# dict

Words: resonance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (formal) (of sound) the quality of being resonant:\nHer voice had a strange and thrilling resonance.\n  2  [C, U] (technical) the sound or other VIBRATION produced in an object by sound or VIBRATIONS of a similar FREQUENCY from another object\n  3  [U, C] (formal) (in a piece of writing, music, etc.) the power to bring images, feelings, etc. into the mind of the person reading or listening; the images, etc. produced in this way


Words: resonant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) (of sound) deep, clear and continuing for a long time:\na deep resonant voice\n  2  (technical) causing sounds to continue for a long time:\nresonant frequencies\n  3  (literary) having the power to bring images, feelings, memories, etc. into your mind:\na poem filled with resonant imagery * Everything was resonant with new meaning.\n    resonantly adverb


Words: resonate
Meaning:
verb [V] (formal)\n  1  (of a voice, an instrument, etc.) to make a deep, clear sound that continues for a long time:\nHer voice resonated through the theatre.\n  2  ~ (with sth) (of a place) to be filled with sound; to make a sound continue longer:\na resonating chamber * The room resonated with the chatter of 100 people.\n  3  ~ (with sb/sth) to remind sb of sth; to be similar to what sb thinks or believes:\nThese issues resonated with the voters. * His speech resonated with the fears and suspicions of his audience.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  resonate with sth (literary) to be full of a particular quality or feeling:\nShe makes a simple story resonate with complex themes and emotions.


Words: resort
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a place where a lot of people go on holiday/vacation:\nseaside / ski / mountain resorts * (BrE) a popular holiday resort * the resort town of Byron Bay\n  2  [U] ~ to sth the act of using sth, especially sth bad or unpleasant, because nothing else is possible:\nThere are hopes that the conflict can be resolved without resort to violence.\n  3  the first / last / final ~ the first or last course of action that you should or can take in a particular situation:\nStrike action should be regarded as a last resort, when all attempts to negotiate have failed. * In the last resort (= at the most basic level) what really moves us is our personal convictions.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  resort to sth to make use of sth, especially sth bad, as a means of achieving sth, often because there is no other possible solution:\nThey felt obliged to resort to violence. * [+ -ing] We may have to resort to using untrained staff.


Words: resound
Meaning:
verb [V] (written)\n  1  ~ (through sth) (of a sound, voice, etc.) to fill a place with sound:\nLaughter resounded through the house. * (figurative) The tragedy resounded around the world.\n  2  ~ (with / to sth) (of a place) to be filled with sound:\nThe street resounded to the thud of marching feet. * The room resounded with screams and shouts.


Words: resounding
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  very great:\na resounding victory / win / defeat * The evening was a resounding success. * The question was answered with a resounding yes.\n  2  (of a sound) very loud and continuing for a long time:\nThe boulder hit the ground with a resounding thud.\n    resoundingly adverb:\nThe federal party was resoundingly defeated.


Words: resource
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] a supply of sth that a country, an organization or a person has and can use, especially to increase their wealth:\nthe exploitation of minerals and other natural resources * We do not have the resources (= money) to update our computer software. * We must make the most efficient use of the available financial resources. * We agreed to pool our resources (= so that everyone gives sth). * the allocation of limited resources\nsee also HUMAN RESOURCES\n  2  [C] something that can be used to help achieve an aim, especially a book, equipment, etc. that provides information for teachers and students:\nThe database could be used as a teaching resource in colleges. * Time is your most valuable resource, especially in examinations. * resource books for teachers * a library resource centre\n  3  (resources) [pl.] personal qualities such as courage and imagination that help you deal with difficult situations:\nHe has no inner resources and hates being alone.\n    verb [VN] to provide sth with the money or equipment that is needed:\nSchools in the area are still inadequately resourced.


Words: resourceful
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) good at finding ways of doing things and solving problems, etc:\nThese women were strong, resourceful and courageous.\n    resourcefully  adverb\n    resourcefulness noun [U]


Words: respect
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) a feeling of admiration for sb/sth because of their good qualities or achievements:\nI have the greatest respect for your brother. * A two-minute silence was held as a mark of respect. * A deep mutual respect and understanding developed between them.\nsee also SELF-RESPECT\nOPP DISRESPECT\n  2  [U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) polite behaviour towards or care for sb/sth that you think is important:\nto show a lack of respect for authority * He has no respect for her feelings. * Everyone has a right to be treated with respect. * They instilled in their children a respect for Welsh tradition and culture.\nOPP DISRESPECT\n  3  [C] a particular aspect or detail of sth:\nIn this respect we are very fortunate. * There was one respect, however, in which they differed. * in all / some / many respects\n IDIOMS \n  in respect of sth (formal or business)\n1 concerning:\nA writ was served on the firm in respect of their unpaid bill.\n2 in payment for sth:\nmoney received in respect of overtime worked\n  with respect | with all due respect (formal) used before disagreeing with sb in order to seem polite:\nWith respect, sir, I cannot agree.\n  with respect to sth (formal or business) concerning:\nThe two groups were similar with respect to income and status.\nmore at DUE adj., PAY v.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (not usually used in the progressive tenses) ~ sb/sth (for sth) to have a very good opinion of sb/sth; to admire sb/sth:\nI respect Jack’s opinion on most subjects. * She had always been honest with me, and I respect her for that. * a much loved and highly respected teacher\n  2  to be careful about sth; to make sure you do not do sth that sb would consider to be wrong:\nto respect other people’s property * She promised to respect our wishes. * He doesn’t respect other people’s right to privacy.\n  3  to agree not to break a law, principle, etc:\nThe new leader has promised to respect the constitution.


Words: respectable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  considered by society to be acceptable, good or correct:\na highly respectable neighbourhood * a respectable married man * Go and make yourself look respectable.\nOPP DISREPUTABLE\n  2  fairly good; that there is not reason to be ashamed of:\na perfectly respectable result * Economic growth has averaged at a respectable 2.5 per cent.\n    respectably adverb:\nrespectably dressed


Words: respecter
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  be no respecter of persons to treat everyone in the same way, without being influenced by their importance, wealth, etc:\nDeath is no respecter of persons.


Words: respectful
Meaning:
adjective\nshowing or feeling RESPECT:\nThe onlookers stood at a respectful distance. * We were brought up to be respectful of authority.\nOPP DISRESPECTFUL\n    respectfully  adverb:\nHe listened respectfully. * (formal) I would respectfully agree with this comment.


Words: respective
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] belonging or relating separately to each of the people or things already mentioned:\nThey are each recognized specialists in their respective fields. * the respective roles of men and women in society\ncompare IRRESPECTIVE


Words: respectively
Meaning:
adverb\nin the same order as the people or things already mentioned:\nJulie Wilson and Mark Thomas, aged 17 and 19 respectively


Words: respiration
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the act of breathing:\nBlood pressure and respiration are also recorded.\nsee also ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION


Words: respirator
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a piece of equipment that makes it possible for sb to breathe over a long period when they are unable to do so naturally:\nShe was put on a respirator.\n  2  a device worn over the nose and mouth to allow sb to breathe in a place where there is a lot of smoke, gas, etc.


Words: respiratory
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with breathing:\nthe respiratory tract / system * respiratory diseases * the respiratory rate


Words: respite
Meaning:
noun [sing., U]\n  1  ~ (from sth) a short break or escape from sth difficult or unpleasant:\nThe drug brought a brief respite from the pain. * There was no respite from the suffocating heat. * She continued to work without respite. * respite care (= temporary care arranged for old, mentally ill, etc. people so that the people who usually care for them can have a rest)\n  2  a short delay allowed before sth difficult or unpleasant must be done:\nHis creditors agreed to give him a temporary respite.


Words: resplendent
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal or literary) ~ (in sth) bright and colourful in an impressive way:\nHe glimpsed Sonia, resplendent in a red silk dress.\n    resplendently adverb


Words: respond
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) (with sth) (rather formal) to give a spoken or written answer to sb/sth\nSYN REPLY:\n[V] I asked him his name, but he didn’t respond. * She never responded to my letter. * More than fifty people responded to the advertisement. * [V speech] ’I’m not sure,’ she responded. * [V that] When asked about the company’s future, the director responded that he remained optimistic. -> ANSWER\n  2  [V] ~ (to sth) (with sth / by doing sth) to do sth as a reaction to sth that sb has said or done\nSYN REACT:\nHow did they respond to the news? * The government responded by banning all future demonstrations.\n  3  [V] ~ (to sth/sb) to react quickly or in the correct way to sth/sb:\nThe car responds very well to the controls. * You can rely on him to respond to a challenge.\n  4  [V] ~ (to sth) to improve as a result of a particular kind of treatment:\nThe infection did not respond to the drugs.


Words: respondent
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who answers questions, especially in a SURVEY:\n60% of the respondents agreed with the suggestion\n  2  (law) a person who is accused of sth


Words: response sth
Meaning:
1  [C, U] a spoken or written answer:\nShe made no response. * In response to your inquiry ... * I received an encouraging response to my advertisement.\n  2  [C, U] a reaction to sth that has happened or been said:\nThe news provoked an angry response. * a positive response * I knocked on the door but there was no response. * The product was developed in response to customer demand. * There has been little response to our appeal for funds. * We sent out over 1 000 letters but the response rate has been low (= few people replied).\n  3  [C, usually pl.] a part of a church service that the people sing or speak as an answer to the part that the priest sings or speaks


Words: responsibility
Meaning:
noun (plural responsibilities)\n  1  [U, C] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) | ~ (to do sth) a duty to deal with or take care of sb/sth, so that you may be blamed if sth goes wrong:\nWe are recruiting a sales manager with responsibility for the European market. * They have responsibility for ensuring that the rules are enforced. * It is their responsibility to ensure that the rules are enforced. * to take / assume overall responsibility for personnel * parental rights and responsibilities * I don’t feel ready to take on new responsibilities. * to be in a position of responsibility * I did it on my own responsibility (= without being told to and being willing to take the blame if it had gone wrong). * The responsibility for doing this rests with the department managers.\n  2  [U] ~ (for sth) blame for sth bad that has happened:\nThe bank refuses to accept responsibility for the mistake. * Nobody has claimed responsibility for the bombing. * We must all bear some responsibility for what happened.\nsee also DIMINISHED RESPONSIBILITY\n  3  [U, C] ~ (to / towards sb) | ~ (to do sth) a duty to help or take care of sb because of your job, position, etc:\nShe feels a strong sense of responsibility towards her employees. * I think we have a moral responsibility to help these countries.


Words: responsible
Meaning:
adjective\n  having job / duty\n  1  ~ (for sb/sth) | ~ (for doing sth) having the job or duty of doing sth or taking care of sb/sth, so that you may be blamed if sth goes wrong:\nMike is responsible for designing the entire project. * Even where parents no longer live together, they each continue to be responsible for their children.\n  causing sth\n  2  ~ (for sth) being able to be blamed for sth:\nWho’s responsible for this mess? * Everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice. * He is mentally ill and cannot be held responsible for his actions.\n  3  ~ (for sth) being the cause of sth:\nCigarette smoking is responsible for about 90% of deaths from lung cancer.\n  to sb in authority\n  4  ~ to sb/sth to have to report to sb/sth with authority or in a higher position and explain to them what you have done:\nThe Council of Ministers is responsible to the Assembly.\n  reliable\n  5  (of people or their actions or behaviour) that you can trust and rely on:\nClare has a mature and responsible attitude to work.\nOPP IRRESPONSIBLE\n  job\n  6  [usually before noun] needing sb who can be trusted and relied on; involving important duties:\na responsible job / position


Words: responsibly
Meaning:
adverb\nin a sensible way that shows you can be trusted:\nto act / behave responsibly\nOPP IRRESPONSIBLY


Words: responsive sth
Meaning:
1  [not usually before noun] reacting quickly and in a positive way:\nFirms have to be responsive to consumer demand. * a flu virus that is not responsive to treatment\n  2  reacting with interest or enthusiasm:\nThe club is responsive to suggestions or new ideas. * a responsive and enthusiastic audience\nOPP UNRESPONSIVE\n    responsively adverb\n    responsiveness noun [U]:\na lack of responsiveness to client needs


Words: respray
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to change the colour of sth, especially a car, by painting it with a spray\n    respray  noun [usually sing.]


Words: rest
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  remaining part / people / things\n \n  1  [sing.] the ~ (of sth) the remaining part of sth:\nthe rest of the world / my life / her money * How would you like to spend the rest of the day? * Take what you want and throw the rest away.\n \n  2  [pl.] the ~ (of sth) the remaining people or things; the others:\nDon’t blame Alex. He’s human, like the rest of us. * The first question was difficult, but the rest were pretty easy.\n \n  period of relaxing\n \n  3  [C, U] ~ (from sth) a period of relaxing, sleeping or doing nothing after a period of activity:\nI had a good night’s rest. * We stopped for a well-earned rest. * to have / take a rest from all your hard work * Try to get some rest-you have a busy day tomorrow. * There are no matches tomorrow, which is a rest day, but the tournament resumes on Monday.\n  support\n  4  [C] (often in compounds) an object that is used to support or hold sth:\nan armrest (= for example on a seat or chair) * a headrest / footrest\n  in music\n  5  [C, U] a period of silence between notes; a sign that shows a rest between notes\n IDIOMS \n  and (all) the rest (of it) (spoken) used at the end of a list to mean everything else that you might expect to be on the list:\nShe believes in God and heaven and hell and the rest. * He wants a big house and an expensive car and all the rest of it.\n  and the rest (spoken) used to say that the actual amount or number of sth is much higher than sb has stated:\n’We’ve run up a cost of 250 quid ...’ ’And the rest, and the rest!’\n  at rest\n1 (technical) not moving:\nAt rest the insect looks like a dead leaf.\n2 dead and therefore free from trouble or anxiety. People say ’at rest’ to avoid saying ’dead’:\nShe now lies at rest in the churchyard.\n  come to rest to stop moving:\nThe car crashed through the barrier and came to rest in a field. * His eyes came to rest on Clara’s face.\n  for the rest (BrE, formal) apart from that; as far as other matters are concerned:\nThe book has some interesting passages about the author’s childhood. For the rest, it is extremely dull.\n  give it a rest (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb to stop talking about sth because they are annoying you:\nGive it a rest! You’ve been complaining all day.\n  give sth a rest (informal) to stop doing sth for a while\n  lay sb to rest to bury sb. People say ’to lay sb to rest’ to avoid saying ’to bury’ sb:\nGeorge was laid to rest beside his parents.\n  lay / put sth to rest to stop sth by showing it is not true:\nThe announcement finally laid all the speculation about their future to rest.\n  the rest is history used when you are telling a story to say that you do not need to tell the end of it, because everyone knows it already\nmore at MIND n., WICKED n.\n    verb\n  relax\n  1  to relax, sleep or do nothing after a period of activity or illness; to not use a part of your body for some time:\n[V] The doctor told me to rest. * I can rest easy (= stop worrying) knowing that she’s safely home. * (figurative) He won’t rest (= will never be satisfied) until he finds her. * [VN] Rest your eyes every half an hour. * I awoke feeling rested and refreshed.\n  support\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to support sth by putting it on or against sth; to be supported in this way: [V, VN] His chin rested on his hands. * He rested his chin in his hands. * [VN] Rest your head on my shoulder. * [V] Their bikes were resting against the wall.\n  be left\n  3  if you let a matter rest, you stop discussing it or dealing with it:\nThe matter cannot rest there-I intend to sue. * And there the matter rested until an interested journalist uncovered the file.\n  be buried\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] to be buried. People say ’rest’ to avoid saying ’be buried’:\nShe rests beside her husband in the local cemetery. * May he rest in peace.\nsee also RIP\n IDIOMS \n  I rest my case (spoken, law or humorous) to have no more to say about sth, especially because you think you have proved your point\n  rest assured (that ...) (formal) used to emphasize that what you say is true or will definitely happen:\nYou may rest assured that we will do all we can to find him.\nmore at GOD, LAUREL\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rest on / upon sb/sth\n1 to depend or rely on sb/sth:\nAll our hopes now rest on you.\n2 to look at sb/sth:\nHer eyes rested on the piece of paper in my hand.\n  rest on sth to be based on sth:\nThe whole argument rests on a false assumption.\n  rest with sb (to do sth) (formal) if it rests with sb to do sth, it is their responsibility to do it:\nIt rests with management to justify their actions. * The final decision rests with the doctors.


Words: rest area
Meaning:
, rest stop noun\n(AmE) an area beside an important road where people can stop their cars to rest, eat food, etc.\ncompare LAY-BY


Words: restart
Meaning:
verb\nto start again, or to make sth start again, after it has stopped:\n[VN] to restart a game / car / meeting * The doctors struggled to restart his heart. [also V]\n    restart noun


Words: restate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to say sth again or in a different way, especially so that it is more clearly or strongly expressed\n    restatement noun [U]


Words: restaurant
Meaning:
noun\na place where you can buy and eat a meal:\nan Italian restaurant * We had a meal in a restaurant. * We went out to a restaurant to celebrate. * a restaurant owner * a self-service restaurant\ncompare CAFE


Words: resting place
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a grave. People say ’resting place’ to avoid saying ’grave’:\nher final / last resting place\n  2  a place where you can rest


Words: restitution sth
Meaning:
1  (formal) the act of giving back sth that was lost or stolen to its owner:\nthe restitution of property seized under Communist rule\n  2  (law) payment, usually money, for some harm or wrong that sb has suffered:\nto make restitution for the damage caused


Words: restive
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) unable to stay still, or unwilling to be controlled, especially because you feel bored or not satisfied:\nThe crowd was growing increasingly restive.\n    restiveness noun [U]


Words: restless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  unable to stay still or be happy where you are, because you are bored or need a change:\nThe audience was becoming restless. * After five years in the job, he was beginning to feel restless. * The children always get restless on long trips.\n  2  without real rest or sleep:\na restless night * He woke from a restless sleep.\n    restlessly adverb:\nHe moved restlessly from one foot to another.\n    restlessness noun [U]:\nthe restlessness of youth


Words: restock
Meaning:
verb\n[VN, V] ~ sth (with sth) to fill sth with new or different things to replace those that have been used, sold, etc.; to get a new supply of sth


Words: restoration
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the work of repairing and cleaning an old building, a painting, etc. so that its condition is as good as it originally was:\nThe palace is closed for restoration. * restoration work\n  2  [U, C] ~ of sth the act of bringing back a system, a law, etc. that existed previously:\nthe restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries * the restoration of democracy / the monarchy\n  3  [U] ~ (of sth) the act of returning sth to its correct place, condition or owner:\nthe restoration of the Elgin marbles to Greece\n  4  (the Restoration) [sing.] the time in Britain in 1660 when, following a period with no king or queen, Charles II became king:\nRestoration comedy / poetry (= written during and after this time)


Words: restorative
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (formal) making you feel strong and healthy again:\nthe restorative power of fresh air\n  2  (medical) connected with treatment that repairs the body or a part of it:\nrestorative dentistry / surgery\n    noun (old-fashioned) a thing that makes you feel better, stronger, etc:\nSleep is the best restorative there is.


Words: restore
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (to sb) to bring back a situation or feeling that existed before:\nThe measures are intended to restore public confidence in the economy. * Order was quickly restored after the riots. * Such kindness restores your faith in human nature (= makes you believe most people are kind). * The most recent operation restored his sight (= made him able to see again).\n  2  ~ sb/sth to sth to bring sb/sth back to a former condition, place or position:\nHe is now fully restored to health. * We hope to restore the garden to its former glory (= make it as beautiful as it used to be). * This cream claims to restore your skin to its youthful condition.\n  3  ~ sth (to sth) to repair a building, work of art, piece of furniture, etc. so that it looks as good as it did originally:\nHer job is restoring old paintings. * The house has been lovingly restored to the way it looked in 1900 when it was built.\n  4  to bring a law, tradition, way of working, etc. back into use:\nto restore ancient rights / traditions * The death penalty was restored in 1982.\n  5  ~ sth (to sb/sth) (formal) to give sth that was lost or stolen back to sb:\nThe police have now restored the painting to its rightful owner.


Words: restorer
Meaning:
noun\na person whose job is to repair old buildings, works of art, etc. so that they look as they did when new


Words: restrain
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb/sth (from sth / from doing sth) to stop sb/sth from doing sth, especially by using physical force:\nThe prisoner had to be restrained by the police. * I had to restrain her from hitting out at passers-by. * They have obtained an injunction restraining the company from selling the product. * Morse placed a restraining hand on Lewis’s arm.\n  2  ~ yourself (from sth / from doing sth) to stop yourself from feeling an emotion or doing sth that you would like to do:\nJohn managed to restrain his anger. * I restrained the urge to punch him. * She had to restrain herself from crying out in pain. * I was tempted to answer back, but I restrained myself.\n  3  to stop sth that is growing or increasing from becoming too large:\nThe government is taking steps to restrain inflation.


Words: restrained
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  showing calm control rather than emotion:\nher restrained smile\n  2  not too colourful or brightly decorated:\nThe costumes and lighting in the play were restrained.


Words: restraining order
Meaning:
noun\n~ (against sb) (especially AmE) an official order given by a judge which demands that sth must or must not be done. A restraining order does not require a trial in a court of law but only lasts for a limited period of time.\ncompare INJUNCTION


Words: restraint
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] ~ (on sb/sth) a rule, a fact, an idea, etc. that limits or controls what people can do:\nThe government has imposed export restraints on some products. * social restraints on drinking alcohol\n  2  [U] the act of controlling or limiting sth because it is necessary or sensible to do so:\nwage restraint * They said that they would fight without restraint (= completely freely) for what they wanted.\n  3  [U] the quality of behaving calmly and with control:\nThe police appealed to the crowd for restraint. * He exercised considerable restraint in ignoring the insults.\n  4  [U] (formal) the use of physical force to control sb who is behaving in a violent way:\nthe physical restraint of prisoners\n  5  [C] (formal) a type of SEAT BELT or safety device:\nChildren must use an approved child restraint or adult seat belt.


Words: restrict
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (to sth) to limit the size, amount or range of sth:\nIn Britain speed is restricted to 30 m.p.h. in towns. * We restrict the number of students per class to 10. * Fog severely restricted visibility.\n  2  to stop sb/sth from moving or acting freely:\nThe long skirt restricted her movements. * Having small children tends to restrict your freedom.\n  3  ~ sth (to sb) to control sth with rules or laws:\nAccess to the club is restricted to members only.\n  4  ~ yourself / sb (to sth / to doing sth) to allow yourself or sb to have only a limited amount of sth or to do only a particular kind of activity:\nI restrict myself to one cup of coffee a day. * Why don’t you restrict yourself to setting down the facts?


Words: restricted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  limited or small in size or amount:\na restricted space * a restricted range of foods\n  2  limited in what you are able to do:\nIn those days women led fairly restricted lives. * Her vision is restricted in one eye.\n  3  controlled by rules or laws:\nto allow children only restricted access to the Internet * (BrE) a restricted area (= controlled by laws about speed or PARKING) * The tournament is restricted to players under the age of 23.\n  4  [usually before noun] (of a place) only open to people with special permission, especially because it is secret or dangerous:\nto enter a restricted zone\n  5  (BrE) officially secret and only available to people with special permission\nSYN CLASSIFIED:\na restricted document\nOPP UNRESTRICTED


Words: restriction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (on sth) a rule or law that limits what you can do or what can happen:\nimport / speed / travel restrictions * to impose / place a restriction on sth * The government has agreed to lift restrictions on press freedom. * There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can withdraw.\n  2  [U] the act of limiting or controlling sb/sth:\nsports clothes that prevent any restriction of movement * A diet to lose weight relies on calorie restriction in order to obtain results.\n  3  [C] a thing that limits the amount of freedom you have:\nthe restrictions of a prison


Words: restrictive practices
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (BrE, often disapproving) agreements or ways of working that limit the freedom of workers or employers in order to prevent competition or to protect people’s jobs


Words: restructure
Meaning:
verb\n[VN, V] to organize sth such as a system or a company in a new and different way\n    restructuring noun [U, C, usually sing.]:\nThe company is undergoing a major restructuring. * restructuring charges / costs


Words: result
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  caused by sth\n  1  [C, U] ~ (of sth) a thing that is caused or produced because of sth else:\nShe died as a result of her injuries. * The failure of the company was a direct result of bad management. * He made one big mistake, and, as a result, lost his job. * The farm was flooded, with the result that most of the harvest was lost. * The end result (= the final one) of her hard work was a place at medical school. * This book is the result of 25 years of research.\n  of game / election\n  2  [C] ~ (of sth) the final score or the name of the winner in a sports event, competition, election, etc:\nThey will announce the result of the vote tonight. * the election results * the football results\n  3  [C, usually sing.] (BrE, informal) a victory, especially in a game of football:\nWe badly need to get a result from this match.\n  of exam\n  4  [C, usually pl.] (BrE) the mark/grade you get in an exam or in a number of exams:\nHave you had your results yet?\n  of test / research\n  5  [C] ~ (of sth) the information that you get from a scientific test or piece of research:\nthe result of an X-ray / an experiment\n  success\n  6  (results) [pl.] things that are achieved successfully:\nThe project is beginning to show results. * a coach who knows how to get results from his players\n    verb [V] ~ (from sth) to happen because of sth else that happened first:\njob losses resulting from changes in production * When water levels rise, flooding results. * It was a large explosion and the resulting damage was extensive.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  result in sth to make sth happen:\nThe cyclone has resulted in many thousands of deaths. * [+ -ing] These policies resulted in many elderly and disabled people suffering hardship.


Words: resultant
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) caused by the thing that has just been mentioned:\nthe growing economic crisis and resultant unemployment


Words: resume
Meaning:
verb (formal)\n  1  if you resume an activity, or if it resumes, it begins again or continues after an interruption:\n[VN] to resume talks / negotiations * She resumed her career after an interval of six years. * [V] The noise resumed, louder than before. * There is no sign of the peace talks resuming. * [V -ing] He got back in the car and resumed driving.\n  2  [VN] ~ your seat / place / position to go back to the seat or place that you had before\n\n noun\n  1  ~ (of sth) a short summary or account of sth:\na brief resume of events so far\n  2  (AmE) = CURRICULUM VITAE (1)


Words: resumption
Meaning:
noun\n[sing., U] ~ (of sth) (formal) the act of beginning sth again after it has stopped:\nWe are hoping for an early resumption of peace talks.


Words: resupply
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (with sth) to give a group of people new supplies of sth they need:\nThe soldiers needed to be regularly resupplied with ammunition.\n    resupply noun


Words: resurface
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] to come to the surface again after being under water or under the ground:\nThe submarine resurfaced. * (figurative) All the old hostilities resurfaced when they met again.\n  2  [VN] to put a new surface on a road, path, etc.


Words: resurgence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the return and growth of an activity that had stopped:\na resurgence of interest in the artist’s work


Words: resurgent
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) becoming stronger or more popular again:\na resurgent economy * resurgent nationalism


Words: resurrect
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to bring back into use sth, such as a belief, a practice, etc., that had disappeared or been forgotten:\nThe campaign for spelling reform has been resurrected. * He has succeeded in resurrecting his career in television.\n  2  to bring a dead person back to life


Words: resurrection
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (the Resurrection) [sing.] (in the Christian religion) the time when Jesus Christ returned to life again after his death; the time when all dead people will become alive again, when the world ends\n  2  [U, sing.] a new beginning for sth which is old or which had disappeared or become weak:\nthe resurrection of the British motor industry


Words: resuscitate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make sb start breathing again or become conscious again after they have almost died:\nHe had a heart attack and all attempts to resuscitate him failed. * (figurative) efforts to resuscitate the Japanese economy\n    resuscitation  noun [U]:\nfrantic attempts at resuscitation\nsee also MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESUSCITATION


Words: retail
Meaning:
noun, adverb, verb-see also RETAIL verb \n    noun [U] the selling of goods to the public, usually through shops/stores:\nThe recommended retail price is ｣9.99. * department stores and other retail outlets * the retail trade\ncompare WHOLESALE\n    retail adverb:\nto buy / sell retail (= in a shop / store)\n    verb\n  1  [VN] to sell goods to the public, usually through shops/stores:\nThe firm manufactures and retails its own range of sportswear.\n  2  [V] ~ at / for sth (business) to be sold at a particular price:\nThe book retails at ｣14.95.\n\n verb\n[VN] ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to tell people about sth, especially about a person’s behaviour or private life:\nShe retailed the neighbours’ activities with relish.\nsee also RETAIL


Words: retail price index
Meaning:
(also price index) noun\n[sing.] (abbreviation RPI) (in Britain) a list of the prices of some ordinary goods and services which shows how much these prices change each month\nsee also CONSUMER PRICE INDEX


Words: retailer
Meaning:
noun\n(written) a person or business that sells goods to the public:\none of the country’s largest food retailers


Words: retailing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the business of selling goods to the public, usually through shops/stores:\ncareer opportunities in retailing\ncompare WHOLESALING


Words: retain
Meaning:
verb [VN] (rather formal)\n  1  to keep sth; to continue to have sth:\nto retain your freedom / independence * He struggled to retain control of the situation. * The house retains much of its original charm. * She retained her tennis title for the third year.\n  2  to continue to hold or contain sth:\na soil that retains moisture * This information is no longer retained within the computer’s main memory. * (figurative) She has a good memory and finds it easy to retain facts.\n  3  (law) if a member of the public retains sb such as a lawyer, he or she pays money regularly or in advance so the lawyer, etc. will do work for him or her:\na retaining fee * to retain the services of a lawyer\nsee also RETENTION, RETENTIVE


Words: retainer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a sum of money that is paid to sb to make sure they will be available to do work when they are needed:\nThe agency will pay you a monthly retainer.\n  2  (BrE) a small amount of rent that you pay for a room, etc. when you are not there in order to keep it available for your use:\nCheck whether full rent or a retainer is required during vacations.\n  3  (AmE) a device that keeps a person’s teeth straight after they have had ORTHODONTIC treatment with a BRACE\n  4  (old-fashioned) a servant, especially one who has been with a family for a long time


Words: retaining
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (technical) intended to keep sth in the correct position:\na retaining screw / strap * a retaining wall (= one that keeps the earth or water behind it in position)


Words: retake
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb ) [VN] \n  1  (especially of an army) to take control of sth such as a town again:\nGovernment forces moved in to retake the city. * (figurative) Moore fought back to retake the lead later in the race.\n  2  = RESIT\n    noun \n  1  the act of filming a scene in a film/movie again, because it was not right before:\nWe had to do several retakes before we got it right.\n  2  = RESIT


Words: retaliate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (against sb/sth) | ~ (by doing sth / with sth) to do sth harmful to sb because they have harmed you first:\nto retaliate against an attack / injustice * The boy hit his sister, who retaliated by kicking him.\n    retaliatory  adjective:\nretaliatory action


Words: retaliation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (against sb/sth) (for sth) action that a person takes against sb who has harmed them in some way:\nretaliation against UN workers * The shooting may have been in retaliation for the arrest of the terrorist suspects.


Words: retard
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN] (formal) to make the development or progress of sth slower:\nThe progression of the disease can be retarded by early surgery. * The lack of a rail link retarded the town’s development.\n    retardation  noun [U]:\nMany factors can lead to growth retardation in unborn babies.\n    noun  (slang) an offensive way of describing sb who is not intelligent or who has not developed normally


Words: retch
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to make sounds and movements as if you are VOMITING although you do not actually do so:\nThe smell made her retch.


Words: retention
Meaning:
noun [U] (formal)\n  1  the action of keeping sth rather than losing it or stopping it:\nThe company needs to improve its training and retention of staff.\n  2  the action of keeping liquid, heat, etc. inside sth rather than letting it escape:\nEating too much salt can cause fluid retention. * the importance of energy conservation and heat retention\n  3  the ability to remember things:\nVisual material aids the retention of information.\nsee also RETAIN


Words: retentive
Meaning:
adjective\n(of the memory) able to store facts and remember things easily:\nShe has an amazingly retentive memory.\nsee also RETAIN


Words: rethink
Meaning:
verb\n(rethought, rethought ) to think again about an idea, a course of action, etc., especially in order to change it:\n[VN] to rethink a plan / an approach / an attitude [also V]\n    rethink  (also rethinking) noun [sing.]:\na major / radical rethink of company policy


Words: reticent
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (about sth) unwilling to tell people about things:\nShe was shy and reticent. * He was extremely reticent about his personal life.\n    reticence  noun [U] (formal):\nThat night she had overcome her natural reticence and talked about their married life.


Words: reticule
Meaning:
noun\n(old use or humorous) a woman’s small bag, usually made of cloth and with a string that can be pulled tight to close it


Words: retina
Meaning:
noun\n(plural retinas or retinae ) a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is sensitive to light and sends signals to the brain about what is seen


Words: retinue
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who travel with an important person to provide help and support:\na retinue of advisers and bodyguards


Words: retire
Meaning:
verb\n  from job\n  1  ~ (from sth) | ~ (as sth) to stop doing your job, especially because you have reached a particular age or because you are ill/sick; to tell sb they must stop doing their job:\n[V] She was forced to retire early from teaching because of ill health. * He is retiring next year after 30 years with the company. * My dream is to retire to a villa in France. * He has no plans to retire as editor of the magazine. * The company’s official retiring age is 65. * [VN] She was retired on medical grounds.\n  in sport\n  2  ~ (from sth) to stop competing during a game, race, etc., usually because you are injured:\n[V] She fell badly, spraining her ankle, and had to retire. * [V-ADJ] He retired hurt in the first five minutes of the game.\n  from / to a place\n  3  (formal) to leave a place, especially to go somewhere quieter or more private:\nThe jury retired to consider the evidence. * After dinner he likes to retire to his study.\n  of army\n  4  [V] (formal) to move back from a battle in order to organize your soldiers in a different way\n  go to bed\n  5  [V] (literary) to go to bed:\nI retired late, for as always the morning would arrive too soon.


Words: retirement
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the fact of stopping work because you have reached a particular age; the time when you do this:\nAt 60, he was now approaching retirement. * Susan is going to take early retirement (= retire before the usual age). * retirement age * This year we have seen the retirements of several senior personnel. * a retirement pension / plan\n  2  [U, sing.] the period of your life after you have stopped work at a particular age:\nto provide for retirement * We all wish you a long and happy retirement. * Up to a third of one’s life is now being spent in retirement.\n  3  [U] ~ (from sth) the act of stopping a particular type of work, especially in sport, politics, etc:\nHe announced his retirement from football. * She came out of retirement to win two gold medals at the championships.


Words: retool
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN, V] to replace or change the machines or equipment in a factory so that it can produce new or better goods\n  2  [VN] (AmE, informal) to organize sth in a new or different way:\nThe senator retooled his style and his campaign manager.


Words: retort
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to reply quickly to a comment, in an angry, offended or humorous way:\n[V speech] ’Don’t be ridiculous!’ Pat retorted angrily. * [V that] Sam retorted that it was my fault as much as his.\n    noun\n  1  a quick, angry or humorous reply:\nShe bit back (= stopped herself from making) a sharp retort.\n  2  a closed bottle with a long narrow bent SPOUT that is used in a LABORATORY for heating chemicals


Words: retrace
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to go back along exactly the same path or route that you have come along:\nShe turned around and began to retrace her steps towards the house.\n  2  to make the same trip that sb else has made in the past:\nThey are hoping to retrace the epic voyage of Christopher Columbus. * (figurative) Her mind retraced (= remembered) the dramatic events of the previous night.\n  3  to find out what sb has done or where they have been:\nDetectives are trying to retrace her movements on the night she disappeared.


Words: retract
Meaning:
verb\n  1  (formal) to say that sth you have said earlier is not true or correct or that you did not mean it:\n[VN] He made a false confession which he later retracted. * They tried to persuade me to retract my words.\n  2  [VN] (formal) to refuse to keep an agreement, a promise, etc:\nto retract a bid / an offer\n  3  (technical) to move back into the main part of sth; to pull sth back into the main part of sth:\n[V] The animal retracted into its shell. * The undercarriage failed to retract. * [VN] The undercarriage was fully retracted.


Words: retractable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat can be moved or pulled back into the main part of sth:\na knife with a retractable blade


Words: retraction
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [C] a statement saying that sth you previously said or wrote is not true:\nHe demanded a full retraction of the allegations against him.\n  2  [U] (technical) the act of pulling sth back (= of retracting it):\nthe retraction of a cat’s claws


Words: retrain
Meaning:
verb\n~ (sb) (as sth) to learn, or to teach sb, a new type of work, a new skill, etc:\n[V] nurses retraining for work in the community * She retrained as a teacher. * [VN to inf] Staff have been retrained to use the new technology. [also VN]\n    retraining noun [U]


Words: retread
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a tyre made by putting a new rubber surface on an old tyre\n  2  (AmE, disapproving) a book, film/movie, song, etc. that contains ideas that have been used before:\nIt was just a retread of other recent movies with a dance theme.


Words: retreat
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  from danger / defeat\n  1  [V] to move away from a place or an enemy because you are in danger or because you have been defeated:\nThe army was forced to retreat after suffering heavy losses. * We retreated back down the mountain. * They retreated to a safe distance from the fighting.\ncompare ADVANCE\n  move away / back\n  2  [V] to move away or back:\nHe watched her retreating figure. * The flood waters slowly retreated.\n  change decision\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] to change your mind about sth because of criticism or because a situation has become too difficult\nSYN BACK OFF:\nThe government had retreated from its pledge to reduce class sizes. * He told them not to retreat in the face of opposition from the public.\n  to quiet place\n  4  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to escape to a place that is quieter or safer:\nBored with the conversation, she retreated to her bedroom. * (figurative) He retreated into a world of fantasy.\n  finance\n  5  [VN] to lose value:\nShare prices retreated 45p to 538p.\n    noun\n  from danger / defeat\n  1  [C, usually sing, U] a movement away from a place or an enemy because of danger or defeat:\nHitler’s retreat from Russia * The army was in full retreat (= retreating very quickly). * to sound the retreat (= to give a loud signal for an army to move away)\n  escape\n  2  [C, usually sing, U] ~ (from / into sth) an act of trying to escape from a particular situation to one that you think is safer or more pleasant:\nIs watching television a retreat from reality?\n  change of decision\n  3  [C, usually sing.] an act of changing a decision because of criticism or because a situation has become too difficult:\nThe Senator made an embarrassing retreat from his earlier position.\n  quiet place\n  4  [C] a quiet, private place that you go to in order to get away from your usual life:\na country retreat\n  5  [U, C] a period of time when sb stops their usual activities and goes to a quiet place for prayer and thought; an organized event when people can do this:\nHe went into retreat and tried to resolve the conflicts within himself. * to go on a Buddhist retreat\n IDIOMS  see BEAT v.


Words: retrench
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (formal) (of a business, government, etc.) to spend less money; to reduce costs\n    retrenchment noun [U, C]:\na period of retrenchment


Words: retrial
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a new trial of a person whose criminal offence has already been judged once in a court of law:\nThe judge ordered a retrial because new evidence had come to light.


Words: retribution
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (for sth) (formal) severe punishment for sth seriously wrong that sb has done:\nPeople are seeking retribution for the latest terrorist outrages. * fear of divine retribution (= punishment from God)\n    retributive adjective [usually before noun]:\nretributive justice


Words: retrieval
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (formal) the process of getting sth back, especially from a place where it should not be:\nThe ship was buried, beyond retrieval, at the bottom of the sea. * (figurative) By then the situation was beyond retrieval (= impossible to put right).\n  2  (computing) the process of getting back information that is stored on a computer:\nmethods of information retrieval * retrieval programs / skills / systems


Words: retrieve
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (from sb/sth) (formal) to bring or get sth back, especially from a place where it should not be:\nShe bent to retrieve her comb from the floor. * The police have managed to retrieve some of the stolen money. * The dog retrieved the ball from the water.\n  2  (computing) to find and get back data or information that has been stored in the memory of a computer:\nto retrieve information from the database * The program allows you to retrieve items quickly by searching under a keyword.\n  3  to make a bad situation better; to get back sth that was lost:\nYou can only retrieve the situation by apologizing. * Employers are anxious to retrieve the investment they have made in training their employees.\n    retrievable  adjective\nOPP IRRETRIEVABLE


Words: retriever
Meaning:
noun\na large dog used in hunting to bring back birds that have been shot\nsee also GOLDEN RETRIEVER


Words: retroactive
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) = RETROSPECTIVE\n    retroactively adverb:\nThe ruling should be applied retroactively.


Words: retrofit
Meaning:
verb\n(-tt-) [VN] to put a new piece of equipment into a machine that did not have it when it was built; to provide a machine with a new part, etc:\nVoice recorders were retrofitted into planes already in service. * They retrofitted the plane with improved seating.\n    retrofit noun


Words: retrograde
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, disapproving) (of an action) making a situation worse or returning to how sth was in the past:\nThe closure of the factory is a retrograde step.


Words: retrogressive
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, disapproving) returning to old-fashioned ideas or methods instead of making progress:\na retrogressive change\nOPP PROGRESSIVE


Words: retrospect
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  in retrospect thinking about a past event or situation, often with a different opinion of it from the one you had at the time:\nIn retrospect, I think that I was wrong. * The decision seems extremely odd, in retrospect.


Words: retrospective
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  thinking about or connected with sth that happened in the past:\nShe felt a pang of retrospective sympathy for Mel.\n  2  (also less frequent, formal retroactive) (of a new law or decision) intended to take effect from a particular date in the past rather than from the present date:\nretrospective legislation * retrospective pay awards\n    retrospectively adverb:\nShe wrote retrospectively about her childhood. * The new rule will be applied retrospectively.\n    noun a public EXHIBITION of the work that an artist has done in the past, showing how his or her work has developed:\na major retrospective of Georgia O’Keeffe


Words: retry
Meaning:
verb (retries, retrying, retried, retried)\n  1  [VN] to examine a person or case again in a court of law:\nHe was retried and executed. * They have decided to retry the case.\n  2  [V] to make another attempt to do sth, especially on a computer


Words: return
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  come / go back\n  1  [V] ~ (to ...) (from ...) to come or go back from one place to another:\nI waited a long time for him to return. * She’s returning to Australia tomorrow after six months in Europe. * I returned from work to find the house empty. * When did she return home from the trip? * I had to return to the store to look for my purse.\n  bring / give back\n  2  ~ sb/sth (to sb/sth) to bring, give, put or send sth back to sb/sth:\n[VN] We had to return the hairdryer to the store because it was faulty. * I must return some books to the library. * Don’t forget to return my pen! * The court ordered him to return the children to their mother. * Completed questionnaires should be returned to this address. * [VN-ADJ] I returned the letter unopened.\n  of feeling / quality\n  3  [V] to come back again:\nThe following day the pain returned. * Her suspicions returned when things started going missing again.\n  to previous subject / activity\n  4  [V] ~ (to sth) to start discussing a subject you were discussing earlier, or doing an activity you were doing earlier:\nHe returns to this topic later in the report. * She looked up briefly then returned to her sewing. * The doctor may allow her to return to work next week.\n  to previous state\n  5  [V] ~ to sth to go back to a previous state:\nTrain services have returned to normal after the strike.\n  do / give the same\n  6  [VN] to do or give sth to sb because they have done or given the same to you first; to have the same feeling about sb that they have about you:\nto return a favour / greeting / stare * She phoned him several times but he was too busy to return her call. * It’s time we returned their invitation (= invite them to sth as they invited us to sth first). * He did not return her love. * ’You were both wonderful!’ ’So were you!’ we said, returning the compliment. * to return fire (= to shoot at sb who is shooting at you)\n  in tennis\n  7  [VN] to hit the ball back to your opponent during a game:\nto return a service / shot\n  a verdict\n  8  [VN] ~ a verdict to give a decision about sth in a court of law:\nThe jury returned a verdict of not guilty. * The inquest returned a verdict of accidental death.\n  elect politician\n  9  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (to sth) | ~ sb (as sth) (BrE) to elect sb to a political position:\nShe was returned as MP for Edgbaston in the last election. * He was returned to Parliament with an increased majority.\n  profit / loss\n  10  [VN] (business) to give or produce a particular amount of money as a profit or loss:\nto return a high rate of interest * Last year the company returned a loss of ｣157 million.\n    noun\n  coming back\n \n  1  [sing.] ~ (to ...) (from ...) the action of arriving in or coming back to a place that you were in before:\nHe was met by his brother on his return from Italy. * I saw the play on its return to Broadway. * on the return flight / journey / trip\n \n  giving / sending back\n \n  2  [U, sing.] the action of giving, putting or sending sth/sb back:\nWe would appreciate the prompt return of books to the library. * The judge ordered the return of the child to his mother. * Write your return address (= the address that a reply should be sent to) on the back of the envelope.\n \n  of feeling / state\n \n  3  [sing.] ~ (of sth) the situation when a feeling or state that has not been experienced for some time starts again:\nthe return of spring * a return of my doubts / suspicions / symptoms\n  to previous situation / activity\n  4  [sing.] ~ to sth the action of going back to an activity or a situation that you used to do or be in:\nhis return to power / public life * They appealed for a return to work (= after a strike).\n  profit\n  5  [U, C] the amount of profit that you get from sth:\na high rate of return on capital * farmers seeking to improve returns from their crops\n  official report\n  6  [C] an official report or statement that gives particular information to the government or another body:\ncensus returns * election returns (= the number of votes for each candidate in an election)\nsee also TAX RETURN\n  ticket\n  7  [C] (BrE) = RETURN TICKET:\n’Brighton, please.’ ’Single or return?’ * A return is cheaper than two singles. * the return fare to London\nsee also DAY RETURN\n  8  [C] a ticket for the theatre or a sports game that was bought by sb but is given back to be sold again\n  on computer\n  9  [U] (also return key [C]) the button that you press on a computer when you reach the end of an instruction, or to begin a new line:\nTo exit this option, press return.\n  in tennis\n  10  [C] (in tennis and some other sports) the action of hitting the ball, etc. back to your opponent:\na powerful return of serve\n IDIOMS \n  by return (of post) (BrE) using the next available post; as soon as possible:\nPlease reply by return of post.\n  in return (for sth)\n1 as a way of thanking sb or paying them for sth they have done:\nCan I buy you lunch in return for your help?\n2 as a response or reaction to sth:\nI asked her opinion, but she just asked me a question in return.\nmore at HAPPY, POINT n., SALE n.


Words: return match
Meaning:
(also return game) noun\n(especially BrE) a second match or game between the same two players or teams


Words: return ticket
Meaning:
(also return) (both BrE) (AmE round-trip ticket) noun\na ticket for a journey to a place and back again


Words: return visit
Meaning:
noun\na trip to a place that you have been to once before, or a trip to see sb who has already come to see you:\nThis hotel is worth a return visit. * The US president is making a return visit to Moscow.


Words: returnable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) that can or must be given back after a period of time:\nA returnable deposit is payable on arrival. * The application form is returnable not later than 7th June.\n  2  (of bottles and containers) that can be taken back to a shop/store in order to be used again:\nreturnable bottles\nOPP NON-RETURNABLE


Words: returnee
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (especially AmE) a person who returns to their own country, after living in another country


Words: returner
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a person who goes back to work after not working for a long time:\nwomen returners * courses for adult returners


Words: returning officer
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) an official in a particular area who is responsible for arranging an election and announcing the result


Words: reunify
Meaning:
verb\n(reunifies, reunifying, reunified, reunified) [VN] [often passive] to join together two or more regions or parts of a country so that they form a single political unit again\n    reunification  noun [U]:\nthe reunification of Germany


Words: reunion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a social occasion or party attended by a group of people who have not seen each other for a long time:\na family reunion * the school’s annual reunion * a reunion of the class of ’85\n  2  [C, U] ~ (with sb) | ~ (between A and B) the act of people coming together after they have been apart for some time:\nan emotional reunion between mother and son * Christmas is a time of reunion.\n  3  [U] the action of becoming a single group or organization again:\nthe reunion of the Church of England with the Church of Rome


Words: reunite
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ A with B | ~ A and B [usually passive] to bring two or more people together again after they have been separated for a long time; to come together again:\n[VN] Last night she was reunited with her children. * The family was reunited after the war. * [V] There have been rumours that the band will reunite for a world tour.\n  2  to join together again separate areas or separate groups within an organization, a political party, etc.; to come together again:\n[VN] As leader, his main aim is to reunite the party. [also V]


Words: reuse
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to use sth again:\nPlease reuse your envelopes.\n    reuse  noun [U]:\nthe reuse of materials


Words: rev
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-vv-) ~ (sth) (up) when you rev an engine or it revs, it runs quickly:\n[VN] The taxi driver revved up his engine. * [V] I could hear the car revving outside.\n    noun (informal) a complete turn of an engine, used when talking about an engine’s speed\nSYN REVOLUTION:\n4 000 revs per minute * The needle on the rev counter soared.


Words: revalue
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to estimate the value of sth again, especially giving it a higher value\n  2  to increase the value of the money of a country when it is exchanged for the money of another country:\n[VN] The yen is to be revalued. [also V] \nOPP DEVALUE\n    revaluation  noun [U, C, usually sing.]:\nthe revaluation of the pound


Words: revamp
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make changes to the form of sth, usually to improve its appearance\n    revamp noun [sing.]:\nCould your kitchen do with a revamp?


Words: reveal
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sth (to sb) to make sth known to sb:\n[VN] to reveal a secret * Details of the murder were revealed by the local paper. * The doctors did not reveal the truth to him. * Salted peanuts were recently revealed as the nation’s favourite snack. * Her expression revealed nothing. * [V (that)] The report reveals (that) the company made a loss of ｣20 million last year. * [VN (that)] It was revealed that important evidence had been suppressed. * [V wh-] Officers could not reveal how he died. [also VN to inf]\n  2  [VN] to show sth that previously could not be seen:\nHe laughed, revealing a line of white teeth. * The door opened to reveal a cosy little room. * X-rays revealed a fracture. * She crouched in the dark, too frightened to reveal herself.\nsee also REVELATION, REVELATORY


Words: revealing
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  giving you interesting information that you did not know before:\nThe document provided a revealing insight into the government’s priorities. * The answers the children gave were extremely revealing.\n  2  (of clothes) allowing more of sb’s body to be seen than usual:\na revealing blouse / dress\n    revealingly adverb:\nHe spoke revealingly about his problems.


Words: reveille
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a tune that is played to wake soldiers in the morning; the time when it is played:\nReveille sounded at first light.


Words: revel
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-ll-, AmE -l-) [V] to spend time enjoying yourself in a noisy, enthusiastic way\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  revel in sth to enjoy sth very much:\nShe was clearly revelling in all the attention. * He revelled in the freedom he was allowed. * [+ -ing] Some people seem to revel in annoying others. * She revelled in defying the critics.\n    noun [usually pl.] (literary) noisy celebrations:\nBright lights illuminated the revels and feasting.


Words: revelation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (about / concerning sth) | ~ (that ...) a fact that people are made aware of, especially one that has been secret and is surprising:\nstartling / sensational revelations about her private life * He was dismissed after revelations that confidential files were missing.\n  2  [U] ~ (of sth) the act of making people aware of sth that has been secret:\nThe company’s financial problems followed the revelation of a major fraud scandal.\n  3  [C, U] something that is considered to be a sign or message from God:\nThese events were seen as a divine revelation.\nsee also REVEAL\n IDIOMS \n  come as / be a revelation (to sb) to be a completely new or surprising experience; to be different from what was expected:\nHis performance in the race today was a revelation to everyone. * My trip to Texas was a revelation.


Words: revelatory
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) making people aware of sth that they did not know before:\na revelatory experience / insight\nsee also REVEAL


Words: reveller
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE reveler)  noun\na person who is having fun in a noisy way, usually with a group of other people and often after drinking alcohol


Words: revelry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (also revelries [pl.]) noisy fun, usually involving a lot of eating and drinking:\nWe could hear sounds of revelry from next door. * New Year revelries


Words: revenge
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  something that you do in order to make sb suffer because they have made you suffer:\nHe swore to take (his) revenge on his political enemies. * She is seeking revenge for the murder of her husband. * The bombing was in revenge for the assassination. * an act of revenge * revenge attacks / killings\n  2  (sport) the defeat of a person or team that defeated you in a previous game:\nThe team wanted to get revenge for their defeat earlier in the season.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  revenge yourself on sb | be revenged on sb (literary) to punish or hurt sb because they have made you suffer:\nShe vowed to be revenged on them all. -> AVENGE


Words: revenue
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (also revenues [pl.]) the money that a government receives from taxes or that an organization, etc. receives from its business:\na shortfall in tax revenue * Advertising revenue finances the commercial television channels. * a slump in oil revenues * The company’s annual revenues rose by 30%.\nsee also THE INLAND REVENUE


Words: reverberate
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  (of a sound) to be repeated several times as it bounces off different surfaces\nSYN ECHO:\nHer voice reverberated around the hall. * The crash reverberated through the house.\n  2  ~ (with / to sth) (of a place) to seem to shake because of a loud noise:\nThe hall reverberated with the sound of music and dancing.\n  3  (formal) to have a strong effect on people for a long time or over a large area:\nRepercussions of the case continue to reverberate through the financial world.


Words: reverberation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl., U] a loud noise that continues for some time after it has been produced because of the surfaces around it\nSYN ECHO:\nThe reverberations of the drum were still vibrating in the air. * The house shook with the reverberation of the bomb.\n  2  (reverberations) [pl.] the effects of sth that happens, especially unpleasant ones that spread among a large number of people\nSYN REPERCUSSION:\nthe political reverberations of the scandal


Words: revere
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to feel great respect or admiration for sb/sth:\na trumpeter revered by fellow musicians * Her name is revered in Spain. * He is now revered as a national hero.


Words: reverence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (for sb/sth) (formal) a feeling of great respect or admiration for sb/sth:\nThe poem conveys his deep reverence for nature. * The crowd knelt in reverence and worship.


Words: reverend
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (abbreviation Rev.) the title of a member of the clergy that is also sometimes used to talk to or about one:\nthe Reverend Charles Dodgson * Good morning, Reverend.\nsee also RIGHT REVEREND


Words: Reverend Mother
Meaning:
noun\na title of respect used when talking to or about a MOTHER SUPERIOR (= the head of a female religious community):\nYou have a visitor, Reverend Mother. * The Reverend Mother will see you now.


Words: reverential
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) full of respect or admiration:\nHis name was always mentioned in almost reverential tones.\n    reverentially  adverb:\nShe lowered her voice reverentially.


Words: reverie
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (formal) a state of thinking about pleasant things, almost as though you are dreaming:\nShe was jolted out of her reverie as the door opened.


Words: revers
Meaning:
noun\n(plural revers ) [usually pl.] the edge of a coat, jacket, etc. that is turned back so that you see the opposite side of it, especially at the LAPEL


Words: reversal
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (of sth) a change of sth so that it is the opposite of what it was:\na complete / dramatic / sudden reversal of policy * the reversal of a decision / position / trend * The government suffered a total reversal of fortunes last week.\n  2  [C] a change from being successful to having problems or being defeated:\nthe team’s recent reversal * The company’s financial problems were only a temporary reversal.\n  3  [C, U] an exchange of positions or functions between two or more people:\nIt’s a complete role reversal / reversal of roles (= for example when a husband cares for the house and children while the wife works).


Words: reverse
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb\n  change to opposite\n  1  [VN] to change sth completely so that it is the opposite of what it was before:\nto reverse a procedure / process / trend * The government has failed to reverse the economic decline. * It is sometimes possible to arrest or reverse the disease.\n  2  [VN] to change a previous decision, law, etc. to the opposite one:\nThe Court of Appeal reversed the decision. * The policy is likely to be reversed if there is a change of government. * to reverse a judgement\n  3  [VN] to turn sth the opposite way around or change the order of sth around:\nWriting is reversed in a mirror. * You should reverse the order of these pages.\n  exchange two things\n  4  [VN] to exchange the positions or functions of two things:\nIt felt as if we had reversed our roles of parent and child. * She used to work for me, but our situations are now reversed.\n  yourself\n  5  [VN] ~ yourself (on sth) (AmE) to admit you were wrong or to stop having a particular position in an argument:\nHe has reversed himself on a dozen issues.\n  vehicle\n  6  (especially BrE) when a vehicle or its driver reverses or the driver reverses a vehicle, the vehicle goes backwards:\n[VN] Now reverse the car. * [V] He reversed around the corner. * She reversed into a parking space. * Caution! This truck is reversing.\ncompare BACK v.\n  telephone call\n  7  [VN] ~ (the) charges (BrE) to make a telephone call that will be paid for by the person you are calling, not by you:\na reverse charges call\nsee also COLLECT adj.\n    noun\n  opposite\n  1  (the reverse) [sing.] the opposite of what has just been mentioned:\nThis problem is the reverse of the previous one. * Although I expected to enjoy living in the country, in fact the reverse is true. * In the south, the reverse applies. * It wasn’t easy to persuade her to come-quite the reverse.\n  back\n  2  (the reverse) [sing.] the back of a coin, piece of material, piece of paper, etc:\nThe coin has the queen’s head stamped on the reverse.\n  in vehicle\n  3  (also reverse gear) [U] the mechanism used to make a vehicle move backwards:\nPut the car in / into reverse.\n  loss / defeat\n  4  [C] (formal) a loss or defeat; a change from success to failure:\nProperty values have suffered another reverse. * a damaging political reverse\n IDIOMS \n  in reverse in the opposite order or way\nSYN BACKWARDS:\nThe secret number is my phone number in reverse. * We did a similar trip to you, but in reverse.\n  go / put sth into reverse to start to happen or to make sth happen in the opposite way:\nIn the 1980s economic growth went into reverse. * Various problems have put the company’s expansion plans into reverse.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  opposite\n  1  opposite to what has been mentioned:\nto travel in the reverse direction * The winners were announced in reverse order (= the person in the lowest place was announced first). * The experiment had the reverse effect to what was intended.\n  back\n  2  opposite to the front:\nIron the garment on the reverse side.


Words: reversible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of clothes, materials, etc.) that can be turned inside out and worn or used with either side showing:\na reversible jacket\n  2  (of a process, an action or a disease) that can be changed so that sth returns to its original state or situation:\nIs the trend towards privatization reversible? * reversible kidney failure\nOPP IRREVERSIBLE\n    reversibility  noun [U] (formal):\nReversibility depends on the severity of the damage to the brain.


Words: reversing light
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE backup light) noun\na white light at the back of a vehicle that comes on when the vehicle moves backwards


Words: reversion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (to sth) (formal) the act or process of returning to a former state or condition:\na reversion to traditional farming methods\n  2  [U, C] (law) the return of land or property to sb:\nthe reversion of Hong Kong to China\n  3  (AmE, law) = LEASEBACK


Words: revert
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  revert to sb/sth (law) (of property, rights, etc.) to return to the original owner again\nsee also REVERSION\n  revert to sth (formal)\n1 to return to a former state; to start doing sth again that you used to do in the past:\nAfter her divorce she reverted to her maiden name. * His manner seems to have reverted to normal. * Try not to revert to your old eating habits. * He reverted to his native language (= started using his native language again). * The house was a school for a while, but has reverted to being a private house. * The area has reverted back to a wilderness. * For a while the children behaved well but they soon reverted to type (= returned to their usual ways).\n2 to return to an earlier topic or subject:\nSo, to revert to your earlier question ... * The conversation kept reverting to the events of March 6th.


Words: revetment
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) stones or other material used to strengthen a wall, hold back a bank of earth, etc.


Words: review
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] an examination of sth, with the intention of changing it if necessary:\nthe government’s review of its education policy * The case is subject to judicial review. * His parole application is up for review next week. * The terms of the contract are under review. * a pay / salary review * a review body / date / panel\n  2  [C, U] a report in a newspaper or magazine in which sb gives their opinion of a book, play, film/movie, etc.; the act of writing this kind of report:\na book review * the reviews (page) in the papers * enthusiastic / good / mixed / rave reviews in the national press * He submitted his latest novel for review.\n  3  [C] a report on a subject or on a series of events:\na review of customer complaints * to publish a review of recent cancer research\n  4  [C] (formal) a ceremony that involves an official INSPECTION of soldiers, etc. by an important visitor:\nto hold a review of the fleet\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to carefully examine or consider sth again, especially so that you can decide if it is necessary to make changes:\nto review the evidence * The government will review the situation later in the year. * Staff performance is reviewed annually.\n  2  to think about past events, for example to try to understand why they happened:\nto review your failures and triumphs * She had been reviewing the previous week on her way home.\n  3  to write a report of a book, play, film/movie, etc. in which you give your opinion of it:\nThe play was reviewed in the national newspapers.\n  4  to make an official INSPECTION of a group of soldiers, etc. in a military ceremony:\nThe Commander-in-Chief reviewed the troops.\n  5  (especially AmE) to look again at sth you have read or studied


Words: reviewer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who writes reviews of books, films/movies or plays:\na book reviewer for ’The Guardian’ * The movie was enthusiastically received by the reviewers.\n  2  a person who examines or considers sth carefully, for example to see if any changes need to be made: (BrE) a rent reviewer


Words: revile
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to criticize sb/sth in a way that shows how much you dislike them


Words: revise
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to change your opinions or plans, for example because of sth you have learned:\nI can see I will have to revise my opinions of his abilities now. * The government may need to revise its policy in the light of this report.\n  2  [VN] to change sth, such as a book or an estimate, in order to correct or improve it:\na revised edition of a textbook * I’ll prepare a revised estimate for you. * We may have to revise this figure upwards.\n  3  (BrE) to prepare for an exam by looking again at work that you have done:\n[V] I spent the weekend revising for my exam. * I can’t come out tonight. I have to revise. * [VN] I’m revising Geography today.


Words: revision
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a change or set of changes to sth:\nHe made some minor revisions to the report before printing it out.\n  2  [U, C] the act of changing sth, or of examining sth with the intention of changing it:\na system in need of revision * a revision of trading standards * Their educational policies are due for revision.\n  3  [U] (BrE) the process of learning work for an exam:\nHave you started your revision yet? * a revision class / course / timetable


Words: revisionism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (often disapproving, politics) ideas that are different from, and want to change, the main ideas or practices of a political system, especially Marxism\n    revisionist  noun:\nbourgeois revisionists\n    revisionist  adjective:\nrevisionist history / historians


Words: revisit
Meaning:
verb [VN] (written)\n  1  to visit a place again, especially after a long period of time\n  2  to return to an idea or a subject and discuss it again:\nIt’s an idea that may be worth revisiting at a later date.


Words: revitalize
Meaning:
(BrE also revitalise)  verb\n[VN] to make sth stronger, more active or more healthy:\nmeasures to revitalize the inner cities * The local economy has been revitalized. * Gentle massage will revitalize your skin.\n    revitalization, revitalisation  noun [U]:\nthe revitalization of the steel industry


Words: revival
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] an improvement in the condition or strength of sth:\nthe revival of trade * an economic revival * a revival of interest in folk music * a revival of property values\n  2  [C, U] the process of sth becoming or being made popular or fashionable again:\na religious revival * Jazz is enjoying a revival.\n  3  [C] a new production of a play that has not been performed for some time:\na revival of Peter Shaffer’s ’Equus’


Words: revivalism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the process of creating interest in sth again, especially religion:\nChristian revivalism\n  2  the practice of using ideas, designs, etc. from the past:\nrevivalism in architecture


Words: revivalist
Meaning:
noun\na person who tries to make sth popular again:\nChristian revivalists\n    revivalist adjective:\nrevivalist ideas / movements / styles * a revivalist preacher


Words: revive
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to become, or to make sb/sth become, conscious or healthy and strong again:\n[V] The flowers soon revived in water. * The economy is beginning to revive. * [VN] The paramedics couldn’t revive her. * This movie is intended to revive her flagging career. * Attempts to revive him failed.\n  2  [VN] to make sth start being used or done again:\nThis quaint custom should be revived. * She has been trying to revive the debate over equal pay. * The poor trade figures have revived fears of higher interest rates.\n  3  [VN] to produce again a play, etc. that has not been performed for some time:\nThis 1930s musical is being revived at the National Theatre.\nsee also REVIVAL


Words: revivify
Meaning:
verb\n(revivifies, revivifying, revivified, revivified) [VN] (rare, formal) to give new life or health to sth


Words: revolt
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U] a protest against authority, especially that of a government, often involving violence; the action of protesting against authority:\nthe Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 * to lead / stage a revolt * The army quickly crushed the revolt. * the biggest back-bench revolt this government has ever seen * Attempts to negotiate peace ended in armed revolt. * (formal) The people rose in revolt.\n    verb\n  1  [V] ~ (against sb/sth) to take violent action against the people in power:\nFinally the people revolted against the military dictatorship. * The peasants threatened to revolt.\nsee also REVOLUTION\n  2  [V] ~ (against sth) to behave in a way that is the opposite of what sb expects of you, especially in protest:\nTeenagers often revolt against parental discipline.\n  3  [VN] to make you feel horror or disgust:\nAll the violence in the movie revolted me. * The way he ate his food revolted me.\nsee also REVULSION


Words: revolting
Meaning:
adjective\nextremely unpleasant\nSYN DISGUSTING:\na revolting smell * a revolting little man\n    revoltingly adverb:\nShe’s revoltingly overweight.


Words: revolution
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] an attempt, by a large number of people, to change the government of a country, especially by violent action:\na bourgeois / socialist revolution * the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789 * to cause / start a revolution * a country on the brink of revolution\nsee also COUNTER-REVOLUTION, REVOLT\n  2  [C] ~ (in sth) a great change in conditions, ways of working, beliefs, etc. that affects large numbers of people:\na cultural / social / scientific revolution * A revolution in information technology is taking place.\nsee also INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION\n  3  [C, U] ~ (around / on sth) a complete circular movement around a point, especially of one planet around another:\nthe revolution of the earth around the sun\nsee also REVOLVE\n  4  (also informal rev) [C] a circular movement made by sth fixed to a central point, for example in a car engine:\nrotating at 300 revolutions per minute


Words: revolutionary
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] connected with political revolution:\na revolutionary leader / movement * revolutionary uprisings\n  2  involving a great or complete change:\na revolutionary idea * a time of rapid and revolutionary change * revolutionary advances in medicine * The effects of technological development are revolutionary.\n    noun (plural revolutionaries) a person who starts or supports a revolution, especially a political one:\nsocialist / student revolutionaries


Words: revolutionize
Meaning:
(BrE also revolutionise)  verb\n[VN] to completely change the way that sth is done:\nAerial photography has revolutionized the study of archaeology.


Words: revolve
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to go in a circle around a central point:\nThe fan revolved slowly. * The earth revolves on its axis.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  revolve around / round sth to move around sth in a circle:\nThe earth revolves around the sun.\n  revolve around / round sb/sth to have sb/sth as the main interest or subject:\nHis whole life revolves around surfing. * She thinks that the world revolves around her. * The discussion revolved around the question of changing the club’s name.


Words: revolver
Meaning:
noun\na small gun that has a container for bullets that turns around so that shots can be fired quickly without having to stop to put more bullets in


Words: revolving
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] able to turn in a circle:\na revolving chair * The theatre has a revolving stage.


Words: revolving door
Meaning:
noun\na type of door in an entrance to a large building that turns around in a circle as people go through it


Words: revue
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a show in a theatre, with songs, dances, jokes, short plays, etc., often about recent events:\na musical / comedy / satirical revue


Words: revulsion
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] ~ (at / against / from sth) (formal) a strong feeling of disgust or horror:\na feeling / look of revulsion * She felt a deep sense of revulsion at the violence. * I started to feel a revulsion against their decadent lifestyle. * Most people viewed the bombings with revulsion.\nsee also REVOLT


Words: reward
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun ~ (for sth / for doing sth)\n  1  [C, U] a thing that you are given because you have done sth good, worked hard, etc:\na cash / financial reward * a reward for good behaviour * The company is now reaping the rewards of their investments. * You deserve a reward for being so helpful. * Winning the match was just reward for the effort the team had made.\n  2  [C] an amount of money that is offered to sb for helping the police to find a criminal or for finding sth that is lost:\nA ｣100 reward has been offered for the return of the necklace.\n    verb [VN] [often passive] ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) to give sth to sb because they have done sth good, worked hard, etc:\nShe was rewarded for her efforts with a cash bonus. * He rewarded us handsomely (= with a lot of money) for helping him. * She started singing to the baby and was rewarded with a smile. * Our patience was finally rewarded. * After a steep climb you will be rewarded by magnificent views from the summit.


Words: rewarding
Meaning:
adjective\n(of an activity, etc.) worth doing; that makes you happy because you think it is useful or important\nSYN SATISFYING:\na rewarding experience / job * Teaching is not very financially rewarding (= is not very well paid).\nOPP UNREWARDING


Words: rewire
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to put new electrical wires into a building or piece of equipment:\nThe house has been rewired.


Words: reword
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to write sth again using different words in order to make it clearer or more acceptable\n    rewording noun [C, U]


Words: rework
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make changes to sth in order to improve it or make it more suitable:\nWe’re constantly reworking our old songs. * She kept reworking this area of the painting.\n    reworking noun [C, U]:\nThe movie is a reworking of the Frankenstein story.


Words: rewrite
Meaning:
verb\n(rewrote ) [VN] to write sth again in a different way, usually in order to improve it or because there is some new information:\nI intend to rewrite the story for younger children. * This essay will have to be completely rewritten. * an attempt to rewrite history (= to present historical events in a way that shows or proves what you want them to)\n    rewrite  noun


Words: rhapsodize
Meaning:
(BrE also rhapsodise)  verb\n[V, V speech] ~ (about / over sth) (rare, formal) to talk or write with great enthusiasm about sth


Words: rhapsody
Meaning:
noun (plural rhapsodies)\n  1  (often in titles) a piece of music that is full of feeling and is not regular in form:\nLiszt’s Hungarian Rhapsodies\n  2  (written) the expression of great enthusiasm or happiness in speech or writing\n    rhapsodic  adjective


Words: rhesus factor
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (medical) a substance present in the red blood cells of around 85% of humans. Its presence (rhesus positive) or ABSENCE (rhesus negative) can be dangerous for babies when they are born and for people having BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS.


Words: rhetoric
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (formal, often disapproving) speech or writing that is intended to influence people, but that is not completely honest or sincere:\nthe rhetoric of political slogans * empty rhetoric * His speech was dismissed as mere rhetoric by the opposition.\n  2  (formal) the skill of using language in speech or writing in a special way that influences or entertains people


Words: rhetorical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a question) asked only to make a statement or to produce an effect rather than to get an answer:\n’Don’t you care what I do?’ he asked, but it was a rhetorical question.\n  2  (formal, often disapproving) (of a speech or piece of writing) intended to influence people, but not completely honest or sincere\n  3  (formal) connected with the art of RHETORIC:\nthe use of rhetorical devices such as metaphor and irony * rhetorical techniques / structures * She ended her speech with a rhetorical flourish.\n    rhetorically  adverb:\n’Do you think I’m stupid?’ she asked rhetorically. * a rhetorically structured essay


Words: rheumatism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a disease that makes the muscles and joints painful, stiff and swollen\n    rheumatic  adjective:\nrheumatic complaints / pains


Words: rheumatoid arthritis
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (medical) a disease that gets worse over a period of time and causes painful swelling and permanent damage in the joints of the body, especially the fingers, wrists, feet and ankles


Words: rhinoceros
Meaning:
noun\n(plural rhinoceros or rhinoceroses) (also informal rhino) a large heavy animal with very thick skin and either one or two horns on its nose, that lives in Africa and S Asia


Words: rhizome
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) the thick stem of some plants, such as IRIS and MINT, that grows along or under the ground and has roots and stems growing from it


Words: rhomboid
Meaning:
noun\n(geometry) a flat shape with four straight sides, with only the opposite sides and angles equal to each other


Words: rhubarb
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the thick red stems of a garden plant, also called rhubarb, that are cooked and eaten as a fruit:\nrhubarb pie\n  2  a word that a group of actors repeat on stage to give the impression of a lot of people talking at the same time


Words: rhyme
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a word that has the same sound or ends with the same sound as another word:\nCan you think of a rhyme for ’beauty’?\n  2  [C] a short poem in which the last word in the line has the same sound as the last word in another line, especially the next one:\nchildren’s rhymes and stories\nsee also NURSERY RHYME\n  3  [U] the use of words in a poem or song that have the same sound, especially at the ends of lines:\na poem written in rhyme * the poet’s use of rhyme * a poem with an unusual rhyme scheme * a poem without rhyme\n IDIOMS \n  there’s no rhyme or reason to / for sth | without rhyme or reason if there is no rhyme or reason to sth or it happens without rhyme or reason, it happens in a way that cannot be easily explained or understood:\nSuddenly, without rhyme or reason, his mood changed.\n    verb\n  1  [V] ~ (with sth) if two words, syllables, etc. rhyme, or if one rhymes with the other, they have or end with the same sound:\n’Though’ rhymes with ’low’. * ’Tough’ and ’through’ don’t rhyme. * rhyming couplets\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (with sth) to put words that sound the same together, for example when you are writing poetry:\nYou can rhyme ’girl’ with ’curl’.\n  3  [V] (of a poem) to have lines that end with the same sound:\nI prefer poems that rhyme.


Words: rhyming slang
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a way of talking in which you use words or phrases that rhyme with the word you mean, instead of using that word. For example in COCKNEYrhyming slang ’apples and pears’ means ’stairs’.


Words: rhythm
Meaning:
noun [U, C]\n  1  a strong regular repeated pattern of sounds or movements:\nto dance to the rhythm of the music * music with a fast / slow / steady rhythm * jazz rhythms * He can’t seem to play in rhythm. * The boat rocked up and down in rhythm with the sea. * the rhythm of her breathing * abnormal heart rhythms * a dancer with a natural sense of rhythm (= the ability to move in time to a fixed beat)\n  2  a regular pattern of changes or events:\nthe rhythm of the seasons / tides * biological / body rhythms * Lack of sleep can upset your daily rhythm.\nsee also BIORHYTHM


Words: rhythm and blues
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (abbreviation R & B) a type of music that is a mixture of BLUES and jazz and has a strong rhythm


Words: rhythm section
Meaning:
noun\nthe part of a band that supplies the rhythm, usually consisting of drums, BASS, and sometimes piano


Words: rhythmic
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a regular pattern of sounds, movements or events:\nmusic with a fast, rhythmic beat * Do the exercises with slow, rhythmic movements. * the rhythmic ticking of the clock\n    rhythmically  adverb:\nThey moved gracefully and rhythmically across the dance floor.


Words: rib
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] any of the curved bones that are connected to the SPINE and surround the chest:\na broken / bruised / cracked rib * Stop poking me in the ribs!\nsee also RIBCAGE\n \n  2  [U, C] a piece of meat with one or more bones from the ribs of an animal\nsee also PRIME RIB, SPARE RIB\n \n  3  [C] a curved piece of wood, metal or plastic that forms the frame of a boat, roof, etc. and makes it stronger:\na roof with rib vaulting\n  4  [U, C] a way of knitting that produces a pattern of vertical lines in which some are higher than others:\na rib cotton sweater\n IDIOMS  see DIG v.\n    verb (-bb-) [VN] ~ sb (about / over sth) (old-fashioned, informal) to laugh at sb and make jokes about them, but in a friendly way:\nHe used to rib her mercilessly about her accent.


Words: ribald
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) (of language or behaviour) referring to sex in a rude but humorous way:\na ribald sense of humour * ribald comments / jokes / laughter


Words: ribbing
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a pattern of raised lines in knitting or on a surface\n  2  (old-fashioned, informal) the act of making fun of sb in a friendly way\nSYN TEASING


Words: ribbon
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] a narrow strip of material, used to tie things or for decoration:\na present tied with yellow ribbon * lengths / pieces of velvet ribbon * She was wearing two blue silk ribbons in her hair.\n \n  2  [C] something that is long and narrow in shape:\nThe road was a ribbon of moonlight. * (BrE) Ribbon developments (= lines of buildings) extended along the main road.\n \n  3  [C] a ribbon in special colours, or tied in a special way, that is given to sb as a prize or as a military honour, or that is worn by sb to show that they belong to a particular political party\ncompare ROSETTE\n \n  4  [C] a long strip of material containing ink that you put into TYPEWRITERS and some computer printers\n IDIOMS \n  cut / tear, etc. sth to ribbons to cut/tear, etc. sth very badly:\nHis coat was torn to ribbons by the barbed wire fence.


Words: rice
Meaning:
noun\n[U] short, narrow white or brown grain grown on wet land in hot countries as food; the plant that produces this grain:\na grain of rice * boiled / steamed / fried rice * long- / short-grain rice * brown rice (= without its outer covering removed) * rice paddies (= rice fields)


Words: rich
Meaning:
adjective (richer, richest)\n  with a lot of money\n  1  having a lot of money or property:\none of the richest women in the world * Nobody gets rich from writing nowadays. * (slang) to be filthy / stinking (= extremely) rich\nOPP POOR\n  2  (the rich) noun [pl.] people who have a lot of money or property:\nIt’s a favourite resort for the rich and famous.\nOPP THE POOR\n  3  (of a country) producing a lot of wealth so that many of its people can live at a high standard:\nthe richest countries / economies / nations\nOPP POOR\n  full of variety\n  4  very interesting and full of variety:\nthe region’s rich history and culture * She leads a rich and varied life.\n  containing / providing sth\n  5  ~ (in sth) (often in compounds) containing or providing a large supply of sth:\nOranges are rich in vitamin C. * The area is rich in wildlife. * His novels are a rich source of material for the movie industry. * iron-rich rocks\nOPP POOR\n  food\n  6  containing a lot of fat, butter, eggs, etc. and making you feel full quickly:\na rich creamy sauce * a rich chocolate cake\n  soil\n  7  containing the substances that make it good for growing plants in:\na rich well-drained soil\nOPP POOR\n  colours / sounds\n  8  (of colours, sounds, smells and tastes) strong or deep; very beautiful or pleasing:\nrich dark reds\n  expensive\n  9  (literary) expensive and beautiful:\nThe rooms were decorated with rich fabrics.\n  criticism\n  10  (spoken, especially BrE) used to say that a criticism sb makes is surprising and not reasonable, because they have the same fault:\nMe? Lazy? That’s rich, coming from you!\ncompare RICHNESS\n IDIOMS  see STRIKE v.


Words: riches
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (especially written) large amounts of money and valuable or beautiful possessions:\na career that brought him fame and riches * material / spiritual riches * She was a famous model whose looks were her riches.\n IDIOMS  see EMBARRASSMENT, RAG n.


Words: richly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a beautiful and expensive manner:\na richly decorated / furnished room\n  2  used to express the fact that sth has a pleasant strong colour, taste or smell:\na richly-flavoured sauce * The polished floor glowed richly.\n  3  in a generous way:\nShe was richly rewarded for all her hard work.\n  4  in a way that people think is right and good:\nrichly deserved success * richly earned respect\n  5  used to express the fact that the quality or thing mentioned is present in large amounts:\nrichly varied countryside * a richly atmospheric novel


Words: richness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of being rich in sth, such as colour, minerals or interesting qualities:\nThe richness and variety of marine life. * This new colour will add warmth and richness to your natural hair shade.\ncompare WEALTH


Words: Richter scale
Meaning:
noun\n(the Richter scale) [sing.] a system for measuring how strong an earthquake is:\nan earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale


Words: rick
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a large pile of HAY or STRAW that is built in a regular shape and covered to protect it from rain\n    verb [VN] (BrE) to injure a part of your body by twisting it suddenly:\nHe turned so quickly that he ricked his neck.


Words: rickets
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a disease of children caused by a lack of good food that makes the bones become soft and badly formed, especially in the legs


Words: rickety
Meaning:
adjective\nnot strong or well made; likely to break:\na rickety chair / staircase * We climbed up the rickety wooden stairs which led to the third floor.


Words: rickshaw
Meaning:
noun\na small light vehicle with two wheels used in some Asian countries to carry passengers. The rickshaw is pulled by sb walking or riding a bicycle.


Words: ricochet
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (ricocheting prep.] (of a moving object) to hit a surface and come off it fast at a different angle:\nThe bullet ricocheted off a nearby wall. * The van hit the side of the bridge and ricocheted across the road.\n    noun\n  1  [C] a ball, bullet or stone that ricochets:\nA woman protester was killed by a ricochet (bullet).\n  2  [U] the action of ricocheting:\nthe ricochet of bricks and bottles off police riot shields


Words: rid
Meaning:
verb\n(ridding, rid, rid)\n IDIOMS \n  be rid of sb/sth (formal) to be free of sb/sth that has been annoying you or that you do not want:\nShe wanted to be rid of her parents and their authority. * I was glad to be rid of the car when I finally sold it. * (BrE) He was a nuisance and we’re all well rid of him (= we’ll be much better without him).\n  get rid of sb/sth to make yourself free of sb/sth that is annoying you or that you do not want; to throw sth away:\nTry and get rid of your visitors before I get there. * The problem is getting rid of nuclear waste. * I can’t get rid of this headache. * We got rid of all the old furniture.\nmore at WANT v.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rid sb/sth of sb/sth (written) to remove sth that is causing a problem from a place, group, etc:\nFurther measures will be taken to rid our streets of crime.\n  rid yourself of sb/sth (formal) to make yourself free from sb/sth that is annoying you or causing you a problem:\nto rid yourself of fear / guilt / pain * He wanted to rid himself of the burden of the secret.


Words: riddance
Meaning:
noun\n[U]\n IDIOMS \n  good riddance (to sb/sth) an unkind way of saying that you are pleased that sb/sth has gone:\n’Goodbye and good riddance!’ she said to him angrily as he left.


Words: ridden
Meaning:
adjective\n\nsee also RIDE v.(usually in compounds) full of a particular unpleasant thing:\na disease-ridden slum * a class-ridden society * She was guilt-ridden at the way she had treated him. * She was ridden with guilt.


Words: riddle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a question that is difficult to understand, and that has a surprising answer, that you ask sb as a game:\nStop talking in riddles (= asking questions that are confusing)-say what you mean. * to solve the riddle of the Sphinx\n  2  a mysterious event or situation that you cannot explain:\nthe riddle of how the baby died\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to make a lot of holes in sb/sth:\nThe car was riddled with bullets. * a bullet-riddled car\n IDIOMS \n  be riddled with sth to be full of sth, especially sth bad or unpleasant:\nHis body was riddled with cancer. * Her typing was slow and riddled with mistakes. * The woods are riddled with rabbit holes.


Words: ride
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (rode )\n  horse\n  1  [often +adv./prep.] to sit on a horse, etc. and control it as it moves:\n[V] I learnt to ride as a child. * They rode along narrow country lanes. * He was riding on a large black horse. * [VN] She had never ridden a horse before. * He’s ridden six winners so far this year (= in horse racing).\n  2  [V] (go riding) (BrE) (AmE go horseback riding) to spend time riding a horse for pleasure:\nHow often do you go riding?\n  bicycle / motorcycle\n  3  [often +adv./prep.] to sit on and control a bicycle, motorcycle, etc:\n[VN] The boys were riding their bikes around the streets. * He rode a Harley Davidson. * [V] The ground there is too rough to ride over.\n  in vehicle\n  4  [usually +adv./prep.] to travel in a vehicle, especially as a passenger:\n[V] I walked back while the others rode in the car. * (AmE) [VN] to ride the subway / an elevator * She rode the bus to school every day.\n  on water / air\n  5  [usually +adv./prep.] to float or be supported on water or air:\n[V] We watched the balloon riding high above the fields. * The ship was riding at anchor in the harbour. * [VN] surfers riding the waves * A large bird was riding the air currents beneath it.\n  go through area\n  6  [VN] to go through or over an area on a horse, bicycle, etc:\nWe rode the mountain trails.\n IDIOMS \n  be riding for a fall to be doing sth that involves risks and that may end in disaster\n  be riding high to be successful or very confident:\nThe company is riding high this year.\n  let sth ride to decide to do nothing about a problem that you know you may have to deal with later:\nHe was rude to me but I let it ride this time.\n  ride the crest of sth to enjoy great success or support because of a particular situation or event:\nThe band is riding the crest of its last tour.\n  ride herd on sb/sth (AmE, informal) to keep watch or control over sb/sth:\npolice riding herd on crowds of youths on the streets\n  ride shotgun (AmE, informal) to ride in the front passenger seat of a car or truck\n  ride a / the wave of sth to enjoy or be supported by the particular situation or quality mentioned:\nSchools are riding a wave of renewed public interest.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  ride on sth (usually used in the progressive tenses) to depend on sth:\nMy whole future is riding on this interview.\n  ride sth<->out to manage to survive a difficult situation or time without having to make great changes:\nDo you think we can ride out the recession?\n  ride up (of clothing) to move gradually upwards, out of position:\nShort skirts tend to ride up when you sit down.\n    noun\n  in vehicle\n  1  a short journey in a vehicle, on a bicycle, etc:\na train ride through beautiful countryside * It’s a ten-minute bus ride from here to town. * Steve gave me a ride on his motorbike. * We went for a ride on our bikes. * a bike ride\n  2  (AmE) = LIFT:\nShe hitched a ride to the station. * We managed to get a ride into town when we missed the bus.\n  3  the kind of journey you make in a car, etc:\na smooth / comfortable ride * (figurative) The new legislation faces a bumpy ride (= will meet with opposition and difficulties).\n  on horse\n  4  a short journey on a horse, etc:\na pony ride * The kids had a ride on an elephant at the zoo. * He goes for a ride most mornings.\n  at funfair\n  5  a large machine at a FUNFAIR or amusement park that you ride on for amusement or excitement; an occasion when you go on one of these:\nThe rides are free. * a roller coaster ride\n IDIOMS \n  come / go along for the ride (informal) to join in an activity for pleasure but without being seriously interested in it\n  have a rough / an easy ride | give sb a rough / an easy ride (informal) to experience/not experience difficulties when you are doing sth; to make things difficult/easy for sb:\nHe will be given a rough ride at the party conference.\n  take sb for a ride (informal) to cheat or trick sb:\nIt’s not a pleasant feeling to discover you’ve been taken for a ride by someone you trusted.\nmore at FREE adj.


Words: rider
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a person who rides a horse, bicycle or motorcycle:\nThree riders (= people riding horses) were approaching. * horses and their riders * She’s an experienced rider. * a motorcycle dispatch rider\n \n  2  ~ (to sth) an extra piece of information that is added to an official document


Words: ridge
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a narrow area of high land along the top of a line of hills; a high pointed area near the top of a mountain:\nwalking along the ridge * the north-east ridge of Mount Everest * We stood on the windswept ridge and looked down at the valley below.\n \n  2  a raised line on the surface of sth; the point where two sloping surfaces join:\nThe ridges on the soles of my boots stopped me from slipping. * the ridge of the roof\n \n  3  [C] ~ (of high pressure) (technical) a long narrow area of high pressure in the atmosphere:\na ridge of high pressure over the Atlantic\ncompare TROUGH\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to make narrow raised lines or areas on the surface of sth


Words: ridicule
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] unkind comments that make fun of sb or make them look silly:\nShe is an object of ridicule in the tabloid newspapers. * to hold sb up to ridicule (= make fun of sb publicly)\n    verb [VN] to make sb/sth look silly by laughing at them or it in an unkind way


Words: ridiculous
Meaning:
adjective\nvery silly or unreasonable:\nI look ridiculous in this hat. * Don’t be ridiculous! You can’t pay ｣50 for a T-shirt! * It was ridiculous that this should be so difficult to say. * They ate and drank a ridiculous amount.\n    ridiculously adverb:\nThe meal was ridiculously expensive. * She was wearing a pair of ridiculously high-heeled shoes.\n    ridiculousness noun [U]:\nThe ridiculousness of the situation made us laugh.\n IDIOMS  see SUBLIME n.


Words: riding
Meaning:
(BrE also horse riding) (AmE also horseback riding) noun\n[U] the sport or activity of riding horses:\nI’m taking riding lessons. * riding boots * (BrE) to go riding * (AmE) to go horseback riding


Words: rife
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  if sth bad or unpleasant is rife in a place, it is very common there:\nIt is a country where corruption is rife. * Rumours are rife that he is going to resign.\n  2  ~ (with sth) full of sth bad or unpleasant:\nLos Angeles is rife with gossip about the stars’ private lives.


Words: riff-raff
Meaning:
noun\n[U+sing./pl. v.] (disapproving) an insulting way of referring to people of low social class or people who are not considered socially acceptable:\nWe don’t want to let all the riff-raff in.


Words: riffle
Meaning:
verb\n~ (through) sth to turn over papers or the pages of a book quickly and without reading them all:\n[V] He was riffling through the papers on his desk. * [VN] to riffle the pages of a book


Words: rifle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a gun with a long BARREL which you hold to your shoulder to fire\n    verb\n  1  ~ (through) sth to search quickly through sth in order to find or steal sth:\n[V] She rifled through her clothes for something suitable to wear. [also VN]\n  2  [VN] to steal sth from somewhere:\nHis wallet had been rifled.\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to kick a ball very hard and straight in a game of football


Words: rifle range
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a place where people practise shooting with rifles:\nThe army used the land as a training area and rifle range.\n  2  [U] the distance that a bullet from a rifle will travel:\nThey advanced to within rifle range.


Words: rift
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a serious disagreement between people that stops their relationship from continuing:\nThe rift within the party deepens. * a serious marriage rift * Efforts to heal the rift between the two countries have failed.\n  2  a large crack or opening in the ground, rocks or clouds:\nThrough a rift in the clouds we could see a beautiful blue sky. * The volcano was in a remote area of the northern rift, accessible only by helicopter.


Words: rift valley
Meaning:
noun\na valley with steep sides formed when two parallel cracks develop in the earth’s surface and the land between them sinks


Words: rig
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-gg-) [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  to arrange or influence sth in a dishonest way in order to get the result that you want:\nHe said the election had been rigged. * A commission was appointed to ensure the lottery was not rigged. * to rig the market (= to cause an artificial rise or fall in prices, in order to make a profit) * a rigged match\n  2  ~ sth (with sth) to provide a ship or boat with ropes, sails, etc.; to fit the sails, etc. in position:\nThe ships were rigged with a single square sail. * The sails were kept rigged, ready for action.\n  3  ~ sth (up) (with sth) to fit equipment somewhere, sometimes secretly:\nThe lights had been rigged (up) but not yet tested. * The car had been rigged with about 300 lbs of explosive. * I was rigged up to a machine that monitored the baby’s heartbeat.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rig sb / yourself<->out (in / with sth) [often passive] (old-fashioned) to provide sb/sth with a particular kind of clothes or equipment:\nI was accepted for the job and rigged out in a uniform. * The van was rigged out with a small bed in the back.\n  rig sth<->up to make or to build sth quickly, using whatever materials are available:\nWe managed to rig up a shelter for the night.\n    noun\n  1  (especially in compounds) a large piece of equipment that is used for taking oil or gas from the ground or the bottom of the sea:\nan oil rig * Her husband works on a rig in the North Sea for weeks at a time.\n  2  the way that the MASTS and sails on a boat, etc. are arranged\n  3  (AmE, informal) a large lorry/truck\n  4  equipment that is used for a special purpose:\na CB radio rig


Words: rigging
Meaning:
noun [U]\n \n  1  the ropes that support the MASTS and sails of a boat or ship\n \n  2  the act of influencing sth in a dishonest way in order to get the result that you want:\nvote rigging


Words: right
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, noun, verb, exclamation \n    adjective\n  morally good\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (to do sth) morally good or acceptable; what is correct according to law or a person’s duty:\nYou were quite right to criticize him. * Is it ever right to kill? * It seems only right to warn you of the risk. * I hope we’re doing the right thing.\nOPP WRONG\n  true / correct\n  2  true or correct as a fact:\nDid you get the answer right? * ’What’s the right time?’ ’10.37.’ * ’David, isn’t it?’ ’Yes, that’s right.’ * (spoken) It was Monday you went to see Angie, right? * (spoken) Let me get this right (= understand correctly)-you want us to do an extra ten hours’ work for no extra pay? * ’I’ll have to do it again.’ ’Too right you will (= there is no doubt about it).’\nOPP WRONG\n  3  correct for a particular situation or thing, or for a particular person:\nHave you got the right money (= the exact amount) for the bus fare? * Is this the right way to the beach? * You’re not holding it the right way up. * Are you sure you’ve got that on the right way round? * Next time we’ll get it right. * He’s the right man for the job. * I’m glad you split up. She wasn’t right for you. * I was waiting for the right moment to ask him. * She knows all the right people (= important people, for example those who can help her career). * His success was down to being in the right place at the right time (= being able to take opportunities when they came).\nOPP WRONG\n  4  [not before noun] ~ (about sth) | ~ (to do sth) | ~ (in doing sth) correct in your opinion or judgement:\nShe was right about Tom having no money. * You’re right to be cautious. * ’It’s not easy.’ ’Yeah, you’re right.’ * Am I right in thinking we’ve met before?\nOPP WRONG\n  normal\n  5  [not before noun] in a normal or satisfactory condition:\nI don’t feel quite right today (= I feel ill / sick). * That sausage doesn’t smell right. * Things aren’t right between her parents. * If only I could have helped put matters right. * He’s not quite right in the head (= not mentally normal).\nOPP WRONG\n  not left\n  6  [only before noun] of, on or towards the side of the body that is towards the east when a person faces north:\nmy right eye / shoe * Keep on the right side of the road. * Take a right turn at the intersection.\nsee also RIGHT-WING\nOPP LEFT\n  complete\n  7  [only before noun] (BrE, informal, especially disapproving) used to emphasize sth bad:\nYou made a right mess of that! * I felt a right idiot.\nsee also ALL RIGHT\n    rightness noun [U]:\nthe rightness (= justice) of their cause * the rightness of his decision\n IDIOMS \n  give your right arm for sth / to do sth (informal) used to say that sb is willing to give up a lot in order to have or do sth that they really want:\nI’d have given my right arm to have been there with them.\n  (not) in your right mind (not) mentally normal\n  (as) right as rain (informal) in excellent health or condition\n  right enough (spoken) certainly; in a way that cannot be DENIED:\nYou heard me right enough (= so don’t pretend that you did not).\n  right on (spoken) used to express strong approval or encouragement\nsee also RIGHT-ON\n  right side up (AmE) with the top part turned to the top; in the correct, normal position:\nI dropped my toast, but luckily it fell right side up.\nOPP UPSIDE DOWN\nmore at ALL RIGHT adj., FOOT n., HEAD n., HEART, IDEA, MR, NOTE n., SIDE n., TRACK n.\n    adverb\n  exactly\n  1  exactly; directly:\nLee was standing right behind her. * The wind was right in our faces. * I’m right behind you on this one (= I am supporting you). * The bus came right on time.\n  completely\n  2  all the way; completely:\nThe car spun right off the track. * I’m right out of ideas. * She kept right on swimming until she reached the other side.\n  immediately\n  3  (informal) immediately; without delay:\nI’ll be right back. * I’ll be right with you (= I am coming very soon).\n  correctly\n  4  correctly:\nYou guessed right.\nOPP WRONG\n  satisfactorily\n  5  in a satisfactory way:\nNothing’s going right for me today.\nOPP WRONG\n  not left\n  6  on or to the right side:\nTurn right at the end of the street.\nOPP LEFT\n IDIOMS \n  right and left everywhere:\nShe owes money right and left.\n  right away / off immediately; without delay:\nI want it sent right away. * I told him right off what I thought of him.\n  right, left and centre = left, right and centre at LEFT adv.\n  right now\n1 at this moment:\nHe’s not in the office right now.\n2 immediately:\nDo it right now!\n  see sb right (AmE also do sb right) (informal) to make sure that sb has all they need or want:\nYou needn’t worry about money-I’ll see you right.\nmore at ALLEY, SERVE v.\n    noun\n  sth morally good\n  1  [U, C] what is morally good or correct:\nShe doesn’t understand the difference between right and wrong. * You did right to tell me about it. * They both had some right on their side. * He wouldn’t apologize. He knew he was in the right (= had justice on his side). * It was difficult to establish the rights and wrongs (= the true facts) of the matter.\nOPP WRONG\n  moral / legal claim\n  2  [C, U] ~ (to sth / to do sth) a moral or legal claim to have or get sth or to behave in a particular way:\nEveryone has a right to a fair trial. * You have no right to stop me from going in there. * What gives you the right to do that? * She had every right to be angry. * You’re quite within your rights to ask for your money back. * By rights (= if justice were done) half the money should be mine. * There is no right of appeal against the decision. * Education is provided by the state as of right (= everyone has a right to it). * The property belongs to her by right. * They had fought hard for equal rights. * animal rights campaigners\nsee also CIVIL RIGHTS, HUMAN RIGHT\n  for book / movie, etc.\n  3  (rights) [pl.] the authority to perform, publish, film, etc. a particular work, event, etc:\nHe sold the rights for $2 million. * all rights reserved (= protected or kept for the owners of the book, film / movie, etc.)\n  not left side\n  4  (the / sb’s right) [sing.] the right side or direction:\nTake the first street on the right. * She seated me on her right.\nOPP LEFT\n  5  [sing.] the first, second, etc. ~ the first, second, etc. road on the right side:\nTake the first right, then the second left.\nOPP LEFT\n  6  (a right) [sing.] a turn to the right:\nto make a right * (AmE, informal) to hang a right\nOPP LEFT\n  politics\n  7  (the right, the Right) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] political groups that most strongly support the CAPITALIST system\ncompare RIGHT WING:\nThe Right in British politics is represented by the Conservative Party.\nOPP LEFT\n  8  (the right) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] the part of a political party whose members are least in favour of social change:\nHe’s on the right of the Labour Party.\nOPP LEFT\n  in boxing\n  9  a blow that is made with your right hand\nOPP LEFT\n IDIOMS \n  bang to rights (BrE) (AmE dead to rights) (informal) in the act of committing a crime, so that you cannot claim to be innocent:\nWe’ve got you bang to rights handling stolen property.\n  do right by sb (old-fashioned) to treat sb fairly\n  in your own right because of your personal qualifications or efforts, not because of your connection with sb else:\nShe sings with a rock band, but she’s also a jazz musician in her own right.\n  put / set sb/sth to rights to correct sb/sth; to put things in their right places or right order:\nIt took me ages to put things to rights after the workmen had left.\nmore at WORLD, WRONG n.\n    verb [VN]\n  return to position\n  1  to return sb/sth/yourself to the normal, upright position:\nThey learnt to right a capsized canoe. * At last the plane righted itself and flew on.\n  correct\n  2  to correct sth that is wrong or not in its normal state:\nRighting the economy will demand major cuts in expenditure.\n IDIOMS \n  right a wrong to do sth to correct an unfair situation or sth bad that you have done\n    exclamation (BrE, informal)\n  1  used to show that you accept a statement or an order:\n’You may find it hurts a little at first.’ ’Right.’ * ’Barry’s here.’ ’Oh, right.’ * ’I’ll have a whisky and soda.’ ’Right you are, sir.’\n  2  used to get sb’s attention to say that you are ready to do sth, or to tell them to do sth:\nRight! Let’s get going.\n  3  used to check that sb agrees with you or has understood you:\nSo that’s twenty of each sort, right? * And I didn’t think any more of it, right, but Mum says I should see a doctor.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nright / rightly\nRight and rightly can both be used as adverbs. In the sense ’correctly’ or ’in the right way’, right is the usual adverb. It is only used after verbs: He did it right. * Did I spell your name right? Rightly cannot be used like this. In formal language correctly is used: Is your name spelled correctly?\nThe usual meaning of rightly is ’for a good reason’ and it comes before an adjective: They are rightly proud of their children. It can be used to mean ’correctly’ before a verb or in particular phrases: As you rightly say, we have a serious problem. In AmE rightly is not at all common.\n______________________________


Words: right angle
Meaning:
noun\nan angle of 90ｰ:\nPlace the table at right angles / at a right angle to the wall\ncompare ACUTE ANGLE, OBTUSE ANGLE, REFLEX ANGLE


Words: Right Honourable
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun] (abbreviation Rt Hon)\n  1  (the Right Honourable ...) a title of respect used when talking to or about a person of high social rank, especially a LORD\n  2  (the / my Right Honourable ...) the title of respect used by Members of Parliament in Britain when talking to or about a senior Member of Parliament during a debate:\nmy Right Honourable friend, the Secretary of State for the Environment\ncompare HONOURABLE


Words: right of abode
Meaning:
noun\n[U] official permission that allows a person to live in a particular country:\nThe island’s citizens will not be given the right of abode in Britain when the new legislation comes into force.


Words: right of way
Meaning:
noun (plural rights of way)\n  1  [U] (especially BrE) legal permission to go onto or through another person’s land:\nPrivate property-no right of way.\n  2  [C] (especially BrE) a public path that goes through private land:\na public right of way for walkers\n  3  [U] the right to drive across or into a road before another vehicle:\nI had right of way at the junction. * Whose right of way is it?


Words: Right Reverend
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (abbreviation Rt Revd) a title of respect used when talking about a BISHOP (= a senior priest):\nAnthony Hunter, Bishop of Huddersfield


Words: right-hand
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  on the right side of sth:\non the right-hand side of the road * the top right-hand corner of the screen * Move out into the right-hand lane if you are going to make a right-hand turn.\n  2  intended for use by your right hand:\na right-hand glove\nOPP LEFT-HAND


Words: right-hand drive
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a vehicle) with the driver’s seat and STEERING WHEEL on the right side\nOPP LEFT-HAND DRIVE


Words: right-hand man
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a person who helps sb a lot and who they rely on, especially in an important job:\nthe President’s right-hand man


Words: right-handed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  a person who is right-handed uses their right hand for writing, using tools, etc:\nEveryone in our family is right-handed except Pauline.\n  2  a right-handed tool is designed to be used with the right hand:\nright-handed scissors\n    right-handed adverb:\nI play tennis right-handed but I write left-handed.


Words: right-hander
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who uses their right hand for writing, using tools, etc:\nHe was the only right-hander among his team’s top six batsmen.\n  2  a hit with the right hand:\nHe gave him a right-hander on the jaw and knocked him unconscious.\nOPP LEFT-HANDER


Words: right-minded
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person) having beliefs and opinions that most people approve of:\nAny right-minded person would be offended by this book.


Words: right-on
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, sometimes disapproving) having political opinions or being aware of social issues that are fashionable and LEFT-WING:\nright-on middle-class intellectuals


Words: right-winger
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person on the right wing of a political party:\nShe is a prominent Tory right-winger.\n  2  a person who plays on the right side of the field in a game of football, etc.\nOPP LEFT-WINGER


Words: righteous
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  morally right and good:\na righteous God\n  2  that you think is acceptable or fair from a moral point of view:\nrighteous anger / indignation / rage\nsee also SELF-RIGHTEOUS\n    righteously adverb\n    righteousness noun [U]


Words: rightful
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) that is correct, right or legal:\nThe stolen car was returned to its rightful owner. * Every book and ornament was returned to its rightful place when we had finished painting the room.\n    rightfully  adverb:\nShe was only claiming what was rightfully hers. * The property rightfully belonged to his brother, not to him.


Words: rightist
Meaning:
noun\na person who supports RIGHT-WING political parties and their ideas\nSYN RIGHT-WINGER:\nThe outcome was a victory for the rightists.\nOPP LEFTIST\n    rightist adjective


Words: rightly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  for a good reason\nSYN JUSTIFIABLY:\nThe school was rightly proud of the excellent exam results. * He was proud of his beautiful house, and rightly so. * Quite rightly, the environment is of great concern.\n  2  in a correct or accurate way:\nRightly or wrongly, many older people are afraid of violence in the streets. * As she rightly pointed out the illness can affect adults as well as children. * (spoken) I can’t rightly say what happened. * (spoken) I don’t rightly know where he’s gone. * (spoken) If I remember rightly, there’s a train at six o’clock. -> RIGHT


Words: rights issue
Meaning:
noun\n(business) an offer to buy shares in a company at a cheaper price to people who already own some shares in it:\nThe company announced that 90% of the recent rights issue had been taken up by shareholders.


Words: rightward
Meaning:
especially in BrE) adjective\n  1  on or to the right:\na rightward movement\n  2  towards more RIGHT-WING political ideas:\na rightward shift in voting patterns\n    rightward (also rightwards) adverb


Words: rigid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (often disapproving) (of rules, methods, etc.) very strict and difficult to change:\nThe curriculum was too narrow and too rigid. * His rigid adherence to the rules made him unpopular.\n  2  (of a person) not willing to change their ideas or behaviour:\nrigid attitudes\n  3  (of an object or substance) stiff and difficult to move or bend:\na rigid support for the tent * She sat upright, her body rigid with fear. * (figurative) I was bored rigid (= extremely bored).\n    rigidity  noun [U, C]:\nthe rigidity of the law on this issue * the rigidity of the metal bar\n    rigidly adverb:\nThe speed limit must be rigidly enforced. * She stared rigidly ahead.


Words: rigmarole
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a long and complicated process that is annoying and seems unnecessary:\nI couldn’t face the whole rigmarole of getting a work permit again.\n  2  [U, sing.] a long and complicated story:\nShe turned up an hour late with some rigmarole about catching the wrong train.


Words: rigor mortis
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process by which the body becomes stiff after death:\nRigor mortis had already set in.


Words: rigorous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  done carefully and with a lot of attention to detail \nSYN THOROUGH:\na rigorous analysis / investigation * Few people have gone into the topic in such rigorous detail. * The second team adopted a much more rigorous approach to the problem.\n  2  demanding that particular rules, processes, etc. are strictly followed\nSYN STRICT:\nThe work failed to meet their rigorous standards.\n    rigorously adverb:\nThe country’s press is rigorously controlled.


Words: rigour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE rigor)  noun\n  1  [U] the fact of being careful and paying great attention to detail:\nacademic / intellectual / scientific rigour\n  2  [U] (formal) the fact of being strict or severe\nSYN SEVERITY:\nThis crime must be treated with the full rigour of the law.\n  3  (the rigours of sth) [pl.] the difficulties and unpleasant conditions of sth:\nThe plants were unable to withstand the rigours of a harsh winter. * She woke refreshed to face the rigours of a new day.


Words: rile
Meaning:
verb\nto annoy sb or make them angry:\n[VN] Nothing ever seemed to rile him. [also VN that] \n IDIOMS \n  be / get (all) riled up (informal, especially AmE) to be or get very annoyed


Words: rim
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  the edge of sth that is circular:\nHe looked at them over the rim of his glass. * The rims of her eyes were red with crying. * spectacles with gold rims\n  2  the metal edge of a wheel onto which the tyre is fixed\n  3  (-rimmed) adjective having a particular type of rim:\ngold-rimmed spectacles * red-rimmed eyes (= for example, from crying)\nsee also HORN-RIMMED\n    verb (-mm-) [VN] [often passive] (formal) to form an edge around sth


Words: rimless
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of glasses) having LENSES (= the transparent parts that you look through) that are not surrounded by frames


Words: rind
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the thick outer skin of some types of fruit:\nlemon rind * Add the grated rind of one lemon.\ncompare PEEL, SKIN, ZEST\n  2  [U, C] the thick outer skin of some foods such as BACON and some types of cheese:\nThe name of the cheese is stamped on the rind.


Words: ring
Meaning:
noun, verb-see also RING\n    noun\n  jewellery\n \n  1  [C] a piece of jewellery that you wear on your finger, consisting of a circular band of gold, silver, etc., sometimes decorated with precious stones:\na gold ring * A large diamond glittered on her ring finger (= the finger next to the little finger, especially on the left hand).\nsee also ENGAGEMENT RING, SIGNET RING, WEDDING RING\n \n  circle\n \n  2  [C] an object in the shape of a circle with a large hole in the middle:\na key ring * curtain rings * onion rings\n \n  3  [C] a circular mark or shape:\nShe had dark rings around her eyes from lack of sleep. * The children sat on the floor in a ring.\n  for performance / competition\n  4  [C] an enclosed area in which animals or people perform or compete, with seats around the outside for the audience:\na boxing ring * a circus ring * The next competitor rode into the ring.\nsee also BULLRING\n  for cooking\n  5  [C] (especially BrE) a small flat plate on a cooker/stove that is heated by gas or electricity and is used for cooking on\nSYN BURNER:\nto turn off the gas ring\n  group of people\n  6  [C] a group of people who are working together, especially in secret or illegally:\na spy ring * a drugs ring\n IDIOMS \n  run rings around / round sb (informal) to be much better at doing sth than sb else:\nI used to beat my son at chess but now he runs rings around me.\nmore at HAT\n    verb\n (ringed, ringed) [VN]\n \n  surround\n \n  1  [often passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) to surround sb/sth:\nThousands of demonstrators ringed the building.\n \n  bird’s leg\n \n  2  to put a metal ring around a bird’s leg so that it can be easily identified in the future\n \n  draw circle\n \n  3  (especially BrE) to draw a circle around sth\nSYN CIRCLE:\nRing the correct answer in pencil.\n\n verb, noun-see also RING\n    verb (rang )\n  telephone\n  1  (BrE) (also call AmE, BrE) ~ sb/sth (up) to telephone sb/sth:\n[VN] I’ll ring you up later. * He rang up the police station. * When is the best time to ring New York? * [V] David rang up while you were out. * He said he was ringing from London. * I’m ringing about your advertisement in the paper. * Could you ring for a cab? * She rang to say she’d be late. -> PHONE\n  2  [V] (of a telephone) to make a sound because sb is trying to telephone you:\nWill you answer the telephone if it rings?\n  bell\n  3  if you ring a bell or if a bell rings, it produces a sound:\n[VN] Someone was ringing the doorbell. * [V] The church bells rang. * The doorbell rang loudly. * Just ring for the nurse (= attract the nurse’s attention by ringing a bell) if you need her.\n  with sound\n  4  [V] ~ (with sth) (literary) to be full of a sound; to fill a place with sound:\nThe house rang with children’s laughter. * Applause rang through the hall.\n  with quality\n  5  [V] to be full of a particular quality:\nHis words rang with pride.\n  of ears\n  6  [V] to be uncomfortable and be unable to hear clearly, usually because you have heard a loud noise, etc:\nThe music was so loud it made my ears ring.\n IDIOMS \n  ring a bell (informal) to sound familiar to you, as though you have heard it before:\nHis name rings a bell but I can’t think where we met.\n  ring the changes (with sth) (BrE) to make changes to sth in order to have greater variety:\nRing the changes with a new colour.\n  ring in your ears / head to make you feel that you can still hear sth:\nHis warning was still ringing in my ears.\n  ring off the hook (usually used in the progressive tenses) (AmE) (of a telephone) to ring many times:\nThe phone has been ringing off the hook with offers of help.\n  ring true / hollow / false to give the impression of being sincere/true or not sincere/true:\nIt may seem a strange story but it rings true to me.\nmore at ALARM n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  ring back | ring sb<->back (BrE) to telephone sb again, for example because they were not there when you called earlier, or to return a call they made to you:\nHe isn’t here now-could you ring back later? * I’ll ask Simon to ring you back when he gets in.\n  ring in (BrE) to telephone a television or radio show, or the place where you work:\nPeople from all over the country have been ringing in to make donations. * Sue has rung in sick.\n  ring in sth to ring bells to celebrate sth, especially the new year\n  ring off (BrE) to put down the telephone because you have finished speaking:\nHe rang off before I could explain.\n  ring out to be heard loudly and clearly:\nA number of shots rang out. * His deep voice rang out for all to hear.\n  ring round | ring round sb/sth (BrE) to telephone a number of people in order to organize sth or to get some information, etc:\nI rang round all the travel agents in the area.\n  ring through (to sb) (BrE) to make a telephone call to sb, especially within the same building:\nReception just rang through to say my visitor has arrived.\n  ring sth<->up to enter the cost of goods being bought in a shop/store on a CASH REGISTER by pressing the buttons; to make sales of a particular value:\nShe rang up all the items on the till. * The company rang up sales of $166 million last year.\n    noun\n  of bell\n  1  [C] the sound that a bell makes; the act of ringing a bell:\nThere was a ring at the door. * He gave a couple of loud rings on the doorbell.\n  sound\n  2  [sing.] a loud clear sound:\nthe ring of horse’s hooves on the cobblestones\n  quality\n  3  [sing.] ~ (of sth) a particular quality that words, sounds, etc. have:\nHis explanation has a ring of truth about it. * Her protestation of innocence had a hollow ring to it (= did not sound sincere). * The story had a familiar ring to it (= as if I had heard it before).\n IDIOMS \n  give sb a ring (BrE, informal) to make a telephone call to sb:\nI’ll give you a ring tomorrow. -> PHONE


Words: ring binder
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a file for holding papers, in which metal rings go through the edges of the pages, holding them in place


Words: ring finger
Meaning:
noun\nthe finger next to the smallest one, especially on the left hand, on which a wedding ring is traditionally worn


Words: ring pull
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE pull-tab, tab) noun\na small piece of metal with a ring attached which is pulled to open cans of food, drink, etc.


Words: ring road
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE outer belt) noun\na road that is built around a city or town to reduce traffic in the centre


Words: ring-fence
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (BrE, technical) to protect a particular sum of money by putting restrictions on it so that it can only be used for a particular purpose


Words: ringed
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  having a ring or rings on:\na ringed hand / finger\n  2  (especially of an animal or bird) having a mark or marks like a ring on it:\na ringed plover


Words: ringer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  = BELL-RINGER\n  2  (AmE) a horse or person that takes part in a race illegally, for example by using a false name\n IDIOMS  see DEAD adj.


Words: ringing
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of a sound) loud and clear:\na ringing voice\n  2  (of a statement, etc.) powerful and made with a lot of force:\na ringing endorsement of her leadership\n    noun [sing., U] an act or a sound of ringing:\nThere was an unpleasant ringing in my ears.


Words: ringleader
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) a person who leads others in crime or in causing trouble:\nThe ringleaders were jailed for 15 years.


Words: ringside
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the area closest to the enclosed space in which a boxing match or CIRCUS takes place:\nAccording to law, a doctor must be present at the ringside. * a ringside seat


Words: ringworm
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an infectious skin disease that produces round red areas, especially on the head or the feet


Words: rinse
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  to wash sth with clean water only, not using soap:\nRinse the cooked pasta with boiling water.\n  2  to remove the soap from sth with clean water after washing it\n  3  [+adv./prep.] to remove dirt, etc. from sth by washing it with clean water:\nShe rinsed the mud from her hands. * I wanted to rinse the taste out of my mouth. * He showered quickly, rinsing away the dirt of the journey.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rinse sth<->out to make sth clean, especially a container, by washing it with water:\nRinse the cup out before use.\n    noun\n  1  [C] an act of rinsing sth:\nI gave the glass a rinse. * Fabric conditioner is added during the final rinse.\n  2  [C, U] a liquid that you put on your hair when it is wet in order to change its colour:\na blue rinse\n  3  [C, U] a liquid used for cleaning the mouth and teeth


Words: riot
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a situation in which a group of people behave in a violent way in a public place, often as a protest:\nOne prison guard was killed when a riot broke out in the jail. * food / race riots\n  2  [sing.] ~ of sth (written) a collection of a lot of different types of the same thing:\nThe garden was a riot of colour. * The market was a riot of unfamiliar sounds and smells. * A riot of emotions raged through her.\n  3  (a riot) [sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) a person or an event that is very amusing and enjoyable\n IDIOMS \n  run riot\n1 (of people) to behave in a way that is violent and/or not under control:\nThey let their kids run riot.\n2 if your imagination, a feeling, etc. runs riot, you allow it to develop and continue without trying to control it:\nAn artist must learn to let his imagination run riot. * These prejudices have been allowed to run riot for too long.\n3 (of plants) to grow and spread quickly\nmore at READ v.\n    verb [V] (of a crowd of people) to behave in a violent way in a public place, often as a protest\n    rioter noun:\nRioters set fire to parked cars.\n    rioting noun [U]:\nSerious rioting broke out in the capital.


Words: riot gear
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the clothes and equipment used by the police when they are dealing with riots:\nThe police were in full riot gear, with shields and helmets.


Words: riot shield
Meaning:
(also shield) noun\na piece of equipment made from strong plastic, used by the police to protect themselves from angry crowds


Words: riotous
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (formal or law) noisy and/or violent, especially in a public place:\nriotous behaviour / crowds / demonstrations * The organizers of the march were charged with assault and riotous assembly.\n  2  noisy, exciting and enjoyable in an uncontrolled way:\na riotous evening / party * riotous laughter


Words: rip
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-pp-)\n  1  to tear sth or to become torn, often suddenly or violently:\n[VN] I ripped my jeans on the fence. * The flags had been ripped in two. * The nail ripped a hole in my jacket. * [VN-ADJ] She ripped the letter open. * [V] I heard the tent rip.\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to remove sth quickly or violently, often by pulling it:\nHe ripped off his tie. * The carpet had been ripped from the stairs. * Half of the house was ripped away in the explosion.\n IDIOMS \n  let rip (at sb) (informal) to speak or do sth with great force, enthusiasm, etc. and without control:\nWhen she gets angry with her boyfriend, she really lets rip at him. * The group let rip with a single from their new album.\n  let rip | let sth rip (informal)\n1 to go or allow sth such as a car to go as fast as possible:\nOnce on the open road, he let rip. * Come on Steve-let her rip.\n2 to do sth or to allow sth to happen as fast as possible:\nThis would cause inflation to let rip again.\n  rip sb/sth apart / to shreds / to bits, etc. to destroy sth; to criticize sb very strongly\nmore at HEART, LIMB\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rip at sth to attack sth violently, usually by tearing or cutting it:\nThe bird ripped at its rival’s throat with its beak.\n  rip into sb ~ (for / with sth) to criticize sb and tell them that you are very angry with them\n  rip into / through sb/sth to go very quickly and violently into or through sb/sth:\nA bullet ripped into his shoulder. * An explosion ripped through their home.\n  rip sb<->off [usually passive] (informal) to cheat sb, by making them pay too much, by selling them sth of poor quality, etc:\nTourists complain of being ripped off by local cab drivers.\nrelated noun RIP-OFF\n  rip off sth (slang) to steal sth:\nThieves broke in and ripped off five computers.\n  rip sth<->up to tear sth into small pieces:\nHe ripped up the letter and threw it in the fire.\n    noun [usually sing.] a long tear in fabric, paper, etc.


Words: rip-off
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  [usually sing.] something that is not worth what you pay for it:\n$70 for a T-shirt! What a rip-off!\n  2  ~ (of sth) a copy of sth, especially one that is less expensive or not as good as the original thing:\nThe single is a rip-off of a 70s hit. * a stall selling designer rip-offs


Words: rip-roaring
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun] (informal)\n  1  noisy, exciting and/or full of activity:\na rip-roaring celebration\n  2  ~ drunk extremely drunk\n  3  ~ success a great success


Words: ripe
Meaning:
adjective (riper, ripest)\n  1  (of fruit or crops) fully grown and ready to be eaten:\nPick the tomatoes before they get too ripe.\nOPP UNRIPE\n  2  (of cheese or wine) having a flavour that has fully developed\nSYN MATURE\n  3  (of a smell) strong and unpleasant\n  4  ~ (for sth) ready or suitable for sth to happen:\nThis land is ripe for development. * The conditions were ripe for social change. * Reforms were promised when the time was ripe.\n    ripeness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  a / the ripe old age (of ...) an age that is considered to be very old:\nHe lived to the ripe old age of 91.


Words: riposte
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  a quick and clever reply, especially to criticism:\na witty riposte\n  2  a course of action that takes place in response to sth that has happened:\nThe US delivered an early riposte to the air attack.\n    riposte verb [V speech]


Words: ripple
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a small wave on the surface of a liquid, especially water in a lake, etc:\nThe air was so still that there was hardly a ripple on the pond’s surface.\n  2  a thing that looks or moves like a small wave\n  3  [usually sing.] ~ of sth a sound that gradually becomes louder and then quieter again:\na ripple of applause / laughter\n  4  [usually sing.] ~ of sth a feeling that gradually spreads through a person or group of people:\nA ripple of fear passed through him. * The announcement sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd. * Her visit caused no more than a ripple of interest.\n    verb\n  1  to move or to make sth move in very small waves:\n[V] The sea rippled and sparkled. * rippling muscles * [VN] The wind rippled the wheat in the fields.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] (of a feeling, etc.) to spread through a person or a group of people like a wave:\nA gasp rippled through the crowd.


Words: ripple effect
Meaning:
noun\na situation in which an event or action has an effect on sth, which then has an effect on sth else:\nHis resignation will have a ripple effect on the whole department.


Words: rise
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  increase\n  1  [C] ~ (in sth) an increase in an amount, a number or a level:\nThe industry is feeling the effects of recent price rises. * There has been a sharp rise in the number of people out of work. * Insulin is used to control the rise of glucose levels in the blood.\n  2  [C] (BrE) (AmE raise) an increase in the money you are paid for the work you do:\nI’m going to ask for a rise. * He criticized the huge pay rises awarded to industry bosses.\n  in power / importance\n  3  [sing.] ~ (of sb/sth) the act of becoming more important, successful, powerful, etc:\nthe rise of fascism in Europe * the rise and fall of the British Empire * her meteoric rise to power\n  upward movement\n  4  [sing.] an upward movement:\nShe watched the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he slept.\n  sloping land\n  5  [C] an area of land that slopes upwards:\nThe church was built at the top of a small rise.\nsee also HIGH-RISE\n IDIOMS \n  get a rise out of sb to make sb react in an angry way by saying sth that you know will annoy them, especially as a joke\n  give rise to sth (formal) to cause sth to happen or exist:\nThe novel’s success gave rise to a number of sequels.\n    verb (rose ) [V]\n  move upwards\n  1  to come or go upwards; to reach a higher level or position:\nSmoke was rising from the chimney. * The river has risen (by) several metres.\n  get up\n  2  (written) to get up from a lying, sitting or kneeling position:\nHe was accustomed to rising (= getting out of bed) early. * They rose from the table. * She rose to her feet.\n  of sun / moon\n  3  when the sun, moon, etc. rises, it appears above the HORIZON:\nThe sun rises in the east.\nOPP SET\n  end meeting\n  4  (formal) (of a group of people) to end a meeting\nSYN ADJOURN:\nThe House (= members of the House of Commons) rose at 10 p.m.\n  increase\n  5  to increase in amount or number:\nrising fuel bills / divorce rates * The price of gas rose. * Gas rose in price. * Unemployment rose (by) 3%. * Air pollution has risen above an acceptable level.\n  become powerful / important\n  6  to become more successful, important, powerful, etc:\na rising young politician * She rose to power in the 70s. * He rose to the rank of general. * She rose through the ranks to become managing director.\n  of sound\n  7  (written) if a sound rises, it become louder and higher:\nHer voice rose angrily.\n  of wind\n  8  if the wind rises, it begins to blow more strongly\nSYN GET UP:\nThe wind is rising-I think there’s a storm coming.\n  of feeling\n  9  (written) if a feeling rises inside you, it begins and gets stronger:\nHe felt anger rising inside him. * Her spirits rose (= she felt happier) at the news.\n  of your colour\n  10  (written) if your colour rises, your face becomes pink or red with embarrassment\n  of hair\n  11  if hair rises, it becomes upright instead of lying flat:\nThe hair on the back of my neck rose when I heard the scream.\n  fight\n  12  ~ (up) (against sb/sth) (formal) to begin to fight against your ruler or government or against a foreign army\nSYN REBEL:\nThe peasants rose in revolt. * He called on the people to rise up against the invaders.\nrelated noun UPRISING\n  become visible\n  13  (written) to be or become visible above the surroundings:\nMountains rose in the distance.\n  of land\n  14  if land rises, it slopes upwards:\nThe ground rose steeply all around.\n  of beginning of river\n  15  a river rises where it begins to flow:\nThe Thames rises in the Cotswold hills.\n  of bread / cakes\n  16  when bread, cakes, etc. rise, they swell because of the action of YEAST or BAKING POWDER\n  of dead person\n  17  ~ (from sth) to come to life again:\nto rise from the dead * (figurative) Can a new party rise from the ashes of the old one?\n IDIOMS \n  rise and shine (old-fashioned) usually used in orders to tell sb to get out of bed and be active\nmore at HEIGHT, GORGE n., HACKLES\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rise above sth (written)\n1 to not be affected or limited by problems, insults, etc:\nShe had the courage and determination to rise above her physical disability. * He had struggled hard to rise above his humble background.\n2 to be wise enough or morally good enough not to do sth wrong or not to think the same as other people:\nI try to rise above prejudice.\n3 to be of a higher standard than other things of a similar kind:\nHis work rarely rises above the mediocre.\n  rise to sth\n1 to show that you are able to deal with an unexpected situation, problem, etc:\nLuckily, my mother rose to the occasion. * He was determined to rise to the challenge.\n2 to react when sb is deliberately trying to make you angry or get you interested in sth:\nI refuse to rise to that sort of comment. * As soon as I mentioned money he rose to the bait.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nrise / raise\nVerbs\nRaise is a verb that must have an object and rise is used without an object. When you raise something, you lift it to a higher position or increase it: He raised his head from the pillow. * We were forced to raise the price. When people or things rise, they move from a lower to a higher position: She rose from the chair. * The helicopter rose into the air. Rise can also mean ’to increase in number or quantity’: Costs are always rising.\nNouns\nThe noun rise means a movement upwards or an increase in an amount or quantity: a rise in interest rates.In BrE it can also be used to mean an increase in pay: Should I ask my boss for a rise? In AmE this is a raise: a three per cent pay raise. Rise can also mean the process of becoming more powerful or important: his dramatic rise to power.\n______________________________


Words: riser
Meaning:
noun\n  1  early / late ~ a person who usually gets out of bed early/late in the morning\n  2  (technical) the upright part between two steps in a set of stairs\ncompare TREAD


Words: risible
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, disapproving) deserving to be laughed at rather than taken seriously\nSYN LUDICROUS, RIDICULOUS


Words: rising
Meaning:
noun\na situation in which a group of people protest against, and try to get rid of, a government, a leader, etc.\nSYN REVOLT, UPRISING:\nThe rising was crushed by government troops.


Words: rising damp
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) [U] a condition in which water comes up from the ground into the walls of a building, causing damage


Words: risk
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (of sth) | ~ (that ...) | ~ (to sb/sth) the possibility of sth bad happening at some time in the future; a situation that could be dangerous or have a bad result:\nSmoking can increase the risk of developing heart disease. * Patients should be made aware of the risks involved with this treatment. * There is still a risk that the whole deal will fall through. * The chemicals pose little risk (= are not dangerous) to human health. * a calculated risk (= one that you think is small compared with the possible benefits) * Any business venture contains an element of risk. * We could probably trust her with the information but it’s just not worth the risk.\n  2  [C] ~ (to sth) a person or thing that is likely to cause problems or danger at some time in the future:\nThe group was considered to be a risk to national security. * a major health / fire risk\n  3  [C] a good / bad / poor ~ a person or business that a bank or an insurance company is willing/unwilling to lend money or sell insurance to because they are likely/unlikely to pay back the money etc:\nWith five previous claims, he’s now a bad insurance risk.\n IDIOMS \n  at risk (from / of sth) in danger of sth unpleasant or harmful happening:\nAs with all diseases, certain groups will be more at risk than others. * If we go to war, innocent lives will be put at risk.\n  at the risk of doing sth used to introduce sth that may sound stupid or may offend sb:\nAt the risk of showing my ignorance, how exactly does the Internet work?\n  at risk to yourself / sb/sth with the possibility of harming yourself/sb/sth:\nHe dived in to save the dog at considerable risk to his own life.\n  do sth at your own risk to do sth even though you have been warned about the possible dangers and will have to take responsibility for anything bad that happens:\nPersons swimming beyond this point do so at their own risk (= on a notice). * Valuables are left at their owner’s risk (= on a notice).\n  run the risk (of doing sth) | run risks to be or put yourself in a situation in which sth bad could happen to you:\nWe don’t want to run the risk of losing their business. * Investment is all about running risks.\n  take a risk | take risks to do sth even though you know that sth bad could happen as a result:\nThat’s a risk I’m not prepared to take. * You have no right to take risks with other people’s lives.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] to put sth valuable or important in a dangerous situation, in which it could be lost or damaged:\nHe risked his life to save her. * She was risking her own and her children’s health. * He risked all his money on a game of cards. * They were willing to risk everything for their liberty.\n  2  to do sth that may mean that you get into a situation which is unpleasant for you:\n[VN] There was no choice. If they stayed there, they risked death. * [V -ing] They knew they risked being arrested. [also VN -ing]\n  3  to do sth that you know is not really a good idea or may not succeed:\n[VN] He risked a glance at her furious face. * It was a difficult decision but we decided to risk it. * [V -ing] We’ve been advised not to risk travelling in these conditions.\n IDIOMS \n  risk life and limb | risk your neck to risk being killed or injured in order to do sth:\nShe risked life and limb to save her children from the fire.


Words: risky
Meaning:
adjective\n(riskier, riskiest)\n HELP NOTE  You can also use more risky and most risky.) involving the possibility of sth bad happening:\nLife as an aid worker can be a risky business (= very dangerous). * a risky investment * It’s far too risky to generalize from one set of results.\n    riskily  adverb\n    riskiness  noun [U]


Words: risque
Meaning:
adjective\na risque performance, comment, joke, etc. is a little shocking, usually because it is about sex


Words: rissole
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a small flat mass or ball of chopped meat (sometimes covered with BREADCRUMBS) that is fried


Words: rite
Meaning:
noun\na ceremony performed by a particular group of people, often for religious purposes:\nfertility / funeral rites * initiation rites (= performed when a new member joins a secret society)\nsee also THE LAST RITES


Words: ritual
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [C, U]\n  1  a series of actions that are always carried out in the same way, especially as part of a religious ceremony:\nreligious / pagan rituals * She objects to the ritual of organized religion.\n  2  something that is done regularly and always in the same way:\nSunday lunch with the in-laws has become something of a ritual.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  done as part of a ritual or ceremony:\nritual chanting / practices\n  2  always done or said in the same way, especially when this is not sincere:\nritual expressions of sympathy\n    ritually adverb:\nThe goat was ritually slaughtered.


Words: ritualistic
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  connected with the rituals performed as part of a ceremony:\na ritualistic act of worship * Objects connected with the saint have assumed an almost ritualistic significance.\n  2  always done or said in the same way, especially when this is not sincere


Words: ritualize
Meaning:
(BrE also ritualise)  verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (written) to do sth in the same way or pattern every time:\nritualized expressions of grief * Bull fights are highly ritualized by centuries of performance.


Words: rival
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun ~ (to sb/sth) (for sth) a person, company, or thing that competes with another in sport, business, etc:\nThe two teams have always been rivals. * The Japanese are our biggest economic rivals. * This latest design has no rivals (= it is easily the best design available).\n    rival adjective [only before noun]:\na rival bid / claim / offer * fighting between rival groups * He was shot by a member of a rival gang.\n    verb (-ll-, AmE also -l-) [VN] ~ sb/sth (for / in sth) to be as good, impressive, etc. as sb/sth else:\nYou will find scenery to rival anything you can see in the Alps. * Golf cannot rival football for excitement.\nsee also UNRIVALLED


Words: rivalry
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural rivalries) ~ (with sb/sth) (for sth) | ~ (between A and B) (for sth) a state in which two people, companies, etc. are competing for the same thing:\na fierce rivalry for world supremacy * There is a certain amount of friendly rivalry between the teams. * political rivalries * sibling rivalry (= between brothers and sisters)


Words: riven
Meaning:
with sth) (formal)\n  1  (of a group of people) divided because of disagreements, especially in a violent way:\na party riven by internal disputes\n  2  (of an object) divided into two or more pieces:\nThe wood was riven with deep cracks.


Words: river
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (abbreviation R.) a natural flow of water that continues in a long line across land to the sea/ocean:\nthe River Thames * the Hudson River * the river bank (= the ground at the side of a river) * to travel up / down river (= in the opposite direction to / in the same direction as the way in which the river is flowing) * the mouth of the river (= where it enters the sea / ocean) * a houseboat on the river * They have a house on the river (= beside it).\n \n  2  ~ (of sth) a large amount of liquid that is flowing in a particular direction:\nRivers of molten lava flowed down the mountain.\n \n IDIOMS  see SELL v.


Words: riverfront
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (especially AmE) an area of land next to a river with buildings, shops/stores, restaurants, etc. on it:\na luxury riverfront apartment


Words: riverside
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the ground along either side of a river:\na riverside path / restaurant * a walk by the riverside * They’ve built a new house on the riverside.


Words: rivet
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a metal pin that is used to fasten two pieces of leather, metal, etc. together\n    verb [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  to hold sb’s interest or attention so completely that they cannot look away or think of anything else:\nI was absolutely riveted by her story. * My eyes were riveted on the figure lying in the road. * Public attention was riveted on this topic on both sides on the Atlantic.\n  2  to fasten sth with rivets:\nThe steel plates were riveted together.\n IDIOMS \n  be riveted to the spot / ground to be so shocked or frightened that you cannot move


Words: riveting
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) so interesting or exciting that it holds your attention completely:\nAs usual, she gave a riveting performance. * (humorous) It was hardly the most riveting of lectures, was it?


Words: riviera
Meaning:
noun\n(often Riviera) an area by the sea that is warm and popular for holidays, especially the Mediterranean coast of France:\nthe French Riviera


Words: rivulet
Meaning:
noun\n(formal or written) a very small river; a small stream of water or other liquid:\nRivulets of sweat ran down her back. * Rain ran in tiny rivulets down the window.


Words: roach
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (AmE, informal) = COCKROACH:\nThe apartments were infested with rats and roaches.\n  2  (plural roach) a small European FRESHWATER fish\n  3  (slang) the end part of a cigarette containing MARIJUANA


Words: road
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a hard surface built for vehicles to travel on:\na main / major / minor road * a country / mountain road * They live just along / up / down the road (= further on the same road). * The house is on a very busy road. * He was walking along the road when he was attacked. * It takes about five hours by road (= driving). * It would be better to transport the goods by rail rather than by road. * Take the first road on the left and then follow the signs. * We parked on a side road. * road accidents / safety / users * a road map\n \n  2  (Road) (abbreviation Rd) used in names of roads, especially in towns:\n35 York Road\n \n  3  the way to achieving sth:\nto be on the road to success / recovery * We have discussed privatization, but we would prefer not to go down that particular road.\n \n IDIOMS \n  any road (NorthE) = ANYWAY\n  one for the road (spoken) a last alcoholic drink before you leave a party, etc.\n  on the road\n1 travelling, especially for long distances or periods of time:\nThe band has been on the road for six months. * I’ve been on the road since six this morning.\n2 (of a car) in good condition so that it can be legally driven:\nIt will cost about ｣500 to get the car back on the road.\n3 moving from place to place, and having no permanent home:\nLife on the road can be very hard.\nmore at END n., FURTHER adv., HIT v., SHOW n.\n______________________________\n MORE ABOUT \nroads\nRoads and streets\nIn a town or city, street is the most general word for a road with houses and buildings on one or both sides: a street map of London. Street is not used for roads between towns, but streets in towns are often called Road: Oxford Street * Edgeware Road .A road map of France would show you the major routes between, around and through towns and cities.\nOther words used in the names of streets include: Circle, Court, Crescent, Drive, Hill and Way. Avenue suggests a wide street lined with trees. A lane is a narrow street between buildings or, in BrE, a narrow country road.\nThe high street\nHigh street is used in BrE, especially as a name, for the main street of a town, where most shops, banks, etc. are: the record store in the High Street * high street shops. In AmE Main Street is often used as a name for this street.\nLarger roads\nBritish and American English use different words for the roads that connect towns and cities. Motorways, (for example, the M57) in BrE, freeways, highways or interstates, (for example State Route 347, Interstate 94, the Long Island Expressway) in AmE, are large divided roads built for long-distance traffic to avoid towns.\nA ring road (BrE) / an outer belt (AmE) is built around a city or town to reduce traffic in the centre. This can also be called a beltway in AmE, although this usually refers to the road around Washington D.C. A bypass passes around a town or city rather than through the centre.\n______________________________


Words: road hog
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving) a person who drives in a dangerous way without thinking about the safety of other road users


Words: road rage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a situation in which a driver becomes extremely angry or violent with the driver of another car because of the way they are driving


Words: road sense
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the ability to behave in a safe way when driving, walking, etc. on roads:\nKids don’t really have much road sense.


Words: roadblock
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a barrier put across the road by the police or army so that they can stop and search vehicles:\nThe police set up a roadblock on the bridge.\n  2  (AmE) something that stops a plan from going ahead:\nThe project faces legal roadblocks.


Words: roadie
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a person who works with musicians, especially pop bands, when they are on tour, and helps move and set up their equipment


Words: roadshow
Meaning:
noun\na travelling show arranged by a radio or television programme, or by a magazine, company or political party


Words: roadside
Meaning:
noun\nthe edge of the road:\nWe parked by the roadside. * a roadside cafe * Children were selling cold drinks by the roadside.


Words: roadworks
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (BrE) repairs that are being done to the road; an area where these repairs are being done


Words: roam
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to walk or travel around an area without any definite aim or direction\nSYN WANDER [V, often +adv./prep.] The sheep are allowed to roam freely on this land. * [VN] to roam the countryside / the streets\n  2  ~ (over) sth/sb (of the eyes or hands) to move slowly over every part of sb/sth:\n[V] His gaze roamed over her. * [VN] Her eyes roamed the room.


Words: roan
Meaning:
noun\nan animal, especially a horse, that has hair of two colours mixed together:\na strawberry roan (= with a mixture of brown and grey hair that looks pink)\n    roan adjective [only before noun]:\na roan mare


Words: roar
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] to make a very loud, deep sound:\nWe heard a lion roar. * The gun roared deafeningly. * The engine roared to life (= started noisily). * The wind was roaring in my ears.\n  2  ~ (sth) (out) to shout sth very loudly:\n[V] The crowd roared. * [VN] The fans roared (out) their approval. * He roared out James’s name. * [V speech] ’Stand back,’ he roared.\n  3  [V] ~ (with laughter) to laugh very loudly:\nHe looked so funny, we all roared. * It made them roar with laughter.\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] (of a vehicle or its rider / driver) to move very fast, making a lot of noise:\nShe put her foot down and the car roared away. * A group of young men on motorcycles roared past.\n  5  [V] (of a fire) to burn brightly with a lot of flames, heat and noise:\nA log fire was roaring in the hearth.\n    noun\n  1  a loud deep sound made by an animal, especially a lion, or by sb’s voice:\nHis speech was greeted by a roar of applause. * roars of laughter\n  2  a loud continuous noise made by the wind or sea, or by a machine:\nI could barely hear above the roar of traffic. * the roar of the Atlantic


Words: roaring
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  making a continuous loud deep noise:\nAll we could hear was the sound of roaring water.\n  2  (of a fire) burning with a lot of flames and heat:\nThere was a roaring fire was in the grate, piled high with logs.\n IDIOMS \n  do a roaring trade (in sth) (informal) to sell a lot of sth very quickly:\nThe ice cream vendors were doing a roaring trade.\n  roaring drunk extremely drunk and noisy:\nHe rolled home roaring drunk at 3 o’clock in the morning.\n  a roaring success (informal) a very great success:\nThe latest Disneyland has been a roaring success.


Words: roast
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb\n  1  to cook food, especially meat, without liquid in an oven or over a fire; to be cooked in this way:\n[VN] to roast a chicken * [V] the smell of roasting meat\n  2  [VN] to cook nuts, beans, etc. in order to dry them and turn them brown:\nroasted chestnuts / coffee beans / peanuts\n  3  [VN] (informal or humorous) to be very angry with sb; to criticize sb strongly\n  4  (informal) to become or to make sth become very hot in the sun or by a fire:\n[V] She could feel her skin beginning to roast. [also VN]\n    noun\n\n \n  1  (BrE also joint) a large piece of meat that is cooked whole in the oven:\nthe Sunday roast\n \n  2  (AmE) (often in compounds) a party that takes place in sb’s garden/yard at which food is cooked over an open fire:\na hot dog roast\n \n  3  (AmE) an event, especially a meal, at which people celebrate sb’s life by telling funny stories, insulting jokes, etc. about them\n    adjective\n [only before noun] cooked in an oven or over a fire:\nroast chicken / beef / chestnuts


Words: roasting
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] used for roasting meat, vegetables, etc:\na roasting dish\n  2  (also roasting hot) so hot that you feel uncomfortable:\nI’m roasting in this sweater. * a roasting hot day\n    noun [sing.] (informal)\n IDIOMS \n  give sb / get a roasting to criticize sb or be criticized in an angry way


Words: rob
Meaning:
verb\n(-bb-) [VN] ~ sb/sth (of sth) to steal money or property from a person or place:\nto rob a bank * The tomb had been robbed of its treasures. * The gang had robbed and killed the drugstore owner. -> STEAL\n IDIOMS \n  rob sb blind (informal) to cheat or deceive sb so that they lose a lot of money:\nYou can’t trust them. They’ll rob you blind as soon as your back is turned.\n  rob Peter to pay Paul (saying) to borrow money from one person to pay back what you owe to another person; to take money from one thing to use for sth else\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rob sb/sth of sth [often passive] to prevent sb having sth that they need or deserve:\nA last-minute goal robbed the team of victory. * He had been robbed of his dignity.


Words: robber
Meaning:
noun\na person who steals from a person or place, especially using violence or threats:\na bank robber -> STEAL


Words: robbery
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural robberies) the crime of stealing money or goods from a bank, shop/store, person, etc., especially using violence or threats:\narmed robbery (= using a gun, knife, etc.) * There has been a spate of robberies in the area recently.\ncompare BURGLARY, THEFT\n IDIOMS  see DAYLIGHT


Words: robe
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a long loose outer piece of clothing, especially one worn as a sign of rank or office at a special ceremony:\ncoronation robes * cardinals in scarlet robes\n \n  2  = BATHROBE\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] (formal) to dress sb/yourself in long loose clothes or in the way mentioned:\na robed choir * The priests were robed in black.


Words: robin
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a small brown European bird with a red breast\n \n  2  a grey American bird with a red breast, larger than a European robin\nsee also ROUND ROBIN


Words: robot
Meaning:
noun\na machine that can do some tasks that a human can do and that works automatically or is controlled by a computer:\nThese cars are built by robots.


Words: robotic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with robots:\na robotic arm\n  2  like a robot, making stiff movements, speaking without feeling or expression, etc:\nrobotic movements


Words: robust
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  strong and healthy:\nShe was almost 90, but still very robust.\n  2  strong; able to survive being used a lot and not likely to break\nSYN STURDY:\na robust piece of equipment\n  3  (of a system or an organization) strong and not likely to fail or become weak:\nrobust economic growth\n  4  strong and full of determination; showing that you are sure about what you are doing or saying:\nIt was a typically robust performance by the Foreign Secretary. * The company is taking a more robust approach to management.\n    robustly adverb:\nThe furniture was robustly constructed. * They defended their policies robustly.\n    robustness noun [U]


Words: rock
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  hard material\n \n  1  [U, C] the hard solid material that forms part of the surface of the earth and some other planets:\nThey drilled through several layers of rock to reach the oil. * a collapsed sea cave with striking rock formations (= shapes made naturally from rock) * The tunnel was blasted out of solid rock. * volcanic / igneous / sedimentary rocks\n \n  2  [C] a mass of rock standing above the earth’s surface or in the sea/ocean:\nthe Rock of Gibraltar * The ship crashed into the infamous Sker Point rocks and broke into three pieces.\n \n  3  [C] a large single piece of rock:\nThey clambered over the rocks at the foot of the cliff. * The sign said ’Danger: falling rocks’.\n \n  stone\n  4  [C] (AmE) a small stone:\nProtesters pelted the soldiers with rocks.\n  music\n  5  (also rock music) [U] a type of loud modern music with a strong beat played on electric guitars and drums:\nhard / punk rock * a rock band / star\n  sweet / candy\n  6  (BrE) (AmE rock candy) [U] a type of hard sweet/candy made in long sticks, often sold at holiday/vacation RESORTS (= towns) by the sea/ocean:\na stick of Brighton rock\n  jewel\n  7  [C, usually pl.] (AmE, informal) a jewel, especially a diamond\n IDIOMS \n  (caught / stuck) between a rock and a hard place in a situation where you have to choose between two things, both of which are unpleasant\n  on the rocks\n1 a relationship or business that is on the rocks is having difficulties and is likely to fail soon:\nSue’s marriage is on the rocks.\n2 (of drinks) served with pieces of ice but no water:\nScotch on the rocks\nmore at STEADY adj.\n    verb\n  move gently\n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] to move gently backwards and forwards or from side to side; to make sb/sth move in this way:\n[V] The boat rocked from side to side in the waves. * She was rocking backwards and forwards in her seat. * [VN] He rocked the baby gently in his arms.\n  shock\n  2  [VN] [often passive] (written) to shock sb/sth very much or make them afraid:\nThe country was rocked by a series of political scandals. * The news rocked the world.\n  shake\n  3  to shake or to make sth shake violently:\n[V] The whole house rocked when the bomb exploded. * [VN] The town was rocked by an earthquake. * (figurative) The scandal rocked the government (= made the situation difficult for it).\n  dance\n  4  [V] (old-fashioned) to dance to ROCK MUSIC\n IDIOMS \n  rock the boat (informal) to do sth that upsets a situation and causes problems:\nShe was told to keep her mouth shut and not rock the boat.\nmore at FOUNDATION


Words: rock and roll
Meaning:
(also rock ’n’ roll) noun\n[U] a type of music popular in the 1950s with a strong beat and simple tunes


Words: rock face
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a vertical surface of rock, especially on a mountain:\nA cable car ascends the last 800 metres up to the sheer rock face.


Words: rock pool
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE tide pool) noun\na small amount of water that collects between the rocks by the sea/ocean


Words: rock solid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that you can trust not to change or to disappear:\nThe support for the party was rock solid.\n  2  extremely hard and not likely to break:\nThe ice on the river was rock solid.


Words: rock-bottom
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (informal) the lowest point or level that is possible:\nPrices hit rock-bottom. * The marriage had reached rock-bottom.\n    rock-bottom adjective:\nrock-bottom prices


Words: rocker
Meaning:
noun\n  1  one of the two curved pieces of wood on the bottom of a rocking chair\n  2  (especially AmE) = ROCKING CHAIR\n  3  (Rocker) (BrE) a member of a group of young people in Britain, especially in the 1960s, who liked to wear leather jackets, ride motorcycles and listen to ROCK MUSIC\ncompare MOD\n  4  a person who performs, dances to or enjoys ROCK MUSIC:\na concert by ageing rocker, Rod Stewart\n IDIOMS \n  be off your rocker (informal, spoken) to be crazy


Words: rockery
Meaning:
noun\n(plural rockeries) (also rock garden) a garden or part of a garden consisting of an arrangement of large stones with plants growing among them


Words: rocket
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a spacecraft in the shape of a tube that is driven by a stream of gases let out behind it when fuel is burned inside:\na space rocket * The rocket was launched in March 1980. * The idea took off like a rocket (= it immediately became popular).\n  2  [C] a MISSILE (= a weapon that travels through the air) that carries a bomb and is driven by a stream of burning gases:\na rocket attack * A rocket smashed into the side of the building.\n  3  [C] a FIREWORK that goes high into the air and then explodes with coloured lights\n  4  [U] (BrE) (AmE arugula) a plant with long green leaves that have a strong flavour and are eaten raw in salads\n IDIOMS \n  to give sb a rocket | to get a rocket (BrE, informal) to speak angrily to sb because they have done sth wrong; to be spoken to angrily for this reason\n    verb\n  1  [V] to increase very quickly and suddenly:\nrocketing crime / prices * Unemployment has rocketed up again. * The total has rocketed from 376 to 532. * Sales have rocketed by 213 percent.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to move very fast:\nThe car rocketed out of a side street.\n  3  to achieve or to make sb/sth achieve a successful position very quickly:\n[V] The band rocketed to stardom with their first single. [also VN]\n  4  [VN] to attack a place with rockets


Words: rocking chair
Meaning:
(also rocker especially in AmE) noun\na chair with two curved pieces of wood under it that make it move backwards and forwards


Words: rocky
Meaning:
adjective (rockier, rockiest)\n  1  made of rock; full of rocks:\na rocky coastline * rocky soil\n  2  difficult and not certain to continue or to be successful:\na rocky marriage


Words: rococo
Meaning:
(also Rococo)  adjective\nused to describe a style of architecture, furniture, etc. that has a lot of decoration, especially in the shape of curls; used to describe a style of literature or music that has a lot of detail and decoration. The rococo style was popular in the 18th century:\na rococo palace / garden / mirror\n    rococo (also Rococo) noun [U]:\nShe had a passion for Italian rococo.


Words: rod
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (often used in compounds) a long straight piece of wood, metal or glass\nsee also LIGHTNING ROD\n \n  2  = FISHING ROD:\nfishing with rod and line\n \n  3  (also the rod) (old-fashioned) a stick that is used for hitting people as a punishment:\nThere used to be a saying: ’Spare the rod and spoil the child.’\n \n  4  (AmE, slang) a small gun\n IDIOMS \n  make a rod for your own back to do sth that will cause problems for you in the future\nmore at BEAT v., RULE v.


Words: rodent
Meaning:
noun\nany small animal that belongs to a group of animals with strong sharp front teeth. Mice, rats and rabbits are all rodents.


Words: rodeo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural rodeos) a public competition, especially in the US, in which COWBOYS show their skill at riding wild horses and catching CATTLE with ropes


Words: roe
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the mass of eggs inside a female fish (hard roe) or the SPERM of a male fish (soft roe), used as food:\nTaramasalata is made from cod’s roe, olive oil and garlic.\n  2  = ROE DEER


Words: roger
Meaning:
exclamation, verb \n    exclamation people say Roger! in communication by radio to show that they have understood a message\n    verb [VN] (BrE, !!!, slang) (of a man) to have sex with sb


Words: rogue
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  (humorous) a person who behaves badly, but in a harmless way:\nHe’s a bit of a rogue, but very charming.\n  2  (old-fashioned) a man who is dishonest and immoral:\na rogues’ gallery (= a collection of pictures of criminals)\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of an animal) living apart from the main group, and possibly dangerous\n  2  behaving differently from other similar people or things, often causing damage:\na rogue gene * a rogue police officer


Words: roguish
Meaning:
adjective\n(usually approving) (of a person) pleasant and amusing but looking as if they might do sth wrong:\na roguish smile\n    roguishly adverb


Words: role
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the function or position that sb has or is expected to have in an organization, in society or in a relationship:\nthe role of the teacher in the classroom * She refused to take on the traditional woman’s role. * In many marriages there has been a complete role reversal (= change of roles) with the man staying at home and the woman going out to work.\n  2  an actor’s part in a play, film/movie, etc:\nIt is one of the greatest roles she has played. * Who is in the leading role (= the most important one)?\n  3  the degree to which sb/sth is involved in a situation or an activity and the effect that they have on it:\nthe role of diet in preventing disease * The media play a major role in influencing people’s opinions. * a key / vital role


Words: role model
Meaning:
noun\na person that you admire and try to copy:\nWe need positive role models for young women to aspire to. * Parents are a child’s primary role models.


Words: role-play
Meaning:
noun\na learning activity in which you behave in the way sb else would behave in a particular situation:\nRole-play allows students to practise language in a safe situation.\n    role-play verb [V, VN]


Words: roll
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  of paper / fabric, etc.\n \n  1  [C] ~ (of sth) a long piece of paper, fabric, film, etc. that has been wrapped around itself or a tube several times so that it forms the shape of a tube:\na roll of carpet / film * Wallpaper is sold in rolls.\nsee also TOILET ROLL\n \n  of sweets / candy\n \n  2  (AmE) a paper tube wrapped around sweets/candy, etc:\na roll of mints\n \n  bread\n  3  (also bread roll) [C] a small LOAF of bread for one person:\nSoup and a roll: ｣1.50 * (especially BrE) a chicken / ham roll (= filled with chicken / ham)\ncompare BUN\nsee also SAUSAGE ROLL, SPRING ROLL, SWISS ROLL\n  of body\n  4  [sing.] an act of rolling the body over and over:\nThe kittens were enjoying a roll in the sunshine.\n  5  [C] a physical exercise in which you roll your body on the ground, moving your back and legs over your head:\na forward / backward roll\n  of ship / plane\n  6  [U] the act of moving from side to side so that one side is higher than the other\ncompare PITCH n. (8)\n  of fat\n  7  [C] an area of too much fat on your body, especially around your waist:\nRolls of fat hung over his belt.\n  list of names\n  8  [C] an official list of names:\nthe electoral roll (= a list of all the people who can vote in an election) * The chairman called / took the roll (= called out the names on a list to check that everyone was present).\nsee also PAYROLL\n  sound\n  9  [C] ~ (of sth) a deep continuous sound:\nthe distant roll of thunder * a drum roll\n  of dice\n  10  [C] an act of rolling a DICE:\nThe order of play is decided by the roll of a dice.\nsee also ROCK AND ROLL\n IDIOMS \n  be on a roll (informal) to be experiencing a period of success at what you are doing:\nDon’t stop me now-I’m on a roll!\n  a roll in the hay (informal) an act of having sex with sb\n    verb\n  turn over\n  1  [+adv./prep.] to turn over and over and move in a particular direction; to make a round object do this:\n[V] The ball rolled down the hill. * We watched the waves rolling onto the beach. * Tears rolled down her cheeks. * [VN] Delivery men were rolling barrels across the yard.\n  2  [usually +adv./prep.] to turn over and over or round and round while remaining in the same place; to make sth do this:\n[V] a dog rolling in the mud * [VN] He was rolling a pencil between his fingers. * [V, VN] Her eyes rolled. * She rolled her eyes upwards (= to show surprise or disapproval).\n  3  ~ (sb/sth) over (onto sth) | ~ (sb/sth) (over) onto sth to turn over to face a different direction; to make sb/sth do this:\n[V] She rolled over to let the sun brown her back. * He rolled onto his back. * [VN] I rolled the baby over onto its stomach. * (AmE) She rolled her car in a 100 mph crash. * to roll a dice / die (= in a game)\n  move on wheels\n  4  [usually +adv./prep.] to move smoothly (on wheels or as if on wheels); to make sth do this:\n[V] The car began to roll back down the hill. * The traffic rolled slowly forwards. * Mist was rolling in from the sea. * [VN] He rolled the trolley across the room.\n  make ball / tube\n  5  ~ (sth) (up) (into sth) to make sth/yourself into the shape of a ball or tube:\n[VN] I rolled the string into a ball. * We rolled up the carpet. * a rolled-up newspaper * I always roll my own (= make my own cigarettes). * [V] The hedgehog rolled up into a ball.\ncompare UNROLL\n  fold clothing\n  6  [VN +adv./prep.] ~ sth (up) to fold the edge of a piece of clothing, etc. over and over on itself to make it shorter:\nRoll up your sleeves. * She rolled her jeans to her knees.\n  make sth flat\n  7  [VN] to make sth flat by pushing sth heavy over it:\nRoll the pastry on a floured surface.\n  wrap up\n  8  [VN] ~ sb/sth / yourself (up) in sth to wrap or cover sb/sth/yourself in sth:\nRoll the meat in the breadcrumbs. * He rolled himself up in the blanket.\n  of ship / plane / walk\n  9  to move or make sth move from side to side:\n[V] He walked with a rolling gait. * The ship was rolling heavily to and fro. [also VN] \ncompare PITCH v. (6)\n  make sound\n  10  to make a long continuous sound:\n[V] rolling drums * Thunder rolled. * [VN] to roll your r’s (= by letting your tongue VIBRATE with each ’r’ sound)\n  machine\n  11  when a machine rolls or sb rolls it, it operates:\n[V] They had to repeat the scene because the cameras weren’t rolling. * [VN] Roll the cameras!\n IDIOMS \n  be rolling in money / it (informal) to have a lot of money\n  rolled into one combined in one person or thing:\nBanks are several businesses rolled into one.\n  rolling in the aisles laughing a lot:\nShe soon had us rolling in the aisles.\n  roll on ...! (spoken, BrE) used to say that you want sth to happen or arrive soon:\nRoll on Friday!\n  roll up your sleeves to prepare to work or fight\n  roll with the punches to adapt yourself to a difficult situation\nmore at BALL n., GRAVE n., HEAD n., READY adj., TONGUE n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  roll around (BrE also roll about) to be laughing so much that you can hardly control yourself\n  roll sth<->back\n1 to turn or force sth back or further away:\nto roll back the frontiers of space\n2 to reduce prices, etc:\nto roll back inflation\n  roll sth<->down\n1 to open sth by turning a handle:\nHe rolled down his car window and started shouting at them.\n2 to make a rolled piece of clothing, etc. hang or lie flat:\nto roll down a blind / your sleeves\n  roll in (informal)\n1 to arrive in great numbers or amounts:\nOffers of help are still rolling in.\n2 to arrive late at a place, without seeming worried or sorry:\nSteve rolled in around lunchtime.\n  roll sth<->out\n1 to make sth flat by pushing sth over it:\nRoll out the pastry.\n2 to officially make a new product available or start a new political CAMPAIGN\nSYN LAUNCH:\nThe new model is to be rolled out in July.\nrelated noun ROLL-OUT\n  roll up (informal) to arrive:\nBill finally rolled up two hours late. * Roll up! Roll up! (= used to invite people who are passing to form an audience)\n  roll sth<->up to close sth by turning a handle:\nShe rolled up all the windows.


Words: roll of honour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE honor roll) noun\n[usually sing.] a list of people who are being praised officially for sth they have done


Words: roll-call
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] the reading aloud of a list of names to check who is there:\nRoll-call will be at 7 a.m. * The guest list reads like a roll-call of the nation’s heroes.


Words: roll-on
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] spread or put on the body using a ball that moves around in the top of a bottle or container:\na roll-on deodorant\n    roll-on noun


Words: roll-on roll-off
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (abbreviation ro-ro) (BrE) (of a ship) designed so that cars can be driven straight on and off:\na roll-on roll-off car ferry


Words: rollback
Meaning:
noun [sing., U] (especially AmE)\n  1  a reduction in a price or in pay, to a past level\n  2  the act of changing a situation, law, etc. back to what it was before


Words: rolled oats
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] OATS that have had their shells removed before being crushed, used especially for making PORRIDGE


Words: roller
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a piece of wood, metal or plastic, shaped like a tube, that rolls over and over and is used in machines, for example to make sth flat, or to move sth:\nthe heavy steel rollers under the conveyor belt * a roller blind (= a blind for a window that is wound on a roller) * a roller towel (= a long piece of towel on a roller, usually used in a public place)\n \n  2  (often in compounds) a machine or piece of equipment with a part shaped like a tube so that it rolls backwards and forwards. It may be used for making sth flat, crushing or spreading sth:\nFlatten the surface of the grass with a roller. * a paint roller\nsee also STEAMROLLER\n \n  3  a piece of wood or metal, shaped like a tube, that is used for moving heavy objects:\nWe’ll need to move the piano on rollers.\n  4  a long, powerful wave in the sea/ocean:\nHuge Atlantic rollers crashed onto the rocks.\n  5  a small plastic tube that hair is rolled around to give it curls\nSYN CURLER:\nheated rollers * Her hair was in rollers.\nsee also HIGH ROLLER


Words: roller coaster
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a track at a FAIRGROUND that goes up and down very steep slopes and that people ride on in a small train for fun and excitement:\na roller-coaster ride\n \n  2  a situation that keeps changing very quickly:\nThe last few weeks have been a real roller coaster. * an emotional roller coaster


Words: roller skate
Meaning:
(also skate) noun, verb \n    noun a type of boot with two pairs of small wheels attached to the bottom:\na pair of roller skates\n    verb [V] to move over a hard surface wearing roller skates\n    roller skating (also skating) noun [U]


Words: Rollerblade
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE Roller Blade)  (also in-line skate) noun\n\na type of boot with a line of small wheels attached to the bottom\n \n    Rollerblade verb [V]


Words: rollicking
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] cheerful and often noisy:\na rollicking comedy\n    noun (informal, BrE) angry criticism for sth bad sb has done:\nHe gave us both a rollicking.


Words: rolling
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of hills or countryside) having gentle slopes\n  2  done in regular stages or at regular intervals over a period of time:\na rolling programme of reform


Words: rolling pin
Meaning:
noun\na wooden or glass kitchen UTENSIL (= a tool) in the shape of a tube, used for rolling pastry flat


Words: rollmop
Meaning:
noun\na piece of raw HERRING (= a type of fish) that is rolled up and preserved in VINEGAR, often sold in JARS


Words: rollover
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (technical) the act of allowing money that is owed to be paid at a later date\n  2  [U, C] (BrE) a prize of money in a competition or LOTTERY in a particular week, that is added to the prize given in the following week if nobody wins it:\na rollover jackpot\n  3  [U] (especially AmE) the turning over of a vehicle during an accident


Words: roly-poly
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] (informal) (of people) short, round and fat\n    noun (plural roly-polies) (also roly-poly pudding) [U, C] (BrE) a hot DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from SUET pastry spread with jam and rolled up


Words: ROM
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the abbreviation for ’read-only memory’ (computer memory that contains instructions or data that cannot be changed or removed):\nROM chips\ncompare CD-ROM


Words: Roman
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  of or connected with ancient Rome or the Roman Empire:\na Roman road / temple / villa * Roman Britain\n  2  of or connected with the modern city of Rome\n  3  of or connected with the Roman Catholic Church:\nthe Roman rite\n  4  roman type is ordinary upright printing type:\nDefinitions in this dictionary are printed in roman type.\ncompare ITALIC\n    noun\n  1  [C] a member of the ancient Roman republic or empire:\nafter the Romans invaded Britain\n  2  [C] a person from the modern city of Rome\n  3  (roman) [U] the ordinary style of printing that uses small upright letters, like these words\ncompare ITALICS\n IDIOMS  see ROME


Words: Roman Catholic
Meaning:
(also Catholic) noun\n(abbreviation RC) a member of the part of the Christian Church that has the POPE as its leader\n    Roman Catholic (also Catholic) adjective\n    Roman Catholicism (also Catholicism) noun [U]


Words: Roman numeral
Meaning:
noun\none of the letters used by the ancient Romans to represent numbers and still used today, in some situations. In this system I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, D = 500, M = 1 000 and these letters are used in combinations to form other numbers:\nHenry VIII * Copyright BBC MCMXCVII (1997)\ncompare ARABIC NUMERAL


Words: Romance
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] Romance languages, such as French, Italian and Spanish, are languages that developed from Latin


Words: romance
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] an exciting, usually short, relationship between two people who are in love with each other:\na teenage / holiday romance * They had a whirlwind romance.\n  2  [U] love or the feeling of being in love:\nSpring is here and romance is in the air. * How can you put the romance back into your marriage?\n  3  [U] a feeling of excitement and adventure, especially connected to a particular place or activity:\nthe romance of travel\n  4  [C] a story about a love affair:\nShe’s a compulsive reader of romances.\n  5  [C] a story of excitement and adventure, often set in the past:\nmedieval romances\n    verb (written)\n  1  [V] to tell stories that are not true or to describe sth in a way that makes it seem more exciting or interesting than it really is\n  2  [VN] to have or to try to have a romantic relationship with sb


Words: Romanesque
Meaning:
adjective\nused to describe a style of architecture that was popular in Western Europe from the 10th to the 12th centuries and that had round arches, thick walls and tall PILLARS\nsee also NORMAN


Words: romantic
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  connected or concerned with love or a sexual relationship:\na romantic candlelit dinner * romantic stories / fiction / comedy * I’m not interested in a romantic relationship.\n  2  (of people) showing feelings of love:\nWhy don’t you ever give me flowers? I wish you’d be more romantic.\n  3  beautiful in a way that makes you think of love or feel strong emotions:\nromantic music * romantic mountain scenery * romantic images of deserted beaches\n  4  very imaginative and emotional; not looking at situations in a realistic way:\na romantic view of life * When I was younger, I had romantic ideas of becoming a writer.\n  5  (Romantic) [usually before noun] used to describe literature, music or art, especially of the 19th century, that is concerned with strong feelings, imagination and a return to nature, rather than reason, order and INTELLECTUAL ideas:\nthe Romantic movement * poets / composers of the Romantic period * Keats is one of the greatest Romantic poets.\n    romantically  adverb:\nto be romantically involved with sb * Their names have been linked romantically. * He talked romantically of the past and his youth.\n    noun\n  1  a person who is very imaginative and emotional, and who has ideas and hopes that may not be realistic:\nan incurable romantic * He was a romantic at heart and longed for adventure.\n  2  (Romantic) a writer, a musician or an artist who writes, etc. in the style of Romanticism


Words: romanticism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (also Romanticism) a style and movement in art, music and literature in the late 18th and early 19th century, in which strong feelings, imagination and a return to nature were more important than reason, order and intellectual ideas\ncompare REALISM\n  2  the quality of seeing people, events and situations as more exciting and interesting than they really are\n  3  strong feelings of love; the fact of showing emotion, affection, etc.


Words: romanticize
Meaning:
(BrE also romanticise)  verb\nto make sth seem more attractive or interesting than it really is:\n[VN] romanticizing the past * a romanticized picture of parenthood [also V]


Words: Romany
Meaning:
noun (plural Romanies)\n  1  [C] a member of a race of people, originally from Asia, who travel around and traditionally live in CARAVANS\nSYN GYPSY\n  2  [U] the language of Romany people\n    Romany adjective [usually before noun]


Words: Rome
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  Rome wasn’t built in a day (saying) used to say that a complicated task will take a long time and needs patience\n  when in Rome (do as the Romans do) (saying) used to say that when you are in a foreign country, or a situation you are not familiar with, you should behave in the way that the people around you behave


Words: romp
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to play in a happy and noisy way:\nkids romping around in the snow * Two fox cubs romped playfully on the river bank.\n IDIOMS \n  romp home / to victory to easily win a race or competition:\nTheir horse romped home in the 2 o’clock race. * The Dutch team romped to a 51 victory over Napoli.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  romp away / ahead (BrE, informal) to increase, make progress or win quickly and easily:\nDavis romped away to win the championship. * Share prices continue to romp ahead.\n  romp through (sth) (BrE, informal) to do sth easily and quickly:\nShe romped through the exam questions.\n    noun (often used in newspapers) (informal)\n  1  [C] an enjoyable sexual experience that is not serious:\npoliticians involved in sex romps with call-girls\n  2  [C] an amusing book, play or film/movie that is full of action or adventure:\nHis latest film is an enjoyable romp.\n  3  [sing.] an easy victory in a sports competition:\nThey won in a 51 romp.


Words: rompers
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (also romper suit [C]) (old-fashioned) a piece of clothing worn by a baby, that covers the body and legs


Words: rondo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural rondos) a piece of music in which the main tune is repeated several times, sometimes forming part of a longer piece


Words: rood screen
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a wooden or stone structure in some churches that divides the part near the ALTAR from the rest of the church


Words: roof
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (plural roofs)\n \n  1  the structure that covers or forms the top of a building or vehicle:\na flat / sloping roof * a thatched / slate roof * The corner of the classroom was damp where the roof had leaked. * Tim climbed on to the garage roof. * The roof of the car was not damaged in the accident.\nsee also SUNROOF\n \n  2  (-roofed) (in adjectives) having the type of roof mentioned:\nflat-roofed buildings\n \n  3  the top of an underground space such as a tunnel or CAVE:\nThe roof of the tunnel was starting to collapse. * The cave had a very low roof.\n  4  ~ of your mouth the top of the inside of your mouth\n IDIOMS \n  go through the roof\n1 (of prices, etc.) to rise or increase very quickly:\nHouse prices here have gone through the roof.\n2 (also hit the roof) (informal) to become very angry\n  have a roof over your head to have somewhere to live:\nThanks to Bob’s generosity, I still have a roof over my head.\n  under one roof | under the same roof in the same building or house:\nThere are various stores and restaurants all under one roof. * I don’t think I can live under the same roof as you any longer.\n  under your roof in your home:\nI don’t want her under my roof again.\nmore at HIT v., RAISE v.\n    verb ~ sth (in / over) | ~ sth (with / in sth) [VN] [often passive] to cover sth with a roof; to put a roof on a building:\nThe shopping centre is not roofed over. * Their cottage was roofed with green slate.


Words: roof rack
Meaning:
noun\na metal frame fixed to the roof of a car and used for carrying bags, cases and other large objects


Words: roofing
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  material used for making or covering roofs:\ntimber roofing * roofing felt / slates / tiles\n  2  the process of building roofs:\na roofing contractor


Words: rooftop
Meaning:
noun\nthe outside part of the roof of a building:\nFrom the hill we looked out over the rooftops of Athens. * The prisoners staged a rooftop protest.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  shout, etc. sth from the rooftops to talk about sth in a very public way:\nHe was in love and wanted to shout it from the rooftops.


Words: rook
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large black bird of the CROW family. Rooks build their nests in groups at the tops of trees.\n \n  2  = CASTLE


Words: rookie
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  (especially AmE) a person who has just started a job or an activity and has very little experience:\na rookie police officer\n  2  (AmE) a member of a sports team in his or her first full year of playing that sport


Words: room
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  in building\n \n  1  [C] a part of a building that has its own walls, floor and ceiling and is usually used for a particular purpose:\nHe walked out of the room and slammed the door. * They were in the next room and we could hear every word they said. * a dining / living / sitting room * They had to sit in the waiting room for an hour. * I think Simon is in his room (= bedroom). * (spoken) I don’t want to watch television. I’ll be in the other room (= a different room).\n \n HELP NOTE  There are many compounds ending in room. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.\n \n  -roomed / -room\n \n  2  (in adjectives) having the number of rooms mentioned:\na three-roomed / three-room apartment\n \n  in hotel\n  3  [C] a bedroom in a hotel, etc:\na double / single room * I’d like to book a room with a view of the lake. * She lets out rooms to students.\n  place to live\n  4  (rooms) [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE) a set of two or more rooms that you rent to live in\nSYN LODGINGS:\nThey lived in rooms in Kensington.\n  space\n  5  [U] ~ (for sb/sth) | ~ (to do sth) empty space that can be used for a particular purpose:\nIs there enough room for me in the car? * There’s room for one more at the table. * Do you have room for a computer on your desk? * Yes, there’s plenty of room. * I’ll move the table-it takes up too much room. * How can we make room for all the furniture? * Make sure you have plenty of room to sit comfortably.\nsee also ELBOW ROOM, HEADROOM, HOUSEROOM, LEGROOM, STANDING ROOM -> PLACE\n  possibility\n  6  ~ for sth the possibility of sth existing or happening; the opportunity to do sth:\nHe had to be certain. There could be no room for doubt. * There’s some room for improvement in your work (= it is not as good as it could be). * It is important to give children room to think for themselves.\n  people\n  7  [sing.] all the people in a room:\nThe whole room burst into applause.\n IDIOMS \n  no room to swing a cat (informal) when sb says there’s no room to swing a cat, they mean that a room is very small and that there is not enough space\nmore at MANOEUVRE n., SMOKE n.\n    verb [V] (AmE) ~ (with sb) | ~ (together) to rent a room somewhere; to share a rented room or flat/apartment with sb:\nShe and Nancy roomed together at college.


Words: room service
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a service provided in a hotel, by which guests can order food and drink to be brought to their rooms:\nHe ordered coffee from room service.


Words: room-mate
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person that you share a room with, especially at a college or university\n  2  (AmE) = FLATMATE


Words: roomful
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a large number of people or things that are in a room:\nHe announced his resignation to a roomful of reporters. * a roomful of old books


Words: roomy
Meaning:
adjective\n(roomier, roomiest) (approving) having a lot of space inside:\na surprisingly roomy house / car\n    roominess noun [U] (rare)


Words: roost
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a place where birds sleep\n IDIOMS  see RULE v.\n    verb [V] (of birds) to rest or go to sleep somewhere\n IDIOMS  see HOME adv.


Words: root
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  of plant\n \n  1  [C] the part of a plant that grows under the ground and absorbs water and minerals that it sends to the rest of the plant:\ndeep spreading roots * I pulled the plant up by (= including) the roots. * Tree roots can cause damage to buildings. * root crops / vegetables (= plants whose roots you can eat, such as carrots)\nsee also GRASS ROOTS, TAPROOT\n \n  of hair / tooth / nail\n \n  2  [C] the part of a hair, tooth, nail or tongue that attaches it to the rest of the body:\nhair that is blonde at the ends and dark at the roots\n \n  main cause of problem\n  3  [C, usually sing.] the main cause of sth, such as a problem or difficult situation:\nMoney, or love of money, is said to be the root of all evil. * We have to get to the root of the problem. * What lies at the root of his troubles is a sense of insecurity. * What would you say was the root cause of the problem?\n  origin\n  4  [C, usually pl.] the origin or basis of sth:\nFlamenco has its roots in Arabic music.\n  connection with place\n  5  (roots) [pl.] the feelings or connections that you have with a place because you have lived there or your family came from there:\nI’m proud of my Italian roots. * After 20 years in America, I still feel my roots are in England.\n  of word\n  6  [C] (linguistics) the part of a word that has the main meaning and that its other forms are based on; a word that other words are formed from:\n’Walk’ is the root of ’walks’, ’walked’, ’walking’ and ’walker’.\n  mathematics\n  7  [C] a quantity which, when multiplied by itself a particular number of times, produces another quantity\nsee also CUBE ROOT, SQUARE ROOT\n IDIOMS \n  put down roots\n1 (of a plant) to develop roots\n2 to settle and live in one place:\nAfter ten years travelling the world, she felt it was time to put down roots somewhere.\n  root and branch thoroughly and completely:\nThe government set out to destroy the organization root and branch. * root-and-branch reforms\n  take root\n1 (of a plant) to develop roots\n2 (of an idea) to become accepted widely:\nFortunately, militarism failed to take root in Europe as a whole.\n    verb\n  of plants\n  1  [V, VN] to grow roots; to make or encourage a plant to grow roots\n  search\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] ~ (about / around) for sth | ~ (through sth) (for sth) to search for sth by moving things or turning things over:\npigs rooting for food * ’It must be here somewhere,’ she said, rooting through the suitcase. * Who’s been rooting around in my desk? * Cats had been rooting in the garbage bags again.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  root for sb/sth [no passive] (usually used in the progressive tenses) (informal) to support or encourage sb in a sports competition or when they are in a difficult situation:\nWe’re rooting for the Bulls. * Good luck-I’m rooting for you!\n  root sth/sb<->out\n1 to find the person or thing that is causing a problem and remove or get rid of them:\nWe need to root out corruption at all levels. * The principal promised to root out the troublemakers.\n2 to find sb/sth after searching for a long time:\nI’ll root out the photo for you.\n  root sb to sth to make sb unable to move because of fear, shock, etc:\nEmbarrassment rooted her to the spot.\n  root sth<->up to dig or pull up a plant with its roots


Words: root beer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a sweet FIZZY drink (= with bubbles), that does not contain alcohol, made from GINGER and the roots of other plants. It is drunk especially in the US.\n  2  [C] a bottle, can or glass of root beer:\nTwo root beers.


Words: rooted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ in sth developing from or being strongly influenced by sth:\nHis problems are deeply rooted in his childhood experiences.\n  2  fixed in one place; not moving or changing:\nShe was rooted to her chair. * Their life is rooted in Chicago now. * Life in the countryside remained firmly rooted in the past. * Racism is still deeply rooted in our society.\nsee also DEEP-ROOTED\n IDIOMS \n  rooted to the spot so frightened or shocked that you cannot move


Words: rootless
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving nowhere that you really think of as home, or as the place where you belong:\nShe had had a rootless childhood moving from town to town.\n    rootlessness noun [U]


Words: rope
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C, U] very strong thick string made by twisting thinner strings, wires, etc. together:\nThe rope broke and she fell 50 metres onto the rocks. * We tied his hands together with rope. * The anchor was attached to a length of rope. * Coils of rope lay on the quayside.\nsee also JUMP ROPE, SKIPPING ROPE, TOW ROPE\n \n  2  (the ropes) [pl.] the fence made of rope that is around the edge of the area where a boxing or WRESTLING match takes place\n \n  3  [C] a number of similar things attached together by a string or thread:\na rope of pearls / beads\n \n IDIOMS \n  give sb enough rope to allow sb freedom to do what they want, especially in the hope that they will make a mistake or look silly:\nThe question was vague, giving the interviewee enough rope to hang herself.\n  on the ropes (informal) very close to being defeated\n  show sb / know / learn the ropes (informal) to show sb/know/learn how a particular job should be done\nmore at END n., MONEY\n    verb [VN] \n  1  [+adv./prep.] ~ A and B together | ~ A to B to tie one person or thing to another with a rope:\nThieves had roped the guard’s feet together. * I roped the goat to a post.\n  2  to tie sth with a rope so that it is held tightly and safely:\nI closed and roped the trunk.\n  3  (especially AmE) to catch an animal by throwing a circle of rope around it\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rope sb<->in | rope sb into sth [usually passive] (informal) to persuade sb to join in an activity or to help to do sth, even when they do not want to:\n[+ to inf] Everyone was roped in to help with the show. * [+ -ing] Ben was roped into making the coffee for the whole team.\n  rope sth<->off to separate an area from another one, using ropes, to stop people from entering it:\nPolice roped off the street to investigate the accident.


Words: rope ladder
Meaning:
noun\na ladder made of two long ropes connected by short pieces of wood or metal at regular intervals


Words: ropy
Meaning:
(also ropey)  adjective (BrE, informal)\n  1  not in good condition; of bad quality:\nWe spent the night in a ropy old tent.\n  2  feeling slightly ill/sick:\nI felt a bit ropy earlier this week, but I’m better now.


Words: rosary
Meaning:
noun (plural rosaries)\n  1  [C] a string of BEADS that are used by some Roman Catholics for counting prayers as they say them\n  2  (the Rosary) [sing.] the set of prayers said by Roman Catholics while counting rosary BEADS


Words: rose
Meaning:
noun, adjective-see also RISE v.\n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a flower with a sweet smell that grows on a bush with THORNS (= sharp pointed growths) on its stems. There are many different types of rose:\na bunch of red roses * a rose bush / garden * a climbing / rambling rose\n \n  2  (also rose pink) [U] a pink colour\n \n  3  [C] a piece of metal or plastic with small holes in it that is attached to the end of a pipe or WATERING CAN so that the water comes out in a fine spray when you are watering plants\n \n  4  = CEILING ROSE\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  be coming up roses (informal) (of a situation) to be developing in a successful way:\nEverything’s coming up roses!\n  put roses in sb’s cheeks (BrE, informal) to make sb look healthy\nmore at BED n., SMELL v.\n    adjective (also rose pink) pink in colour:\nThe walls were rose pink.\n\n noun\n[U, C] (from French) a light pink wine:\na bottle of rose * an excellent rose\ncompare RED WINE, WHITE WINE


Words: rose-coloured
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE rose-colored) adjective\n  1  pink in colour\n  2  (also rose-tinted) used to describe an idea or a way of looking at a situation as being better or more positive than it really is:\na rose-tinted vision of the world * He tends to view the world through rose-coloured spectacles.


Words: rosette
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a circular decoration made of RIBBON that is worn by supporters of a political party or sports team, or to show that sb has won a prize\n  2  a thing that has the shape of a rose:\nThe leaves formed a dark green rosette. * Pipe rosettes of cream around the top of the cake.


Words: rosewood
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the hard reddish-brown wood of a tropical tree, that has a pleasant smell and is used for making expensive furniture


Words: rosin
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a substance that is used on the BOW of a musical instrument such as a violin so that it moves across the STRINGS more easily\n    rosin verb [VN]


Words: roster
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a list of people’s names and the jobs that they have to do at a particular time\nSYN ROTA:\na duty roster\n  2  a list of the names of people who are available to do a job, play in a team, etc.\n    verb (BrE) to put sb’s name on a roster:\n[VN] The driver was rostered for Sunday. [also VN to inf]


Words: rostrum
Meaning:
noun\n(plural rostrums or rostra ) a small raised platform that a person stands on to make a speech, CONDUCT music, receive a prize, etc:\nHe climbed on to the winner’s rostrum.


Words: rosy
Meaning:
adjective (rosier, rosiest)\n  1  pink and pleasant in appearance:\nShe had rosy cheeks. * The sky was turning rosy over the harbour.\n  2  likely to be good or successful:\nThe future is looking very rosy for our company. * She painted a rosy picture of their life together in Italy (= made it appear to be very good and perhaps better than it really was).\n IDIOMS  see GARDEN n.


Words: rot
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-tt-) to decay, or make sth decay, naturally and gradually\nSYN DECOMPOSE:\n[V] rotting leaves / fruit * The window frame had rotted away completely. * (figurative) prisoners thrown in jail and left to rot * [VN] Too much sugar will rot your teeth.\nsee also ROTTEN\n    noun [U]\n  1  the process or state of decaying and falling apart:\nThe wood must not get damp as rot can quickly result.\nsee also DRY ROT\n  2  (the rot) used to describe the fact that a situation is getting worse:\nThe rot set in last year when they reorganized the department. * The team should manage to stop the rot if they play well this week.\n  3  (old-fashioned, BrE) nonsense; silly things that sb says\nSYN RUBBISH:\nDon’t talk such rot!


Words: rota
Meaning:
noun\n(plural rotas) (BrE) a list of jobs that need to be done and the people who will do them in turn\nSYN ROSTER:\nDave organized a cleaning rota. * We share out the babysitting on a rota basis.


Words: rotary
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of a movement) moving in a circle around a central fixed point:\nrotary motion\n  2  (of a machine or piece of equipment) having parts that move in this way:\na rotary engine\n    noun (plural rotaries) (AmE) = ROUNDABOUT


Words: rotate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (about / around sth) to move or turn around a central fixed point; to make sth do this:\n[V] Stay well away from the helicopter when its blades start to rotate. * winds rotating around the eye of a hurricane * [VN] Rotate the wheel through 180 degrees.\n  2  if a job rotates, or if people rotate a job, they regularly change the job or regularly change who does the job:\n[V] The EU presidency rotates among the members. * When I joined the company, I rotated around the different sections. * [VN] We rotate the night shift so no one has to do it all the time.\n    rotating adjective [only before noun]:\nrotating parts * a rotating presidency


Words: rotation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the action of an object moving in a circle around a central fixed point:\nthe daily rotation of the earth on its axis\n  2  [C] one complete movement in a circle around a fixed point:\nThis switch controls the number of rotations per minute.\n  3  the act of regularly changing the thing that is being used in a particular situation, or of changing the person who does a particular job:\ncrop rotation / the rotation of crops (= changing the crop that is grown on an area of land in order to protect the soil) * job rotation (= the practice of regularly changing the job that a particular person does so that they become experienced in different areas) * Wheat, maize and sugar beet are planted in rotation. * The committee is chaired by all the members in rotation.\n    rotational  adjective [only before noun]:\nThe event is held on a rotational basis in each of the participating countries.


Words: rote
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (often used as an adjective) the process of learning sth by repeating it until you remember it rather than by understanding the meaning of it:\nto learn by rote * rote learning


Words: rotten
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n \n    adjective\n \n  1  (of food, wood, etc.) that has decayed and cannot be eaten or used:\nthe smell of rotten vegetables * The fruit is starting to go rotten. * rotten floorboards\n \n  2  [usually before noun] (informal) very bad\nSYN TERRIBLE:\nI’ve had a rotten day! * What rotten luck! * She’s a rotten singer.\n \n  3  [usually before noun] (informal) dishonest:\nThe organization is rotten to the core.\n  4  [not before noun] (informal) looking or feeling ill/sick:\nShe felt rotten.\n  5  [not before noun] (informal) feeling guilty about sth you have done:\nI feel rotten about leaving them behind.\n  6  [only before noun] (informal) used to emphasize that you are angry or upset about sth:\nYou can keep your rotten money!\n    rottenness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  a rotten apple one bad person who has a bad effect on others in a group\n    adverb (informal) to a large degree; very much:\nShe spoils the children rotten. * (BrE) He fancies you (something) rotten.


Words: rotund
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal or humorous) having a fat round body:\nthe rotund figure of Mr Stevens\n    rotundity noun [U]


Words: rouge
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (old-fashioned) a red powder used by women for giving colour to their cheeks\n    rouge verb [VN]


Words: rough
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb, adverb \n \n    adjective (rougher, roughest)\n \n  not smooth\n \n  1  having a surface that is not even or regular:\nrough ground * The skin on her hands was hard and rough. * Trim rough edges with a sharp knife.\nOPP SMOOTH\n \n  not exact\n \n  2  (written) not exact; not including all details\nSYN APPROXIMATE:\na rough calculation / estimate of the cost * I’ve got a rough idea of where I want to go. * There were about 20 people there, at a rough guess. * a rough draft of a speech * a rough drawing / sketch\n  violent\n  3  not gentle or careful; violent:\nThis watch is not designed for rough treatment. * They complained of rough handling by the guards. * rough kids * Don’t try any rough stuff with me!\n  4  where there is a lot of violence or crime:\nthe roughest neighbourhood in the city\n  sea\n  5  having large and dangerous waves:\nIt was too rough to sail that night. * We had a rough passage across to the island.\n  weather\n  6  wild and with storms\n  unpleasant\n  7  difficult and unpleasant\nSYN TOUGH:\nHe’s had a really rough time recently (= he’s had a lot of problems). * We’ll get someone in to do the rough work (= the hard physical work).\n  not well\n  8  not feeling well:\nYou look rough-are you OK? * I had a rough night (= I didn’t sleep well).\n  plain / basic\n  9  simply made and not finished in every detail; plain or basic:\nrough wooden tables * a rough road / track * (BrE) rough paper for making notes on\n  harsh\n  10  harsh and unpleasant to taste, listen to, etc:\na rough wine / voice\n    roughness noun [U] \nsee also ROUGHLY\n IDIOMS \n  rough edges small parts of sth or of a person’s character that are not yet as good as they should be:\nThe ballet still had some rough edges. * He had a few rough edges knocked off at school.\n  a rough deal the fact of being treated unfairly\nmore at RIDE n.\n    noun\n  in golf\n \n  1  (the rough) [sing.] the part of a GOLF COURSE where the grass is long, making it more difficult to hit the ball:\nHis second shot ended up in the rough.\ncompare FAIRWAY\n \n  drawing / design\n \n  2  [C] (technical) the first version of a drawing or design that has been done quickly and without much detail:\nOnly the best of the roughs are shown to the editor.\n \n  violent person\n  3  [C] (old-fashioned, informal) a violent person:\na gang of roughs\n IDIOMS \n  in rough (especially BrE) if you write or draw sth in rough, you make a first version of it, not worrying too much about mistakes or details:\nWrite it out in rough first then copy it neatly into your notebook.\n  take the rough with the smooth to accept the unpleasant or difficult things that happen in life as well as the good things\nmore at BIT\n    verb\n IDIOMS \n  rough it (informal) to live in a way that is not very comfortable for a short time:\nWe can sleep on the beach. I don’t mind roughing it for a night or two.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rough sth<->out to draw or write sth without including all the details:\nI’ve roughed out a few ideas.\n  rough sb<->up (informal) to hurt sb by hitting or kicking them:\nHe claimed that guards had roughed him up in prison.\n    adverb using force or violence:\nDo they always play this rough?\n IDIOMS \n  live / sleep rough (BrE) to live or sleep outdoors, usually because you have no home and no money:\nyoung people sleeping rough on the streets


Words: rough and tumble
Meaning:
noun [U, sing.]\n  1  ~ (of sth) a situation in which people compete with each other and are aggressive in order to get what they want:\nthe rough and tumble of politics\n  2  noisy and slightly violent behaviour when children or animals are playing together:\nThe kittens were engaged in a little rough and tumble.


Words: rough diamond
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE diamond in the rough) noun\na person who has many good qualities even though they do not seem to be very polite, educated, etc.


Words: rough justice
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  punishment that does not seem fair:\nIt was rough justice that they lost in the closing seconds of the game.\n  2  treatment that is fair but not official or expected:\nThere was a certain amount of rough justice in his downfall.


Words: rough-and-ready
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  simple and prepared quickly but good enough for a particular situation:\na rough-and-ready guide to the education system\n  2  (of a person) not very polite, educated or fashionable


Words: rough-hewn
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of stone, wood, etc.) cut in a way that leaves it with a rough surface:\nrough-hewn walls * (figurative) the rough-hewn features of his face\n  2  (written) (of a person or their behaviour) not very polite or educated


Words: roughage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the part of food that helps to keep a person healthy by keeping the bowels working and moving other food quickly through the body\nSYN FIBRE:\nFruit and vegetables are important sources of roughage.


Words: roughcast
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of PLASTER containing small stones that is used for covering the outside walls of buildings\n    roughcast adjective


Words: roughen
Meaning:
verb\nto become rough; to make sth rough:\n[V] His voice roughened with every word. * [VN] Cold weather roughens your skin.


Words: roughly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  approximately but not exactly:\nSales are up by roughly 10%. * We live roughly halfway between here and the coast. * They all left at roughly the same time. * Roughly speaking, we receive about fifty letters a week on the subject.\n  2  using force or not being careful and gentle:\nHe pushed her roughly out of the way. * ’What do you want?’ she demanded roughly.\n  3  in a way that does not leave a smooth surface:\nroughly plastered walls


Words: roughneck
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  (especially AmE) a man who is noisy, rude and aggressive\n  2  a man who works on an OIL RIG


Words: roughshod
Meaning:
adverb\n IDIOMS \n  ride, etc. roughshod over sb (especially BrE) (AmE usually run roughshod over sb) to treat sb badly and not worry about their feelings


Words: roulette
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a gambling game in which a ball is dropped onto a moving wheel that has holes with numbers on it. Players bet on which hole the ball will be in when the wheel stops.\nsee also RUSSIAN ROULETTE


Words: round
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, preposition, noun, verb \n    adjective (rounder, roundest)\n  1  shaped like a circle or a ball:\na round table / plate * These glasses suit people with round faces. * The fruit are small and round. * Rugby isn’t played with a round ball. * the discovery that the world is round * The child was watching it all with big round eyes (= showing interest). * a T-shirt with a round neck\nsee also ROUND-EYED, ROUND-TABLE\n  2  having a curved shape:\nthe round green hills of Donegal * round brackets (= in punctuation) * She had a small mouth and round pink cheeks.\n  3  [only before noun] a round figure or amount is one that is given as a whole number, usually one ending in 0 or 5:\nMake it a round figure-say forty dollars. * Two thousand is a nice round number-put that down. * Well, in round figures (= not giving the exact figures) we’ve spent twenty thousand so far.\n    roundness noun [U] (written):\nHis face had lost its boyish roundness.\n    adverb (especially BrE) (AmE usually around) For the special uses of round in phrasal verbs, look at the verb entries. For example, the meaning of come round to sth is given in the phrasal verb section of the entry for come.\n  1  moving in a circle:\nEverybody joins hands and dances round. * How do you make the wheels go round? * The children were spinning round and round. * (figurative) The thought kept going round and round in her head.\n  2  measuring or marking the edge or outside of sth:\na young tree measuring only 18 inches round * They’ve built a high fence all round to keep intruders out.\n  3  on all sides of sb/sth:\nA large crowd had gathered round to watch.\n  4  at various places in an area:\nPeople stood round waiting for something to happen.\n  5  in a circle or curve to face another way or the opposite way:\nHe turned the car round and drove back again. * She looked round at the sound of his voice.\n  6  to the other side of sth:\nWe walked round to the back of the house. * The road’s blocked-you’ll have to drive the long way round.\n  7  from one place, person, etc. to another:\nThey’ve moved all the furniture round. * He went round interviewing people about local traditions. * Pass the biscuits round. * Have we enough cups to go round?\n  8  (informal) to or at a particular place, especially where sb lives:\nI’ll be round in an hour. * We’ve invited the Frasers round this evening. -> AROUND\n IDIOMS \n  round about\n1 in the area near a place:\nin Oxford and the villages round about\n2 approximately:\nWe’re leaving round about ten. * A new roof will cost round about ｣3 000.\nmore at TIME\n    preposition (especially BrE) (AmE usually around)\n  1  in a circle:\nthe first woman to sail round the world * The earth moves round the sun.\n  2  on, to or from the other side of sth:\nOur house is round the next bend. * There she is, coming round the corner. * There must be a way round the problem.\n  3  on all sides of sb/sth; surrounding sb/sth:\nShe put her arms round him. * He had a scarf round his neck. * They were all sitting round the table.\n  4  in or to many parts of sth:\nShe looked all round the room.\n  5  to fit in with particular people, ideas, etc:\nHe has to organize his life round the kids. -> AROUND\n IDIOMS \n  round here near where you are now or where you live:\nThere are no decent schools round here.\n    noun\n  stage in process\n \n  1  a set of events which form part of a longer process:\nthe next round of peace talks * a new round of pay bargaining * the final round of voting in the election\n \n  in sport\n \n  2  a stage in a sports competition:\nthe qualifying rounds of the National Championships * Rafter was knocked out of the tournament in the third round.\n \n  3  a stage in a boxing or WRESTLING match:\nThe fight only lasted five rounds.\n  4  a complete game of golf; a complete way around the COURSE in some other sports, such as SHOWJUMPING:\nWe played a round of golf. * the first horse to jump a clear round\n  regular activities / route\n  5  a regular series of activities:\nthe daily round of school life * Her life is one long round of parties and fun.\n  6  a regular route that sb takes when delivering or collecting sth; a regular series of visits that sb makes:\nDr Green was on her daily ward rounds. * (BrE) a postman on his delivery round * Four soldiers patrolled the area and an officer made his rounds at frequent intervals.\nsee also MILK ROUND, PAPER ROUND\n  drinks\n  7  a number of drinks bought by one person for all the others in a group:\na round of drinks * It’s my round (= it is my turn to pay for the next set of drinks).\n  bread\n  8  (BrE) a whole slice of bread; sandwiches made from two whole slices of bread:\nWho’s for another round of toast? * two rounds of beef sandwiches\n  circular object\n  9  a circular object or piece of sth:\nCut the pastry into rounds.\n  of applause / cheers\n  10  ~ of applause / cheers a short period during which people show their approval of sb/sth by CLAPPING, etc:\nThere was a great round of applause when the dance ended.\n  shot\n  11  a single shot from a gun; a bullet for one shot:\nThey fired several rounds at the crowd. * We only have three rounds of ammunition left.\n  song\n  12  (music) a song for two or more voices in which each sings the same tune but starts at a different time\n IDIOMS \n  do / go the rounds (of sth)\n1 (BrE) (AmE make the rounds) if news or a joke does the rounds, it is passed on quickly from one person to another\n2 (BrE) (also make the rounds AmE, BrE) to go around from place to place, especially when looking for work or support for a political CAMPAIGN, etc:\nHe’s doing the rounds of insurance firms. * The Vice-President made the rounds of television talk shows.\n  in the round\n1 (of a work of art) made so that it can be seen from all sides:\nan opportunity to see Canova’s work in the round\n2 (of a theatre or play) with the people watching all around a central stage\n    verb\n  1  [VN] to go around a corner of a building, a bend in the road, etc:\nThe boat rounded the tip of the island. * We rounded the bend at high speed.\n  2  to make sth into a round shape; to form into a round shape:\n[VN] She rounded her lips and whistled. * [V] His eyes rounded with horror.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (up / down) (to sth) to increase or decrease a number to the next highest or lowest whole number\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  round sth<->off (with sth)\n1 (AmE also round sth<->out) to finish an activity or complete sth in a good or suitable way:\nShe rounded off the tour with a concert at Carnegie Hall.\n2 to take the sharp or rough edges off sth:\nYou can round off the corners with sandpaper.\n  round on sb to suddenly speak angrily to sb and criticize or attack them:\nHe rounded on journalists, calling them ’a pack of vultures’.\n  round sb/sth<->up\n1 to find and gather together people, animals or things:\nI rounded up a few friends for a party. * The cattle are rounded up in the evenings.\n2 if police or soldiers round up a group of people, they find them and arrest or capture them:\nA number of suspects were rounded up and questioned.\nrelated noun ROUND-UP


Words: round robin
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a letter that has been signed by a large number of people who wish to express their opinions about sth\n  2  (sport) a competition in which every player or team plays every other player or team


Words: round trip
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a journey to a place and back again:\na 30-mile round trip to work * (AmE) It’s 30 miles round trip to work.\n    round-trip adjective (AmE):\na round-trip ticket\nsee also RETURN TICKET


Words: round-eyed
Meaning:
adjective\nwith eyes that are fully open because of surprise, fear, etc:\nThe child watched, round-eyed, as the horses galloped past.


Words: round-table
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of discussions, meetings, etc.) at which everyone is equal and has the same rights:\nround-table talks / negotiations


Words: round-the-clock
Meaning:
(also around-the-clock) adjective\n[only before noun] lasting or happening all day and night:\nround-the-clock nursing care\nsee also CLOCK


Words: round-up
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  a summary of the most important points of a particular subject, especially the news:\nWe’ll be back after the break with a round-up of today’s other stories. * a news / sports round-up * This week’s issue includes a round-up of the latest record releases.\n  2  an act of bringing people or animals together in one place for a particular purpose:\nthe round-up of sheep for shearing * The police carried out their usual round-up of Saturday night drunks.


Words: roundabout
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n (BrE)\n \n  1  (AmE traffic circle, rotary) a place where two or more roads meet, forming a circle that all traffic must go around in the same direction:\nAt the roundabout, take the second exit. * When entering a roundabout, give way to any traffic already on it.\n \n  2  (AmE merry-go-round) a circular platform for children to play on in a park, etc. that is pushed round while the children are sitting on it\n \n  3  (BrE) = MERRY-GO-ROUND (1)\n \n IDIOMS  see SWING n.\n    adjective [usually before noun] not done or said using the shortest, simplest or most direct way possible:\nIt was a difficult and roundabout trip. * He told us, in a very roundabout way, that he was thinking of leaving.


Words: rounded
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  having a round shape:\na surface with rounded edges * rounded shoulders\n  2  having a wide variety of qualities that combine to produce sth pleasant, complete and balanced:\na smooth rounded taste / sound * a fully rounded education * She is a more rounded performer than her sister.\nsee also WELL ROUNDED


Words: rounders
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a British game played especially in schools by two teams using a bat and ball. Each player tries to hit the ball and then run around the four sides of a square before the other team can return the ball.\ncompare BASEBALL


Words: roundly
Meaning:
adverb\nstrongly or by a large number of people:\nThe report has been roundly criticized. * They were roundly defeated (= they lost by a large number of points).


Words: rouse
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sb (from sleep / bed) (formal) to wake sb up, especially when they are sleeping deeply:\nThe telephone roused me from my sleep at 6 a.m. * Nicky roused her with a gentle nudge. * He came to the door, evidently just roused from his bed.\n  2  ~ sb / yourself (to sth) to make sb want to start doing sth when they were not active or interested in doing it:\n[VN] A lot of people were roused to action by the appeal. * [VN to inf] Richard couldn’t rouse himself to say anything in reply.\n  3  [VN] (formal) to make sb feel a particular emotion:\nto rouse sb’s anger / fear / curiosity * What roused your suspicions (= what made you suspicious)?\n  4  [VN] [usually passive] to make sb angry, excited or full of emotion:\nChris is not easily roused. * When roused, he has a cruel tongue.\nsee also AROUSE


Words: rousing
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  full of energy and enthusiasm:\na rousing cheer * The team was given a rousing reception by the fans.\n  2  intended to make other people feel enthusiastic about sth:\na rousing speech


Words: roustabout
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a man with no special skills who does temporary work, for example on an OIL RIG or in a CIRCUS


Words: rout
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [sing.] a situation in which sb is defeated easily and completely in a battle or competition:\nOnly the skill of the goalkeeper prevented the match from turning into a rout.\n IDIOMS \n  put sb to rout (literary) to defeat sb easily and completely:\nThey put the rebel army to rout.\n    verb [VN] to defeat sb completely in a competition, a battle, etc.:\nThe Buffalo Bills routed the Atlanta Falcons 4114.


Words: route
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  ~ (from A to B) a way that you follow to get from one place to another:\nWhich is the best route to take? * Motorists are advised to find an alternative route. * a scenic / coastal route * the quickest route from Florence to Rome * an escape route\nsee also EN ROUTE\n  2  a fixed way along which a bus, train, etc. regularly travels or goods are regularly sent:\nThe house is not on a bus route. * shipping routes * a cycle route (= a path that is only for cyclists)\n  3  ~ (to sth) a particular way of achieving sth:\nthe route to fame / power / success * There are a number of routes to qualifying as a social worker.\n  4  used before the number of a main road in the US:\nRoute 66\n    verb (routing or routeing, routed, routed) [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to send sb/sth by a particular route:\nSatellites route data all over the globe. * The flight to Sydney is routed via Tokyo.


Words: routine
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] the normal order and way in which you regularly do things:\nWe are trying to get the baby into a routine for feeding and sleeping. * Make exercise a part of your daily routine. * We clean and repair the machines as a matter of routine.\n  2  [U] (disapproving) a situation in which life is boring because things are always done in the same way:\nShe needed a break from routine.\n  3  [C] a series of movements, jokes, etc. that are part of a performance:\na dance routine * We need some new material for our routine.\n  4  [C] (computing) a list of instructions that enable a computer to perform a particular task\n    adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  done or happening as a normal part of a particular job, situation or process:\nroutine enquiries / questions / tests * The fault was discovered during a routine check.\n  2  not unusual or different in any way:\nHe died of a heart attack during a routine operation.\n  3  (disapproving) ordinary and boring\nSYN DULL:\na routine job / task / life * This type of work rapidly becomes routine.\n    routinely adverb:\nVisitors are routinely checked as they enter the building. * This information is now routinely available to anyone with access to a computer. * The prisoners were routinely (= repeatedly) subjected to torture.


Words: roux
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural roux) a mixture of fat and flour heated together until they form a solid mass, used for making sauces


Words: rove
Meaning:
verb\n  1  (written) to travel from one place to another, often with no particular purpose: [V, +adv./prep.] A quarter of a million refugees roved around the country. * [VN] bands of thieves who roved the countryside\n  2  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] if sb’s eyes rove, the person keeps looking in different directions:\nAli’s eyes roved over the map.


Words: roving
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] travelling from one place to another and not staying anywhere permanently:\na roving reporter for ABC news * Patrick’s roving lifestyle takes him between London and Los Angeles.\n IDIOMS \n  have a roving eye (old-fashioned) to always be looking for the chance to have a new sexual relationship


Words: row
Meaning:
noun, verb-see also ROW\n    noun\n  1  ~ (of sb/sth) a number of people standing or sitting next to each other in a line; a number of objects arranged in a line:\na row of children / shops / trees * We sat in a row at the back of the room. * The vegetables were planted in neat rows.\n  2  a line of seats in a cinema/movie theater, etc:\nLet’s sit in the back row. * Our seats are five rows from the front.\n  3  a complete line of stitches in knitting or CROCHET\n  4  (Row) used in the name of some roads:\nManor Row\n  5  [usually sing.] an act of rowing a boat; the period of time spent doing this:\nWe went for a row on the lake.\nsee also DEATH ROW, SKID ROW\n IDIOMS \n  in a row\n1 if sth happens several times in a row, it happens in exactly the same way each time, and nothing different happens in the time between:\nThis is her third win in a row.\n2 if sth happens for several days, etc. in a row, it happens on each of those days:\nInflation has fallen for the third month in a row.\n    verb\n  1  to move a boat through water using OARS (= long wooden poles with flat ends):\n[V] We rowed around the island. * [VN] Grace rowed the boat out to sea again.\n  2  [VN] to take sb somewhere in a boat with OARS:\nThe fisherman rowed us back to the shore.\n\n noun, verb-see also ROW\n    noun (informal, especially BrE)\n  1  [C] ~ (over sth) a serious disagreement between people, organizations, etc. about sth:\nA row has broken out over education.\n  2  [C] a noisy argument between two or more people\nSYN QUARREL:\nShe left him after a blazing row. * family rows * He had a row with his son.\n  3  [sing.] a loud unpleasant noise\nSYN DIN, RACKET:\nWho’s making that row?\n    verb [V] ~ (with sb) (BrE, informal) to have a noisy argument:\nMike and Sue are always rowing. * She had rowed with her parents about her boyfriend.


Words: rowdy
Meaning:
adjective\n(rowdier, rowdiest) (of people) making a lot of noise or likely to cause trouble:\na rowdy crowd at the pub\n    rowdily adverb\n    rowdiness noun [U]\n    rowdy noun (plural rowdies):\nrowdies and troublemakers


Words: royal
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  connected with or belonging to the king or queen of a country:\nthe royal family * the royal household * by royal appointment (= a sign used by companies that supply goods to the royal family)\ncompare REGAL\n  2  (abbreviation R) used in the names of organizations that serve or are supported by a king or queen:\nthe Royal Navy * the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds\n  3  impressive; suitable for a king or queen:\nWe were given a royal welcome.\n IDIOMS \n  the royal ’we’ the use of ’we’ to mean ’I’, used traditionally by a king or queen\n    noun [usually pl.] (informal) a member of a royal family:\nThe Queen will be joined by other royals at this evening’s performance.


Words: Royal Commission
Meaning:
noun\n~ (on / into sth) | ~ (to do sth) (in Britain) a group of people who are officially chosen to examine a particular law or subject and suggest any changes or new laws that should be introduced:\na Royal Commission report * the Royal Commission on Criminal Justice * A Royal Commission has been set up to examine environmental pollution.


Words: Royal Highness
Meaning:
noun\n(His / Her / Your Royal Highness) a title of respect used when talking to or about a member of the royal family:\nTheir Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Kent


Words: royal jelly
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a substance that is produced by worker bees and that is fed to a young queen bee:\nhealth food products containing royal jelly


Words: royalist
Meaning:
noun\na person who believes that a country should have a king or queen\nSYN MONARCHIST:\nan ardent royalist\ncompare REPUBLICAN\n    royalist adjective


Words: royally
Meaning:
adverb\n(old-fashioned) very well; in a very impressive way or to a great degree:\nWe feasted royally on salmon and champagne. * I was treated royally throughout my visit.


Words: royalty
Meaning:
noun (plural royalties)\n  1  [U] one or more members of a royal family:\nThe gala evening was attended by royalty and politicians. * We were treated like royalty. * Hollywood royalty (= very famous film / movie stars)\n  2  [C, usually pl.] a sum of money that is paid to sb who has written a book, piece of music, etc. each time that it is sold or performed:\nAll royalties from the record will go to Aids charities. * She received ｣2 000 in royalties. * a royalty cheque / payment\n  3  [C, usually pl.] a sum of money that is paid by an oil or MINING company to the owner of the land that they are working on


Words: RP
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the abbreviation for ’received pronunciation’ (the standard form of British pronunciation, based on educated speech in Southern England):\nRP is the accent most commonly taught in language schools.


Words: rpm
Meaning:
abbreviation\nrevolutions per minute (a measurement of the speed of an engine or a record when it is playing)


Words: RSI
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the abbreviation for ’repetitive strain injury’ (pain and swelling, especially in the arms and hands, caused by performing the same movement many times in a job or an activity):\nThe spread of computers in offices has led to a rise in cases of RSI.


Words: RSVP
Meaning:
(BrE) (also R.S.V.P. AmE, BrE)  abbreviation\n(written on invitations) please reply (from French ’repondez s’il vous plait’)


Words: rub
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n (-bb-)\n \n  1  ~ sth (with sth) to move your hand, or sth such as a cloth, backwards and forwards over a surface while pressing firmly:\n[VN] She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. * Rub the surface with sandpaper before painting. * The cat rubbed itself against my legs. * I rubbed a clear patch on the window with my fingers. * He rubbed a hand wearily over his eyes. * [V] I rubbed at the stain on the cloth. * Animals had been rubbing against the trees. * [VN-ADJ] Rub the surface smooth. * She rubbed her hair dry quickly with a towel.\n \n  2  ~ (sth) (together) to press two surfaces against each other and move them backwards and forwards; to be pressed together and move in this way:\n[VN] She rubbed her hands in delight. * In some cultures, people traditionally greet each other by rubbing noses. * [V] It sounded like two pieces of wood rubbing together.\n \n  3  ~ (on / against sth) (of a surface) to move backwards and forwards many times against sth while pressing it, especially causing pain or damage:\n[V] The back of my shoe is rubbing. * The wheel is rubbing on the mudguard. * [VN-ADJ] The horse’s neck was rubbed raw (= until the skin came off) where the rope had been. [also VN]\n \n  4  [VN +adv./prep.] to spread a liquid or other substance over a surface while pressing firmly:\nShe rubbed the lotion into her skin. * Rub salt over the fish before cooking.\n IDIOMS \n  rub sb’s nose in it (informal) to keep reminding sb in an unkind way of their past mistakes\n  rub salt into the wound | rub salt into sb’s wounds to make a difficult experience even more difficult for sb\n  rub shoulders with sb (AmE also rub elbows with sb) to meet and spend time with a famous person, socially or as part of your job:\nHe’s rubbing shoulders with stars all the time.\n  rub sb up the wrong way (BrE) (AmE rub sb the wrong way) (informal) to make sb annoyed or angry, often without intending to, by doing or saying sth that offends them:\nShe tends to rub people up the wrong way.\nmore at TWO\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rub along (with sb / together) (BrE, informal) (of two people) to live or work together in a satisfactory way:\nWe manage to rub along together fairly well.\n  rub sb / oneself / sth<->down to rub the skin of a person, horse, etc. hard with sth to make it clean and dry:\nI came out of the water and rubbed myself down with a towel.\n  rub sth<->down to make sth smooth by rubbing it with a special material:\nRub the wood down well with fine sandpaper before painting.\n  rub it in | rub sth in [no passive] to keep reminding sb of sth they feel embarrassed about and want to forget:\nI know I was stupid; you don’t have to rub it in.\n  rub off (on / onto sb) (of personal qualities, behaviour, opinions, etc.) to become part of a person’s character as a result of that person spending time with sb who has those qualities, etc:\nHer sense of fun has rubbed off on her children. * Let’s hope some of his good luck rubs off on me!\n  rub sth<->off (sth) | rub off to remove sth or to be removed by rubbing:\nShe rubbed off the dead skin. * The gold colouring had begun to rub off. * (BrE) If you write on the blackboard, rub it off at the end of the lesson.\n  rub sb<->out (AmE, slang) to murder sb\n  rub sth<->out (BrE) (also erase AmE, BrE) to remove the marks made by a pencil, etc., using a RUBBER:\nto rub out a mistake / word / drawing\n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] an act of rubbing a surface:\nShe gave her knee a quick rub.\n  2  (the rub) [sing.] (formal or humorous) a problem or difficulty:\nThe hotel is in the middle of nowhere and there lies the rub. We don’t have a car.


Words: rubber
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a strong substance that can be stretched and does not allow liquids to pass through it, used for making tyres, boots, etc. It is made from the juice of a tropical plant or is produced using chemicals:\na ball made of rubber * a rubber tree\nsee also FOAM RUBBER\n  2  [C] (BrE) (also eraser AmE, BrE) a small piece of rubber or a similar substance, used for removing pencil marks from paper; a piece of soft material used for removing chalk marks from a BLACKBOARD\n  3  [C] (old-fashioned informal, especially AmE) = CONDOM\n  4  [C] (in some card games or sports) a competition consisting of a series of games or matches between the same teams or players\n    rubber adjective [usually before noun]:\na rubber ball * rubber gloves


Words: rubber bullet
Meaning:
noun\na bullet made of rubber intended to injure but not to kill people, used by the army or police to control violent crowds


Words: rubber dinghy
Meaning:
(also dinghy) (AmE also rubber raft) noun\na small boat made of rubber that is filled with air, used especially for rescuing people from ships and planes


Words: rubber stamp
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a small tool that you hold in your hand and use for printing the date, the name of an organization, etc. on a document\n  2  (disapproving) a person or group that automatically gives approval to the actions or decisions of others:\nParliament is seen as a rubber stamp for decisions made elsewhere.


Words: rubber-stamp
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (often disapproving) to give official approval to a law, plan, decision, etc., especially without considering it carefully:\nThe council just rubber-stamps decisions made by a higher authority.


Words: rubberneck
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (informal, especially AmE) to turn to look at sth while you are driving past it:\nPeople rubbernecking at the scene of the accident caused a major traffic hold-up.


Words: rubbery
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  looking or feeling like rubber:\nThe eggs were overcooked and rubbery. * He had large rubbery lips.\n  2  (of legs or knees) feeling weak and unable to support your weight:\nThey leaned against each other on rubbery legs.


Words: rubbing
Meaning:
noun\na copy of writing or a design on a piece of stone or metal that is made by placing a piece of paper over it and rubbing with chalk, a pencil, etc:\nShe took a rubbing of the plaque.\nsee also BRASS RUBBING


Words: rubbish
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n [U]\n \n  1  (especially BrE) things that you throw away because you no longer want or need them:\na rubbish bag / bin * a rubbish dump / heap / tip * The streets were littered with rubbish. * garden / household rubbish\nsee also GARBAGE, TRASH\n \n  2  (BrE, informal) (also used as an adjective) something that you think is of poor quality:\nI thought the play was rubbish! * Do we have to listen to this rubbish music? * They said I was a rubbish boss.\n \n  3  (BrE, informal) comments, ideas, etc. that you think are stupid or wrong\nSYN NONSENSE:\nRubbish! You’re not fat! * You’re talking a load of rubbish! * It’s not rubbish-it’s true!\n    verb (AmE trash) [VN] (BrE, informal) to criticize sb/sth severely or treat them as though they are of no value:\nThe book was rubbished by the critics. * He rubbished all my ideas, saying they were impractical.\n______________________________\n BRITISH / AMERICAN \nrubbish / garbage / trash / refuse\nRubbish is the usual word in BrE for the things that you throw away because you no longer want or need them. Garbage and trash are both used in AmE. Inside the home, garbage tends to mean waste food and other wet material, while trash is paper, cardboard and dry material.\nIn BrE, you put your rubbish in a dustbin in the street to be collected by the dustmen. In AmE, your garbage and trash goes in a garbage / trash can in the street and is collected by garbage men / collectors.\nRefuse is a formal word and is used in both BrE and AmE. Refuse collector is the formal word for a dustman or garbage collector.\n______________________________


Words: rubble
Meaning:
noun\n[U] broken stones or bricks from a building or wall that has been destroyed or damaged:\nThe bomb reduced the houses to rubble. * There were piles of rubble everywhere.


Words: Rubicon
Meaning:
(the Rubicon) noun [sing.] the point at which a decision has been taken which can no longer be changed:\nToday we cross the Rubicon. There is no going back\n ORIGIN  From the Rubicon, a stream which formed the border between Italy and Gaul. When Julius Caesar broke the law by crossing it with his army in 49BC, it led inevitably to war.


Words: ruby
Meaning:
noun (plural rubies)\n  1  [C] a dark red precious stone:\na ruby ring\n  2  [U] a dark red colour\n    ruby adjective:\nruby lips


Words: ruby wedding
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE ruby anniversary) (also ruby wedding anniversary AmE, BrE) noun\nthe 40th anniversary of a wedding\ncompare DIAMOND WEDDING, GOLDEN WEDDING, SILVER WEDDING


Words: ruck
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] (in rugby) a group of players who gather round the ball when it is lying on the ground and push each other in order to get the ball\n  2  [sing.] a group of people standing closely together or fighting:\nHe pushed his way through the ruck of drinkers to get to the bar. * When the police arrived, it soon turned into an ugly ruck.\n  3  (the ruck) [sing.] (disapproving) ordinary people or events:\nShe saw marriage to him as a way out of the ruck.\n    verb [V] (in rugby) to do or take part in a ruck (1)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  ruck up | ruck sth<->up (of fabric) to form untidy folds; to make sth do this:\nYour dress is rucked up at the back.


Words: rucksack
Meaning:
(BrE) (also backpack AmE, BrE) noun\na large bag, often supported on a light metal frame, carried on the back and used especially by people who go climbing or walking


Words: ruckus
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (informal, especially AmE) a situation in which there is a lot of noisy activity, confusion or argument:\nShe went outside to see who was causing such a ruckus.


Words: ructions
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (especially BrE) angry protests or arguments:\nThere’ll be ructions if her father ever finds out. * The announcement caused serious ructions.


Words: rudder
Meaning:
noun\na piece of wood or metal at the back of a boat or an aircraft that is used for controlling its direction


Words: rudderless
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) with nobody in control; not knowing what to do:\nAt no time should a government be rudderless, without a leader. * Without his wife he felt lost and rudderless.


Words: ruddy
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective\n  1  (of a person’s face) looking red and healthy:\nruddy cheeks * a ruddy complexion\n  2  (literary) red in colour:\na ruddy sky\n  3  [only before noun] (BrE, informal) a mild swear word that some people use to show that they are annoyed:\nI can’t get the ruddy car to start! * What the ruddy hell do you want?\n    adverb (BrE, informal) a mild swear word used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are annoyed:\nThere was a ruddy great hole in the ceiling.


Words: rude
Meaning:
adjective (ruder, rudest)\n  1  ~ (to sb) (about sb/sth) | ~ (to do sth) having or showing a lack of respect for other people and their feelings\nSYN IMPOLITE:\na rude comment / remark * The man was downright rude to us. * She was very rude about my driving. * Why are you so rude to your mother? * It’s rude to speak when you’re eating. * There’s no need to be rude! * I don’t wish to be rude, but I have another appointment in five minutes. * How rude of me not to offer you something to drink!\n  2  (especially BrE) (AmE usually crude) connected with sex or the body in a way that people find offensive or embarrassing:\na rude gesture / suggestion * Someone made a rude noise. * The joke is too rude to repeat.\n  3  [only before noun] (written) sudden, unpleasant and unexpected:\nThose expecting good news will get a rude shock. * If the players think they can win this match easily, they are in for a rude awakening.\n  4  (literary) made in a simple, basic way\nSYN PRIMITIVE:\nrude shacks\n    rudeness noun [U]:\nShe was critical to the point of rudeness. * I want to apologize for my rudeness the other day.\n IDIOMS \n  in rude health (old-fashioned, BrE) looking or feeling very healthy


Words: rudely
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that shows a lack of respect for other people and their feelings:\nThey brushed rudely past us. * ’What do you want?’ she asked rudely. * He waved her rudely away.\n  2  in a way that is sudden, unpleasant and unexpected:\nI was rudely awakened by the phone ringing. * As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted ...


Words: rudimentary
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) dealing with only the most basic matters or ideas\nSYN BASIC:\nThey were given only rudimentary training in the job. * His understanding of the language is very rudimentary.\n  2  (formal or technical) not highly or fully developed\nSYN BASIC:\nrudimentary housing / weapons * Health care in the village is still quite rudimentary. * Some dinosaurs had only rudimentary teeth. * the most rudimentary forms of life


Words: rudiments
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] the ~ (of sth) (formal) the most basic or essential facts of a particular subject, skill, etc:\nYou’ll only have time to learn the rudiments of windsurfing in a week.


Words: rue
Meaning:
verb\n(rueing or ruing, rued, rued) [VN] (old-fashioned or formal) to feel bad about sth that happened or sth that you did because it had bad results\nSYN REGRET:\nHe rued the day they had bought such a large house.


Words: rueful
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) feeling or showing that you are sad or sorry:\na rueful expression / laugh * Jenny gave a rueful smile.\n    ruefully  adverb:\nHe laughed ruefully. * ’So this is goodbye,’ she said ruefully. * He ruefully admitted that he envied her.


Words: ruff
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a ring of coloured or marked feathers or fur around the neck of a bird or an animal\n \n  2  a wide stiff white collar with many folds in it, worn especially in the 16th and 17th centuries


Words: ruffle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (up) to disturb the smooth surface of sth, so that it is not even:\nShe ruffled his hair affectionately. * The bird ruffled up its feathers. * A light breeze ruffled the surface of the lake.\n  2  [often passive] to make sb annoyed, worried or upset:\nNothing ever seems to ruffle Susan. * She was obviously ruffled by his question. * He never gets ruffled, even under pressure.\n IDIOMS \n  ruffle sb’s / a few feathers (informal) to annoy or upset sb or a group of people:\nThe senator’s speech ruffled a few feathers in the business world.\nmore at SMOOTH v.\n    noun [usually pl.] a strip of fabric that is sewn in folds and is used to decorate a piece of clothing at the neck or wrists\nSYN FRILL


Words: rug
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a piece of thick material like a small carpet that is used for covering or decorating part of a floor:\na hearth rug (= in front of a fireplace) * an oriental rug * a sheepskin rug\n \n  2  (BrE) a piece of thick warm material, like a BLANKET, that is used for wrapping around your legs to keep warm:\na car / travelling rug * a tartan rug\n \n IDIOMS  see PULL v., SWEEP v.


Words: rugby
Meaning:
(sometimes Rugby) (also rugby football) noun\n[U] a game played by two teams of 13 or 15 players, using an OVAL ball which may be kicked or carried. Teams try to put the ball over the other team’s line:\na rugby ball / club / match / game\n \n ORIGIN  Named after Rugby school, where the game was first played.


Words: rugged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of the landscape) not level or smooth and having rocks rather than plants or trees:\nrugged cliffs * The countryside around here is very rugged. * They admired the rugged beauty of the coastline. * He loves the rugged outdoor life (= the lack of comfort connected with being outside).\n  2  [usually before noun] (approving) (of a man’s face) having strong, attractive features:\nShe was attracted by his rugged good looks.\n  3  [usually before noun] (of a person) determined to succeed in a difficult situation, even if this means using force or upsetting other people:\na rugged individualist\n  4  (of equipment, clothing, etc.) strong and designed to be used in difficult conditions:\nA less rugged vehicle would never have made the trip. * rugged outdoor clothing\n    ruggedly adverb:\nruggedly handsome\n    ruggedness noun [U]


Words: ruin
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  to damage sth so badly that it loses all its value, pleasure, etc.; to spoil sth:\nThe bad weather ruined our trip. * That one mistake ruined his chances of getting the job. * My new shoes got ruined in the mud. * The crops were ruined by the late frost.\n  2  to make sb/sth lose all their money, their position, etc:\nIf she loses the court case it will ruin her. * The country was ruined by the war.\n    noun\n  1  [U] the state or process of being destroyed or severely damaged:\nA large number of churches fell into ruin after the revolution. * The house had been left to go to ruin. * The terrorist attack had left the city in a state of ruin\n  2  [U] the fact of having no money, of having lost your job, position, etc:\nThe divorce ultimately led to his ruin. * The bank stepped in to save the company from financial ruin. * The war brought the country to the brink of ruin.\n  3  [sing.] something that causes a person, company, etc. to lose all their money, job, position, etc:\nGambling was his ruin.\n  4  [C] (also ruins [pl.]) the parts of a building that remain after it has been destroyed or severely damaged:\nThe old mill is now little more than a ruin. * We visited the ruins of a Norman castle. * Two bodies were found among the charred ruins of the house. * (figurative) He was determined to build a new life out of the ruins of his career.\n IDIOMS \n  in ruins destroyed or severely damaged:\nYears of fighting have left the area in ruins. * The scandal left his reputation in ruins. * Their plans for a comeback now lie in ruins.\nmore at RACK n.


Words: ruination
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the process of destroying sth/sb or being destroyed:\nUrban development has led to the ruination of vast areas of countryside. * Alcohol will be the ruination of him.


Words: ruined
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of a building, town, etc.) destroyed or severely damaged so that only parts remain:\na ruined castle


Words: ruinous
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  costing a lot of money and more than you can AFFORD:\nruinous legal fees * They were forced to sell out at a ruinous loss.\n  2  causing serious problems or damage:\nThe decision was to prove ruinous. * Such action would be ruinous to her career. * a ruinous mistake / gamble\n  3  (formal) (of a town, building, etc.) destroyed or severely damaged:\na ruinous chapel * The buildings were in a ruinous state.\n    ruinously adverb:\nruinously expensive


Words: rule
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  of activity / game\n  1  [C] a statement of what may, must or must not be done in a particular situation or when playing a game:\nto follow / obey / observe the rules * It’s against all rules and regulations. * to break a rule (= not follow it) * This explains the rules under which the library operates. * Without unwritten rules civilized life would be impossible. * Normal competition rules apply. * She laid down strict rules for her tenants including prompt payment of rent.\nsee also GROUND RULE\n  advice\n  2  [C] a statement of what you are advised to do in a particular situation:\nThere are no hard and fast rules for planning healthy meals. * The first rule is to make eye contact with your interviewer.\nsee also GOLDEN RULE\n  habit / normally true\n  3  [C, usually sing.] a habit; the normal state of things; what is true in most cases:\nHe makes it a rule never to borrow money. * I go to bed early as a rule. * Cold winters here are the exception rather than the rule (= are rare). * As a general rule vegetable oils are better for you than animal fats.\n  of system\n  4  [C] a statement of what is possible according to a particular system, for example the grammar of a language:\nthe rules of grammar\n  government / control\n  5  [U] the government of a country or control of a group of people by a particular person, group or system:\nunder Communist / colonial British / civilian / military rule * majority rule (= government by the political party that most people have voted for) * The 1972 act imposed direct rule from Westminster.\nsee also HOME RULE\n  measuring tool\n  6  [C] a measuring instrument with a straight edge\nsee also SLIDE RULE\n IDIOMS \n  bend / stretch the rules to change the rules to suit a particular person or situation\n  play by sb’s (own) rules if sb plays by their own rules or makes other people play by their rules, they set the conditions for doing business or having a relationship\n  play by the rules to deal fairly and honestly with people\n  the rules of the game the standards of behaviour that most people accept or that actually operate in a particular area of life or business\n  the rule of law the condition in which all members of society, including its rulers, accept the authority of the law:\nDemocracy and the rule of law are yet to be firmly established in the country.\n  a rule of thumb a practical method of doing or measuring sth, usually based on past experience rather than on exact measurement:\nAs a rule of thumb, you should cook a chicken for 20 minutes for each pound of weight.\n  work to rule to follow the rules of your job in a very strict way in order to cause delay, as a form of protest against your employer or your working conditions\nsee also WORK-TO-RULE\nmore at EXCEPTION\n    verb\n  govern / control\n  1  ~ (over sb/sth) to control and have authority over a country, a group of people, etc:\n[VN] At that time John ruled England. * The family ruled London’s gangland in the sixties. * (figurative) Eighty million years ago, dinosaurs ruled the earth. * [V] Charles I ruled for eleven years. * She once ruled over a vast empire. * (figurative) After the revolution, anarchy ruled.\n  2  [VN] [often passive] (often disapproving) to be the main thing that influences and controls sb/sth:\nThe pursuit of money ruled his life. * We live in a society where we are ruled by the clock.\n  give official decision\n  3  ~ (on sth) to give an official decision about sth:\n[V] The court will rule on the legality of the action. * The judge ruled against / in favour of the plaintiff. * [VN-ADJ] The deal may be ruled illegal. * The defendant was ruled not guilty. * [V that] The court ruled that the women were unfairly dismissed. [also VN to inf, VN that]\n  draw straight line\n  4  to draw a straight line using sth that has a firm straight edge:\nRule a line at the end of every piece of work.\n IDIOMS \n  rule the roost (informal) to be the most powerful member of a group:\nLiverpool ruled the roost in English football for a decade.\n  rule (sb/sth) with a rod of iron to control a person or a group of people very severely\nmore at COURT n., DIVIDE v., HEART\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rule off | rule sth<->off to separate sth from the next section of writing by drawing a line underneath it\n  rule sb/sth<->out\n1 ~ (as sth) to state that sth is not possible or that sb/sth is not suitable\nSYN EXCLUDE:\nPolice have not ruled out the possibility that the man was murdered. * The proposed solution was ruled out as too expensive.\n2 to prevent sb from doing sth; to prevent sth from happening:\nHis age effectively ruled him out as a possible candidate.\n  rule sb out of sth [usually passive] (in sport) to state that a player or competitor will not be able to take part in a sporting event; to prevent a player from taking part:\nOwen has been ruled out of tonight’s match with a knee injury.


Words: rule book
Meaning:
(usually the rule book) noun\nthe set of rules that must be followed in a particular job, organization or game


Words: ruler
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a person who rules or governs\n \n  2  a straight strip of wood, plastic or metal, marked in CENTIMETRES or INCHES, used for measuring or for drawing straight lines


Words: ruling
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun ~ (on sth) an official decision made by sb in a position of authority, especially a judge:\nThe court will make its ruling on the case next week. * The company intends to appeal against the ruling that it was negligent.\n    adjective [only before noun] having control over a particular group, country, etc:\nthe ruling party * He has been elected head of the country’s new ruling body.


Words: rum
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] a strong alcoholic drink made from the juice of SUGAR CANE\n  2  [C] a glass of rum:\nA rum and Coke, please\n    adjective [usually before noun] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) strange\nSYN ODD, PECULIAR:\nHe’s a rum fellow. * I don’t know what is going on-it’s a rum business.


Words: rumble
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] to make a long deep sound or series of sounds:\nThe machine rumbled as it started up. * thunder rumbling in the distance * I’m so hungry my stomach’s rumbling.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to move slowly and heavily, making a rumbling sound:\ntanks rumbling through the streets * The train rumbled nearer.\n  3  [VN] (BrE, informal) to discover the truth about sb or what they are trying to hide:\nThey knew they had been rumbled.\n  4  (AmE, informal) (of a GANG of young people) to fight against another GANG\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rumble on (written, especially BrE) (of an argument, a dispute, etc.) to continue slowly and steadily for a long time:\nDiscussions rumble on over the siting of the new airport.\n    noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (of sth) a long deep sound or series of sounds:\nthe rumble of laughter / thunder / gunfire * Inside, the noise of the traffic was reduced to a distant rumble. * (figurative) Although an agreement has been reached, rumbles of resentment can still be heard.\n  2  [C] (AmE, informal) a fight in the street between two or more GANGS (= groups of young people)


Words: rumble strip
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a series of raised strips across a road or along its edge that make a loud noise when a vehicle drives over them in order to warn the driver to slow down or that he or she is too close to the edge of the road


Words: rumbling
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also used as an adjective) a long deep sound or series of sounds:\nthe rumblings of thunder * a rumbling noise * (figurative) the rumblings of discontent\n  2  [usually pl.] things that people are saying that may not be true \nSYN RUMOUR:\nThere are rumblings that the election may have to be postponed.


Words: rumbustious
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually rambunctious) adjective [usually before noun] (informal) full of energy in a cheerful and noisy way \nSYN BOISTEROUS:\na crowd of rumbustious football fans


Words: ruminant
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) any animal that brings back food from its stomach and chews it again. Cows and sheep are both ruminants.\n    ruminant adjective:\nruminant animals


Words: ruminate
Meaning:
verb\n[V, V speech] (formal) ~ (on / over / about sth) to think deeply about sth\n    rumination  noun [C, U]


Words: ruminative
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) tending to think deeply and carefully about things \nSYN PENSIVE, THOUGHTFUL:\nin a ruminative mood\n    ruminatively adverb


Words: rummage
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V +adv./prep.] to move things around carelessly while searching for sth:\nShe was rummaging around in her bag for her keys. * I rummaged through the contents of the box until I found the book I wanted.\n    noun [sing.] the act of looking for sth among a group of other objects in a way that makes them untidy:\nHave a rummage around in the drawer and see if you can find a pen.


Words: rumour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE rumor)  noun, verb \n    noun [C, U] ~ (of / about sth) | ~ (that...) a piece of information, or a story, that people talk about, but that may not be true:\nto start / spread a rumour * There are widespread rumours of job losses. * Some malicious rumours are circulating about his past. * I heard a rumour that they are getting married. * Many of the stories are based on rumour. * Rumour has it (= people say) that he was murdered. * I thought she was leaving the company, but perhaps it may be just a rumour.\n    verb (be rumoured) to be reported as a rumour and possibly not true: [VN (that)] It’s widely rumoured that she’s getting promoted. * [VN to inf] He was rumoured to be involved in the crime.\n    rumoured adjective [only before noun]:\nHe denied his father’s rumoured love affair.


Words: rump
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the round area of flesh at the top of the back legs of an animal that has four legs:\nHe slapped the horse on the rump.\n  2  [U] (also rump steak [C, U]) a piece of good quality meat cut from the rump of a cow\n  3  [C, usually sing.] (humorous) the part of the body that you sit on\nSYN BACKSIDE\n  4  [sing.] (BrE) the small or unimportant part of a group or an organization that remains when most of its members have left:\nThe election reduced the party to a rump.


Words: rumple
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make sth untidy or not smooth and neat:\nShe rumpled his hair playfully. * The bed was rumpled where he had slept. * a rumpled linen suit


Words: rumpus
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (informal) a lot of noise that is made especially by people who are complaining about sth\nSYN COMMOTION:\nto cause a rumpus * Fans kicked up a rumpus when the concert was cancelled.


Words: run
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (running, ran  run)\n  move fast on foot\n  1  [V] to move using your legs, going faster than when you walk:\nCan you run as fast as Mike? * They turned and ran when they saw us coming. * She came running to meet us. * I had to run to catch the bus. * The dogs ran off as soon as we appeared. * He ran home in tears to his mother.\n HELP NOTE  In spoken English run can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive, especially to tell somebody to hurry and do something: Run and get your swimsuits, kids. * I ran and knocked on the nearest door.\n  2  [VN] to travel a particular distance by running:\nWho was the first person to run a mile in under four minutes?\nsee also MILE\n  3  [V] (sometimes go running) to run as a sport:\nShe used to run when she was at college. * I often go running before work.\n  race\n  4  ~ (in sth) to take part in a race:\n[V] Gail Devers will be running in the 100 metres tonight. * There are only five horses running in the first race. * [VN] to run the marathon * Johnson ran a fine race to take the gold medal.\nsee also RUNNER (1)\n  5  [VN] [often passive] to make a race take place:\nThe Derby will be run in spite of the bad weather.\n  hurry\n  6  [V +adv./prep.] to hurry from one place to another:\nI’ve spent the whole day running around after the kids.\n  manage\n  7  [VN] to be in charge of a business, etc:\nto run a hotel / store / language school * He has no idea how to run a business. * Stop trying to run my life (= organize it) for me. * The shareholders want more say in how the company is run. * a badly-run company * state-run industries\nsee also RUNNING n. (2)\n  provide\n  8  [VN] to make a service, course of study, etc. available to people\nSYN ORGANIZE:\nThe college runs summer courses for foreign students.\n  vehicle / machine\n  9  [VN] to own and use a vehicle or machine:\nI can’t afford to run a car on my salary.\n  10  ~ (on sth) to operate or function; to make sth do this:\n[V] Stan had the chainsaw running. * Our van runs on (= uses) diesel. * (figurative) Her life had always run smoothly before. * [VN] Could you run the engine for a moment?\n  buses / trains\n  11  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to travel on a particular route:\nBuses to Oxford run every half-hour. * Trains between London and Brighton run throughout the day. * All the trains are running late (= are leaving later than planned).\n  12  [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to make buses, trains, etc. travel on a particular route:\nThey run extra trains during the rush hour.\n  drive sb\n  13  [VN +adv./prep.] (informal) to drive sb to a place in a car:\nShall I run you home?\n  move somewhere\n  14  [V +adv./prep.] to move, especially quickly, in a particular direction:\nThe car ran off the road into a ditch. * A shiver ran down my spine. * The sledge ran smoothly over the frozen snow. * The old tramlines are still there but now no trams run on them.\n  15  [VN +adv./prep.] to move sth in a particular direction:\nShe ran her fingers nervously through her hair. * I ran my eyes over the page.\n  lead / stretch\n  16  [+adv./prep.] to lead or stretch from one place to another; to make sth do this:\n[V] He had a scar running down his left cheek. * The road runs parallel to the river. * [VN] We ran a cable from the lights to the stage.\n  continue for time\n  17  [V] ~ (for sth) to continue for a particular period of time without stopping:\nHer last musical ran for six months on Broadway. * This debate will run and run!\n  18  [V] ~ (for sth) to operate or be valid for a particular period of time:\nThe permit runs for three months. * The lease on my house only has a year left to run.\n  happen\n  19  [V +adv./prep.] (usually used in the progressive tenses) to happen at the time mentioned:\nProgrammes are running a few minutes behind schedule this evening. * The murderer was given three life sentences, to run concurrently.\n  guns, drugs, etc.\n  20  [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to bring or take sth into a country illegally and secretly\nSYN SMUGGLE:\nHe used to run guns across the border.\nsee also RUNNER\n  of story / argument\n  21  to have particular words, contents, etc:\n[V] Their argument ran something like this ... * [V speech] ’Ten shot dead by gunmen,’ ran the newspaper headline.\n  liquid\n  22  [V +adv./prep.] to flow:\nThe tears ran down her cheeks. * Water was running all over the bathroom floor.\n  23  ~ sth (for sb) | ~ (sb) sth to make liquid flow:\n[VN] She ran hot water into the bucket. * to run the hot tap (= to turn it so that water flows from it) * [VN, VNN] I’ll run a bath for you. * I’ll run you a bath.\n  24  [V] to send out a liquid:\nWho left the tap running? * Your nose is running (= MUCUS is flowing from it). * The smoke makes my eyes run.\n  25  [V] ~ with sth (usually used in the progressive tenses) to be covered with a liquid:\nHis face was running with sweat. * The bathroom floor was running with water.\n  of colour\n  26  [V] if the colour runs in a piece of clothing when it gets wet, it dissolves and may come out of the clothing into other things:\nThe colour ran and made all my underwear pink.\n  melt\n  27  [V] (of a solid substance) to melt:\nThe wax began to run.\nsee also RUNNY\n  be / become\n  28  [V-ADJ] to become different in a particular way, especially a bad way:\nThe river ran dry (= stopped flowing) during the drought. * Supplies are running low. * We’ve run short of milk. * You’ve got your rivals running scared.\n  29  [V] ~ at sth to be at or near a particular level:\nInflation was running at 26%.\n  of newspaper / magazine\n  30  [VN] to print and publish an item or a story:\nOn advice from their lawyers they decided not to run the story.\n  a test / check\n  31  [VN] ~ a test / check (on sth) to do a test/check on sth:\nThe doctors decided to run some more tests on the blood samples.\n  in election\n  32  [V] ~ (for sb/sth) | ~ (in sth) to be a candidate in an election for a political position, especially in the US:\nClinton ran a second time in 1996. * to run for president * to run in the election\ncompare STAND v. (16)\n  of tights / stockings\n  33  [V] (AmE) if TIGHTS or STOCKINGS run, a long thin hole appears in them\nSYN LADDER\n IDIOMS \n  Most idioms containing run are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example run riot is at riot.\n  come running to be pleased to do what sb wants:\nShe knew she had only to call and he would come running.\n  run for it (often used in orders) to run in order to escape from sb/sth\n  up and running working fully and correctly:\nIt will be a lot easier when we have the database up and running.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  run across sb/sth to meet sb or find sth by chance\n  run after sb (informal) to try to have a romantic or sexual relationship with sb:\nHe’s always running after younger women.\n  run after sb/sth to run to try to catch sb/sth\n  run along (old-fashioned, informal) used in orders to tell sb, especially a child, to go away\n  run around with (AmE also run with) (usually disapproving) to spend a lot of time with sb:\nShe’s always running around with older men.\n  run at sb [no passive] to run towards sb to attack or as if to attack them:\nHe ran at me with a knife.\n  run away (from sb / ...) to leave sb/a place suddenly; to escape from sb/a place:\nHe ran away from home at the age of thirteen. * Looking at all the accusing faces, she felt a sudden urge to run away.\nrelated noun RUNAWAY\n  run away from sth to try to avoid sth because you are shy, lack confidence, etc:\nYou can’t just run away from the situation.\n  run away with you if a feeling runs away with you, it gets out of your control:\nHer imagination tends to run away with her.\n  run away / off with sb | run away / off (together) to leave home, your husband, wife, etc. in order to have a relationship with another person:\nShe ran away with her boss. * She and her boss ran away together.\n  run away with sth\n1 to win sth clearly or easily\n2 (spoken) to believe sth that is not true:\nI don’t want you to run away with the impression that all I do is sign cheques all day.\n  run back over sth to discuss or consider sth again\nSYN REVIEW:\nI’ll run back over the procedure once again.\n  run sth by / past sb (informal) to show sb sth or tell sb about an idea in order to see their reaction to it\n  run down\n1 to lose power or stop working:\nThe battery has run down.\n2 to stop functioning gradually or become smaller in size or number:\nBritish manufacturing industry has been running down for years.\nrelated noun RUNDOWN\n  run sth<->down\n1 to make sth lose power or stop working:\nIf you leave your headlights on you’ll soon run down the battery.\n2 to make sth stop functioning gradually or become smaller in size or number:\nThe company is running down its sales force.\nrelated noun RUNDOWN\n  run sb/sth<->down\n1 (of a vehicle or its driver) to hit sb/sth and knock them/it to the ground\n2 to criticize sb/sth in an unkind way:\nHe’s always running her down in front of other people.\n3 to find sb/sth after a search:\nShe finally ran the professor down in the library.\n  run sb<->in (old-fashioned, informal) to arrest sb and take them to a police station\n  run sth<->in (BrE) (in the past) to prepare the engine of a new car for normal use by driving slowly and carefully: (figurative) Whatever system you choose, it must be run in properly.\n  run into sb to meet sb by chance:\nGuess who I ran into today!\n  run into sth\n1 to enter an area of bad weather while travelling:\nWe ran into thick fog on the way home.\n2 to experience difficulties, etc:\nBe careful not to run into debt. * to run into danger / trouble / difficulties\n3 to reach a particular level or amount:\nHer income runs into six figures (= is more than ｣100 000, $100 000, etc.).\n  run into sb/sth to crash into sb/sth:\nThe bus went out of control and ran into a line of people.\n  run sth into sb/sth to make a vehicle crash into sb/sth:\nHe ran his car into a tree.\n  run off (BrE) (of a liquid) to flow out of a container\n  run sth<->off\n1 to copy sth on a machine:\nCould you run off twenty copies of the agenda?\n2 to cause a race to be run:\nThe heats of the 200 metres will be run off tomorrow.\n3 to make a liquid flow out of a container\n  run off with sb | run off (together) = RUN AWAY WITH SB\n  run off with sth to steal sth and take it away:\nThe treasurer had run off with the club’s funds.\n  run on to continue without stopping; to continue longer than is necessary or expected:\nThe meeting will finish promptly-I don’t want it to run on.\n  run on sth [no passive] if your thoughts, a discussion, etc. run on a subject, you think or talk a lot about that subject\n  run out\n1 if a supply of sth runs out, it is used up or finished:\nTime is running out for the trapped miners.\n2 if an agreement or a document runs out, it becomes no longer valid\nSYN EXPIRE\n  run out (of sth) to use up or finish a supply of sth:\nWe ran out of fuel. * Could I have a cigarette? I seem to have run out.\n  run out on sb (informal) to leave sb that you live with, especially when they need your help\n  run sb<->out [often passive] (in cricket) to make a player stop BATTING by hitting the WICKET with the ball before the player has completed his or her run\n  run over if a container or its contents run over, the contents come over the edge of the container\nSYN OVERFLOW\n  run sb/sth<->over (of a vehicle or its driver) to knock a person or an animal down and drive over their body or a part of it:\nTwo children were run over and killed.\n  run over sth to read through or practise sth quickly:\nShe ran over her notes before giving the lecture.\n  run sth past sb = RUN STH BY / PAST SB:\nRun that past me again.\n  run sb<->through (literary) to kill sb by sticking a knife, SWORD, etc. through them\n  run through sth (written)\n1 [no passive] to pass quickly through sth:\nAn angry murmur ran through the crowd. * Thoughts of revenge kept running through his mind.\n2 [no passive] to be present in every part of sth:\nA deep melancholy runs through her poetry.\n3 to discuss, repeat or read sth quickly:\nHe ran through the names on the list. * Could we run through your proposals once again?\n4 to perform, act or practise sth:\nCan we run through Scene 3 again, please?\nrelated noun RUN-THROUGH\n5 to use up or spend money carelessly:\nShe ran through the entire amount within two years.\n  run to sth\n1 to be of a particular size or amount:\nThe book runs to nearly 800 pages.\n2 (especially BrE) if you or your money will not run to sth, you do not have enough money for sth:\nOur funds won’t run to a trip abroad this year.\n  run sth<->up\n1 to allow a bill, debt, etc. to reach a large total:\nHow had he managed to run up so many debts?\n2 to make a piece of clothing quickly, especially by sewing:\nto run up a blouse\n3 to raise sth, especially a flag\n  run up against sth to experience a difficulty:\nThe government is running up against considerable opposition to its tax reforms.\n    noun\n  on foot\n  1  [C] an act of running; a period of time spent running or the distance that sb runs:\nI go for a run every morning. * a five-mile run * Catching sight of her he broke into a run (= started running). * I decided to make a run for it (= to escape by running). * She took the stairs at a run.\nsee also FUN RUN\n  trip\n  2  [C] a trip by car, plane, boat, etc., especially a short one or one that is made regularly:\nThey took the car out for a run. * an enemy aircraft on a bombing run * (BrE) This ferry operates on the Dover-Calais run.\n  of success / failure\n  3  [C] a period of sth good or bad happening; a series of successes or failures:\na run of good / bad luck * Liverpool lost to Leeds, ending an unbeaten run of 18 games.\n  of play / movie\n  4  [C] a series of performances of a play or film/movie:\nThe show had a record-breaking run in the London theatre.\n  of product\n  5  [C] the amount of a product that a company decides to make at one time:\nThe first print run of 6 000 copies sold out.\n  sudden demand\n  6  [C, usually sing.] ~ on sth a sudden demand for sth by a lot of people:\na run on the pound / dollar * When the new currency measures were announced there was a run on the bank (= a lot of people suddenly took their money out of the bank).\n  way things happen\n  7  [sing.] the ~ of sth the way things usually happen; the way things seem to be happening on a particular occasion:\nIn the normal run of things the only exercise he gets is climbing in and out of taxis. * (BrE) Wise scored in the 15th minute against the run of play (= although the other team had seemed more likely to score).\n  in sports\n  8  [C] a sloping track used in skiing and some other sports:\na ski / toboggan run\n  9  [C] a point scored in the game of cricket or baseball:\nOur team won by four runs.\nsee also HOME RUN\n  in election\n  10  [sing.] (AmE) an act of trying to get elected to public office:\nHe made an unsuccessful run for governor in 1998.\n  for animals / birds\n  11  [C] (often in compounds) an enclosed area in which animals or birds are kept as pets or on a farm:\na chicken run\n  in music\n  12  [C] a series of notes sung or played quickly up or down the SCALE\n  in card games\n  13  [C] a series of cards held by one player\n  in tights / stockings\n  14  [C] (AmE) = LADDER\n  illness\n  15  (the runs) [pl.] (informal) = DIARRHOEA\nsee also DRY RUN, DUMMY RUN, TRIAL RUN\n IDIOMS \n  the common, general, ordinary, usual run (of sth) the average type of sth:\nHe was very different from the general run of American movie stars.\n  give sb / get / have the run of sth to give sb/get/have permission to make full use of sth:\nHer dogs have the run of the house.\n  give sb a (good) run for their money to make sb try very hard, using all their skill and effort, in order to beat you in a game or competition\n  on the run\n1 trying to avoid being captured:\nHe’s on the run from the police.\n2 (informal) continuously active and moving around:\nI’ve been on the run all day and I’m exhausted.\nmore at LONG adj., SHORT adj.


Words: run-down
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a building or place) in very bad condition; that has not been looked after\nSYN NEGLECTED:\nrun-down inner-city areas\n  2  (of a business, etc.) not as busy or as active as it used to be:\nrun-down transport services\n  3  [not before noun] (of a person) tired or slightly ill/sick, especially from working hard:\nto be / feel / get run-down


Words: run-in
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (with sb) (informal) an argument or a fight:\nThe fiery player has had numerous run-ins with referees.\n  2  ~ (to sth) (BrE) = RUN-UP


Words: run-of-the-mill
Meaning:
adjective\n(often disapproving) ordinary, with no special or interesting features:\na run-of-the-mill job


Words: run-off
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a second vote or competition that is held to find a winner because two competitors in the first competition got the same result:\nShe won 55% of the votes in the run-off. * to hold a run-off ballot / election / vote\n  2  [U, C] rain, water or other liquid that runs off land into streams and rivers:\nAgricultural run-off containing pesticides is polluting the river.


Words: run-up
Meaning:
noun (BrE)\n  1  (also less frequent run in) ~ (to sth) a period of time leading up to an important event; the preparation for this:\nan increase in spending in the run-up to Christmas * during the run-up to the election\n  2  the act of running or the distance you run, to gain speed before you jump a long distance, throw a ball, etc:\nThe bowler started his run-up.


Words: runaround
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  give sb the runaround (informal) to treat sb badly by not telling them the truth, or by not giving them the help or the information they need, and sending them somewhere else:\nYou know where she is, don’t you, but you’re just giving me the runaround.


Words: runaway
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of a person) having left without telling anyone:\na hostel for runaway children\n  2  (of an animal or a vehicle) not under the control of its owner, rider or driver:\na runaway horse / car\n  3  happening very easily or quickly, and not able to be controlled:\na runaway winner / victory * the runaway success of her first play * runaway inflation\n    noun a person who has suddenly left or escaped from sb/sth, especially a child who has left home without telling anyone:\nteenage runaways living on the streets


Words: rundown
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  ~ (in / of sth) (BrE) a reduction in the amount, size or activity of sth, especially a business:\na rundown of rural transport services * a massive rundown in the number of students applying for science courses\n  2  ~ (on / of sth) an explanation or a description of sth:\nI can give you a brief rundown on each of the job applicants. * I need a complete rundown of the situation.


Words: rune
Meaning:
noun\n  1  one of the letters in an alphabet that people in Northern Europe used in ancient times and carved on wood or stone\n  2  a symbol that has a mysterious or magic meaning\n    runic adjective:\nrunic inscriptions


Words: rung
Meaning:
noun\none of the bars that forms a step in a ladder:\nHe put his foot on the bottom rung to keep the ladder steady. * (figurative) to get a foot on the bottom rung of the career ladder * She was a few rungs above him on the social ladder.\nsee also RING v.


Words: runnel
Meaning:
noun\n(formal or literary) a small stream or channel:\nThe tears made runnels down her make-up. * the dark alleyways and runnels of the city


Words: runner
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or an animal that runs, especially one taking part in a race:\na long-distance / cross-country / marathon runner * a list of runners (= horses in a race) and riders\nsee also FORERUNNER, FRONT RUNNER, ROADRUNNER\n  2  (especially in compounds) a person who takes goods illegally into or out of a place:\na drug runner\nsee also GUNRUNNER\n  3  a strip of metal, plastic or wood that sth slides on or can move along on:\nthe runners of a sledge\n  4  a plant stem that grows along the ground and puts down roots to form a new plant\n  5  a long narrow piece of fabric or carpet on a piece of furniture or on the floor\n  6  a person in a company or an organization whose job is to take messages, documents, etc. from one place to another\n IDIOMS \n  do a runner (BrE, informal) to leave or run away from somewhere in a hurry, especially to avoid paying a bill or receiving a punishment


Words: runner bean
Meaning:
(also string bean) noun\n(both BrE) a type of bean which is a long flat green POD growing on a climbing plant also called a runner bean. The PODS are cut up, cooked and eaten as a vegetable.


Words: runner-up
Meaning:
noun\n(plural runners-up) a person or team that finishes second in a race or competition; a person or team that has not finished first but that wins a prize:\nWinner: Kay Hall. Runner-up: Chris Platts. * They finished runners-up behind Sweden. * The runners-up will all receive a ｣50 prize.


Words: running
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U]\n  1  the action or sport of running:\nto go / take up running * running shoes\n  2  the activity of managing or operating sth:\nthe day-to-day running of a business * the running costs of a car (for example of fuel, repairs, insurance)\n  3  (-running) (in compounds) the activity of bringing sth such as drugs, guns, etc. into a country secretly and illegally:\ndrug-running * gunrunning\n IDIOMS \n  in / out of the running (for sth) (informal) having some/no chance of succeeding or achieving sth\n  make the running (BrE, informal) to set the speed at which sth is done; to take the lead in doing sth\n    adjective\n  1  used after a number and a noun such as ’year’ ’day’ or ’time’, to say that sth has happened in the same way several times, without a change:\nShe’s won the championship three years running. * It was the third day running that the train had been late. * No party has won an election four times running.\n  2  running water is water that is flowing somewhere or water that is supplied to a building and available to be used through taps/faucets:\nI can hear the sound of running water. * a remote cottage without electricity or running water\n  3  [only before noun] lasting a long time; continuous\nSYN ONGOING:\nFor years he had fought a running battle with the authorities over the land. * a running argument * His old raincoat became a running joke (= people kept laughing at it).\nsee also LONG-RUNNING\n  4  (-running) (in compounds) running or flowing in the way mentioned:\na fast-running river * They showed the free-running, slick football that has become their trademark.\n IDIOMS \n  (go and) take a running jump (old-fashioned, spoken) used to tell sb in a rude way to go away:\nWhy didn’t you just tell him to take a running jump?\nmore at ORDER n.


Words: running commentary
Meaning:
noun\na continuous description of an event, especially a sporting event, that sb gives as it happens:\nto give a running commentary on the game * My small son kept up a running commentary for the whole trip.


Words: running mate
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (politics) (in the US) a person who is chosen by the candidate in an election, especially that for president, to support them and to have the next highest political position if they win:\nThe presidential nominee was advised to choose a woman as a running mate.


Words: running order
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the order of the items in a television programme or a show; the order that members of a team will play in


Words: running repairs
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (BrE) small things that you do to a piece of clothing, a vehicle, a machine, etc. to mend it or to keep it working


Words: running sore
Meaning:
noun\na small area on the body that is infected and has liquid (called PUS) coming out of it:\na neglected animal covered in running sores * (figurative) Mining and the condition of miners has been a running sore (= a serious continuous problem) in the country for many years.


Words: running time
Meaning:
noun\nthe amount of time that a film/movie, a journey, etc. lasts:\nThe programme’s running time is 94 minutes. * The new service will cut 14 minutes off the running time of the journey.


Words: running total
Meaning:
noun\nthe total number or amount of things, money, etc. that changes as you add each new item:\nI try to keep a running total of how much I’m spending.


Words: runny
Meaning:
adjective (runnier, runniest)\n  1  (of your nose or eyes) producing a lot of liquid, for example when you have a cold:\nI think I’m getting a cold-I’ve got a sore throat and a runny nose.\n  2  having more liquid than is usual; not solid:\nrunny honey * Omelettes should be runny in the middle.


Words: runt
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the smallest, weakest animal of the young that are born from the same mother at the same time:\nthe runt of the litter\n  2  (slang, disapproving) a rude way of referring to a small, weak or unimportant person


Words: runway
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a long narrow strip of ground with a hard surface that an aircraft takes off from and lands on:\nThe plane taxied along the runway.\n \n  2  (AmE) = CATWALK


Words: rupture
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U]\n  1  (medical) an injury in which sth inside the body breaks apart or bursts:\nthe rupture of a blood vessel\n  2  a situation when sth breaks or bursts:\nruptures of oil and water pipelines\n  3  (informal) a HERNIA of the ABDOMEN:\nI nearly gave myself a rupture lifting that pile of books.\n  4  (formal) the ending of agreement or of good relations between people, countries, etc:\na rupture in relations between the two countries * Nothing could heal the rupture with his father.\n    verb\n  1  (medical) to burst or break apart sth inside the body; to be broken or burst apart:\n[VN] a ruptured appendix / spleen / artery * He ruptured himself (= got a HERNIA) trying to lift the piano. [also V]\n  2  to make sth such as a container or a pipe break or burst; to be broken or burst:\n[VN] The impact ruptured both fuel tanks. * [V] A pipe ruptured, leaking water all over the house.\n  3  [VN] (written) to make an agreement or good relations between people or countries end:\nthe risk of rupturing North-South relations


Words: rural
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] connected with or like the countryside:\nrural areas / communities * a rural economy / society * rural America * a rural way of life\ncompare URBAN


Words: Ruritanian
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of stories) full of romantic adventure:\nThe book is a good example of Ruritanian adventure.


Words: ruse
Meaning:
noun\n(written) a way of doing sth or of getting sth by deceiving sb\nSYN TRICK:\nShe tried to think of a ruse to get him out of the house.


Words: rush
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  move fast\n  1  to move or to do sth with great speed, often too fast: [V, usually +adv./prep.] We’ve got plenty of time; there’s no need to rush. * the sound of rushing water * Don’t rush off, I haven’t finished. * I’ve been rushing around all day trying to get everything done. * The children rushed out of school. * My college years seemed to rush past. * People rushed to buy shares in the company. * [VN] We had to rush our meal.\n  take / send quickly\n  2  to transport or send sb/sth somewhere with great speed: [VN, +adv./prep.] Ambulances rushed the injured to the hospital. * Relief supplies were rushed in. [also VNN]\n  do sth too quickly\n  3  ~ (sb) (into sth / into doing sth) to do sth or to make sb do sth without thinking about it carefully:\n[V] We don’t want to rush into having a baby. * [VN] Don’t rush me. I need time to think about it. * I’m not going to be rushed into anything.\n  attack\n  4  [VN] to try to attack or capture sb/sth suddenly:\nA group of prisoners rushed an officer and managed to break out. * Fans rushed the stage after the concert.\n  in american football\n  5  [VN] (AmE) to run into sb who has the ball\n  6  [V] (AmE) to move forward and gain ground by carrying the ball and not passing it\n  in american colleges\n  7  [VN] (AmE) to give a lot of attention to sb, especially to a student because you want them to join your FRATERNITY or SORORITY:\nHe is being rushed by Sigma Nu and Phi Delta.\n IDIOMS  see FOOT n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rush sth<->out to produce sth very quickly:\nThe editors rushed out an item on the crash for the late news. * Thousands of copies of the CD have been rushed out in time for Christmas.\n  rush sth<->through | rush sth through sth to deal with official business very quickly by making the usual process shorter than usual:\nto rush a bill through Parliament * The product was rushed through without adequate safety testing.\n    noun\n  fast movement\n \n  1  [sing.] a sudden movement forward made by a lot of people or things:\nShoppers made a rush for the exits. * She was trampled in the rush to get out. * They listened to the rush of the sea below. * (figurative) They made desperate attempts to halt the headlong rush into war.\n \n  hurry\n \n  2  [sing., U] a situation in which you are in a hurry and need to do things quickly:\nI can’t stop-I’m in a rush. * What’s the rush? * ’I’ll let you have the book back tomorrow.’ ’There’s no rush.’ * The words came out in a rush. * The note looked like it had been written in a rush. * I’m not in any rush to get back to work. * The trip to Paris was all a mad rush. * a rush job (= one that has been done quickly)\n \n  busy situation\n \n  3  [sing.] a situation in which people are very busy and there is a lot of activity:\nBook now and avoid the last-minute rush. * The evening rush was just starting. * the Christmas rush\n  of feeling\n  4  [sing.] ~ (of sth) a sudden increase in the amount of sth\nSYN SURGE:\nShe felt a rush of blood to her cheeks. * a rush of adrenalin * The door blew open, letting in a rush of cold air.\n  5  [sing.] ~ (of sth) a sudden strong feeling or emotion:\na sudden rush of excitement / fear / anger\n  sudden demand\n  6  [sing.] ~ (on / for sth) a sudden large demand for goods, etc:\nThere’s been a rush on umbrellas this week.\nsee also GOLD RUSH\n  plant\n  7  [C, usually pl.] a tall plant like grass that grows near water. Its long thin stems can be dried and used for making baskets, the seats of chairs, etc:\nrush matting\n  of film / movie\n  8  (rushes) [pl.] (technical) the first prints of a film/movie before they have been EDITED\n  in american colleges\n  9  [sing.] (AmE) the time when parties are held for students who want to join a FRATERNITY or SORORITY:\nrush week * a rush party


Words: rush hour
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually sing, U] the time, usually twice a day, when the roads are full of traffic and trains are crowded because people are travelling to or from work:\nthe morning / evening rush hour * Don’t travel at rush hour. * rush-hour traffic


Words: Russian roulette
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a dangerous game in which a person shoots at their own head with a gun that contains a bullet in only one of its CHAMBERS, so that the person does not know if the gun will fire or not


Words: rust
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  a reddish-brown substance that is formed on some metals by the action of water and air:\npipes covered with rust * rust spots * a rust-coloured dress\nsee also RUSTY\n  2  a plant disease that causes reddish-brown spots; the FUNGUS that causes this disease\n    verb if metal rusts or sth rusts it, it becomes covered with rust:\n[V] old rusting farming implements * Brass doesn’t rust. * The floor of the car had rusted through. * [VN] Water had got in and rusted the engine.\n    rusted adjective:\nrusted iron\nsee also RUSTY\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rust away to be gradually destroyed by rust:\nThere was an old bike rusting away outside.


Words: rust belt
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a region that used to have a lot of industry, but that has now decreased in importance and wealth


Words: rustic
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (approving) typical of the country or of country people; simple:\nan old cottage full of rustic charm\n  2  made very simply of rough wood:\na rustic garden seat * a rustic fence\n    rusticity  noun [U] \n    noun (disapproving or humorous) a person who lives in or comes from the country:\na simple rustic in a Shakespearean comedy


Words: rustle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  if sth dry and light rustles or you rustle it, it makes a sound like paper, leaves, etc. moving or rubbing together:\n[V] the sound of the trees rustling in the breeze * Her silk dress rustled as she moved. [also VN]\n  2  [VN] to steal farm animals\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  rustle sth<->up (for sb) (informal) to make or find sth quickly for sb and without planning:\nI’m sure I can rustle you up a sandwich. * They have been busy rustling up new business.\n    noun [sing.] a light dry sound like leaves or pieces of paper moving or rubbing against each other:\nThere was a rustle of paper as people turned the pages. * I heard a faint rustle in the bushes.


Words: rustling
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the sound of light, dry things moving together:\nthe soft rustling of leaves\n  2  [U] the act of stealing farm animals:\ncattle rustling


Words: rusty
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  covered with RUST:\nrusty metal * a rusty old car / nail\n  2  [not usually before noun] (informal) (of a sport, skill, etc.) not as good as it used to be, because you have not been practising:\nMy tennis is very rusty these days. * I haven’t played the piano for ages-I may be a bit rusty\n    rustiness noun [U]


Words: rut
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a deep track that a wheel makes in soft ground:\nIt was difficult to walk in the muddy ruts left by the tractor.\n  2  [C] a boring way of life that does not change:\nI gave up my job because I felt I was stuck in a rut. * If you don’t go out and meet new people, it’s easy to get into a rut.\n  3  [U] (also the rut) [sing.] the time of year when male animals, especially deer, become sexually active:\nstags fighting during the rut\nsee also RUTTED, RUTTING


Words: ruthless
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) (of people or their behaviour) hard and cruel; determined to get what you want and not caring if you hurt other people:\na ruthless dictator * The way she behaved towards him was utterly ruthless. * He has a ruthless determination to succeed. * We’ll have to be ruthless if we want to make this company more efficient.\n    ruthlessly adverb:\nI have to be ruthlessly honest with you.\n    ruthlessness noun [U]


Words: rutting
Meaning:
adjective\n(of male animals, especially deer) in a time of sexual activity:\nrutting deer * the rutting season\nsee also RUT (3)


Words: Rx
Meaning:
noun (AmE)\n  1  the written abbreviation for a doctor’s PRESCRIPTION\n  2  a solution to a problem:\nThere’s no Rx for unemployment.


Words: rye
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a plant that looks like BARLEY but that produces larger grain, grown as food for animals and for making flour and whisky; the grain of this plant:\nrye bread * rye whisky


Words: S
Meaning:
noun, abbreviation \n    noun (also s) [C, U] (plural S’s, s’s ) the 19th letter of the English alphabet:\n’Snow’ begins with (an) S / ’S’.\nsee also S-BEND\n    abbreviation\n  1  (plural SS) Saint\n  2  (especially for sizes of clothes) small\n  3  (AmE also So.) south; southern:\nS Yorkshire\nsee also S AND H


Words: sabbath
Meaning:
(the Sabbath) noun [sing.] (in Judaism and Christianity) the holy day of the week that is used for resting and worshipping God. For Jews this day is Saturday and for Christians it is Sunday:\nto keep / break the Sabbath (= to obey / disobey the religious rules for this day)


Words: sabbatical
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a period of time when sb, especially a teacher at a university, is allowed to stop their normal work in order to study or travel:\nto take a year’s sabbatical * a sabbatical term / year * He’s on sabbatical.


Words: sable
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a small animal from northern Asia with dark yellowish-brown fur\n  2  [U] the skin and fur of the sable, used for making expensive coats and artists’ brushes


Words: sabotage
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] the act of doing deliberate damage to equipment, transport, machines, etc. to prevent an enemy from using them or to protest about sth:\nan act of economic / military / industrial sabotage * Police investigating the train derailment have not ruled out sabotage.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to damage, destroy or spoil sth deliberately to prevent an enemy from using it or to protest about sth:\nThe main electricity supply had been sabotaged by the rebels. * Protesters failed to sabotage the peace talks.\n  2  to make sth no longer possible or successful:\nThe rise in interest rates sabotaged any chance of the firm’s recovery.


Words: saboteur
Meaning:
noun\na person who does deliberate damage to sth to prevent an enemy from using it, or to protest about sth:\nSaboteurs blew up a small section of the track. * (BrE) hunt saboteurs (= people who try to stop people from hunting foxes, etc.)


Words: sabre
Meaning:
(AmE saber)  noun\n \n  1  a heavy SWORD with a curved blade\n \n  2  a light SWORD with a thin blade used in the sport of FENCING


Words: sabre-rattling
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE saber rattling) noun\n[U] the act of trying to frighten sb by threatening to use force:\nThere has been renewed sabre-rattling between the two countries.


Words: sac
Meaning:
noun\na part inside the body of a person, an animal or a plant, that is shaped like a bag, has thin skin around it, and contains liquid or air


Words: saccharin
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a sweet chemical substance used instead of sugar, especially by people who are trying to lose weight


Words: saccharine
Meaning:
(also less frequent saccharin)  adjective\n(disapproving) (of people or things) too emotional in a way that seems exaggerated:\na saccharine smile * saccharine songs


Words: sachet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) (AmE packet) a closed plastic or paper packet that contains a very small amount of liquid or a powder:\na sachet of sauce / sugar / shampoo\n  2  a small bag containing dried herbs or flowers that you put with your clothes to make them smell pleasant:\nHer nightdresses were neatly folded, with a lavender sachet between each.


Words: sack
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a large bag with no handles, made of strong rough material or strong paper or plastic, used for storing and carrying, for example flour, coal, etc.\n \n  2  [C] the contents of a sack:\nThey got through a sack of potatoes. * (AmE) two sacks of groceries\n \n  3  (the sack) [sing.] (informal, especially AmE) a bed:\nHe caught them in the sack together.\n \n  4  (usually the sack) [sing.] (formal) the act of stealing or destroying property in a captured town:\nthe sack of Rome\n IDIOMS \n  get the sack | give sb the sack (informal) if you get the sack or sb gives you the sack, you are told that you can no longer work for a company, etc., usually because of sth that you have done wrong\nmore at HIT v.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (informal, especially BrE) to dismiss sb from a job\nSYN FIRE:\nShe was sacked for refusing to work on Sundays.\n  2  (of an army, etc., especially in the past) to destroy things and steal property in a town or building:\nRome was sacked by the Goths in 410.\n  3  [VN] (in American football) to knock down the QUARTERBACK:\nThe quarterback was sacked on the 45 yard line, and it was first down for the other team.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  sack out (AmE, informal) to go to sleep or to bed:\nWe watched a video and sacked out on the couch.


Words: sackcloth
Meaning:
(also sacking) noun\n[U] a rough fabric made from JUTE, etc., used for making sacks\n IDIOMS \n  wear, put on, etc. sackcloth and ashes to behave in a way that shows that you are sorry for sth that you have done


Words: sacrament
Meaning:
noun (in Christianity)\n  1  [C] an important religious ceremony such as marriage, BAPTISM or COMMUNION\n  2  (the sacrament) [sing.] the bread and wine that are eaten and drunk during the service of COMMUNION:\nto receive the sacrament\n    sacramental  adjective [usually before noun]:\nsacramental wine


Words: sacred
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with God or a god; considered to be holy:\na sacred image / shrine / temple * sacred music * Cows are sacred to Hindus.\n  2  very important and treated with great respect:\nHuman life must always be sacred. * For journalists nothing is sacred (= they can write about anything). * Some companies offer five-year plans but there is nothing sacred about this length of time (= it can be changed).\n    sacredness noun [U]-see also SANCTITY


Words: sacred cow
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) a custom, system, etc. that has existed for a long time and that many people think should not be questioned or criticized:\nthe sacred cow of free market economics


Words: sacrifice
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] the fact of giving up sth important or valuable to you in order to get or do sth that seems more important; sth that you give up in this way:\nThe makers of the product assured us that there had been no sacrifice of quality. * Her parents made sacrifices so that she could have a good education. * to make the final / supreme sacrifice (= to die for your country, to save a friend, etc.)\n  2  ~ (to sb) [C, U] the act of offering sth to a god, especially an animal that has been killed in a special way; an animal, etc. that is offered in this way:\nThey offered sacrifices to the gods. * a human sacrifice (= a person killed as a sacrifice)\n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (for sb/sth) to give up sth that is important or valuable to you in order to get or do sth that seems more important for yourself or for another person:\nShe sacrificed everything for her children. * The designers have sacrificed speed for fuel economy. * Would you sacrifice a football game to go out with a girl? * In her writing, clarity is sometimes sacrificed to brevity. * He sacrificed a rook in order to win his opponent’s queen.\n  2  [VN, V] to kill an animal or a person and offer it or them to a god, in order to please the god


Words: sacrificial
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] offered as a sacrifice:\na sacrificial lamb * (figurative) Our department became the sacrificial lamb when the company decided to downsize (= we lost our jobs so that other departments could stay in business).


Words: sacrilege
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] an act of treating a holy thing or place without respect: (figurative) It would be sacrilege to alter the composer’s original markings. * The cult of the Roman emperor was sacrilege to Jews and Christians.\n    sacrilegious  adjective:\nLeading clerics condemned the book as a sacrilegious attack on their faith.


Words: sacristan
Meaning:
noun\na person whose job is to look after the holy objects in a Christian church and to prepare the ALTAR for services


Words: sacristy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural sacristies) a room in a church where a priest prepares for a service by putting on special clothes and where various objects used in worship are kept\nSYN VESTRY


Words: sacrosanct
Meaning:
adjective\nthat is considered to be too important to change or question:\nI’ll work till late in the evening, but my weekends are sacrosanct.


Words: sad
Meaning:
adjective (sadder, saddest)\n  unhappy\n  1  ~ (to do sth) | ~ (that...) unhappy or showing unhappiness:\nWe are very sad to hear that you are leaving. * I was sad that she had to go. * She looked sad and tired. * I felt terribly sad about it. * He gave a slight, sad smile. * The divorce left him sadder and wiser (= having learned from the unpleasant experience).\n  2  ~ (to do sth) | ~ (that ...) that makes you feel unhappy:\na sad story / poem / song * It was sad to see them go. * It is sad that so many of his paintings have been lost. * We had some sad news yesterday. * He’s a sad case-his wife died last year and he can’t seem to manage without her. * It will be a sad day for all of us if the theatre is forced to close. * Sad to say (= unfortunately) the house has now been demolished.\n  unacceptable\n  3  unacceptable; deserving blame or criticism:\na sad state of affairs * It’s a sad fact that many of those killed were children. * It’s a sad reflection on life that it takes danger and suffering to bring people closer together.\n  boring\n  4  (spoken, slang) boring or not fashionable:\nYou sad old man. * You’d have to be sad to wear a shirt like that.\n  in poor condition\n  5  in poor condition:\nThe salad consisted of a few leaves of sad-looking lettuce.\nsee also SADLY, SADNESS


Words: sadden
Meaning:
verb\n[often passive] (formal) to make sb sad:\n[VN] We were deeply saddened by the news of her death. * [VN to inf] Fans were saddened to see the former champion play so badly. * [VN that] It saddened her that people could be so cruel.


Words: saddle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a leather seat for a rider on a horse:\nShe swung herself into the saddle.\n \n  2  a seat on a bicycle or motorcycle\n \n  3  a piece of meat from the back of an animal:\na saddle of lamb / venison\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  in the saddle\n1 in a position of authority and control:\nHe wanted a united party, with himself firmly in the saddle.\n2 riding a horse:\nThree weeks after the accident he was back in the saddle.\n    verb [VN] to put a saddle on a horse:\nTheir horses were saddled and waiting.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  saddle up | saddle sth<->up to put a saddle on a horse:\nHe saddled up and rode off.\n  saddle sb / yourself with sth [often passive] to give sb/yourself an unpleasant responsibility, task, debt, etc:\nI’ve been saddled with organizing the conference. * The company was saddled with debts of ｣12 million.


Words: saddlebag
Meaning:
noun\n  1  one of a pair of bags put over the back of a horse\n  2  a bag attached to the back of a bicycle or motorcycle saddle


Words: sadism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  enjoyment from watching or making sb suffer:\nThere’s a streak of sadism in his nature.\n  2  a need to hurt sb in order to get sexual pleasure\ncompare MASOCHISM


Words: sadist
Meaning:
noun\na person who gets pleasure, especially sexual pleasure, from hurting other people\n    sadistic  adjective:\nHe took sadistic pleasure in taunting the boy.\n    sadistically adverb


Words: sadly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  unfortunately:\nSadly, after eight years of marriage they had grown apart.\n  2  in a sad way:\nShe shook her head sadly.\n  3  very much and in a way that makes you sad:\nShe will be sadly missed. * They had hoped to win and were sadly disappointed. * If you think I’m going to help you again, you’re sadly (= completely) mistaken. * His work has been sadly neglected.


Words: sadness
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] the feeling of being sad:\nmemories tinged with sadness * I felt a deep sadness. * It is with great sadness that we report the death of James Banks yesterday.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] something which makes you sad:\nour joys and sadnesses


Words: sadomasochism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] enjoyment from hurting sb and being hurt, especially during sexual activity\n    sadomasochist  noun\n    sadomasochistic  adjective


Words: sae
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) an envelope on which you have written your name and address and usually put a stamp so that sb else can use it to send sth to you (abbreviation for ’stamped addressed envelope’ or ’self-addressed envelope’):\nPlease enclose an sae for your test results.\ncompare SASE


Words: safe
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (safer, safest)\n  protected\n  1  [not before noun] ~ (from sb/sth) protected from any danger or harm:\nThe children are quite safe here. * She didn’t feel safe on her own. * Will the car be safe parked in the road? * They aimed to make the country safe from terrorist attacks. * Your secret is safe with me (= I will not tell anyone else). * Nobody is safe from suspicion at the moment. * We have been assured that our jobs are safe (= we are not in danger of losing them).\nOPP UNSAFE\n  without physical danger\n  2  ~ (to do sth) | ~ (for sb) not likely to lead to any physical harm or danger:\na safe and effective remedy for coughs and colds * Is the water here safe to drink? * The street is not safe for children to play in. * It is one of the safest cars in the world. * We watched the explosion from a safe distance. * Builders were called in to make the building safe.\nOPP UNSAFE\n  not harmed / lost\n  3  [not before noun] not harmed, damaged, lost, etc:\nWe were glad she let us know she was safe. * The missing child was found safe and well. * They turned up safe and sound. * A reward was offered for the animal’s safe return.\n  place\n  4  where sb/sth is not likely to be in danger or to be lost:\nWe all want to live in safer cities. * Keep your passport in a safe place.\nOPP UNSAFE\n  without risk\n  5  ~ (to do sth) not involving much or any risk; not likely to be wrong or to upset sb:\na safe investment * a safe subject for discussion * It’s safe to assume (that) there will always be a demand for new software. * It would be safer to take more money with you in case of emergency. * (disapproving) The show was well performed, but so safe and predictable.\n  person\n  6  [usually before noun] doing an activity in a careful way:\na safe driver / worker\n  law\n  7  based on good evidence:\na safe verdict\nOPP UNSAFE\nsee also FAIL-SAFE\n IDIOMS \n  better safe than sorry (saying) used to say that it is wiser to be too careful than to act too quickly and do sth you may later wish you had not\n  in safe hands | in the safe hands of sb being taken care of well by sb:\nI’ve left the kids in safe hands-with my parents. * Their problem was in the safe hands of the experts.\n  on the safe side being especially careful; taking no risks:\nI took some extra cash just to be on the safe side.\n  play (it) safe to be careful; to avoid risks:\nPlay safe-keep out of the sun in the middle of the day.\n  (as) safe as houses (BrE) very safe\n  safe in the knowledge that confident because you know that sth is true or will happen:\nShe went out safe in the knowledge that she looked fabulous.\n  a safe pair of hands (especially BrE) a person that you can trust to do a job well\nmore at BET n.\n    noun a strong metal box or cupboard with a complicated lock, used for storing valuable things in, for example, money or jewels


Words: safe conduct
Meaning:
(also safe passage) noun\n[U, C] official protection from being attacked, arrested, etc. when passing through an area; a document that promises this:\nThe guerillas were promised safe conduct out of the country. * to be given / granted a safe conduct


Words: safe deposit box
Meaning:
(also safety deposit box) noun\na metal box for storing valuable things, usually kept in a special room at a bank


Words: safe house
Meaning:
noun\na house used by people who are hiding, for example by criminals hiding from the police, or by people who are being protected by the police from other people who may wish to harm them


Words: safe keeping
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the fact of sth being in a safe place where it will not be lost or damaged:\nShe had put her watch in her pocket for safe keeping.\n  2  the fact of sb/sth being taken care of by sb who can be trusted:\nThe documents are in the safe keeping of our lawyers.


Words: safe seat
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a CONSTITUENCY where a particular political party has a lot of support and is unlikely to be defeated in an election


Words: safe sex
Meaning:
noun\n[U] sexual activity in which people try to protect themselves from AIDS and other sexual diseases, for example by using a CONDOM


Words: safeguard
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb ~ sth (against / from sth) | ~ against sth (formal) to protect sth from loss, harm or damage; to keep sth safe:\n[VN] to safeguard sb’s interests / rights / privacy * to safeguard jobs / the environment * The new card will safeguard the company against fraud. * [V] The leaflet explains how to safeguard against dangers in the home.\n    noun ~ (against sth) something that is designed to protect people from harm, risk or danger:\nStronger legal safeguards are needed to protect the consumer. * The measures have been introduced as a safeguard against fraud.


Words: safely
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  without being harmed, damaged or lost:\nThe plane landed safely.\n  2  in a way that does not cause harm or that protects sb/sth from harm:\nThe bomb has been safely disposed of. * The money is safely locked in a drawer.\n  3  without much possibility of being wrong:\nWe can safely say that he will accept the job.\n  4  without any possibility of the situation changing:\nI thought the kids were safely tucked up in bed. * The election was safely out of the way, at last.\n  5  without any problems being caused; with no risk:\nThese recommendations can safely be ignored.


Words: safety
Meaning:
noun (plural safeties)\n  1  [U] the state of being safe and protected from danger or harm:\na place where children can play in safety * The police are concerned for the safety of the 12-year-old boy who has been missing for three days. * He was kept in custody for his own safety.\n  2  [U] the state of not being dangerous:\nI’m worried about the safety of the treatment. * safety standards / measures / precautions * a local campaign to improve road safety * The airline has an excellent safety record.\n  3  [U] a place where you are safe:\nI managed to swim to safety. * We watched the lions from the safety of the car. * They reached safety seconds before the building was engulfed in flames.\n  4  [C] (AmE) = SAFETY CATCH\n IDIOMS \n  safety first (saying) safety is the most important thing\n  there’s safety in numbers (saying) being in a group makes you safer and makes you feel more confident


Words: safety catch
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually safety) noun\na device that stops a gun from being fired or a machine from working by accident:\nIs the safety catch on?


Words: safety net
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an arrangement that helps to prevent disaster if sth goes wrong:\na financial safety net * people who have fallen through the safety net and ended up homeless on the streets\n  2  a net placed underneath ACROBATS, etc. to catch them if they fall


Words: safety pin
Meaning:
noun\na pin with a point bent back towards the head, that is covered when closed so that it cannot hurt you


Words: safety razor
Meaning:
noun\na RAZOR with a cover over the blade to stop it from cutting the skin\ncompare CUT-THROAT RAZOR


Words: safety valve
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a device that lets out steam or pressure in a machine when it becomes too great\n  2  a harmless way of letting out feelings of anger, excitement, etc:\nExercise is a good safety valve for the tension that builds up at work.


Words: saffron
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a bright yellow powder made from CROCUS flowers, used in cooking to give colour to food\n  2  a bright orange-yellow colour\n    saffron adjective:\nBuddhist monks in saffron robes


Words: sag
Meaning:
verb (-gg-) [V] \n  1  to hang or bend down in the middle, especially of weight or pressure:\na sagging roof * The tent began to sag under the weight of the rain. * Your skin starts to sag as you get older. * Her shoulders sagged in defeat.\n  2  to become weaker or fewer:\nTheir share of the vote sagged badly at the last election. * We tried to revive her sagging spirits.\n    sag noun [U, C, usually sing.]:\nWeight has caused the sag.\n IDIOMS  see JAW n.


Words: saga
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a long traditional story about adventures and brave acts, especially one from Norway or Iceland\n  2  a long story about events over a period of many years:\nShe has written a huge and compelling family saga.\n  3  a long series of events or adventures and/or a report about them:\nThe front page is devoted to the continuing saga of the hijack. * (humorous) the saga of how I missed the plane


Words: sage
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [U] a plant with flat, light green leaves that have a strong smell and are used in cooking as a herb:\nduck with sage and onion stuffing\n  2  [C] (formal) a very wise person:\nancient Indian sages * political / economic sages\n    adjective (literary) wise, especially because you have a lot of experience:\nsage comments / remarks\n    sagely adverb:\nShe nodded sagely.


Words: sagebrush
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a plant with leaves that smell sweet that grows in dry regions in the western US; an area of ground covered with sagebrush


Words: saggy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) no longer firm; hanging or sinking down in way that is not attractive:\na saggy mattress * These exercises are designed to firm up saggy bottoms.


Words: Sagittarius
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the 9th sign of the ZODIAC, the ARCHER\n \n  2  [sing.] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 22 November and 20 December, approximately\n \n    Sagittarian noun, adjective


Words: sago
Meaning:
noun\n[U] hard white grains made from the soft inside of a type of PALM tree, often cooked with milk to make a DESSERT:\nsago pudding


Words: sahib
Meaning:
noun\nused in India, especially in the past, to address a European man, especially one with some social or official status


Words: said
Meaning:
1  past tense, past participle of SAY\n  2  adjective [only before noun] (formal or law) = AFOREMENTIONED:\nthe said company


Words: sail
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n\n \n  1  (of a boat or ship or the people on it) to travel on water using sails or an engine: [V, usually +adv./prep.] to sail up the coast / into harbour * The dinghy sailed smoothly across the lake. * The ferry sails from Newhaven to Dieppe. * one of the first people to sail around the world * [VN] to sail the Atlantic\n \n  2  (also go sailing) to control or travel on a boat with a sail, especially as a sport:\n[V] We spent the weekend sailing off the south coast. * Do you go sailing often? * [VN] She sails her own yacht. * He managed to sail the boat between the rocks.\n \n  3  [V] (of a boat or ship or the people in it) to begin a journey on water:\nWe sail at 2 p.m. tomorrow. * He sailed for the West Indies from Portsmouth.\n \n  4  [V +adv./prep.] to move quickly and smoothly in a particular direction; (of people) to move in a confident manner:\nclouds sailing across the sky * The ball sailed over the goalie’s head. * She sailed past me, ignoring me completely.\n IDIOMS \n  sail close to the wind to take a risk by doing sth that is dangerous or that may be illegal\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  sail through (sth) to pass an exam, a test, etc. without any difficulty\n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C, U] a sheet of strong fabric which the wind blows against to make a boat or ship travel through the water:\nAs the boat moved down the river the wind began to fill the sails. * a ship under sail (= using sails) * in the days of sail (= when ships all used sails) * Mrs Healy moved away like a ship in full sail (= with all its sails spread out). * The vessel can be propelled by oars or sail (= sails).\n \n  2  [sing.] a trip in a boat or ship:\nWe went for a sail. * a two-hour sail across the bay\n \n  3  [C] a set of boards attached to the arm of a WINDMILL\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  set sail (from / for ...) (formal) to begin a trip by sea:\na liner setting sail from New York * We set sail (for France) at high tide.\nmore at TRIM v., WIND n.


Words: sailing
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the sport or activity of travelling in a boat with sails:\nto go sailing * a sailing club\n  2  [C] one of the regular times that a ship leaves a port:\nThere are six sailings a day from Dover to Ostend. * What time is the next sailing?\n IDIOMS  see CLEAR adj., PLAIN adj.


Words: sailor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who works on a ship as a member of the CREW\n  2  a person who sails a boat\n IDIOMS \n  a good / bad sailor a person who rarely/always becomes sick at sea


Words: saint
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (abbreviation S, St) a person that the Christian Church recognizes as being very holy, because of the way they have lived or died:\nSt John * St Valentine’s Day * The children were all named after saints.\nsee also PATRON SAINT St Bernard\n  2  a very good, kind or patient person:\nShe’s a saint to go on living with that man. * His behaviour would try the patience of a saint.\n    sainthood noun [U]


Words: saint’s day
Meaning:
noun\n(in the Christian Church) a day of the year when a particular saint is remembered and on which, in some countries, people who are named after that saint have celebrations


Words: sainted
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (old-fashioned or humorous) considered or officially stated to be a saint:\nAnd how is my sainted sister?


Words: sake
Meaning:
noun\n\nsee also SAKE\n IDIOMS \n  for Christ’s, God’s, goodness’, heaven’s, pity’s, etc. sake used to emphasize that it is important to do sth or when you are annoyed about sth:\nDo be careful, for goodness’ sake. * Oh, for heaven’s sake! * For pity’s sake, help me!\n HELP NOTE  Some people find the use of Christ, God or heaven here offensive.\n  for sth’s own sake because of the interest or value sth has, not because of the advantages it may bring:\nI believe in education for its own sake. * art for art’s sake\n  for the sake of sb/sth | for sb’s / sth’s sake in order to help sb/sth or because you like sb/sth:\nThey stayed together for the sake of the children. * You can do it. Please, for my sake. * I hope you’re right, for all our sakes (= because this is important for all of us).\n  for the sake of sth / of doing sth in order to get or keep sth:\nThe translation sacrifices naturalness for the sake of accuracy. * She gave up smoking for the sake of her health. * Don’t get married just for the sake of it. * Let’s suppose, for the sake of argument (= in order to have a discussion), that interest rates went up by 2%.\nmore at OLD\n\n(also saki)  noun\n[U] a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice\nsee also SAKE


Words: salaam
Meaning:
verb\n[V, VN] (in some Eastern countries) to greet sb in a formal way by bending forward from the waist and putting your right hand on your forehead\n    salaam noun


Words: salacious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of stories, pictures, etc.) encouraging sexual desire or containing too much sexual detail:\nsalacious gossip * The papers concentrated on the more salacious aspects of the case.\n    salaciousness noun [U]


Words: salad
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] a mixture of raw vegetables such as LETTUCE, tomato and CUCUMBER, usually served with other food as part of a meal:\nAll main courses come with salad or vegetables. * Is cold meat and salad OK for lunch? * a side salad (= a small bowl of salad served with the main course of a meal) * a salad bowl (= a large bowl for serving salad in)\nsee also CAESAR SALAD, GREEN SALAD\n \n  2  [C, U] (in compounds) meat, fish, cheese, etc. served with salad:\na chicken / beef salad\n \n  3  [U, C] (in compounds) raw or cooked vegetables, etc. that are cut into small pieces, often mixed with MAYONNAISE and served cold with other food:\nbean / carrot / potato salad * a pasta / rice salad\nsee also FRUIT SALAD\n  4  [U] any green vegetable, especially LETTUCE, that is eaten raw in a salad:\nsalad leaves / plants\n IDIOMS \n  your salad days (old-fashioned) the time when you are young and do not have much experience of life


Words: salad cream
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) a pale yellow sauce, similar to MAYONNAISE, sold in bottles and eaten on salads, in sandwiches, etc.


Words: salamander
Meaning:
noun\nan animal like a LIZARD, with short legs and a long tail, that lives both on land and in water (= is an AMPHIBIAN)


Words: salaried
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) receiving a salary:\na salaried employee\n  2  (of a job) for which a salary is paid:\na salaried position * salaried employment


Words: salary
Meaning:
noun\n(plural salaries) money that employees receive for doing their job, especially professional employees or people working in an office, usually paid every month:\nan annual salary of $40 000 * a 9% salary increase * She’s on a salary of ｣24 000. * He gets a basic salary plus commission.\ncompare WAGE


Words: sale
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] an act or the process of selling sth:\nthe sale of cars / clothes / goods * regulations governing the sale of alcoholic beverages * I haven’t made a sale all week. * She gets 10% commission on each sale.\n  2  (sales) [pl.] the number of items sold:\nRetail sales fell in November by 10%. * Export sales were up by 32% last year. * The company reported booming sales figures. * a sales drive / campaign (= a special effort to sell more)\n  3  (sales) [U] (also sales department [C]) the part of a company that deals with selling its products:\na sales and marketing director * She works in sales / the sales department. * The Weldon Group has a 6 000 strong sales force.\n  4  [C] an occasion when a shop/store sells its goods at a lower price than usual:\nThe sale starts on December 28th. * the January sales * I bought a coat in the sales. * sale prices / goods\n  5  [C] an occasion when goods are sold, especially an AUCTION:\na contemporary art sale\nsee also CAR BOOT SALE, GARAGE SALE, JUMBLE SALE\n IDIOMS \n  for sale available to be bought, especially from the owner:\nI’m sorry, it’s not for sale. * They’ve put their house up for sale. * an increase in the number of stolen vehicles being offered for sale * a ’for sale’ sign\n  on sale\n1 available to be bought, especially in a shop/store:\nTickets are on sale from the booking office. * The new model goes on sale next month.\n2 (especially AmE) being offered at a reduced price:\nAll video equipment is on sale today and tomorrow.\n  (on) sale or return (BrE) (of goods) supplied with the agreement that any item that is not sold can be sent back without having to be paid for


Words: saleable
Meaning:
adjective\ngood enough to be sold; that sb will want to buy:\na saleable commodity / product * not in saleable condition\nOPP UNSALEABLE


Words: sales representative
Meaning:
(also informal sales rep, rep) noun\nan employee of a company who travels around a particular area selling the company’s goods to shop/stores, etc.


Words: sales tax
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (in some countries) the part of the price you pay when you buy sth that goes to the government as tax


Words: salient
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] most important or noticeable:\nShe pointed out the salient features of the new design. * He summarized the salient points.


Words: saline
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun] (technical) containing salt:\nWash the lenses in saline solution.\n    salinity  noun [U]:\nto measure the salinity of the water\n    noun [U] (technical) a mixture of salt in water


Words: salivate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (formal) to produce more SALIVA in your mouth than usual, especially when you see or smell food: (figurative) He was salivating over the thought of the million dollars.\n    salivation  noun [U]


Words: sallow
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (of a person’s skin or face) having a slightly yellow colour that does not look healthy:\nHe was a small man with a thin sallow face.\n    noun a type of WILLOW tree that does not grow very tall


Words: sally
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural sallies)\n  1  a remark that is intended to entertain or amuse sb:\nEveryone waited for his next sally.\n  2  a sudden attack by an enemy\n    verb (sallies, sallying, sallied, sallied)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  sally forth / out (old-fashioned or literary) to leave a place in a determined or enthusiastic way:\nAfter lunch she sallied forth in the snow for a short walk.


Words: salmon
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural salmon) a large fish with silver skin and pink flesh that is used for food. Salmon live in the sea but swim up rivers to lay their eggs:\na whole salmon * smoked salmon * wild and farmed salmon * Scotland’s wild salmon population is in danger of being overwhelmed by the farmed variety.


Words: salmonella
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of bacteria that makes people sick if they eat infected food; an illness caused by this bacteria:\ncases of salmonella poisoning * an outbreak of salmonella


Words: salon
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a shop/store that gives customers hair or beauty treatment or that sells expensive clothes:\na beauty salon * a hairdressing salon\n \n  2  (old-fashioned) a room in a large house used for entertaining guests\n \n  3  (in the past) a regular meeting of writers, artists and other guests at the house of a famous or important person:\na literary salon


Words: saloon
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (also saloon car) (both BrE) (AmE sedan) a car with four doors and a BOOT (= space at the back for carrying things) which is separated from the part where the driver and passengers sit:\na five-seater family saloon\n \n  2  (also saloon bar) (both BrE) = LOUNGE BAR\n \n  3  a bar where alcoholic drinks were sold in the western US in the past\n \n  4  a large comfortable room on a ship, used by the passengers to sit and relax in


Words: salt
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] a white substance that is added to food to give it a better flavour or to preserve it. Salt is obtained from mines and is also found in sea water. It is sometimes called common salt to distinguish it from other chemical salts.\nSYN SODIUM CHLORIDE:\nPass the salt, please. * a pinch of salt (= a small amount of it) * Season with salt and pepper. * sea salt\nsee also ROCK SALT\n \n  2  [C] (chemistry) a chemical compound of a metal and an acid:\nmineral salts\nsee also EPSOM SALTS\n  3  (salts) [pl.] a substance that looks or tastes like salt:\nbath salts (= used to give a pleasant smell to bath water)\nsee also SMELLING SALTS\n IDIOMS \n  the salt of the earth a very good and honest person that you can always depend on\nmore at DOSE n., PINCH n., RUB v., WORTH adj.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] to put salt on or in food:\nsalted peanuts * a pan of boiling salted water\n  2  ~ sth (down) to preserve food with salt:\nsalted fish * We salted down a large crop of beans last year.\n  3  to put salt on roads to melt ice or snow\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  salt sth<->away to save sth for the future, secretly and usually dishonestly:\nShe salted away the profits in foreign bank accounts.\n    adjective [only before noun] containing, tasting of or preserved with salt:\nsalt water * salt beef


Words: salt cellar
Meaning:
1  (BrE) (AmE salt shaker) noun a small container for salt, usually with one hole in the top, that is used at the table\n  2  (AmE) a small open dish containing salt


Words: salt water
Meaning:
noun\n[U] sea water; water containing salt\n    saltwater adjective [only before noun]:\nsaltwater fish\ncompare FRESHWATER


Words: saltbox
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) a house that has two floors at the front and one floor at the back, with a roof that slopes down between the two floors


Words: saltpetre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE saltpeter)  noun\n[U] a white powder used for preserving food and making matches and GUNPOWDER


Words: salty
Meaning:
adjective (comparative saltier, no superlative)\n  1  containing or tasting of salt:\nsalty food * salty sea air\ncompare SWEET\n  2  (old-fashioned) (of language or humour) amusing and sometimes slightly rude:\nShe has a salty sense of humour.\n    saltiness noun [U]:\nShe could taste the saltiness of her tears.


Words: salubrious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of a place) pleasant to live in; clean and healthy:\nWe had to move to a house in a less salubrious area.


Words: salutary
Meaning:
adjective\n(of an experience) having a good effect on sb/sth, though often seeming unpleasant:\na salutary lesson / experience / warning * The accident was a salutary reminder of the dangers of climbing. * This would have a salutary effect upon the health of the family.


Words: salutation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] (formal) a greeting or the action of greeting sb:\nThey greeted the newcomers with friendly salutations. * He raised his hand in salutation.\n  2  [C] (technical) the words that are used in a letter to address the person you are writing to, for example ’Dear Sir’


Words: salute
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to touch the side of your head with the fingers of your right hand to show respect, especially in the armed forces:\n[V] The sergeant stood to attention and saluted. * [VN] to salute the flag / an officer\n  2  [VN] (formal) to express respect and admiration for sb/sth:\nThe players saluted the fans before leaving the field. * The president saluted the courage and self-sacrifice of those who fought for their country.\n    noun\n  1  [C] the action of raising your right hand to the side of your head as a sign of respect, especially between soldiers and officers:\nHe returned the salute as he passed the line of guards.\n  2  [C, U] a thing that you say or do to show your admiration or respect for sb/sth or to welcome sb:\nHe raised his hat as a friendly salute. * His first words were a salute to the people of South Africa. * They all raised their glasses in salute. * The occasion was organized as a salute to a century of change.\n  3  [C] an official occasion when guns are fired into the air to show respect for an important person:\na 21-gun salute\n IDIOMS \n  take the salute when an officer or important person takes the salute, soldiers march past him or her saluting and the officer salutes back


Words: salvage
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  the act of saving things that have been, or are likely to be, damaged or lost, especially in a disaster or an accident:\nthe salvage of the wrecked tanker * a salvage company / operation / team\n  2  the things that are saved from a disaster or an accident:\nan exhibition of the salvage from the wreck\n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (from sth) to save a badly damaged ship, etc. from being lost completely; to save parts or property from a damaged ship or from a fire, etc:\nThe wreck was salvaged by a team from the RAF. * We only managed to salvage two paintings from the fire. * The house was built using salvaged materials.\n  2  to manage to rescue sth from a difficult situation; to stop a bad situation from being a complete failure:\nWhat can I do to salvage my reputation? (= get a good reputation again) * He wondered what he could do to salvage the situation. * United lost 52, salvaging a little pride with two late goals.


Words: salvation
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (in Christianity) the state of being saved from the power of evil:\nto pray for the salvation of the world\n  2  a way of protecting sb from danger, disaster, loss, etc:\nGroup therapy classes have been his salvation.


Words: salve
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  [U, C] a substance that you put on a wound or sore skin to help it heal or to protect it:\nlip salve\n    verb  [VN] ~ your conscience (formal) to do sth that makes you feel less guilty:\nHe took them presents to salve his conscience.


Words: salver
Meaning:
noun\na large plate, usually made of metal, on which drinks or food are served at a formal event:\na silver salver


Words: salvo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural salvos or salvoes) the act of firing several guns or dropping several bombs, etc. at the same time; a sudden attack:\nThe first salvo exploded a short distance away. * (figurative) The newspaper article was the opening salvo in what proved to be a long battle. * This statement provoked a salvo of accusations.


Words: same
Meaning:
adjective, pronoun, adverb \n    adjective\n  1  exactly the one or ones referred to or mentioned; not different:\nWe have lived in the same house for twenty years. * She’s still the same fun-loving person that I knew at college. * This one works in exactly the same way as the other. * They both said much the same thing. * He used the very same (= exactly the same) words. * I resigned last Friday and left that same day.\n  2  exactly like the one or ones referred to or mentioned:\nI bought the same car as yours (= another car of that type). * She was wearing the same dress that I had on. * The same thing happened to me last week.\n IDIOMS \n  Idioms containing same are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example be in the same boat is at boat.\n    pronoun\n  1  the ~ (as ...) the same thing or things:\nI would do the same again. * I think the same as you do about this. * Just do the same as me (= as I do). * His latest movie is just more of the same-exotic locations, car chases and a final shoot-out. * (spoken) ’I’ll have coffee.’ ’Same for me, please (= I will have one too).’\n  2  the ~ (as ...) having the same number, colour, size, quality, etc:\nThere are several brands and they’re not all the same. * I’d like one the same as yours.\n  3  (the same) (BrE) the same person:\n’Was that George on the phone?’ ’The same (= yes, it was George).’\n IDIOMS \n  all / just the same in spite of this\nSYN NEVERTHELESS:\nHe’s not very reliable, but I like him just the same. * ’Will you stay for lunch?’ ’No, but thanks all the same.’ * All the same, there’s some truth in what she says.\n  be all the same to sb to not be important to sb:\nIt’s all the same to me whether we eat now or later.\n  one and the same the same person or thing:\nIt turns out that her aunt and my cousin are one and the same.\n  (the) same again (spoken) used to ask sb to serve you the same drink as before:\nSame again, please!\n  same here (spoken) used to say that sth is also true of you:\n’I can’t wait to see it.’ ’Same here.’\n  (the) same to you (spoken) used to answer a greeting, an insult, etc:\n’Happy Christmas!’ ’And the same to you!’ * ’Get lost!’ ’Same to you!’\n    adverb (usually the same) in the same way; SIMILARLY:\nBabies all look the same to me. * We treat boys exactly the same as girls. * (informal) He gave me five dollars, same as usual.


Words: sameness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality of being the same; a lack of variety:\nShe grew tired of the sameness of the food.


Words: samey
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE, informal, disapproving) not changing or different and therefore boring:\nThese computer games are all a bit samey.


Words: samosa
Meaning:
noun\na type of hot spicy Indian food consisting of a triangle of thin crisp pastry filled with meat or vegetables and fried


Words: sample
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a number of people or things taken from a larger group and used in tests to provide information about the group:\nThe interviews were given to a random sample of students. * The survey covers a representative sample of schools. * a sample survey\n  2  a small amount of a substance taken from a larger amount and tested in order to obtain information about the substance:\na blood sample * Samples of the water contained pesticide.\n  3  a small amount or example of sth that can be looked at or tried to see what it is like:\n’I’d like to see a sample of your work,’ said the manager. * a free sample of shampoo * sample exam papers * Would you like a sample of the fabric to take home?\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to try a small amount of a particular food to see what it is like; to experience sth for a short time to see what it is like:\nI sampled the delights of Greek cooking for the first time.\n  2  (technical) to test, question, etc., part of sth or of a group of people in order to find out what the rest is like:\n12% of the children sampled said they prefer cats to dogs.\n  3  (technical) to record part of a piece of music, or a sound, in order to use it in a new piece of music


Words: sampler
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a piece of fabric decorated with different stitches that people made in the past to show a person’s skill at sewing\n  2  a collection that shows typical examples of sth, especially pieces of music


Words: sampling
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the process of taking a SAMPLE:\nstatistical sampling\n  2  the process of copying and recording parts of a piece of music in an electronic form so that they can be used in a different piece of music


Words: samurai
Meaning:
noun\n(plural samurai) (in the past) a member of a powerful military class in Japan:\na samurai sword / warrior


Words: sanatorium
Meaning:
noun\n(plural sanatoriums or sanatoria ) a place like a hospital where patients who have a lasting illness or who are getting better after an illness are treated


Words: sanctify
Meaning:
verb (sanctifies, sanctifying, sanctified, sanctified) [VN] [usually passive] (formal)\n  1  to make sth holy\n  2  to make sth seem right or legal; to give official approval to sth:\nThis was a practice sanctified by tradition. * Psychology had sanctified the opinion that youthful rebellion was a natural stage of adolescence.\n    sanctification  noun [U]


Words: sanctimonious
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) giving the impression that you feel you are better and more moral than other people:\nthe sanctimonious middle class * a sanctimonious voice * I wish she’d stop being so sanctimonious.\n    sanctimoniously adverb:\nhis sanctimoniously paternal style\n    sanctimoniousness noun [U]


Words: sanction
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] ~ (against sb) an official order that limits trade, contact, etc. with a particular country, in order to make it do sth, such as obeying international law:\nTrade sanctions were imposed against any country that refused to sign the agreement. * The economic sanctions have been lifted.\n  2  [U] (formal) official permission or approval for an action or a change:\nThese changes will require the sanction of the court. * Their ideas received official sanction at the meeting.\n  3  [C] ~ (against sth) a course of action that can be used, if necessary, to make people obey a law or behave in a particular way:\nThe ultimate sanction will be the closure of the restaurant. * We now have an effective sanction against the killing of whales.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (formal) to give permission for sth to take place:\nThe government refused to sanction a further cut in interest rates.\n  2  (technical) to punish sb/sth; to IMPOSE a sanction (1) on sth


Words: sanctity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  ~ (of sth) the state of being very important and worth protecting and preserving:\nthe sanctity of marriage * I believe in the sanctity of human life.\n  2  the state of being holy:\na life of sanctity, like that of St Francis * the sanctity of the Church * Abydos was a place of sanctity for the ancient Egyptians.


Words: sanctuary
Meaning:
noun (plural sanctuaries)\n  1  [C] an area where wild birds or animals are protected and encouraged to breed:\na bird / wildlife sanctuary\n  2  [U] safety and protection, especially for people who are being chased or attacked:\nto take sanctuary in a place * The government offered sanctuary to 4 000 refugees. * She longed for the sanctuary of her own home. * a place of sanctuary\n  3  [C, usually sing.] a safe place, especially one where people who are being chased or attacked can stay and be protected:\nThe church became a sanctuary for the refugees.\n  4  [C] a holy building or the part of it that is considered the most holy:\nthe sanctuary of Poseidon at Sourvion * Women were forbidden to enter the sanctuary.


Words: sanctum
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.] (formal)\n  1  a private room where sb can go and not be disturbed:\nShe once allowed me into her inner sanctum.\n  2  a holy place


Words: sand
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] a substance that consists of very small fine grains of rock. Sand is found on beaches, in deserts, etc:\na grain of sand * Concrete is a mixture of sand and cement. * His hair was the colour of sand. * The children were playing in the sand (= for example, in a SANDPIT).\n \n  2  [U, C, usually pl.] a large area of sand on a beach:\nWe went for a walk along the sand. * children playing on the sand * miles of golden sands\nsee also SANDY\n \n IDIOMS  see HEAD n., SHIFT v.\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (down) = SANDPAPER


Words: sandal
Meaning:
noun\na type of light open shoe that is worn in warm weather. The top part consists of leather bands that attach the sole to your foot:\nopen-toed sandals


Words: sandalwood
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of oil with a sweet smell that is obtained from a hard tropical wood, also called sandalwood, and is used to make PERFUME


Words: sandbag
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a bag filled with sand used to build a wall as a protection against floods or explosions\n    verb (-gg-) [VN] \n  1  to put sandbags in or around sth as protection against floods or explosions\n  2  (informal, especially AmE) to attack sb by criticizing them strongly; to treat sb badly


Words: sandbank
Meaning:
noun\na bank or raised area of sand in a river or the sea:\nOur boat got caught on a sandbank as we returned home.


Words: sandbar
Meaning:
noun\na long mass of sand at the point where a river meets the sea that is formed by the movement of the water


Words: sandblast
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] to clean, polish, decorate, etc. a surface by firing sand at it from a special machine:\nThe building would have to be sandblasted to remove the black soot.


Words: sandpaper
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n [U] strong paper with a rough surface covered with sand or a similar substance, used for rubbing surfaces in order to make them smooth\n    verb [VN] (also sand) ~ sth (down) to make sth smooth by rubbing it with sandpaper


Words: sandpit
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE sandbox) noun\nan area in the ground or a shallow container, filled with sand for children to play in


Words: sandstone
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of stone that is formed of grains of sand tightly pressed together, used in building


Words: sandwich
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (also BrE informal sarnie) two slices of bread, often spread with butter, with a layer of meat, cheese, etc. between them:\na ham / chicken sandwich * a sandwich bar (= a place that sells sandwiches)\nsee also CLUB SANDWICH\n \n  2  (BrE) (in compounds) a SPONGE CAKE consisting of two layers with jam and/or cream between them:\na chocolate sponge sandwich * a sandwich tin (= for baking such a cake in)\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  sandwich sb/sth between sb/sth [usually passive] to fit sth/sb into a very small space between two other things or people, or between two times:\nI was sandwiched between two fat men on the bus. * Their house is sandwiched between a supermarket and a school.\n  sandwich A and B together (with sth) to put sth between two things to join them:\nSandwich the cakes together with cream.


Words: sandwich board
Meaning:
noun\na pair of boards with advertisements on them that sb wears at the front and back of their body as they walk around in public


Words: sandwich course
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a course of study which includes periods of study and periods of working in business or industry


Words: sandy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  covered with or containing sand:\na sandy beach * sandy soil\n  2  (of hair) having a light colour, between yellow and red


Words: sane
Meaning:
adjective (saner, sanest)\n  1  having a normal healthy mind; not mentally ill:\nNo sane person would do that. * Being able to get out of the city at the weekend keeps me sane.\n  2  sensible and reasonable:\na sane idea / argument / policy\nOPP INSANE\nsee also SANITY


Words: sangfroid
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from French) the ability to remain calm in a difficult or dangerous situation:\nI was amazed at how he retained his sangfroid throughout the discussion.


Words: sangria
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from Spanish) an alcoholic drink made of red wine mixed with fruit, and sometimes with water, fruit juice, LEMONADE or BRANDY added


Words: sanguinary
Meaning:
adjective\n(rare, formal) involving or liking killing and blood:\nsanguinary revenge * sanguinary fanatics * a sanguinary campaign in which thousands were killed


Words: sanguine
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (about sth) (formal) cheerful and confident about the future\nSYN OPTIMISTIC:\nThey are less sanguine about the company’s long-term prospects. * He tends to take a sanguine view of the problems involved.


Words: sanitary
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] connected with keeping places clean and healthy to live in, especially by removing human waste:\nOvercrowding and poor sanitary conditions led to disease in the refugee camps. * The hut had no cooking or sanitary facilities.\n  2  clean; not likely to cause health problems\nSYN HYGIENIC:\nThe new houses were more sanitary than the old ones had been.\nOPP INSANITARY


Words: sanitary towel
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE sanitary napkin) noun\na thick piece of soft material that women wear outside their body to absorb the blood during their PERIOD\ncompare TAMPON


Words: sanitation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the equipment and systems that keep places clean, especially by removing human waste:\ndisease resulting from poor sanitation * A lack of clean water and sanitation were the main problems.


Words: sanitize
Meaning:
(BrE also sanitise)  verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  (disapproving) to remove the parts of sth that could be considered unpleasant:\nThis sanitized account of his life does not mention his time in prison.\n  2  to clean sth thoroughly using chemicals to remove bacteria


Words: sanity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the state of having a normal healthy mind:\nHis behaviour was so strange that I began to doubt his sanity. * to hang on to / keep / preserve your sanity\n  2  the state of being sensible and reasonable:\nAfter a series of road accidents the police pleaded for sanity among drivers.\nOPP INSANITY\nsee also SANE


Words: sap
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] the liquid in a plant or tree that carries food to all its parts:\nMaple syrup is made from sap extracted from the sugar maple tree.\n  2  [C] (informal, especially AmE) a stupid person that you can easily trick or treat unfairly:\nThe poor sap never knew what was going on behind his back.\n    verb (-pp-) [VN] ~ sth | ~ sb (of sth) to make sth/sb weaker; to destroy sth gradually:\nThe hot sun sapped our energy. * Years of failure have sapped him of his confidence.


Words: sapient
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary) having great intelligence or knowledge\n    sapience  noun [U]\n    sapiently adverb


Words: sapphire
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a clear, bright blue precious stone\n  2  [U] a bright blue colour\n    sapphire adjective:\nsapphire eyes


Words: sarcasm
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a way of using words that are the opposite of what you mean in order to be unpleasant to sb or to make fun of them:\n’That will be useful,’ she snapped with heavy sarcasm (= she really thought it would not be useful at all). * a hint / touch / trace of sarcasm in his voice


Words: sarcastic
Meaning:
(also BrE informal sarky) adjective\nshowing or expressing sarcasm:\nsarcastic comments / remarks * a sarcastic manner / smile / tone * ’There’s no need to be sarcastic,’ she said.\n    sarcastically  adverb:\n’John can’t come.’ ’What a shame,’ my brother said sarcastically.


Words: sarcophagus
Meaning:
noun\n(plural sarcophagi ) a stone COFFIN (= box that a dead person is buried in), especially one that is decorated, used in ancient times


Words: sardine
Meaning:
noun\na small young sea fish (for example, a young PILCHARD) that is either eaten fresh or preserved in tins/cans\n IDIOMS \n  (packed, crammed, etc.) like sardines (informal) pressed tightly together in a way that is uncomfortable or unpleasant


Words: sardonic
Meaning:
adjective\n(written, disapproving) showing that you think that you are better than other people and do not take them seriously\nSYN MOCKING:\na sardonic comment / smile / tone\n    sardonically  adverb:\nHe looked down at her sardonically.


Words: sari
Meaning:
noun\na long piece of fabric that is wrapped around the body and worn as the main piece of clothing, especially by Indian women


Words: sarong
Meaning:
noun\na long piece of fabric wrapped around the body from the waist or the chest, worn by Malaysian and Indonesian men and women


Words: sartorial
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) relating to clothes, especially men’s clothes, and the way they are made or worn:\nHe is known for his sartorial elegance. * sartorial preferences / tastes\n    sartorially  adverb


Words: SAS
Meaning:
abbreviation\nSpecial Air Service (a group of highly trained soldiers in Britain who are used on very secret or difficult military operations)


Words: SASE
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) an envelope on which you have written your name and address and put a stamp so that sb else can use it to send sth to you (abbreviation used in writing for ’self-addressed stamped envelope’)\ncompare SAE


Words: sash
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a long strip of fabric worn around the waist or over one shoulder, especially as part of a uniform\n \n  2  either of a pair of windows, one above the other, that are opened and closed by sliding them up and down inside the frame


Words: sash cord
Meaning:
noun\na string or rope with a weight at one end attached to a sash window allowing it to stay open in any position


Words: sash window
Meaning:
noun\na window that consists of two separate parts, one above the other that you open by sliding one of the parts up or down


Words: sashay
Meaning:
verb\n[V +adv./prep.] to walk in a very confident but relaxed way, especially in order to be noticed:\nI watched her as she sashayed across the room.


Words: sass
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] (informal, especially AmE) behaviour or talk that is rude and lacking respect:\nDon’t give me any of your sass!\n    verb [VN] (AmE, informal) to speak to sb in a rude way, without respect:\nDon’t sass your mother!


Words: sassy
Meaning:
adjective (informal, especially AmE)\n  1  (disapproving) rude; showing a lack of respect\n  2  (approving) fashionable and confident:\nhis sassy, streetwise daughter * a sassy black linen dress


Words: SAT
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (SAT) (in the US) a test taken by high school students who want to go to a college or university (the abbreviation for ’scholastic aptitude test’):\nto take the SAT * I scored 1050 on the SAT. * a SAT score\n  2  (in Britain) the abbreviation for ’Standard Assessment Task’


Words: satanic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (often Satanic) connected with the worship of the Devil:\nsatanic cults / rites / rituals\n  2  (written) extremely wicked and evil


Words: satchel
Meaning:
noun\na leather bag that you hang over your shoulder or wear on your back, that children used to use for carrying their books to school


Words: sated
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] ~ (with sth) (formal) having had so much of sth that you do not need any more:\nsated with food / pleasure


Words: satellite
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an electronic device that is sent into space and moves around the earth or another planet. It is used for communicating by radio, television, etc. and for providing information:\na weather / communications satellite * The interview came live by satellite from Hollywood. * satellite television / TV (= broadcast using a satellite) * a satellite broadcast / channel / picture * The information was sent via a satellite link.\n  2  a natural object that moves around a larger natural object in space:\nThe moon is a satellite of earth.\n  3  a town, a country or an organization that is controlled by and dependent on another larger or more powerful one:\nsatellite states


Words: satellite dish
Meaning:
noun\na piece of equipment that receives signals from a satellite, used to enable people to watch satellite television


Words: satellite station
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a company that broadcasts television programmes using a satellite\n  2  a place where special equipment is used to follow the movements of satellites and receive information from them


Words: satiate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (formal) to give sb so much of sth so that they do not feel they want any more\n    satiation  noun [U]


Words: satiety
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal or technical) the state or feeling of being completely full of food, or of having had enough of sth


Words: satin
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] a woven fabric with a smooth shiny surface:\na white satin dress / ribbon\n    adjective [only before noun] having the smooth shiny appearance of satin:\nThe paint has a satin finish.


Words: satire
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a way of criticizing a person, an idea or an institution in which you use humour to show their faults or weaknesses; a piece of writing that uses this type of criticism:\npolitical / social satire * a work full of savage / biting satire * The novel is a stinging satire on American politics.


Words: satirical
Meaning:
adjective\nusing satire to criticize sb/sth:\na satirical cartoon / magazine / poem\n    satirically  adverb


Words: satirize
Meaning:
(BrE also satirise)  verb\n[VN] to use SATIRE to show the faults in a person, an organization, a system, etc.


Words: satisfaction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the good feeling that you have when you have achieved sth or when sth that you wanted to happen does happen; sth that gives you this feeling:\nto gain / get / derive satisfaction from sth * a look / smile of satisfaction * She looked back on her career with great satisfaction. * He had the satisfaction of seeing his book become a best-seller. * She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. * The company is trying to improve customer satisfaction. * He was enjoying all the satisfactions of being a parent.\nsee also DISSATISFACTION\n  2  [U] the act of FULFILLING a need or desire:\nthe satisfaction of sexual desires * the satisfaction of your goals / ambitions\n  3  [U] (formal) an acceptable way of dealing with a complaint, a debt, an injury, etc:\nI complained to the manager but I didn’t get any satisfaction. * They agreed on a payment of ｣200 in full satisfaction of the debt.\n IDIOMS \n  to sb’s satisfaction\n1 if you do sth to sb’s satisfaction, they are pleased with it:\nThe affair was settled to the complete satisfaction of the client.\n2 if you prove sth to sb’s satisfaction, they believe or accept it:\nCan you demonstrate to our satisfaction that your story is true?


Words: satisfactory
Meaning:
adjective\ngood enough for a particular purpose; acceptable:\na satisfactory explanation / answer / solution / conclusion * The work is satisfactory but not outstanding. * The existing law is not wholly satisfactory. * A bonus will be paid on satisfactory completion of the contract. * Her condition after the operation was described as ’satisfactory’.\nOPP UNSATISFACTORY -> ENOUGH\n    satisfactorily  adverb:\nHer disappearance has never been satisfactorily explained. * Our complaint was dealt with satisfactorily.


Words: satisfied sth
Meaning:
1  pleased because you have achieved sth or because sth that you wanted to happen has happened:\na satisfied smile * Keep all letters from satisfied customers. * She’s never satisfied with what she’s got.\nOPP DISSATISFIED\n  2  ~ (that ...) believing or accepting that sth is true \nSYN CONVINCED:\nI’m satisfied that they are telling the truth.\ncompare UNSATISFIED


Words: satisfy
Meaning:
verb (satisfies, satisfying, satisfied, satisfied)\n  1  [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) to make sb pleased by doing or giving them what they want:\nNothing satisfies him-he’s always complaining. * The proposed plan will not satisfy everyone.\n  2  [VN] to provide what is wanted, needed or asked for:\nto satisfy sb’s hunger / curiosity * The education system must satisfy the needs of all children. * We cannot satisfy demand for the product. * She failed to satisfy all the requirements for entry to the college.\n  3  (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ sb (of sth) to show or prove to sb that sth is true or has been done:\n[VN] Her explanation did not satisfy the teacher. * People need to be satisfied of the need for a new system. * [VN (that)] Once I had satisfied myself (that) it was the right decision, we went ahead.


Words: satisfying
Meaning:
adjective\ngiving pleasure because it provides sth you need or want:\na satisfying meal * a satisfying experience * It’s satisfying to play a game really well.\n    satisfyingly adverb


Words: saturate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (often technical) to make sth completely wet\nSYN SOAK:\nThe continuous rain had saturated the soil.\n  2  [often passive] ~ sth/sb (with / in sth) to fill sth/sb completely with sth so that it is impossible or useless to add any more:\nThe company claimed to have saturated the market for personal organizers (= so that no new buyers could be found).


Words: saturated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] completely wet\nSYN SOAKED\n  2  [usually before noun] (chemistry) saturated fats are not easily processed by the body when eaten because of the way their chemical structure is arranged:\ndairy products high in saturated fats\nsee also POLYUNSATURATED\ncompare UNSATURATED\n  3  [usually before noun] (chemistry) if a chemical SOLUTION (= a liquid with sth dissolved in it) is saturated, it contains the greatest possible amount of the substance that has been dissolved in it:\na saturated solution of sodium chloride\n  4  [usually before noun] (written) (of colours) very strong:\nbold contrasts of saturated reds and greens


Words: saturation
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (often figurative) the state or process that happens when no more of sth can be be accepted or added because there is already too much of it or too many of them:\na business beset by price wars and market saturation (= the fact that no new customers can be found) * saturation bombing of the city (= covering the whole city) * There was saturation coverage (= so much that it was impossible to avoid it or add to it) of the event by the media.\n  2  (chemistry) the degree to which sth is absorbed in sth else, expressed as a PERCENTAGE of the greatest possible:\nWas dissolved oxygen in the water greater than 80% of saturation?


Words: saturation point
Meaning:
noun [U, sing.]\n  1  the stage at which no more of sth can be accepted or added because there is already too much of it or too many of them:\nThe market for computer games has reached saturation point.\n  2  (chemistry) the stage at which no more of a substance can be absorbed into a liquid or VAPOUR


Words: Saturday
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (abbreviation Sat.) the day of the week after Friday and before Sunday\n HELP NOTE  To see how Saturday is used, look at the examples at Monday.\n ORIGIN  From the Old English for ’day of Saturn’, translated from Latin Saturni dies.


Words: Saturn
Meaning:
noun\na large planet in the SOLAR SYSTEM that has rings around it and is 6th in order of distance from the sun


Words: satyr
Meaning:
noun\n(in ancient Greek stories) a god of the woods, with a man’s face and body and a goat’s legs and horns


Words: sauce
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C, U] a thick liquid that is eaten with food to add flavour to it:\ntomato / cranberry / chilli sauce * chicken in a white wine sauce * ice cream with a hot fudge sauce\nsee also SOY SAUCE, TARTARE SAUCE, WHITE SAUCE\n \n  2  [U] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) talk or behaviour that is annoying or lacking in respect\nSYN CHEEK\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander (old-fashioned, saying) what one person is allowed to do, another person must be allowed to do in a similar situation


Words: saucepan
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually pot) noun a deep round metal pot with a lid and one long handle or two short handles, used for cooking things over heat


Words: saucer
Meaning:
noun\na small shallow round dish that a cup stands on; an object that is shaped like this:\ncups and saucers\nsee also FLYING SAUCER


Words: saucy
Meaning:
adjective\nrude or referring to sex in a way that is amusing but not offensive\nSYN CHEEKY:\nsaucy comments / jokes * a saucy smile\n    saucily  adverb:\nShe winked saucily at him.


Words: sauerkraut
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from German) CABBAGE (= a type of green vegetable) that is preserved in salt water and then cooked


Words: sauna
Meaning:
noun\na type of bath in which you sit or lie in a small room (also called a sauna) which has been heated to a very high temperature by burning coal or wood. Some saunas involve the use of steam which is produced by pouring water over the hot coal or wood:\nto have a sauna * a hotel with a swimming pool and sauna * to have / take a sauna


Words: saunter
Meaning:
verb\n[V +adv./prep.] to walk in a slow relaxed way:\nHe sauntered by, looking as if he had all the time in the world.\n    saunter noun [sing.]:\nThis part of the route should be an easy saunter.


Words: sausage
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a mixture of finely chopped meat, fat, bread, etc. in a long tube of skin, cooked and eaten whole or served cold in thin slices:\nbeef / pork sausages * 200g of garlic sausage\nsee also LIVER SAUSAGE\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  not a sausage (old-fashioned, informal) nothing at all


Words: saute
Meaning:
verb\n(sauteing, sauteed, sauteed or sauteing, sauted, sauted) [VN] to fry food quickly in a little hot fat\n    saute adjective [only before noun]:\nsaute potatoes


Words: savage
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective\n  1  fierce and violent; causing great harm:\nsavage dogs * She had been badly hurt in what police described as ’a savage attack’. * savage public spending cuts\n  2  involving very strong criticism:\nThe article was a savage attack on the government’s record.\n  3  [only before noun] (old-fashioned, !!!) an offensive way of referring to groups of people or customs that are considered to be simple and not highly developed\nSYN PRIMITIVE:\na savage tribe\n    savagely adverb:\nsavagely attacked / criticized * ’No!’ he snarled savagely.\n    noun (old-fashioned, !!!) an offensive word for a person who belongs to a tribe that is simple and not developed:\nthe development of the human race from primitive savages * He described the terrorist attack as the work of savages (= cruel and violent people).\n    verb [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  (of an animal) to attack sb violently, causing serious injury:\nShe was savaged to death by a bear.\n  2  (written) to criticize sb/sth severely:\nHer latest novel has been savaged by the critics.


Words: savagery
Meaning:
noun\n[U] behaviour that is very cruel and violent:\nThe police were shocked by the savagery of the attacks. * She replied with a savagery that took him by surprise.


Words: savannah
Meaning:
(also savanna)  noun\n[C, U] a wide flat open area of land, especially in Africa, that is covered with grass but has few trees\ncompare VELD


Words: savant
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  a person with great knowledge and ability\n  2  a person who is less intelligent than others but who has particular unusual abilities that other people do not have


Words: save
Meaning:
verb, noun, preposition, conjunction \n    verb\n  keep safe\n  1  [VN] ~ sb/sth (from sth / from doing sth) to keep sb/sth safe from death, harm, loss, etc:\nto save sb’s life * to save a rare species (from extinction) * Doctors were unable to save her. * She saved a little girl from falling into the water. * He’s trying to save their marriage. * She needs to win the next two games to save the match. * Thanks for doing that. You saved my life (= helped me a lot). * Money from local businesses helped save the school from closure.\n  money\n  2  ~ (sth) (up) (for sth) to keep money instead of spending it, especially in order to buy a particular thing:\n[V] I’m not very good at saving. * I’m saving for a new bike. * We’ve been saving up to go to Australia. * [VN] You should save a little each week. * I’ve saved almost ｣100 so far.\n  collect sth\n  3  [VN] to collect sth because you like it or for a special purpose:\nI’ve been saving theatre programmes for years. * If you save ten tokens you can get a T-shirt.\n  keep for future\n  4  ~ sth (for sth/sb) to keep sth to use or enjoy in the future: [VN, VNN] Save some food for me. * Save me some food. * [VN] He’s saving his strength for the last part of the race. * We’ll eat some now and save some for tomorrow.\n  not waste\n  5  ~ (sth) on sth | ~ sth (on sth) to avoid wasting sth or using more than necessary:\n[VN] We’ll take a cab to save time. * Book early and save ｣50! * We should try to save water and electricity. * The government is trying to save ｣1 million on defence. * [VNN] If we go this way it will save us two hours on the trip. * [V] I save on fares by walking to work.\n  avoid sth bad\n  6  to avoid doing sth difficult or unpleasant; to make sb able to avoid doing sth difficult or unpleasant:\n[VN] The prize money saved her from having to find a job. * She did it herself to save argument. * [VNN] Thanks for sending that letter for me-it saved me a trip. * [V -ing] He’s grown a beard to save shaving. * [VN -ing] If you phone for an appointment, it’ll save you waiting.\n  in sport\n  7  (in football, hockey, etc.) to prevent an opponent’s shot from going in the goal:\n[V] The goalie saved brilliantly from Johnson’s long-range shot. * [VN] to save a penalty\n  computing\n  8  to make a computer keep work, for example by putting it on a disk:\n[VN] Save data frequently. [also V]\n IDIOMS \n  not be able to do sth to save your life (informal) to be completely unable to do sth:\nHe can’t interview people to save his life.\n  save sb’s bacon / neck to rescue sb from a very difficult situation\n  save the day / situation to prevent failure or defeat, when this seems certain to happen:\nOwen’s late goal saved the day for Liverpool.\n  save (sb’s) face to avoid or help sb avoid embarrassment:\nShe was fired, but she saved face by telling everyone she’d resigned.\n  save your breath (spoken) used to tell sb that it is not worth wasting time and effort saying sth because it will not change anything:\nSave your breath-you’ll never persuade her.\n  save your (own) skin / hide / neck to try to avoid death, punishment, etc., especially by leaving others in an extremely difficult situation:\nTo save his own skin, he lied and blamed the accident on his friend.\n    noun (in football, etc.) an action by the GOALKEEPER that stops a goal being scored:\nHe made a spectacular save.\n    preposition (also save for) (old use or formal) except sth:\nThey knew nothing about her save her name.\n    conjunction (old use or formal) except:\nThey found out nothing more save that she had borne a child.


Words: saver
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who saves money and puts it in a bank, etc. for future use:\nThe increase in interest rates is good news for savers.\n  2  (often in compounds) something that helps you spend less money or use less of the thing mentioned:\na money / time saver * Their new model of dishwasher is a great water and energy saver.\nsee also LIFESAVER


Words: saving
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] an amount of sth such as time or money that you do not need to use or spend:\nBuy three and make a saving of 55p. * With the new boiler you can make big savings on fuel bills.\n  2  (savings) [pl.] money that you have saved, especially in a bank, etc:\nHe put all his savings into buying a boat.\n  3  (-saving) (in adjectives) that prevents the waste of the thing mentioned or stops it from being necessary:\nenergy-saving modifications * labour-saving devices * space-saving fitted furniture\nsee also FACE-SAVING


Words: saving grace
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] the one good quality that a person or thing has that prevents them or it from being completely bad:\nHer sense of humour is her saving grace.


Words: saviour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE savior)  noun\n  1  a person who rescues sb/sth from a dangerous or difficult situation:\nThe new manager has been hailed as the saviour of the club.\n  2  (the Saviour) used in the Christian religion as another name for Jesus Christ


Words: savoir faire
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from French, approving) the ability to behave in the appropriate way in social situations


Words: savour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE savor)  verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  to enjoy the full taste or flavour of sth, especially by eating or drinking it slowly:\nHe ate his meal slowly, savouring every mouthful. * She took a sip of wine, savouring the fine vintage.\n  2  to enjoy a feeling or an experience thoroughly\nSYN RELISH:\nI wanted to savour every moment. * He sat for a few moments, savouring the memory to the full. * an opportunity to savour the delights of snowboarding\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  savour of sth [no passive] (formal) to seem to have an amount of sth, especially sth bad:\nHis recent comments savour of hypocrisy.\n    noun [usually sing.] (formal or literary) a taste or smell, especially a pleasant one: (figurative) For Emma, life had lost its savour.


Words: savoury
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE savory)  adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  having a taste that is salty not sweet:\nsavoury dishes / snacks\n  2  having a pleasant taste or smell:\na savoury smell from the kitchen\nsee also UNSAVOURY\n    noun [usually pl.] (plural savouries) a small amount of a food with a salty taste, not a sweet one, often served at a party, etc.


Words: savvy
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] (informal) practical knowledge or understanding of sth:\nbusiness / political savvy\n    adjective (informal, especially AmE) having practical knowledge and understanding of sth; having COMMON SENSE:\nsavvy shoppers / travellers * More people are cholesterol savvy today than five years ago.


Words: saw
Meaning:
noun, verb-see also SEE v.\n    noun\n\n \n  1  (often in compounds) a tool that has a long blade with sharp points (called TEETH) along one of its edges. A saw is moved backwards and forwards by hand or driven by electricity and is used for cutting wood or metal.\nsee also CHAINSAW, CIRCULAR SAW, HACKSAW, HANDSAW, JIGSAW\n \n  2  (old-fashioned) a short phrase or sentence that states a general truth about life or gives advice\n    verb (sawed, sawn ) (AmE also sawed, sawed)\n  1  to use a saw to cut sth:\n[V] The workmen sawed and hammered all day. * He accidentally sawed through a cable. * [VN] She sawed the plank in half.\n  2  ~ (away) (at sth) to move sth backwards and forwards on sth as if using a saw:\n[V] She sawed away at her violin. * He was sawing energetically at a loaf of bread. [also VN]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  saw sth<->down to cut sth and bring it to the ground using a saw:\nThe tree had to be sawn down.\n  saw sth<->off | saw sth off sth to remove sth by cutting it with a saw:\nWe sawed the dead branches off the tree.\n  saw sth<->up (into sth) to cut sth into pieces with a saw:\nWe sawed the wood up into logs.


Words: saxifrage
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a small plant with small white, yellow or red flowers, that grows among rocks on mountains


Words: Saxon
Meaning:
noun\na member of a race of people once living in NW Germany, some of whom settled in Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries\nsee also ANGLO-SAXON\n    Saxon adjective:\nSaxon churches / kings


Words: say
Meaning:
verb, noun, exclamation \n    verb (says )\n  speak\n  1  ~ sth (to sb) to speak or tell sb sth, using words:\n[V speech] ’Hello!’ she said. * ’That was marvellous,’ said Daniel.\n HELP NOTE  In stories the subject often comes after said, says or say when it follows the actual words spoken, unless it is a pronoun. [VN] Be quiet, I have something to say. * She said nothing to me about it. * Having said that (= despite what I have just said), I agree with your other point. * He knew that if he wasn’t back by midnight, his parents would have something to say about it (= be angry). * That’s a terrible thing to say. * I didn’t believe a word she said. * [V (that)] He said (that) his name was Sam. * [VN that] It is said that she lived to be over 100. * [V wh-] She finds it hard to say what she feels. * [V] I said to myself (= thought), ’That can’t be right!’ * ’That’s impossible!’ ’So you say (= but I think you may be wrong).’ * ’Why can’t I go out now?’ ’Because I say so.’ * ’What do you want it for?’ ’I’d rather not say.’ * [V to inf] He said to meet him here. * [VN to inf] He is said to have been a brilliant scholar.\n HELP NOTE  This pattern is only used in the passive.\n  repeat words\n  2  [VN] to repeat words, phrases, etc:\nto say a prayer * Try to say that line with more conviction.\n  express opinion\n  3  to express an opinion on sth:\n[VN] Say what you like (= although you disagree) about her, she’s a fine singer. * I’ll say this for them, they’re a very efficient company. * Anna thinks I’m lazy-what do you say (= what is your opinion)? * [V (that)] I can’t say I blame her for resigning (= I think she was right). * I say (= suggest) we go without them. * I wouldn’t say they were rich (= in my opinion they are not rich). * That’s not to say it’s a bad movie (= it is good but it is not without faults). * [V wh-] It’s hard to say what caused the accident. * [V] ’When will it be finished?’ ’I couldn’t say (= I don’t know).’\n  give example\n  4  [no passive] to suggest or give sth as an example or a possibility:\n[VN] You could learn the basics in, let’s say, three months. * Let’s take any writer, say (= for example) Dickens ... * [V (that)] Say you lose your job: what would you do then?\n  show thoughts / feelings\n  5  [VN] ~ sth (to sb) to make thoughts, feelings, etc. clear to sb by using words, looks, movements, etc:\nHis angry glance said it all. * That says it all really, doesn’t it? (= it shows clearly what is true) * Just what is the artist trying to say in her work?\n  give written information\n  6  [no passive] (of sth that is written or can be seen) to give particular information or instructions:\n[V speech] The notice said ’Keep Out’. * [VN] The clock said three o’clock. * [V (that)] The instructions say (that) we should leave it to set for four hours. * [V wh-] The book doesn’t say where he was born. * [V to inf] The guidebook says to turn left.\n IDIOMS \n  before you can say Jack Robinson (old-fashioned) very quickly; in a very short time\n  go without saying to be very obvious or easy to predict:\nOf course I’ll help you. That goes without saying.\n  have something, nothing, etc. to say for yourself to be ready, unwilling, etc. to talk or give your views on sth:\nShe doesn’t have much to say for herself (= doesn’t take part in conversation). * He had plenty to say for himself (= he had a lot of opinions and was willing to talk). * Late again-what have you got to say for yourself (= what is your excuse)?\n  I’ll say! (old-fashioned, spoken) used to say ’yes’ in a very forceful way:\n’Does she see him often?’ ’I’ll say! Nearly every day.’\n  I must say (spoken) used to emphasize an opinion:\nWell, I must say, that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all week.\n  I say (old-fashioned, BrE, spoken)\n1 used to express surprise, shock, etc:\nI say! What a huge cake!\n2 used to attract sb’s attention or introduce a new subject of conversation:\nI say, can you lend me five pounds?\n  it says a lot, very little, etc. for sb/sth (informal) it shows a good/bad quality that sb/sth has:\nIt says a lot for her that she never lost her temper. * It didn’t say much for their efficiency that the order arrived a week late.\n  I wouldn’t say no (to sth) (spoken) used to say that you would like sth or to accept sth that is offered:\nI wouldn’t say no to a pizza. * ’Tea, Brian?’ ’I wouldn’t say no.’\n  least said soonest mended (BrE, saying) a bad situation will pass or be forgotten most quickly if nothing more is said about it\n  the less / least said the better the best thing to do is say as little as possible about sth\n  never say die (saying) do not stop hoping\n  not say boo to a goose (BrE) (AmE not say boo to anyone) to be very shy or gentle:\nHe’s so nervous he wouldn’t say boo to a goose.\n  not to say used to introduce a stronger way of describing sth:\na difficult, not to say impossible, task\n  say cheese used to ask sb to smile before you take their photograph\n  say no (to sth) to refuse an offer, a suggestion, etc:\nIf you don’t invest in this, you’re saying no to a potential fortune.\n  say no more (spoken) used to say that you understand exactly what sb means or is trying to say, so it is unnecessary to say anything more:\n’They went to Paris together.’ ’Say no more!’\n  say your piece to say exactly what you feel or think\n  say what? (AmE, spoken) used to express surprise at what sb has just said:\n’He’s getting married.’ ’Say what?’\n  say when used to ask sb to tell you when you should stop pouring a drink or serving food for them because they have enough\n  that is to say in other words:\nthree days from now, that is to say on Friday\n  that’s not saying much used to say that sth is not very unusual or special:\nShe’s a better player than me, but that’s not saying much (= because I am a very bad player).\n  there’s no saying used to say that it is impossible to predict what might happen:\nThere’s no saying how he’ll react.\n  there’s something, not much, etc. to be said for sth / doing sth there are/are not good reasons for doing sth, believing sth or agreeing with sth\n  to say the least without exaggerating at all:\nI was surprised, to say the least.\n  to say nothing of sth used to introduce a further fact or thing in addition to those already mentioned\nSYN NOT TO MENTION:\nIt was too expensive, to say nothing of the time it wasted.\n  well said! (spoken) I agree completely:\n’We must stand up for ourselves.’ ’Well said, John.’\n  what do / would you say (to sth / doing sth) (spoken) would you like sth/to do sth?:\nWhat do you say to eating out tonight? * Let’s go away for a weekend. What do you say?\n  what / whatever sb says, goes (informal, often humorous) a particular person must be obeyed:\nSarah wanted the kitchen painted green, and what she says, goes.\n  whatever you say (spoken) used to agree to sb’s suggestion because you do not want to argue\n  when all is said and done when everything is considered:\nI know you’re upset, but when all’s said and done it isn’t exactly a disaster.\n  who can say ( ...)? (spoken) used to say that nobody knows the answer to a question:\nWho can say what will happen next year?\n  who says ( ...)? (spoken) used to disagree with a statement or an opinion:\nWho says I can’t do it?\n  who’s to say ( ...)? (spoken) used to say that sth might happen or might have happened in a particular way, because nobody really knows:\nWho’s to say we would not have succeeded if we’d had more time?\n  you can say that again (spoken) I agree with you completely:\n’He’s in a bad mood today.’ ’You can say that again!’\n  you can’t say fairer (than that) (BrE, spoken) used to say that you think the offer you are making is reasonable or generous:\nLook, I’ll give you ｣100 for it. I can’t say fairer than that.\n  you don’t say! (spoken, often ironic) used to express surprise:\n’They left without us.’ ’You don’t say!’ (= I’m not surprised)\n  you said it! (spoken)\n1 (BrE) used to agree with sb when they say sth about themselves that you would not have been rude enough to say yourself:\n’I know I’m not the world’s greatest cook.’ ’You said it!’\n2 (AmE) used to agree with sb’s suggestion\nmore at DARE v., EASY adj., ENOUGH pron., GLAD, LET v., MEAN v., MIND v., NEEDLESS, RECORD n., SOON, SORRY adj., SUFFICE, WORD n.\n    noun [sing., U] ~ (in sth) the right to influence sth by giving your opinion before a decision is made:\nWe had no say in the decision to sell the company. * People want a greater say in local government. * The judge has the final say on the sentence.\n IDIOMS \n  have your say (informal) to have the opportunity to express yourself fully about sth:\nShe won’t be happy until she’s had her say.\nsee also SAY YOUR PIECE\n    exclamation (AmE, informal)\n  1  used for showing surprise or pleasure:\nSay, that’s a nice haircut!\n  2  used for attracting sb’s attention or for making a suggestion or comment:\nSay, how about going to a movie tonight?\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nsay / tell\nSay never has a person as the object. You say something or say something to somebody. Say is often used when you are giving somebody’s exact words: ’Sit down’, she said. * Anne said, ’I’m tired.’ * Anne said (that) she was tired. * What did he say to you? You cannot use ’say about’, but you can say something about: I want to say something /a few words / a little about my family. Say can also be used with a clause when the person you are talking to is not mentioned: She didn’t say what she intended to do.\nTell usually has a person as the object and often has two objects: Have you told him the news yet? It is often used with ’that’ clauses: Anne told me (that) she was tired. Tell is usually when somebody is giving facts or information, often with what, where, etc.: Can you tell me when the movie starts? (BUT: Can you give me some information about the school?) Tell is also used when you are giving somebody instructions: The doctor told me to stay in bed. * The doctor told me (that) I had to stay in bed. OR The doctor said (that) I had to stay in bed. NOT _T_h_e_ _d_o_c_t_o_r_ _s_a_i_d_ _m_e_ _t_o_ _s_t_a_y_ _i_n_ _b_e_d.\n______________________________


Words: say-so
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (informal) permission that sb gives to do sth:\nNothing could be done without her say-so. * He has the final say-so on these matters (= the right to make decisions).\n IDIOMS \n  on sb’s say-so based on a statement that sb makes without giving any proof:\nHe hired and fired people on his partner’s say-so.


Words: saying
Meaning:
noun\na well-known phrase or statement that expresses sth about life that most people believe is wise and true:\n’Accidents will happen’, as the saying goes.


Words: scab
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a hard dry covering that forms over a wound as it heals\n  2  [U] a skin disease of animals\n  3  [U] a disease of plants, especially apples and potatoes, that causes a rough surface\n  4  [C] (informal, disapproving) a worker who refuses to join a strike or takes the place of sb on strike\nSYN BLACKLEG


Words: scabious
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a wild or garden plant with blue, pink or white flowers that grow at the end of long stems


Words: scabrous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) offensive or shocking in a sexual way\n  2  (technical) having a rough surface:\nscabrous skin


Words: scads
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] ~ (of sth) (informal, especially AmE) large numbers or amounts of sth:\nscads of $20 bills


Words: scaffold
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a platform used when EXECUTING criminals by cutting off their heads or hanging them from a rope:\nto die on the scaffold * to be sent / led to the scaffold\n  2  a structure made of scaffolding, for workers to stand on when they are working on a building:\nscaffold poles / boards * a scaffold bridge


Words: scaffolding
Meaning:
noun\n[U] metal poles and wooden boards that are joined together to make a structure for workers to stand on when they are working high up on the outside wall of a building:\nThe statue is currently surrounded by scaffolding. * scaffolding poles


Words: scalar
Meaning:
adjective\n(mathematics) (of a quantity) having size but no direction\ncompare VECTOR\n    scalar noun


Words: scald
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] to burn yourself or part of your body with very hot liquid or steam:\nBe careful not to scald yourself with the steam. * (figurative) Tears scalded her eyes.\n    noun an injury to the skin from very hot liquid or steam:\nFor minor burns and scalds, cool the affected area under running water.


Words: scalding
Meaning:
adjective\nhot enough to SCALD:\nscalding water * (figurative) Scalding tears poured down her face.\n    scalding adverb:\nscalding hot


