --shareware (=programs which can be shared via the Internet) //


Words: -y
Meaning:
suffix [in adjectives] \n  1 full of something or covered with something:  --sugary desserts (=full of sugar) //  --dirty hands (=covered with dirt) //  --a hairy chest (=covered with hair) //\n  2 having a quality or feeling, or tending to do something:  --a messy room//  --curly hair (=hair that curls) //  --feeling sleepy//\n  3 like or typical of something:  --a cold wintry day (=typical of winter) //  --his long, horsy face (=he looks like a horse) //\n  4 fond of or interested in something:  --a horsy woman (=who likes riding horses) //  -- -ily suffix  [in adverbs] //  -- -iness suffix  [in nouns] //\n-y 2 suffix [in nouns]  1  also -ie :  used to make a word or name less formal, and often to show that you care about them - used especially when talking to children//  --Where’s little Johnny?//  --my daddy (=my father) //  --What a nice doggy (=dog) !//\n  2 used to make nouns from some verbs to show an action:  --the expiry date (=the date when somethingexpires) //  --an inquiry (=the act ofinquiring about something) //


Words: 1066 And All That
Meaning:
(1930) a humorous book about British history written by R. I. Yeatman and W. C. Sellar. The writers claim that there are only two dates in British history which all British people remember: the arrival of Julius Caesar in Britain in 55BC, and the Battle of Hastings in 1066.//


Words: 18
Meaning:
in the UK, a film that has been accepted as suitable only for people aged 18 and older. Films that have an 18  certificate usually contain a lot of sex or violence. In the US system, films like this have the letter X.//


Words: 18-30 holidays
Meaning:
n [plural]   group holidays for people between the ages of 18 and 30, especially people who are not married//


Words: 18-wheeler
Meaning:
n [C]  AmE   a very large  truck (=vehicle that carries goods on roads)   which has 18 wheels, used especially for moving goods over long distances//


Words: 1984
Meaning:
Nineteen Eighty-Four   (1949) a novel by George  Orwell which describes an imaginary society of the future, where the government has complete control of everyone’s lives, thoughts, and behaviour, and watches everything they do. The leader of this government is called  Big Brother. The book has had a great influence on the way that people think about and talk about politics, and people sometimes use the phrase  1984  to describe a society that is too strictly controlled.//    thought police//


Words: 2
Meaning:
written  informal   a way of writing ’to’ or ’too’, used especially in emails and text messages//  --Happy birthday 2 U! (=to you) //  --He’s 2 (=too)  cool!//


Words: 20 Questions also Animal
Meaning:
Vegetable or Mineral  AmE   a game in which one person thinks of an object and others have to guess what it is by asking questions about it which can only be answered with ’Yes’ or ’No’. You sometimes mention the game when you think that someone is asking you too many questions or making you ask them too many questions instead of simply giving you the information you want//  --Just tell me straight - don’t make me play ’20 Questions’.//


Words: 24 hour clock
Meaning:
n   a clock, or a system of telling the time, according to which, for example, one  o’clock in the afternoon is called 1300 hours (pronounced "13 hundred hours")//  --The trains run according to the 24 hour clock.//


Words: 4
Meaning:
written  informal   a way of writing "for", used especially in emails and  text messages//  --a message 4 U (=for you) //


Words: 401K
Meaning:
in the US, a way of saving money for your  retirement that is handled through the company where you work//


Words: 404
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   someone who is 404 is stupid and unable to use computers or other complicated electronic equipment - used humorously. This word comes from the usual message which appears on the Internet when a particular page you are searching for cannot be found.//


Words: 7-Eleven
Meaning:
trademark   a shop that sells food, drinks, magazines, cleaning products etc. 7-Elevens are smaller than  supermarkets. They are usually in busy parts of a city and they are open from early in the morning until very late at night. 7-Elevens are very common in the US, and there are also some in the UK, especially in London.//


Words: 747
Meaning:
n [C]   a large passenger plane made by the US Boeing Corporation. The 747 was the first  jumbo jet and it can carry over 400 passengers. These planes are used all over the world, especially for long-distance flights.//


Words: 8
Meaning:
written  informal   a way of writing parts of words that sound like ’-ate’, ’-eat’, or ’-ait’, used especially in emails and text messages//  --gr8 (=great) //  --I h8 (=hate)  homework!//  --It’s 2 l8 (=too late) //\n800 number  n  also  800 line, toll-free number   AmE toll-free number  AmE   a telephone number which one can telephone without paying for the call//


Words: 9/11
Meaning:
n [U]  especially AmE   September 11, 2001, when terrorists used planes to attack New York and Washington//  --the terrifying events of 9/11//  --a 9/11 disaster relief fund//


Words: a
Meaning:
indefinite article, determiner  also an \n  1 used to show that you are talking about someone or something that has not been mentioned before, or that your listener does not know about:  --We have a problem.//  --There was a hole in the fence.//  --Suddenly they heard a loud bang.//    the1 //\n  2 used to show that you are referring to a general type of person or thing and not a specific person or thing:  --Would you like a sandwich?//  --I want to train to be an engineer.//  --He’s a really nice man.//  --Take a look at this.//  --It needs a good clean.//\n  3 used before someone’s family name to show that they belong to that family:  --One of his daughters had married a Rothschild.//\n  4 one:  --a thousand pounds//  --a dozen eggs//  --You’ll have to wait an hour or two.//\n  5 used in some phrases that say how much of something there is:  --There were a lot of people at the party.//  -- A few weeks from now I’ll be in Venice.//  --You have caused a great deal of trouble.//\n  6 used to mean ’each’ when stating prices, rates, or speeds:  --I get paid once a month.//  --The eggs cost $2 a dozen.//\n  7 used before singular nouns to mean all things of a particular type:  --A square has four sides (=all squares have four sides) .//  --A child needs love and affection.//\n  8 used once before two nouns that are mentioned together very often:  --I’ll fetch you a cup and saucer.//  --Does everyone have a knife and fork?//\n  9 used before the -ing forms of verbs when they are used as nouns referring to an action, event, or sound:  --There was a beating of wings overhead.//  --Bernice became aware of a humming that seemed to come from all around her.//\n  10 used before nouns that are usually uncountable when other information about the quality, feeling etc is added by an adjective, phrase, or clause:  --Candidates must have a good knowledge of chemistry.//\n  11 used before the name of a substance, food etc to refer to a particular type of it:  --Use a good cheese to make the sauce.//  --plants that grow well in a rich moist soil//\n  12 used before the name of a drink to refer to a cup or glass of that drink:  --Can I get you a coffee?//  --Renwick went to the bar and ordered a beer.//\n  13 used before the name of a famous artist to refer to a painting by that artist:  --an early Rembrandt//\n  14 used before a name to mean someone or something that has the same qualities as that person or thing:  --She was hailed as a new Marilyn Monroe.//\n  15 used before someone’s name when you do not know who they are:  --There is a Mr Tom Wilkins on the phone.//\n  16 used before the names of days, months, seasons, and events in the year to refer to a particular one:  --We arrived in England on a cold wet Sunday in 1963.//  --I can’t remember a Christmas like it.//  ----------//  WORD CHOICE: a, an  //  Before a word beginning with a vowel sound, use  an : an elephant |  an umbrella |  an obvious mistake //  !!  Use  an before an ’h’ that is not pronounced : an hour later | an honest explanation //  !!  Use  a before a ’u’ that is pronounced like ’you’ : a university  |  a unique opportunity //  !!  Use  an before an abbreviation that is pronounced with a vowel sound at the start : an SOS call | an MP3 file //  ----------//\nA 1  a/e[hA366]/ n   plural  A’s  a’s //\n  1 [U and C] the first letter of the English alphabet:\n  2 [U and C] the sixth note in the musical scale of C major or the musical key based on this note:\n  3 [C] the highest mark that a student can get in an examination or for a piece of work:  --I got an A in French.//  --Julia got straight As  (=all A’s) in high school.//\n  4  an A student:   AmE someone who regularly gets the best marks possible for their work in school or college//\n  5 [U] used to refer in a short way to one of two different things or people. You can call the second one B:  --A demands [hA124]500, B offers [hA124]100.//    plan A at plan1 (5)//\n  6  from A to B:  from one place to another//  get/go from A to B //  --Hiring a car was the best way to get from A to B.//\n  7  from A to Z:  describing, including, or knowing everything about a subject//  --the history of 20th century art from A to Z//\n  8  A34, A40 etc:  the name of a road in Britain that is smaller than a motorway, but larger than a B-road//    A-road//\n  9 [U] a common type of blood:    A level//\nA 2   the written abbreviation of amp or amps//


Words: A & E
Meaning:
n [U]  BrE   Accident and Emergency the part of a hospital where people who are injured or who need urgent treatment are brought//


Words: a cappella
Meaning:
adj, adv   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Italian; Origin: ’in the style of the chapel’]//  sung without any musical instruments//


Words: a la mode
Meaning:
adj, adv \n  1  old-fashioned fashionable:\n  2  AmE served with ice cream:  --apple pie a la mode//


Words: A level
Meaning:
n [U and C]   Advanced level an examination that students in England and Wales take, usually when they are 18//    A/S level, GCSE, GNVQ, O level//  do/take (your) A levels //  --She decided to stay on at school and do her A levels.//  at A level//  --I took maths, physics and chemistry at A level.//


Words: a posteriori
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: ’from what comes later’]//  using facts that you know now to form a judgment about what must have happened before//    a priori//


Words: a priori
Meaning:
adj, adv  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: ’from what came before’]//  using previous experiences or facts to decide what the likely result or effect of something will be//    a posteriori//  --a ruling made on a priori grounds//


Words: A to Z
Meaning:
also  A-Z   trademark a book with maps that show every street in a British city//  --the London A to Z//


Words: A-list
Meaning:
n   the A-list//  all the most popular or famous film stars, musicians etc//    B-list//  --the Hollywood A-list//  --A-list celebrities//


Words: A-OK
Meaning:
adj  AmE  spoken  informal   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: all (systems) OK]//  in good condition//   satisfactory//  --We took the car in for a check, and it was A-OK.//  -- A-OK adv //  --Everything’s been going A-OK since Jack got home.//


Words: a.m.
Meaning:
also  am BrE    [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Latin; Origin: ante meridiem  ’before noon’]//  ante meridiem used to talk about times that are after midnight but before midday//    PM//  --Work starts at 9 am.//


Words: A.M.A.
Meaning:
the  the AMA  the American Medical Association an organization in the US for doctors and people who do medical  research//


Words: A/S level
Meaning:
n [U and C]   Advanced Supplementary level an examination that is taken by students in schools in England and Wales the year after they finish their GCSEs. Students usually continue with three or four of the same subjects after A/S level, in order to complete their A levels//  do/take A/S levels //  A/S level in//  --I’m taking A/S levels in French, Spanish, English, and Maths.//


Words: A3
Meaning:
n [U]   a standard size of paper, used in Europe and Japan. A3 paper measures 297 x 420 millimetres//    A4, A5//


Words: A4
Meaning:
n [U]   a standard size of paper, used in Europe and Japan. A4 paper measures 210 x 297 millimetres//    A3, A5//


Words: A5
Meaning:
n [U]   a standard size of paper, used in Europe and Japan. A5 paper measures 148 x 210 millimetres//    A3, A4//


Words: AA
Meaning:
n \n  1 Alcoholics Anonymous an organization for alcoholics  who want to stop drinking alcohol:\n  2  the AA:   Automobile Association a British organization which provides services for people who own cars//\n  3 [C]  Associate of Arts a two-year college degree in the US:


Words: AAA
Meaning:
the 1   Amateur Athletic Association a British organization for  athletes//\n the 2   the American Automobile Association; an American organization that provides services for people who own cars//


Words: aardvark
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Afrikaans; Origin: ’earth-pig’]//  a large animal from southern Africa that has a very long nose and eats small insects//


Words: aargh
Meaning:
interjection   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin:  Natural sound]//  used to show you are disappointed, hurt, or annoyed//  --Aargh, the lid won’t close.//


Words: Aaron
Meaning:
in the Old Testament of the Bible, a priest who was the brother of  Moses//\n Hank   (1934- ) a  baseball player famous for hitting more  home runs than Babe  Ruth, who had held the record for almost 40 years//


Words: aback
Meaning:
adv   [Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old English; Origin: on b[zB024]c  ’backward’]//  be taken aback (by sth)//  to be very surprised or shocked by something//  --For a moment, I was completely taken aback by her request.//


Words: abacus
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: Greek abax  ’flat piece of stone’]//  a frame with small balls that can be slid along on thick wires, used for counting and calculating//


Words: abalone
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: American Spanish; Origin: abulon]//  a kind of shellfish which is used as food and whose shell contains mother-of-pearl//


Words: abandon
Meaning:
W3   v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: abondoner, from  abandon  ’surrendering’, from  a bandon  ’into someone’s power’]//\n  1 to leave someone, especially someone you are responsible for:  --How could she abandon her own child?//\n  2 to go away from a place, vehicle etc permanently, especially because the situation makes it impossible for you to stay:   leave//  --We had to abandon the car and walk the rest of the way.//  --Fearing further attacks, most of the population had abandoned the city.//\n  3 to stop doing something because there are too many problems and it is impossible to continue:  --The game had to be abandoned due to bad weather.//  --They abandoned their attempt to recapture the castle.//  --Because of the fog they abandoned their idea of driving.//\n  4 to stop having a particular idea, belief, or attitude:  --They were accused of abandoning their socialist principles.//  --Rescuers had abandoned all hope of finding any more survivors.//\n  5  abandon yourself to sth:   literary to feel an emotion so strongly that you let it control you completely//  --She abandoned herself to grief.//\n  6  abandon ship:  to leave a ship because it is sinking//  -- abandonment n  [U] //\nabandon 2 n [U]   if someone does something with abandon, they behave in a careless or uncontrolled way, without thinking or caring about what they are doing//  with reckless/wild abandon //  --They drank and smoked with reckless abandon.//


Words: abandoned
Meaning:
adj \n  1 an abandoned building, car, boat etc has been left by the people who owned or used it:  --The car was found abandoned in Bristol.//  --the demolition of abandoned buildings//\n  2 [only before noun] an abandoned person or animal has been left completely alone by the person that was looking after them:\n  3  literary behaving in a wild and uncontrolled way:


Words: abase
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: abaisser, from  Vulgar Latin bassiare  ’to lower’]//  abase yourself//  to behave in a way that shows you accept that someone has complete power over you//  -- abasement n  [U] //


Words: abashed
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]  written   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: abair  ’to surprise greatly’, from  esbair, from  baer  ’to have the mouth wide open’]//  embarrassed or ashamed because you have done something wrong or stupid//  --She looked rather abashed.//


Words: abate
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: abattre  ’to beat down, kill’]//   formal to become less strong or decrease//  --We waited for the storm to abate.//


Words: abaya
Meaning:
n [C]   a long black piece of clothing worn by Muslim women in some countries, which covers the body and is usually worn with a separate head covering//    burqa, chador//


Words: abbess
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: abbesse, from  Late Latin abbatissa, from  abbas;   ABBOT]//  a woman who is in charge of a convent (=place where a group ofnuns live) //


Words: abbey
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: aba[hA170]e, from  Late Latin abbatia, from  abbas;   ABBOT]//  a large church with buildings next to it where monks and nuns live or used to live//


Words: abbot
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 800-900; Language: Late Latin; Origin: abbas, from  Late Greek, from  Aramaic abba  ’father’]//  a man who is in charge of a monastery (=a place where a group ofmonks live) //


Words: Abbott and Costello
Meaning:
Bud Abbott (1896-1974) and Lou Costello(1908-59), two popular American comedians who appeared in many humorous films together in the 1940s and 1950s//


Words: abbreviate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Late Latin; Origin: , past participle of  abbreviare, from  Latin brevis  ’short’]//  to make a word or expression shorter by not including letters or using only the first letter of each word//   shorten//  be abbreviated to sth//  --’Information technology’ is usually abbreviated to ’IT’.//


Words: abbreviation
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] a short form of a word or expression:  abbreviation of/for//  --’Dr’ is the written abbreviation of ’Doctor’.//\n  2 [U] the act of abbreviating something:


Words: ABC
Meaning:
n \n  1 [singular]  BrE ABCs :   [plural]  AmE the letters of the English alphabet as taught to children//\n  2  the ABC of sth:   BrE the ABCs of sth  AmE the basic facts about a particular subject//  --the ABCs of your computer//\n  3 American Broadcasting Corporation one of the national television companies in the US:


Words: abdicate
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  abdicare, from  ab-  ’away, off’ +  dicare  ’to say publicly’]//\n  1 to give up the position of being king or queen:  --King Alfonso XIII abdicated in favour of his eldest son.//  --The king was forced to abdicate the throne .//\n  2  abdicate (your) responsibility:   formal to refuse to be responsible for something, when you should be or were before//  --The government has largely abdicated its responsibility in dealing with housing needs.//  -- abdication/[zB024]bd[hA369]ke[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: abdomen
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin]//\n  1 the part of your body between your chest and legs which contains your stomach, bowels etc:\n  2 the end part of an insect’s body, joined to the thorax:  -- abdominal/[zB024]bd[hA361]m[hA369]n[hA368]l $ -d[hA35A][hA359]-/ adj //  --acute abdominal pains//


Words: abduct
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  abducere, from  ab-  ’away’ +  ducere  ’to lead’]//  to take someone away by force//   kidnap//  --She was abducted late last night.//  -- abductor n  [C] //  -- abduction/[hA353]bd[hA356]k[hA35D][hA368]n, [zB024]b-/ n  [U and C] //  --child abduction//  -- abductee/[zB024]bd[hA356]kti[hA359]/ n  [C] //


Words: Abel
Meaning:
in the Old Testament of the Bible, the second son of  Adam and  Eve who was killed by his brother  Cain//


Words: Abelard
Meaning:
Peter   (1079-1142) a French  philosopher and theologian best remembered for his love for Heloise, shown in their famous letters to each other//


Words: Aberfan
Meaning:
a small town in South Wales where, in 1966, a large pile of waste material from coal  mines fell onto a school and killed 116 children and 28 adults//


Words: aberrant
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , present participle of  aberrare, from  ab-  ’away’ +  errare  ’to wander’]//  not usual or normal//   abnormal//  --aberrant behaviour//


Words: aberration
Meaning:
n [C]  formal   an action or event that is different from what usually happens or what someone usually does//  --a temporary aberration in US foreign policy//  --a mental aberration//


Words: abet
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  abetted present participle  abetting  [T] //  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: abeter, from  beter  ’to bait’]//  to help someone do something wrong or illegal//    aid and abet at aid2 (3)//


Words: abeyance
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Old French; Origin: abeance  ’expectation’, from  abaer  ’to desire’, from  baer;   ABASHED]//  in abeyance//  something such as a custom, rule, or system that is in abeyance is not being used at the present time//  fall into abeyance (=no longer be used) //


Words: abhor
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  abhorred present participle  abhorring  [T not in progressive]  formal //  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: abhorrere, from  ab-  ’away’ +  horrere  ’to shake in fear’]//  to hate a kind of behaviour or way of thinking, especially because you think it is morally wrong//  --I abhor discrimination of any kind.//


Words: abhorrent
Meaning:
adj   something that is abhorrent is completely unacceptable because it seems morally wrong//   repugnant//  abhorrent to//  --The practice of killing animals for food is utterly abhorrent to me.//


Words: abide
Meaning:
v   [Language: Old English; Origin: abidan, from  bidan;   BIDE]//\n  1  sb can’t abide sb/sth:  used to say that someone dislikes something or someone very much//  --I can’t abide that man - he’s so self-satisfied.//\n  2 :  past tense  abode /[hA353]b[hA353][hA35E]d $ [hA353]bo[hA35E]d/ [I always + adverb/preposition]  old use to live somewhere//  abide by [abide by sth] phr v//  to accept and obey a decision, rule, agreement etc, even though you may not agree with it//  --You have to abide by the referee’s decision.//


Words: Abide With Me
Meaning:
a well-known  hymn (=a song of praise to God) . In the UK it is always sung before the  Cup Final (=an important football game) .//


Words: abiding
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]  written   an abiding feeling or belief continues for a long time and is not likely to change//   lasting//  --Phil has a deep and abiding love for his family.//


Words: ability
Meaning:
n   plural  abilities //  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: habilite, from  Latin habilitas, from  habilis;   ABLE]//\n  1 [C] the state of being able to do something:  ability to do sth//  --the ability to walk//  --The health center serves all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.//  --I don’t have the ability to say ’no’.//\n  2 [U and C] someone’s level of skill at doing something:  athletic/musical/artistic etc ability //  --The test measures verbal and mathematical ability.//  --leadership ability//  --It takes hard work and natural ability to make it as a professional athlete.//  --There are musicians of all abilities in the orchestra.//  of great/exceptional etc ability //  --He’s a writer of remarkable ability.//  of high/low/average ability //  --students of average ability//  -- mixed ability classes (=classes that include students who are at different levels) //\n  3  to the best of your ability:  as well as you can//  --He completed the job to the best of his ability.//


Words: abject
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  abicere, from  ab-  ’away’ +  jacere  ’to throw’]//\n  1  abject poverty/misery/failure etc:  the state of being extremely poor, unhappy, unsuccessful etc//\n  2 an abject action or expression shows that you feel very ashamed:  --an abject apology//  -- abjectly adv //


Words: abjure
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: abjurare, from  ab-  ’away’ +  jurare  ’to swear’]//   formal to state publicly that you will give up a particular belief or way of behaving//   renounce//


Words: ablaze
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]  written \n  1 burning strongly with a lot of flames:    blaze//  --Within minutes the whole house was ablaze.//  --The factory had been set ablaze  (=made to burn) .//\n  2 very bright or colourful:  --a passing pleasure-boat, with all its lights ablaze//  ablaze with//  --Her yard was ablaze with summer flowers.//\n  3 feeling or showing strong emotion, especially anger:  ablaze with//  --His eyes were ablaze with fury.//


Words: able
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin habilis  ’skillful’, from  habere  ’to have’]//\n  1  be able to do sth:  a) to have the skill, strength, knowledge etc needed to do something//  --I’ve always wanted to be able to speak Japanese. see usage note  can1 //  b) to be in a situation in which it is possible for you to do something//  --I’d like to do more gardening, but I never seem able to find the time.//  --I haven’t been able to read that report yet.//\n  2 clever or good at doing something:  --one of my more able students//


Words: able-bodied
Meaning:
adj \n  1 physically strong and healthy, especially when compared with someone who is disabled:  --Every able-bodied man had to fight for his country.//\n  2  the able-bodied [plural] people who are able-bodied:


Words: ablutions
Meaning:
n [plural]  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: ablution, from  Latin, from  abluere, from  ab-  ’away’ +  lavere  ’to wash’]//  if you perform your ablutions, you wash yourself - sometimes used humorously//


Words: abnegation
Meaning:
n [U]  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Late Latin; Origin: abnegatio, from  Latin abnegare  ’to refuse’, from  ab-  ’away’ +  negare  ’to deny’]//  when you do not allow yourself to have or do something that you want//


Words: abnormal
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: ab-  ’away from, not’ (from  Latin ab-  ’away, off’) +  normal]//  very different from usual in a way that seems strange, worrying, wrong, or dangerous//  → normal//  --abnormal behaviour//  --an abnormal level of cholesterol//  --My parents thought it was abnormal for a boy to be interested in ballet.//  -- abnormally adv //  --an abnormally high pulse rate//


Words: abnormality
Meaning:
n   plural  abnormalities  [U and C] //  an abnormal feature, especially something that is wrong with part of someone’s body//  --tests that can detect genetic abnormalities in the foetus//


Words: abo
Meaning:
Abo/[zB024]b[hA353][hA35E] $ -bo[hA35E]/ n   plural  abos  [C]  taboo //  a very offensive word for an Australian aborigine. Do not use this word.//


Words: aboard
Meaning:
prep   on or onto a ship, plane, or train//  --They finally went aboard the plane.//\naboard 2 adv \n  1 on or onto a ship, plane, or train:  --The plane crashed, killing all 200 people aboard.//  --The boat swayed as he stepped aboard.//\n  2  All aboard!:   spoken used to tell passengers of a ship, bus, or train that they must get on because it will leave soon//


Words: abode
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1200-1300; Origin: abide]//\n  1  formal someone’s home - sometimes used humorously:  --Welcome to my humble abode.//  --a homeless person with no fixed abode  (=no permanent home) //\n  2  right of abode:   law the right to live in a country//\nabode 2   the past tense of abide//


Words: abolish
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: abolir, from  Latin abolere, probably from  abolescere  ’to disappear’]//  to officially end a law, system etc, especially one that has existed for a long time//  --Slavery was abolished in the US in the 19th century.//


Words: abolition
Meaning:
n [U]   when a law or a system is officially ended//  abolition of//  --the abolition of the death penalty//


Words: abominable
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin abominabilis, from  abominari  ’to treat as a bad omen, abominate’, from  ab-  ’away’ +  omen (  OMEN)]//  extremely unpleasant or of very bad quality//   terrible//  --abominable cruelty//  -- abominably adv //  --Mavis behaved abominably.//


Words: abominate
Meaning:
v [T not in progressive]  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  abominari;   ABOMINABLE]//  to hate something very much//


Words: abomination
Meaning:
n   [C] someone or something that is extremely offensive or unacceptable//  --He preached that slavery was an abomination.//


Words: aboriginal
Meaning:
adj \n  1  also  Aboriginal:  relating to the Australian aborigines//\n  2  formal relating to the people or animals that have existed in a place or country from the earliest times:   indigenous//\naboriginal 2  Aboriginal n [C]   an aborigine//


Words: aborigine
Meaning:
Aborigine/[zB024]b[hA353]r[hA366]d[hA360][hA369]ni/ n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: aborigines (plural), probably from  ab origine  ’from the beginning’]//  someone who belongs to the race of people who have lived in Australia from the earliest times//


Words: abort
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: abortare, from  abortus, past participle of  aboriri  ’to give birth to a dead baby’, from  ab-  ’away’ +  oriri  ’to rise, be born’]//\n  1 [T] to stop an activity because it would be difficult or dangerous to continue it:  --The rescue mission had to be aborted.//\n  2 [T] to deliberately end a pregnancy when the baby is still too young to live:\n  3 [I] if a pregnant woman or animal aborts, the baby is born too early and is dead when it is born:  --The disease causes pregnant animals to abort.//


Words: abortion
Meaning:
n   [U and C] a medical operation to end a pregnancy so that the baby is not born alive//   termination//  --She decided to have an abortion .//  --anti-abortion campaigners//


Words: abortive
Meaning:
adj   an abortive action is not successful//  --an abortive military coup //  abortive attempt/effort //  --an abortive attempt to reform local government//


Words: abound
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: abonder, from  Latin abundare, from  ab-  ’away’ +  unda  ’wave’]//  to exist in very large numbers//  --Rumours abound as to the reasons for his resignation.//  --Examples of this abound in her book.//  abound with/in [abound with/in sth] phr v//  if a place, situation etc abounds with things of a particular type, it contains a very large number of them//  --The forests abound with deer, birds and squirrels.//


Words: about
Meaning:
prep \n  1 concerning or relating to a particular subject:  --a book about politics//  --She said something about leaving town.//  --He lied about his age.//  --About that car of yours. How much are you selling it for?//  --What’s he on about (=talking about) ?//  -- It’s about Tommy, doctor. He’s been sick again.//  --Naturally, my mother wanted to know all about it (=all the details relating to it) .//\n  2 used to show why someone is angry, happy, upset etc:  --I’m really worried about Jack.//  --She’s upset about missing the party.//\n  3 in many different directions within a particular place, or in different parts of a place:   around, round//  --We spent the whole afternoon walking about town.//  --Books were scattered about the room.//\n  4 in the nature or character of a person or thing:  -- There’s something really strange about Liza.//  -- What I like about the job is that it’s never boring.//\n  5  what/how about sb/sth:   spoken //  a) used to ask a question that directs attention to another person or thing//  --What about Jack? We can’t just leave him here.//  --I’m feeling hungry. How about you?//  b) used to make a suggestion//  --How about a salad for lunch?//\n  6  do sth about sth:  to do something to solve a problem or stop a bad situation//  --If we don’t do something about it, the problem is going to get worse.//  --What can be done about the rising levels of pollution?//\n  7 if an organization, a job, an activity etc is about something, that is its basic purpose:  --Leadership is all about getting your team to co-operate.//\n  8  while you’re about it:   spoken used to tell someone to do something while they are doing something else because it would be easier to do both things at the same time//  --Go and see what’s the matter, and while you’re about it you can fetch me my sweater.//\n  9  what was all that about?:   spoken used to ask the reason for something that has just happened, especially someone’s angry behaviour//\n  10  literary surrounding a person or thing:  --Jo sensed fear and jealousy all about her.//    be quick about it at quick1 (5),  go about your business at business(12)//\nabout 2 adv   [Language: Old English; Origin: abutan, from  a-  ’on’ +  butan  ’outside’]//\n  1  also round about  spoken :  a little more or less than a particular number, amount, or size//   roughly//  --I live about 10 miles away.//  --a tiny computer about as big as a postcard//  --We left the restaurant at round about 10.30.//\n  2  BrE in many different directions within a place or in different parts of a place:   around//  --People were rushing about, trying to find the driver.//  --Cushions were scattered about on the chairs.//\n  3 near to you or in the same place as you:  --Is Derrick about? There’s a phone call for him.//  --Quick! Let’s go while there’s no-one about.//\n  4  BrE  spoken existing or available now:  --I hope she hasn’t caught flu. There’s a lot of it about .//  --She might get temporary work, but there’s not much about.//\n  5  informal almost or probably:  --I was about ready to leave when somebody rang the doorbell.//  --’Have you finished?’ ’ Just about .’//  --It’s  just about  the worst mistake anyone could make.//\n  6  that’s about it/all:   spoken //  a) used to tell someone that you have told them everything you know//  --He was a quiet chap, married with kids. That’s about it, really.//  b) used to say that there is nothing else available//  --There’s some cheese in the fridge and that’s about it.//\n  7 so as to face in the opposite direction:  --He quickly turned about and walked away.//\nabout 3 adj \n  1  be about to do sth:  if someone is about to do something, or if something is about to happen, they will do it or it will happen very soon//  --We were just about to leave when Jerry arrived.//  --Work was about to start on a new factory building.//\n  2  not be about to do sth:   informal used to emphasize that you have no intention of doing something//  --I’ve never smoked in my life and I’m not about to start now.//    out and about at out1 (3),  be up and about at up1 (11)//


Words: about-face
Meaning:
also about-turn  BrE n [C usually singular]   a complete change in the way someone thinks or behaves//  --The administration seems to have done a complete about-face on gun-control.//


Words: above
Meaning:
W1S2   adv, prep \n  1 in a higher position than something else:   over//  → below//  --Our office is above the hairdresser’s.//  --He had a bruise just above his left eye.//  --I heard a strange noise coming from the room above.//  --The great bird hovered high above our heads.//\n  2 more than a particular number, amount, or level:  → below//  --50 metres above sea level//  above freezing/zero (=higher than the temperature at which water freezes) //  --Tonight, temperatures should be just above freezing.//  and/or above //  --free medical care for pensioners aged 65 and above//  --Prize winners must have gained marks of 80% or above.//  --The salaries we offer are well above  (=much higher than) average.//\n  3 to a greater degree than something else:  --Many employers value personality above experience or qualifications.//  above all (else) (=used to say that something is more important than anything else) //  --Max is hardworking, cheerful, and above all honest.//  --medals awarded for bravery above and beyond the call of duty (=greater than it is your duty to show) //\n  4 louder or clearer than other sounds:  --You can always hear her voice above everybody else’s.//\n  5 higher in rank, power, or importance:  → below//  --He never rose above the rank of corporal.//  and/or above //  --officers of the rank of Major and above//  from above//   (=from people in higher authority) //  --We just obey orders from above.//\n  6  formal before, in the same piece of writing:  → below//  --As mentioned above, there is a service charge.//  --Write to the address above for further information.//\n  7  not be above (doing) sth:  to not be too good or honest to do something//  --Eileen’s not above flirting with the boss when it suits her.//\n  8  be above suspicion/reproach/criticism etc:  to be so good that no one can doubt or criticize you//  --Even the king’s closest advisers were not above suspicion.//\n  9  get above yourself:  to think you are better or more important than you really are//    over and above at over1 (14)//    be above the law at law(13)//\nabove 2 W3 adj   [only before noun] //  a) used in a piece of writing to refer to something mentioned in an earlier part of the same piece of writing//  --For the above reasons, the management has no choice but to close the factory.//  b)  the above//   formal something mentioned before in the same piece of writing//  --If none of the above applies to you, then you may be able to reclaim tax.//


Words: above board
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   honest and legal//  --His plans for opening a coffee shop are completely above board.//


Words: abracadabra
Meaning:
interjection   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Late Latin; Origin: Greek]//  a word you say when you do a magic trick, which is supposed to make it successful//


Words: abrade
Meaning:
v [I and T]  technical   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: abradere, from  ab-  ’away’ +  radere  ’to rub hard’]//  to rub something so hard that the surface becomes damaged//


Words: abrasion
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: abrasio, from  abradere;   ABRADE]//\n  1 [C] an area on the surface of your skin that has been injured by being rubbed against something hard:  --She was treated for cuts and abrasions.//\n  2 [U] the process of rubbing a surface very hard so that it becomes damaged or disappears:  --extra protection against abrasion//


Words: abrasive
Meaning:
adj \n  1 rude or unkind:  --She was a tough girl with rather an abrasive manner.//\n  2 having a rough surface, especially one that can be used to clean something or make it smooth:  --Smooth down with a fine abrasive paper.//  -- abrasively adv //\nabrasive 2 n [C ]   a rough powder or substance that you use for cleaning something or making it smooth//


Words: abreast
Meaning:
adv \n  1  keep/stay abreast of sth:  to make sure that you know all the most recent facts or information about a particular subject or situation//  --It’s important to keep abreast of the latest developments in computers.//\n  2  walk/ride etc abreast:  to walk, ride etc next to each other, all facing the same way//  two/three/four etc abreast (=with two, three, four etc people or vehicles next to each other) //  --The planes were flying four abreast.//\n  3 level with someone or something or in line with them:  --As the car drew abreast of him, Jack suddenly recognised the driver.//


Words: abridged
Meaning:
adj [usually before noun]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: abregier, from  Late Latin abbreviare;   ABBREVIATE]//  an abridged book, play etc has been made shorter but keeps its basic structure and meaning//  --The abridged edition was published in 1988.//  -- abridge v  [T] //  -- abridgement also abridgment //   n  [U and C] //


Words: abroad
Meaning:
W3S2   adv   [Date: 1500-1600; Origin: abroad  ’over a wide area’ (13-21 centuries), from  broad]//\n  1 in or to a foreign country:  --I’ve never lived abroad before.//  --She often goes abroad on business.//  --We never travelled abroad when we were kids.//  --goods imported from abroad //  --The books about Harry Potter are very popular now, both at home and abroad. //\n  2  formal if a feeling, piece of news etc is abroad, a lot of people feel it or know about it:  --commercial secrets which we did not want to be spread abroad//


Words: abrogate
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  abrogare, from  ab-  ’away’ +  rogare  ’to ask, suggest a law’]//  to officially end a legal agreement, practice etc//  --Both governments voted to abrogate the treaty.//  -- abrogation/[zB024]br[hA353]ge[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: abrupt
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  abrumpere, from  ab-  ’away, off’ +  rumpere  ’to break’]//\n  1 sudden and unexpected:  --an abrupt change of plan//  come to an abrupt end/halt etc //  --The bus came to an abrupt halt.//\n  2 seeming rude and unfriendly, especially because you do not waste time in friendly conversation:  --Sorry, I didn’t mean to be so abrupt.//  -- abruptly adv //  -- abruptness n  [U] //


Words: abs
Meaning:
n [plural]  informal   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: abdominals]//  the muscles on your abdomen (=stomach) //  --exercises that improve your butt, legs, and abs//


Words: abscess
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: abscessus  ’act of going away, abscess’, from  abscedere, from  abs-  ’away’ +  cedere  ’to go’]//  a painful swollen part of your skin or inside your body that has become infected and is full of a yellowish liquid//


Words: abscond
Meaning:
v [I]  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: abscondere, from  abs-  ’away’ +  condere  ’to hide’]//\n  1 to escape from a place where you are being kept:  abscond from//  --The boy absconded from a children’s home.//\n  2 to secretly leave somewhere, taking with you something that does not belong to you:  abscond with//  --He has to convince a judge that he wasn’t going to abscond with the money.//


Words: abseil
Meaning:
v [I + down]  BrE   harness, rope//  [Date: 1900-2000; Language: German; Origin: abseilen]//  to go down a cliff or a rock by sliding down a rope and pushing against the rock with your feet//  American Equivalent:  rappel//


Words: absence
Meaning:
W2S3   n \n  1 [U and C] when you are not in the place where people expect you to be, or the time that you are away:  in/during sb’s absence//  --Ms Leighton will be in charge during my absence (=while I am away) .//  absence from//  --Her work involved repeated absences from home.//\n  2 [singular] the lack of something or the fact that it does not exist:  → presence//  absence of//  --a complete absence of any kind of planning//  -- In the absence of any evidence, the police had to let Myers go.//\n  3  absence makes the heart grow fonder:  used to say that being away from someone makes you like them more//    leave of absence at leave2 (3),  conspicuous by your absence at conspicuous(3)//


Words: absent
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin, present participle of  abesse, from  ab-  ’away’ +  esse  ’to be’]//\n  1 not at work, school, a meeting etc, because you are sick or decide not to go:  → present//  absent from//  --students who are regularly absent from school//\n  2 if someone or something is absent, they are missing or not in the place where they are expected to be:  absent parent/father //  --plans to force absent fathers to pay child maintenance//  absent from//  --Local women were conspicuously absent  (=obviously not there) from the meeting.//\n  3 [only before noun] a look etc that shows you are not paying attention to or thinking about what is happening:    absently//  --The dull, absent look on her face implied boredom.//\nabsent 2   v [T]  formal   absent yourself (from sth)//  to not go to a place or take part in an event where people expect you to be//


Words: absent-minded
Meaning:
adj   likely to forget things, especially because you are thinking about something else//   forgetful//  --Grandad’s been getting rather absent-minded lately.//  -- absent-mindedly adv //  -- absent-mindedness n  [U] //


Words: absentee ballot
Meaning:
n [C]   a process by which people in the United States can vote before an election because they will be away during the election//


Words: absentee landlord
Meaning:
n [C]   someone who lives a long way away from a house or apartment which they rent to other people, and who rarely or never visits it//


Words: absentee vote
Meaning:
n [C]  American English   a vote which you send by post in an election because you cannot be in the place where you usually vote//  British Equivalent:  postal vote//


Words: absentia
Meaning:
n  formal   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Latin; Origin: abesse;   ABSENT1]//  in absentia//  when you are not at a court or an official meeting where a decision is made about you//


Words: absently
Meaning:
adv   in a way that shows that you are not paying attention to or thinking about what is happening//  --Laura gazed absently out of the window.//


Words: absinth
Meaning:
absinthe/[zB024]bs[hA366]n[hA35F]/ n [U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: Latin absinthium, from  Greek apsinthion]//  a bitter green very strong alcoholic drink//


Words: absolute
Meaning:
W3S2   adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  absolvere;   ABSOLVE]//\n  1 complete or total:  --I have absolute confidence in her.//  --We don’t know with absolute certainty that the project will succeed.//\n  2 [only before noun]  especially BrE  informal used to emphasize your opinion about something or someone:  --Some of the stuff on TV is absolute rubbish.//  --How did you do that? You’re an absolute genius.//  --That meal last night cost an absolute fortune.//\n  3 definite and not likely to change:  --We need absolute proof that he took the money.//\n  4 not restricted or limited:  --an absolute monarch//  --Parents used to have absolute power over their children.//\n  5 true, correct, and not changing in any situation:  --You have an absolute right to refuse medical treatment.//\n  6  in absolute terms:  measured by itself, not in comparison with other things//  --In absolute terms wages have risen, but not in comparison with the cost of living.//\nabsolute 2 n [C]   something that is considered to be true or right in all situations//  --She believed in the importance of moral absolutes.//


Words: absolutely
Meaning:
adv \n  1 completely and in every way:  --He made his reasons for resigning absolutely clear.//  --Are you absolutely sure?//  --This cake is absolutely delicious.//\n  2 used to emphasize something:  --The burglars took absolutely everything.//  --Jim knew absolutely nothing about the business when he joined the firm.//  --He has absolutely no experience of marketing.//\n  3  absolutely not!:   spoken used when you strongly disagree with someone or when you do not want someone to do something//  --’Do you let your kids travel alone at night?’ ’Absolutely not!’//\n  4  absolutely!:   spoken used to say that you completely agree with someone//


Words: absolution
Meaning:
n [U]   when someone is formally forgiven by the Christian Church or a priest for the things they have done wrong//  --Pope Leo gave him absolution. //


Words: absolve
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: absolvere, from  ab-  ’away’ +  solvere  ’to loosen’]//\n  1 to say publicly that someone is not guilty or responsible for something:  absolve sb from/of sth//  --He cannot be absolved of all responsibility for the accident.//\n  2 [often passive] if someone is absolved by the Christian Church or a priest for something they have done wrong, they are formally forgiven:


Words: absorb
Meaning:
W3   v [T]   ----------//\n   1 liquid/gas:\n   2 information:\n   3 interest:\n   4 become part of something:\n   5 light/heat/energy/noise:\n   6 deal with change/costs:\n   7 money/time:\n   8 force:  ----------//  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: absorber, from  Latin absorbere, from  ab-  ’away’ +  sorbere  ’to suck up’]//\n  1 LIQUID/GAS:  to take in liquid, gas, or another substance from the surface or space around something//  --Plants absorb nutrients from the soil.//  absorb sth into sth//  --Water and salts are absorbed into our blood stream.//\n  2 INFORMATION:  to read or hear a large amount of new information and understand it//  --Her capacity to absorb information is amazing.//\n  3 INTEREST:  to interest someone so much that they do not pay attention to other things//  --The movement and noise of the machines absorbed him completely.//  be absorbed in sth//  --Judith lay on the settee, absorbed in her book.//\n  4 BECOME PART OF SOMETHING:  to become part of something larger//  --California absorbs many of the legal immigrants to the US.//  be absorbed into sth//  --We were soon absorbed into local village life.//\n  5 LIGHT/HEAT/ENERGY/NOISE:  if something absorbs light, heat, energy, or noise, it takes it in//  --Darker surfaces absorb heat.//\n  6 DEAL WITH CHANGE/COSTS:  if something absorbs changes or costs, it accepts them and deals with them successfully//  --The beer industry had absorbed a doubling of federal tax in 1991.//\n  7 MONEY/TIME:  if something absorbs money, time etc it uses a lot of it//  --Defence spending absorbs almost 20% of the country’s wealth.//\n  8 FORCE:  to reduce the effect of a sudden violent movement//  --A well-designed sports shoe should absorb the impact on your feet.//


Words: absorbing
Meaning:
adj   enjoyable and interesting, and keeping your attention for a long time//  --an absorbing hobby//


Words: absorption
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 a process in which something takes in liquid, gas, or heat:  absorption of//  --the body’s absorption of iron//\n  2 a process in which people or things become part of something larger:  absorption of//  --the absorption of Soviet immigrants into Israel//\n  3 when you are very interested in something:  absorption with/in//  --I don’t understand James’ absorption with military history.//


Words: abstain
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: abstenir, from  Latin abstinere, from  abs-  ’away’ +  tenere  ’to hold’]//\n  1 to choose not to vote for or against something:  --Six countries voted for the change, five voted against, and two abstained.//\n  2 to not do or have something you enjoy, especially alcohol or sex, usually for reasons of religion or health:  abstain from//  --Pilots must abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before flying.//


Words: abstemious
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: abstemius, from  abs-  ’away’ +  temetum  ’strong drink’]//  careful not to have too much food, drink etc//  -- abstemiousness n  [U] //


Words: abstention
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Late Latin; Origin: abstentio, from  Latin abstinere;   ABSTAIN]//\n  1 [U and C] an act of not voting for or against something:  --The draft law was passed by 134 votes to 19, with 5 abstentions.//\n  2 [U]  formal when you do not do something you enjoy doing:  abstention from//  --fasting and abstention from intoxicating drinks//


Words: abstinence
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin abstinentia, from  Latin abstinere;   ABSTAIN]//  the practice of not having something you enjoy, especially alcohol or sex, usually for reasons of religion or health//  -- abstinent adj //


Words: abstract
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  abstrahere, from  abs-  ’away’ +  trahere  ’to pull’]//\n  1 based on general ideas or principles rather than specific examples or real events:   theoretical//  abstract idea/concept //  --the ability to translate abstract ideas into words//  --By the age of seven, children are capable of thinking in abstract terms .//  --Human beings are the only creatures capable of abstract thought  (=thinking about ideas) .//\n  2 existing only as an idea or quality rather than as something real that you can see or touch:  → concrete//  --the abstract nature of beauty//  3 abstract paintings, designs etc consist of shapes and patterns that do not look like real people or things//    abstract noun//\nabstract 2 n [C] \n  1 a painting, design etc which contains shapes or images that do not look like real things or people:\n  2 a short written statement containing only the most important ideas in a speech, article etc:\n  3  in the abstract:  considered in a general way rather than being based on specific details and examples//  --Talking about crime in the abstract just isn’t enough.//\nabstract 3   v [T] \n  1 to write a document containing the most important ideas or points from a speech, article etc:\n  2  formal to remove something from somewhere:


Words: Abstract Expressionism
Meaning:
a style of painting that developed in New York in the late 1940s. It shows shapes and patterns which do not look like real things or people, but are intended to express emotions. It was practised by artists such as Jackson  Pollock and Willem  de Kooning.//


Words: abstract noun
Meaning:
n [C]   a noun that names a feeling, quality, or state rather than an object, animal, or person. For example, ’hunger’ and ’beauty’ are abstract nouns.//


Words: abstracted
Meaning:
adj   not noticing anything around you because you are thinking carefully about something else//  -- abstractedly adv //


Words: abstraction
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] a general idea about a type of situation, thing, or person rather than a specific example from real life:  --He’s always talking in abstractions.//\n  2 [U] when you do not notice what is happening around you because you are thinking carefully about something else:  --She rocked the baby gently, gazing in abstraction at the flickering fire.//\n  3 [U] the use of shapes and patterns that do not look like real things:


Words: abstruse
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  abstrudere  ’to hide’, from  abs-  ’away’ +  trudere  ’to push’]//  unnecessarily complicated and difficult to understand//  --Maths is a mix of abstruse theory and detailed calculations.//


Words: Absurd
Meaning:
the  also the Theatre of the Absurd  n [singular]   a style of play for the theatre that was developed in the 1950s by writers such as Beckett and  Ionesco, whose work expresses the belief that human existence has no meaning or purpose. These plays are very different from traditional theatre. The characters do not communicate effectively with each other, and often their words do not make sense.//  -- Absurdist adj //


Words: absurd
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: absurde, from  Latin absurdus, from  ab-  ’away’ +  surdus  ’deaf, stupid’]//\n  1 completely stupid or unreasonable:   ridiculous//  quite/slightly/completely etc absurd //  --It seems quite absurd to expect anyone to drive for 3 hours just for a 20 minute meeting.//  --It seems an absurd idea.//\n  2  the absurd:  something that is completely stupid and unreasonable//  --Some of the stories he tells verge on the absurd.//  -- absurdity n  [U and C] //  --Duncan laughed at the absurdity of the situation.//


Words: absurdly
Meaning:
adv   surprisingly or unreasonably//   ridiculously//  absurdly low/high //  --Prices on the island seem absurdly low to Western tourists.//


Words: Abu Dhabi
Meaning:
1 the largest  emirate of the United Arab Emirates:\n  2 the capital city of the United Arab Emirates:


Words: abundance
Meaning:
n [singular, U]   a large quantity of something//  abundance of//  --an abundance of wavy red hair//  in abundance//  --One quality the team possessed in abundance was fighting spirit.//


Words: abundant
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin, present participle of  abundare;   ABOUND]//  something that is abundant exists or is available in large quantities so that there is more than enough//  → scarce//  --an abundant supply of fresh water//  --abundant opportunities for well qualified staff//


Words: abundantly
Meaning:
adv \n  1  abundantly clear:  very easy to understand//  --She’d made her feelings towards him abundantly clear .//\n  2 in large quantities:  --Melons grow abundantly in this region.//


Words: abuse
Meaning:
W3S2   n \n  1 [plural, U] cruel or violent treatment of someone:  --several cases of child abuse //  physical/sexual/racial abuse //  --Many children suffer racial abuse at school.//  --An independent committee will look into alleged human rights abuses. //\n  2 [U and C] the use of something in a way that it should not be used:   misuse//  abuse of//  --government officials’ abuse of power //  --A self-monitoring tax system is clearly open to abuse  (=able to be used wrongly) .//  alcohol/drug abuse (=the practice of drinking too much or taking illegal drugs) //    solvent abuse//\n  3 [U] rude or offensive things that someone says when they are angry:  --vandalism and verbal abuse directed at old people//  a torrent/stream of abuse (=a series of rude or angry words) //  shout/hurl/scream abuse at sb //  --The other driver started hurling abuse at me.//    a term of abuse at term1 (3)//\nabuse 2   v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: abuser, from  Latin abusus, past participle of  abuti, from  ab-  ’away’ +  uti  ’to use’]//\n  1 to treat someone in a cruel and violent way, often sexually:  sexually/physically abused //  --She was sexually abused as a child.//\n  2 to deliberately use something for the wrong purpose or for your own advantage:  --Williams abused his position as Mayor to give jobs to his friends.//  --Morris abused the trust the firm had shown in him.//  --people who abuse the system //  abuse alcohol/drugs //  --The proportion of drinkers who abuse alcohol is actually quite small.//\n  3 to say rude or offensive things to someone:   insult//  --Many soldiers in Belfast are verbally abused .//  --He came to the help of another driver who was being racially abused by three white passengers.//\n  4 to treat something so badly that you start to destroy it:  --James abused his body for years with heroin and cocaine.//  -- abuser n  [C] //


Words: abusive
Meaning:
adj   using cruel words or physical violence//  --Smith denies using abusive language to the referee.//  --He became abusive and his wife was injured in the struggle.//  -- abusively adv //  -- abusiveness n  [U] //


Words: abut
Meaning:
v  also abut on   past tense and past participle  abutted present participle  abutting  [T]  formal //  [Date: 1400-1500; Origin:  Partly from  Old French aboter  ’to share a border with’, from  bout  ’act of hitting, end’, from  boter  ’to hit’; partly from  Old French abuter  ’to come to an end’, from  but  ’end, aim’]//  if one piece of land or a building abuts another, it is next to it or touches one side of it//


Words: abysmal
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Origin: abysm  ’abyss’ (14-20 centuries), from  Old French abisme, from  Late Latin abyssus;   ABYSS]//  very bad or of bad quality//   terrible//  --The reunion was an abysmal failure.//  -- abysmally adv //


Words: abyss
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Late Latin; Origin: abyssus, from  Greek, from  abyssos  ’bottomless’, from  a-  ’without’ +  byssos  ’depth’]//\n  1 a very dangerous or frightening situation:  abyss of//  --The country might plunge into the abyss of economic ruin.//  --At that time Bosnia was standing on the edge of an abyss .//\n  2 a deep empty hole in the ground:\n  3 a very big difference that separates two people or groups:  --the gaping abyss between these grand buildings and my own miserable home//


Words: AC
Meaning:
1 the abbreviation of alternating current  DC:\n  2 the written abbreviation of air-conditioning :    AC/DC//


Words: AC/DC
Meaning:
adj  informal   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: alternating current/direct current two different types of electric current]//  sexually attracted to both men and women//


Words: acacia
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: Greek akakia]//  a tree with small yellow or white flowers that grows in warm countries//


Words: Acacia Avenue
Meaning:
BrE   the name of an imaginary street that people think of as a typical suburban street in the UK. It represents a place where ordinary families live in a traditional way. It is used mainly in newspapers.//


Words: academe
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Modern Latin; Origin: academia;   ACADEMIA]//  the work that university teachers and students do - often used humorously//


Words: academia
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1900-2000; Language: Modern Latin; Origin: Latin;   ACADEMY]//  the activities and work done at universities and colleges, or the teachers and students involved in it//


Words: academic
Meaning:
W2   adj \n  1 [usually before noun] relating to education, especially at college or university level:  --He possessed no academic qualifications.//  --a program designed to raise academic standards//\n  2 [usually before noun] concerned with studying from books, as opposed to practical work:  --the study of art as an academic discipline//\n  3 good at studying:  --He’s a popular child, but not very academic.//\n  4 if a discussion about something is academic, it is a waste of time because the speakers cannot change the existing situation:  --The question of where we go on holiday is purely academic since we don’t have any money.//  -- academically/-kli/ adv //\nacademic 2 n [C]   a teacher in a college or university//


Words: academician
Meaning:
n [C]   a member of an official organization which encourages the development of literature, art, science etc//


Words: academy
Meaning:
n   plural  academies  [C] //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: academia, from  Greek Akademeia school in Athens at which the ancient Greek thinker Plato taught, named for  Akademos a hero in Athenian stories]//\n  1 an official organization which encourages the development of literature, art, science etc:  --the American Academy of Arts and Letters//\n  2 a college where students are taught a particular subject or skill:  --a military academy//  --the Royal Academy of Music//\n  3 a school in Scotland for children between 11 and 16:\n  4 a private school in the US:


Words: Acadia
Meaning:
an area in North America where French people went to live in the 17th century, consisting of land that now belongs to Maine in the US and to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and part of Quebec in Canada. The name  Cajun, comes from the word ’Acadian’, meaning someone from this place.//


Words: ACAS
Meaning:
Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service a British organization that tries to end disagreements about pay, conditions at work etc between the management of a business and its workers//


Words: accede
Meaning:
v   accede to [accede to sth] phr v//  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: accedere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  cedere  ’to go’]//\n  1 to agree to a demand, proposal etc, especially after first disagreeing with it:  --the doctor’s refusal to accede to his patient’s request//\n  2 if someone accedes to the throne, they become king or queen:


Words: accelerando
Meaning:
adj, adv   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Italian; Origin: ’accelerating’]//  getting gradually faster//


Words: accelerate
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  accelerare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  celer  ’fast’]//\n  1 [I and T] if a process accelerates or if something accelerates it, it happens faster than usual or sooner than you expect:  --measures to accelerate the rate of economic growth//\n  2 [I] if a vehicle or someone who is driving it accelerates, it starts to go faster:  → decelerate//  --The car accelerated smoothly away.//


Words: acceleration
Meaning:
n \n  1 [singular, U] a process in which something happens more and more quickly:  acceleration in//  --an acceleration in the rate of inflation//  acceleration of//  --the rapid acceleration of economic progress in South East Asia//\n  2 [U] the rate at which a car or other vehicle can go faster:  --The latest model has excellent acceleration.//\n  3 [U]  technical the rate at which the speed of an object increases:


Words: accelerator
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1 the part of a car or other vehicle that you press with your foot to make it go faster:  American Equivalent:  gas pedal//\n  2  technical a large machine used to make extremely small pieces of matter1(3) move at extremely high speeds:


Words: accent
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: Latin accentus, from  ad-  ’to’ +  cantus  ’song’]//\n  1 the way someone pronounces the words of a language, showing which country or which part of a country they come from:    dialect//  --He noticed that I spoke Polish with an accent .//  English/American/Indian etc accent //  --a slight American accent//  a broad/strong/slight/faint etc accent //  --a broad Irish accent//\n  2  the accent is on sth:  if the accent is on a particular quality, feeling etc, special importance is given to it//  --accommodation with the accent on comfort//\n  3 the part of a word that you should emphasize when you say it:   stress//  accent on//  --In the word ’dinner’ the accent is on the first syllable.//\n  4 a written mark used above or below particular letters in some languages to show how to pronounce that letter:\naccent 2   v [T] \n  1 to make something more noticeable so that people will pay attention to it:   highlight//  --Use make-up to accent your cheekbones and eyes.//\n  2  technical to emphasize a part of a word in speech:


Words: accented
Meaning:
adj \n  1 spoken with a foreign accent:  --He spoke heavily accented English.//\n  2 emphasized or given special importance:  --accented lighting//


Words: accentuate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: , past participle of  accentuare, from  Latin accentus;   ACCENT1]//  to make something more noticeable//  --The photograph seemed to accentuate his large nose.//  -- accentuation/[hA353]ksent[hA35D]ue[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: accept
Meaning:
v   ----------//\n   1 gift/offer/invitation:\n   2 situation/problem etc:\n   3 think somebody/something is good enough:\n   4 become part of a group:\n   5 agree to take/deal with something:\n   6 suggestion/advice:\n   7 believe an explanation/statement:\n   8 accept responsibility/blame for something:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: accepter, from  Latin acceptare, from  accipere  ’to receive’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  capere  ’to take’]//\n  1 GIFT/OFFER/INVITATION:   [I and T] to take something that someone offers you, or to agree to do something that someone asks you to do//  → refuse//  --Rick accepted her offer of coffee.//  --He accepted the invitation to stay with us.//  --His school reports said that he is always ready to accept a challenge  (=agree to do something difficult) .//  --Please accept this small gift.//  --They offered me a job and I accepted.//  accept sth from sb//  --He accepted a glass of water from Helen.//  --He readily accepted her invitation (=accepted it quickly) .//\n  2 SITUATION/PROBLEM ETC:   [T] to decide that there is nothing you can do to change a difficult and unpleasant situation or fact and continue with your normal life//  --He’s not going to change, and you just have to accept it.//  accept that//  --We have to accept that this is not an ideal world.//  --You need to accept the fact that most of your problems are caused by jealousy.//\n  3 THINK SOMEBODY/SOMETHING IS GOOD ENOUGH:   [T] to decide that someone has the necessary skill or intelligence for a particular job, course etc or that a piece of work is good enough//  → reject//  --Students accepted by Stanford Law School had very high scores on the LSAT.//  accept sb/sth as sth//  --They have accepted him as the representative of the company.//  accept sb/sth for sth//  --Random House accepted the book for publication.//\n  4 BECOME PART OF A GROUP:   [T] to allow someone to become part of a group, society, or organization, and to treat them in the same way as the other members//  → reject//  accept sb as sth//  --The children gradually began to accept her as one of the family.//  accept sb into sth//  --It often takes years for immigrants to be accepted into the host community.//\n  5 AGREE TO TAKE/DEAL WITH SOMETHING:   [T] to agree to take or deal with something that someone gives you, or to say that it is suitable or good enough//  --The government has accepted the resignation of a senior army commander.//  --Please accept my sincere apologies .//  --Sorry, we don’t accept travellers’ cheques.//\n  6 SUGGESTION/ADVICE:   [T] to decide to do what someone advises or suggests you should do//  --Be prepared to accept the advice of members of staff.//\n  7 BELIEVE AN EXPLANATION/STATEMENT:   [T] to agree that what someone says is right or true//  → reject//  --She has accepted your explanation as to why you didn’t attend the meeting.//\n  8  accept responsibility/blame for sth:  to admit that you were responsible for something bad that happened//  --The University will not accept responsibility for items lost or stolen.//


Words: acceptable
Meaning:
W3S3   adj \n  1 good enough to be used for a particular purpose or to be considered satisfactory:  acceptable to//  --an agreement which is acceptable to all sides//  --Students who achieve an acceptable standard will progress to degree studies.//  --How do we reach an acceptable level of data security?//\n  2 acceptable behaviour is considered to be morally or socially good enough:  --Alcohol is not an acceptable way out of your problems.//  --Here, the students set the standards for acceptable behaviour .//  acceptable (for sb) to do sth//  --It is not socially acceptable for parents to leave children unattended at that age.//  --It is perfectly acceptable to sample the food before you buy.//  -- acceptably adv //  -- acceptability/[hA353]ksept[hA353]b[hA366]l[hA369]ti/ n  [U] //


Words: acceptance
Meaning:
W3   n \n  1 [U] when you officially agree to take something that you have been offered:  acceptance of//  --the formal acceptance of an invitation//  --He wrote a letter of acceptance  (=a letter in which you agree to accept a job, university place etc) to the university.//\n  2 [singular, U] when people agree that an idea, statement, explanation etc is right or true:  acceptance of//  --the acceptance of Einstein’s theory//  acceptance that//  --There is still not widespread acceptance that fathers can care for children as well as mothers do.//  gain/find acceptance //  --This type of management style gained acceptance in the 1980s.//\n  3 [U] the ability to accept an unpleasant situation which cannot be changed, without getting angry or upset about it:  acceptance of//  --By the end of the trial, Nicolas moved towards acceptance of his fate.//\n  4 [U] the process of allowing someone to become part of a group or a society and of treating them in the same way as the other members:  --Acceptance by their peer group is important to most youngsters.//


Words: accepted
Meaning:
adj   considered right or suitable by most people//  --Having more than one wife is a normal and accepted practice in some countries.//  generally/widely/universally etc accepted //  --generally accepted principles of fairness and justice//


Words: access
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: acces  ’arrival’, from  Latin accessus  ’approach’, from  accedere;   ACCEDE]//\n  1 the right to enter a place, use something, see someone etc:  access to//  --Access to the papers is restricted to senior management.//  --Cats should always have access to fresh, clean water.//\n  2 how easy or difficult it is for people to enter a public building, to reach a place, or talk to someone:  access for//  --We’re trying to improve access for disabled visitors.//  access to//  --a villa with easy access to the sea//\n  3 the way you use to enter a building or reach a place:  --Access is by means of a small door on the right.//  access to//  --Access to the restrooms is through the foyer.//\n  4  have access to a car/a computer etc:  to have a car, computer etc that you can use//\n  5  BrE the legal right to see and spend time with your children, a prisoner, an official etc:  --My ex-husband has access to the children once a week.//\n  6  gain/get access (to sth):  to succeed in entering a place or in seeing someone or something//  --The police managed to gain access through an upstairs window.//\naccess 2 v [T]   to find information, especially on a computer//  --Users can access their voice mail remotely.//


Words: access course
Meaning:
n [C]  BrE   an educational course for adults which prepares them for study at a university or college//


Words: access provider
Meaning:
n [C]   a company that provides the technical services that allow people to use the Internet, usually in exchange for a monthly payment//   Internet Service Provider//


Words: access time
Meaning:
n [U and C]    technical the time taken by a computer to find and use a piece of information in its memory//


Words: accessible
Meaning:
adj \n  1 a place, building, or object that is accessible is easy to reach or get into:  → inaccessible//  --The island is only accessible by boat.//  --There is a church which is easily accessible from my home.//\n  2 easy to obtain or use:  accessible to//  --the need for an efficient health service that is accessible to all//  easily/readily accessible //  --Computers should be made readily accessible to teachers and pupils.//\n  3 someone who is accessible is easy to meet and talk to, even if they are very important or powerful:  --I think that you’ll find she’s very accessible.//\n  4 a book, poem, painting etc that is accessible is easy to understand and enjoy:  accessible to//  --He wants his music to be accessible to everyone.//  -- accessibly adv //  -- accessibility/[hA353]kses[hA353]b[hA366]l[hA369]ti/ n  [U] //


Words: accession
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] an official process in which someone becomes king, queen, president etc:    succession//  accession of//  --the accession of James I//  accession to power/to the throne (=the act of becoming king, queen, president etc) //\n  2 [U]  formal the act of agreeing to a demand:\n  3 [C]  technical an object or work of art that is added to a collection of objects or paintings:


Words: accessory
Meaning:
n   plural  accessories  [C] //\n  1 [usually plural] something such as a piece of equipment or a decoration that is not necessary, but that makes a machine, car, room etc more useful or more attractive:  --bathroom accessories such as mirrors and towel-rails//\n  2 [usually plural] something such as a bag, belt, or jewellery that you wear or carry because it is attractive:  --fashion accessories//  --a set of fully matching clothes and accessories//\n  3 someone who helps a criminal, especially by helping them hide from the police:  accessory to//  --an accessory to murder//  an accessory before/after the fact (=someone who helps a criminal before or after the crime) //


Words: accident
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: Latin accidens  ’additional quality, chance’, from  accidere  ’to happen’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  cadere  ’to fall’]//\n  1  by accident:  in a way that is not planned or intended//  → on purpose, deliberately//  --I met her  quite by accident . (=completely by accident) //  --The discovery was made almost by accident.//  --The pilot,  whether by accident or design   (=whether it was planned or not planned) , made the plane do a sharp turn.//\n  2 [C] a crash involving cars, trains, planes etc:  road/car/traffic etc accident //  --Over 70,000 people are killed or seriously injured every year in road accidents.//  fatal/serious/tragic etc accident //  --a fatal accident on the freeway//  --The accident happened at the junction of Forest Road and Pine Walk.//  3 [C] a situation in which someone is injured or something is damaged without anyone intending them to be//  --Ken had an accident at work and had to go to hospital.//  --I’m sorry about breaking the vase - it was an accident  (=I did not intend to do it) .//\n  4 [U and C] something that happens without anyone planning or intending it:  --My third baby was an accident.//  -- It is no accident that men fill most of the top jobs in nursing, while women remain on the lower grades.//  an accident of birth/geography/history etc (=an event or situation caused by chance) //\n  5  accidents (will) happen:   spoken used to tell someone who has broken something that they should not worry that it has happened//\n  6  an accident waiting to happen:  used about a situation in which an accident is likely to happen because no one is trying to prevent it//  --The boats are being left to drift; it’s an accident waiting to happen.//  ----------//  WORD FOCUS: accident //  similar words: crash,  wreck (AmE),  pile-up,  collision,  disaster,  catastrophe //  ----------//


Words: accident and emergency
Meaning:
n [C]  BrE   the room or department in a hospital where people go if they have an accident or suddenly become ill//   A & E//  American Equivalent:  emergency room//


Words: accidental
Meaning:
adj   happening without being planned or intended//  → deliberate//  --an accidental discharge of toxic waste//  --Buy an insurance policy that covers accidental damage .//  -- accidentally adv //  --I accidentally locked myself out of the house.//


Words: accidental death
Meaning:
n [U]  law  especially BrE   an expression used by a court when it has decided that someone’s death was caused by an accident//


Words: acclaim
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: acclamare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  clamare  ’to shout’]//  to praise someone or something publicly//  --His work was acclaimed by art critics.//\nacclaim 2 n [U]   praise for a person or their achievements//  --The young singer is enjoying massive critical acclaim  (=praise by people who are paid to give their opinion on art, music etc) .//  international/great/popular/public etc acclaim //  --Their recordings have won great acclaim .//


Words: acclaimed
Meaning:
adj   publicly praised by a lot of people//  highly/widely/universally acclaimed //  --The book has been widely acclaimed by teachers and pupils.//  --His work was critically acclaimed  (=praised by people who are paid to give their opinion on art, music etc) .//


Words: acclamation
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U and C]  formal a loud expression of approval or welcome:\n  2 [singular, U]  formal the act of electing someone, using a spoken rather than written vote:


Words: acclimatize
Meaning:
also  acclimatise BrE   AmE  [I and T]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: acclimater, from  climat;   CLIMATE]//  to become used to a new place, situation, or type of weather, or to make someone become used to it//  acclimatize to//  --Runners had to acclimatize to the humid tropical conditions.//  acclimatize yourself (to sth)//  --I found it hard to acclimatize myself to working at weekends.//  -- acclimatization/[hA353]kla[hA366]m[hA353]ta[hA366]ze[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ -t[hA353]-/ n  [U] //


Words: accolade
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: accoler  ’to embrace’, from  Vulgar Latin accolare, from  Latin collum  ’neck’]//  praise for someone who is greatly admired, or a prize given to them for their work//  ultimate/highest/supreme etc accolade //  --She received a Grammy Award, the highest accolade in the music business.//


Words: accommodate
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  accommodare, from  ad-  ’to’ +   commodare  ’to make fit’, from  commodus  ’suitable’]//\n  1 [T] if a room, building etc can accommodate a particular number of people or things, it has enough space for them:  --He bought a huge house to accommodate his library.//  --The ballroom can accommodate 400 people.//\n  2 [T] to provide someone with a place to stay, live, or work:  --The island was used to accommodate child refugees.//\n  3 [T] to accept someone’s opinions and try to do what they want, especially when their opinions or needs are different from yours:  --We’ve made every effort to accommodate your point of view.//\n  4 [I] to get used to a new situation or to make yourself do this:  accommodate to//  --Her eyes took a while to accommodate to the darkness.//


Words: accommodation
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U]  also accommodations  AmE a place for someone to stay, live, or work:  --The price for the holiday includes flights and accommodation.//  --living accommodations for the crews//  --travel and hotel accommodations//  -- rented accommodation //  -- secure accommodation for young offenders//  --Universities have to provide student accommodation for first-year students.//\n  2 [singular, U]  formal an agreement between people or groups who have different views or opinions, that satisfies everyone:  --We reached an accommodation between both parties.//


Words: accompaniment
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U and C] music that is played in the background at the same time as another instrument or singer that plays or sings the main tune:  piano/orchestral/organ/guitar etc accompaniment //  --He plays folk music with guitar accompaniment.//  to the accompaniment of sth//  --An elderly man puffed on a trumpet to the accompaniment of drums and piano.//\n  2 [C] something that is provided or used with something else:  --White wine makes an excellent accompaniment to fish.//\n  3  to the accompaniment of sth:  while something else is happening or while another sound can be heard//  --They were exercising to the accompaniment of cheerful music.//\n  4 [C] something that happens at the same time as another thing:


Words: accompany
Meaning:
W2   v   past tense and past participle  accompanied present participle  accompanying third person singular  accompanies  [T] //  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: acompaignier, from  compaing  ’companion’, from  Late Latin companio;   COMPANION]//\n  1 to go somewhere with someone:  --Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.//  --Wherever her husband went, she would accompany him.//\n  2 to play a musical instrument while someone sings a song or plays the main tune:  --Daniel wanted Liz to accompany him on violin.//\n  3 [usually passive] to happen or exist at the same time as something else:  --The disease is accompanied by sneezing and fever.//\n  4 if a book, document etc accompanies something, it comes with it:  --Please see accompanying booklet for instructions.//  --Your passport application form should be accompanied by two recent photographs.//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  In spoken English, it is more usual to use go/come with He came with me to the airport. //  ----------//


Words: accomplice
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Origin:  Probably from  a complice, mistaken for  acomplice;  complice  ’accomplice’ (15-19 centuries) from  Old French, from  Late Latin complex, from  Latin complicare (  COMPLICATE)]//  a person who helps someone such as a criminal to do something wrong//


Words: accomplish
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: acomplir, from  Vulgar Latin accomplere, from  Latin ad-  ’to’ +  complere (  COMPLETE1)]//  to succeed in doing something, especially after trying very hard//   achieve//  --We have accomplished all we set out to do.//  -- Mission accomplished  (=we have done what we intended to do) .//


Words: accomplished
Meaning:
adj \n  1 an accomplished writer, painter, singer etc is very skilful:  highly/very accomplished //  --a highly accomplished designer//\n  2  an accomplished fact:   BrE something that is known to be true and cannot be doubted//


Words: accomplishment
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] something successful or impressive that is achieved after a lot of effort and hard work:   achievement//  impressive/significant/great etc accomplishment //  --Cutting the budget was an impressive accomplishment.//  --It was a major accomplishment for a player who had been injured so recently.//\n  2 [U] the act of finishing or achieving something good:  accomplishment of//  --the accomplishment of policy goals//\n  3 [U and C] an ability to do something well, or the skill involved in doing something well:  --Playing the piano is one of her many accomplishments.//


Words: accord
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: acort, from  acorder;   ACCORD2]//\n  1  of sb’s/sth’s own accord:  without being asked or forced to do something//  --He decided to go of his own accord.//  --The door seemed to move of its own accord.//\n  2 [U]  formal a situation in which two people, ideas, or statements agree with each other:  be in accord with sth//  --These results are in accord with earlier research.//  in perfect/complete accord //  --It is important to the success of any firm that its partners should be in complete accord.//\n  3 [C] a formal agreement between countries or groups:  --the Helsinki accord on human rights//\n  4  with one accord:   formal if two or more people do something with one accord, they do it together or at the same time//  --There was a silence as the women turned with one accord to stare at Doreen.//\naccord 2 v  formal   [Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: acorder, from  Vulgar Latin accordare, from  Latin ad-  ’to’ +  cor  ’heart’]//\n  1 [T] to give someone or something special attention or a particular type of treatment:  --You will not be accorded any special treatment.//  accord sth to sth/sb//  --Every school accords high priority to the quality of teaching.//\n  2  accord with sth:  to match or agree with something//  --The punishments accorded with the current code of discipline.//


Words: accordance
Meaning:
n   in accordance with sth//   formal according to a rule, system etc//  --Article 47 may only be used in accordance with international law .//  --Use this product only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.//


Words: according to
Meaning:
W1S2 prep \n  1 as shown by something or stated by someone:  --According to the police, his attackers beat him with a blunt instrument.//  --There is now widespread support for these proposals, according to a recent public opinion poll.//\n  2 in a way that depends on differences in situations or amounts:  --You will be paid according to the amount of work you do.//\n  3 in a way that agrees with a system or plan, or obeys a set of rules:  --The game will be played according to rules laid down for the 1992 Cup.//  --Everything went according to plan , and we arrived on time.//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  Do not say ’according to me’ or ’according to my opinion/point of view’. Say in my opinion In my opinion his first book is much better. //  ----------//


Words: accordingly
Meaning:
adv \n  1 in a way that is suitable for a particular situation or that is based on what someone has done or said:  --Katherine still considered him a child and treated him accordingly.//\n  2 [sentence adverb] as a result of something:   therefore//  --Some of the laws were contradictory. Accordingly, measures were taken to clarify them.//


Words: accordion
Meaning:
n  also piano accordion  BrE [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: German; Origin: akkordion, from  akkord  ’chord’, from  French accord]//  a musical instrument like a large box that you hold in both hands. You play it by pressing the sides together and pulling them out again, while you push buttons and keys.//  -- accordionist n  [C] //


Words: accost
Meaning:
v [T]  written   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: accoster, from  Latin costa  ’rib, side’]//  to go towards someone you do not know and speak to them in an unpleasant or threatening way//  --He was accosted by four youths and forced to give them all his money.//


Words: account
Meaning:
W1S2   n [C]   ----------//\n   1 description:\n   2 at a bank:\n   3 take account of something:\n   4 on account of something:\n   5 accounts:\n   6 on account:\n   7 with a shop/company:\n   8 bill:\n   9 arrangement to sell goods:\n  10 by/from all accounts:\n  11 on somebody’s account:\n  12 on your own account:\n  13 on no account/not on any account:\n  14 by somebody’s own account:\n  15 on that account/on this account:\n  16 give a good/poor account of yourself:\n  17 bring/call somebody to account:\n  18 put/turn something to good account:\n  19 of no/little account:  ----------//\n  1 DESCRIPTION:  a written or spoken description that says what happens in an event or process//  account of//  --He was too shocked to give an account of what had happened.//  blow-by-blow account (=a description of all the details of an event in the order that they happened) //  --a blow-by-blow account of how England lost to Portugal//  --Chomsky’s account of how children learn their first language//  eye-witness/first-hand account (=description of events by someone who saw them) //  --Eye-witness accounts told of the unprovoked shooting of civilians.//  --This gives a first-hand account of the war.//\n  2 AT A BANK:   written abbreviation a/c //   or  acct.//  an arrangement in which a bank keeps your money safe so that you can pay more in or take money out//  --My salary is paid directly into my bank account.//  --I’ve opened an account with Barclay’s Bank.//  --My husband and I have a joint account  (=one that is shared between two people) .//    bank account,  checking account,  current account,  deposit account,  profit and loss account,  savings account//\n  3  take account of sth:   also take sth into account //  to consider or include particular facts or details when making a decision or judgment about something//  --These figures do not take account of changes in the rate of inflation.//\n  4  on account of sth:  because of something else, especially a problem or difficulty//  --She was told to wear flat shoes, on account of her back problem.//\n  5  accounts:  a)  [plural] an exact record of the money that a company has received and the money it has spent//  --The accounts for last year showed a profit of $2 million.//  b)  [U] a department in a company that is responsible for keeping records of the amount of money spent and received//  --Eileen works in accounts.//\n  6  on account:  if you buy goods on account, you take them away with you and pay for them later//\n  7 WITH A SHOP/COMPANY:  an arrangement that you have with a shop or company, which allows you to buy goods or use a service now and pay for them later//   credit account//  --Can you charge this to my account please?//  --an unlimited-use Internet account//\n  8 BILL:  a statement that shows how much money you owe for things you have bought from a shop//   bill//  pay/settle your account (=pay what you owe) //  --James left the restaurant, settling his account by credit card.//\n  9 ARRANGEMENT TO SELL GOODS:  an arrangement to sell goods and services to another company over a period of time//  --Our sales manager has secured several big accounts recently.//\n  10  by/from all accounts:  according to what a lot of people say//  --It has, from all accounts, been a successful marriage.//\n  11  on sb’s account:  if you do something on someone’s account, you do it because you think they want you to//  --Please don’t change your plans on my account.//\n  12  on your own account:  by yourself or for yourself//  --Carrie decided to do a little research on her own account.//\n  13  on no account/not on any account:  used when saying that someone must not, for any reason, do something//  --On no account must you disturb me when I’m working.//\n  14  by sb’s own account:  according to what you have said, especially when you have admitted doing something wrong//  --Bentley was, by his own account, over-sensitive to criticism.//\n  15  on that account/on this account:  concerning a particular situation//  --There needn’t be any more worries on that account.//\n  16  give a good/poor account of yourself:  to do something or perform very well or very badly//  --Kevin gave a good account of himself in today’s game.//\n  17  bring/call sb to account:   formal to force someone who is responsible for a mistake or a crime to explain publicly why they did it and punish them for it if necessary//  --The people responsible for the accident have never been brought to account.//\n  18  put/turn sth to good account:   formal to use something for a good purpose//  --Perhaps she could put some of her talents to good account by helping us.//\n  19  of no/little account:   formal not important//  --As she grew up, her father was of no account to her.//\naccount 2 W2 v   account for [account for sth] phr v//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: acompter, from  compter  ’to count’]//\n  1 to form a particular amount or part of something:  --Afro-Americans account for 12% of the US population.//\n  2 to be the reason why something happens:   explain//  --Recent pressure at work may account for his behavior.//\n  3 to give a satisfactory explanation of why something has happened or why you did something:   explain//  --Can you account for your movements on that night?//\n  4 to say where all the members of a group of people or things are, especially because you are worried that some of them may be lost:  --Three days after the earthquake, more than 150 people had still to be accounted for.//


Words: accountable
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   responsible for the effects of your actions and willing to explain or be criticized for them//  accountable to//  --The government should be accountable to all the people of the country.//  accountable for//  --Managers must be accountable for their decisions.//  --The hospital should be held accountable for the quality of care it gives.//  -- accountability/[hA353]ka[hA35E]nt[hA353]b[hA366]l[hA369]ti/ n  [U] //


Words: accountancy
Meaning:
n [U]  BrE   the profession or work of keeping or checking financial accounts, calculating taxes etc//


Words: accoutrements
Meaning:
AmE  [plural]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: accoutrement, from  accoutre  ’to provide with equipment’, from  Old French cousture  ’sewing, seam’]//   formal the equipment needed for a particular activity or way of life//  --the stylish accoutrements of an English country gentleman//


Words: accredited
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: accrediter, from  credit;   CREDIT1]//\n  1 having official approval to do something, especially because of having reached an acceptable standard:  --an accredited counsellor//  --an accredited language school//\n  2 if a government official is accredited to another country, they are sent to that country to officially represent their government there:  --the UK accredited representative //  -- accredit v  [T] //  -- accreditation/[hA353]kred[hA369]te[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: accretion
Meaning:
n [U and C]  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: accretio, from  accrescere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  crescere  ’to grow’]//\n  1 a layer of a substance which slowly forms on something:\n  2 a gradual process by which new things are added and something gradually changes or gets bigger:


Words: accrue
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Origin:  Probably from  Old French acreue  ’increase’, from  acreistre  ’to increase’, from  Latin accrescere;   ACCRETION]//\n  1 if advantages accrue to you, you get those advantages over a period of time:  accrue to//  --benefits that accrue to students//  accrue from//  --advantages accruing from the introduction of new technology//\n  2 if money accrues or is accrued, it gradually increases over a period of time:  --Interest will accrue until payment is made.//  -- accrual n  [C usually singular] //


Words: accumulate
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  accumulare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  cumulare  ’to pile up’]//\n  1 [T] to gradually get more and more money, possessions, knowledge etc over a period of time:  --It is unjust that a privileged few should continue to accumulate wealth.//\n  2 [I] to gradually increase in numbers or amount until there is a large quantity in one place:  --Fat tends to accumulate around the hips and thighs.//  -- accumulation/[hA353]kju[hA359]mj[hA36A]le[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //  --the accumulation of data//


Words: accumulative
Meaning:
adj   gradually increasing in amount or degree over a period of time//   cumulative//  -- accumulatively adv //


Words: accumulator
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1  technical a part of a computer that stores numbers:\n  2  especially  BrE a kind of betting on the results of a series of horse races, by which any money you win from a race is bet on the next race:


Words: accuracy
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 the ability to do something in an exact way without making a mistake:  --He passes the ball with unerring accuracy.//\n  2 the quality of being correct or true:  → inaccuracy//  accuracy of//  --worries about the accuracy of government statistics//


Words: accurate
Meaning:
W3S2   adj   ----------//\n   1 information:\n   2 measurement:\n   3 machine:\n   4 well-aimed:  ----------//  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  accurare  ’to take care of’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  cura  ’care’]//\n  1 INFORMATION:  correct and true in every detail//  → inaccurate//  --The brochure tries to give a fair and accurate description of each hotel.//  fairly/reasonably accurate //  --Police believe Derek gave a reasonably accurate account of what happened.//  not strictly/entirely/completely accurate //  --The evidence she gave to the court was not strictly accurate (=not exactly accurate) .//\n  2 MEASUREMENT:  measured or calculated correctly//  → inaccurate//  --It is difficult to get accurate figures on population numbers.//\n  3 MACHINE:  a machine that is accurate is able to do something in an exact way without making a mistake//  --The cutter is accurate to within [hA13E] a millimetre.//\n  4 WELL-AIMED:  an accurate shot, throw etc succeeds in hitting or reaching the thing that it is intended to hit//  --an accurate shot//  --accurate bowling//  -- accurately adv //  --It’s impossible to predict the weather accurately.//


Words: accursed
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1100-1200; Origin: curse]//\n  1 [only before noun]  formal used to show that something makes you very angry:\n  2  old use someone who is accursed has had a curse put on them:


Words: accusation
Meaning:
n [C]   a statement saying that someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something wrong//  accusation against//  --A number of  serious accusations  have been  made against her.//  --The main  accusation levelled against  him was that he tried to avoid military service.//  accusation of//  --His administration now faces accusations  of corruption.//  accusation that//  --The organizers of the march strongly  denied government  accusations that they intended to cause trouble.//  --Burton’s enemies had made  false accusations  against him.//  --She’s made all sorts of wild accusations against me in the past.//  --They fled the country,  amid accusations of  corruption.//  ----------//  COLLOCATES for sense 1 //  make an accusation (against somebody) //  bring/level an accusation (against somebody)  (=make an accusation) //  face an accusation  (=have an accusation made against you) //  deny an accusation //  serious accusation //  false accusation //  wild accusations //  amid accusations of/that (=when people are making accusations) //  ----------//


Words: accusative
Meaning:
n [C]    technical a form of a noun in languages such as Latin or German, which shows that the noun is the direct object of a verb or a preposition//  -- accusative adj //


Words: accusatory
Meaning:
adj   an accusatory remark or look from someone shows that they think you have done something wrong//


Words: accuse
Meaning:
W3   v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: acuser, from  Latin accusare  ’to call someone to explain their actions’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  causa  ’lawsuit, cause’]//  to say that you believe someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something bad//  accuse sb of (doing) sth//  --He was accused of murder.//  --Smith accused her of lying.//  --The professor stands accused of  (=has been accused of) stealing his student’s ideas and publishing them.//  -- accuser n  [C] //


Words: accused
Meaning:
n   the accused [singular or plural] the person or group of people who have been officially accused of a crime or offence in a court of law//


Words: accusing
Meaning:
adj   an accusing look from someone shows that they think that you have done something wrong//  -- accusingly adv //


Words: accustom
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: acostumer, from  costume  ’custom’]//  to make yourself or another person become used to a situation or place//  accustom yourself to sth//  --It took a while for me to accustom myself to all the new rules and regulations.//


Words: accustomed
Meaning:
adj \n  1  be accustomed to (doing) sth:  to be familiar with something and accept it as normal//  --We were accustomed to working together.//  become/grow/get accustomed to sth //  --Her eyes quickly became accustomed to the dark.//\n  2 [only before noun]  formal usual:  --The pans were in their accustomed places.//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  In spoken English, it is more usual to say be/get used to (doing) something You’ll soon get used to the hot climate. //  ----------//


Words: ace
Meaning:
n [C]   ----------//\n   1 playing card:\n   2 skilful person:\n   3 tennis shot:\n   4 hold the aces:\n   5 within an ace of (doing) something:\n   6 have an ace up your sleeve:\n   7 ace in the hole:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: as, from  Latin,  ’unit, a small coin’]//\n  1 PLAYING CARD:  a playing card with a single spot on it, which usually has the highest value in a game//  --the ace of hearts//  --I’ve got a pair of aces.//\n  2 SKILFUL PERSON:  someone who is extremely skilful at doing something//  --a soccer ace//  --cycling ace Chris Boardman//\n  3 TENNIS SHOT:  a first shot in tennis or volleyball which is hit so well that your opponent cannot reach the ball and you win the point//  --She has already hit 13 aces in the match.//\n  4  hold the aces:  to have the advantages in a situation so that you are sure to win//  --The Americans hold most of the aces in this technology.//\n  5  within an ace of (doing) sth:  very close to doing or achieving something//  --The team came within an ace of winning the championship.//\n  6  have an ace up your sleeve:  to have a secret advantage which could help you to win or be successful//\n  7  ace in the hole:   AmE  informal something that you keep secretly to use when you need it//  --That fifty dollars is my ace in the hole.//\nace 2 adj \n  1  ace pilot/player/skier etc:  someone who is a very skilful pilot, player etc//  --an ace marksman//\n  2  BrE  spoken very good:  --The party was ace.//\nace 3 v [T] \n  1  AmE  informal to do very well in an examination, a piece of written work etc:  --I think I aced the History test.//\n  2 to hit your first shot in tennis or volleyball so well that your opponent cannot reach the ball:


Words: acerbic
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Latin; Origin: acerbus, from  acer  ’sharp’]//  criticizing someone or something in a clever but cruel way//  --acerbic wit//  -- acerbity n  [U] //


Words: acetate
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: acet-;   ACETAMINOPHEN]//\n  1 [U] a chemical made from acetic acid:\n  2 [U] a smooth artificial cloth used to make clothes:\n  3 [C] a transparent sheet that you write or print something on, and that is used with an overhead projector:


Words: acetic acid
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: French; Origin: acetique, from  Latin acetum  ’vinegar’]//  the acid in vinegar//


Words: acetone
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: German; Origin: azeton, from  Latin acetum;   ACETIC ACID]//  a clear liquid with a strong smell, used for cleaning surfaces, making paint more liquid, or for making other chemical substances//


Words: acetylene
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: acetyl chemical group  (19-21 centuries), from  acet-;   ACETAMINOPHEN]//  a gas which burns with a bright flame and is used in equipment for cutting and joining pieces of metal//    oxyacetylene//


Words: ache
Meaning:
v [I]   [Language: Old English; Origin: acan]//\n  1 if part of your body aches, you feel a continuous, but not very sharp pain there:   hurt//  --His feet were aching from standing so long.//\n  2 to want to do or have something very much:  ache for//  --I’m aching for sleep.//  ache to do sth//  --He ached to reach out and hold her close.//\n  3 to have a strong unhappy feeling:  ache with//  --Sarah ached with sadness that her brother was so ill.//  --Tim’s heart was aching for her.//\nache 2 n [C] \n  1 a continuous pain that is not sharp or very strong:  --a stomach ache//  --A dull ache throbbed at the back of David’s head.//  aches and pains (=slight feelings of pain that are not considered to be serious) //  --Apart from the usual aches and pains, she felt all right.//\n  2 a strong, mostly unhappy, feeling:  --the ache of his loneliness//  -- achy adj //  --I’m feeling tired and achy.//


Words: achieve
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: achever, from  chief  ’end, head’]//\n  1 [T] to successfully complete something or get a good result, especially by working hard:  --Frances achieved very good exam results.//  --Wilson has achieved considerable success as an artist.//  --She eventually achieved her goal of becoming a professor.//\n  2 [I] to be successful in a particular kind of job or activity:  --We want all our students to achieve within their chosen profession.//  -- achievable adj //


Words: achievement
Meaning:
W2S3   n \n  1 [C] something important that you succeed in doing by your own efforts:  achievement of//  --We try to celebrate the achievements of our students.//  --His great achievement is to make all the players into a united team.//  sb’s achievement in (doing) sth//  --The test measures children’s achievements in reading, spelling and maths.//\n  2 [U] when you achieve something or when people achieve something:  --Roberts is researching the effect of social class on educational achievement.//  --As we climbed the final few metres, we felt a sense of achievement .//


Words: achiever
Meaning:
n [C]   someone who is successful because they are determined and work hard//    underachiever, overachiever//


Words: Achilles
Meaning:
in ancient Greek stories, a  hero who was protected by magic so that the only place where he could be hurt was his heel//


Words: Achilles tendon
Meaning:
n [C]   the part of your body that connects the muscles in the back of your foot with the muscles of your lower leg//


Words: Achilles’ heel
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin:  From the story that the ancient Greek hero Achilles was dipped as a baby into the river Styx to protect him, but the part of his heel he was held by did not get wet, and so remained unprotected]//  a weak part of someone’s character, which could cause them to fail at something//  --I think Frank’s vanity is his Achilles’ heel.//


Words: achoo
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin:  From the sound]//  used to represent the sound you make when you sneeze//


Words: acid
Meaning:
W2   n \n  1 [U and C] a chemical substance that has a pH of less than 7. Strong acids can burn holes in material or damage your skin:  --sulphuric acid//\n  2 [U]  informal the drug LSD:\nacid 2 adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: acide, from  Latin acidus, from  acere  ’to be sour’]//\n  1 having a sharp sour taste:   bitter//  --a juicy apple with a slightly acid flavour//\n  2  acid remark/comment/tone etc:  an acid remark uses humour in an unkind way to criticize someone//  --I was expecting another of his acid remarks, but he remained silent.//\n  3  the acid test:  a way of finding out whether something is as good as people say it is, whether it works, or whether it is true//  --People ask if the team is good enough. This match will be the acid test.//\n  4  technical an acid soil does not contain much lime1(3):  --Blueberry bushes need a very acid soil.//  -- acidly adv //  -- acidity/[hA353]s[hA366]d[hA369]ti/ n  [U] //


Words: acid jazz
Meaning:
n [U]   a type of popular music that combines features of many other kinds of music, especially jazz, hip-hop, and soul//


Words: acid rain
Meaning:
n [U]   rain that contains harmful acid which can damage the environment and is caused by chemicals in the air, for example from cars or factories//


Words: acidify
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  acidified present participle  acidifying third person singular  acidifies  [I and T] //   technical to become an acid or make something become an acid//


Words: acidly
Meaning:
adv   if you say something acidly, you say it in a cruel or unkind way//  --’I’m sure you’re right,’ he said acidly.//


Words: acknowledge
Meaning:
W3S3   v [T]   ----------//\n   1 admit:\n   2 recognize something’s importance:\n   3 accept somebody’s authority:\n   4 thank:\n   5 show you notice somebody:\n   6 say you have received something:  ----------//  [Date: 1400-1500; Origin: ac- (as in  accord) +  knowledge]//\n  1 ADMIT:  to admit or accept that something is true or that a situation exists//  --The family acknowledge the need for change.//  acknowledge that//  --He acknowledges that when he’s tired he gets bad-tempered.//  --Claire acknowledged that she was guilty.//  --The government must acknowledge what is happening and do something about it.//  --’Maybe you are right,’ she acknowledged.//  --This is a fact that most smokers readily acknowledge .//\n  2 RECOGNIZE SOMETHING’S IMPORTANCE:   [usually passive] if people acknowledge something, they recognize how good or important it is//  acknowledge sth as sth//  --The film festival is acknowledged as an event of international importance.//  be widely/generally acknowledged to be sth //  --The mill produces what is widely acknowledged to be the finest wool in the world.//\n  3 ACCEPT SOMEBODY’S AUTHORITY:  to accept that someone or something has authority over people//  --Both defendants refused to acknowledge the authority of the court.//  acknowledge sb as sth//  --Many of the poor acknowledged him as their spiritual leader.//\n  4 THANK:  to publicly announce that you are grateful for the help that someone has given you//  --We wish to acknowledge the support of the university.//\n  5 SHOW YOU NOTICE SOMEBODY:  to show someone that you have noticed them or heard what they have said//  --Tom acknowledged her presence by a brief glance.//\n  6 SAY YOU HAVE RECEIVED SOMETHING:  to let someone know that you have received something from them//  --I would be grateful if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter.//


Words: acknowledgement
Meaning:
acknowledgment/[hA353]kn[hA361]l[hA366]d[hA360]m[hA353]nt $ -n[hA35A][hA359]-/ n \n  1 [U and C] the act of admitting or accepting that something is true:  acknowledgement of//  --We want an acknowledgement of the existence of the problem.//  acknowledgement that//  --The reduction in their grant is an acknowledgement that they have been paid too much.//\n  2 [singular] a movement of your body that shows that you have noticed someone or heard what they have said:  --Basil nodded an acknowledgement as he entered the room.//  --He gave her a faint smile of acknowledgement.//\n  3 [U and C] the act of publicly thanking someone for something they have done:  in acknowledgement of sth//  --She received a special award in acknowledgement of all her hard work.//\n  4 [U and C] a letter written to tell someone that you have received their letter, message etc:  --Do you want a written acknowledgement?//\n  5  acknowledgements [plural] a short piece of writing at the beginning or end of a book in which the writer thanks all the people who have helped him or her:


Words: ACLU
Meaning:
the   American Civil Liberties Union a US organization which gives advice about the  Bill of Rights and often represents people in a court of law to make sure their  civil rights are not taken away//


Words: acme
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Greek; Origin: akme  ’point, highest point’]//  the acme of sth//   formal the best and highest level of something//  --the acme of perfection//


Words: acne
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Greek; Origin: akne, from  akme;   ACME]//  a medical problem which causes a lot of red spots on your face and neck and mainly affects young people//


Words: acolyte
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: acolite, from  Medieval Latin acoluthus, from  Greek,  ’following’, from  keleuthos  ’path’]//\n  1  formal someone who serves a leader or believes in their ideas:\n  2 someone who helps a priest at a religious ceremony:


Words: acoustic
Meaning:
adj   guitar, guitar, acoustic, electric//  [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Greek; Origin: akoustikos  ’of hearing’,  from  akouein  ’to hear’]//\n  1 relating to sound and the way people hear things:\n  2 an acoustic guitar or other musical instrument does not have its sound made louder electronically:    electric//  -- acoustically/-kli/ adv //


Words: acoustics
Meaning:
n [plural] \n  1 the shape and size of a room, which affect the way sound is heard in it:  --The hall has excellent acoustics.//\n  2 the scientific study of sound:


Words: acquaint
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: acointier, from  Medieval Latin accognitare, from  Late Latin accognoscere  ’to know perfectly’, from  Latin ad-  ’to’ +  cognoscere  ’to know’]//\n  1  acquaint yourself with sth:   formal to deliberately find out about something//  --I need to acquaint myself with the new regulations.//\n  2  acquaint sb with sth:   formal to give someone information about something//  --You need to acquaint the police with the facts.//


Words: acquaintance
Meaning:
n   ----------//\n   1 somebody you know:\n   2 relationship:\n   3 make somebody’s acquaintance:\n   4 knowledge:\n   5 of your acquaintance:\n   6 on first acquaintance:  ----------//\n  1 SOMEBODY YOU KNOW:   [C] someone you know, but who is not a close friend//  --She was a casual acquaintance of my family in Vienna.//  --He heard about the job through a mutual acquaintance  (=someone you and another person both know) .//\n  2 RELATIONSHIP:   [singular, U] a relationship with someone you know, but who is not a close friend//  --They developed an acquaintance over the Internet.//  --You can’t judge her on such short acquaintance (=when you have not known her long) .//  --My uncle did not improve on further acquaintance (=when you knew him better) .//\n  3  make sb’s acquaintance:   formal to meet someone for the first time//  --I should be delighted to make Mrs McGough’s acquaintance.//  --At the hotel, I made the acquaintance of a young American actor.//\n  4 KNOWLEDGE:   [U]  formal knowledge or experience of a particular subject//  acquaintance with//  --The practice of a lawyer requires acquaintance with court procedures.//  have a passing/nodding acquaintance with sth (=have only slight knowledge or experience of something) //  --He has a passing acquaintance with a lot of different subjects.//\n  5  of your acquaintance:   formal a person of your acquaintance is someone that you know//  --The poems were written by various women of her acquaintance.//\n  6  on first acquaintance:   formal when you meet someone for the first time//  --Most people are nicer than you think on first acquaintance.//


Words: acquaintance rape
Meaning:
n [U and C]   a crime in which a person forces someone they know to have sex with them//   date rape//


Words: acquaintanceship
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 your experience or knowledge of a subject:\n  2 a slight friendship with someone:  --Sheridan had struck up an acquaintanceship with Giles (=had met him and became friendly with him) .//


Words: acquainted
Meaning:
adj [not before noun] \n  1 if you are acquainted with someone, you have met them a few times but do not know them very well:  acquainted with//  --Were you acquainted with a friend of mine, Daniel Green?//  --We would like to get better acquainted.//\n  2  formal  be acquainted with sth:  to know about something, because you have seen it, read it, used it etc//  --She was well acquainted with classical literature.//


Words: acquiesce
Meaning:
v [I]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: acquiescer, from  Latin acquiescere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  quiescere  ’to be quiet’]//   formal to do what someone else wants, or allow something to happen, even though you do not really agree with it//  acquiesce in/to//  --Oil companies have been accused of acquiescing in the pollution of the ocean.//


Words: acquiescent
Meaning:
adj   too ready to agree with someone or do what they want, without complaining or saying what you want to do//  -- acquiescence n  [U] //


Words: acquire
Meaning:
W2   v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: aquerre, from  Latin acquirere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  quaerere  ’to look for, obtain’]//\n  1  formal to obtain something by buying it or being given it:  --Manning hoped to acquire valuable works of art as cheaply as possible.//  --She has acquired an email address and a site on the WorldWide Web.//\n  2 to get or gain something:  --The college acquired a reputation for very high standards.//\n  3 to gain knowledge or learn a skill:  --He spent years acquiring his skills as a surgeon.//  --Elsie acquired a good knowledge of Chinese.//\n  4  acquire a taste for sth:  to begin to like something//  --She had acquired a taste for European beer.//\n  5  an acquired taste:  something that people only begin to like after they have tried it a few times//


Words: acquisition
Meaning:
W3   n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: acquisitio, from  acquirere;   ACQUIRE]//\n  1 [U] the process by which you gain knowledge or learn a skill:  --the acquisition of language//\n  2 [U] the act of getting land, power, money etc:  acquisition of//  --the acquisition of new sites for development//\n  3 [C]  formal something that you have obtained by buying it or being given it:  --The Art Society is holding an exhibition of recent acquisitions.//


Words: acquit
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  acquitted present participle  acquitting //  [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: acquiter, from  quite  ’free of’]//\n  1 [T usually passive] to give a decision in a court of law that someone is not guilty of a crime:  --All the defendants were acquitted.//  acquit sb of sth//  --The judge directed the jury to acquit Phillips of the murder.//\n  2  acquit yourself well/honourably:  to do something well, especially something difficult that you do for the first time in front of other people//


Words: acre
Meaning:
n [C]   [Language: Old English; Origin: [zB024]cer]//\n  1 a unit for measuring area, equal to 4840 square yards or 4047 square metres:  --They own 200 acres of farmland.//  --a 200-acre wood//\n  2  acres of space/room:   BrE  informal a large amount of space//


Words: acrid
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Latin; Origin: acer  ’sharp’; influenced by  acid]//\n  1 an acrid smell or taste is strong and unpleasant and stings your nose or throat:  --a cloud of acrid smoke//\n  2  formal an acrid remark expresses anger and criticizes someone strongly:


Words: acrimonious
Meaning:
adj   an acrimonious meeting or discussion is one in which people argue a lot and get very angry//  --The meeting ended in an acrimonious dispute.//  -- acrimoniously adv //  -- acrimoniousness n  [U] //


Words: acrimony
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: acrimonia, from  acer;   ACRID]//   formal feelings of anger between people who disagree strongly and do not like each other//


Words: acrobat
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: acrobate, from  Greek akrobates, from  akrobatos  ’walking on the ends of the toes’, from  akros  ’nearest the end or top’ +  bainein  ’to go’]//  someone who entertains people by doing difficult physical actions such as walking on their hands or balancing on a high rope, especially at a circus//


Words: acrobatic
Meaning:
adj   acrobatic movements involve moving your body in a very skilful way, for example by jumping through the air or balancing on a rope//  --They performed some amazing acrobatic feats.//  -- acrobatically/-kli/ adv //


Words: acrobatics
Meaning:
n [plural]   skilful movements of your body, for example jumping through the air or balancing on a rope//


Words: acronym
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: acr-  ’beginning, end’ (from  Greek akr-, from  akros;   ACROBAT) +  -onym (as in  homonym)]//  a word made up from the first letters of the name of something such as an organization. For example NATO is an acronym for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.//


Words: Acropolis
Meaning:
the Acropolis//  the ancient  citadel (=a place people can go to if their city is attacked)  of Athens, built on a hill in the centre of the city. There are many important ancient Greek buildings on the Acropolis, such as the  Parthenon//


Words: across
Meaning:
adv, prep   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: an crois  ’in cross’]//\n  1 from one side of something to the other:  --the first flight across the Atlantic//  --They ran straight across the road (=without stopping) .//  --There isn’t a bridge. We’ll have to swim across.//  --We’d got halfway across before Philip realized he’d left his money at home.//  --We gazed across the valley.//\n  2 towards someone or something on the other side of an area:  --There’s Brendan. Why don’t you go across and say hello?//  across to/at//  --The referee looked across at his linesman before awarding the penalty.//  --He walked across to where I was sitting.//\n  3 used to say that something exists or reaches from one side of an area to the other:  --a deep crack across the ceiling//  --the only bridge across the river//  --Do you think this shirt is too tight across the shoulders?//  --Someone’s parked right across the entrance to the driveway.//\n  4 on the opposite side of something:  --My best friend lives across the road.//  --He knew that just across the border lay freedom.//  across (sth) from sb/sth//  --Across the street from where we’re standing, you can see the old churchyard.//  --the woman sitting across from me (=opposite me) on the train//\n  5 in every part of a country, organization etc:  --a TV series that became popular across five continents//  --Teachers are expected to teach a range of subjects right across the curriculum.//\n  6 used to show how wide something is:\n  10 feet/five metres etc across :  --At its widest point the river is 2 km across.//


Words: across-the-board adj
Meaning:
adv  also  across the board  affecting everyone or everything in a situation or organization//  --an across-the-board pay increase//  --In July everything we sell is reduced right across the board.//


Words: acrostic
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: acrostiche, from  Greek akrostichis, from  akr- (  ACRONYM) +  stichos  ’line’]//  a poem or piece of writing in which the first or last letter of each line spells a word//


Words: acrylic
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: acrolein chemical compound  (19-21 centuries), from  Greek akr- (  ACRONYM) +  Latin olere  ’to smell’]//  acrylic paints or cloth are made from chemical substances, not natural substances//


Words: ACT
Meaning:
American Conservatory Theater a  repertory theatre (=theatre whose actors perform different plays on different days) in San Francisco, which is also a respected school for training actors//


Words: act
Meaning:
n   ----------//\n   1 action:\n   2 law:\n   3 pretending:\n   4 get your act together:\n   5 play:\n   6 performance:\n   7 performer:\n   8 a hard/tough etc act to follow:\n   9 get in on the act:\n  10 act of God:\n  11 act of worship:\n  12 balancing/juggling act:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: actus  ’doing, act’ and  actum  ’thing done, record’, from the past participle of  agere  ’to drive, do’]//\n  1 ACTION:   [C] one thing that you do//  --The new president’s first act should be to end the war.//  --a thoughtless act//  act of (doing) sth//  --an act of violence//  --Her many acts of kindness have given me great comfort.//  --The act of writing a list can help to calm you down.//  in the act of doing sth//   (=at the moment that you are doing something) //  --Lindsay paused in the act of putting down the phone.//\n  2 LAW:   also  Act//   [C] a law that has been officially accepted by Parliament or Congress//  --the Housing and Community Development Act of 1977//  --an act of Parliament//\n  3 PRETENDING:   [singular] insincere behaviour in which you pretend to have a particular kind of feeling or to be a particular kind of person//  --Mike played the loving husband in front of the children but it was all an act.//  --Be natural. Don’t feel you have to put on an act .//\n  4  get your act together:   informal to become more organized and behave in a more effective way, especially in order to achieve something//  --You need to get your act together if you’re going to find the right house to buy.//\n  5 PLAY:   [C] one of the main parts into which a stage play, opera etc is divided//  --I arrived at the theatre late and missed the first act.//  --the beginning of Act 3//\n  6 PERFORMANCE:   [C] a short performance on stage or television by someone who plays music or tells jokes//  --The argument was just part of their act.//\n  7 PERFORMER:   [C] a performer or a group of performers who perform together//  --The band is one of many acts that have been booked for the concert.//\n  8  a hard/tough etc act to follow:  someone who does such an excellent job that it would be difficult for someone doing the same job after them to be as good//  --He has been a very successful captain and will be a hard act to follow.//\n  9  get in on the act:   informal to take part in an activity that someone else has started, especially in order to get a share of the advantages for yourself//\n  10  act of God:  an event that is caused by natural forces, such as a storm, flood, or fire, which you cannot prevent or control//\n  11  act of worship:  an occasion when people pray together and show their respect for God//\n  12  balancing/juggling act:  a situation in which you are trying to do several different types of work at the same time//    catch sb in the act at catch1 (3)//    clean up your act at clean up(3)//\nact 2 W1S2 v   ----------//\n   1 do something:\n   2 behave:\n   3 pretend:\n   4 play/film:\n   5 have an effect:\n   6 act for somebody/act on somebody’s behalf:  Phrasal verbs//   act as something//   act on/upon something//   act something → out//   act up//  ----------//\n  1 DO SOMETHING:   [I] to do something in a particular way or for a particular reason//  --The company acted correctly in sacking him.//  --The jury decided that Walker had acted in self-defence.//  act to do sth//  --The UN must act now to restore democracy.//  --Politicians will only act when enough people demand that they do something.//\n  2 BEHAVE:   [I always + adverb/preposition] to behave in a particular way//  --They acted unreasonably when they turned down Jill’s application.//  --He’s been acting strangely ever since his Mom died.//  act as if//  --Pip acted as if he was better than everyone else.//  act like//  --Stop acting like a baby.//  act with//  --She acted with dignity.//  act your age (=used to tell someone to behave in a more adult way, suitable for someone of their age) //\n  3 PRETEND:   [I and T] to pretend to have feelings, qualities etc that are different from your true ones//  --When he’s angry, he acts the fool.//  --That guy is acting crazy.//  act a part/role //  --Stella felt unnatural in their company, as if she was acting a part.//  act as if/like//  --Why does he act as if he was stupid?//\n  4 PLAY/FILM:   [I and T] to perform in a play or film//  --I first started acting when I was 12 years old.//  act a part/role //  --She is acting the role of Lady Macbeth six evenings a week.//  --The movie is very well acted.//\n  5 HAVE AN EFFECT:   [I] to have an effect or use//  act as//  --The padding acts as a cushion if the player falls or is hit by the ball.//  act on//  --Disinfectants act on bacteria in two main ways.//\n  6  act for sb/act on sb’s behalf:  to represent someone, especially in a court of law or by doing business for them//  --Makin, a solicitor, is acting for the young people in their case against the county council.//  --I am acting on behalf of the bank.//    acting1 //  act as [act as sth] phr v//  to do a particular job for a short time, for example while the usual person is absent//  --My brother speaks French - he can act as interpreter.//  act on/upon [act on/upon sth] phr v//  to do something because of another person’s advice or order, or because you have received information or had an idea//  --She is acting on the advice of her lawyers.//  --Police say they acted on information received.//  act out [act sth → out] phr v//\n  1 if a group of people act out an event, they show how it happened by pretending to be the people who were involved in it:  --The children were acting out the story of the birth of Jesus.//\n  2 to express your feelings about something through your behaviour or actions, especially when you have been feeling angry or nervous:  --These teenagers are likely to act out their distress by running away.//  act up phr v//\n  1 if children act up, they behave badly:  --He’s a tough kid and he acts up a lot.//\n  2 if a machine or part of your body acts up, it does not work properly:  --The computer is acting up again.//


Words: Act of Union
Meaning:
the \n  1 the agreement that joined the parliaments of England and Scotland in 1707:\n  2 the agreement that ended the Irish parliament in 1800 and made Ireland part of the United Kingdom in 1801:


Words: acting
Meaning:
adj   acting manager/head teacher/ director etc//  someone who does an important job while the usual person is not there, or until a new person is chosen for the job//\nacting 2 n [U]   the job or skill of performing in plays and films//


Words: action
Meaning:
n   ----------//\n   1 doing something:\n   2 something done:\n   3 in action:\n   4 out of action:\n   5 fighting:\n   6 legal:\n   7 excitement:\n   8 the events in a story/film etc:\n   9 movement:\n  10 effect:\n  11 action group/committee etc:\n  12 a piece/slice of the action:\n  13 actions speak louder than words:\n  14 action!:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin actio, from  agere;   ACT1]//\n  1 DOING SOMETHING:   [U] the process of doing something, especially in order to achieve a particular thing//  --The government must  take action now to stop the rise in violent crime.//  --What do you think is our best  course of action ?//  --They met to discuss a  plan of action .//  action on//  --Environmental groups want  tougher action  on pollution from cars.//  -- Firm action  is needed to keep the situation from getting out of control.//  --Business leaders  demanded  immediate and decisive action  to end the dispute.//  --The situation called for  drastic action .//  --She was looking forward to putting her ideas into action .//  --Ambulance crews are ready to  spring into action  if anything goes wrong during the race.//  --The United States threatened  military action  against Iraq.//  --Teachers have voted in favour of  industrial action .//  --The doctor says that if the results are negative, no further action is required .//\n  2 SOMETHING DONE:   [C] something that someone does//  quick/swift/prompt action //  --Her prompt actions probably saved my life.//  --The child could not be  held responsible for his actions  (=he was too young to be blamed for them) .//  defend/justify your action(s) //  --The chief of police tried to justify his actions.//\n  3  in action:  someone or something that is in action is doing the job or activity they are trained or designed to do//  --photos of ski jumpers in action//  see/watch sth/sb in action //  --I’d like see the new computer system in action.//\n  4  out of action:  a) broken and not working//  --The photocopier  is out of action  again.//  b) injured and unable to do anything//  put/keep sth out of action //  --The injury will keep him out of action for a month.//\n  5 FIGHTING:   [U] fighting during a war//  --There have been reports of widespread enemy action in the area.//  killed/wounded in action (=killed or wounded while fighting) //  --His father was killed in action in Vietnam.//  --530 servicemen were reported  missing in action  (=they had disappeared) .//  --The men were  sent into action with little or no training.//  --He had seen action  (=been involved in fighting) in Korea.//\n  6 LEGAL:   [U and C] a legal or formal process to decide whether someone has done something wrong//  --They are threatening to take legal action against the hospital (=start a court case against them) .//  --The director faces disciplinary action  (=official action to punish him) .//  --The matter is now the subject of a court action  (=a court case) .//  --The students agreed to drop their action  (=decide not to continue with a court case or an official complaint) .//  --The sisters brought a libel action  against the newspaper (=started a court case) .//\n  7 EXCITEMENT:   [U] //  a)  informal exciting things that are happening//  --There hasn’t been much action around here for months.//  --New York  is where all the action is .//  b) an action film has a lot of exciting scenes in it, in which people fight, chase, and kill each other//  --Gibson became famous in action movies, but he has also played some more serious roles.//  --a TV  action hero //\n  8 THE EVENTS IN A STORY/FILM ETC:   the action//  the events in a story, film, play etc//  --Most of the action takes place in San Francisco.//  -- The action opens  (=starts) in a barber shop.//\n  9 MOVEMENT:   [U and C] the way something moves or works//  action of//  --the action of the heart//  --a smooth braking action//\n  10 EFFECT:   [U] the effect that a substance, especially a chemical, has on something//  action of//  --The drug blocks the action of the cancer gene.//  action on/upon//  --the action of alcohol on the liver//\n  11  action group/committee etc:  a group formed to change a social or political situation - often used in names//  --the Child Poverty Action Group//\n  12  a piece/slice of the action:   informal an opportunity to be involved in an event or activity, especially one that will be enjoyable or will make money//  --If you want a slice of the action, tickets may still be available.//\n  13  actions speak louder than words:  used to say that you are judged by what you do, and not by what you say//\n  14  action!:  used by film directors to give the instruction to begin filming//  --Lights, camera, action!//    affirmative action//  ----------//  COLLOCATES for sense 1 //  take action (=do something to deal with a problem) //  course/plan of action (=something that you plan to do in order to achieve something) //  tough/firm/decisive action //  drastic action (=action that has a very severe effect) //  demand/call for action //  put your ideas/plans etc into action (=do what you had planned to do) //  spring/swing into action (=start doing something immediately) //  military action (=a military attack) //  industrial action (=a strike or other protest at work) //  no further action is needed/required/called for (=it is not necessary to do anything else) //  ----------//\naction 2 v [T]  formal   to do a specific thing that needs to be done, especially after discussing it//  --How are we actually going to action these objectives?//


Words: Action Man
Meaning:
1  trademark a  doll (=a child’s toy that looks like a small person)  dressed as a male soldier and played with usually by boys in the UK:    GI Joe//\n  2  BrE a man who likes doing sports and activities that are exciting and dangerous:


Words: action replay
Meaning:
n [C]  BrE \n  1 an important or exciting moment in a sports game that is shown again on television immediately after it happens, sometimes at a slower speed:  American Equivalent:  instant replay//\n  2 [usually singular] an event in your life that is very similar to one that you have experienced before:  action replay of//  --an action replay of the week we spent in Jamaica//


Words: action stations
Meaning:
n [plural]  BrE   the positions that people such as soldiers or the police take when they are getting ready to fight or deal with a difficult situation - often used to tell people to go to these positions//  --Crew, return to action stations!//


Words: actionable
Meaning:
adj  law   if something you say or do is actionable, it is so bad or damaging that a claim could be made against you in a court of law//  --His remarks are actionable in my view.//


Words: activate
Meaning:
v [T]  technical   to make an electrical system or chemical process start working//  → deactivate//  --Cooking fumes may activate the alarm.//  --The yeast’s growth is activated by sugar and warmth.//  -- activation/[zB024]kt[hA369]ve[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: active
Meaning:
adj   ----------//\n   1 busy:\n   2 involved:\n   3 functioning:\n   4 doing something:\n   5 volcano:\n   6 grammar:\n   7 chemical:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: activus, from  agere;   ACT1]//\n  1 BUSY:  always busy doing things, especially physical activities//  → inactive//  --games for active youngsters//  --She’s over 80, but is still very active.//  active life/lifestyle //  --My father always led a very active life.//  active mind/imagination //  --a child with a very active imagination//\n  2 INVOLVED:  involved in an organization or activity and doing lots of practical things to achieve your aims//  --He became politically active at college.//  be active in (doing) sth//  --The Bureau is active in promoting overseas investment.//  take/play an active part/role in sth //  --Encourage students to take an active part in discussions.//  --She took an active interest in local charities.//  active participation/involvement //  --the importance of active participation by elderly people in the life of the community//  --We’re taking active steps  (=doing practical things) to deal with the problem.//  --We maintain active links with other European universities.//  active member/supporter //\n  3 FUNCTIONING:  operating in a way that is normal or expected//  → inactive//  --The virus is active even at low temperatures.//\n  4 DOING SOMETHING:  doing something regularly//  -- sexually active teenagers//\n  5 VOLCANO:  an active volcano is likely to explode at any time//  --The volcano became active last year with a series of eruptions.//\n  6 GRAMMAR:  an active verb or sentence has the person or thing doing the action as its subject. In ’The boy kicked the ball’, the verb ’kick’ is active//    passive1 (2)//\n  7 CHEMICAL:  producing a chemical reaction//  --nicotine, the active ingredient in tobacco//  -- actively adv //  --Carol was actively involved in the local sports club.//\nactive 2 n   the active//  the active form of a verb, for example ’destroyed’ in the sentence ’Enemy planes destroyed the village.’//    passive2 //


Words: active service
Meaning:
also active duty  n [U]   the work that soldiers do in a war//  --Powell was declared unfit for active service.//  on active service/duty//  --More than 20,000 women are on active duty.//


Words: activist
Meaning:
S3   n [C]   someone who works hard doing practical things to achieve social or political change//  political/gay/animal rights etc activist //  -- activist adj  [only before noun] //  --activist groups//


Words: activity
Meaning:
n   plural  activities //\n  1 [C usually plural] something that you do because you enjoy it:  leisure/recreation/outdoor/cultural etc activities //  --outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing//\n  2 [U and C] things that people do in order to achieve a particular aim:  political/economic/business etc activity //  --Everyone is free to engage in peaceful political activity.//  criminal/terrorist/illegal etc activity //  --fund-raising activities//\n  3 [U] a situation in which a lot of things are happening or a lot of things are being done:  --the noise and activity of the city//  --There’s an amazing level of activity in the town centre currently.//  physical/mental activity //  --Regular physical activity helps to control your weight.//


Words: actor
Meaning:
W3   n [C]   someone who performs in a play or film//  leading/principal actor //  --She has starred with many leading actors.//  character actor (=an actor who takes unusual or interesting roles) //


Words: actual
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: actuel, from  Late Latin actualis, from  Latin actus;   ACT1]//\n  1 used to emphasize that something is real or exact:  --I’m not joking. Those were his actual words.//  --I know Germany won, but I can’t tell you the actual score.//  --Interest is only charged on the actual amount borrowed.//  --In actual fact  (=really) , there is little evidence to support the allegations.//\n  2  the actual sth:  used to introduce the most important part of an event or activity//  --The programme starts at 8.00 but the actual film doesn’t start until 8.30.//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  Do not use actual to mean ’at the present time’. Use current or present the current (NOT actual) economic policy. //  ----------//


Words: actuality
Meaning:
n   plural  actualities  formal //\n  1 [C usually plural] facts, rather than things that people believe or imagine:   realities//  --the grim actualities of prison life//\n  2 [U] the state of being real or really existing:  -- In actuality , it’s much more complex than that (=used when talking about what a situation is really like) .//


Words: actualize
Meaning:
also  actualise BrE   v [T]   to make a plan or wish become true//   realize//  --Mistakes are a necessary part of actualizing your vision.//  -- actualization/[zB024]kt[hA35D]u[hA353]la[hA366]ze[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ -l[hA353]-/ n  [U] //


Words: actually
Meaning:
adv \n  1 [sentence adverb]  spoken used to add new information to what you have just said, to give your opinion, or to start a new conversation:  --I’ve known Barbara for years. Since we were babies, actually.//  --Actually, on second thoughts, I don’t think I want to go out tonight.//\n  2 used to emphasize the real or exact truth of a situation, rather than what people may think:  --What time are you actually leaving?//  --Labor costs have actually fallen.//  --Disappointed? No, actually I’m rather glad.//


Words: actuals
Meaning:
n [plural]   numbers that relate to something that has actually happened, rather than what was expected to happen//  --Mobile phone operators had expected monthly usage of up to 250 minutes. Actuals are very different, at 100 minutes.//


Words: actuary
Meaning:
n   plural  actuaries  [C] //  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: actuarius, from  actum;   ACT1]//  someone whose job is to advise insurance companies on how much to charge for insurance, after calculating the risks//  -- actuarial/[zB024]kt[hA35D]ue[hA353]ri[hA353]l $ -er-/ adj //


Words: actuate
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: , past participle of  actuare, from  Latin actus;   ACT1]//\n  1  be actuated by sth:  to behave in a particular way because of something//  --He was actuated by violent jealousy.//\n  2 to make a piece of machinery start to operate:


Words: acuity
Meaning:
n [U]  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: acuite, from  Old French, from  agu  ’sharp’, from  Latin acutus;   ACUTE]//  the ability to think, see, or hear clearly//  --A motorist needs good visual acuity .//


Words: acumen
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: ’point’, from  acuere;   ACUTE]//  the ability to think quickly and make good judgments//  business/political/financial etc acumen //  --The firm’s success is largely due to Brannon’s commercial acumen.//


Words: acupressure
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: acu- (as in  acupuncture) +  pressure]//  a treatment for pain and disease that involves pressing your hands on particular parts of the body//


Words: acupuncture
Meaning:
n [U]   needle//  [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: acus (  ACUTE) +  English puncture]//  a treatment for pain and disease that involves pushing special needles into parts of the body//  --the four main acupuncture points//  -- acupuncturist n  [C] //  --a qualified acupuncturist//


Words: acute
Meaning:
adj   ----------//\n   1 problem:\n   2 feeling:\n   3 illness:\n   4 senses:\n   5 intelligent:\n   6 mathematics:\n   7 punctuation:  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  acuere  ’to sharpen’, from  acus  ’needle’]//\n  1 PROBLEM:  an acute problem is very serious//  --The housing shortage is more acute than first thought.//\n  2 FEELING:  an acute feeling is very strong//  -- acute pain //  --acute embarrassment//  --acute anxiety//\n  3 ILLNESS:   technical an acute illness or disease quickly becomes very serious//  → chronic//  --acute arthritis//\n  4 SENSES:  acute senses such as hearing, taste, touch etc are very good and sensitive//  --Young children have a particularly acute sense of smell.//\n  5 INTELLIGENT:  quick to notice and understand things//   sharp//  --Simon’s vague manner concealed an acute mind.//  --an acute analysis of Middle Eastern politics//\n  6 MATHEMATICS:   technical an acute angle is less than 90[hA13B]//    obtuse//\n  7 PUNCTUATION:  an acute accent (=a mark used to show pronunciation) is a small mark written above a vowel. In ’cafe’, the letter ’e’ has an acute accent//    grave, circumflex//  -- acuteness n  [U] //


Words: acutely
Meaning:
adv   feeling or noticing something very strongly//  acutely aware/conscious (of/that) //  --Students are becoming acutely aware that they need more than just paper qualifications.//  --acutely embarrassed//


Words: AD
Meaning:
BrE  A.D. AmE    Anno Domini used to show that a date is a particular number of years after the birth of Christ//   CE//    BC//  --the first century AD//  --54 AD//


Words: ad hoc
Meaning:
adj, adv  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: ’for this’]//  not planned, but arranged or done only when necessary//  ad hoc committee/group etc //  --decisions made on an ad hoc basis //


Words: ad infinitum
Meaning:
adv  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: ’to an endless length of time’]//  continuing without ever ending - often used humorously//  --I have to explain A, then B, and C, and so on ad infinitum.//


Words: ad nauseam
Meaning:
adv   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: ’to sickness’]//  if you say or do something ad nauseam, you say or do it so often that it becomes annoying for other people//  --Look, we’ve been over this ad nauseam. I think we should move on to the next item.//


Words: ad-lib
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  ad-libbed present participle  ad-libbing //  [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: ad lib  ’without any preparation’ (19-21 centuries), from  Modern Latin ad libitum  ’according to desire’]//  [I and T] to say things that you have not prepared or planned when you are performing or giving a speech//  --I never use a script; I just ad lib the whole programme.//  -- ad-lib n  [C] //


Words: adage
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: Latin adagium]//  a well-known phrase that says something wise about human experience//   proverb//  --the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words//


Words: adagio
Meaning:
n   plural  adagios  [C]  technical //  [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Italian; Origin: ad  ’at, to’ +  agio  ’ease’]//  a piece of music that should be played or sung slowly//  -- adagio adj  adv //


Words: Adam
Meaning:
1 the first man, according to the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions. In the Old Testament of the Bible, Adam lived in the Garden of  Eden with  Eve, the first woman.:\n  2  not know someone from Adam:   informal to have no idea who someone is//\n Robert   (1728-92) a Scottish  architect who designed many famous houses and other buildings, and influenced the development of the  neoclassical style. He is also famous for designing furniture.//


Words: Adam Smith
Meaning:
(1723-90) a Scottish  economist who strongly believed in  free enterprise (=an economic system in which private businesses are free to make money, and there is not much government control) .He developed his ideas in his book  The Wealth of Nations, which has had an important influence on modern economic and political ideas//


Words: Adam Smith Institute
Meaning:
a  right-wing British organization that develops ideas about economics and gives advice to businesses and politicians. It is named after Adam Smith, an 18th century Scottish writer on economics.//


Words: adamant
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 800-900; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin adamas  ’hardest metal, diamond’, from  Greek]//  determined not to change your opinion or a decision that you have made//  --She begged me to change my mind, but I remained adamant .//  adamant that//  --Michael Jackson is adamant that he will not tour this year.//  -- adamantly adv //  --Britain is adamantly opposed to the new directive.//


Words: Adams
Meaning:
Ansel   (1902-84) a US photographer famous for his black-and-white photographs of the countryside in the west of the US//\n Gerry   (1948- ) the leader of  Sinn Fein, the Irish political party that wants  Northern Ireland to unite with the Republic of Ireland//\n John   (1735-1826) the second President of the US, from 1797 to 1801//\n John Quincy   (1767-1848) the sixth President of the US from 1825 to 1829. He was the son of John Adams, and he is believed to have written the  Monroe Doctrine.//\n Samuel   (1722-1803) a US politician and writer who protested against British taxes and law when the UK was still in control of the American  colonies.. He was the main organizer of the  Boston Tea Party.//


Words: adapt
Meaning:
W3   v   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: adapter, from  Latin adaptare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  aptare  ’to make fit’, from  aptus;   APT]//\n  1 [I and T] to gradually change your behaviour and attitudes in order to be successful in a new situation:  adapt to//  --The children are finding it hard to adapt to the new school.//  --flowers which are well adapted to harsh winters//  --The ability to adapt is a definite asset in this job.//  adapt yourself/itself etc (to sth)//  --How do these insects adapt themselves to new environments?//\n  2 [T] to change something to make it suitable for a different purpose:  adapt sth to do sth//  --The car has been adapted to take unleaded gas.//  adapt sth for sb//  --These teaching materials can be adapted for older children.//\n  3 [T usually passive] if a book or play is adapted for film, television etc, it is changed so that it can be made into a film, television programme etc:  be adapted for sth//  --Many children buy books after they have been adapted for television.//  -- adapted adj //  --She lives in a specially adapted flat.//


Words: adaptable
Meaning:
adj [usually after noun]   able to change in order to be successful in new and different situations//  --The American Constitution has proved adaptable in changing political conditions.//  adaptable to//  --The catfish is adaptable to a wide range of water conditions.//  -- adaptability/[hA353]d[zB024]pt[hA353]b[hA366]l[hA369]ti/ n  [U] //


Words: adaptation
Meaning:
1 [C] a film or television programme that is based on a book or play:  adaptation of//  --the BBC adaptation of the bestselling book//  television/film/stage etc adaptation //  --He’s working on a screen adaptation of his latest novel.//\n  2 [U]  formal the process of changing something to make it suitable for a new situation:  adaptation to//  --adaptation to the environment//


Words: adapter
Meaning:
adaptor/[hA353]d[zB024]pt[hA353] $ -[hA353]r/ n [C]   an object that you use to connect two different pieces of electrical equipment, or to connect two pieces of equipment to the same power supply//


Words: add
Meaning:
v   ----------//\n   1 put with something else:\n   2 count:\n   3 increase:\n   4 say more:\n   5 give a quality:\n   6 add(ed) to that/this:\n   7 add weight to something:\n   8 to add insult to injury:\n   9 add fuel to the fire/flames:  Phrasal verbs//   add something → in//   add something → on//   add to something//   add up//   add up to something//  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: addere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  -dere  ’to put’]//\n  1 PUT WITH SOMETHING ELSE:   [T] to put something with something else or with a group of other things//  --If the mixture seems dry, add water.//  add sth to sth//  --Do you want to add your name to the list?//  --Suzuki has added extra doors to its sports off-roader.//  --Material about recent research has been added to this new edition.//\n  2 COUNT:   [I and T] if you add numbers or amounts together, you calculate their total//    subtract//  add sth and sth (together)//  --Add 7 and 5 to make 12.//  --For tax purposes, your pension and earnings are added together.//  add sth to sth//  --Add [hA124]2.20 to the cost for postage.//\n  3 INCREASE:   [I and T] to increase the amount or cost of something//  add (sth) to sth//  --Spell-checking your document adds time to the process.//  --Sales tax adds to the price.//\n  4 SAY MORE:   [T] to say more about something that has just been said//  --’And I don’t care what you think,’ she added defiantly.//  --That’s all I have to say. Is there anything you’d like to add, David?//  add that//  --Everyone will be invited to vote, he said, adding that voting is likely to be via the web.//  --I was refused accommodation -- not, I hasten to add , on account of my appearance (=used to explain more about what you have just said) .//  --She was trying to entertain us -- unsuccessfully, I might add  (=used to comment on what you have just said) .//\n  5 GIVE A QUALITY:   [T] to give a particular quality to something//  add sth to sth//  --We’ve added value to the information by organizing it.//  add a touch of glamour/class (to sth) //  --Champagne always adds a touch of glamour to the occasion.//  --Coloured glass can be added for effect.//\n  6  add(ed) to that/this:  used to introduce another fact that supports your opinion//  --Our hospitals are short of cash. Add to that the long hours doctors work, and you have a recipe for disaster.//\n  7  add weight to sth:  if something adds weight to an argument, idea etc, it makes it stronger//  add weight to the suggestion/idea etc //  --Recent research adds weight to the theory that the climate is changing.//\n  8  to add insult to injury:  to make a bad situation worse for someone who has already been treated badly//  --She not only deceived him but, to add insult to injury, allowed him to pay for her meal.//\n  9  add fuel to the fire/flames:  to make an argument or disagreement worse//  --Rather than providing a solution, their statements merely added fuel to the fire.//  add in [add sth → in] phr v//  to include something with something else//  --Don’t forget to add in the cost of your time.//  add on [add sth → on] phr v//  to include or put on something extra//  --proposals to add a penny on income tax//  add something → on to//  --The private chapel was added on to the church much later.//  add to [add to sth] phr v//  to make a feeling or quality stronger and more noticeable//  --This show will no doubt add to his growing reputation.//  add up phr v//\n  1 to calculate the total of several numbers:  --I can add up in my head quite easily.//  add sth → up//  --Specialized software adds up the statistics.//\n  2  not add up:  a) if a set of facts does not add up, it does not provide a reasonable explanation for a situation//  --He was troubled by a feeling that things just didn’t add up.//  b) if sums, numbers etc do not add up, there is a mistake in them//  --These figures don’t add up.//\n  3  it all adds up:   informal used to say that lots of small amounts gradually make a large total//  --There are five of us using the phone so it all adds up.//  add up to [add up to sth] phr v//  to produce a particular total or result//  --Rising prison population and overcrowding add up to a real crisis.//


Words: add-on
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1 something extra that is added to an existing plan, agreement, law etc:  add-on to//  --We bought legal protection as an add-on to our home insurance policy.//\n  2 a piece of equipment that you connect to a computer to improve its performance:  --an add-on circuit board//\n  3 a product that is designed to be used with another product:


Words: Addams Family
Meaning:
the  trademark   an imaginary family who originally appeared in a US cartoon strip and then in a humorous television programme and in films. They are very interested in death and frightening things, and think that they are normal even though they seem very strange to everyone else //


Words: added
Meaning:
adj   in addition to what is usual or expected//   extra//  --cereal with added vitamins//  --no added sugar//  added advantage/bonus/benefit etc //  --The system has the added advantage of recordable DVD drives.//  --Include people in your picture for added interest .//  added difficulty/problem etc //  --Our yard is only small, and has the added disadvantage of facing north.//  --It may not be necessary to go to the added expense of updating your virus software.//


Words: addendum
Meaning:
n   plural  addenda /-d[hA353]/ or  addendums  [C] //  [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: addere;   ADD]//  something you add to the end of a speech or book to change it or give more information//  addendum to//  --an addendum to section 4//


Words: adder
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Origin: a nadder, mistaken for  an adder;  nadder  ’adder’ (11-17 centuries) from  Old English n[zB024]ddre]//  a type of poisonous snake//


Words: addict
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  addicere  ’to give to formally or legally’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  dicere  ’to say’]//\n  1 someone who is unable to stop taking drugs:  drug/heroin/morphine etc addict //  --a recovering heroin addict//\n  2 someone who is very interested in something and spends a lot of time doing it:  TV/sports etc addict //  --My nephew is a complete video game addict.//


Words: addicted
Meaning:
adj \n  1 unable to stop taking a harmful substance, especially a drug:  addicted to//  --50 million Americans are thought to be addicted to nicotine.//\n  2 liking something so much that you do not want to stop doing it or having it:  addicted to//  --kids addicted to surfing the Net//


Words: addiction
Meaning:
n [U and C] \n  1 the need to take a harmful drug regularly, without being able to stop:  drug/heroin/alcohol etc addiction //  addiction to//  --addiction to alcohol//\n  2 a strong desire to do or have something regularly:


Words: addictive
Meaning:
adj \n  1 if a substance, especially a drug, is addictive, your body starts to need it regularly and you are unable to stop taking it:  --Tobacco is highly addictive .//\n  2 an activity that is addictive is so enjoyable that you do not want to stop:  --It started as a hobby, but it got so addictive I had to keep on doing it.//  --addictive arcade games//


Words: addition
Meaning:
n \n  1  in addition:  used to add another piece of information to what you have just said//  --The company provides cheap Internet access. In addition, it makes shareware freely available.//  in addition to sth//  --In addition to his movie work, Redford is known as a champion of environmental causes.//\n  2 [U] the act of adding something to something else:  the addition of sth//  --The addition of networking facilities will greatly enhance the system.//  with the addition of sth//  --Turn sparkling wine into Buck’s Fizz with the addition of chilled orange juice.//\n  3 [C] something that is added to something else, often in order to improve it:  addition to//  --This excellent book will be a welcome addition to the library of any student.//  latest/new/recent addition //  --the latest addition to our designer range//\n  4 [U] the process of adding numbers or amounts to make a total:    subtraction//\n  5 [C]  American English an extra room that is added to a building:  --They built a big addition onto the back of the house.//


Words: additional
Meaning:
adj   more than what was agreed or expected//   extra//  -- Additional information can be obtained from the centre.//  additional costs/expenditure etc //  --An additional charge is made on baggage exceeding the weight allowance.//


Words: additionally
Meaning:
adv [sentence adverb]   in addition//   also//  --A new contract is in place. Additionally, staff will be offered a bonus scheme.//


Words: additive
Meaning:
n [C usually plural]   a substance that is added to food to improve its taste, appearance etc//  --permitted food additives //  --Our products are free from artificial additives .//


Words: addle
Meaning:
v [T]  old-fashioned   to confuse someone so they cannot think properly//  addle sb’s brains/wits //  --All that drink has addled his brains!//


Words: address
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] the details of the place where someone lives or works, that you use to send them letters, emails etc:  --Please write your name and address on a postcard.//  --What’s your new address?//  --I can give you the address of a good attorney.//  home/private/website etc address //  --My email address is on my business card.//  --Please notify us of any change of address .//  --I can’t find my address book  (=a book or place on a computer where you keep a list of people’s addresses) .//  --a 25-year-old man of no fixed address  (=no permanent home) //\n  2 [C] a formal speech that someone makes to a group of people:  address to//  --an address to the European parliament//  presidential/inaugural etc address //  --The new President delivered his inaugural address in Creole.//\n  3  form/mode/style of address:  the correct title or name that you should use when speaking or writing to someone//\naddress 2 W2S3   v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: adresser, from  dresser  ’to arrange’]//\n  1 if you address an envelope, package etc, you write on it the name and address of the person you are sending it to:  address sth to sb//  --That letter was addressed to me.//  --Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope  (=with your address on it so it can be sent back to you) .//\n  2  formal if you address a problem, you start trying to solve it:  address a problem/question/issue etc //  --Our products address the needs of real users.//  address yourself to sth//  --Marlowe now addressed himself to the task of searching the room.//\n  3  formal to speak to someone directly:  --She turned to address the man on her left.//\n  4  formal if you address remarks, complaints etc to someone, you say or write them directly to that person:  --You will have to address your comments to our Head Office.//\n  5 to make a formal speech to a large group of people:  address a meeting/conference etc //  --He addressed an audience of 10,000 supporters.//\n  6 to use a particular title or name when speaking or writing to someone:  address sb as sth//  --The president should be addressed as ’Mr. President’.//


Words: adduce
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: adducere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  ducere  ’to lead’]//   formal to give facts or reasons in order to prove that something is true//


Words: adenoidal
Meaning:
adj   an adenoidal voice is unpleasant and sounds as if it comes mainly through someone’s nose//   nasal//  --her adenoidal singing voice//


Words: adenoids
Meaning:
n [plural]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Greek; Origin: adenoeides, from  aden  ’gland’]//  the small soft pieces of flesh at the top of your throat, behind your nose, that sometimes become swollen//


Words: adept
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  adipisci  ’to gain’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  apisci  ’to reach’]//  good at something that needs care and skill//   skilful//  adept at//  --Melissa quickly became adept at predicting his moods.//  adept in//  --Silas proved adept in the art of avoiding potholes in the road.//  --I’m afraid she’s also an adept liar.//  -- adept/[zB024]dept/ n  [C] //  --a form of kung fu practiced by only a handful of adepts//  -- adeptly adv //


Words: adequate
Meaning:
W3S3   adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  adaequare  ’to make equal’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  aequare  ’to equal’]//\n  1 enough in quantity or of a good enough quality for a particular purpose:   sufficient//  → inadequate//  --Farmers have been slow to make adequate provision for their retirement.//  --Some creams we tested failed to give adequate protection against UV light.//  --The standard of his work is barely adequate .//  --The company has yet to provide an adequate explanation for its actions.//  adequate for//  --Are the parking facilities adequate for 50 cars?//  adequate to do sth//  --The lunchtime menu is more than adequate to satisfy the biggest appetite.//\n  2 fairly good but not excellent:  --Her performance was adequate but lacked originality.//  -- adequately adv //  --She wasn’t adequately insured.//  -- adequacy n  [U] //


Words: adhere
Meaning:
v [I]  formal   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: adhaerere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  haerere  ’to stick’]//  to stick firmly to something//  adhere to//  --The eggs of these fish adhere to plant leaves.//  adhere to [adhere to sth] phr v//  to continue to behave according to a particular rule, agreement, or belief//  --We adhere to the principles of equal rights and freedom of expression for all.//  --I have adhered strictly to the rules .//


Words: adherence
Meaning:
n [U]   when someone behaves according to a particular rule, belief, principle etc//  adherence to//  -- adherence to democratic principles //  strict/rigid/slavish adherence //  --strict adherence to Judaic law//


Words: adherent
Meaning:
n [C]   someone who supports a particular belief, plan, political party etc//  adherent of//  --adherents of the Greek Orthodox church//  adherent to//  --The anti-globalization movement is attracting new adherents to its principles.//


Words: adhesion
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: adhaesio, from  adhaerere;   ADHERE]//\n  1 [U] when something sticks to something else:\n  2 [C]  medical a piece of tissue (=skin)  that grows around a cut or diseased area:


Words: adhesive
Meaning:
n [U and C]   a substance such as glue that you use to stick two things together//  --waterproof adhesive//  -- adhesive adj //  --adhesive tape//


Words: adieu
Meaning:
n   plural  adieus  or  adieux /[hA353]dju[hA359]z/ [C, interjection]  literary //  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: ’to God’]//  goodbye//  --He bid her adieu .//


Words: Adirondacks
Meaning:
also the Adirondack Mountains    the Adirondacks//  an area in the north east of New York State, known for its beautiful mountains, forests, and lakes//


Words: adjacent
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: , present participle of  adjacere  ’to lie near’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  jacere  ’to lie’]//  a room, building, piece of land etc that is adjacent to something is next to it//  --We stayed in adjacent rooms.//  adjacent to//  --the building adjacent to the library//


Words: adjective
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: adjectif, from  Latin adjectus, past participle of  adjicere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  jacere  ’to throw’]//  a word that describes a noun or pronoun. In the phrase ’black hat’, ’black’ is an adjective and in the sentence `It makes her happy’, ’happy’ is an adjective.//  -- adjectival/[zB024]d[hA360][hA369]kta[hA366]v[hA368]l[hA36B]/ adj //  --an adjectival phrase//


Words: adjoin
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: adjoindre, from  Latin adjungere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  jungere  ’to join’]//  a room, building, or piece of land that adjoins something is next to it and connected to it//  --A vacant plot of land adjoins his house.//  -- adjoining adj  [usually before noun] //  --adjoining rooms//


Words: adjourn
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: ajourner, from  jour  ’day’]//\n  1 [I and T] if a meeting, parliament, law court etc adjourns, or if the person in charge adjourns it, it stops for a short time:  --It was almost noon when the meeting adjourned.//  adjourn for/until//  --Congress has adjourned for the November elections.//  --His trial was adjourned until May.//\n  2  adjourn to sth:  to finish an activity and go somewhere - often used humorously//  --The rest of us adjourned to a nearby pub for some refreshments.//  -- adjournment n  [U and C] //  --We sought an adjournment of the proceedings.//


Words: adjudge
Meaning:
v [T usually passive]  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: ajugier, from  Latin adjudicare;   ADJUDICATE]//  to make a judgment about something or someone//  --The reforms of 1979 were generally adjudged to have failed.//


Words: adjudicate
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  adjudicare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  judicare  ’to judge’]//\n  1 [I and T] to officially decide who is right in a disagreement and decide what should be done:  --The Dean adjudicates any faculty disputes.//  adjudicate on/upon/in/between//  --The owner can appeal to the court to adjudicate on the matter.//  adjudicate that//  --The judge adjudicated that he should be released.//\n  2 [I] to be the judge in a competition:  --He adjudicated at all the regional music competitions.//  -- adjudicator n  [C] //  --an impartial adjudicator//  -- adjudication/[hA353]d[hA360]u[hA359]d[hA366]ke[hA366][hA35D][hA353]n/ n  [U] //


Words: adjunct
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  adjungere;   ADJOIN]//\n  1 something that is added or joined to something that is bigger or more important:  adjunct to//  --On-line instruction is a useful adjunct to the real thing.//\n  2  technical an adverbial word or phrase that adds information to another part of a sentence. In ’They arrived on Sunday’, ’on Sunday’ is an adjunct.:


Words: adjure
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: adjurare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  jurare  ’to swear’]//   formal to order or try to persuade someone to do something//  adjure sb to do sth//  --Gwen adjured him to be truthful.//


Words: adjust
Meaning:
W3   v   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: ajuster, from  juste  ’exact, just’]//\n  1 [I and T] to gradually become familiar with a new situation:   adapt//  --They’ll soon settle in - kids are very good at adjusting.//  adjust to//  --It took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the darkness.//  adjust to doing sth//  --My parents had trouble adjusting to living in an apartment.//  adjust yourself to sth//  --It took time to adjust myself to motherhood.//\n  2 [T] to change or move something slightly to improve it or make it more suitable for a particular purpose:  --Check and adjust the brakes regularly.//  --Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning.//  --If your employment status changes, your tax code will be adjusted accordingly.//\n  3 [T] if you adjust something you are wearing, you move it slightly so that it is neater, more comfortable etc:  --He paused to adjust his spectacles.//    well-adjusted//


Words: adjustable
Meaning:
adj   something that is adjustable can be changed or moved slightly to make it suitable for different purposes//  --an adjustable spanner//


Words: adjustment
Meaning:
n [U and C] \n  1 a small change made to a machine, system, or calculation:  adjustment for//  --Once we make the adjustments for inflation, the fall in interest rates is quite small.//  adjustment to//  --a slight adjustment to the mechanism//  minor/slight adjustment //  --It just needs a few minor adjustments.//\n  2 a change in the way that someone behaves or thinks:  --a period of adjustment //  adjustment to//  --her adjustment to her new role//


Words: adjutant
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , present participle of  adjutare;   AID2]//  an army officer responsible for office work//


Words: adland
Meaning:
n [U]   the activity or business of advertising, considered as a whole//  --Anything that grabs your attention is good in adland.//


Words: admin
Meaning:
n [U]  informal   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: administration]//   administration//  --an admin assistant//  --She works in admin.//


Words: administer
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: aministrer, from  Latin administrare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  ministrare  ’to serve’, from  minister;   MINISTER1]//\n  1 [T usually passive] to manage the work or money of a company or organization:  --The money will be administered by local charities.//  --Our office administers the affairs of the Society.//\n  2 [I and T] to provide or organize something officially as part of your job:  administer justice/punishment etc //  --It is not the job of the police to administer justice; that falls to the courts.//  administer to//  --Pillai had responsibility for administering to the needs of half a million people.//  administer sth to sb//  --The test was administered to all 11-year-olds.//  administer an oath (=be the official person who listens to it) //\n  3 [T]  formal to give someone a medicine or medical treatment:  administer sth to sb//  --Painkillers were administered to the boy.//  --This unit teaches students how to administer First Aid .//


Words: administration
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] the activities that are involved in managing the work of a company or organization:  --We’re looking for someone with experience in administration.//  --The health service spends too much on administration.//  the administration (=the people who do this work) //  --the college administration//\n  2 [C] the government of a country at a particular time:  --the Kennedy Administration//  --The problem has been ignored by successive administrations.//\n  3 [U] the act of administering something, especially a law, test, or medicine:  administration of//  --the administration of justice//  --the administration of sedatives//


Words: administrative
Meaning:
W3   adj   relating to the work of managing a company or organization//  --The job is mainly administrative.//  administrative staff/duties/job etc //  --the administrative costs of health care systems//  --an administrative assistant //  --staff who provide technical and administrative support to the college//  -- administratively adv //


Words: admirable
Meaning:
adj  formal   having many good qualities that you respect and admire//  --an admirable achievement//  -- admirably adv //


Words: admiral
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: amiral, from  Medieval Latin admirallus, from  Arabic amir-al-  ’commander of the’ (as in  amir-al-bahr  ’commander of the sea’)]//  a high rank in the British or US navy, or someone with this rank//


Words: Admiral’s Cup
Meaning:
the   an international sailing competition held off the British coast every two years and consisting of four races, including the fastnet Cup Race//


Words: Admiralty Arch
Meaning:
a large  arch (=a structure with a curved top and straight sides)  in central London, between the  Mall and  Trafalgar Square//


Words: admiration
Meaning:
n [U]   a feeling of great respect and liking for something or someone//  in admiration//  --Daniel gazed at her in admiration.//  admiration for//  --I’m full of admiration for the crew who handled this crisis.//  admiration of//  --Her riding soon drew the admiration of the older girls.//  grudging/sneaking admiration (=that you do not really want to feel or express) //  --Despite her annoyance, she couldn’t help feeling a grudging admiration for him.//


Words: admire
Meaning:
S3   v [T not in progressive]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: admirer, from  Latin admirari, from  ad-  ’to’ +  mirari  ’to wonder’]//\n  1 to respect and like someone because they have done something that you think is good:  --I really admire the way she brings up those kids all on her own.//  admire sb for (doing) sth//  --Lewis was much admired for his work on medieval literature.//\n  2 to look at something and think how beautiful or impressive it is:  --We stopped halfway to admire the view .//  --Sal stood back to admire her work.//\n  3  admire sb from afar:   literary to be attracted to someone, without letting them know//  -- admired adj //  --the widely admired boss of Channel 4//


Words: admirer
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1  literary someone who likes a person and thinks that they are attractive:  --a beautiful woman with many admirers//  --a secret admirer //\n  2 someone who respects a famous person, especially because they like their work:   fan//  --a crowd of fervent admirers//  admirer of//  --’I’m a great admirer of yours,’ she managed to stammer.//


Words: admiring
Meaning:
adj [usually before noun]   showing that you think someone or something is very impressive or attractive//  --admiring glances//  -- admiringly adv //


Words: admissible
Meaning:
adj   admissible reasons, facts etc are acceptable or allowed, especially in a court of law//  → inadmissible//  -- admissible evidence //  -- admissibility/[hA353]dm[hA366]s[hA369]b[hA366]l[hA369]ti/ n  [U] //


Words: admission
Meaning:
W3   n   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: admissio, from  admittere;   ADMIT]//\n  1 [C] a statement in which you admit that something is true or that you have done something wrong:   confession//  admission that//  --The Senator’s admission that he had lied to Congress shocked many Americans.//  admission of guilt/defeat/failure etc //  --Silence is often interpreted as an admission of guilt.//  --Reese, by his own admission , lacks the necessary experience.//\n  2 [U] permission given to someone to enter a building or place, or to become a member of a school, club etc:  --No admission after 10 pm.//  --The young men tried to enter a nightclub but were refused admission .//  --Women gained admission to the club only recently.//  admission to//  --those applying for admission to university//\n  3  admissions [plural] the process of allowing people to enter a university, institution etc, or the number of people who can enter:  university/college/school admissions //  admissions policy/procedures etc //  --The college has a very selective admissions policy.//  --the admissions officer //\n  4 [U and C] the process of taking someone into a hospital for treatment, tests, or care:  --There are 13,000 hospital admissions annually due to playground accidents.//\n  5 [U] the cost of entrance to a concert, sports event, cinema etc:    admittance//  --Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children.//  --The cost includes free admission to the casinos.//  --The Museum has no admission charge .//


Words: admit
Meaning:
W1S2   v   past tense and past participle  admitted present participle  admitting //  ----------//\n   1 accept truth:\n   2 accept blame:\n   3 allow to enter:\n   4 allow to join:\n   5 hospital:\n   6 admit defeat:\n   7 admit evidence:  Phrasal verbs//   admit of something//  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: admittere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  mittere  ’to send’]//\n  1 ACCEPT TRUTH:   [I and T] to agree unwillingly that something is true or that someone else is right//  --’Okay, so maybe I was a little bit scared,’ Jenny admitted.//  admit (that)//  --You may not like her, but you have to admit that she’s good at her job.//  admit to sb (that)//  --Paul admitted to me that he sometimes feels jealous of my friendship with Stanley.//  --I must admit , I didn’t actually do anything to help her.//  -- Admit it! I’m right, aren’t I?//  admit (to) doing sth//  --Dana admitted feeling hurt by what I had said.//  freely/openly/frankly etc admit (=admit without being ashamed) //  --Phillips openly admits to having an alcohol problem.//\n  2 ACCEPT BLAME:   [I and T] to say that you have done something wrong, especially something criminal//   confess//  → deny//  admit doing sth//  --Greene admitted causing death by reckless driving.//  admit to (doing) sth//  --A quarter of all workers admit to taking time off when they are not ill.//  --After questioning, he admitted to the murder.//  --No organization has admitted responsibility for the bombing.//\n  3 ALLOW TO ENTER:   [T] to allow someone to enter a public place to watch a game, performance etc//    admittance, admission//  admit sb to/into sth//  --Only ticket-holders will be admitted into the stadium.//\n  4 ALLOW TO JOIN:   [T] to allow someone to join an organization, club etc//  admit sb to/into sth//  --Drake was admitted into the club in 1997.//\n  5 HOSPITAL:   [T] if people at a hospital admit someone, that person is taken in to be given treatment, tests, or care//  --What time was she admitted?//  be admitted to hospital//   BrE //  be admitted to the hospital//   AmE //\n  6  admit defeat:  to stop trying to do something because you realize you cannot succeed//  --For Haskill, selling the restaurant would be admitting defeat.//\n  7  admit evidence:  to allow a particular piece of evidence to be used in a court of law//  --Courts can refuse to admit evidence obtained illegally by police.//  admit of [admit of sth] phr v//  if a situation admits of a particular explanation, that explanation can be accepted as possible//  --The facts admit of no other explanation.//


Words: admittance
Meaning:
n [U]    formal permission to enter a place//    admission (5)//  -- Gaining admittance to the club was no easy matter.//


Words: admittedly
Meaning:
adv [sentence adverb]   used when you are admitting that something is true//  --The technique is painful, admittedly, but it benefits the patient greatly.//  --This has led to financial losses, though admittedly on a fairly small scale.//


Words: admixture
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: admixtus, past participle of  admiscere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  miscere  ’to mix’]//   technical a substance that is added to another substance in a mixture//


Words: admonish
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: admonester, from  Latin admonere  ’to warn’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  monere  ’to warn’]//   formal to tell someone severely that they have done something wrong//  admonish sb for (doing) sth//  --The witness was admonished for failing to answer the question.//  -- admonishment n  [C] //


Words: admonition
Meaning:
n [U and C]    formal a warning or expression of disapproval about someone’s behaviour//  -- admonitory/[hA353]dm[hA361]n[hA369]t[hA368]ri $ -m[hA35A][hA359]n[hA369]t[hA350][hA359]ri/ adj //  --an admonitory glance//


Words: ado
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Origin: at do  ’to do, being done’]//  without more/further ado//  without delaying or wasting any time//  --So without further ado, I’ll now ask Mr Davis to open the debate.//


Words: adobe
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Spanish; Origin: Arabic at-tub  ’the brick’, from  Coptic tobe  ’brick’]//  [U] earth and straw that are made into bricks for building houses//


Words: adolescence
Meaning:
n [U]   the time, usually between the ages of 12 and 18, when a young person is developing into an adult//


Words: adolescent
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: Latin, present participle of  adolescere;   ADULT2]//  a young person, usually between the ages of 12 and 18, who is developing into an adult//  -- adolescent adj //  --adolescent girls//    child//


Words: Adonis
Meaning:
1 in Greek  mythology, a beautiful boy whom  Aphrodite loved, but who was killed by a  boar (=a wild pig)  while he was hunting:\n  2 an extremely attractive young man :


Words: adopt
Meaning:
v   ----------//\n   1 child:\n   2 adopt an approach/policy/attitude etc:\n   3 style/manner:\n   4 law/rule:\n   5 name/country etc:\n   6 election:  ----------//  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: adopter, from  Latin adoptare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  optare  ’to choose’]//\n  1 CHILD:   [I and T] to take someone else’s child into your home and legally become its parent//    foster (11)//  --Sally was adopted when she was four.//  --The couple are unable to have children of their own, but hope to adopt.//\n  2  adopt an approach/policy/attitude etc [T] to start to deal with or think about something in a particular way:  --The courts were asked to adopt a more flexible approach to young offenders.//  --The store recently adopted a drug testing policy for all new employees.//  --California has adopted a tough stance on the issue.//\n  3 STYLE/MANNER:   [T] to use a particular style of speaking, writing, or behaving, especially one that you do not usually use//  --Kim adopts a southern accent when speaking to family back home.//\n  4 LAW/RULE:   [T] to formally approve a proposal, amendment etc, especially by voting//  --Congress finally adopted the law after a two-year debate.//\n  5 NAME/COUNTRY ETC:   [T] to choose a new name, country, custom etc, especially to replace a previous one//  --Stevens became a Muslim and adopted the name Yusuf Islam.//  --Becoming a member of a society means adopting its values.//\n  6 ELECTION:   BrE  [T] to officially choose someone to represent a political party in an election//  -- adopter n  [C] //  -- adoptee/[hA353]d[hA361]pti[hA359] $ [hA353]d[hA35A][hA359]p-/ n  [C] //


Words: adopted
Meaning:
adj \n  1 an adopted child has been legally made part of a family that he or she was not born into:  --his adopted son//\n  2 your adopted country is one that you have chosen to live in permanently:


Words: adoption
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U and C] the act or process of adopting a child:  --She decided to put the baby up for adoption .//\n  2 [U] the act of starting to use a particular plan, method, way of speaking etc:\n  3 [U]  BrE the choice of a particular person to represent a political party in an election:


Words: adorable
Meaning:
adj   someone or something that is adorable is so attractive that they fill you with feelings of love//  --Oh what an adorable little baby!//


Words: adoration
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 great love and admiration:  --the look of adoration in his eyes//\n  2  literary the showing of great love and respect for God:


Words: adore
Meaning:
v [T not in progressive]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: adorer, from  Latin adorare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  orare  ’to speak, pray’]//\n  1 to love someone very much and feel very proud of them:  --Betty adores her grandchildren.//\n  2  informal to like something very much:  --I simply adore chocolate.//


Words: adoring
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   liking and admiring someone very much//  --his adoring fans//  -- adoringly adv //


Words: adorn
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: French; Origin: adorner, from  Latin adornare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  ornare  ’to decorate’]//   formal to decorate something//  adorn sth with sth//  --church walls adorned with religious paintings//


Words: adornment
Meaning:
n  formal \n  1 [C] something that you use to decorate something:\n  2 [U] the act of decorating something:


Words: adrenalin
Meaning:
adrenaline/[hA353]dren[hA368]l-[hA369]n/ n [U]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: adrenal  ’of or on the kidneys’ (19-21 centuries), from  renal; because adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands]//  a chemical produced by your body when you are afraid, angry, or excited, which makes your heart beat faster//  --There’s nothing like a good horror film to get the adrenalin going  (=make you feel nervously excited) .//


Words: Adrian IV
Meaning:
(1100-1159) the only English pope. He was born in Hertfordshire, England, and his real name was Nicholas Breakspear. He became pope in 1154//


Words: Adriatic Sea
Meaning:
also the Adriatic   the Adriatic Sea//  the long, narrow sea between Italy and countries such as Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia, and Albania//


Words: adrift
Meaning:
adj, adv \n  1 a boat that is adrift is not fastened to anything or controlled by anyone:  --Several of the lifeboats were still afloat a month after being cast adrift .//\n  2 someone who is adrift is confused about what to do in their life:  --a young woman adrift in London//\n  3  come adrift:   BrE if something comes adrift, it is no longer fastened or attached to something//  --Her hair was forever coming adrift from the pins she used to keep it in place.//\n  4  two points/five seconds etc adrift (of sb):  two points, five seconds etc behind someone in a competition, race etc//


Words: adroit
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: a droit  ’properly’]//  clever and skilful, especially in the way you use words and arguments//  --an adroit negotiator//  -- adroitly adv //  -- adroitness n  [U] //


Words: ADSL
Meaning:
n [U]   asymmetric digital subscriber line a system that makes it possible for information, such as video images, to be sent to computers through telephone wires at a very high speed//


Words: adulation
Meaning:
n [U]  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin adulatio, from  adulari  ’to flatter’]//  praise and admiration for someone that is more than they really deserve//  -- adulatory/[zB024]d[hA360][hA36A]le[hA366]t[hA368]ri, [zB024]d[hA360][hA36A]le[hA366]t[hA368]ri $ [zB024]d[hA360][hA353]l[hA353]t[hA350][hA359]ri/ adj //


Words: adult
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1 a fully-grown person, or one who is considered to be legally responsible for their actions:  --Some children find it difficult to talk to adults.//\n  2 a fully-grown animal:  --The adults have white bodies and grey backs.//\nadult 2 W3 adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  adolescere  ’to grow up’]//\n  1 [only before noun] fully grown or developed:  --an adult lion//  --the adult population//  --He lived most of his adult life in Scotland.//\n  2 typical of an adult’s behaviour or of the things adults do:  --dealing with problems in an adult way//  --That wasn’t very adult of you.//\n  3 [only before noun] adult films, magazines, etc are about sex or related to sex:  --The film is rated R for language and adult themes.//


Words: adult education
Meaning:
n [U]   education provided for adults outside schools and universities, usually by means of classes that are held in the evening//


Words: adulterate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  adulterare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  alter  ’other’]//  to make food or drink less pure by adding another substance of lower quality to it//    unadulterated//  -- adulteration/[hA353]d[hA356]lt[hA353]re[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: adultery
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: avoutrie, from  Latin adulterium, from  adulter  ’adulterer’, from  adulterare;   ADULTERATE]//  sex between someone who is married and someone who is not their wife or husband//  --She had committed adultery on several occasions.//  -- adulterous adj //


Words: advance
Meaning:
W2S3   n   ----------//\n   1 in advance (of something):\n   2 be in advance of somebody/something:\n   3 development/improvement:\n   4 forward movement:\n   5 money:\n   6 advances:\n   7 increase:  ----------//\n  1  in advance (of sth):  before something happens or is expected to happen//  --I should warn you in advance that I’m not a very good dancer.//  --Many thanks, in advance, for your help.//  six months/a year etc in advance //  --The airline suggests booking tickets 21 days in advance.//  --Could you distribute copies well in advance of the meeting?//\n  2  be in advance of sb/sth:  to be more developed or modern than someone or something else//  --Their aircraft were in advance of those used by the US.//\n  3 DEVELOPMENT/IMPROVEMENT:   [C] a change, discovery, or invention that brings progress//  technological/scientific/medical etc advance //  --one of the great technological advances of the 20th century//  --a major advance //  advance in//  --Recent advances in genetics have raised moral questions.//  advance on//  --an advance on previous treatments//  --the advances made in the understanding of mental handicap//\n  4 FORWARD MOVEMENT:   [C] forward movement or progress of a group of people - used especially to talk about soldiers//  advance on//  --the enemy’s advance on St. Petersburg//\n  5 MONEY:   [C usually singular] money paid to someone before the usual time, especially someone’s salary//  --a $500 advance//  advance on//  --Krebs decided to ask for an advance on his salary.//\n  6  advances [plural]  formal an attempt to start a sexual relationship with someone:  --She accused her boss of making advances to her.//  --The witness said that he ’went berserk’ when she rejected his sexual advances .//\n  7 INCREASE:   [C] an increase in the price or value of something - used especially to talk about the stock exchange//\nadvance 2 W3 v   ----------//\n   1 move forward:\n   2 develop:\n   3 money:\n   4 advance your career/a cause/your interests etc:\n   5 price:\n   6  time/date:\n   7 machine:  ----------//  [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: avancier, from  Vulgar Latin abantiare, from  Latin abante  ’before’]//\n  1 MOVE FORWARD:   [I] to move towards someone or something, especially in a slow and determined way - used especially to talk about soldiers//  --A line of US tanks slowly advanced.//  advance on//  --Troops advanced on the rebel stronghold (=moved towards it in order to attack it) .//  advance across/through/towards//  --The army advanced across the plain.//\n  2 DEVELOP:   [I and T] if scientific or technical knowledge advances, or if something advances it, it develops and improves//  --Our understanding of human genetics has advanced considerably.//  --The group’s research has done much to advance our knowledge of the HIV virus.//\n  3 MONEY:   [T] to give someone money before they have earned it//  advance sb sth//  --Will they advance you some money until your get your first paycheck?//  advance sth to sb//  --I advanced $1,500 to Kramer last Thursday.//\n  4  advance your career/a cause/your interests etc:  to do something that will help you achieve an advantage or success for yourself or someone else//  --Jameson agreed to the deal in an effort to advance his political career.//\n  5 PRICE:   [I] if the price or value of something advances, it increases - used especially when talking about the stock exchange//\n  6  TIME/DATE:   [T]  formal to change the time or date when an event should happen to an earlier time or date//  --The meeting has been advanced to ten o’clock.//\n  7 MACHINE:   [I and T]  formal if you advance a film, clock, musical recording etc, or if it advances, it goes forward//    advancing//\nadvance 3 adj \n  1  advance planning/warning/booking etc:  planning etc that is done before an event//  --We received no advance warning of the storm.//\n  2  advance party/team:  a group of people who go first to a place where something will happen to prepare for it//\n  3  advance copy:  a copy of a book, record etc that has not yet been made available to the public//


Words: advanced
Meaning:
W3   adj \n  1 very modern:  --advanced weapon systems//  --advanced technology//  --high levels of unemployment in the advanced industrial societies//\n  2 studying or dealing with a school subject at a difficult level:  --advanced learners of English//  --advanced physics//\n  3 having reached a late point in time or development:  --By this time, the disease was too far advanced to be treated.//\n  4  advanced age/years:  used to talk about the age of someone who is old//  --Despite his advanced age, he often travelled abroad.//


Words: advancement
Meaning:
n [U and C]    formal progress or development in your job, level of knowledge etc//  --career advancement//  --advancements in science//


Words: advancing
Meaning:
adj   advancing years/age//  the fact of growing older//  --Blake had grown much quieter - another sign of his advancing years.//


Words: advantage
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: avantage, from  avant  ’before’, from  Latin abante;   ADVANCE2]//\n  1 [U and C] something that helps you to be more successful than others, or the state of having this:  → disadvantage//  advantage over//  --Her experience meant that she  had a big advantage  over her opponent.//  --His height gives him an advantage over the other players.//  --Companies that receive government subsidies have an unfair advantage .//  --Western countries  enjoyed considerable  advantages  in terms of technology.//  --Younger workers tend to  be at an advantage  when applying for jobs.//  --It might be to your advantage  to take a computer course of some kind.//\n  2 [U and C] a good or useful quality or condition that something has:  advantage of//  --One of the many advantages of living in New York is that you can eat out at almost any time of day.//  --The hotel is not very modern, but it does have the advantage of being close to the city centre.//  advantage over//  --The printer has several advantages over conventional printers.//  big/great/considerable advantage //  --The big advantage of this system is that it is fast.//\n  3  take advantage of sb:  to treat someone unfairly in order to get what you want, especially someone who is generous or easily persuaded//  --Don’t lend them the car - they’re taking advantage of you!//\n  4  take advantage of sth (to do sth):  to use a particular situation to do or get what you want//  --I took advantage of the good weather to paint the shed.//  --You’ll want to take full advantage of the beachfront clubs.//\n  5  use/turn sth to your/good advantage:  to use something that you have or that happens in order to achieve something//  --How could he turn the situation to his advantage?//  --Burns used his family connections to good advantage.//\n  6  show sth to (good/great) advantage:  to make the best features of someone or something very noticeable//  --Her dress showed her tanned skin to great advantage.//\n  7  advantage sb:  used in tennis to show that the person named has won the next point after the score was 40-40//  ----------//  COLLOCATES for sense 1 //  have an advantage //  give somebody an advantage //  big/great/major/distinct advantage //  unfair advantage //  enjoy an advantage  (=have an advantage) //  be at an advantage  (=have an advantage) //  be to your advantage/work to your advantage  (=something gives you an advantage) //  ----------//


Words: advantaged
Meaning:
adj  formal   having more money, a higher social position etc than someone else//  → disadvantaged//  --Some of the boys come from less advantaged backgrounds.//  socially/geographically/economically etc advantaged //


Words: advantageous
Meaning:
adj   helpful and likely to make you successful//  → disadvantageous//  --He was now in a more advantageous position.//  advantageous to//  --terms advantageous to foreign companies//  -- advantageously adv //


Words: advent
Meaning:
n  written   [Date: 1000-1100; Language: Latin; Origin: adventus  ’arrival’, from  advenire;   ADVENTURE]//  the advent of sth//  the time when something first begins to be widely used//  --the advent of the computer//


Words: Advent calendar
Meaning:
n [C]   a picture on thick paper which has parts like doors with smaller pictures behind them. You open one door each day in December until Christmas.//


Words: adventure
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: aventure, from  Latin advenire  ’to arrive’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  venire  ’to come’]//\n  1 an exciting experience in which dangerous or unusual things happen:  --a great adventure//  --Ahab’s adventures at sea//  --an adventure story//\n  2  sense/spirit of adventure:  willingness to try new things, take risks etc//  --Come on - where’s your sense of adventure?//


Words: adventure playground
Meaning:
n [C]    BrE an area of ground for children to play on, with equipment and structures for climbing on//


Words: adventurer
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1 someone who enjoys adventure:  --an adventurer travelling the world//\n  2  old-fashioned someone who tries to become rich or socially important by using dishonest or immoral methods - used to show disapproval:


Words: adventurous
Meaning:
adj \n  1 not afraid of taking risks or trying new things:  --Andy isn’t a very adventurous cook.//\n  2  also adventuresome :   AmE eager to go to new places and do exciting or dangerous things//


Words: adverb
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: adverbe, from  Latin adverbium, from  ad-  ’to’ +  verbum  ’word’]//  a word that adds to the meaning of a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a whole sentence, such as ’slowly’ in ’He ran slowly’, ’very’ in ’It’s very hot’, or ’naturally’ in ’Naturally, we want you to come.’//    adjective//


Words: adversarial
Meaning:
adj   an adversarial system, especially in politics and the law, is one in which two sides oppose and attack each other//  --the adversarial nature of two-party politics//


Words: adversary
Meaning:
n   plural  adversaries  [C] //   formal a country or person you are fighting or competing against//   opponent//  --his old adversary //


Words: adverse
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Origin:  Early  French advers, from  Latin adversus, past participle of  advertere;   ADVERT]//\n  1 not good or favourable:  --They fear it could have an adverse effect on global financial markets.//  --Miller’s campaign has received a good deal of adverse publicity .//\n  2  adverse conditions:  conditions that make it difficult for something to happen or exist//  --The expedition was abandoned because of adverse weather conditions.//  -- adversely adv //  --developments which had adversely affected their business//


Words: adversity
Meaning:
n [U]   a situation in which you have a lot of problems that seem to be caused by bad luck//  --his courage in the face of adversity //


Words: advert
Meaning:
n [C]    BrE an advertisement//\nadvert 2   v   advert to [advert to sth] phr v//  [Date: 1400-1500; Origin:  Early  French advertir, from  Latin advertere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  vertere  ’to turn’]//  to mention something//


Words: advertise
Meaning:
v [I and T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Origin:  Early  French advertiss-, stem of  advertir;   ADVERT]//\n  1 to tell the public about a product or service in order to persuade them to buy it:  --They no longer advertise alcohol or cigarettes at sporting events.//  advertise (sth) on television/in a newspaper etc //  --Many companies will only advertise in the Sunday paper.//  be advertised as sth//  --The inn is advertised as being from the early 16th century.//  --Colleges and universities have found that it pays to advertise  (=advertising brings good results) .//\n  2 to make an announcement, for example in a newspaper or on a poster, that a job is available, an event is going to happen etc:  --a poster advertising the concert//  advertise for//  --I see they’re advertising for a new Sales Director.//\n  3  advertise the fact (that):  to let people know something about yourself//  --Don’t advertise the fact that you’re looking for another job.//


Words: advertisement
Meaning:
S3   n [C] \n  1  also ad  informal :  advert  BrE a picture, set of words, or a short film, which is intended to persuade people to buy a product or use a service, or that gives information about a job that is available, an event that is going to happen etc//  advertisement for//  --The Sunday papers are full of advertisements for cars.//  --She saw an advertisement for a ski vacation in Vermont.//  --They  put an advertisement in  The Morning News, offering a high salary for the right person.//  --The organizers of the concert had  taken out  a full page advertisement  in The New York Times.//  --Only a handful of people  answered the advertisement .//\n  2  be an advertisement for sth:  to be a good example of something or show how effective it can be//  --He’s a very good advertisement for the benefits of regular exercise.//  ----------//  COLLOCATES for sense 1 //  put/place an advertisement in a newspaper //  take out an advertisement (=ask for an advertisement to be printed or shown) //  a newspaper/television/radio advertisement //  a full-page/half-page/two-page advertisement //  a job advertisement //  answer/reply to an advertisement //  run a series of advertisements (=print or broadcast a series of them) //  WORD FOCUS: advertisement //  types of advertisement: commercial on TV or radio //  poster on a wall, often with a picture on it //  junk mail unwanted letters in the post, advertising things //  flyer a sheet of paper with an advertisement on it, given to you in the street or pushed through your door //  the blurb a piece of writing on the back of a book, which talks about the good things in it //  the classified ads also the small ads (BrE) short advertisements in a newspaper, in which people offer things for sale //  the personal ads/the lonely hearts (ads) newspaper advertisements in which people say they want to meet someone for romance //  See also:  slogan, jingle2 (1) , plug2 (2) //  ----------//


Words: advertiser
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1 a person or company that advertises something:\n  2  Advertiser:  used in the names of newspapers//  --the Stockport Advertiser//


Words: advertising
Meaning:
W3   n [U]   the activity or business of advertising things on television, in newspapers etc//  --advertising aimed at 18-25 year olds//  --a career in advertising//  television/radio/newspaper advertising //  --Both candidates are spending millions on television advertising.//  advertising campaign/strategy //  --the advertising slogan ’Come alive with Pepsi’//


Words: advertorial
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: advertisement +  editorial]//  an advertisement in a newspaper or magazine that is made to look like a normal article//


Words: advice
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: avis  ’opinion’, probably from  ce m’est a vis  ’that appears to me’]//  an opinion you give someone about what they should do//  advice on/about//  --There’s lots of advice in the book on baby care.//  --Could you give me some advice about buying a home?//  legal/medical/financial etc advice //  --If I were you, I’d get some legal advice.//  professional/expert advice (=advice from someone who knows a lot about a subject) //  --I want to ask your advice about where to stay in Taipei.//  follow/take sb’s advice (=do what they advise you) //  --I followed my father’s advice and sold the car.//  --Take my advice and study something practical.//  a piece/word of advice //  --Let me give you a piece of advice. Wear a blue or grey suit to the interview.//  on sb’s advice//  --On her doctor’s advice (=because her doctor advised her) Smith decided to take early retirement.//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  Do not confuse the noun advice /[hA353]dva[hA366]s/ with the verb advise /[hA353]dva[hA366]z/ He gave me some useful advice.  Can you advise me on college courses? //  ----------//


Words: advice column
Meaning:
n [C]   part of a newspaper or magazine in which someone gives advice to readers who have written to them about their personal problems//  British Equivalent:  agony column//  -- advice columnist n  [C] //


Words: advisable
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]  formal   something that is advisable should be done in order to avoid problems or risks//  → inadvisable//  --Regular medical check-ups are advisable.//  -- It is advisable to write a career objective at the start of your resume.//  -- advisability/[hA353]dva[hA366]z[hA353]b[hA366]l[hA369]ti/ n  [U] //


Words: advise
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: aviser, from  avis;   ADVICE]//\n  1 [I and T] to tell someone what you think they should do, especially when you know more than they do about something:  --She needed someone to advise her.//  --’Make sure that you keep the documents in a safe place,’ Otley advised him.//  advise sb to do sth//  --Evans advised him to leave London.//  --You are strongly advised to take out medical insurance when visiting China.//  advise sb against (doing) sth//  --I’d advise you against saying anything to the press.//  advise that//  --Experts advise that sunscreen be reapplied every one to two hours.//  advise caution/patience/restraint etc (=advise people to be careful, patient etc) //  --The makers advise extreme caution when handling this material.//\n  2 [I and T] to be employed to give advice on a subject about which you have special knowledge or skill:  advise on//  --She’s been asked to advise on training the new sales team.//  advise sb on sth//  --He advises us on tax matters.//\n  3 [T]  formal to tell someone about something:  advise sb of sth//  --We’ll advise you of any changes in the delivery dates.//  -- Keep us advised of  (=continue to tell us about) any new developments.//  advise sb that//  --They advised him that the tour would proceed.//\n  4  you would be well/ill advised to do sth:  used to tell someone that it is wise or unwise to do something//  --You would be well advised to stay in bed and rest.//


Words: advisedly
Meaning:
adv  formal   after careful thought//   deliberately//  --He behaved like a dictator, and I use the term advisedly.//


Words: adviser
Meaning:
W3S3  advisor/[hA353]dva[hA366]z[hA353] $ -[hA353]r/ n [C]   someone whose job is to give advice because they know a lot about a subject, especially in business, law, or politics//  --a financial adviser//


Words: advisory
Meaning:
adj   having the purpose of giving advice//  advisory committee/body //  --the Environmental Protection Advisory Committee//  advisory role/capacity //  --He was employed in a purely advisory role.//


Words: advocate
Meaning:
v [T]   to publicly say that something should be done//  --Extremists were openly advocating violence.//  advocate for//   AmE //  --Those who advocate doctor-assisted suicide say the terminally ill should not have to suffer.//\nadvocate 2   n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: avocat, from  Latin, past participle of  advocare  ’to summon’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  vocare  ’to call’]//\n  1 someone who publicly supports someone or something:  advocate of//  --She’s a passionate advocate of natural childbirth.//  advocate for//  --an advocate for the disabled//\n  2 a lawyer who speaks in a court of law, especially in Scotland:    devil’s advocate//


Words: adze
Meaning:
adz/[zB024]dz/ n [C]   [Language: Old English; Origin: adesa]//  a sharp tool with the blade at a right angle to the handle, used to shape wood//


Words: aegis
Meaning:
n  formal   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: ’shield of Jupiter, made of goatskin’, from  Greek aigis  ’shield of Zeus’, perhaps from  aix  ’goat’]//  under the aegis of sb/sth//  with the protection or support of a person or organization//  --a refugee camp operating under the aegis of the UN//


Words: Aeneas
Meaning:
in ancient Greek and Roman stories, a Trojan leader who escaped from  Troy after it was captured by the Greeks and went to  Carthage, where he met  Dido. He later went to Italy where he became the  ancestor of the Romans.//    Aeneid//    Iliad, the//    Trojan War, the//


Words: aerate
Meaning:
v [T]  technical   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Latin; Origin: aer  ’air’, from  Greek]//  to put a gas or air into a liquid or into soil//


Words: aerial
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: aerius, from  Greek aerios, from  aer;   AERATE]//\n  1 from a plane:  --an aerial attack//  --aerial photographs//  --an aerial view of the Three Gorges Dam project//\n  2 in or moving through the air:\naerial 2 n [C] \n  1 a piece of equipment for receiving or sending radio or television signals, usually consisting of a piece of metal or wire:  American Equivalent:  antenna//\n  2  aerials:  a sport in which someone goes down a mountain on skis and performs complicated jumps and turns in the air//


Words: aerialist
Meaning:
n [C]   someone who goes down a mountain on skis and performs complicated jumps and turns in the air//


Words: aero-
Meaning:
prefix   [Language: French; Origin: Latin, from  Greek, from  aer  ’air’]//  concerning the air or aircraft//  --aerodynamics (=science of movement through air) //  --an aeroengine//


Words: aerobatics
Meaning:
n [plural]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: aero- +  -batics (as in  acrobatics)]//  tricks done in a plane that involve making difficult or dangerous movements in the air//


Words: aerobic
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: aerobe  ’creature that needs air to live’ (19-21 centuries), from  French aerobie, from  aero-  ’aero-’ +  -bie (from  Greek bios  ’life’)]//\n  1  technical using oxygen:  → anaerobic//\n  2  aerobic exercise:  a type of exercise intended to strengthen the heart and lungs//  --running, swimming, and other forms of aerobic exercise//


Words: aerodynamic
Meaning:
adj \n  1 an aerodynamic car, design etc uses the principles of aerodynamics to achieve high speed or low use of petrol:\n  2  technical related to or involving aerodynamics:  --aerodynamic efficiency//  -- aerodynamically/-kli/ adv //


Words: aerodynamics
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 the scientific study of how objects move through the air:\n  2 the qualities needed for something to move smoothly through the air:


Words: aeronautics
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Modern Latin; Origin: aeronautica, from  French aeronaute  ’flyer’, from  aero-  ’aero-’ +  Greek nautes  ’sailor’]//  the science of designing and flying planes//  -- aeronautical adj //


Words: aeroplane
Meaning:
n  BrE airplane  AmE [C]   cockpit, wing, tail//  [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: aeroplane, from  aero-  ’aero-’ +  plan  ’flat’]//  a flying vehicle with wings and at least one engine//   plane//    aircraft//


Words: aerosol
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: aero- +  sol  ’solution’ (19-21 centuries) (from  solution)]//  a small metal container with liquid inside. You press a button on the container to make the liquid come out in very small drops.//    spray//


Words: aerospace
Meaning:
adj   involving the designing and building of aircraft and space vehicles//  --the aerospace industry//\naerospace 2 n [U]   the industry that designs and builds aircraft and space vehicles//  aerospace company/worker etc //  --employment in the aerospace industry//


Words: Aeschylus
Meaning:
(?525-?456 BC) an ancient Greek writer who was one of the earliest writers to develop the European style of  drama (=plays for the theatre) , especially  tragedy//


Words: Aesop
Meaning:
(?620-?560 BC) an ancient Greek writer who wrote short stories known as  Aesop’s Fables, which teach moral lessons using characters who are animals. His fables include  The Fox and the Grapes  and  The Tortoise and the Hare.//


Words: aesthete
Meaning:
esthete/i[hA359]s[hA35F]i[hA359]t $ es-/ n [C]  formal   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin: aesthetic]//  someone who loves and understands beautiful things, such as art and music//\naesthetic 1  esthetic/i[hA359]s[hA35F]et[hA366]k, es- $ es-/ adj   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Greek; Origin: aisthetikos, from  aisthanesthai  ’to experience with the senses’]//  connected with beauty and the study of beauty//  --From an esthetic point of view, it’s a nice design.//  --a work of great aesthetic appeal//  -- aesthetically/-kli/ adj //  --aesthetically pleasing//\naesthetic 2 n  formal \n  1  aesthetics [U] the study of beauty, especially beauty in art:\n  2 [C] a set of principles about beauty or art:  --A new aesthetic had been evolved.//


Words: aetiology
Meaning:
etiology/i[hA359]ti[hA361]l[hA353]d[hA360]i $ -[hA35A][hA359]l-/ n [U]  medical   the study of what causes disease//


Words: afar
Meaning:
adv  literary   [Date: 1300-1400; Origin: a- +  far]//  from afar//  from a long distance away//  --I saw him from afar.//


Words: AFDC
Meaning:
Aid to Families with Dependent Children a US government programme that gives money to poor families, especially single parents//


Words: affable
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: Latin affabilis, from  affari, from  ad-  ’to’ +  fari  ’to speak’]//  friendly and easy to talk to//   pleasant//  --an affable guy//  -- affably adv //  -- affability/[zB024]f[hA353]b[hA366]l[hA369]ti/ n  [U] //


Words: affair
Meaning:
W1S2   n [C]   ----------//\n   1 public/political activities:\n   2 event:\n   3 relationship:\n   4 object:\n   5 be somebody’s affair:  ----------//  [Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: afaire, from  a faire  ’to do’]//\n  1 PUBLIC/POLITICAL ACTIVITIES:   affairs [plural] //  a) public or political events and activities//  --world affairs//  --They were accused of interfering in China’s internal affairs .//  --the exclusion of women from public affairs //  --a foreign affairs correspondent for CNN//  b) things connected with your personal life, your financial situation etc//  --I am not prepared to discuss my financial affairs with the press.//    state of affairs at state1 (8)//\n  2 EVENT:  a) an event or set of related events, especially one that is impressive or shocking//  --the Watergate affair//  --The whole affair was a disaster.//  b) used when describing an event//  --The party was a very grand affair.//\n  3 RELATIONSHIP:  a secret sexual relationship between two people, when at least one of them is married to someone else//   love affair//  affair with//  --He had an affair with his boss that lasted six years.//\n  4 OBJECT:   informal  old-fashioned used when describing an object, machine etc//  --The computer was one of those little portable affairs.//\n  5  be sb’s affair:  if something is your affair, it only concerns you and you do not want anyone else to get involved in it//  --What I do in my free time is my affair.//


Words: affect
Meaning:
v [T]   [Sense: 1-2; Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  afficere  ’to influence’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  facere  ’to do’]//  [Sense: 3; Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: affecter, from  Latin affectare, from  afficere]//\n  1 to do something that produces an effect or change in something or in someone’s situation:  --the areas affected by the hurricane//  --a disease that affects the central nervous system//  --decisions which affect our lives //  --Trading has been adversely affected by the downturn in consumer spending.//\n  2 [usually passive] to make someone feel strong emotions:  --We were all deeply affected by her death.//\n  3  formal to pretend to have a particular feeling, way of speaking etc:  --As usual, Simon affected complete boredom.//  --He used to affect a foreign accent.//


Words: affectation
Meaning:
n [U and C]   a way of behaving, speaking etc that is not sincere or natural//  --Calling everyone ’darling’ is just an affectation.//


Words: affecting
Meaning:
adj  formal   producing strong emotions of sadness, pity etc//   upsetting//  --a deeply affecting story//


Words: affection
Meaning:
n [singular, U] \n  1 a feeling of liking or love and caring:   fondness//  affection for//  --Bart had a deep affection for the old man.//  --She looked back on those days with affection .//  --Their father never showed them much affection .//  --The church was held in great affection  (=loved and cared about a lot) by the local residents.//\n  2  sb’s affections:  the feelings of love and caring that someone has//  --Africa has always had a special place in my affections.//


Words: affectionate
Meaning:
adj   showing in a gentle way that you love someone and care about them//   loving//  affectionate towards//  --Jo is very affectionate towards her.//  --an affectionate hug//  -- affectionately adv //


Words: affective
Meaning:
adj  medical  or  technical   relating to or having an effect on the emotions//  --affective disorders//


Words: affianced
Meaning:
adj  old use   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: afiancer, from  Medieval Latin affidare;   AFFIDAVIT]//   engaged(1)//


Words: affidavit
Meaning:
n [C]  law   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: ’he or she has made a formal promise’, from  affidare, from  Latin ad-  ’to’ +  Vulgar Latin fidare  ’to trust’]//  a written statement that you swear is true, for use as proof in a court of law//


Words: affiliate
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: , past participle of  affiliare  ’to take over as a son’, from  Latin ad-  ’to’ +  filius  ’son’]//\n  1 [I,T usually passive] if a group or organization affiliates to or with another larger one, it forms a close connection with it:  affiliate with//  --The Society is not affiliated with any political party.//  affiliate to//  --the church’s right to affiliate to Rome//\n  2  affiliate yourself to/with sb/sth:  to join or become connected with a larger group or organization//  --She affiliated herself with the Impressionist school of painting.//\naffiliate 2   n [C]   a company, organization etc that is connected with or controlled by a larger one//  --Volvo’s Japanese affiliate, Mitsubishi//


Words: affiliated
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   an affiliated organization/club/member etc//  an organization, club etc that is a member of a larger group or organization, or is closely connected with it//  --The Association provides information on affiliated clubs.//


Words: affiliation
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U and C] the connection or involvement that someone or something has with a political, religious etc organization:  sb’s (political/religious etc) affiliation //  --the newspaper’s political affiliations//\n  2 [U] when a smaller group or organization joins a larger one:


Words: affinity
Meaning:
n   plural  affinities //  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: afinite, from  Latin affinitas, from  affinis  ’sharing a border, related by marriage’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  finis  ’end, border’]//\n  1 [singular] a strong feeling that you like and understand someone or something:  affinity with/for/between//  --his remarkable affinity with animals//\n  2 [U and C] a close relationship between two things because of qualities or features that they share:  affinity with/between//  --the affinity between Christian and Chinese concepts of the spirit//


Words: affinity card
Meaning:
n [C]   a type of credit card, where an amount of money is given by the credit card company to a charity every time the card is used//


Words: affirm
Meaning:
v [T]  formal   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: afermer, from  Latin affirmare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  firmare  ’to make firm’]//\n  1 to state publicly that something is true:   confirm//  --The general affirmed rumors of an attack.//  affirm that//  --A spokesman for the company affirmed that a merger was likely.//\n  2 to strengthen a feeling, belief, or idea:  --He claims that modern physics affirms his Christian beliefs.//  -- affirmation/[zB024]f[hA353]me[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n $ [zB024]f[hA353]r-/ n  [U and C] //


Words: affirmative
Meaning:
adj  formal   an affirmative answer or action means ’yes’ or shows agreement//  → negative//  --an affirmative nod//  -- affirmatively adv //\naffirmative 2 n   answer/reply in the affirmative//   formal to say ’yes’//    answer/reply in the negative at negative2 (2)//


Words: affirmative action
Meaning:
n [U]  especially AmE   the practice of choosing people for a job, college etc who are usually treated unfairly because of their race, sex etc//  British Equivalent:  positive discrimination//


Words: affix
Meaning:
v [T often passive]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: affixare, from  Latin affigere, from  ad-  ’to’ +  figere  ’to fasten’]//   formal to fasten or stick something to something else//  affix sth to sth//  --A label must be affixed to all parcels.//\naffix 2   n [C]   a group of letters added to the beginning or end of a word to change its meaning or use, such as ’un-’, ’mis-’, ’-ness’, or ’-ly’//    prefix1 (1),  suffix//


Words: afflict
Meaning:
v [T often passive]  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  affligere  ’to throw down’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  fligere  ’to hit’]//  to affect someone or something in an unpleasant way, and make them suffer//  afflict with/by//  --a country afflicted by famine//


Words: affliction
Meaning:
n [U and C]  formal   something that causes pain or suffering, especially a medical condition//  --the afflictions of old age//


Words: affluent
Meaning:
adj  formal   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin, present participle of  affluere  ’to flow in large quantities’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  fluere  ’to flow’]//  having plenty of money, nice houses, expensive things etc//   wealthy//  --affluent families//  an affluent society/country/area etc //  --the affluent C[hA175]te d’Azur//  -- affluence n  [U]  see usage note  rich//


Words: afford
Meaning:
v [T]   [Language: Old English; Origin: geforthian  ’to carry out’, from  forth]//\n  1  can/could afford [usually negative] :  a) to have enough money to buy or pay for something//  afford [to do] sth//  --We can’t afford to go on vacation this year.//  --I couldn’t afford the rent on my own.//  --How can she afford to eat out every night?//  b) to have enough time to do something//  --Dad can’t afford any more time off work.//  c) if you cannot afford to do something, you must not do it because it could cause serious problems for you//  afford to do sth//  --We can’t afford to wait any longer or we’ll miss the plane.//\n  2  formal to provide something or allow something to happen:  --The room affords a beautiful view over the city.//  afford (sb) an opportunity/chance //  --It afforded her the opportunity to improve her tennis skills.//  --The new law will afford protection to employees.//  -- affordable adj //  --affordable housing//  ----------//  HINT sense 1 //  Afford can be followed by an infinitive with ’to’, but not an -ing form: I can’t afford to buy (NOT can’t afford buying/can’t afford buy) a car. //  ----------//


Words: afforestation
Meaning:
n [U]  technical   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: afforestatio, from  afforestare  ’to plant a forest’, from  Latin ad-  ’to’ +  Medieval Latin forestis  ’forest’]//  the act of planting trees in order to make a forest//  → deforestation//


Words: affray
Meaning:
n [U and C]  law   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: affreer  ’to surprise and frighten’, from  Vulgar Latin exfridare]//  a noisy fight in a public place, or when someone is involved in such a fight//


Words: affricate
Meaning:
n [C]  technical   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  affricare  ’to rub against’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  fricare  ’to rub’]//  a plosive sound such as /t/ or /d/ that is immediately followed by a fricative sound made in the same part of the mouth, such as s or [hA360]. The word ’church’, for example, contains the affricate t[hA35D].//


Words: affront
Meaning:
v [T usually passive]  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: afronter, from  Vulgar Latin affrontare  ’to hit in the face’, from  Latin ad-  ’to’ +  frons  ’forehead’]//  to offend or insult someone, especially by not showing respect//  --He stepped back, affronted by the question.//\naffront 2 n [C usually singular]   a remark or action that offends or insults someone//  affront to//  --The comments were an affront to his pride.//


Words: Afghan
Meaning:
adj   relating to Afghanistan or its people//\nAfghan 2 n [C]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Pashto; Origin: afghani]//\n  1 someone from Afghanistan:\n  2  also Afghan hound :  a tall thin dog with a pointed nose and very long silky hair//


Words: Afghanistan
Meaning:
a country in Asia that is west of Pakistan and east of Iran. Population: 26,800,000 (2001). Capital: Kabul//


Words: aficionado
Meaning:
n   plural  aficionados  [C] //  [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Spanish; Origin: , past participle of  aficionar  ’to cause to like’, from  aficion  ’affection’]//  someone who is very interested in a particular activity or subject and knows a lot about it//  aficionado of//  --an aficionado of fine food//


Words: afield
Meaning:
adv   far/further/farthest afield//  far away, especially from home//  --They were exporting as far afield as Alexandria.//  --students who come from further afield .//


Words: afire
Meaning:
adj, adv [not before noun]  literary   burning//   ablaze//  --One of the boats had been set afire .//


Words: AFL-CIO
Meaning:
n   the AFL-CIO//   the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations an organization of American trade unions//


Words: aflame
Meaning:
adj [not before noun] \n  1 burning:   ablaze//  --Most of the city was aflame.//\n  2 very bright with colour or light:   ablaze//  aflame with//  --trees aflame with autumn leaves//\n  3 filled with strong emotions or excitement:  -- aflame adv //


Words: afloat
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   [Language: Old English; Origin: on flot  ’on the sea’]//\n  1 having enough money to operate or stay out of debt:  keep (sb/sth) afloat/stay afloat //  --The Treasury borrowed [hA124]40 billion, just to stay afloat.//\n  2 floating on water:  keep (sb/sth) afloat/stay afloat //  --Somehow we kept the ship afloat.//  -- afloat adv //


Words: afoot
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   [Date: 1200-1300; Origin: on foot]//  being planned or happening//  moves/plans/changes afoot //  --There were plans afoot for a second attack.//  -- afoot adv //


Words: aforementioned
Meaning:
[only before noun]  law   [Date: 1500-1600; Origin: afore  ’before’ (from  Old English onforan) +  mentioned]//  the aforementioned//  mentioned before in an earlier part of a document, article, book etc//  --The property belongs to the aforementioned Mr Jones.//  -- aforementioned n  [singular or plural] //


Words: afoul
Meaning:
adv   run afoul of sb/sth//   formal to do something that is not allowed or legal, or that is against people’s beliefs//


Words: afraid
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   [Date: 1300-1400; Origin:  Past participle of  affray  ’to frighten’ (14-19 centuries), from  Old French affreer;   AFFRAY]//\n  1 frightened because you think that you may get hurt or that something bad may happen:   scared//  --There’s no need to be afraid.//  afraid of (doing) sth//  --kids who are afraid of the dark//  --He was afraid of being caught by the police.//  afraid to do sth//  --Zoe was half afraid  (=a little afraid) to go back in the house. see usage note  fear1 //\n  2 worried about what might happen, or that something bad will happen:  afraid (that)//  --He was afraid that the other kids would laugh at him.//  afraid of (doing) sth//  --I didn’t tell her because I was afraid of upsetting her.//  --The government was afraid of a public outcry.//  afraid to do sth//  --Don’t be afraid to ask for help.//\n  3  afraid for sb/sth:  worried that something bad may happen to a particular person or thing//  --Her father looked ill and she was suddenly afraid for him.//  --Many of us were afraid for our jobs.//\n  4  I’m afraid:   spoken used to politely tell someone something that may annoy, upset, or disappoint them//  --That’s the most we can offer you, I’m afraid.//  I’m afraid (that)//  --I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong address.//  --’Is she very ill?’ ’ I’m afraid so  (=yes) .’//  --’Did you see him?’ ’ I’m afraid not  (=no) .’//


Words: afresh
Meaning:
adv   if you do something afresh, you do it again from the beginning//  --He moved to America to start afresh .//


Words: Africa
Meaning:
a  continent (=one of the seven main areas of land on the Earth)  that is south of the Mediterranean Sea, and west of Asia and the Indian Ocean//


Words: African American
Meaning:
n [C]   an American with dark skin, whose family originally came from the part of Africa south of the Sahara Desert//


Words: Afrikaans
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1900-2000; Language: Afrikaans; Origin: afrikaans  ’African’, from  Latin africanus]//  a language of South Africa that is similar to Dutch//


Words: Afrikaner
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Afrikaans; Origin: ’African’, from  Latin africanus]//  a white South African whose first language is Afrikaans and who is usually related to the Dutch people who settled in South Africa in the 1600s//    Boer//


Words: Afro
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin:  Probably from  Afro-American]//  a hair style popular with black people in the 1970s in which the hair is cut into a large round shape//


Words: Afro-
Meaning:
prefix [in nouns and adjectives]   [Language: Latin; Origin: Afer  ’African’]//  African and something else//  --an Afro-American//  --Afro-Caribbean children//


Words: aft
Meaning:
adj, adv  technical   [Language: Old English; Origin: [zB024]ftan  ’from behind, behind’]//  in or towards the back part of a boat or aircraft//  → fore (2)//


Words: after
Meaning:
prep, conj, adv   [Language: Old English; Origin: [zB024]fter]//\n  1 when a particular event or time has happened, or when someone has done something:  → before//  --After the war many soldiers stayed in France.//  --I go swimming every day after work.//  --Do you believe in life after death?//  --The first attack started just after midnight.//  --David went to bed straight after  (=immediately after) supper.//  --After you’d called the police, what did you do?//  --Zimmerman changed his name after he left Germany.//  --People still remember the 1958 revolution and what came after  (=happened after it) .//  after doing sth//  --After leaving school, Mackay worked in a restaurant for a year.//\n  2 days/3 weeks etc after (sth) :  --Ten years after he bought the painting, Carswell discovered that it was a fake.//  the day/week/year etc after (sth) (=the next day, week etc) //  --His car was outside your house the morning after Bob’s engagement party.//  --I’ll see you again tomorrow or the day after.//  --She retired from politics the year after she received the Nobel Prize.//  soon/not long/shortly after (sth) //  --Not long after the wedding, his wife became ill.//  --The family moved to Hardingham in June 1983, and Sarah’s first child was born soon after.//\n  2 when a particular amount of time has passed:  → before//  --After 10 minutes remove the cake from the oven.//  --It’s a hard life, but you’ll get used to it after a while.//  --After months of negotiation, an agreement was finally reached.//\n  3 following someone or something else in a list or a piece or writing, or in order of importance:  --Whose name is after yours on the list?//  --The date should be written after the address.//  --After football, tennis is my favourite sport.//  --The UK is the world’s third largest arms producer, after the USA and Russia.//\n  4  AmE used when telling the time to say how many minutes have passed since a particular hour:  British Equivalent:  past//  --The movie starts at a quarter (=fifteen minutes) after seven.//\n  5  day after day/year after year etc:  continuously for a very long time//  --He’s worked in that same office week after week, year after year, since he was 18.//\n  6 :  a) following someone in order to stop or speak to them//  --Go after him and apologize.//  --I heard someone running after me, and a voice called my name.//  b) in the direction of someone who has just left//  --’Good luck,’ she called after me as I left.//  --Harry stood in the doorway gazing after her.//\n  7 when someone has left a place or has finished doing something:  --Remember to close the door after you.//  --I spend all day cleaning up after the kids.//\n  8 because of something that happened earlier:  --I’m not surprised he walked out, after the way she treated him.//  --After your letter, I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.//\n  9 in spite of something that was done in the past:  --How can you treat me like this after all I’ve done for you?//\n  10 when you have passed a particular place or travelled a certain distance along a road:  --Turn left after the Crown Hotel.//  --After half a mile you will come to a crossroads.//\n  11  be after sb/sth:  a) to be looking for someone or something//  --That boy’s always in trouble - the police are after him again.//  --’Were you after anything in particular?’ ’No, we’re just looking.’//  b)  informal to want to have something that belongs to someone else//  --I think Chris is after my job.//\n  12  one after another/one after the other:  if a series of events or actions happen one after another, each one happens soon after the previous one//  --Ever since we moved here it’s been one problem after another.//\n  13  after all:  a) in spite of what you thought was true or expected to happen//  --He wrote to say they couldn’t give me a job after all.//  --Union leaders announced that they would, after all, take part in the national conference.//  b) used to say that something should be remembered or considered, because it helps to explain what you have just said//  --Prisoners should be treated with respect - they are human beings after all.//  --I don’t know why you’re so concerned - it isn’t your problem after all.//\n  14  especially BrE used to say who or what first had the name that someone or something has been given:  --His name is Alessandro, after his grandfather.//  --It was named Waterloo Bridge, after the famous battle.//\n  15  formal in the same style as a particular painter, musician etc:  --a painting after Rembrandt//\n  16 :  a)  after you//   spoken used to say politely that someone else can use or do something before you do//  --’Do you need the copier?’ ’After you.’//  b)  after you with sth//  used to ask someone if you can have or use something after they have finished//  --After you with that knife, please.//    a man/woman after my own heart at heart(21),  take after at take1 //  ----------//  WORD CHOICE: after, in, afterwards //  after  is usually used as a preposition (followed by a noun) : I’ll do it after lunch. |  Please call after 9.30. //  after followed by a time period is more often used to talk about past events : After a few minutes he stopped. //  in followed by a time period is more often used to talk about future events : He’ll be here in a few minutes. //  after  can be used as an adverb, but only following another time adverb such as  soon ,  not long , or  shortly :  Tim came in at midnight, and Lucy not long after. //  afterwards can be used instead, and can also be used as an adverb on its own : His parents came shortly afterwards. |  You can meet the actors afterwards (NOT after). //  ----------//\nafter 2 adj [only before noun] \n  1  in after years:   literary in the years after the time that has been mentioned//\n  2  technical in the back part of a boat or an aircraft:


Words: after-effect
Meaning:
BrE  aftereffect AmE   n [C usually plural]   a bad effect that continues for a long time after the thing that caused it//  the after-effects (of sth)//  --the after-effects of his illness//


Words: afterbirth
Meaning:
n [U]   the substance that comes out of female humans or animals just after they have had a baby//   placenta//


Words: aftercare
Meaning:
n [U]    BrE care or treatment given to someone after they leave hospital, prison etc//  --the aftercare of ex-offenders//


Words: afterglow
Meaning:
n [C usually singular] \n  1 a pleasant feeling that remains after a good experience:  afterglow of//  --the afterglow of victory//\n  2 the light that remains in the sky after the sun goes down:


Words: aftermath
Meaning:
n [singular]   [Date: 1600-1700; Origin: aftermath  ’grass that grows after earlier grass has been cut’ (16-19 centuries), from  after +  math  ’mowing’ (11-20 centuries) (from  Old English m[zB024]th)]//  the period of time after something such as a war, storm, or accident when people are still dealing with the results//  aftermath of//  --the danger of disease in the aftermath of the earthquake//


Words: afternoon
Meaning:
n [U and C] \n  1 the part of the day after the morning and before the evening:    morning, evening//  --There’s a meeting on Thursday afternoon .//  --It was very hot  in the afternoon .//  --See you tomorrow afternoon .//  --Are you going into town  this afternoon ?//  --We met in the  early afternoon .//  --By  late afternoon , Micky had changed his mind.//  --He was having his  afternoon nap .//\n  2  afternoons:  during the afternoon every day//  --She only works afternoons.//  ----------//  COLLOCATES for sense 1 //  on Monday/Friday/Saturday etc afternoon //  in the afternoon //  tomorrow afternoon //  yesterday afternoon //  this afternoon  (=today in the afternoon) //  early/late afternoon //  afternoon nap/snack/session/meeting etc //  ----------//\nafternoon 2 interjection  BrE  informal   used to greet someone when you meet them in the afternoon//


Words: aftershock
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1 a small earthquake that happens after a larger one:\n  2 the effects of a shocking event:  --the war and its aftershocks//


Words: aftertaste
Meaning:
n [C usually singular]   a taste that stays in your mouth after you have eaten or drunk something//  --The wine leaves a strong aftertaste.//


Words: afterthought
Meaning:
n [C]   something that you mention or add later because you did not think of it or plan it before//  --He added as an afterthought, ’Bring Melanie too’.//


Words: afterwards
Meaning:
W3S2   adv  also afterward   after an event or time that has already been mentioned//  --Charles arrived shortly afterwards .//  days/weeks etc afterwards //  --The experience haunted me for years afterward .//  --She died not long afterwards .//  --Afterwards, I was asked to write a book.//   see usage note  after1 //


Words: AFTRA
Meaning:
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists a  trade union in the US for actors and actresses who perform on television and radio programmes //    Equity//    SAG//


Words: Aga
Meaning:
trademark   a type of cooker made of solid iron, which is similar in design to the types of cooker that people used to have in the past.They are popular with  middle class people who live in the country.//


Words: Aga Khan
Meaning:
the   (1936- ) an Arab leader who is the head of a Muslim group called the Ismailis. He is extremely rich and is famous for owning many racehorses.//


Words: again
Meaning:
adv   [Language: Old English; Origin: ongean  ’opposite, back’]//\n  1 one more time - used when something has happened or been done before:  --Can you say that again? I didn’t hear.//  --I’ll never go there again.//  --Mr Khan’s busy. Can you try again later?//  once again/yet again (=used to emphasize that something has happened several or many times before) //  --In 1997, the family moved house yet again.//  --Once again, Drew was under arrest.//\n  2 back to the same state or situation that you were in before:  --She stayed and nursed him back to health again.//  --It’s great to have you home again.//\n  3  all over again:  if you do something all over again, you repeat it from the beginning//  --I had to write the essay all over again.//\n  4  as much/as many/the same again:  the same amount or number as you have just had, said etc//  --What a fantastic lunch. I could eat the same again.//  --Nearly as many again died from pneumonia.//  --The amount of crime is about half as much again  (=the same in addition to half that amount) as it was in 1973.//  --’Another drink?’ ’Yes, same again  (=the same drink again) , please.’//\n  5  spoken used to give a fact or opinion that explains or adds to something you have just said:  --And again, these workshops will benefit the community widely.//\n  6  then/there again:   spoken used to introduce an idea or fact that is different from something you have just said, or makes it seem less likely to be true//  --She says she’s thirty-five. But then again she might be lying.//\n  7  again and again/time and (time) again/over and over again:  very often - used in order to show disapproval//  --I’ve told you again and again, don’t do that!//\n  8  spoken used when you want someone to repeat information that they have already given you:  --What did you say your name was again?//    now and again at now1 (5)//


Words: against
Meaning:
prep   [Date: 1300-1400; Origin: againes  ’against’ (11-16 centuries), from  again]//\n  1 :  a) used to say that someone opposes or disagrees with something//  --Every council member voted against the proposal.//  --those who are campaigning against the new road//  --He advised me against travelling.//  --Mr Howard has declared that he is against all forms of racism.//  --the fight against terrorism//  b) used to say that an action is not wanted or approved of by someone//  --They got married against her parents’ wishes  (=although they knew her parents did not want them to) .//  --She has been kept in the house against her will  (=she does not want to stay in the house) .//  --The use of certain drugs is against the law  (=illegal) .//  --It’s against my principles to borrow money (=I do not believe it is right) .//  c) used to say that something is not allowed by a law or rule//  --There ought to be a law against it.//\n  2 used to say who someone is competing with or trying to defeat in a game, battle etc:  --Gambotti was injured in last Saturday’s game against the Lions.//  --We’ll be competing against some of the best companies in Europe.//\n  3 used to say who is harmed, threatened, or given a disadvantage:  --violence against elderly people//  --crimes against humanity//  --discrimination against women//  --There had been death threats against prison staff.//  --Your lack of experience could count against you.//  --The regulations tend to work against smaller companies.//\n  4 used to say that something touches, hits, or rubs a surface:  --the sound of the rain drumming against my window//  --The car skidded and we could hear the crunch of metal against metal.//\n  5 next to and touching an upright surface, especially for support:  --There was a ladder propped up against the wall.//  --The younger policeman was leaning against the bureau with his arms folded.//\n  6 in the opposite direction to the movement or flow of something:  → with//  --sailing against the wind//  --She dived down and swam out strongly against the current.//\n  7 seen with something else behind or as a background:  --He could see a line of figures silhouetted against the sky.//  --It is important to know what colours look good against your skin.//\n  8 used to show that you are considering particular events in relation to other events that are happening at the same time:  --The reforms were introduced against a background of social unrest.//\n  9 used to say what you are comparing something with:  --The pound has fallen 10% against the dollar.//  --She checked the contents of the box against the list.//  --The cost of the proposed research needs to be balanced against its benefits.//\n  10 used to say who or what you are trying to protect someone or something from:  --insurance against accident and sickness//  --a cream to protect against sunburn//  --a vaccine which is effective against pneumonia//\n  11 used to say who is said or shown to have done something wrong:  --He has always emphatically denied the allegations against him.//  --The evidence against you is overwhelming.//\n  12  be/come up against sb/sth:  to have to deal with a difficult opponent or problem//  --You see, this is what we’re up against - the suppliers just aren’t reliable.//\n  13  have sth against sb/sth:  to dislike or disapprove of someone or something//  --I don’t have anything against babies. I just don’t feel very comfortable with them.//


Words: Agamemnon
Meaning:
in ancient Greek stories, the king of  Mycenae and leader of the Greeks in the  Trojan War. When he came home after the war, he was murdered by his wife,  Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus.//    Iliad, the//


Words: agape
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   with your mouth wide open, especially because you are surprised or shocked//  --Vince watched, his mouth agape in horror.//


Words: agate
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: Latin achates, from  Greek]//  a hard stone with bands of different colours, used in jewellery//


Words: age
Meaning:
n   ----------//\n   1 how old:\n   2 legal age:\n   3 period of life:\n   4 being old:\n   5 period of history:\n   6 ages:\n   7 come of age:  ----------//  [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: aage, from  Vulgar Latin aetaticum, from  Latin aetas, from  aevum  ’lifetime, age’]//\n  1 HOW OLD:   [U and C] the number of years someone has lived or something has existed//  --Francis is the same age as me.//  --Experts disagree over the age of the drawings.//  --Dad retired at the age of 56.//  at age 5/18 etc //  --In Britain, schooling starts at age 5.//  4/15 etc years of age (=4, 15 etc years old) //  --She was just over 16 years of age.//  at my/your etc age (=when you are as old as me etc) //  --At my age, it’s quite difficult getting up stairs.//  at/from an early age (=at or from the time when someone is very young) //  --girls who become mothers at an early age//  over/under the age of 5/18 etc //  --people over the age of 65//  of his/her etc own age (=of the same age as him, her etc) //  --Kids need friends of their own age to play with.//  for his/her etc age (=compared with other people of the same age) //  --She’s tall for her age, isn’t she?//  act your age (=behave in a way that is suitable for how old you are) //  --It’s time you started acting your age, Jeff.//  --My mother reached the age of 90 (=lived until she was 90) .//  --children ranging in age from 6 to 17//\n  2 LEGAL AGE:   [U] the age when you are legally old enough to do something//  --What’s the minimum age for getting a driver’s license?//  --You’re not allowed to buy alcohol. You’re under age  (=too young by law) .//  retirement/pension age (=when you are old enough to stop working or receive a pension) //  --the normal retirement age of 65//\n  3 PERIOD OF LIFE:   [U and C] one of the particular periods of someone’s life//    old age, middle age, teenage//  --women of childbearing age//  a difficult/awkward age //  --The early teens are often a difficult age.//\n  4 BEING OLD:   [U] the state of being old//  with age//  --High blood pressure increases with age.//  --Some of the furniture was showing signs of age .//\n  5 PERIOD OF HISTORY:   [C usually singular] a particular period of history//  --We are living in the age of technology.//  --Molecular biology is pushing medicine into a new age .//  the computer/industrial/nuclear etc age //    in this day and age at day(6),  Bronze Age,  Iron Age,  Middle Ages,  Stone Age//\n  6  ages [plural]  also an age :   informal  especially BrE a long time//  --Simon! I haven’t seen you for ages .//  --That recipe takes ages .//  it’s ages since/before/until etc sth//  --It’s ages since we’ve played that game.//\n  7  come of age:  a) to reach the age when you are legally considered to be a responsible adult//  b) if something comes of age, it reaches a stage of development at which people accept it as being important, valuable etc//  --During this period the movies really came of age as an art form.//    New Age1 ,  new age2 //\nage 2 v   present participle  aging or ageing //\n  1 [I and T] to start looking older or to make someone or something look older:  --He was worried to see how much she’d aged.//  --The experience had aged him in advance of his years.//\n  2 [I] to become older:  --The buildings are ageing, and some are unsafe.//\n  3 [I and T] to improve and develop in taste over a period of time, or to allow food or alcohol to do this:  --Cheddar cheese ages well.//  --The whisky is aged for at least ten years.//


Words: age bracket
Meaning:
n [C]   the people between two particular ages, considered as a group//   age group//  in the ... age bracket //  --single people in the 40-50 age bracket//


Words: age group
Meaning:
n [C]   the people between two particular ages, considered as a group//  in the ... age group //  --a book for children in the 12-14 age group//


Words: age limit
Meaning:
n [C]   the oldest or youngest age at which you are allowed to do something//  age limit for//  --The upper age limit for entrants was set at 25.//


Words: age of consent
Meaning:
n   the age of consent//  the age when someone can legally get married or have a sexual relationship//


Words: Age of Enlightenment
Meaning:
the  also  the Age of Reason   a period in European history, in the 18th century, when educated people thought that beliefs should depend on reason and scientific proof //


Words: age range
Meaning:
n [C]   the people between two particular ages, considered as a group//   age group//  in the ... age range //  --young people in the 15-18 age range//  --This affects people across a wide age range.//


Words: age-old
Meaning:
adj   having existed for a very long time//  an age-old tradition/practice/custom etc  BrE //  --age-old customs//  --the age-old problem of sexual discrimination//


Words: aged
Meaning:
W3   adj   aged 5/25 etc//\n  5 etc years old:  aged 5/25 etc between//  --Police are looking for a man aged between 30 and 35.//  --The course is open to children aged 12 and over.//\naged 2   adj \n  1 very old:  --my aged parents//\n  2  the aged [plural] old people:  --the care of children and the aged//


Words: ageism
Meaning:
agism/e[hA366]d[hA360][hA366]z[hA368]m/ n [U]  BrE   unfair treatment of people because they are old//   age discrimination//  -- ageist adj  BrE //  --negative ageist attitudes//


Words: ageist
Meaning:
adj   treating older people unfairly because of a belief that they are less important than younger people//  --The article seemed somewhat insensitive and ageist to me.//  -- ageist n  [C] //


Words: ageless
Meaning:
adj \n  1 never looking old or old-fashioned:  --Her face seemed to be ageless.//\n  2 having existed for a very long time and continuing forever:  --the ageless charm of a country kitchen//  -- agelessness n  [U] //


Words: agency
Meaning:
W1S2   n   plural  agencies  [C] //\n  1 a business that provides a particular service for people or organizations:  an advertising/employment/travel etc agency //  --a local housing agency//    dating agency,  news agency//\n  2 an organization or department, especially within a government, that does a specific job:  --a UN agency responsible for helping refugees//  --the Environmental Protection Agency//\n  3  by/through the agency of sb:   formal being done as the result of someone’s help//


Words: agenda
Meaning:
S3   n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: ’things to be done’, from  agere;   AGENT]//\n  1 a list of problems or subjects that a government, organization etc is planning to deal with:  be high on the agenda/be top of the agenda (=be one of the most important problems to deal with) //  --Measures to combat terrorism will be high on the agenda.//  --The government set an agenda for constitutional reform.//  political/economic/legislative/domestic etc agenda //  --Our Centre has limited its research agenda to four areas.//\n  2 the ideas that a political party thinks are important and the things that party aims to achieve:  --The Republicans have stuck to their conservative agenda.//\n  3 a list of the subjects to be discussed at a meeting:  --the next item  (=subject)  on the agenda //    hidden agenda at hidden2 (3)//


Words: agent
Meaning:
W2S3   n [C]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: , from the present participle of  Latin agere  ’to drive, lead, act, move, do’]//\n  1 a person or company that represents another person or company, especially in business:  --Our agent in Rio deals with all our Brazilian business.//  agent for//  --We’re acting as agents for Mr Watson.//    estate agent,  real estate agent,  land agent,  travel agent//\n  2 someone who finds work for actors, musicians etc, or who finds someone to publish a writer’s work:  --My agent has a new script for me to look at.//  --a literary agent //\n  3 someone who works for a government or police department, especially in order to get secret information about another country or organization:  --an intelligence agent //  --an FBI agent//  --an undercover  (=secret)  agent //    secret agent,  double agent//\n  4  technical a chemical or substance that is used for a particular purpose or that has a particular effect:  --Soap is a cleansing agent.//\n  5 someone or something that affects or changes a situation:  agent for/of change //  --Technological advances are the chief agents of change.//    free agent//


Words: agent provocateur
Meaning:
n   plural  agents provocateurs  (same pronunciation)  [C] //  [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: ’provoking agent’]//  someone who is employed to encourage people who are working against a government to do something illegal so that they are caught//


Words: agglomerate
Meaning:
n [singular, U]  technical   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  agglomerare  ’to pile up’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  glomus  ’ball’]//  a type of rock formed from pieces of material from a volcano that have melted together//


Words: agglomeration
Meaning:
n [U and C]   a large collection of things that do not seem to belong together//  agglomeration of//  --buildings in an agglomeration of styles//


Words: agglutination
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: agglutinatio, from  agglutinare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  glutinare  ’to glue’]//\n  1 the state of being stuck together:\n  2 the process of making new words by combining two or more words, such as combining ’ship’ and ’yard’ to make ’shipyard’:


Words: aggrandizement
Meaning:
also  aggrandisement BrE   n [U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: agrandissement, from  agrandir, from  grandir  ’to increase’]//  when a person or country tries to increase their power or importance - used to show disapproval//  --the misuse of authority for personal aggrandizement //


Words: aggravate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  aggravare  ’to make heavier’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  gravare  ’to make heavy’]//\n  1 to make a bad situation, an illness, or an injury worse:  → improve//  --Their money problems were further aggravated by a rise in interest rates.//  --Building the new road will only aggravate the situation .//\n  2 to make someone angry or annoyed:   irritate//  --What really aggravates me is the way she won’t listen.//  -- aggravating adj //  -- aggravatingly adv //  -- aggravation/[zB024]gr[hA353]ve[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U and C] //


Words: aggravated
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]  law   an aggravated offence is one in which a criminal does something that makes their original crime more serious//  --He was charged with aggravated assault .//


Words: aggregate
Meaning:
n  formal \n  1 [C] the total after a lot of different figures or points have been added together:  aggregate of//  --The smaller minorities got an aggregate of 1,327 votes.//  -- In the aggregate  (=as a group or in total) , women outlive men by 7 or more years.//  on aggregate  BrE  (=when the points from two football games are added together) //  --Manchester United won 2-1 on aggregate.//\n  2 [singular, U]  technical sand or small stones that are used in making concrete:\naggregate 2 adj [only before noun]  technical   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  aggregare  ’to add to’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  grex  ’group of animals’]//  being the total amount of something after all the figures or points have been added together//  --an increase in the aggregate production//\naggregate 3   v  formal \n  1 [linking verb] to be a particular amount when added together:  --Sheila’s earnings from all sources aggregated [hA124]100,000.//\n  2 [I,T usually passive] to put different amounts, pieces of information etc together to form a group or a total:  aggregate with//  --A wife’s income is no longer aggregated with that of her husband.//  -- aggregation/[zB024]gr[hA366]ge[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: aggression
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: aggressio, from  aggredi  ’to attack’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  gradi  ’to step, go’]//\n  1 angry or threatening behaviour or feelings that often result in fighting:  --Television violence can encourage aggression in children.//  aggression towards//  --Our dogs have never shown aggression towards other dogs.//\n  2 the act of attacking a country, especially when that country has not attacked first:  --an unprovoked act of aggression //  aggression against//  --Athenian aggression against Persia//


Words: aggressive
Meaning:
S3   adj \n  1 behaving in an angry, threatening way, as if you want to fight or attack someone:  --Jim’s voice became aggressive.//  --Teachers apparently expect a certain amount of aggressive behaviour from boys.//\n  2 very determined to succeed or get what you want:  --A successful businessman has to be aggressive.//  --an aggressive marketing campaign//  -- aggressively adv //  -- aggressiveness n  [U] //


Words: aggressor
Meaning:
n [C]   a person or country that begins a fight or war with another person or country//  --measures taken to deter potential aggressors//


Words: aggrieved
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: agrever, from  Latin aggravare;   AGGRAVATE]//\n  1 angry and sad because you think you have been unfairly treated:  --an aggrieved tone of voice//\n  2  law having suffered as a result of the illegal actions of someone else:  --the aggrieved party (=person who has suffered) //


Words: aggro
Meaning:
n [U]  BrE  informal   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: aggravation or  aggression]//\n  1 angry behaviour or fighting:  --I hope he doesn’t cause any aggro .//\n  2 problems or difficulties that annoy you:  --I can’t cope with all this aggro.//


Words: aghast
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]  written   [Date: 1200-1300; Origin:  From the past participle of  aghast  ’to frighten’ (13-16 centuries), from  gast  ’to frighten’ (11-17 centuries), from  Old English g[zB024]stan]//  feeling or looking shocked by something you have seen or just found out//  aghast at//  --Everyone was aghast at the verdict.//  --Hank looked at her aghast.//


Words: agile
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: Latin agilis, from  agere;   AGENT]//\n  1 able to move quickly and easily:  --Dogs are surprisingly agile.//\n  2 someone who has an agile mind is able to think very quickly and intelligently:  --He was physically strong and mentally agile.//  -- agility/[hA353]d[hA360][hA366]l[hA369]ti/ n  [U] //  --With surprising agility, Karl darted across the road.//


Words: Agincourt
Meaning:
a famous battle in France in 1415, which the English, led by King  Henry V, won against the French//


Words: aging
Meaning:
also  ageing BrE   adj [only before noun]   becoming old//  --aging movie stars//  --Europe’s ageing population  (=with more old people than before) //\naging 2  also  ageing BrE   n [U]   the process of getting old//  --Memory loss is often a part of ageing.//


Words: agitate
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: , past participle of  agitare, from  agere;   AGENT]//\n  1 [I] to argue strongly in public for something you want, especially a political or social change:  agitate for/against//  --unions agitating for higher pay//  agitate to do sth//  --His family are agitating to get him freed.//\n  2 [T]  formal to make someone feel anxious, upset, and nervous:  --I must warn you that any mention of Clare agitates your grandmother.//\n  3 [T]  technical to shake or mix a liquid quickly:


Words: agitated
Meaning:
adj   so nervous or upset that you are unable to keep still or think calmly//  --Amanda was getting visibly agitated.//


Words: agitation
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] when you are so anxious, nervous, or upset that you cannot think calmly:  --She was in a state of considerable agitation.//\n  2 [U and C] public argument or action for social or political change:  agitation for/against//  --mass agitation for political reform//\n  3 [U]  technical the act of shaking or mixing a liquid:


Words: agitator
Meaning:
n [C]   someone who encourages people to work towards changing something in society - used to show disapproval//  --a political agitator//


Words: agitprop
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1900-2000; Language: Russian; Origin: ’office of agitation and propaganda’, from  agitatsiya  ’agitation’ +  propaganda]//  music, literature, or art that tries to persuade people to follow a particular set of political ideas//


Words: aglow
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]  literary \n  1 having a soft light, or a strong, warm colour:  --The evening sky was still aglow.//\n  2 if someone’s face is aglow, they seem happy and excited:  aglow with//  --Linda’s face was aglow with happiness.//


Words: AGM
Meaning:
n [C]    BrE  annual general meeting a meeting held once a year by a club, business, or organization for the members to discuss the previous year’s business, elect officials etc//  American Equivalent:  annual meeting//


Words: agnostic
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Greek; Origin: agnostos  ’unknown, unknowable’, from  a-  ’not’ +  gnostos  ’known’]//  someone who believes that people cannot know whether God exists or not//    atheist//  -- agnostic adj //  -- agnosticism/-t[hA369]s[hA366]z[hA368]m/ n  [U] //


Words: ago
Meaning:
adv   [Date: 1400-1500; Origin:  From the past participle of  ago  ’to pass away’ (11-17 centuries), from  Old English agan, from  gan  ’to go’]//  used to show how far back in the past something happened//\n  5 minutes/an hour/20 years etc ago :  --Her husband died 14 years ago.//  long ago/a long time ago //  --He should have finished at university long ago, but he kept taking extra courses.//  a minute/moment ago //  --The little girl you saw a moment ago was my niece.//  a little/short while ago //  --Tom got a letter from him just a little while ago.//  --They moved to a new house some time ago  (=a fairly long time ago) .//  --We had our bicentenary celebrations not that long ago.//  ----------//  WORD CHOICE: ago, before, previously  //  Use  ago to say how much time has passed from the time something happened to now, the time of speaking : I saw her a few minutes ago.| We went to Madrid two years ago. //  Use  before to say how much time passed from the time something happened to a time in the past : We went back to the same hotel where we had stayed two years before. //  Previously is used in the same way, but is more formal : The meeting was a follow-up to one that had been held four days previously. //  GRAMMAR//  !!  Do not use a preposition (’at’, ’in’, ’on’ etc) before a phrase with  ago : They first met fifteen years ago (NOT at/in fifteen years ago). //  !!  Do not use ’since’ or ’before’ with  ago : I came to the USA two months ago (NOT since/before two months ago). //  !!  Use the past tense, not the present perfect, with  ago : I started (NOT I’ve started) a new job a few weeks ago. //  ----------//


Words: agog
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: en gogues  ’in enjoyment, laughing’]//  very excited about something and wanting to find out more//  --I’ve been agog all afternoon, waiting for the next part of your story.//  --Paul was agog with curiosity.//


Words: agonize
Meaning:
also  agonise BrE   v [I]   to think about a difficult decision very carefully and with a lot of effort//  agonize over/about//  --All the way home she agonized about what she should do.//  -- agonizing n  [U] //


Words: agonized
Meaning:
also  agonised BrE   adj [only before noun]   expressing very severe pain//  --an agonized scream//  --From some place close by she heard agonized sobbing.//


Words: agonizing
Meaning:
also  agonising BrE   adj \n  1 extremely painful:  --The pain was agonizing.//\n  2 very unpleasant to experience, especially because of involving a difficult choice or a long wait:  --an agonizing decision//  -- agonizingly adv //  --at an agonizingly slow pace//


Words: agony
Meaning:
n   plural  agonies  [U and C] //  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Late Latin; Origin: agonia, from  Greek,  ’trouble, great anxiety’, from  agon  ’competition for a prize’]//\n  1 very severe pain:  --the agony of arthritis//  in agony//  --I was in agony.//  --He groaned in agony.//\n  2 a very sad, difficult, or unpleasant experience:  --It was agony not knowing if she would live.//  agony of//  --He was in agonies of remorse.//    pile on the pressure/agony at pile on(2),  prolong the agony at prolong(2)//


Words: agony column
Meaning:
n [C]    BrE a part of a newspaper or magazine in which someone gives advice to readers about their personal problems//   advice column//


Words: agoraphobia
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Greek; Origin: agora  ’marketplace, place where people gather’ +  English -phobia]//  fear of crowds and open spaces//    claustrophobia//


Words: agrarian
Meaning:
adj [usually before noun]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: agrarius, from  ager  ’field’]//  relating to farming or farmers//  --an agrarian economy (=based on farming) //


Words: agree
Meaning:
v   ----------//\n   1 same opinion:\n   2 say yes:\n   3 decide together:\n   4 be the same:\n   5 agree to differ/disagree:  Phrasal verbs//   agree with something//  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: agreer, from  gre  ’will, pleasure’, from  Latin gratus  ’pleasing’]//\n  1 SAME OPINION:   [I,T not in progressive] to have or express the same opinion about something as someone else//  → disagree//  --Teenagers and their parents rarely agree.//  agree with//  --If she felt he was right, she would agree with him.//  agree that//  --Most people nowadays would agree that a good pub is one of our best traditions.//  agree on/about//  --We don’t agree on everything, of course.//  I quite agree/I couldn’t agree more (=I agree completely) //  --’We have to talk.’ ’Absolutely,’ Meredith replied. ’I couldn’t agree more.’//\n  2 SAY YES:   [I,T not in progressive] to say yes to an idea, plan, suggestion etc//  → refuse//  --I suggested we go somewhere for the weekend and she agreed at once.//  agree to do sth//  --No one really knows why he agreed to do the film.//  agree to//  --My sister won’t agree to our mother going into a nursing home.//\n  3 DECIDE TOGETHER:   [I,T not in progressive] to make a decision with someone after a discussion with them//  agree to do sth//  --We agreed to meet again the following Monday.//  agree on//  --They managed to agree on a date for the wedding.//  agree that//  --It was agreed that elections would be held in May.//  agree a price/plan/strategy etc //  --We agreed a new four-year contract.//\n  4 BE THE SAME:   [I not in progressive] if two pieces of information agree with each other, they match or are the same//  agree with//  --Your story doesn’t agree with what the police have told us.//\n  5  agree to differ/disagree:  if two people agree to differ, they accept that they have different opinions about something and stop arguing about it//  agree with [agree with sth] phr v//\n  1 to believe that a decision, action, or suggestion is correct or right:  --I don’t agree with hitting children.//\n  2  not agree with sb:  if a type of food does not agree with you, it makes you feel ill//  --Green peppers don’t agree with me.//\n  3 if an adjective, verb etc agrees with a word, it matches that word by being plural if the word is plural etc:


Words: agreeable
Meaning:
adj \n  1  written  or  old-fashioned pleasant:  → disagreeable//  --We spent a most agreeable couple of hours.//  --an agreeable young man//\n  2  be agreeable to sth:   formal to be willing to do something or willing to allow something to be done//  --My parents are quite agreeable to my studying abroad.//\n  3 acceptable:  agreeable to//  --The main objective is to find a solution that is agreeable to the company in terms of cost.//  -- agreeably adv //  --I think you’ll be agreeably surprised by what I’m going to say.//


Words: agreed
Meaning:
adj [only before noun] \n  1 an agreed plan, price, arrangement etc is one that people have discussed and accepted:  --The important thing is to have agreed objectives.//\n  2  be agreed:  if people are agreed, they have discussed something and agree about what to do//  be agreed on//  --All parties are now agreed on the plan.//  be agreed that//  --We’re all agreed that we cannot spend what we have not earned.//\n  3  Agreed:  used to check if someone agrees, or to show that you agree//  --’Let’s just forget it ever happened. Agreed?’ ’Agreed.’//


Words: agreement
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] an arrangement or promise to do something, made by two or more people, companies, organizations etc:  --a trade agreement//  agreement with//  --Does your employer have an agreement with a union?//  agreement on//  --an agreement on arms reduction//  come to/reach an agreement //  --Failure to reach an agreement will result in a strike.//  --Haydon came to an agreement with his creditors.//  under an agreement//  --Under the agreement, most agricultural prices would be frozen or cut.//  --They had an agreement that she would give them any leftover food from her shop.//  --They claimed the company had broken the terms of the agreement .//\n  2 [U] when people have the same opinion as each other:  → disagreement//  agreement that//  --There is general agreement that copyright is a good idea.//  agreement on//  --There is widespread agreement on the need for prison reform.//  be in agreement//  --A decision will not be made until everyone is in agreement.//  --It is easier for two parties to reach agreement than for three.//\n  3 [U] when someone says yes to an idea, plan, suggestion etc:  agreement to do sth//  --Would their discussion result in his agreement to visit his stepmother?//  agreement of//  --Such arrangements cannot be altered without the agreement of the bank.//\n  4 [C] an official document that people sign to show that they have agreed to something:  --Please read the agreement and sign it.//  --a hire purchase agreement//


Words: agriculture
Meaning:
W2   n [U]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: Latin agricultura,  from  ager  ’field’ +  cultura  ’use of land for crops’]//  the practice or science of farming//  --More than 75% of the land is used for agriculture.//  -- agricultural/[zB024]gr[hA366]k[hA356]lt[hA35D][hA368]r[hA353]l[hA36B]/ adj //  --agricultural land//  --agricultural labourers//  -- agriculturalist n  [C] //    horticulture//


Words: agro-
Meaning:
prefix   [Origin: agriculture]//   also agri- /[zB024]gr[hA366]///  relating to farming//  --agrobiology//


Words: agronomy
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: French; Origin: agronomie, from  agro- +  -nomie  ’science of’ (from  Latin -nomia)]//  the study of the growing of crops//  -- agronomist n  [C] //


Words: aground
Meaning:
adv   run/go aground//  if a ship runs aground, it becomes stuck in a place where the water is not deep enough//


Words: ague
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Medieval Latin (febris) acuta  ’sharp fever’, from  Latin acutus;   ACUTE]//   old-fashioned a fever that makes you shake and feel cold//


Words: ah
Meaning:
interjection   [Date: 1200-1300; Origin:  Perhaps from  Old French a,  ah]//  used to show surprise, happiness, agreement etc//  --Ah! There you are!//


Words: aha
Meaning:
interjection   [Date: 1300-1400; Origin: ah +  ha]//  used to show that you understand or realize something//  --Aha! So you planned all this, did you?//    ha//


Words: Ahab
Meaning:
Captain   a character in the book  Moby-Dick by Herman Melville. Captain Ahab risks his life and the lives of everyone on his ship by hunting a large dangerous white  whale called Moby-Dick. Ahab is determined to kill the whale, but it finally sinks his ship, killing him and most of his men.//


Words: ahead
Meaning:
adv   ----------//\n   1 in front:\n   2 forward:\n   3 before somebody else:\n   4 future:\n   5 before an event:\n   6 ahead of schedule:\n   7 progress/success:\n   8 advanced:\n   9 WINNING:\n  10 go ahead:\n  11 ahead of the game/curve:  ----------//\n  1 IN FRONT:  a short distance in front of someone or something//  → behind//  --He kept his gaze fixed on the car ahead.//  ahead of//  --A hill loomed ahead of them.//  --We could see the lights of Las Vegas up ahead .//  some/a little/a long way ahead //  --The clinic was now in sight, some way ahead.//  straight/dead ahead (=straight in front) //  --The river is eight miles away dead ahead.//  --Henry hurried on ahead (=went in front of the others) .//\n  2 FORWARD:  if someone or something looks or moves ahead, they look or move forward//  --He stared straight ahead .//  --The ship forged ahead through the thin ice.//\n  3 BEFORE SOMEBODY ELSE:  before someone else//  ahead of//  --There were four people ahead of me at the doctor’s.//\n  4 FUTURE:  in the future//  ahead of//  --You have a long trip ahead of you.//  --Considerable problems may lie ahead .//  the years/days/months etc ahead //  --We do not foresee any major changes in our way of life in the years ahead.//  --Unless we plan ahead  (=plan for the future) we are going to be in a mess.//\n  5 BEFORE AN EVENT:  before an event happens//   in advance//  --I cook rice two or three hours ahead.//  --Can you tell me ahead of time if you’re coming?//  ahead of//  --He’s giving a series of concerts in London ahead of his international tour.//\n  6  ahead of schedule:  earlier than planned or arranged//  --I arrived at Jack’s suite half an hour ahead of schedule.//\n  7 PROGRESS/SUCCESS:  making progress and being successful in your job, education etc//  get/keep/stay ahead //  --Getting ahead at work is the most important thing to her at the moment.//\n  8 ADVANCED:  ideas, achievements etc that are ahead of others have made more progress or are more developed//  --This design is light years ahead  (=much more advanced) in performance and comfort.//  ahead of your/its time (=very advanced or new, and not understood or accepted) //  --Coleridge was in many ways far ahead of his time.//\n  9 WINNING:  winning in a competition or election//  --Two shots from Gardner put the Giants 80-75 ahead .//  --We are 10 points ahead in the polls.//  ahead of//  --At this stage, Smith appeared to be ahead of his rivals.//\n  10  go ahead:  a)  spoken used to tell someone they can do something//  --’Can I have the sports section?’ ’Yeah, go ahead, I’ve read it.’//  b) to do something that was planned, especially in spite of a problem//  go ahead with//  --Frank’ll be late but we’ll go ahead with the meeting anyway.//  c) to take place//  --Tests of anti-cancer drugs are to go ahead this year.//    go-ahead1 //\n  11  ahead of the game/curve:   AmE  informal in a position where you are in control of something, and more successful than your competitors//  --Belmont city leaders have never been ahead of the curve in environmental matters.//


Words: ahem
Meaning:
interjection   [Date: 1700-1800; Origin:  From the sound]//  a sound like a cough that you make to attract someone’s attention, or when you are saying something embarrassing//


Words: ahoy
Meaning:
interjection   [Date: 1700-1800; Origin: a- (as in  aha) +  hoy shout to get attention  (14-21 centuries)]//   old-fashioned used by sailors to get someone’s attention or greet them//


Words: aid
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] help, such as money or food, given by an organization or government to a country or to people who are in a difficult situation:  -- Foreign aid from many countries poured into the famine area.//  --convoys delivering humanitarian aid //  --a substantial aid programme //  --He has been granted legal aid  (=free legal services) .//\n  2 [U] help that you need to do a particular thing:  with/without the aid of sth//  --Father Poole walked painfully, with the aid of a stick.//\n  3  in aid of sth:  in order to help a charity//  --We’re collecting money in aid of cancer research.//\n  4 [U] help or advice that is given to someone who needs it:  come/go to sb’s aid (=help someone) //  --I didn’t speak any French, but a nice man came to my aid and told me where to go.//\n  5 [C] something such as a machine or tool that helps someone do something:  --A video is a useful aid in the classroom.//  --a hearing aid//\n  6  what’s this in aid of?:   BrE  spoken used to ask what something is used for or why someone is doing something//  --What’s this meeting tomorrow in aid of, then?//\n  7 an American spelling of aide:    first aid//\naid 2 v [T]   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: aider, from  Latin adjutare, from  adjuvare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  juvare  ’to help’]//\n  1 to help someone do something:  --an index to aid the reader//  aid sb in/with (doing) sth//  --Mrs Coxen was aided in looking after the children by her niece.//\n  2 to make something happen more quickly or easily:  --Welfare spending aids economic development in three ways.//\n  3  aid and abet:   law to help someone do something illegal//


Words: aid worker
Meaning:
n [C]   someone who works for an organization that brings food and other supplies to people in danger from wars, floods etc//  --UN aid workers//


Words: aide
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1700-1800; Origin: aide-de-camp]//  someone whose job is to help someone who has an important job, especially a politician//  --a presidential aide//


Words: aide-de-camp
Meaning:
n   plural  aides-de-camp  (same pronunciation)  [C] //  [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: ’camp helper’]//  a military officer whose job is to help an officer of a higher rank//


Words: AIDS
Meaning:
also  Aids BrE   n [U]   Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome a very serious disease that stops your body from defending itself against infections, and usually causes death//  --the AIDS virus//  --Aids sufferers//  -- full-blown AIDS  (=AIDS at its most advanced stage) //


Words: ail
Meaning:
v   [Language: Old English; Origin: eglan]//\n  1  what ails sth:   formal the thing or things that are causing difficulties for something//  --This initiative is not the answer to what ails our educational system.//\n  2 [I and T]  old-fashioned to be ill, or to make someone feel ill or unhappy:


Words: ailing
Meaning:
adj [usually before noun] \n  1 an ailing company, organization, or economy is having a lot of problems and is not successful:  --the ailing car industry//\n  2  formal ill and not likely to get better:


Words: aim
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] something you hope to achieve by doing something:  aim of//  --The aim of the research is to find new food sources.//  --The main aim of the course is to improve your writing.//  with the aim of doing sth//  --a campaign with the aim of helping victims of crime//  --Teamwork is required in order to achieve these aims. //  --a policy which sets out the school’s aims and objectives //\n  2  take aim:  to point a gun or weapon at someone or something you want to shoot//  take aim at//  --Alan took aim at the target.//\n  3  take aim at sb/sth:   AmE to criticize someone or something//  --Critics took aim at both the Senator and the President.//\n  4 [U] someone’s ability to hit what they are aiming at when they throw or shoot something:  --Val’s aim was very good.//\naim 2 v   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: aesmer, from  Latin aestimare;   ESTIMATE2]//\n  1 [I] to try or intend to achieve something:  aim to do sth//  --We aim to finish by Friday.//  (be) aimed at doing sth//  --an initiative aimed at reducing road accidents//  aim for//  --We’re aiming for a big improvement.//\n  2  aim sth at sb:  to say or do something that is intended for a particular person or group of people//  --a program that’s aimed at teenagers//  --The criticism wasn’t aimed at you.//  arrow, bow//\n  3 [I and T] to choose the place, person etc that you want to hit or reach and point a weapon or another object towards them:  --Denver aimed his gun but did not shoot.//  aim at/for//  --The pilot was aiming for the runway but came down in a nearby field.//


Words: aimless
Meaning:
adj   not having a clear purpose or reason//  --a young man drifting through life in an aimless way//  -- aimlessly adv //  -- aimlessness n  [U] //


Words: ain’t
Meaning:
a short form of ’am not’, ’is not’, ’are not’, ’has not’, or ’have not’, that many people think is incorrect//


Words: air
Meaning:
n   ----------//\n   1 gas:\n   2 space above the ground:\n   3 planes:\n   4 be in the air:\n   5 appearance:\n   6 be up in the air:\n   7 be on/off (the) air:\n   8 music:\n   9 airs:\n  10 be walking/floating on air:  ----------//  [Sense: 1-7, 9; Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin aer, from  Greek]//  [Sense: 8; Date: 1500-1600; Origin:  Probably a translation of  Italian aria;   ARIA]//\n  1 GAS:   [U] the mixture of gases around the Earth, that we breathe//  --You need to put some air in the tyres.//  in the air//  --There was a strong smell of burning in the air.//  --Let’s go outside and get some fresh air. //  --public opposition to air pollution //    a breath of fresh air at breath(2)//\n  2 SPACE ABOVE THE GROUND:   the air//  the space above the ground or around things//  into the air//  --Flames leapt into the air.//  through the air//  --He fell 2000 metres through the air without a parachute.//\n  3 PLANES:  a)  by air//  travelling by, or using a plane//  --I’d prefer to travel by air.//  b) relating to or involving planes//  --the victims of Britain’s worst air disaster//  -- Air travel was growing rapidly.//  -- air traffic congestion//  --His brother died in an air crash .//\n  4  be in the air:  a) if a feeling is in the air, a lot of people feel it at the same time//  --There was a sense of excitement in the air.//  b) to be going to happen very soon//  --Change is in the air.//\n  5 APPEARANCE:   [singular] if something or someone has an air of confidence, mystery etc, they seem confident, mysterious etc//  air of//  --She had an air of quiet confidence.//  --She looked at him with a determined air.//\n  6  be up in the air:  if something is up in the air, no decision has been made about it yet//  --Our trip is still very much up in the air.//\n  7  be on/off (the) air:  to be broadcasting on the radio or television at the present moment, or to stop broadcasting//  --We’ll be on air in three minutes.//\n  8 MUSIC:   [C] a simple tune, often used in the title of a piece of classical music//\n  9  airs [plural] a way of behaving that shows someone thinks they are more important than they really are:  put on airs/give yourself airs //  --Trudy is always putting on airs.//  --an actor with no airs and graces //\n  10  be walking/floating on air:  to feel very happy//    hot air,  on-air,  clear the air at clear2 (15),  disappear/vanish into thin air at thin1 (15),  out of thin air at thin1 (16)//\nair 2 v   ----------//\n   1 opinion:\n   2 tv/radio:\n   3 room:\n   4 clothes:  ----------//\n  1 OPINION:   [T] to express your opinions publicly//  air your views/grievances/complaints etc //  --Staff will get a chance to ask questions and air their views.//\n  2 TV/RADIO:   [I and T] to broadcast a programme on television or radio//  --KPBS airs such popular children’s programs as ’Barney’ and ’Sesame Street’.//  --The program is due to air next month.//\n  3 ROOM:   [T]  especially BrE air sth out  AmE to let fresh air into a room, especially one that has been closed for a long time//\n  4 CLOTHES:   [I and T]  especially BrE air (sth) out  AmE to put a piece of clothing in a place that is warm or has a lot of air, so that it smells clean//  --I’ve left my sweater outside to air.//    airing//    air your dirty laundry at dirty1 (7)//


Words: air conditioning
Meaning:
n [U]   a system that makes the air in a room or building cooler and drier//  -- air-conditioned adj //


Words: air kiss
Meaning:
n [C]   a way of greeting someone with a kiss that is near the side of their face, but that does not touch them//  -- air-kiss v  [I and T] //


Words: air lock
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1 a small room used for moving between two places that do not have the same air pressure, for example in a spacecraft:\n  2 a small amount of air in a pipe that stops liquid flowing through it:


Words: air pocket
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1 a current of air that makes a plane suddenly move down:\n  2 a small area that becomes filled with air:


Words: air quote
Meaning:
n [C usually plural]   a movement that someone makes in the air with their fingers to show that what they are saying should be in quotation marks, and that it should not be taken as their real opinion or their usual way of speaking//


Words: air rage
Meaning:
n [U]   violence and angry behaviour by a passenger on a plane towards other passengers or the people who work on it//


Words: air traffic control
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 the process or job of giving instructions to pilots by radio:\n  2 the people whose job is to do this:


Words: airbase
Meaning:
n [C]   a place where military aircraft begin and end their flights, and where members of an air force live//


Words: airborne
Meaning:
adj \n  1 a plane that is airborne is in the air:\n  2 airborne soldiers are trained to fight in areas that they get to by jumping out of a plane:\n  3 carried through the air:  --airborne pollutants//


Words: airbrush
Meaning:
n [C]   a piece of equipment that uses air to put paint onto a surface//\nairbrush 2 v [T]   to use an airbrush to make a picture or photograph look better//  airbrush out [airbrush sb/sth → out] phr v//  to remove someone or something from a picture or photograph using an airbrush//


Words: Airbus
Meaning:
trademark   a group of European companies that builds aircraft which carry a large number of passenger. The aircraft they build are also called Airbus.//


Words: aircraftman
Meaning:
n   plural  aircraftmen /-m[hA353]n/ [C] //  a low rank in the British air force, or someone who has this rank//


Words: airdrop
Meaning:
n [C]   the action of delivering supplies to people by dropping them from a plane//  -- airdrop v  [T] //


Words: airily
Meaning:
adv   in a way that shows you are not worried about something or do not think it is serious//  --’I don’t really care,’ he replied airily.//


Words: airing
Meaning:
n \n  1 [singular] an occasion when an opinion, idea etc is discussed:  get/be given an airing //  --an issue that wasn’t given an airing during the campaign//\n  2 [C] an occasion when a programme is broadcast on television or radio:  --the program’s first airing in 2000//\n  3 [C] an occasion when something is shown to people:  --a car which had its first airing at the Paris Motor Show//\n  4 [singular] an occasion when you let fresh air move around something:  --Put your houseplants outside to give them an airing. //


Words: airless
Meaning:
adj   airless places or conditions are unpleasant because there is not enough fresh air//  --an airless room//


Words: airlift
Meaning:
n [C]   an occasion when people or supplies are taken to a place by plane, especially during a war or dangerous situation//  -- airlift v  [T] //


Words: airline
Meaning:
W3S2   n [C]   a company that takes passengers and goods to different places by plane//  --an airline pilot//


Words: airmail
Meaning:
n [U]   letters and packages that are sent somewhere using a plane, or the system of doing this//  --Send the letter by airmail.//


Words: airplane
Meaning:
n [C]  AmE   cockpit, wing, tail//  a vehicle that flies through the air and has one or more engines//  British Equivalent:  aeroplane//   plane//


Words: airplay
Meaning:
n [U]   the number of times that a particular song is played on the radio//  --The new single is already getting airplay. //


Words: airport
Meaning:
W3S2   n [C]   a place where planes take off and land, with buildings for passengers to wait in//    airfield//  --The plane landed at Heathrow Airport.//  --Her family went to see her off at the airport.//  ----------//  WORD FOCUS: airport //  what you do at the airport: When you arrive at the airport, you go into the  terminal building. You check in for your flight at the check-in desk . You show your passport at  passport control and then go through  security , where they check that you are not carrying any weapons. If you have time you can wait for your flight in the  departure lounge . When your flight is called, you go through the  departure gate in order to get onto the plane. The plane then takes off from the  runway . After your plane has landed, you go to the  baggage reclaim  to collect your bags, then go through customs and immigration , where they check your passport and your bags. You then go out into the  arrivals area of the airport. //  ----------//


Words: airport fiction
Meaning:
n [U]   books that are not very serious, and that people buy at airports to read when they are on a plane journey//


Words: airship
Meaning:
n [C]   a large aircraft with no wings, that has an engine and is filled with gas to make it float//


Words: airspace
Meaning:
n [U]   the sky above a particular country, that is legally controlled by that country//  --Canadian airspace//


Words: Airstream
Meaning:
trademark   a type of silver-coloured  trailer (=a vehicle which contains beds, a kitchen etc and which is pulled by a car) , similar to a bullet in shape. They were first made in the US in the 1930s and continue to be popular and fashionable.//


Words: airtight
Meaning:
adj \n  1 not allowing air to get in or out:  --airtight containers//\n  2 planned or done so carefully that there is no chance of any problems or mistakes:  --an airtight alibi//


Words: airtime
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 the amount of time that a radio or television station gives to a particular subject, advertisement etc:  --Advertisers have bought airtime on all the major TV networks.//\n  2 the amount of time that has been paid for when using a mobile phone:


Words: airtime provider
Meaning:
n [C]   a company that provides the service that allows you to make and receive calls on a mobile phone//


Words: airwaves
Meaning:
n   the airwaves//   informal radio and television broadcasts//  on/over the airwaves//  --a subject that’s been debated on the airwaves//


Words: airway
Meaning:
n [C] \n  1 the passage in your throat that you breathe through:\n  2 an area of the sky that is regularly used by planes:


Words: airy
Meaning:
adj \n  1 an airy room or building has plenty of fresh air because it is large or has a lot of windows:  --All the hotel’s bedrooms are light and airy. //\n  2 done in a happy and confident way, even when you should be serious or worried:  --He dismissed her concerns with an airy wave of the hand.//


Words: aisle
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: ele  ’wing’, from  Latin ala; influenced by  English isle and  French aile  ’wing’]//\n  1 a long passage between rows of seats in a church, plane, theatre etc, or between rows of shelves in a shop:\n  2  go/walk down the aisle:   informal to get married//    be rolling in the aisles at roll1 (20)//


Words: aitch
Meaning:
n   plural  aitches  [U and C] //  the letter H when written as a word not a letter//  drop your aitches (=not pronounce the letter H at the beginning of words) //  --People with Cockney accents tend to drop their aitches.//


Words: ajar
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   [Date: 1600-1700; Origin: on char, from  on +  char  ’turn, piece of work’ (11-17 centuries) (from  Old English cierr)]//  a door that is ajar is slightly open//


Words: aka
Meaning:
aka/e[hA366] ke[hA366] e[hA366], [zB024]k[hA353]/  also known as used when giving someone or something’s real name together with a different name they are known by//  --John Phillips, aka The Mississippi Mauler//


Words: akimbo
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1700-1800; Origin: in kenbow,  on kenbow  (15-17 centuries), probably from an unrecorded  Old Norse i keng boginn  ’bent in a curve’]//\n  1  (with) arms akimbo:  with your hands on your hips so that your elbows point away from your body//\n  2  (with) legs akimbo:  with your legs wide apart//


Words: akin
Meaning:
adj  formal   akin to sth//  very similar to something//  --Something akin to panic overwhelmed him.//


Words: al dente
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1900-2000; Language: Italian; Origin: ’to the tooth’]//  food, especially pasta that is al dente is still pleasantly firm after it has been cooked//


Words: Al-Anon
Meaning:
an international organization that helps people who are related to  alcoholics (=people who cannot stop drinking alcohol) //    Alcoholics Anonymous//


Words: alabaster
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: alabastre, from  Latin alabaster  ’container made of alabaster’, from  Greek alabastros]//  a white stone, used for making statues or other objects for decoration//\nalabaster 2 adj \n  1 made of alabaster:\n  2 white and smooth:


Words: alacrity
Meaning:
n [U]  formal   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: alacritas, from  alacer  ’lively, eager’]//  quickness and eagerness//  with alacrity//  --She accepted with alacrity.//


Words: Aladdin
Meaning:
a young male character in a story from  The Arabian Nights. Aladdin steals a lamp, which makes a genie (=a magical spirit)  appear who will give Aladdin anything he asks for.//


Words: Alamein El Alamein
Meaning:
a place in Egypt where the British army won an important battle against the German army in World War II.//


Words: Alamo
Meaning:
the Alamo//  a mission building in San Antonio in Texas, where a famous battle took place in 1836, when the US and Mexico were fighting each other for the control of Texas. The Alamo was defended against 4000 Mexican soldiers by only 180 Americans.//


Words: Alamogordo
Meaning:
a town in the US state of New Mexico, near the place where the first  nuclear bomb was exploded in 1945//


Words: alarm
Meaning:
S2   n   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: alarme, from  Old Italian all’ arme  ’to the weapon’]//\n  1 [C] a piece of equipment that makes a loud noise to warn you of danger:  a burglar/fire/smoke alarm //  --I forgot to set the burglar alarm.//  --He set off the alarm  (=made it start ringing) by accident.//  --The fire alarm’s going off  (=it is ringing) .//  --a sophisticated alarm system//\n  2 [U] a feeling of fear or worry because something bad or dangerous might happen:  alarm at//  --There is growing alarm at the increase in crime.//  in alarm//  --She looked up in alarm.//  --Scientists have said there is no cause for alarm. //  3 [C] an alarm clock//  --I’ve set the alarm for 7 o’clock.//  --I was still asleep when the alarm went off. //\n  4  raise/sound the alarm:   especially BrE to warn people that something bad is happening//  --Neighbours raised the alarm when they smelled smoke.//\n  5  alarm bells ring:  if alarm bells ring, you feel worried that something bad may be happening//  --Alarm bells started to ring when he failed to return home.//    false alarm//\nalarm 2 v [T]   to make someone feel worried or frightened//  --I don’t want to alarm you, but I can’t find the key.//


Words: alarmed
Meaning:
adj \n  1 worried or frightened:  alarmed by/at//  --Environmentalists are alarmed by the dramatic increase in pollution.//  alarmed to see/hear etc //  --He was alarmed to discover that his car was gone.//\n  2 protected by an alarm:  --The whole building is alarmed.//


Words: alarming
Meaning:
adj   making you feel worried or frightened//  --an alarming increase in violent crime//  --The rainforest is disappearing at an alarming rate. //  -- alarmingly adv //


Words: alarmist
Meaning:
adj   making people feel worried about dangers that do not really exist//  --alarmist reports of health risks//


Words: alas
Meaning:
adv [sentence adverb]  formal   used when mentioning a fact that you wish was not true//  --Donald, alas, died last year.//\nalas 2 interjection  literary   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: a  ’ah’ +  las  ’tired’]//  used to express sadness, shame, or fear//


Words: Alban
Meaning:
Saint   the first Christian martyr in England. He was born in Britain, but served in the Roman army. He became a Christian after helping a priest and was officially killed in 303AD.//


Words: Albania
Meaning:
a small country in the southeast of Europe next to the Adriatic Sea. Population: 3,500,000 (2001). Capital: Tirana//  -- Albanian n  adj //


Words: albatross
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Origin:  Probably from  alcatras type of water bird  (16-19 centuries), from  Portuguese or  Spanish alcatraz  ’pelican’, from  Arabic al-gattas  ’the diver’;]//  [Sense: 2; Origin:  from the dead albatross that brought bad luck to the sailor who killed it in the poem The Ancient Mariner (1798) by S. T. Coleridge]//\n  1 a very large white sea bird:\n  2  an albatross (around your neck):  something that causes problems for you and prevents you from succeeding//  --The issue has become a political albatross for the government.//


Words: albeit
Meaning:
conj  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Origin: all be it  ’although it may be’]//  used to add information that reduces the force or importance of what you have just said//   although//  --He accepted the job, albeit with some hesitation.//  --Chris went with her, albeit reluctantly.//


Words: Albert
Meaning:
Prince   (1819-61) the husband of the British queen  Victoria, born in Germany, and also called the "Prince Consort"//


Words: Albert Dock
Meaning:
a  dock in Liverpool with popular shops and restaurants that have been built inside its old Victorian  Warehouses//


Words: Albert Hall
Meaning:
the Albert Hall//   also the Royal Albert Hall //  a large 19th century building in London where concerts take place //


Words: Albert Square
Meaning:
an imaginary place in East London where the characters in the British television programme  EastEnders live and work//


Words: albino
Meaning:
n   plural  albinos  [C] //  [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Portuguese; Origin: Spanish, from  albo  ’white’]//  a person or animal with a genetic condition that makes their skin and hair very white and their eyes pink//


Words: album
Meaning:
W3   n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: ’unused surface for writing on’, from  albus  ’white’]//\n  1 a group of songs or pieces of music on a CD, tape etc:  --The band plan to release their new album next week.//\n  2 a book that you put photographs, stamps etc in:  --a photograph album//


Words: albumen
Meaning:
n [U]  technical   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: albus;   ALBUM]//  the colourless part inside an egg//   white//


Words: Alcatraz
Meaning:
a prison on a rocky island in San Francisco Bay, in California. The prison, which was closed in 1963, was famous because it was very difficult to escape from.//


Words: alchemy
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: alquemie, from  Medieval Latin alchymia, from  Arabic al-kimiya  ’the alchemy’, from  Late Greek chemeia;   CHEMOTHERAPY]//\n  1 a science studied in the Middle Ages, that involved trying to change ordinary metals into gold:\n  2  literary magic:  -- alchemist n  [C] //


Words: Alcock and Brown
Meaning:
two British pilots, Sir John William Alcock (1892-1919) and Sir Arthur Whitten Brown(1886-1948), who, in 1919, were the first people to fly an aircraft across the Atlantic without stopping//


Words: alcohol
Meaning:
W3   n   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: ’fine powder, liquid made by a purifying process’, from  Old Spanish, from  Arabic al-kuhul  ’the powdered antimony (= a type of metal)’]//\n  1 [U] drinks such as beer or wine that contain a substance which can make you drunk:  --I don’t drink alcohol anymore.//  -- alcohol abuse  (=when someone drinks too much) //  --people with alcohol problems  (=people who drink too much) //\n  2 [U and C] the chemical substance in alcoholic drinks that can make you drunk, which is also used in other types of products:  --low alcohol drinks//


Words: alcoholic
Meaning:
adj \n  1 relating to alcohol or containing alcohol:  → nonalcoholic//  --alcoholic drinks//\n  2 caused by drinking alcohol:  --an alcoholic stupor//\nalcoholic 2 n [C]   someone who regularly drinks too much alcohol and has difficulty stopping//


Words: Alcott
Meaning:
Louisa May   (1832-88) a US writer whose novels for children include  Little Women and  Good Wives//


Words: alcove
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: alc[hA175]ve, from  Spanish alcoba, from  Arabic al-qubbah  ’the arch’]//  a place in the wall of a room that is built further back than the rest of the wall//


Words: Aldeburgh
Meaning:
a town on the coast of Suffolk in eastern England, where there is a music  festival (=a series of concerts and performances)  every summer//


Words: alderman
Meaning:
n   plural  aldermen /-m[hA353]n/ [C] //  [Language: Old English; Origin: ealdorman  ’governor in Anglo-Saxon England’, from  ealdor  ’parent’ +  man]//\n  1 an elected member of a town or city council in the US:\n  2 an important member of a town council in Britain in the past:


Words: Alderney
Meaning:
n \n  1 one of the   Channel Islands between England and France:\n  2 a breed of cow kept for milk:  --Alderney cattle//


Words: Aldrin
Meaning:
Edwin "Buzz"   (1930- ) a US  astronaut who became the second  man to step on the moon during the  Apollo 11 mission of 1969//


Words: ale
Meaning:
n [U]   [Language: Old English; Origin: ealu]//\n  1 a type of beer made from malt(1):\n  2  old-fashioned beer:    light ale//


Words: alert
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: French; Origin: alerte, from  Italian all’ erta  ’on the watch’]//\n  1 giving all your attention to what is happening, being said etc:  --The animal raised its head, suddenly alert.//  --Taking notes is one of the best ways to stay alert in lectures.//\n  2 able to think quickly and clearly:  --Jack was as mentally alert as a man half his age.//\n  3  be alert to sth:  to know about or understand something, especially a possible danger or problem//  --The authorities should have been alert to the possibility of invasion.//  -- alertness n  [U] //\nalert 2 v [T] \n  1 to officially warn someone about a problem or danger so that they are ready to deal with it:  --The school immediately alerted the police .//\n  2 to make someone realize something important or dangerous:  alert sb to sth//  --campaigns to alert the public to the dangers of HIV//\nalert 3 n \n  1 [C] a warning to be ready for possible danger:  a bomb/fire/terrorist etc alert //  --a full-scale flood alert//  --The bomb alert was raised soon after midnight.//    red alert//\n  2  on (the) alert (for sth/sb):  ready to notice and deal with a situation or problem//  -- Be on the alert for anyone acting suspiciously.//  --Troops in the vicinity were put on alert .//  on full alert  also //  on high alert (=completely ready to deal with a dangerous situation) //  --All our border points are on full alert.//


Words: Alexander
Meaning:
Grover Cleveland   (1887-1950) a US baseball player and one of the greatest pitchers. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs from 1911 to 1930.//


Words: Alexander technique
Meaning:
the  trademark   a system of sitting, standing, and moving, which some believe can help to improve general health//


Words: Alexander the Great
Meaning:
(356-323 BC) a king of Macedonia who took control of Greece, Egypt, and most of the countries to the east of the Mediterranean Sea as far as India//


Words: alfalfa
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1800-1900; Language: Spanish; Origin: Arabic al-fasfasah  ’the alfalfa’]//  a plant grown especially in the US to feed farm animals//


Words: alfresco
Meaning:
adj, adv   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Italian; Origin: ’in the fresh (air)’]//  if you eat alfresco, you eat in the open air//  --We dined alfresco , on a balcony overlooking the sea.//  alfresco lunch/supper etc //


Words: algae
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: alga  ’seaweed’]//  a very simple plant without stems or leaves that grows in or near water//


Words: algebra
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: Arabic al-jabr  ’the reduction’]//  a type of mathematics that uses letters and other signs to represent numbers and values//  -- algebraic/[zB024]ld[hA360][hA369]bre[hA366]-[hA366]k[hA36B]/ adj //  -- algebraically/-kli/ adv //


Words: Alger
Meaning:
Horatio   (1832-1899) a US writer, many of whose stories are about poor boys who become rich and successful through hard work and good luck//


Words: Algeria
Meaning:
a country in northwest Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, between Tunisia and Libya. Population: 31,700,000 (2001). Capital: Algiers.//  -- Algerian n  adj //


Words: Algonquin Round Table
Meaning:
the   a group of writers, including Dorothy Parker, who met in New York’s Algonquin Hotel in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, and exchanged ideas//


Words: algorithm
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Origin: algorism  ’algorithm’ (13-19 centuries), from  Medieval Latin algorismus, from  Arabic al-khuwarizmi, from  al-Khuwarizmi 9th-century Arab mathematician; influenced by  Greek arithmos  ’number’]//   technical a set of instructions that are followed in a fixed order and used for solving a mathematical problem, making a computer program etc//


Words: Alhambra
Meaning:
the Alhambra//  a  palace built on a hill above Granada in southeast Spain between 1238 and 1358 for  Moorish kings, and considered to be Spain’s most impressive building in the Moorish style.//


Words: Ali
Meaning:
Muhammad   (1942- ) a US  boxer who became world  heavyweight champion in 1964, and then again in 1974 and 1978, and is one of the greatest boxers ever. He changed his name from Cassius Clay when he became a  Muslim in 1964.//


Words: Ali Baba
Meaning:
the main character in a story called  Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, from  The Arabian Nights. Ali Baba sees 40 thieves enter a secret  cave (=a large hole in the side of a cliff or under the ground)  by saying the magic words "Open Sesame", which makes a door in the cliff open. He repeats these words, enters the cave, and takes some of the gold that the thieves keep there. //


Words: alias
Meaning:
prep   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: ’otherwise’]//  used when giving someone’s real name, especially an actor’s or a criminal’s name, together with another name they use//  --’Friends’ star Jennifer Aniston, alias Rachel Green//\nalias 2 n [C]   a false name, usually used by a criminal//  --a spy operating under the alias Barsad//


Words: alibi
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: ’somewhere else’]//\n  1 something that proves that someone was not where a crime happened and therefore could not have done it:  a perfect/cast-iron/unshakeable etc alibi //  --He had a perfect alibi and the police let him go.//\n  2 an excuse for something you have failed to do or have done wrong:


Words: Alice in Wonderland
Meaning:
also  Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland   a book by Lewis  Carroll about a girl called Alice who falls down a rabbit hole and arrives in a magical land, where she meets many strange animals and people, and has many strange adventures. People sometimes describe something as being "Alice-in-Wonderland", when they mean it is the opposite of what is normal or what you expect//  --The book is a good introduction to the strange, Alice-in-Wonderland world of theoretical physics. //


Words: alien
Meaning:
adj   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin alienus, from  alius  ’other’]//\n  1 very different from what you are used to, especially in a way that is difficult to understand or accept:   strange//  --the alien environment of the city//  be alien to sb//  --a way of life that is totally alien to us//\n  2 belonging to another country or race:   foreign//  --alien cultures//  --an alien multiracial society//\n  3 [only before noun] relating to creatures from another world:  -- alien beings from another planet//\nalien 2 n [C] \n  1 someone who is not a legal citizen of the country they are living or working in:  -- illegal aliens entering the country.//\n  2 in stories, a creature from another world:


Words: alienate
Meaning:
v [T] \n  1 to do something that makes someone unfriendly or unwilling to support you:  --The latest tax proposals will alienate many voters.//\n  2 to make it difficult for someone to belong to a particular group or to feel comfortable with a particular person:  alienate sb from sth//  --He felt that his experiences had alienated him from society.//  -- alienated adj //  --Gina had become increasingly alienated from her family.//


Words: alienation
Meaning:
n [U] \n  1 the feeling of not being part of society or a group:  alienation from//  --Unemployment may provoke a sense of alienation from society.//\n  2 when someone becomes less friendly, understanding, or willing to give support as the result of something that happens or is done:  alienation of//  --the alienation of voters//


Words: alight
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   [Date: 1400-1500; Origin:  Probably from  a- +  light]//\n  1 burning:  --The car was set alight and pushed over a hill.//\n  2  literary someone whose face or eyes are alight looks excited, happy, etc:  alight with excitement/pleasure/laughter etc //  --Jed’s face was alight with excitement.//\n  3  literary bright with light or colour:\nalight 2 v [I]  formal   [Language: Old English; Origin: alihtan, from  lihtan  ’to alight’]//\n  1 if a bird or insect alights on something, it stops flying and stands on it:   land//\n  2 to step out of a vehicle after a journey:  alight from//  --She alighted from the train at 74th Street.//  alight on/upon [alight on/upon sth] phr v//  to suddenly think of or notice something or someone//  --His mind alighted on several possible answers.//


Words: align
Meaning:
v   [Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: aligner, from  ligne  ’line’]//\n  1 [T] to publicly support a political group, country, or person that you agree with:  align yourself with sb/sth//  --Church leaders have aligned themselves with the opposition.//  --a country closely aligned with the West//\n  2 [I and T] to arrange things so that they form a line or are parallel to each other, or to be in a position that forms a line etc:  --The desks were neatly aligned in rows.//  --Make sure that all the holes align.//\n  3 [T usually passive] to organize or change something so that it has the right relationship to something else:  align with//  --This policy is closely aligned with the goals of the organization.//


Words: alignment
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U] the state of being arranged in a line with something or parallel to something:  alignment of//  --the geometrical alignment of the Sun, Moon and Earth at the eclipse//  out of/into alignment//  --The wheels were out of alignment.//\n  2 [U and C] support given by one country or group to another in politics, defence etc:  alignment with//  --their military alignment with the US//


Words: alike
Meaning:
adj [not before noun]   [Language: Old English; Origin: onlic, from  on +  lic  ’body’]//  very similar//  --My mother and I are alike in many ways.//\nalike 2 adv \n  1 in a similar way:  --The twins were dressed alike.//    great minds think alike at great1 (15)//\n  2 used to emphasize that you mean both the people, groups, or things that you have just mentioned:  --I learned a lot from teachers and students alike.//


Words: alimentary canal
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1800-1900; Origin:  alimentary  1500-1600  Latin alimentarius, from  alimentum  ’food’, from  alere  ’to feed’]//  the tube in your body that takes food through your body from your mouth to your anus//


Words: alimony
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: alimonia  ’supply of things needed to live’, from  alere;   ALIMENTARY CANAL]//  money that a court orders someone to pay regularly to their former wife or husband after their marriage has ended//    maintenance//


Words: alive
Meaning:
W3S2   adj [not before noun]   ----------//\n   1 not dead:\n   2 still existing:\n   3 cheerful:\n   4 come alive:\n   5 be alive to a fact/possibility/danger etc:\n   6 be alive with something:\n   7 bring something alive:  ----------//  [Language: Old English; Origin: on life  ’in life’]//\n  1 NOT DEAD:  still living and not dead//  --It was a really bad accident - they’re lucky to be alive.//  --My grandparents are still alive .//  --We stayed alive by eating berries and roots.//  --He was kept alive on a life-support machine.//  --Apparently he’s alive and well and living in Brazil.//\n  2 STILL EXISTING:  continuing to exist//  --Ancient traditions are very much alive in rural areas.//  --Christianity is alive and well in Asia.//  --The sport is still very much alive and kicking in this country.//\n  3 CHEERFUL:  full of energy, happiness, activity etc//  --It was the kind of morning when you wake up and feel really alive .//  alive with//  --Her face was alive with excitement.//  --The whole house was alive with activity.//\n  4  come alive:  a) if a subject or event comes alive, it becomes interesting and seems real//  --Hopefully, we can make history come alive for the children.//  b) if someone comes alive, they suddenly become happy and interested in what is happening//  --She only came alive when she sat down at the piano.//  c) if a town, city etc comes alive, it becomes busy//  --seaside resorts that come alive in the summer//\n  5  be alive to a fact/possibility/danger etc:  to know that a particular fact etc exists and that it is important//  --The company is alive to the threat posed by foreign imports.//\n  6  be alive with sth:  to be full of living things that are moving//  --The pond was alive with fish.//\n  7  bring sth alive:  to make something interesting and real//  --The way he describes his characters really brings them alive.//    skin sb alive at skin2 (3)//


Words: Alka-Seltzer
Meaning:
trademark   a type of medicine that some people take when they have eaten or drunk too much. Alka Seltzer is added to water to make a  fizzy drink.//


Words: alkali
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: Arabic al-qili  ’the ashes (of a particular plant from which a type of alkali was obtained)’]//  a substance that forms a chemical salt when combined with an acid//


Words: all
Meaning:
determiner, predeterminer, pron \n  1 the whole of an amount, thing, or type of thing:  --Have you done all your homework?//  all your life/all day/all year etc (=during the whole of your life, a day, a year etc) //  --He had worked all his life in the mine.//  --The boys played video games all day.//  --They were quarrelling all the time  (=very often or continuously) .//  --Hannah didn’t say a single word all the way back home (=during the whole of the journey) .//  all of//  --Almost all of the music was from Italian operas.//  --I’ve heard it all before.//  --She’d given up all hope of having a child.//\n  2 every one of a number of people or things, or every thing or person of a particular type:  --Someone’s taken all my books!//  --Will all the girls please stand over here.//  --All children should be taught to swim.//  --16 per cent of all new cars sold in Western Europe these days are diesel-engined.//  --They all speak excellent English.//  all of//  --important changes that will affect all of us//\n  3 the only thing or things:  --All you need is a hammer and some nails.//  --All I’m asking for is a little respect.//\n  4  formal everything:  --I’m doing all I can to help her.//  --I hope all is well with you.//  --All was dark and silent down by the harbour wall.//\n  5 used to emphasize that you mean the greatest possible amount of the quality you are mentioning:  --Can any of us say in all honesty that we did everything we could?//\n  6  at all:  used in negative statements and questions to emphasize what you are saying//  --They’ve done nothing at all to try and put the problem right.//  --He’s not looking at all well.//  --’Do you mind if I stay a little longer?’ ’No, not at all.’//  --Has the situation improved at all?//\n  7  all sorts/kinds/types of sth:  many different kinds of something//  --Social workers have to deal with all kinds of problems.//\n  8  of all people/things/places etc:  used to emphasize that your statement is true of one particular person, thing, or place more than any other//  --Of course, you shouldn’t have done it. You of all people should know that.//  --She did not want to quarrel with Maria today, of all days.//\n  9  all in all:  used to show that you are considering every part of a situation//  --All in all, it had been one of the most miserable days of Henry’s life.//\n  10  for all sth:  in spite of a particular fact//  --For all his faults, he’s a kind-hearted old soul.//  --For all my love of landscape, nothing could persuade me to spend another day in the Highlands.//\n  11  in all:  including every thing or person//  --In all, there were 215 candidates.//  --We received [hA124]1550 in cash and promises of another [hA124]650, making [hA124]2200 in all.//\n  12  and all:  a) including the thing or things just mentioned//  --They ate the whole fish - head, bones, tail, and all.//  b)  spoken  informal used to emphasize a remark that you have just added//  --And you can take that smelly old coat out of here, and all!//\n  13  all of 50p/20 minutes etc:   spoken used to emphasize how large or small an amount actually is//  --The game lasted all of 58 seconds.//  --The repairs are going to cost all of [hA124]15,000.//\n  14  it’s all or nothing:  used to say that unless something is done completely, it is not acceptable//  --Half-heartedness won’t do - it’s got to be all or nothing.//\n  15  give your all:  to make the greatest possible effort in order to achieve something//  --The coach expects every player to give their all in every game.//\n  16  it was all I could do to do sth:  used to say that you only just succeeded in doing something//  --It was all I could do to stop them hitting each other.//\n  17  when all’s said and done:   spoken used to remind someone about an important point that needs to be considered//  --When all’s said and done, he’s only a kid.//    for all sb cares at care2 (8)//    for all sb knows at know1 (33)//    all and sundry at sundry(1)//    after all at after1 (13)//\nall 2 adv \n  1 [always + adjective/adverb/preposition] completely:  --You shouldn’t be sitting here by yourself, all alone.//  --a strange woman, dressed all in black//  --If people want more freedom of choice, then I’m all for it (=I strongly support it) .//  --’It was a dreadful experience.’ ’Never mind, it’s all over  (=completely finished) now.’//\n  2  all over (sth):  a) everywhere on an object or surface//  --There were bits of paper all over the floor.//  --He has cuts all over his legs.//  --She ached all over (=her whole body ached) .//  b) everywhere in a place//  --Antique clocks from all over the world are on display.//  --People came from all over the country.//  --They’re putting up new offices all over the place.//\n  3  all the better/easier/more etc:  used to emphasize how much better, easier etc something is than it would be in a different situation//  --Clayton’s achievement is all the more remarkable when you consider his poor performance last season.//  --The job was made all the easier by having the proper tools.//\n  4  all but:  almost completely//  --Britain’s coal industry has all but disappeared.//  --His left arm was all but useless.//\n  5  all too:  used to mean ’very’ when talking about a bad situation//  --All too often it’s the mother who gets blamed for her children’s behaviour.//  --In these conditions it was all too easy to make mistakes.//\n  6  all along:   informal all the time from the beginning while something was happening//  --Chapman had known all along that the plan wouldn’t work.//  --We had to admit that Dad had been right all along.//\n  7  one all/two all etc:  used when giving the score of a game in which both players or teams have scored the same number of points//  --The game ended one-all.//\n  8  all told:  including everything or everyone//  --a project costing [hA124]10,000, all told//\n  9  it’s all up (with sb):   informal  BrE used to say that someone’s success or happiness has ended//  --If someone tells the police, then it’ll be all up with me.//\n  10  be not all there:   informal someone who is not all there seems stupid or slightly crazy//\n  11  be all smiles/innocence/sweetness etc:  to be showing a lot of a particular quality or type of behaviour//  --The mayor and mayoress were all smiles and kisses during the grand ceremony.//\n  12  be all over sb:   informal to be trying to kiss someone and touch them, especially in a sexual way//  --Before I could speak, he was all over me.//\n  13  spoken very:  --You’re getting me all confused.//\n  14  spoken  that’s sb all over:  used to say that a particular way of behaving is typical of someone//  --He was late of course, but that’s Tim all over!//\n  15  spoken  be all in:   BrE to be very tired//\n  16  spoken  sb was all ...:   AmE used to report what someone said or did, when telling a story//  --He drove me home, and he was all, ’I love this car ... it’s like a rocket.’//\n  17  spoken  not all that:  not very//  --It doesn’t sound all that good, does it?//  --I don’t think it matters all that much.//\n  18  spoken  sb/sth is not all that:  used to say that someone or something is not very attractive or desirable//  --I don’t know why you keep chasing her around. She’s not all that.//


Words: all clear
Meaning:
n all-clear   the all clear//  a) official permission to begin doing something//  give (sb)/get the all clear //  --We’ve got the all clear for the new project.//  b) a signal such as a loud whistle that tells you that a dangerous situation has ended//


Words: all comers all-comers
Meaning:
n [plural]   everyone who wants to take part in something, especially a competition//  --The marathon is open to all comers.//


Words: all go
Meaning:
adj  BrE   it’s all go//   spoken used to say that a situation is very busy and full of activity//  --It was all go from 8.00 until we finished at 5.00.//


Words: all in adj
Meaning:
adv  all-in BrE   used to describe the total cost of something, or the total amount of money charged for something//   inclusive//  all-in price/package/deal etc //  --all-in deals to Australia and New Zealand//  --The hourly rate is [hA124]20 all in.//


Words: all right adj
Meaning:
adv, interjection [not before noun]   ----------//\n   1 good:\n   2 no problems:\n   3 do all right (for yourself/herself etc):\n   4 suitable:\n   5 it’s all right:\n   6 it’s/that’s all right:\n   7 permission:\n   8 agreement:\n   9 understanding:\n  10 threaten:\n  11 change/end subject:\n  12 it’s all right for somebody:\n  13 emphasize:\n  14 happy:\n  15 like:\n  16 greeting:\n  17 I’m all right Jack:\n  18 it’ll be all right on the night:  ----------//\n  1 GOOD:  satisfactory, but not excellent//   okay//  --’What’s the food like?’ ’It’s all right, but the place on campus is better.’//  --’How’s school going, Steve?’ ’Oh, all right, I guess.’//\n  2 NO PROBLEMS:  not ill, hurt, or upset or not having any problems//   okay//  --Kate looks really unhappy - I’d better make sure she’s all right.//  --Are you feeling all right ?//  --The kids seem to be getting on all right at school.//  --Tony was worried about the meeting but it went all right  (=happened with no problems) .//  --Don’t worry, it’ll turn out all right .//\n  3  do all right (for yourself/herself etc):  to be successful in your job, life etc//  --She’s doing all right - she’s got a job with Microsoft.//\n  4 SUITABLE:  used to say whether something is suitable or convenient//   okay//  all right with/by/for//  --Is Thursday morning all right with you?//  --We’ll eat at eight. Does that sound all right to you?//\n  5  it’s all right:  used to make someone feel less afraid or worried//  --It’s all right, Mommy’s here.//\n  6  it’s/that’s all right:  used to reply to someone who thanks you or says they are sorry about something//  --’Thanks for all your help!’ ’That’s quite all right .’//\n  7 PERMISSION:  used to ask or give permission for something//   okay//  --Would it be all right if I left early today?//  be all right to do sth//  --Is it all right to bring my dog?//\n  8 AGREEMENT:  used to agree with someone’s suggestion, although you may be slightly unwilling//   okay//  --’Why not come along?’ ’Oh, all right.’//\n  9 UNDERSTANDING:   [sentence adverb] used to check that someone understands what you have said, or to show that you understand//   okay//  --I’ll leave a key with the neighbours, all right?//  --’The train leaves at 5.30.’ ’All right, I’m coming!’//\n  10 THREATEN:  used when asking in a threatening or angry way what someone’s intentions are//   okay//  --All right, you two. What are you doing in my room?//\n  11 CHANGE/END SUBJECT:  used to introduce a new subject or to end a conversation//   okay//  --All right, now I’d like to introduce our first speaker.//\n  12  it’s all right for sb:   BrE  informal used to say that someone else does not have the problems that you have, or that you are jealous because someone else is luckier than you//  --’I get eight weeks’ holiday a year.’ ’Well, it’s all right for some .’//\n  13 EMPHASIZE:   informal used to emphasize that you are certain about something//  --’Are you sure it was Bill?’ ’Oh, yes, it was him all right.’//\n  14 HAPPY:   AmE  informal used to say you are happy about something you have just been told//  --You passed? All right!//\n  15 LIKE:   BrE used to describe someone you like or approve of//  --’The new boss isn’t too bad, is she?’ ’No, she’s all right.’//\n  16 GREETING:   informal  especially BrE used as a greeting when you meet someone you know well, or reply to a greeting//  --’How are you, John?’ ’Oh, all right - can’t complain.’//\n  17  I’m all right Jack:   BrE  informal used to describe someone’s attitude when they do not care about other people as long as they themselves are happy, comfortable etc//\n  18  it’ll be all right on the night:   BrE  informal used to say that something will be successful, even though there have been lots of problems//  --Workmen have yet to finish the new complex, but the organisers are confident it will be all right on the night.//    a bit of all right at bit1 (12)//


Words: all round
Meaning:
adv  BrE all around  AmE   used to say that you are describing the total quality or effect of something, rather than the details//  --All round it’s not a bad car.//  --It was a nasty business all round.//


Words: All Souls’ Day
Meaning:
2 November, when people in Christian churches pray for the souls of those who have died :    All Saints’ Day//


Words: All Things Bright and Beautiful
Meaning:
a  hymn (=a song of praise to God)  that used to be commonly taught to children in the UK at school//


Words: All’s Well that Ends Well
Meaning:
a humorous play by William  Shakespeare about the relationship between the two main characters, Helena and Bertram. People sometimes use the expression "All’s Well that Ends Well" to say that a difficult situation has ended with a good result.//


Words: all-
Meaning:
prefix \n  1 consisting of or made of only one kind of thing:  --an all-male club//  --an all-wool coat//\n  2  all-day/all-night:  continuing for the whole day or night//  --an all-day seminar//  --an all-night cafe//


Words: all-American
Meaning:
adj [usually before noun] \n  1 having qualities that are considered to be typically American and that American people admire, such as being healthy and working hard:  --an all-American family//\n  2 belonging to a group of players who have been chosen as the best in their sport at American universities:  --an all-American football player//


Words: all-around
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]    AmE good at doing many different things, especially sports//  British Equivalent:  all-round//  --an all-around athlete//


Words: All-England Club
Meaning:
a club in Wimbledon, London that has grass tennis courts, where the famous  tennis competition called  Wimbledon is played every year. Its official name is the ’All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club’.//


Words: all-fired
Meaning:
adv  AmE   completely - used when describing a quality that you think is extreme//  --If he weren’t so all-fired sure of himself, I’d like him better.//


Words: all-in-one
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]  BrE   combining two or more things that are usually separate into one thing//  --an all-in-one TV and video//


Words: all-inclusive
Meaning:
adj   including the cost of everything in the price charged//   all in//  an all-inclusive price/package/holiday etc //  --an all-inclusive vacation cruise//


Words: all-nighter
Meaning:
n [C]  informal   an occasion when you spend the whole night studying or doing written work in university//


Words: all-out
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   done in a very determined way, and involving a lot of energy or anger//  all-out war/attack/offensive etc //  --an all-out effort to win//  -- all out adv //  --Canada will have to go all out on the ice if they want to win.//


Words: all-round
Meaning:
BrE all-around  AmE adj [only before noun]   good at doing many different things//  --an all-round athlete//


Words: all-singing
Meaning:
all-dancing  adj [only before noun]    BrE an all-singing, all-dancing machine or system can do many things because it is so technically advanced - used humorously//


Words: All-Star
Meaning:
a professional baseball or basketball player who is one of the best and most popular, and who has been chosen to play in an All-Star team (=a team made up of the best players) //


Words: All-Star break
Meaning:
in baseball, a period in the middle of the season (=the period in the year when baseball is played)  when All-Star games are played//


Words: All-Star game
Meaning:
a baseball or basketball game played between teams that are made up of the best and most popular professional players in the sport//


Words: all-terrain
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]   all-terrain vehicles are very strong with thick tyres and are suitable for use in many different conditions//  --an all-terrain bike//


Words: all-time
Meaning:
adj   used when you compare things to say that one of them is the best, worst etc that there has ever been//  an all-time high/low //  --The price of wheat had reached an all-time low.//  --They reached an all-time record score.//


Words: allay
Meaning:
v [T]   [Language: Old English; Origin: alecgan, from  lecgan;   LAY1]//  allay (sb’s) fear/concern/suspicion etc//  to make someone feel less afraid, worried etc//  --The president made a statement to allay public anxiety.//


Words: allegation
Meaning:
n [C usually plural]   a statement that someone has done something wrong or illegal, but that has not been proved//  allegations of corruption/fraud/misconduct etc //  --Mr Singh has strongly denied the allegations of sexual harassment.//  allegation that//  --an allegation that senior government figures were involved//  allegation against//  --The teacher made serious allegations against a colleague.//  allegation of//  --A committee will investigate allegations of racial discrimination.//


Words: allege
Meaning:
v [T often passive]  formal   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: alleguer, from  Latin allegare  ’to give reasons’, from  ad-  ’to’ +  legare (  LEGATE)]//  to say that something is true or that someone has done something wrong, although it has not been proved//  it is alleged (that)//  --It was alleged that the policeman had accepted bribes.//  allege that//  --The prosecution alleged that the man had been responsible for an act of terrorism.//  be alleged to be/do sth//  --The water is alleged to be polluted with mercury.//


Words: alleged
Meaning:
adj [only before noun]  formal   an alleged crime, fact etc is one that someone says has happened or is true, although it has not been proved//  alleged offence/crime/incident etc //  --their alleged involvement in international terrorism//  --The alleged victim made the complaint at a police station in York.//


Words: allegedly
Meaning:
adv [sentence adverb]  formal   used when reporting something that people say is true, although it has not been proved//  --a sports car, allegedly stolen in Manchester//


Words: Allegheny Mountains
Meaning:
also the Alleghenies   a  range of mountains which go from Virginia to Pennsylvania in the eastern US, and are part of the  Appalachians//


Words: allegiance
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: ligeance, from  lige  ’person you owe loyal service to’, from  Late Latin laetus  ’serf’]//  loyalty to a leader, country, belief etc//  allegiance to//  --You owe allegiance  (=have a duty to give allegiance) to your king.//  swear/pledge allegiance //  --I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.//  --an oath of allegiance//  switch/transfer allegiance (=start to support a different person, group etc) //  --The people here have strong political allegiances .//


Words: allegory
Meaning:
n   plural  allegories  [U and C] //  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: allegoria, from  Greek, from  allegorein  ’to speak allegorically’, from  allos  ’other’ +  agorein  ’to speak publicly’]//  a story, painting etc in which the events and characters represent ideas or teach a moral lesson//  -- allegorical/[zB024]l[hA369]g[hA361]r[hA366]k[hA368]l $ -g[hA350][hA359]r-/ adj //  -- allegorically/-kli/ adv //


Words: allegro
Meaning:
n   plural  allegros  [C] //  [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Italian; Origin: ’cheerfully’, from  Latin alacer;   ALACRITY]//  a piece of music played or sung quickly//  -- allegro adj  adv //


Words: Allen
Meaning:
Woody   (1935- ) a US film  director who also acts in his own humorous films, which are often about people who live in New York City and have problems in their relationships//


Words: Allen key
Meaning:
n [C]  BrE   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin:  From the  Allen Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut,   USA]//  a tool used to turn an Allen screw//  American Equivalent:  Allen wrench//


Words: Allen wrench
Meaning:
n [C]  AmE   [Date: 1900-2000; Origin: Allen Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut]//  a tool used to turn an Allen screw//  British Equivalent:  Allen key//


Words: Allende
Meaning:
Salvador   (1908-73) a  socialist politician who was elected President of Chile in 1970. In 1973 Allende and many of his supporters were killed when the army took control of the government.//


Words: allergic
Meaning:
adj \n  1 having an allergy:  allergic to//  --I’m allergic to penicillin.//\n  2 caused by an allergy:  --an allergic reaction to nuts//  --an allergic rash //\n  3  be allergic to sth:   informal if you are allergic to something, you do not like it and try to avoid it - used humorously//  --Most men are allergic to housework!//


Words: allergy
Meaning:
n   plural  allergies  [U and C] //  [Date: 1900-2000; Language: German; Origin: allergie, from  all-  ’all’ +  Greek ergon  ’work’]//  a medical condition in which you become ill or in which your skin becomes red and painful because you have eaten or touched a particular substance//  allergy to//  --I have an allergy to cats.//  --a food allergy //


Words: alleviate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Late Latin; Origin: , past participle of  alleviare, from  Latin ad-  ’to’ +  levis  ’light’]//  to make something less painful or difficult to deal with//  alleviate the problem/situation/suffering etc //  --a new medicine to alleviate the symptoms of flu//  --measures to alleviate poverty//  -- alleviation/[hA353]li[hA359]vie[hA366][hA35D][hA368]n/ n  [U] //


Words: alley
Meaning:
n  also alleyway  [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: alee, from  aler  ’to go’, from  Latin ambulare;   AMBLE]//\n  1 a narrow street between or behind buildings, not usually used by cars:  --The alley led to the railway bridge.//  --She found the side alley where the stage door was located.//\n  2  right up/down sb’s alley:  very suitable for someone//  --The job sounds right up your alley.//    blind alley,  bowling alley//


Words: alliance
Meaning:
W3   n [C] \n  1 an arrangement in which two or more countries, groups etc agree to work together to try to change or achieve something:  alliance with//  --Britain’s military alliance with her NATO partners//  alliance between//  --the possibility of a political alliance between the two parties//  make/enter into/form/forge an alliance (=agree to work together) //  --The companies have formed an alliance to market the product.//\n  2 a group of two or more countries, groups etc who work together to achieve something:  --independent organizations and alliances//\n  3  in alliance (with sb/sth):  if two groups, countries etc are in alliance, they work together to achieve something or protect each another//  --Relief workers in alliance with local charities are trying to help the famine victims.//\n  4  formal a close relationship, especially a marriage, between people:    unholy alliance at unholy(1)//


Words: allied
Meaning:
adj \n  1  usually Allied :   [only before noun] belonging or relating to the countries that fought with Britain, the US etc in the First or Second World War//  --an Allied bombing raid//  --Allied forces//\n  2  (be) allied to/with sth:   formal to be related to something or to be very similar//  --Anthropology is closely allied to the field of psychology.//\n  3  allied industries/organizations/trades etc:  connected with each other because of being similar to or dependent on each other//  --agriculture and allied industries//\n  4 joined by the same political, military, or economic aims:  --loosely allied guerilla groups//


Words: Allies
Meaning:
n   the Allies [plural] the countries that fought together against Germany during the First and Second World War//


Words: alligator
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Spanish; Origin: el lagarto  ’the lizard’, from  Latin lacerta;   LIZARD]//\n  1 [C] a large animal with a long mouth and tail and sharp teeth that lives in the hot wet parts of the US and China:\n  2 [U] the skin of this animal used as leather:  --alligator shoes//


Words: alliteration
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: litera  ’letter’]//  the use of several words together that begin with the same sound or letter in order to make a special effect, especially in poetry//


Words: allocate
Meaning:
v [T]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: , past participle of  allocare, from  Latin ad-  ’to’ +  locare  ’to place’]//  to use something for a particular purpose, give something to a particular person etc, especially after an official decision has been made//  allocate sth to sb/sth//  --the importance of allocating resources to local communities//  --You should allocate the same amount of time to each question.//  allocate sth for sth//  --One million dollars was allocated for disaster relief.//  allocate sb/sth sth//  --Several patients were waiting to be allocated a bed.//


Words: allocation
Meaning:
n \n  1 [C] the amount or share of something that has been allocated for a particular purpose:  --Twelve hours a week seemed a generous allocation of your time.//\n  2 [U] the decision to allocate something, or the act of allocating it:  allocation of//  --the allocation of funds to universities//


Words: allot
Meaning:
v   past tense and past participle  allotted present participle  allotting  [T] //  [Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: aloter, from  lot  ’person’s share’]//  to use a particular amount of time for something, or give a particular share of money, space etc to someone or something//  allot sth to sth/sb//  --Try and allot 2 or 3 hours a day to revision.//  --Each school will be allotted twenty seats.//  allot sb sth //  --Everyone who works for the company has been allotted 10 shares.//  -- allotted adj  [only before noun] //  --The department has already spent more than its allotted budget.//


Words: allotment
Meaning:
n \n  1 [U and C] an amount or share of something such as money or time that is given to someone or something, or the process of doing this:  --The budget allotment for each county is below what is needed.//  allotment of//  --the allotment of shares in the company//\n  2 [C]  BrE a small area of land that people can rent for growing vegetables:


Words: allow
Meaning:
v [T]   ----------//\n   1 can do something:\n   2 make something possible:\n   3 have enough of something:\n   4 correct/permitted:\n   5 allow me:  Phrasal verbs//   allow for somebody/something//   allow of something//  ----------//  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: allouer, from  Medieval Latin allocare (  ALLOCATE) and from  Latin adlaudare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  laudare  ’to praise’]//\n  1 CAN DO SOMETHING:  to let someone do or have something, or let something happen//   permit//  allow sb/sth to do sth//  --My parents wouldn’t allow me to go to the party.//  --Women are not allowed to enter the mosque.//  --Don’t allow your problems to dominate your life.//  allow sb sth//  --Passengers are allowed one item of hand luggage each.//  --How much time are we allowed?//  allow sb in/out/up etc//  --I don’t allow the cat in the bedroom.//  --The audience is not allowed backstage.//  sth is (not) allowed (=something is or is not officially permitted) //  --Are dictionaries allowed in the exam?//  --We don’t allow diving in the pool.//\n  2 MAKE SOMETHING POSSIBLE:  to make it possible for something to happen or for someone to do something, especially something helpful or useful//   permit//  --This adjustment of the figures allows a fairer comparison.//  allow for//  --Our new system will allow for more efficient use of resources.//  allow sb to do sth//  --A 24-hour ceasefire allowed the two armies to reach an agreement.//  allow sb sth//  --a seatbelt that allows the driver greater freedom of movement//\n  3 HAVE ENOUGH OF SOMETHING:  to be sure that you have enough time, money, food etc available for a particular purpose//  allow sb sth//  --Allow yourselves plenty of time to get to the airport.//  allow sth for sb/sth//  --I’ve allowed half a bottle of wine for each person.//\n  4 CORRECT/PERMITTED:   formal to accept that something is correct or true, or that something is acceptable according to the rules or law//  allow that//  --I allow that there may have been a mistake.//  --The judge allowed the evidence.//\n  5  allow me:   formal used as a polite way of offering to help someone do something//  --’Allow me,’ the waiter said, opening the door.//    let1 //    forbid(1)//  allow for / [allow for sb/sth] phr v//  to consider the possible facts, problems, costs etc involved in something when making a plan, calculation, or judgment//  --Allowing for inflation, the cost of the project will be $2 million.//  --You should always allow for the possibility that it might rain.//  allow of [allow of sth] phr v//  to make it possible for something to happen or be accepted//  --The facts allow of only one interpretation.//


Words: allowable
Meaning:
adj \n  1 acceptable according to the rules:   permissible//  --The maximum allowable dosage is two tablets a day.//\n  2 allowable costs are costs that you do not pay tax on:  --allowable deductions such as alimony and business expenses//


Words: allowance
Meaning:
W3S2   n \n  1 [C usually singular] an amount of money that you are given regularly or for a special purpose:  a monthly/annual etc allowance //  --His father gives him a monthly allowance of [hA124]200.//  allowance for//  --Do you get an allowance for clothes?//  --Sales staff get a generous mileage allowance or a company car.//  --If you are entitled to sickness allowance, you must claim it from your employer.//\n  2 [C usually singular] an amount of something that is acceptable or safe:  --the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C//  --Passengers’ baggage allowance is 75 pounds per person.//\n  3 [C]  BrE an amount of money that you can earn without paying tax on it:  --a new tax allowance from the government//\n  4 [C usually singular]  especially AmE a small amount of money that a parent regularly gives to a child:  British Equivalent:  pocket money//\n  5 [U and C] something that you consider when deciding what is likely to happen, what you should expect etc:  allowance for//  --There is always an allowance in insurance premiums for whether someone smokes or not.//  make (an) allowance/make allowances (for sth) //  --The budget makes allowances for extra staff when needed.//\n  6  make allowance/allowances (for sb):  to let someone behave in a way you do not normally approve of, because you know there are special reasons for their behaviour//  --Dad’s under pressure - you have to make allowances.//


Words: alloy
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: aloi, from  aloyer  ’to combine’, from  Latin alligare;   ALLY2]//  a metal that consists of two or more metals mixed together//  --Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.//\nalloy 2   v [T + with]    technical to mix one metal with another//


Words: allude
Meaning:
v   allude to / [allude to sb/sth] phr v//  [Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: alludere, from  ad-  ’with’ +  ludere  ’to play’]//   formal to mention something or someone indirectly//  --Rick didn’t want to discuss his past, though he alluded darkly to ’some bad things that happened.’//


Words: allure
Meaning:
n [singular, U]   [Date: 1500-1600; Origin: allure  ’to attract’ (15-21 centuries), from  Old French alurer, from  luere;   LURE2]//  a mysterious, exciting, or desirable quality//  allure of//  --the allure of foreign travel//  --At 50, she had lost none of her sexual allure.//  -- allure v  [T] //  --harmonies that never fail to allure the listener//  -- alluring adj //  --the alluring magic of Hong Kong//  -- allurement n  [U and C] //


Words: allusion
Meaning:
n [U and C]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Late Latin; Origin: allusio, from  Latin alludere;   ALLUDE]//  something said or written that mentions a subject, person etc indirectly//  allusion to//  --The committee made no allusion to the former President in its report.//  literary/classical/cultural etc allusions //  --Eliot’s poetry is full of biblical allusions.//  --In his poetry we find many allusions to the human body.//  -- allusive/-s[hA366]v/ adj  [only before noun] //


Words: alluvial
Meaning:
adj [usually before noun]  technical   made of soil left by rivers, lakes, floods etc//  --alluvial flood plains//


Words: alluvium
Meaning:
n [U]   [Date: 1600-1700; Language: Late Latin; Origin: Latin alluere, from  ad-  ’against’ +  lavare  ’to wash’]//  soil left by rivers, lakes, floods etc//


Words: ally
Meaning:
W3   n   plural  allies  [C] //\n  1 a country that agrees to help or support another country in a war:  --a meeting of the European allies//\n  2  the Allies:  the group of countries including Britain and the US that fought together in the First and Second World Wars//\n  3 someone who helps and supports you when other people are trying to oppose you:  --Ridley was one of the Queen’s  closest allies .//  --a  staunch ally   (=very close ally) of President Soares//  --a network of political allies //  --She knew she had found an ally in Ted.//\n  4 something that helps you succeed in a difficult situation:  --Exercise is an important ally in your campaign to lose weight.//\nally 2   v   past tense and past participle  allied present participle  allying third person singular  allies //  [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: alier, from  Latin alligare, from  ad-  ’to’ +  ligare  ’to tie’]//  [T always +adverb/preposition] to help and support other people or countries, especially in a war or disagreement//  ally yourself to/with sb//  --Some of the northern cities allied themselves with the emperor.//    allied//


Words: alma mater
Meaning:
n [singular]   [Date: 1700-1800; Language: Latin; Origin: ’generous mother’]//\n  1  sb’s alma mater:  the school, college etc that someone used to attend//\n  2  AmE the song of a particular school, college etc:


Words: almanac
Meaning:
almanack old-fashioned   n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Medieval Latin; Origin: almanach, probably from  Arabic al-manakh  ’the calendar’]//  a book produced each year containing information about a particular subject, especially a sport, or important dates, times etc//  --a football almanac//  --a nautical almanac//


Words: Almaty
Meaning:
also  Alma-Ata  a city in southeast Kazakhstan, the country’s capital and largest city, formerly called Vernoye, Verny, or Vernyi//


Words: almighty
Meaning:
adj   [Language: Old English; Origin: ealmihtig, from  eall  ’completely’ +  mihtig  ’powerful’]//\n  1  the Almighty/Almighty God/Almighty Father:  expressions used to talk about God that emphasize His power//\n  2  God/Christ Almighty:  an expression used when you are angry or upset. Some people consider this use offensive.//\n  3  almighty din/crash/row:   BrE  old-fashioned  informal a very loud noise, argument etc//  --There was an almighty bang and the car came to a halt.//


Words: Almodovar
Meaning:
Pedro   (1951-  ) a Spanish film  director famous for his amusing films about Spanish society. His films are often about people with unusual sexual desires and women with serious emotional problems, and include  Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown  (1988) and  Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1989).//


Words: almond
Meaning:
n [C]   [Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: almande, from  Late Latin amandula, from  Greek amygdale]//  a flat pale nut with brown skin that tastes sweet, or the tree that produces these nuts//  --Stir in the ground almonds and egg.//


Words: almost
Meaning:
adv   [Language: Old English; Origin: ealm[zB024]st, from  eall  ’all’ +  m[zB024]st  ’mostly’]//  nearly, but not completely or not quite//  --Have you almost finished?//  --Supper’s almost ready.//  --It was almost midnight.//  --Almost nothing was done to improve the situation.//  --The story is almost certainly true.//  --He’s almost as old as I am.//  almost all/every/everything //  --Marsha visits her son almost every day.//


Words: alms
Meaning:
n [plural]  literary   [Language: Old English; Origin: [zB024]lmesse,  [zB024]lms, from  Late Latin eleemosyna, from  Greek, from  eleos  ’pity’]//  money, food etc given to poor people in the past//


Words: almshouse
Meaning:
n [C]   in Britain in the past, a house where a poor person was allowed to live without paying rent//


Words: aloe vera
Meaning:
n   [Date: 1900-2000; Language: Modern Latin; Origin: ’true aloe’; aloe  1300-1400  ’(dried juice of) a type of plant’ from  Latin, from  Greek]//  [U] a tropical plant with thick leaves that are filled with a liquid which is used to make medicine, cosmetics etc//


Words: aloft
Meaning:
adv  formal   [Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old Norse; Origin: a lopt  ’in the air’]//  high up in the air//  hold/bear sth aloft //  --He emerged, triumphantly holding a baby aloft.//


