# dict

Words: feel-good
Meaning:
adjective\nmaking you feel happy and pleased about life:\na feel-good movie\n IDIOMS \n  the feel-good factor (BrE) (used especially in newspapers, etc.) the hopeful feeling about the future that is shared by many people:\nAfter the recession, people were waiting for the return of the feel-good factor before starting to spend money again.


Words: feeler
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] either of the two long thin parts on the heads of some insects and of some animals that live in shells that they use to feel and touch things with\nSYN ANTENNA\n IDIOMS \n  put out feelers (informal) to try to find out what people think about a particular course of action before you do it:\nThe government has put out some feelers to gauge people’s reactions to the plan.


Words: feeling
Meaning:
noun\n  sth that you feel\n  1  [C] ~ (of sth) something that you feel through the mind or through the senses:\na feeling of hunger / excitement / sadness * guilty feelings * I’ve got a tight feeling in my stomach. * (spoken) ’I really resent the way he treated me.’ ’I know the feeling.’ (= I know how you feel) * ’I’m going to miss you.’ ’The feeling’s mutual (= I feel exactly the same).’\n  idea / belief\n  2  [sing.] ~ (of sth) | ~ (that ...) the idea or belief that a particular thing is true or a particular situation is likely to happen:\nHe suddenly had the feeling of being followed. * I got the feeling that he didn’t like me much. * I had a nasty feeling that we were lost.\n  attitude / opinion\n  3  [U, C] ~ (about / on sth) an attitude or opinion about sth:\nThe general feeling of the meeting was against the decision. * I don’t have any strong feelings about it one way or the other. * My own feeling is that we should buy the cheaper one. * She had mixed feelings about giving up her job. * Public feeling is being ignored by the government.\n  emotions\n  4  (feelings) [pl.] a person’s emotions rather than their thoughts or ideas:\nHe hates talking about his feelings. * I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings (= offend you). * I kept off the subject of divorce so as to spare her feelings.\n  5  [U, C] strong emotion:\nShe spoke with feeling about the plight of the homeless. * Feelings are running high (= people are very angry or excited).\n  understanding\n  6  [U] ~ (for sb/sth) the ability to understand sb/sth or to do sth in a sensitive way:\nShe has a wonderful feeling for colour. * He played the piano with great feeling.\n  sympathy / love\n  7  [U] ~ (for sb/sth) sympathy or love for sb/sth:\nYou have no feeling for the sufferings of others. * She still had a lot of feeling for David.\n  physical\n  8  [U] the ability to feel physically:\nI’ve lost all feeling in my legs. * Feeling gradually began to return to my frozen feet.\n  atmosphere\n  9  [sing.] the atmosphere of a place, situation, etc:\nThey have managed to recreate the feeling of the original theatre. * The house had a feeling of neglect about it.\n IDIOMS \n  bad / ill feeling (also bad / ill feelings especially in AmE) anger between people, especially after an argument or disagreement:\nThere was a lot of bad feeling between the two groups of students.\nmore at HARD adj., SINK v., SPARE


Words: feign
Meaning:
verb\n(written) to pretend that you have a particular feeling or that you are ill, tired, etc:\n[VN] He survived the massacre by feigning death. * ’Who cares?’ said Alex, feigning indifference. * ’A present for me?’ she asked with feigned surprise. [also V to inf]


Words: feint
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (especially in sport) a movement that is intended to make your opponent think you are going to do one thing when you are really going to do sth else\n    verb [V] (especially in sport) to confuse your opponent by making them think you are going to do one thing when you are really going to do sth else


Words: feisty
Meaning:
adjective\n(feistier, feistiest) (informal, approving) (of people) strong, determined and not afraid of arguing with people


Words: felicitous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal or literary) (especially of words) chosen well; very suitable; giving a good result:\na felicitous turn of phrase\n    felicitously adverb


Words: felicity
Meaning:
noun (plural felicities) (formal or literary)\n  1  [U] great happiness\n  2  [U] the quality of being well chosen or suitable:\nThe story is told with great felicity of style.\n  3  (felicities) [pl.] well-chosen or successful features, especially in a speech or piece of writing:\nHer book displays many subtle linguistic felicities. * The pianist’s performance contained no shortage of felicities.


Words: feline
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective like a cat; connected with an animal of the cat family:\nShe walks with feline grace.\n    noun (formal) a cat; an animal of the cat family


Words: fell
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective-see also FALL, FELL, FALLEN v.\n    noun a hill or an area of hills in northern England\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to cut down a tree:\nTrees were felled and floated downstream.\n  2  (written) to make sb fall to the ground:\nHe felled his opponent with a single blow.\n    adjective\n IDIOMS \n  at / in one fell swoop all at the same time; in a single action, especially a sudden or violent one:\nIf the new law is passed, it will remove press freedom in one fell swoop.


Words: fella
Meaning:
(also feller)  noun (spoken)\n  1  an informal way of referring to a man\n  2  an informal way of referring to sb’s boyfriend:\nHave you met her new fella?


Words: fellatio
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the practice of touching a man’s PENIS with the tongue and lips to give sexual pleasure


Words: fellow
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  (informal, becoming old-fashioned) a way of referring to a man or boy:\nHe’s a nice old fellow.\nsee also FELLA\n  2  [usually pl.] a person that you work with or that is like you; a thing that is similar to the one mentioned:\nShe has a very good reputation among her fellows. * Many caged birds live longer than their fellows in the wild.\n  3  (BrE) a senior member of some colleges or universities:\na fellow of New College, Oxford\n  4  a member of an academic or professional organization:\na fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons\n  5  (especially AmE) a GRADUATE student who holds a FELLOWSHIP:\na graduate fellow * a teaching fellow\n    adjective [only before noun] used to describe sb who is the same as you in some way, or in the same situation:\nfellow members / citizens / workers * my fellow passengers on the train * I recognized a fellow sufferer, waiting nervously outside the exam room.


Words: fellowship
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a feeling of friendship between people who do things together or share an interest:\nThey offer students counselling and fellowship.\n  2  [C] an organized group of people who share an interest, aim or belief\n  3  [C] (especially BrE) the position of being a senior member of a college or university\n  4  [C] an award of money to a GRADUATE student to allow them to continue their studies or to do research\n  5  [C, U] the state of being a member of an academic or professional organization:\nto be elected to fellowship of the British Academy


Words: felony
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural felonies) (AmE or old-fashioned, law) the act of committing a serious crime such as murder or RAPE; a crime of this type:\na charge of felony\ncompare MISDEMEANOUR


Words: felt
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a soft thick fabric made from wool or hair that has been pressed tightly together:\na felt hat\nsee also FEEL, FELT, FELT v.


Words: female
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  being a woman or a girl:\na female student / employee / artist * Two of the candidates must be female.\n  2  of the sex that can lay eggs or give birth to babies:\na female cat * female reproductive organs\n  3  of women; typical of women; affecting women:\nfemale characteristics * the female role * a female preserve (= sth that only women do)\ncompare FEMININE\n  4  (of plants and flowers) that can produce fruit\n  5  (technical) (of electrical equipment) having a hole that another part fits into:\na female plug\n    noun\n  1  an animal that can lay eggs or give birth to babies; a plant that can produce fruit\n  2  a woman or a girl:\nMore females than males are employed in the factory.


Words: feminine
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  having the qualities or appearance considered to be typical of women; connected with women:\nThat dress makes you look very feminine. * He had delicate, almost feminine, features. * How far do you think the traditional feminine role has changed?\ncompare FEMALE, MASCULINE\n  2  (grammar) belonging to a class of words that refer to female people or animals and often have a special form:\nSome people prefer not to use the feminine form ’actress’ and use the word ’actor’ for both sexes.\n  3  (grammar) (in some languages) belonging to a class of nouns, pronouns or adjectives that have feminine GENDER not MASCULINE or NEUTER:\nThe French word for ’table’ is feminine.\n    noun (grammar)\n  1  (the feminine) [sing.] the feminine GENDER (= form of nouns, adjectives and pronouns)\n  2  [C] a feminine word or word form\ncompare MASCULINE, NEUTER


Words: feminism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the belief and aim that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men; the struggle to achieve this aim


Words: feminist
Meaning:
noun\na person who supports the belief that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men:\nNineteenth-century feminists demanded equal education and employment opportunities for single women.\n    feminist adjective [usually before noun]:\nfeminist demands / ideas / theories * the feminist movement


Words: femme fatale
Meaning:
noun\n(plural femmes fatales ) (from French) a very beautiful woman that men find sexually attractive but who brings them trouble or unhappiness:\nShe was his femme fatale.


Words: femur
Meaning:
noun\n(plural femurs or femora ) (anatomy) the THIGH BONE\n \n    femoral  adjective [only before noun]:\nthe femoral artery


Words: fence
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a structure made of wood or wire supported with posts that is put between two areas of land as a BOUNDARY, or around a garden/yard, field, etc. to keep animals in, or to keep people and animals out\n \n  2  a structure that horses must jump over in a race or a competition\n \n  3  (slang) a criminal who buys and sells stolen goods\n \n IDIOMS  see GRASS n., MEND v., SIDE n., SIT\n    verb\n  1  [VN] to surround or divide an area with a fence:\nHis property is fenced with barbed wire.\nsee also UNFENCED\n  2  [V] to take part in the sport of FENCING\n  3  [V] ~ (with sb) to speak to sb in a clever way in order to gain an advantage in the conversation\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fence sb/sth<->in [often passive]\n1 to surround sb/sth with a fence:\nThe small grass patch was fenced in.\n2 to restrict sb’s freedom \nSYN HEM SB IN:\nShe felt fenced in by domestic routine.\n  fence sth<->off [often passive] to divide one area from another with a fence:\nOne end of the yard had been fenced off for the chickens.


Words: fencing
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the sport of fighting with long thin SWORDS\n  2  fences; wood, wire, or other material used for making fences:\nThe factory is surrounded by electric fencing.


Words: fend
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fend for yourself to look after yourself without help from anyone else:\nHis parents agreed to pay the rent for his apartment but otherwise left him to fend for himself. * The fox was released into the wild when it was old enough to fend for itself.\n  fend sth/sb<->off\n1 to defend or protect yourself from sb/sth that is attacking you:\nThe police officer fended off the blows with his riot shield.\n2 to protect yourself from difficult questions, criticisms, etc., especially by avoiding them:\nShe managed to fend off questions about new tax increases. * The Prime Minister fended off three challenges to her leadership.


Words: fender
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (AmE) = WING (4)\n \n  2  (AmE) = MUDGUARD\n \n  3  a frame around a FIREPLACE to prevent burning coal or wood from falling out\n \n  4  a soft solid object such as an old tyre or a piece of rope that is hung over the side of a boat so the boat is not damaged if it touches another boat or a harbour wall


Words: feng shui
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a Chinese system for deciding the right position for a building and for placing objects inside a building in order to make people feel comfortable and happy


Words: fennel
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a vegetable that has a thick round stem with a strong taste. The seeds and leaves are also used in cooking.


Words: feral
Meaning:
adjective\n(of animals) living wild, especially after escaping from life as a pet or on a farm:\nferal cats * (figurative) He looked at me with a feral grin (= like a wild animal).


Words: ferment
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  to experience a chemical change because of the action of YEAST or bacteria, often changing sugar to alcohol; to make sth change in this way:\n[V] Fruit juices ferment if they are kept for too long. * (figurative) A blend of emotions fermented inside her. * [VN] Red wine is fermented at a higher temperature than white.\n    fermentation  noun [U]:\nSugar is converted into alcohol by a process of fermentation.\n    noun  [U, sing.] (formal) a state of political or social excitement and confusion:\na period of intense political ferment * The country is in ferment.


Words: fern
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a plant with large delicate leaves and no flowers that grows in wet areas or is grown in a pot. There are many types of fern.\nsee also MAIDENHAIR FERN\n \n    ferny adjective


Words: ferocious
Meaning:
adjective\nvery fierce, violent or aggressive; very strong:\na ferocious beast / war / attack / storm * a man driven by ferocious determination * ferocious opposition to the plan\n    ferociously adverb:\ngrowling ferociously


Words: ferocity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] violence; fierce or aggressive behaviour:\nThe police were shocked by the ferocity of the attack.


Words: ferret
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a small fierce animal with a long thin body, kept for chasing rabbits from their holes, killing rats, etc.\n    verb\n  1  [V +adv./prep.] ~ (about / around) (for sth) (informal) to search for sth that is lost or hidden among a lot of things:\nShe opened the drawer and ferreted around for her keys.\n  2  [V] to hunt rabbits, rats, etc. using ferrets\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  ferret sb/sth<->out (informal) to discover information or to find sb/sth by searching thoroughly, asking a lot of questions, etc:\nHe is determined to ferret out the truth about what happened.


Words: ferrous
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (technical) containing iron; connected with iron:\nferrous and non-ferrous metals


Words: ferry
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (plural ferries) a boat that carries people, vehicles and goods across a river or across a narrow part of the sea:\nthe cross-channel ferry service * We caught the ferry at Ostend. * the Dover-Calais ferry crossing * the Staten Island ferry\n    verb (ferries, ferrying, ferried, ferried) [usually +adv./prep.] to carry people or goods in a boat or other vehicle from one place to another, often for a short distance and as a regular service: [VN] He offered to ferry us across the river in his boat. * The children need to be ferried to and from school. [also V]


Words: fertile
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of land or soil) that plants grow well in:\na fertile valley / region\n  2  (of people, animals or plants) that can produce babies, young animals, fruit or new plants:\nThe treatment has been tested on healthy fertile women under the age of 35.\n  3  [usually before noun] that produces good results; that encourages activity:\na fertile partnership * The region at the time was fertile ground for revolutionary movements (= there were the necessary conditions for them to develop easily).\n  4  [usually before noun] (of a person’s mind or imagination) that produces a lot of new ideas:\nthe product of a fertile imagination\nOPP INFERTILE\ncompare STERILE


Words: fertility
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of being fertile:\nthe fertility of the soil / land * a god of fertility * fertility treatment (= medical help given to a person to help them have a baby) * male / female fertility


Words: fertilize
Meaning:
(BrE also fertilise)  verb [VN] \n  1  to put POLLEN into a plant so that a seed develops; to join SPERM with an egg so that a baby or young animal develops:\nFlowers are often fertilized by bees as they gather nectar. * a fertilized egg\n  2  to add a substance to soil to make plants grow more successfully\n    fertilization, fertilisation  noun [U]:\nImmediately after fertilization, the cells of the egg divide. * the fertilization of soil with artificial chemicals


Words: fertilizer
Meaning:
(BrE also fertiliser)  noun\n[C, U] a substance added to soil to make plants grow more successfully:\nartificial / chemical fertilizers * liquid fertilizer * a bag of fertilizer


Words: fervent
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] having or showing very strong and sincere feelings about sth\nSYN ARDENT:\na fervent admirer / believer / supporter * a fervent belief / hope / desire\n    fervently adverb:\nShe prayed fervently for his complete recovery. * We fervently hope they will succeed.


Words: fervid
Meaning:
adjective\n(rare, formal) feeling sth too strongly; showing feelings that are too strong\n    fervidly adverb


Words: fervour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE fervor)  noun\n[U] very strong feelings about sth\nSYN ENTHUSIASM:\nShe kissed him with unusual fervour. * religious / patriotic fervour


Words: fess
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fess up (AmE, informal) to admit that you have done sth wrong:\nIt’s time for the President to fess up.


Words: fester
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  (of a wound or cut) to become badly infected:\nfestering sores / wounds * If you don’t take the splinter out, it will fester.\n  2  (of bad feelings or thoughts) to become much worse because you do not deal with them successfully:\nInstead of talking the matter over with him, she allowed her resentment to fester in her mind.


Words: festival
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a series of performances of music, plays, films/movies, etc., usually organized in the same place once a year; a series of public events connected with a particular activity or idea:\nthe Edinburgh festival * the Cannes film festival * a beer festival * a rock festival (= where bands perform, often outdoors and over a period of several days)\n  2  a day or period of the year when people stop working to celebrate a special event, often a religious one:\nChristmas and Easter are the main Christian festivals.\nsee also HARVEST FESTIVAL


Words: festive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  typical of a special event or celebration:\na festive atmosphere / occasion * The whole town is in festive mood.\n  2  (BrE) connected with the period when people celebrate Christmas:\nthe festive season / period * festive decorations / food


Words: festivity
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (festivities) [pl.] the activities that are organized to celebrate a special event:\nA number of celebrities will be flying in to take part in the festivities. * Christmas / New Year festivities * wedding festivities\n  2  [U] the happiness and enjoyment that exist when people celebrate sth:\nThe wedding was an occasion of great festivity. * an air of festivity


Words: festoon
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) to decorate sb/sth with flowers, coloured paper, etc., often as part of a celebration:\nThe streets were festooned with banners and lights.\n    noun a chain of lights, coloured paper, flowers, etc., used to decorate sth


Words: Festschrift
Meaning:
noun\n(plural Festschriften or Festschrifts) (from German) a collection of articles published in honour of a SCHOLAR


Words: fetch
Meaning:
verb\n  1  (especially BrE) to go to where sb/sth is and bring them/it back:\n[VN] to fetch help / a doctor * The inhabitants have to walk a mile to fetch water. * She’s gone to fetch the kids from school. * [VNN] Could you fetch me my bag?\n  2  [VN] to be sold for a particular price:\nThe painting is expected to fetch ｣10 000 at auction.\n IDIOMS \n  fetch and carry (for sb) to do a lot of little jobs for sb as if you were their servant:\nMost of her day was spent fetching and carrying for her family.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fetch up (informal, especially BrE) to arrive somewhere without planning to:\nAnd then, a few years after leaving college, he somehow fetched up in Rome.


Words: fetching
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) (especially of a person or their clothes) attractive:\nShe looked very fetching in a little red hat. * a fetching blue sweater * a fetching smile\n    fetchingly adverb:\nStrands of hair hung fetchingly around her face.


Words: fete
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (also fete, fair) (all BrE) (AmE carnival) an outdoor entertainment at which people can play games to win prizes, buy food and drink, etc., usually arranged to make money for a special purpose:\nthe school / village / church fete\n    verb (also fete especially in AmE) [VN] [usually passive] (written) to welcome, praise or entertain sb publicly:\nEverywhere they went they were feted by admirers.


Words: fetid
Meaning:
(also less frequent foetid ) adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) smelling very unpleasant:\nfetid air


Words: fetish
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (usually disapproving) the fact that a person spends too much time doing or thinking about a particular thing:\nShe has a fetish about cleanliness. * He makes a fetish of his work.\n  2  the fact of getting sexual pleasure from a particular object:\nto have a leather fetish\n  3  an object that some people worship because they believe that it has magic powers\n    fetishism noun [U]:\na magazine specializing in rubber fetishism * the importance of animal fetishism in the history of Egypt\n    fetishist noun:\na leather fetishist\n    fetishistic  adjective


Words: fetter
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  (literary) to restrict sb’s freedom to do what they want:\nHe felt fettered by petty rules and regulations.\n  2  to put chains around a prisoner’s feet:\nA man lay fettered on the floor of the prison cell.\n    noun\n  1  [usually pl.] (literary) something that stops sb from doing what they want:\nThey were at last freed from the fetters of ignorance.\n  2  (fetters) [pl.] chains that are put around a prisoner’s feet:\nbound with fetters of iron


Words: fettle
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  in fine / good fettle (old-fashioned, informal) healthy; in good condition:\nThe team is in fine fettle. * Park Foods is in fine fettle after selling off all non-core businesses.


Words: feud
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun ~ (between A and B) | ~ (with sb) | ~ (over sb/sth) an angry and bitter argument between two people or groups of people that continues over a long period of time:\na long-running feud between the two artists * a feud with the neighbours * a family feud (= within a family or between two families) * a feud over money\n    verb [V] ~ (with sb) to have an angry and bitter argument with sb over a long period of time:\nHe has been feuding with his brother for years. * feuding families / gangs\n    feuding noun [U]:\nstories of bitter feuding between rival drug dealers


Words: feudalism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the social system that existed during the Middle Ages in Europe in which people were given land and protection by a NOBLEMAN, and had to work and fight for him in return\n    feudalistic  adjective


Words: fever
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a medical condition in which a person has a temperature that is higher than normal:\nHe has a high fever. * Aspirin should help reduce the fever.\ncompare TEMPERATURE\n  2  [C, U] (old-fashioned) (used mainly in compounds) a particular type of disease in which sb has a high temperature:\nShe caught a fever on her travels in Africa, and died.\nsee also GLANDULAR FEVER, HAY FEVER, RHEUMATIC FEVER, SCARLET FEVER, YELLOW FEVER\n  3  [sing.] ~ (of sth) a state of nervous excitement:\nHe waited for her arrival in a fever of impatience.\n  4  [U] (especially in compounds) great interest or excitement about sth:\nelection fever * World Cup fever has gripped the country.


Words: fever pitch
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a very high level of excitement or activity:\nSpeculation about his future had reached fever pitch. * Excitement has been at fever pitch for days. * The crowd had been roused to fever pitch by the drama of the game.


Words: fevered
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun] (written)\n  1  showing great excitement or worry:\nfevered excitement / speculation * a fevered imagination / mind (= that imagines strange things)\n  2  suffering from a fever:\nShe mopped his fevered brow.


Words: feverish
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] showing strong feelings of excitement or worry, often with a lot of activity or quick movements:\nThe whole place was a scene of feverish activity. * a state of feverish excitement * He worked with feverish haste. * feverish with desire / longing\n  2  suffering from a fever; caused by a fever:\nShe was aching and feverish. * a feverish cold / dream / sleep\n    feverishly adverb:\nThe team worked feverishly to the November deadline. * Her mind raced feverishly.


Words: few
Meaning:
determiner, adjective, pronoun \n    determiner, adjective (fewer, fewest)\n  1  used with plural nouns and a plural verb to mean ’not many’:\nFew people understand the difference. * There seem to be fewer tourists around this year. * Very few students learn Latin now.\n  2  (usually a few) used with plural nouns and a plural verb to mean ’a small number’, ’some’:\nWe’ve had a few replies. * I need a few things from the store. * Quite a few people are going to arrive early. * I try to visit my parents every few weeks.\n IDIOMS \n  few and far between not frequent; not happening often\n    pronoun\n  1  not many people, things or places:\nVery few of his books are worth reading. * You can pass with as few as 25 points. * (formal) Few will argue with this conclusion.\n  2  (a few) a small number of people, things or places; some:\nI recognized a few of the other people. * I’ve seen most of his movies. Only a few are as good as his first one. * Could you give me a few more details?\n  3  (fewer) not as many as:\nFewer than 20 students passed all the exams. * There are no fewer than 100 different species in the area.\n  4  (the few) used with a plural verb to mean ’a small group of people’:\nReal power belongs to the few. * She was one of the chosen few (= the small group with special privileges).\n IDIOMS \n  quite a few (BrE also a good few) a fairly large number:\nI’ve been there quite a few times.\n  have had a few (informal) to have had enough alcohol to make you drunk


Words: fey
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary, sometimes disapproving) (usually of a person) sensitive and rather mysterious or strange; not acting in a very practical way:\nOne of the guests was a slightly fey romantic novelist.


Words: fez
Meaning:
noun\n(plural fezzes) a round red hat with a flat top and a TASSEL but no BRIM, worn by men in some Muslim countries


Words: ff.
Meaning:
abbreviation\nwritten after the number of a page or line to mean ’and the following pages or lines’:\nSee pp. 96 ff.


Words: fiance
Meaning:
noun\nthe man that a woman is ENGAGED to (= has officially agreed to marry):\nLinda and her fiance were there.


Words: fiancee
Meaning:
noun\nthe woman that a man is ENGAGED to (= has officially agreed to marry):\nPaul and his fiancee were there.


Words: fiasco
Meaning:
noun\n(plural fiascos, AmE also fiascoes) something that does not succeed, often in a way that causes embarrassment:\nThe party was a complete fiasco. * What a fiasco!


Words: fiat
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (formal) an official order given by sb in authority:\nPrices have been fixed by government fiat.


Words: fib
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (informal) a statement that is not true; a lie about sth that is not important:\nStop telling fibs.\n    verb (-bb-) [V] (informal) to tell a lie, usually about sth that is not important:\nCome on, don’t fib! Where were you really last night?\n    fibber noun:\nYou fibber!


Words: fibre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE fiber)  noun\n  1  [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 ROUGHAGE:\ndietary fibre * Dried fruits are especially high in fibre. * a high / low fibre diet * He has been advised to increase his fibre intake. * bran fibre\n  2  [C, U] a material such as fabric or rope that is made from a mass of natural or artificial threads:\nnylon and other man-made fibres\n  3  [C] one of the many thin threads that form body tissue, such as muscle, and natural materials, such as wood and cotton:\ncotton / wood / nerve / muscle fibres * (literary) She loved him with every fibre of her being.\nsee also MORAL FIBRE, OPTICAL FIBRE


Words: fibre optics
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE fiber optics) noun\n[U] the use of thin fibres of glass, etc. for sending information in the form of light signals:\nThe use of fibre optics has served to increase the volume and speed of data transmission.\n    fibre-optic adjective:\nfibre-optic cables


Words: fibreglass
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE fiberglass)  (BrE also glass fibre) (AmE also glass fiber) noun\n[U] a strong light material made from glass fibres and plastic, used for making boats, parts of cars, etc:\na fibreglass racing yacht


Words: fibrous
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (technical) made of many fibres; looking like fibres:\nfibrous tissue * fibrous roots


Words: fibula
Meaning:
noun\n(plural fibulae or fibulas) (anatomy) the outer bone of the two bones in the lower part of the leg between the knee and the ankle\nsee also TIBIA


Words: fickle
Meaning:
adjective (disapproving)\n  1  changing often and suddenly:\nThe weather here is notoriously fickle. * the fickle world of fashion * The latest downturn in sales shows just what a fickle business this is. * the fickle finger of fate\n  2  (of a person) often changing their mind in an unreasonable way so that you cannot rely on them:\na fickle friend * another example of his fickle behaviour\n    fickleness noun [U]:\nthe fickleness of the English climate


Words: fiction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a type of literature that describes imaginary people and events, not real ones:\na work of popular fiction * historical / romantic fiction\nOPP NON-FICTION\nsee also SCIENCE FICTION\n  2  [C] a thing that is invented or imagined and is not true:\nFor years he managed to keep up the fiction that he was not married.\n IDIOMS  see TRUTH


Words: fictional
Meaning:
adjective\nnot real or true; existing only in stories; connected with fiction:\nfictional characters * a fictional account of life on a desert island * fictional techniques * the fictional world of Lawrence Durrell\nOPP REAL-LIFE


Words: fictionalize
Meaning:
(BrE also fictionalise)  verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to write a book or make a film/movie about a true story, but changing some of the details, characters, etc:\na fictionalized account of his childhood


Words: fictitious
Meaning:
adjective\ninvented by sb rather than true:\nAll the places and characters in my novel are fictitious (= they do not exist in real life). * The account he gives of his childhood is fictitious.


Words: fiddle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] ~ (with sth) to keep touching or moving sth with your hands, especially because you are bored or nervous:\nHe was fiddling with his keys while he talked to me.\n  2  [VN] (informal) to change the details or figures of sth in order to try to get money dishonestly, or gain an advantage:\nto fiddle the accounts * She fiddled the books (= changed a company’s financial records) while working as an accountant.\n  3  [V] (informal) to play music on the violin\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fiddle about / around to spend your time doing things that are not important\n  fiddle about / around with sth | fiddle with sth\n1 to keep touching sth or making small changes to sth because you are not satisfied with it:\nI’ve been fiddling about with this design for ages, but I’m still not happy with it.\n2 to touch or move the parts of sth to try to change it or repair it:\nHe likes to fiddle around with old cars. * Who’s been fiddling with the TV again?\n    noun (informal)\n  1  [C] = VIOLIN\n  2  [C] (BrE) something that is done dishonestly to get money:\nan insurance / tax fiddle\n  3  [sing.] (BrE) an act of moving sth or adjusting sth in order to make it work\n  4  [sing.] (BrE) something that is difficult to do\n IDIOMS \n  be on the fiddle (BrE) to be doing sth dishonest to get money:\nTheir accountant has been on the fiddle for years.\n  play second fiddle (to sb/sth) to be treated as less important than sb/sth; to have a less important position than sb/sth else:\nI’m not going to play second fiddle to anyone. * The narrative in this book plays second fiddle to the excellent photographs.\nmore at FIT adj.


Words: fiddly
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE, informal) difficult to do or use because small objects are involved:\nChanging a fuse is one of those fiddly jobs I hate. * Zips are less fiddly than buttons. * It was very fiddly to do with gloves on.


Words: fidelity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  ~ (to sth) (formal) the quality of being loyal and not betraying sb/sth:\nfidelity to your principles / religion\n  2  ~ (to sb) the quality of being faithful to your husband, wife or partner by not having a sexual relationship with anyone else:\nmarital / sexual fidelity\nOPP INFIDELITY\n  3  ~ (of sth) (to sth) (formal) the quality of being accurate:\nthe fidelity of the translation to the original text\nsee also HIGH FIDELITY


Words: fidget
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] ~ (with sth) to keep moving your body, your hands or your feet because you are nervous, bored, excited, etc:\nSit still and stop fidgeting!\n    noun a person who is always fidgeting:\nYou’re such a fidget!


Words: fidgety
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person) unable to remain still or quiet, usually because of being bored or nervous:\nThe children get fidgety if they have nothing to do. * As the questioning continued, he became fidgety and uneasy.


Words: field
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  area of land\n \n  1  [C] an area of land in the country used for growing crops or keeping animals in, usually surrounded by a fence, etc:\nPeople were working in the fields. * a ploughed field * a field of wheat * We camped in a field near the village.\n \n  2  [C] (usually in compounds) an area of land used for the purpose mentioned:\na landing field * a medal for bravery in the field (of battle)\nsee also AIRFIELD, BATTLEFIELD, MINEFIELD\n \n  3  [C] (usually in compounds) a large area of land covered with the thing mentioned; an area from which the thing mentioned is obtained:\nice fields in the mountains * gas fields\nsee also COALFIELD, GOLDFIELD, OILFIELD, SNOWFIELD\n  subject / activity\n  4  [C] a particular subject or activity that sb works in or is interested in:\nfamous in the field of politics / science / music * I enjoy meeting people in other fields of business. * All of them are experts in their chosen field. * This discovery has opened up a whole new field of research. * ’How big was the bomb, if it did all that damage?’ ’I don’t know. Not my field’ (= that is not one of the subjects I know about).\n  practical work\n  5  [C] (usually used as an adjective) the fact of people doing practical work or study, rather than working in a classroom or LABORATORY:\na field study / investigation * field research / methods * We then tested the questionnaire in field conditions. * essential reading for those working in the field\nsee also FIELD TRIP, FIELDWORK\n  in sport\n  6  (BrE also pitch) [C] (usually in compounds) an area of land used for playing a sport on:\na baseball / rugby / football field * a sports field * Today they take the field (= go on to the field to play a game) against county champions Essex. * Players are only reselected if they retain their form on the field (= when they are playing a match). * For Liverpool fans, it was a night to remember both on and off the field (= the match was good and so were the celebrations afterwards).\nsee also PLAYING FIELD\n  7  (in cricket and baseball) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] the team that is trying to catch the ball rather than hit it\n  8  [sing.+sing./pl. v.] all the people or animals competing in a particular sports event:\nThe field includes three world record holders.\n  in business\n  9  [sing.+sing./pl. v.] all the people or products competing in a particular area of business:\nThey lead the field in home entertainment systems.\n  physics\n  10  [C] (usually in compounds) an area within which the force mentioned has an effect:\nthe earth’s gravitational field * an electro-magnetic field\n  computing\n  11  [C] part of a record that is a separate item of data:\nYou will need to create separate fields for first name, surname and address.\n IDIOMS \n  leave the field clear for sb | leave sb in possession of the field to enable sb to be successful in a particular area of activity because other people or groups have given up competing with them:\nThe complete disarray of the opposition parties leaves the field clear for the government to implement urgent reforms.\n  play the field (informal) to have sexual relationships with a lot of different people\n    verb\n  candidate / team\n  1  [VN] to provide a candidate, speaker, team, etc. to represent you in an election, a competition, etc:\nEach of the main parties fielded more than 300 candidates. * England will field a young side in the World Cup.\n  in cricket / baseball\n  2  [V] to be the person or the team that catches the ball and throws it back after sb has hit it:\nHussain won the toss and chose to field first.\n  3  [VN] to catch the ball and throw it back:\nHe fielded the ball expertly.\n  questions\n  4  [VN] to receive and deal with questions or comments:\nThe BBC had to field more than 300 phone calls after last night’s programme.


Words: field day
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) = SPORTS DAY\n IDIOMS \n  have a field day (AmE, BrE) to be given the opportunity to do sth that you enjoy, especially sth that other people do not approve of:\nThe tabloid press had a field day with the latest government scandal. * Shoplifters appear to have had a field day at the January sales.


Words: field event
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a sport done by ATHLETES that is not a race, for example jumping or throwing the JAVELIN\ncompare TRACK EVENT


Words: field goal
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in American football or rugby) a goal scored by kicking the ball over the bar of the goal\n  2  (in basketball) a goal scored by throwing the ball through the net during normal play


Words: field marshal
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation FM) an officer of the highest rank in the British army:\nField Marshal Montgomery


Words: field of vision
Meaning:
(also field of view or technical visual field) noun\n(plural fields of vision / view, visual fields) the total amount of space that you can see from a particular point without moving your head:\nHe saw Ann look away from him and leave his field of vision. * With increased power, the field of vision of the binoculars becomes smaller.


Words: field officer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person in a company or other organization whose job involves practical work in a particular area or region\n  2  an officer of high rank in the army (= a MAJOR, LIEUTENANT COLONEL or COLONEL)


Words: field test
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to test sth, such as a piece of equipment, in the place where it will be used\n    field test noun:\nLaboratory and field tests have been conducted.


Words: field trip
Meaning:
noun\na journey made by a group of people, often students, to study sth in its natural environment:\nWe went on a geology field trip. * Delegates at the conference were taken on field trips to see the devastation.


Words: fielder
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE also fieldsman) (in cricket and baseball) a member of the team that is trying to catch the ball rather than hit it


Words: fielding
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in cricket and baseball) the activity of catching and returning the ball:\nThere was some excellent fielding which had the batsmen constantly under pressure.


Words: fieldwork
Meaning:
noun\n[U] research or study that is done in the real world rather than in a classroom or LABORATORY:\nMost of the fieldwork was carried out in Italy.\n    fieldworker noun


Words: fiend
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a very cruel or unpleasant person\n  2  (informal) (used after another noun) a person who is very interested in the thing mentioned\nSYN FANATIC:\na crossword / health fiend\n  3  an evil spirit


Words: fiendish
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  cruel and unpleasant:\na fiendish act / grin * shrieks of fiendish laughter\n  2  (informal) extremely clever and complicated, often in an unpleasant way:\na puzzle of fiendish complexity * a fiendish plan\n  3  (informal) extremely difficult:\na fiendish problem


Words: fierce
Meaning:
adjective (fiercer, fiercest)\n  1  (especially of people or animals) angry and aggressive in a way that is frightening:\na fierce dog * Who was that fierce old lady? * Two fierce eyes glared at them. * He suddenly looked fierce. * She spoke in a fierce whisper. * The more she struggled, the fiercer he became.\n  2  (especially of actions or emotions) showing strong feelings or a lot of activity, often in a way that is violent:\nfierce loyalty / hatred * the scene of fierce fighting * He launched a fierce attack on the Democrats. * Competition from abroad became fiercer in the 1990s. * His wife is his fiercest critic. * The bill was passed despite fierce opposition.\n  3  (of weather conditions or temperatures) very strong in a way that could cause damage:\nprotection against the fierce wind coming in off the sea * the fierce heat of the flames\n    fiercely adverb:\n’Let go of me,’ she said fiercely. * fiercely competitive / independent / proud * They remain fiercely opposed to outside intervention. * The aircraft was burning fiercely.\n    fierceness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  something fierce (AmE, spoken) very much; more than usual:\nI sure do miss you something fierce!


Words: fiery
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  looking like fire; consisting of fire:\nfiery red hair * The sun was now sinking, a fiery ball of light in the west.\n  2  quickly or easily becoming angry:\na fiery temper / character * a fiery young man\n  3  showing strong emotions, especially anger:\na fiery look * a fiery and heated meeting * He delivered the sermon with fiery passion.\n  4  (of food or drink) causing a part of your body to feel as if it is burning:\na fiery Mexican dish * The fiery liquor burnt its way down her throat.


Words: fiesta
Meaning:
noun\n(from Spanish) a public event when people celebrate and are entertained with music and dancing, usually connected with a religious festival in countries where the people speak Spanish


Words: fife
Meaning:
noun\na musical instrument like a small FLUTE that plays high notes and is used with drums in military music


Words: fifteen
Meaning:
1  number 15\n  2  noun a team of Rugby Union players:\nHe’s in the first fifteen.\n    fifteenth  ordinal number


Words: fifth
Meaning:
ordinal number, noun \n    ordinal number 5th:\nToday is the fifth (of May). * the fifth century BC * It’s her fifth birthday. * My office is on the fifth floor. * It’s the fifth time that I’ve been to America. * Her mother had just given birth to another child, her fifth. * the world’s fifth-largest oil exporter * He finished fifth in the race. * Edward V (= Edward the fifth)\n    noun each of five equal parts of sth:\nShe cut the cake into fifths. * He gave her a fifth of the total amount.


Words: fifth column
Meaning:
noun\na group of people working secretly to help the enemy of the country or organization they are in\n    fifth columnist noun


Words: fifthly
Meaning:
adverb\nused to introduce the fifth of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing:\nFifthly, we need to consider the effect on the local population.


Words: fifty
Meaning:
1  number 50\n  2  (the fifties) noun [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 50 to 59:\nShe was born in the fifties.\n    fiftieth  ordinal number\n IDIOMS \n  in your fifties between the ages of 50 and 59


Words: fifty pence
Meaning:
(also fifty pence piece, 50p ) noun\na British coin worth 50 pence:\nPut a fifty pence in the machine. * Have you got a 50p?


Words: fifty-fifty
Meaning:
adjective, adverb\n(informal) divided equally between two people, groups or possibilities:\nCosts are to be shared on a fifty-fifty basis between the government and local businesses. * She has a fifty-fifty chance of winning (= an equal chance of winning or losing). * Let’s split this fifty-fifty.


Words: fig
Meaning:
noun\na soft sweet fruit that is full of small seeds and often eaten dried:\na fig tree\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  not care / give a fig (for sb/sth) (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) not to care at all about sth; to think that sth is not important


Words: fig leaf
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a leaf of a FIG tree, traditionally used for covering the sex organs of naked bodies in paintings and on statues\n  2  a thing that is used to hide an embarrassing fact or situation


Words: fight
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (fought, fought )\n  in war / battle\n  1  ~ (against sb) to take part in a war or battle against an enemy:\n[V] soldiers trained to fight * He fought in Vietnam. * My grandfather fought against the Fascists in Spain. * [VN] to fight a war / battle * They gathered soldiers to fight the invading army.\n  struggle / hit\n  2  to struggle physically with sb:\n[V] My little brothers are always fighting. * She’ll fight like a tiger to protect her children. [also VN]\n  in contest\n  3  ~ sb/sth (for sth) to take part in a contest against sb:\n[VN] to fight an election / a campaign * [V] She’s fighting for a place in the national team.\n  oppose\n  4  to try hard to stop, deal with or oppose sth bad:\n[VN] to fight racism / corruption / poverty * Workers are fighting the decision to close the factory. * [V] We will fight for as long as it takes.\n  try to get / do sth\n  5  ~ (for sth) to try very hard to get sth or to achieve sth:\n[V] He’s still fighting for compensation after the accident. * [VN] She gradually fought her way to the top of the company. * [V to inf] Doctors fought for more than six hours to save his life.\n  argue\n  6  [V] ~ (with sb) (about / over sth) to have an argument with sb about sth:\nIt’s a trivial matter and not worth fighting about. * I remember lying in bed listening to my parents fighting.\n  in boxing\n  7  to take part in a boxing match:\n[V] Doctors fear he may never fight again following his injury. [also VN]\n  law\n  8  [VN] ~ sb (for sth) to try to get what you want in a court of law:\nHe fought his wife for custody of the children. * I’m determined to fight the case.\n    fighting noun [U]:\nFighting broke out in three districts of the city last night. * outbreaks of street fighting * prize fighting (= fighting in boxing matches for money)\n IDIOMS \n  fight fire with fire to use similar methods in a fight or an argument to those your opponent is using\n  fight for (your) life to make a great effort to stay alive, especially when you are badly injured or seriously ill:\nA young cyclist is fighting for his life after the accident.\n  a fighting chance a small chance of being successful if a great effort is made:\nWe still have a fighting chance of beating them and winning the Cup. * If you win this round then you still have a fighting chance.\n  fighting fit extremely fit or healthy\n  fighting spirit a feeling that you are ready to fight very hard for sth or to try sth difficult\n  fighting talk comments or remarks that show that you are ready to fight very hard for sth:\nWhat we want from the management is fighting talk.\n  fight a losing battle to try to do sth that you will probably never succeed in doing:\nI’m fighting a losing battle against the mess in this house!\n  fight shy of sth / of doing sth to be unwilling to accept sth or do sth, and to try to avoid it:\nSuccessive governments have fought shy of such measures.\n  fight to the death / finish to fight until one of the two people or groups is dead, or until one person or group defeats the other\n  fight tooth and nail to fight in a very determined way for what you want:\nThe residents are fighting tooth and nail to stop the new development.\n  fight your own battles to be able to win an argument or get what you want without anyone’s help:\nI wouldn’t get involved-he’s old enough to fight his own battles.\nmore at LIVE\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fight back (against sb/sth) to resist strongly or attack sb who has attacked you:\nDon’t let them bully you. Fight back! * It is time to fight back against street crime.\n  fight sth<->back / down to try hard not to do or show sth, especially not to show your feelings:\nShe fought back the urge to run. * He fought down his disgust.\n  fight sb/sth<->off to resist sb/sth by fighting against them/it:\nThe jeweller was stabbed as he tried to fight the robbers off.\n  fight out sth | fight it out to fight or argue until an argument has been settled:\nThe conflict is still being fought out. * They still hadn’t reached any agreement so we left them to fight it out.\n    noun\n  struggle\n  1  [C] ~ (with sb/sth) | ~ (between A and B) a struggle against sb/sth using physical force:\nHe got into a fight with a man in the bar. * I had a fight with the ticket machine, which was being temperamental. * a street / gang fight * A fight broke out between rival groups of fans. * a world title fight (= fighting as a sport)\n  trying to get / do sth\n  2  [sing.] ~ (against / for sth) | ~ (to do sth) the work of trying to destroy, prevent or achieve sth:\nthe fight against crime * a fight for survival * Workers won their fight to stop compulsory redundancies.\n  competition\n  3  [sing.] a competition or an act of competing, especially in a sport:\nThe team put up a good fight (= they played well) but were finally beaten. * She now has a fight on her hands (= will have to play very well) to make it through to the next round.\n  argument\n  4  [C] ~ (with sb) | ~ (over / about sth) (especially AmE) an argument about sth:\nDid you have a fight with him? * We had a fight over money.\n  battle / war\n  5  [C] a battle, especially for a particular place or position:\nIn the fight for Lemburg, the Austrians lost.\n  desire to fight\n  6  [U] the desire or ability to keep fighting for sth:\nIn spite of many defeats, they still had plenty of fight left in them. * Losing their leader took all the fight out of them.\n IDIOMS \n  a fight to the finish a sports competition, election, etc. between sides that are so equal in ability that they continue fighting very hard until the end:\nSix teams are bitter rivals in what will be a fight to the finish.\nmore at PICK v., SPOIL v.


Words: fightback
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (BrE) an effort by a person, group or team to get back to a strong position that they have lost:\nEngland mounted a spirited fightback in the second half.


Words: fighter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a fast military plane designed to attack other aircraft:\na jet fighter * a fighter pilot * fighter planes / bases\n  2  a person who fights\nsee also FIREFIGHTER, FREEDOM FIGHTER, PRIZEFIGHTER\n  3  (approving) a person who does not give up hope or admit that they are defeated


Words: figment
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  a figment of sb’s imagination something that sb has imagined and that does not really exist:\nAre you telling me that these symptoms are just a figment of my imagination?


Words: figurative
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of language, words, phrases, etc.) used in a way that is different from the usual meaning, in order to create a particular mental image. For example, ’He exploded with rage’ shows a figurative use of the verb ’explode’.\ncompare LITERAL, METAPHORICAL\n  2  (of paintings, art, etc.) showing people, animals and objects as they really look:\na figurative artist / painter\ncompare ABSTRACT\n    figuratively adverb:\nShe is, figuratively speaking, holding a gun to his head.


Words: figure
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  numbers\n  1  [C, often pl.] a number representing a particular amount, especially one given in official information:\nthe latest trade / sales / unemployment figures * Viewing figures for the series have dropped dramatically. * Figures for April show a slight improvement on previous months * By 1998, this figure had risen to 14 million. * The final figure looks like being much higher than predicted. * Experts put the real figure at closer to 75%.\n  2  [C] a symbol rather than a word representing one of the numbers between 0 and 9:\nWrite the figure ’7’ on the board. * a six-figure salary (= over 100 000 pounds or dollars) * His salary is now in six figures.\nsee also DOUBLE FIGURES, SINGLE FIGURES\n  3  (figures) [pl.] (informal) the area of mathematics that deals with adding, multiplying, etc. numbers:\nAre you any good at figures? * I’m afraid I don’t have a head for figures (= I am not good at adding, etc.).\n  person\n  4  [C] a person of the type mentioned:\na leading figure in the music industry * a cult / public / political figure * a figure of authority * When she last saw him, he was a sad figure-old and tired. * a relatively unknown figure the world of fashion * one of the most popular figures in athletics\nsee also FATHER FIGURE, MOTHER FIGURE\n  5  [C] the shape of a person seen from a distance or not clearly:\na tall figure in black * I saw a shadowy figure approaching.\n  shape of body\n  6  [C] the shape of the human body, especially a woman’s body that is attractive:\nShe’s always had a good figure. * I’m watching my figure (= trying not to get fat).\n  in painting / story\n  7  [C] a person or an animal in a drawing, painting, etc., or in a story:\nThe central figure in the painting is the artist’s daughter.\n  statue\n  8  [C] a statue of a person or an animal:\na bronze figure of a horse\n  picture / diagram\n  9  [C] (abbreviation fig.) a picture, diagram, etc. in a book, that is referred to by a number:\nThe results are illustrated in figure 3 opposite.\n  geometry\n  10  [C] a particular shape formed by lines or surfaces:\na five-sided figure * a solid figure\n  movement on ice\n  11  [C] a pattern or series of movements performed on ice:\nThe skater executed a perfect set of figures.\n IDIOMS \n  be / become a figure of fun to be/become sb that other people laugh at\n  cut a ...figure (of a person) to have a particular appearance:\nHe cut a striking figure in his white dinner jacket.\n  put a figure on sth to say the exact price or number of sth:\nIt’s impossible to put a figure on the number of homeless people in London.\nmore at FACT\n    verb\n  be important\n  1  [V] ~ (as sth) (in / among sth) to be part of a process, situation, etc. especially an important part:\nThe question of the peace settlement is likely to figure prominently in the talks. * My feelings about the matter didn’t seem to figure at all. * It did not figure high on her list of priorities. * Do I still figure in your plans?\n  think / decide\n  2  to think or decide that sth will happen or is true:\n[V (that)] I figured (that) if I took the night train, I could be in Scotland by morning. * We figured the sensible thing to do was to wait. * [VN] That’s what I figured. [also V wh-]\n  calculate\n  3  [VN] (AmE) to calculate an amount or the cost of sth:\nWe figured the attendance at 150 000.\n IDIOMS \n  it / that figures used to say that sth was expected or seems logical:\n’John called in sick.’ ’That figures, he wasn’t feeling well yesterday.’ * (disapproving) ’She was late again.’ ’Yes, that figures.’\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  figure on sth | figure on (sb/sth) doing sth to plan sth or to do sth; to expect sth (to happen):\nI hadn’t figured on getting home so late.\n  figure sb/sth<->out\n1 to think about sb/sth until you understand them/it:\nWe’ve never been able to figure her out. * [+ wh-] I can’t figure out how to do this.\n2 to calculate an amount or the cost of sth:\n[+ wh-] Have you figured out how much the trip will cost?


Words: figure of eight
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE figure eight) noun\n(plural figures of eight, figure eights) a pattern or movement that looks like the shape of the number 8:\nThe kite swept back and forth in a figure of eight.


Words: figure of speech
Meaning:
noun\n(plural figures of speech) a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meaning in order to create a particular mental image or effect


Words: figure-skating
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of ICE SKATING in which you cut patterns in the ice and do jumps and SPINS\ncompare SPEED SKATING


Words: figurehead
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who is in a high position in a country or an organization but who has no real power or authority:\nThe president of the club is not just a figurehead.\n  2  a large wooden statue, usually representing a woman, that used to be fixed to the front end of a ship


Words: filament
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a thin wire in a LIGHT BULB that produces light when electricity is passed through it\n \n  2  (especially technical) a long thin piece of sth that looks like a thread:\nglass / metal filaments * The male fish develops extended filaments on the dorsal fin.


Words: file
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a box or folded piece of card, often with a wire or metal rod, for keeping loose papers together and in order:\na box file * A stack of files awaited me on my desk.\n \n  2  a collection of information stored together in a computer, under a particular name:\nto access / copy / create / delete / save a file * Every file on the same disk must have a different name.\n \n  3  ~ (on sb) a file and the information it contains, for example about a particular person or subject:\nsecret police files * to have / open / keep a confidential file on sb * Your application will be kept on file (= in a file, to be used later). * Police have reopened the file (= have started collecting information again) on the missing girl.\n \n  4  a metal tool with a rough surface for cutting or shaping hard substances or for making them smooth\nsee also NAIL FILE\n  5  a line of people or things, one behind the other:\nThey set off in file behind the teacher.\n IDIOMS \n  (in) Indian / single file (in) one line, one behind the other:\nThey made their way in single file along the cliff path.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (away) to put and keep documents, etc. in a particular place and in a particular order so that you can find them easily; to put a document into a file:\nThe forms should be filed alphabetically. * I filed the letters away in a drawer. * Please file it in my ’Research’ file.\n  2  ~ (for sth) (law) to present sth so that it can be officially recorded and dealt with:\n[V] to file for divorce / bankruptcy * [VN] to file a claim / a complaint / a petition / a lawsuit [also V to inf]\n  3  [VN] (of a journalist) to send a report or a story to your employer\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] to walk in a line of people, one after the other, in a particular direction:\nThe doors of the museum opened and the visitors began to file in.\n  5  [VN] ~ sth (away / down, etc.) to cut or shape sth or make sth smooth using a file:\nto file your nails


Words: filial
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) connected with the way children behave towards their parents:\nfilial affection / duty


Words: filibuster
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a long speech made in a parliament in order to delay a vote\n    filibuster verb [V]


Words: filigree
Meaning:
noun\n[U] delicate decoration made from gold, silver or COPPER wire:\na gold filigree earring * filigree work


Words: filing
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act of putting documents, letters, etc. into a file\n  2  [C] (especially AmE) something that is placed in an official record:\na bankruptcy filing\n  3  (filings) [pl.] very small pieces of metal, made when a larger piece of metal is FILED:\ncopper / iron filings


Words: filing clerk
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE file clerk) noun\na person whose job is to file letters, etc. and do general office tasks


Words: Filipino
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C] a person from the Philippines\n  2  [U] the language of the Philippines\n    adjective connected with the Philippines, its people or their language


Words: fill
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  make full\n \n  1  ~ (sth) (with sth) to make sth full of sth; to become full of sth:\n[VN] to fill a hole with earth / a bucket with water * to fill a vacuum / void * Please fill this glass for me. * The school is filled to capacity. * Smoke filled the room. * The wind filled the sails. * A Disney film can always fill cinemas (= attract a lot of people to see it). * [VN-ADJ] Fill a pan half full of water. * [V] The room was filling quickly. * Her eyes suddenly filled with tears. * The sails filled with wind.\n \n  block hole\n \n  2  [VN] to block a hole with a substance:\nThe crack in the wall had been filled with plaster. * I need to have two teeth filled (= to have FILLINGS put in them). * (figurative) The product has filled a gap in the market.\n \n  with feeling\n \n  3  [VN] ~ sb (with sth) to make sb have a strong feeling:\nWe were all filled with admiration for his achievements.\n  with smell / sound / light\n  4  [VN] ~ sth (with sth) if a smell, sound or light fills a place, it is very strong, loud or bright and easy to notice\n  -filled\n  5  (in adjectives) full of the thing mentioned:\na smoke-filled room * a fun-filled day\n  a need\n  6  [VN] to stop people from continuing to want or need sth:\nMore nurseries will be built to fill the need for high-quality child care.\n  job\n  7  [VN] to do a job, have a role or position, etc:\nHe fills the post satisfactorily (= performs his duties well). * The team needs someone to fill the role of manager very soon.\n  8  [VN] to appoint sb to a job:\nThe vacancy has already been filled.\n  time\n  9  [VN] ~ sth (up) to use up a particular period of time doing sth:\nHow do you fill your day now that you’ve retired?\n  with food\n  10  [VN] ~ sb / yourself (up) (with sth) (informal) to make sb/yourself feel unable to eat any more:\nThe kids filled themselves with snacks and now they don’t want any lunch.\n  an order\n  11  [VN] if sb fills an order or a PRESCRIPTION, they give the customer what they have asked for\nsee also UNFILLED\n IDIOMS \n  fill sb’s shoes / boots to do sb’s job in a satisfactory way when they are not there\nmore at BILL n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fill in (for sb) to do sb’s job for a short time while they are not there\n  fill sth<->in\n1 (also fill sth<->out especially in AmE) to complete a form, etc. by writing information on it:\nto fill in an application form * To order, fill in the coupon on p 54.\n2 to fill sth completely:\nThe hole has been filled in.\n3 to spend time doing sth while waiting for sth more important:\nHe filled in the rest of the day watching television.\n4 to complete a drawing, etc. by covering the space inside the outline with colour\n  fill sb in (on sth) to tell sb about sth that has happened\n  fill out to become larger, rounder or fatter\n  fill sth<->out = FILL STH IN (1)\n  fill up (with sth) | fill sth<->up (with sth) to become completely full; to make sth completely full:\nThe ditches had filled up with mud and debris. * to fill up the tank with oil\n    noun [sing.]\n  1  your ~ (of sth/sb) as much of sth/sb as you are willing to accept:\nI’ve had my fill of entertaining for one week.\n  2  your ~ (of food / drink) as much as you can eat/drink:\nAll we had was what was left after the guests had eaten their fill. * The pigs had had their fill of the leftovers.


Words: filler
Meaning:
noun [U, C]\n  1  a substance used to fill holes or cracks, especially in walls before painting them\n  2  (informal) something that is not important but is used to complete sth else because nothing better is available:\nThe song was originally a filler on their first album.\nsee also STOCKING FILLER


Words: fillet
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (AmE also filet) [C, U] a piece of meat or fish that has no bones in it:\nplaice fillets * a fillet of cod * fillet steak\n    verb [VN] to remove the bones from a piece of fish or meat; to cut fish or meat into fillets


Words: filling
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a small amount of metal or other material used to fill a hole in a tooth:\nI had to have two fillings at the dentist’s today. * One of my fillings came out this morning.\n \n  2  [C, U] food put inside a sandwich, cake, pie, etc:\na sponge cake with cream and jam filling * a wide range of sandwich fillings\n \n  3  [C, U] soft material used to fill cushions, PILLOWS, etc:\nsynthetic fillings\n    adjective (of food) making your stomach feel full:\nThis cake is very filling. * The best way to start the day is with a big filling breakfast.


Words: fillip
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a ~ (to / for sth) (formal) a thing or person that causes sth to improve suddenly \nSYN BOOST:\nA drop in interest rates gave a welcome fillip to the housing market.


Words: film
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  moving pictures\n \n  1  [C] (especially BrE) (AmE usually movie) a series of moving pictures recorded with sound that tells a story, shown on television or at the cinema/movie theater:\nLet’s go to the cinema-there’s a good film on this week. * Let’s stay in and watch a film. * a horror / documentary / feature film * a silent film (= one recorded without sound) * an international film festival * The film was shot on location in France. * a film crew / critic / director / producer * the film version of the novel\n \n  2  [U] (especially BrE) (AmE usually the movies [pl.]) (BrE also the cinema) the art or business of making films/movies:\nto study film and photography * the minister responsible for film and the theatre * the film industry\ncompare CINEMA\n \n  3  [U] moving pictures of real events, shown for example on television \nSYN FOOTAGE:\ntelevision news film of the riots\n  in cameras\n  4  [U, C] thin plastic that is sensitive to light, used for taking photographs and making films/movies; a roll of this plastic, used in cameras:\na roll of film * 35mm / colour film * She put a new film in her camera. * to have a film developed\n  thin layer\n  5  [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a thin layer of sth, usually on the surface of sth else:\nEverything was covered in a film of dust.\nsee also CLING FILM\n    verb to make a film/movie of a story or a real event: [V] They are filming in Moscow right now. * [VN] It took them six weeks to film the documentary. * The show was filmed on location in New York. * [VN -ing] Two young boys were filmed stealing CDs on the security video.\n    filming noun [U]:\nFilming was delayed because of bad weather.


Words: film star
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually movie star) noun\na male or female actor who is famous for being in films/movies


Words: film-goer
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually moviegoer) (BrE also cinema-goer) noun\na person who goes to the cinema/movies, especially when they do it regularly


Words: Filofax
Meaning:
noun\na small book with pages that can be added or removed easily, used for writing notes, addresses, etc. in\nsee also PERSONAL ORGANIZER


Words: filter
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a device containing paper, sand, chemicals, etc. that a liquid or gas is passed through in order to remove any materials that are not wanted:\nan air / oil filter * a coffee / water filter * filter paper for the coffee machine * He smokes cigarettes without filters.\n \n  2  a device that allows only particular types of light or sound to pass through it:\nThe camera has an anti-glare filter.\n \n  3  (BrE) a light on a set of TRAFFIC LIGHTS showing that traffic can turn left or right while traffic that wants to go straight ahead must wait:\na filter lane\n    verb\n  1  [VN] to pass liquid, light, etc. through a special device, especially to remove sth that is not wanted:\nAll drinking water must be filtered. * filtered air / coffee * Use a sun block that filters UVA effectively. * (figurative) My secretary is very good at filtering my calls (= making sure that calls that I do not want do not get through).\nsee also FILTRATION\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] (of people) to move slowly in a particular direction:\nThe doors opened and people started filtering through.\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] (of information, news, etc.) to slowly become known:\nMore details about the crash are filtering through.\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] (of light or sound) to come into a place slowly or in small amounts:\nSunlight filtered in through the curtains.\n  5  [V] (BrE) (of traffic at traffic lights) to turn left at traffic lights while other vehicles wanting to go straight ahead or turn right must wait\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  filter sth<->out to remove sth that you do not want from a liquid, light, etc. by using a special device or substance:\nto filter out dust particles / light / impurities * (figurative) The test is used to filter out candidates who may be unsuitable.


Words: filter tip
Meaning:
noun\na filter at the end of a cigarette that removes some of the harmful substances from the smoke; a cigarette that has this filter


Words: filth
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  any very dirty and unpleasant substance:\nThe floor was covered in grease and filth.\n  2  words, magazines, etc. that are connected with sex and that are considered very rude and offensive:\nHow can you read such filth?\n  3  (the filth) [U] (BrE, slang) an offensive word for the police


Words: filthy
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective (filthier, filthiest)\n  1  very dirty and unpleasant:\nfilthy rags / streets * It’s filthy in here!\n  2  very rude and offensive and usually connected with sex:\nfilthy language / words * He’s got a filthy mind (= is always thinking about sex).\n  3  (informal) showing anger:\nHe was in a filthy mood. * She has a filthy temper. * Ann gave him a filthy look.\n  4  (BrE, informal) (of the weather) cold and wet:\nIsn’t it a filthy day?\n    filthily adverb\n    filthiness noun [U] \n    adverb (informal)\n  1  ~ dirty extremely dirty\n  2  ~ rich so rich that you think the person is too rich and you find it offensive


Words: fin
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a thin flat part that sticks out from the body of a fish, used for swimming and keeping balance\n \n  2  a thin flat part that sticks out from the body of a vehicle, aircraft, etc., used for improving its balance and movement:\ntail fins


Words: fin de siecle
Meaning:
adjective\n(from French) typical of the end of the 19th century, especially of its art, literature and attitudes


Words: finagle
Meaning:
verb\n(informal, especially AmE) to behave dishonestly or to obtain sth dishonestly:\n[VN] He finagled some tickets for tonight’s big game. [also V]


Words: final
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] being or happening at the end of a series of events, actions, statements, etc:\nhis final act as party leader * The referee blew the final whistle. * The project is in its final stages. * They find each other in the final chapter of the book. * I’d like to return to the final point you made.\n  2  [only before noun] being the result of a particular process:\nthe final product * No one could have predicted the final outcome.\n  3  that cannot be argued with or changed:\nThe judge’s decision is final. * Who has the final say around here? * I’ll give you $500 for it, and that’s my final offer! * (spoken) I’m not coming, and that’s final! (= I will not change my mind)\n IDIOMS  see ANALYSIS, STRAW, WORD n.\n    noun\n  1  [C] the last of a series of games or competitions in which the winner is decided:\nShe reached the final of the 100m hurdles. * The players met in last year’s final. * the 1998 World Cup Finals (= the last few games in the competition) * She will now go through to the final with Hingis.\nsee also QUARTER-FINAL, SEMI-FINAL\n  2  (finals) [pl.] (BrE) the last exams taken by university students at the end of their final year:\nto sit / take your finals\n  3  [C] (AmE) an exam taken by school, university or college students at the end of a SEMESTER or QUARTER, usually in a topic that they will not study again


Words: finale
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the last part of a show or a piece of music:\nthe rousing finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony * The festival ended with a grand finale in Hyde Park.\n  2  ~ (to sth) (after an adjective) an ending to sth of the type mentioned:\na fitting / superb / dramatic finale to the day’s events


Words: finalist
Meaning:
noun\na person who takes part in the FINAL of a game or competition:\nan Olympic finalist * last year’s beaten finalist


Words: finality
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality of being final and impossible to change:\nthe finality of death * There was a note of finality in his voice. * ’No’, she said with finality.


Words: finalize
Meaning:
(BrE also finalise)  verb\n[VN] to complete the last part of a plan, trip, project, etc:\nto finalize your plans / arrangements * They met to finalize the terms of the treaty.\n    finalization, finalisation noun [U]


Words: finally
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  after a long time, especially when there has been some difficulty or delay:\nThe performance finally started half an hour late. * The law was finally passed in May 1999. * I finally managed to get her attention. * Are you finally going to tell me why I’m here? * When they finally arrived it was well past midnight.\n  2  used to introduce the last in a list of things:\nAnd finally, I would like to thank you all for coming here today. * Finally, stir in the fruit and walnuts.\n  3  in a way that ends all discussion about sth:\nThe matter was not finally settled until much later.


Words: finance
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] ~ (for sth) money used to run a business, an activity or a project:\nFinance for education comes from taxpayers. * The project will only go ahead if they can raise the necessary finance.\n  2  [U] the activity of managing money, especially by a government or commercial organization:\nthe Minister of Finance * the finance director / department * a diploma in banking and finance * the world of high finance (= finance involving large companies or countries)\n  3  (finances) [pl.] the money available to a person, an organization or a country; the way this money is managed:\ngovernment / public / personal finances * It’s about time you sorted out your finances. * Moving house put a severe strain on our finances. * The firm’s finances are basically sound.\n    verb [VN] to provide money for a project \nSYN FUND:\nThe building project will be financed by the government and by public donations. * He took a job to finance his stay in Germany.


Words: financial
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] connected with money and FINANCE:\nfinancial services / institutions * to give financial advice / assistance / support * to be in financial difficulties * an independent financial adviser * Tokyo and New York are major financial centres.\n    financially  adverb:\nShe is still financially dependent on her parents. * Financially, I’m much better off than before. * Such projects are not financially viable without government funding.


Words: financial aid
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (AmE) money that is given or lent to students at a university or college who cannot pay the full cost of their education:\nto apply for financial aid


Words: financial year
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE fiscal year) noun\n[usually sing.] a period of twelve months over which the accounts and taxes of a company or a person are calculated:\nthe current financial year


Words: finch
Meaning:
noun\n(often in compounds) a small bird with a short beak. There are several types of finch.\nsee also BULLFINCH, CHAFFINCH, GOLDFINCH


Words: find
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (found, found )\n  by chance\n  1  to discover sb/sth unexpectedly or by chance:\n[VN] Look what I’ve found! * We’ve found a great new restaurant near the office. * [VN-ADJ] A whale was found washed up on the shore. * I didn’t expect to come home and find him gone.\n  by searching\n  2  ~ sth (for sb) | ~ (sb) sth to get back sth/sb that was lost after searching for it/them: [VN, VNN] Can you find my bag for me? * Can you find me my bag? * [VN] I wanted to talk to him but he was nowhere to be found. * [VN-ADJ] The child was eventually found safe and well.\n  by studying / thinking\n  3  to discover sth/sb by searching, studying or thinking carefully:\n[VN] scientists trying to find a cure for cancer * I managed to find a solution to the problem. * I’m having trouble finding anything new to say on this subject. * Have they found anyone to replace her yet? * [VN, VNN] Can you find a hotel for me? * Can you find me a hotel?\n  by experience / testing\n  4  to discover that sth is true after you have tried it, tested it or experienced it:\n[V (that)] I find (that) it pays to be honest. * The report found that 30% of the firms studied had failed within a year. * [VN-ADJ] We found the beds very comfortable. * [VN to inf, VN that] Her blood was found to contain poison. * It was found that her blood contained poison. * [VN to inf] They found him to be charming. [also VN-N]\n  have opinion / feeling\n  5  to have a particular feeling or opinion about sth:\n[VN-ADJ] You may find your illness hard to accept. * You may find it hard to accept your illness. * I find it amazing that they’re still together. * [VN-N] She finds it a strain to meet new people.\n  have / make available\n  6  [VN] to have sth available so that you can use it:\nI keep meaning to write, but never seem to find (the) time. * Where are we going to find ｣5 000 for a new car?\n  in unexpected situations\n  7  to discover sb/sth/yourself doing sth or in a particular situation, especially when this is unexpected:\n[VN] She woke up and found herself in a hospital bed. * [VN-ADJ] We came home and found him asleep on the sofa. * [VN -ing] I suddenly found myself running down the street. * [V (that)] I was disappointed to find that they had left already.\n  reach\n  8  [VN] (of things) to arrive at sth naturally; to reach sth:\nWater will always find its own level. * Most of the money finds its way to the people who need it. * The criticism found its mark (= had the effect intended).\n  exist / grow\n  9  [VN] used to say that sth exists, grows, etc. somewhere:\nThese flowers are found only in Africa. * You’ll find this style of architecture all over the town.\n  in court of law\n  10  (formal) to make a particular decision in a court of law:\n[VN] How do you find the accused? * [VN-ADJ] The jury found him guilty of manslaughter. * [V] The court found in her favour.\n IDIOMS \n  all found (old-fashioned, BrE) with free food and accommodation in addition to your wages\n  find fault (with sb/sth) to look for and discover mistakes in sb/sth; to complain about sb/sth\n  find your feet to become able to act independently and with confidence:\nI only recently joined the firm so I’m still finding my feet.\n  find it in your heart / yourself to do sth (literary) to be able or willing to do sth:\nCan you find it in your heart to forgive her? * He couldn’t find it in himself to trust anyone again.\n  find your voice / tongue to be able to speak or express your opinion\n  find your way (to ...) to discover the right route (to a place):\nI hope you can find your way home.\n  find your / its way (to / into ...) to come to a place or a situation by chance or without intending to:\nHe eventually found his way into acting.\n  take sb as you find them to accept sb as they are without expecting them to behave in a special way or have special qualities\nmore at BEARING, MATCH n., NOWHERE\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  find for / against sb [no passive] (law) to make a decision in favour of/against sb in a court of law:\nThe jury found for the defendant.\n  find out (about sth/sb) | find out sth (about sth/sb) to get some information about sth/sb by asking, reading, etc:\nShe’d been seeing the boy for a while, but didn’t want her parents to find out. * I haven’t found anything out about him yet. * [+ wh-] Can you find out what time the meeting starts? * [+ that] We found out later that we had been at the same school. -> DISCOVER\n  find sb out to discover that sb has done sth wrong:\nHe had been cheating the taxman but it was years before he was found out.\n    noun a thing or person that has been found, especially one that is interesting, valuable or useful:\nan important archaeological find * Our new babysitter is a real find.


Words: finder
Meaning:
noun\na person who finds sth:\nIf the money remains unclaimed for a certain time it is returned to the finder.\nsee also VIEWFINDER


Words: finding
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [often pl.] information that is discovered as the result of research into sth:\nThe findings of the commission will be published today. * These findings suggest that there is no direct link between unemployment and crime.\n  2  (law) a decision made by the judge or JURY in a court of law


Words: fine
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, noun, verb \n    adjective (finer, finest)\n  very good\n  1  [usually before noun] of high quality; good:\na very fine performance * fine clothes / wines / workmanship * a particularly fine example of Saxon architecture * the finest collection of paintings in Europe * She’s a fine actor and an even finer dancer. * Jim has made a fine job of the garden. * people who enjoy the finer things in life (= for example art, good food, etc.) * He tried to appeal to their finer feelings (= feelings of duty, love, etc.). * It was his finest hour (= most successful period) as manager of the England team.\n  very well\n  2  (of a person) in good health:\n’How are you?’ ’Fine, thanks.’ * I was feeling fine when I got up this morning. * ’How’s your throat?’ ’It’s fine as long as I don’t cough.’\n  acceptable / satisfactory\n  3  (spoken) (also used as an exclamation) used to tell sb that an action, a suggestion or a decision is acceptable:\n’I’ll leave this here, OK?’ ’Fine.’ * ’Bob wants to know if he can come too.’ ’That’s fine by me.’\n  4  (spoken) used to say you are satisfied with sth:\nDon’t worry. Your speech was fine. * You go on without me. I’ll be fine. * ’Can I get you another drink?’ ’No, thanks. I’m fine.’ * (ironic) This is a fine (= terrible) mess we’re in! * (ironic) You’re a fine one to talk! (= you are not in a position to criticize, give advice, etc.)\n  attractive\n  5  [usually before noun] pleasing to look at:\na fine view * a fine-looking woman * a fine figure of a man\n  delicate\n  6  [usually before noun] attractive and delicate:\nfine bone china * She has inherited her mother’s fine features (= a small nose, mouth, etc.).\n  weather\n  7  (especially BrE) bright and not raining:\na fine day / evening * I hope it stays fine for the picnic.\n  very thin\n  8  very thin or narrow:\nfine blond hair * a fine thread * a brush with a fine tip\n  detail / distinctions\n  9  [usually before noun] difficult to see or describe:\nYou really need a magnifying glass to appreciate all the fine detail. * There’s no need to make such fine distinctions. * There’s a fine line between love and hate (= it is easy for one to become the other). * We still have to iron out the finer details.\n  with small grains\n  10  made of very small grains:\nfine sand / flour * Use a finer piece of sandpaper to finish.\n  person\n  11  [only before noun] that you have a lot of respect for:\nHe was a fine man and a fine soldier (= respected both as a man and as a soldier).\n  words / speeches\n  12  sounding important and impressive but unlikely to have any effect:\nHis speech was full of fine words which meant nothing.\n  metals\n  13  (technical) containing only a particular metal and no other substances that reduce the quality:\nfine gold\n IDIOMS \n  get sth down to a fine art (informal) to learn to do sth well and efficiently:\nI spend so much time travelling that I’ve got packing down to a fine art.\n  not to put too fine a point on it used to emphasize sth that is expressed clearly and directly, especially a criticism:\nNot to put too fine a point on it, I think you are lying.\nmore at CHANCE n., FETTLE, LINE n., TALK v.\n    adverb (informal) in a way that is satisfactory or acceptable:\nKeep going like that-you’re doing fine. * Things were going fine until you showed up. * That arrangement suits me fine. * (BrE) An omelette will do me fine (= will be enough for me).\n IDIOMS \n  cut it / things fine (informal) to leave yourself just enough time to do sth:\nIf we don’t leave till after lunch we’ll be cutting it very fine.\n    noun a sum of money that must be paid as punishment for breaking a law or rule:\na parking fine * Offenders will be liable to a heavy fine (= one that costs a lot of money). * Under the new law, motorists face fines of up to ｣1 000. * She has already paid over $2 000 in fines.\n    verb [often passive] ~ sb (sth) (for sth / for doing sth) to make sb pay money as an official punishment: [VN] She was fined for speeding. * [VNN] The company was fined ｣20 000 for breaching safety regulations.


Words: fine art
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (also fine arts) [pl.] forms of art, especially painting, drawing and SCULPTURE, that are created to be beautiful rather than useful:\nthe Slade School of Fine Art


Words: fine-tooth comb
Meaning:
(also fine-toothed comb) noun\na comb in which the pointed parts are thin and very close together\n IDIOMS \n  go over / through sth with a fine-tooth / fine-toothed comb to examine or search sth very carefully:\nThe police have gone over the house with a fine-tooth comb.


Words: fine-tune
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make very small changes to sth so that it is as good as it can possibly be\n    fine-tuning noun [U]:\nThe system is set up but it needs some fine-tuning.


Words: finely
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  into very small grains or pieces:\nfinely chopped herbs\n  2  in a beautiful or impressive way:\na finely furnished room * finely dressed servants\n  3  in a very delicate or exact way:\na finely tuned engine * The match was finely balanced throughout.


Words: fineness
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the quality of being made of thin threads or lines very close together:\nfineness of detail * Chinese rugs are graded according to the fineness of their knotting.\n  2  (technical) the quality of sth:\nthe fineness of the gold


Words: finery
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) colourful and elegant clothes and jewellery, especially those that are worn for a special occasion:\nThe mayor was dressed in all his finery.


Words: finesse
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] great skill in dealing with people or situations, especially in a delicate way\n    verb [VN] (especially AmE)\n  1  to deal with sth in a way that is clever but slightly dishonest:\nto finesse a deal\n  2  to do sth with a lot of skill or style


Words: finger
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  one of the four long thin parts that stick out from the hand (or five, if the thumb is included):\nShe ran her fingers through her hair. * Hold the material between finger and thumb. * He was about to speak but she raised a finger to her lips. * The old man wagged his finger at the youths.\nsee also BUTTER-FINGERS, FOREFINGER, GREEN FINGERS, INDEX FINGER, LITTLE FINGER, MIDDLE FINGER, RING FINGER\n \n  2  (-fingered) (in adjectives) having the type of fingers mentioned; having or using the number of fingers mentioned:\nlong-fingered * nimble-fingered * a four-fingered chord\nsee also LIGHT-FINGERED\n \n  3  the part of a glove that covers the finger\n  4  ~ (of sth) a long narrow piece of bread, cake, land, etc:\na finger of toast * chocolate fingers * a narrow finger of land pointing out into the sea\nsee also FISH FINGER\n  5  ~ (of sth) an amount of alcohol that fills a glass to the same depth as the width of a person’s finger\n IDIOMS \n  the finger of suspicion if the finger of suspicion points or is pointed at sb, they are suspected of having committed a crime, being responsible for sth, etc.\n  get, pull, etc. your finger out (BrE, informal) used to tell sb to start doing some work or making an effort:\nYou’re going to have to pull your finger out if you want to pass this exam.\n  give sb the finger (AmE, informal) to raise your middle finger in the air with the back part of your hand facing sb, done to be rude to sb or to show them that you are angry\n  have a finger in every pie (informal) to be involved in a lot of different activities and have influence over them, especially when other people think that this is annoying\n  have, etc. your fingers in the till (BrE, informal) to be stealing money from the place where you work\n  have / keep your finger on the pulse (of sth) to always be aware of the most recent developments in a particular situation\n  lay a finger on sb (usually used in negative sentences) to touch sb with the intention of hurting them physically:\nI never laid a finger on her. * If you lay a finger on me, I’ll call the police.\n  not put your finger on sth to not be able to identify what is wrong or different about a particular situation:\nThere was something odd about him but I couldn’t put my finger on it.\n  put / stick two fingers up at sb (BrE, informal) to form the shape of a V with the two fingers nearest your thumb and raise your hand in the air with the back part of it facing sb, done to be rude to them or to show them that you are angry\nsee also V-SIGN:\nShe enjoys sticking two fingers up to convention.\n  work your fingers to the bone to work very hard\nmore at BURN v., COUNT v., CROSS v., LIFT v., POINT v., SLIP v., SNAP v., STICKY, THUMB n.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to touch or feel sth with your fingers:\nGary sat fingering his beard, saying nothing.\n  2  ~ sb (for sth) | ~ sb (as sth) (informal, especially AmE) to accuse sb of doing sth illegal and tell the police about it:\nWho fingered him for the burglaries?


Words: fingering
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the positions in which you put your fingers when playing a musical instrument; the order you use your fingers:\na guitar piece with tricky fingering


Words: fingermark
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (especially BrE) a mark made by a finger, for example on a clean surface:\nThere were red fingermarks on her cheek where he had hit her.


Words: fingerprint
Meaning:
noun\n\n(especially BrE) a mark made by the pattern of lines on the tip of a person’s finger, often used by the police to identify criminals:\nHis fingerprints were all over the gun. * to take a suspect’s fingerprints * The car was examined for fingerprints.\nsee also GENETIC FINGERPRINT\n \n    fingerprint verb:\n[VN] I was booked, fingerprinted and locked up for the night.


Words: fingerprinting
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the practice of recording sb’s fingerprints, often used by the police to identify criminals\nsee also GENETIC FINGERPRINTING


Words: fingertip
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] the end of the finger that is furthest from the hand:\nApply the cream gently using your fingertips.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  have sth at your fingertips to have the information, knowledge, etc. that is needed in a particular situation and be able to find it easily and use it quickly:\nI made sure I had all the facts at my fingertips before attending the meeting.\n \n  to your fingertips (BrE) in every way:\nShe’s a perfectionist to her fingertips.


Words: finicky
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (disapproving) too worried about what you eat, wear, etc.; disliking many things\nSYN FUSSY:\na finicky eater\n  2  needing great care and attention to detail:\nIt’s a very finicky job.


Words: finish
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to stop doing sth or making sth because it is complete:\n[VN] Haven’t you finished your homework yet? * She finished law school last year. * I’ll just finish the chapter then I’ll come. * a beautifully finished piece of furniture * He put the finishing touches to his painting (= did the things that made it complete). * [V -ing] Be quiet! He hasn’t finished speaking. * [V] I thought you’d never finish! [also V speech]\n  2  to come to an end; to bring sth to an end:\n[V] The play finished at 10.30. * The symphony finishes with a flourish. * [VN] A cup of coffee finished the meal perfectly.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (off / up) to eat, drink or use what remains of sth:\nHe finished off his drink with one large gulp. * We might as well finish up the cake-there isn’t much left.\n  4  to be in a particular state or position at the end of a race or a competition:\n[V-ADJ] She was delighted to finish second. * The dollar finished the day slightly down. * [V] He finished 12 seconds outside the world record.\n  5  [VN] ~ sb (off) (informal) to make sb so tired or impatient that they cannot do any more:\nClimbing that hill really finished me off. * A lecture from my parents now would just finish me.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  finish sb/sth<->off (informal) to destroy sb/sth, especially sb/sth that is badly injured or damaged:\nThe hunter moved in to finish the animal off.\n  finish sth<->off to do the last part of sth; to make sth end by doing one last thing:\nI need about an hour to finish off this report. * They finished off the show with one of their most famous songs.\n  finish up ... (BrE) to be in a particular state or at a particular place after a series of events:\n[+ADJ] If you’re not careful, you could finish up seriously ill.\n  finish with sb\n1 (BrE) to end a relationship with sb:\nShe finished with her boyfriend last week.\n2 to stop dealing with a person:\nHe’ll regret he ever said it once I’ve finished with him.\n  finish with sth\n1 to no longer need to use sth:\nWhen you’ve finished with the book, can I see it?\n2 (BrE, informal) to stop doing sth:\nI’ve finished with gambling.\n  finish (up) with sth to have sth at the end:\nWe had a five-course lunch and finished up with coffee and mints. * To finish with, we’ll listen to a few songs.\n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] the last part or the end of sth:\na dramatic finish to the race * It was a close finish, as they had predicted. * They won in the end but it was a tight finish. * The story was a lie from start to finish. * I want to see the job through to the finish.\nsee also PHOTO FINISH\n  2  [C, U] the last covering of paint, polish, etc. that is put onto the surface of sth; the condition of the surface:\nto apply extra coats of finish * a gloss / matt finish * furniture available in a range of finishes\n  3  [C, U] the final details that are added to sth to make it complete:\nThe bows will give a feminine finish to the curtains.\n IDIOMS  see FIGHT v.


Words: finished
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not before noun] ~ (with sb/sth) no longer doing sth or dealing with sb/sth:\nI won’t be finished for another hour. * I’m not finished with you yet.\n  2  [not before noun] no longer powerful, effective or able to continue:\nIf the newspapers find out, he’s finished in politics. * Their marriage was finished.\n  3  [usually before noun] fully completed, especially in a particular way:\nthe finished product / article * a beautifully finished suit


Words: finishing line
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE finish line) noun\nthe line across a sports track, etc. that marks the end of a race:\nThe two horses crossed the finishing line together.


Words: finishing school
Meaning:
noun\na private school where young women from rich families are taught how to behave in fashionable society


Words: finite
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having a definite limit or fixed size:\na finite number of possibilities * The world’s resources are finite.\nOPP INFINITE\n  2  (grammar) a finite verb form or CLAUSE shows a particular tense, PERSON and NUMBER:\n’Am’, ’is’, ’are’, ’was’ and ’were’ are the finite forms of ’be’; ’being’, and ’been’ are the non-finite forms.\nOPP NON-FINITE


Words: fir
Meaning:
(also fir tree) noun\nan EVERGREEN forest tree with leaves like needles, that grows in cool northern countries


Words: fire
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  sth burning\n \n  1  [U] the flames, light and heat, and often smoke, that are produced when sth burns:\nMost animals are afraid of fire.\n \n  2  [U, C] flames that are out of control and destroy buildings, trees, etc:\nThe car was now on fire. * The warehouse has been badly damaged by fire. * fire-fighting equipment * Several youths had set fire to the police car (= had made it start burning). * A candle had set the curtains on fire. * These thatched roofs frequently catch fire (= start to burn). * forest fires * Five people died in a house fire last night. * A small fire had started in the kitchen. * Fires were breaking out everywhere. * It took two hours to put out the fire (= stop it burning).\n \n  for heating / cooking\n \n  3  [C] a pile of burning fuel, such as wood or coal, used for cooking food or heating a room:\nto make / build a fire * a log / coal fire * Sam had lit a fire to welcome us home. * Come and get warm by the fire. * We sat in front of a roaring fire.\nsee also BONFIRE, CAMPFIRE\n  4  [C] (especially BrE) a piece of equipment for heating a room:\na gas / electric fire * Shall I put the fire on?\nsee also HEATER\n  from guns\n  5  [U] shots from guns:\na burst of machine-gun fire * to return fire (= to fire back at sb who is shooting at you) * The gunmen opened fire on (= started shooting at) the police. * Their vehicle came under fire (= was being shot at). * He ordered his men to hold their fire (= not to shoot). * A young girl was in the line of fire (= between the person shooting and what he / she was shooting at). * I’ll give you covering fire while you try to escape.\n  anger / enthusiasm\n  6  [U] very strong emotion, especially anger or enthusiasm:\nHer eyes were full of fire. * The fire seemed to die in him when his wife left.\n IDIOMS \n  be / come under fire to be criticized severely for sth you have done:\nThe health minister has come under fire from all sides.\n  hang / hold fire to delay or be delayed in taking action:\nThe project had hung fire for several years for lack of funds.\n  on fire giving you a painful burning feeling:\nHe couldn’t breathe. His chest was on fire.\n  play with fire to act in a way that is not sensible and take dangerous risks\nmore at ADD v., BAPTISM, DRAW v., FIGHT v., FRYING PAN, HOUSE n., IRON n., SMOKE n., WORLD\n    verb\n  shoot\n  1  ~ (sth) (at sb/sth) | ~ (sth) (into sth) | ~ (on sb/sth) to shoot bullets from a gun:\n[V] The officer ordered his men to fire. * Soldiers fired on the crowd, killing several people. * [VN] He fired the gun into the air. * They ran away as soon as the first shot was fired. * Missiles were fired at the enemy.\n  2  (of a gun) to shoot bullets out:\n[V] We heard the sound of guns firing. * [VN] A starter’s pistol fires only blanks.\n  3  [VN] to shoot an arrow:\nShe fired an arrow at the target.\n  from job\n  4  [VN] to force sb to leave their job\nSYN SACK:\nWe had to fire him for dishonesty. * She got fired from her first job. * He was responsible for hiring and firing staff.\n  make sb enthusiastic\n  5  [VN] ~ sb (with sth) to make sb feel very excited about sth or interested in sth:\nThe talk had fired her with enthusiasm for the project. * His imagination had been fired by the film.\n  of engine\n  6  [V] when an engine fires, an electrical SPARK is produced that makes the fuel burn and the engine start to work\n  -fired\n  7  (in adjectives) using the fuel mentioned in order to operate:\ngas-fired central heating\n  clay objects\n  8  [VN] to heat a clay object to make it hard and strong:\nto fire pottery * to fire bricks in a kiln\n IDIOMS \n  fire questions, insults, etc. at sb to ask sb a lot of questions one after another or make a lot of comments very quickly:\nThe room was full of journalists, all firing questions at them.\nmore at CYLINDER\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fire away (informal) used to tell sb to begin to speak or ask a question:\n’I’ve got a few questions.’ ’OK then, fire away.’\n  fire sth<->off\n1 to shoot a bullet from a gun:\nThey fired off a volley of shots.\n2 to write or say sth to sb very quickly, often when you are angry:\nHe fired off a letter of complaint.\n  fire sb/sth<->up to make sb excited or interested in sth:\nShe’s all fired up about her new job.


Words: fire alarm
Meaning:
noun\na bell or other device that gives people warning of a fire in a building:\nWho set off the fire alarm?


Words: fire brigade
Meaning:
(also fire service) (both BrE) (AmE fire department) noun\n[C+sing./pl. v.] an organization of people who are trained and employed to put out fires and to rescue people from fires; the people who belong to this organization:\nto call out the fire brigade * The fire brigade were superb and quickly got everyone out.


Words: fire drill
Meaning:
(BrE also fire practice) noun\n[C, U] a practice of what people must do in order to escape safely from a fire in a building


Words: fire escape
Meaning:
noun\na metal staircase or ladder on the outside of a building, which people can use to escape from a fire


Words: fire extinguisher
Meaning:
(also extinguisher) noun\na metal container with water or chemicals inside for putting out small fires


Words: fire hydrant
Meaning:
(also hydrant) noun\na pipe in the street that water can be pumped from in order to put out fires or to clean the streets


Words: fire line
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) a strip of land that has been cleared in order to stop a fire from spreading\nsee also FIREBREAK


Words: fire sale
Meaning:
noun\na sale of goods at a cheap price because they have been damaged by a fire or because they cannot be stored after a fire: (figurative) The company was forced to have a fire sale of its assets.


Words: fire screen
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (AmE) = FIREGUARD\n  2  a screen, often decorative, that is put in front of an open fire in a room to protect people from the heat or from SPARKS, or to hide it when it is not lit


Words: fire trap
Meaning:
noun\na building that would be very dangerous if a fire started there, especially because it would be difficult for people to escape


Words: fire-retardant
Meaning:
(also flame-retardant) adjective\n[usually before noun] that makes a fire burn more slowly:\nThe chair had fire-retardant covers.


Words: firebrand
Meaning:
noun\na person who is always encouraging other people to take strong political action, often causing trouble


Words: firebreak
Meaning:
noun\na thing that stops a fire from spreading, for example a special door or a strip of land in a forest that has been cleared of trees\nsee also FIRE LINE


Words: firefighter
Meaning:
noun\na person whose job is to put out fires\nsee also FIREMAN\n    firefighting noun [U]:\nfirefighting equipment / vehicles


Words: fireguard
Meaning:
(AmE also fire screen) noun\na metal frame that is put in front of a fire in a room to prevent people from burning themselves


Words: firelighter
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (BrE) a block of material that burns easily and is used to help start a coal or wood fire


Words: fireman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural firemen ) a person, usually a man, whose job is to put out fires\nsee also FIREFIGHTER -> GENDER


Words: firepower
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the number and size of guns that an army, a ship, etc. has available: (figurative) The company has enormous financial firepower.


Words: fireproof
Meaning:
adjective\nable to resist great heat without burning or being badly damaged:\na fireproof door * a fireproof dish (= that can be heated in an oven)


Words: fireside
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] the part of a room beside the fire:\nsitting by the fireside * a fireside chat (= an informal talk)


Words: firestorm
Meaning:
noun\na very large fire, usually started by bombs, that is not under control and is made worse by the winds that it causes: (figurative) a firestorm of criticism


Words: firewall
Meaning:
noun\n(computing) a part of a computer system that is designed to prevent people from getting at information without authority but still allows them to receive information that is sent to them


Words: firewood
Meaning:
noun\n[U] wood that has been cut into pieces to be used for burning in fires:\nto collect / chop firewood


Words: firework
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] a small device containing powder that burns or explodes and produces bright coloured lights and loud noises, used especially at celebrations: (BrE) to let off a few fireworks * (AmE) to set off a few fireworks * a firework(s) display * The firework spluttered and went out.\n \n  2  (fireworks) [pl.] a display of fireworks:\nWhen do the fireworks start?\n \n  3  (fireworks) [pl.] (informal) strong or angry words; exciting actions:\nThere’ll be fireworks when he finds out!


Words: firing
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the action of firing guns:\nThere was continuous firing throughout the night.\n  2  [U, C] (especially AmE) the action of forcing sb to leave their job:\nteachers protesting against the firing of a colleague * She’s responsible for the hirings and firings.


Words: firing line
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  be in the firing line (BrE) (AmE be on the firing line)\n1 to be in a position where you can be shot at:\nattempts to prevent civilians from being in the firing line\n2 to be in a position where people can criticize or blame you:\nThe employment secretary found himself in the firing line over recent job cuts.


Words: firing squad
Meaning:
noun\n[C+sing./pl. v., U] a group of soldiers who are ordered to shoot and kill sb who is found guilty of a crime:\nHe was executed by (a) firing squad.


Words: firm
Meaning:
noun, adjective, adverb, verb \n    noun a business or company:\nan engineering firm * a firm of accountants\n    adjective (firmer, firmest)\n  1  fairly hard; not easy to press into a different shape:\na firm bed / mattress * These peaches are still firm. * It was good to feel the firm ground underfoot after hours of trudging through flooded fields. * Bake the cakes until they are firm to the touch.\n  2  not likely to change:\na firm believer in socialism * a firm agreement / date / decision / offer / promise * firm beliefs / conclusions / convictions / principles * She is a firm favourite with the children. * We have no firm evidence to support the case. * They remained firm friends.\n  3  strongly fixed in place\nSYN SECURE:\nStand the fish tank on a firm base. * No building can stand without firm foundations, and neither can a marriage.\n  4  (of sb’s voice or hand movements) strong and steady:\n’No,’ she repeated, her voice firmer this time. * With a firm grip on my hand, he pulled me away. * She took a firm hold of my arm. * Her handshake was cool and firm.\n  5  (of sb’s behaviour, position or understanding of sth) strong and in control:\nto exercise firm control / discipline / leadership * Parents must be firm with their children. * The company now has a firm footing in the marketplace. * This book will give your students a firm grasp of English grammar. * We need to keep a firm grip on the situation.\n  6  [usually before noun] ~ (against sth) (of a country’s money, etc.) not lower than another:\nThe pound remained firm against the dollar, but fell against the yen.\nsee also FIRMLY\n    firmness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  be on firm ground to be in a strong position in an argument, etc. because you know the facts:\nEveryone agreed with me, so I knew I was on firm ground.\n  a firm hand strong control or discipline:\nThose children need a firm hand to make them behave.\n  take a firm line / stand (on / against sth) to make your beliefs known and to try to make others follow them:\nWe need to take a firm line on tobacco advertising. * They took a firm stand against drugs in the school.\n    adverb\n IDIOMS \n  hold firm (to sth) (formal) to believe sth strongly and not change your mind:\nShe held firm to her principles.\n  stand fast / firm to refuse to move back; to refuse to change your opinions\n    verb\n  1  [VN] to make sth become stronger or harder:\nFirm the soil around the plant. * This product claims to firm your body in six weeks.\n  2  [V] ~ (to / at ...) (finance) (of shares, prices, etc.) to become steady or rise steadily:\nRank’s shares firmed 3p to 696p.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  firm up to become harder or more solid:\nPut the mixture somewhere cool to firm up.\n  firm up sth\n1 to make arrangements more final and fixed:\nThe company has not yet firmed up its plans for expansion. * The precise details still have to be firmed up.\n2 to make sth harder or more solid:\nA few weeks of aerobics will firm up that flabby stomach.


Words: firmament
Meaning:
noun\n(the firmament) [sing.] (old use or literary) the sky: (figurative) a rising star in the literary firmament


Words: firmly
Meaning:
adverb\nin a strong or definite way:\n’I can manage,’ she said firmly. * It is now firmly established as one of the leading brands in the country. * Keep your eyes firmly fixed on the road ahead.


Words: firmware
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (computing) a type of computer SOFTWARE that is stored in such a way that it cannot be changed or lost


Words: first
Meaning:
determiner, ordinal number, adverb, noun \n    determiner\n, ordinal number\n \n  1  happening or coming before all other similar things or people; 1st:\nhis first wife * It was the first time they had ever met. * I didn’t take the first bus. * students in their first year at college * your first impressions * She resolved to do it at the first (= earliest) opportunity. * King Edward I (= said as ’King Edward the First’)\n \n  2  the most important or best:\nYour first duty is to your family. * She won first prize in the competition. * an issue of the first importance\n \n IDIOMS  see ORDER n.\n    adverb\n  1  before anyone or anything else; at the beginning:\n’Do you want a drink?’ ’I’ll finish my work first.’ * First I had to decide what to wear. * Who came first in the race (= who won)? * It plunged nose first into the river.\n  2  for the first time:\nWhen did you first meet him?\n  3  used to introduce the first of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing\nSYN FIRSTLY:\nThis method has two advantages: first it is cheaper and secondly it is quicker.\n  4  used to emphasize that you are determined not to do sth:\nShe swore that she wouldn’t apologize-she’d die first!\n IDIOMS \n  at first at or in the beginning:\nI didn’t like the job much at first. * At first I thought he was shy, but then I discovered he was just not interested in other people. * (saying) If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. -> FIRSTLY\n  come first to be considered more important than anything else:\nIn any decision she makes, her family always comes first.\n  first and foremost more than anything else:\nHe does a little teaching, but first and foremost he’s a writer.\n  first and last in every way that is important; completely:\nShe regarded herself, first and last, as a musician.\n  first come, first served (saying) people will be dealt with, seen, etc. strictly in the order in which they arrive:\nTickets are available on a first come, first served basis.\n  first of all\n1 before doing anything else; at the beginning:\nFirst of all, let me ask you something.\n2 as the most important thing:\nThe content of any article needs, first of all, to be relevant to the reader. -> FIRSTLY\n  first off (informal, especially BrE) before anything else:\nFirst off, let’s see how much it’ll cost.\n  first up (BrE, informal) to start with; before anything else\n  put sb/sth first to consider sb/sth to be more important than anyone/anything else:\nShe always puts her children first.\nmore at HEAD n., SAFETY\n    noun\n  1  (the first) [C] (plural the first) the first person or thing mentioned; the first person or thing to do a particular thing:\nI was the first in my family to go to college. * Sheila and Jim were the first to arrive. * I’d be the first to admit (= I will most willingly admit) I might be wrong. * The first I heard about the wedding (= the first time I became aware of it) was when I saw it in the local paper.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] an achievement, event, etc., never done or experienced before:\nWe went on a cruise, a first for both of us.\n  3  (also first gear) [U] the lowest GEAR on a car, bicycle, etc. that you use when you are moving slowly:\nHe stuck the car in first and revved.\n  4  [C] ~ (in sth) the highest level of university degree at British universities:\nShe got a first in maths at Exeter.\ncompare SECOND, THIRD\n IDIOMS \n  first among equals the person or thing with the highest status in a group\n  from the (very) first from the beginning:\nThey were attracted to each other from the first.\n  from first to last from beginning to end; during the whole time:\nIt’s a fine performance that commands attention from first to last.


Words: first aid
Meaning:
noun\n[U] simple medical treatment that is given to sb before a doctor comes or they can be taken to a hospital:\nto give first aid * a first-aid course / kit / manual


Words: first base
Meaning:
noun\n(in baseball) the first of the BASES that players must touch:\nHe didn’t make it past first base.\n IDIOMS \n  not get to first base (with sth/sb) (informal, especially AmE) to fail to make a successful start in a project, relationship, etc.; to fail to get through the first stage


Words: first class
Meaning:
noun, adverb \n    noun [U]\n  1  the best and most expensive seats or accommodation on a train, ship, etc:\nThere is more room in first class.\n  2  (in Britain) the class of mail that is delivered most quickly:\nFirst class costs more.\n  3  (in the US) the class of mail that is used for letters and POSTCARDS\n  4  the highest standard of degree given by a British university\n    adverb\n  1  using the best and most expensive seats or accommodation in a train, ship, etc:\nto travel first class\n  2  by the quickest form of mail:\nI sent the package first class on Monday.


Words: first degree
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) an academic qualification given by a university or college, for example a BA or BSc, that is given to sb who does not already have a degree in that subject:\nWhat was your first degree in? * Applicants should have a first degree and a teaching qualification. * to study geography at first-degree level


Words: first floor
Meaning:
(usually the first floor) noun [sing.]\n \n  1  (BrE) the level of a building above the ground level:\nMenswear is on the first floor.\n \n  2  (AmE) = GROUND FLOOR\n \n    first-floor adjective [only before noun]:\na first-floor flat / apartment -> FLOOR


Words: first generation
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  people who have left their country to go and live in a new country; the children of these people\n  2  the first type of a machine to be developed:\nthe first generation of personal computers\n    first-generation adjective:\nfirst-generation Caribbeans in the UK


Words: first lady
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  (the First Lady) (in the US) the wife of the President\n  2  (AmE) the wife of the leader of a state\n  3  the woman who is thought to be the best in a particular profession, sport, etc:\nthe first lady of country music


Words: first language
Meaning:
noun\nthe language that you learn to speak first as a child; the language that you speak best:\nHis first language is Welsh.\ncompare SECOND LANGUAGE


Words: first lieutenant
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an officer in the navy with responsibility for managing a ship, etc.\n  2  an officer in the US army and air force just below the rank of a captain\n  3  (informal) a person who is the next most important to sb


Words: first light
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the time when light first appears in the morning\nSYN DAWN, DAYBREAK:\nWe left at first light.


Words: first mate
Meaning:
(also first officer) noun\nthe officer on a commercial ship just below the rank of captain or MASTER


Words: first name
Meaning:
(also given name especially in AmE) noun\nthe name or names that were given to you when you were born, that come before your family name:\nHis first name is Tom and his surname is Green. * Please give all your first names. * (BrE) to be on first-name terms with sb (= to call them by their first name as a sign of a friendly informal relationship) * (AmE) to be on a first-name basis


Words: first night
Meaning:
noun\nthe first public performance of a play, film/movie, etc:\nI got tickets for the first night of ’Romeo and Juliet’.


Words: first refusal
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) the right to decide whether to accept or refuse sth before it is offered to others:\nWill you give me first refusal on the car, if you decide to sell it?


Words: first-class
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] in the best group; of the highest standard\nSYN EXCELLENT:\na first-class novel * a first-class writer * The car was in first-class condition. * I know a place where the food is first-class.\n  2  [only before noun] connected with the best and most expensive way of travelling on a train, ship, etc:\nfirst-class rail travel * a first-class cabin / seat / ticket\n  3  [only before noun] (in Britain) connected with letters, parcels/packages, etc. that are delivered most quickly, or that cost more to send:\nfirst-class mail / post / postage / stamps\n  4  [only before noun] used to describe a university degree of the highest class from a British university:\nShe was awarded a first-class degree in English.


Words: first-degree
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (especially AmE) ~ murder, assault, robbery, etc. murder, etc. of the most serious kind\n  2  ~ burns burns of the least serious of three kinds, affecting only the surface of the skin\ncompare SECOND-DEGREE, THIRD-DEGREE


Words: first-ever
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] never having happened or been experienced before:\nhis first-ever visit to London * the first-ever woman vice-president


Words: first-foot
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to be the first person to enter sb’s house in the New Year. First-footing is a Scottish custom.\n    first-footer noun


Words: first-hand
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] obtained or experienced yourself:\nto have first-hand experience of poverty\ncompare SECOND-HAND\n    first-hand adverb:\nto experience poverty first-hand


Words: first-past-the-post
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of a system of elections) in which only the person who gets the most votes is elected\ncompare PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION


Words: first-rate
Meaning:
adjective\nexcellent; of the highest quality:\na first-rate swimmer * The food here is absolutely first-rate.


Words: first-time
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] doing or experiencing sth for the first time:\nhouses for first-time buyers * a computer program designed for first-time users


Words: firstborn
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned) a person’s first child\n    firstborn adjective [only before noun]:\ntheir firstborn son


Words: firstly
Meaning:
adverb\nused to introduce the first of a list of points you want to make in a speech or piece of writing:\nThere are two reasons for this decision: firstly ...\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nfirstly / first of all / at first\nFirstly and first (of all) are used to introduce a series of facts, reasons, opinions, etc.: The brochure is divided into two sections, dealing firstly with basic courses and secondly with advanced ones. Firstly is more common in BrE than in AmE.\nAt first is used to talk about the situation at the beginning of a period of time, especially when you are comparing it with a different situation at a later period: Maggie had seen him nearly every day at first. Now she saw him much less.\n______________________________


Words: firth
Meaning:
noun\n(especially in Scottish place names) a narrow strip of the sea that runs a long way into the land, or a part of a river where it flows into the sea:\nthe Moray Firth * the Firth of Clyde


Words: fiscal
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with government or public money, especially taxes:\nfiscal policies / reforms * the country’s fiscal system\n    fiscally adverb \nsee also PROCURATOR FISCAL


Words: fish
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (plural fish or fishes)\n \n HELP NOTE  Fish is the usual plural form. The older form, fishes, can be used to refer to different kinds of fish.\n \n  1  [C] a creature that lives in water, breathes through GILLS, and uses FINS and a tail for swimming:\nThey caught several fish. * tropical / marine / freshwater fish * shoals (= groups) of fish * a fish tank / pond * There are about 30 000 species of fish in the world. * The list of endangered species includes nearly 600 fishes. * Fish stocks in the Baltic are in decline. * In the pool she could see little silvery fish darting around.\nsee also COARSE FISH, FLATFISH, SEA FISH, SHELLFISH, WET FISH\n \n  2  [U] the flesh of fish eaten as food:\nfrozen / smoked / fresh fish * fish pie * The chef’s fish dishes are his speciality. * Fish forms the main part of their diet.\n \n IDIOMS \n  a fish out of water a person who feels uncomfortable or awkward because he or she is in surroundings that are not familiar\n  have bigger / other fish to fry to have more important or more interesting things to do\n  neither fish nor fowl neither one thing nor another:\nThe hovercraft has always suffered from the fact that it is neither fish nor fowl.\n  an odd / a queer fish (old-fashioned, BrE) a person who is slightly strange or crazy\n  there are plenty more fish in the sea there are many other people or things that are as good as the one sb has failed to get\nmore at BIG adj., COLD adj., DIFFERENT, DRINK v.\n    verb\n\n \n  1  [V] ~ (for sth) to try to catch fish with a hook, nets, etc:\nYou can fish for trout in this stream. * The trawler was fishing off the coast of Iceland.\n \n  2  (go fishing) to spend time fishing for pleasure:\nLet’s go fishing this weekend.\n \n  3  [VN] to try to catch fish in the area of water mentioned:\nThey fished the loch for salmon.\n \n  4  [V +adv./prep.] to search for sth, using your hands:\nShe fished around in her bag for her keys.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fish for sth to try to get sth, or to find out sth, although you are pretending not to:\nto fish for compliments / information\n  fish sth/sb<->out (of sth) to take or pull sth/sb out of a place:\nShe fished a piece of paper out of the pile on her desk. * They fished a dead body out of the river.


Words: fish and chips
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a dish of fish that has been fried in BATTER served with CHIPS/FRIES, and usually bought in the place where it has been cooked and eaten at home, etc., especially in Britain:\nThree portions of fish and chips, please. * a fish and chip shop


Words: fish cake
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) pieces of fish mixed with MASHED potato made into a flat round shape, covered with BREADCRUMBS and fried


Words: fish finger
Meaning:
noun\na long narrow piece of fish covered with BREADCRUMBS or BATTER, usually frozen and sold in packets


Words: fish slice
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) (AmE spatula) a kitchen UTENSIL that has a broad flat blade with narrow holes in it, attached to a long handle, used for turning and lifting food when cooking


Words: fish-hook
Meaning:
noun\na sharp metal hook for catching fish, that has a point which curves backwards to make it difficult to pull out


Words: fishery
Meaning:
noun (plural fisheries)\n  1  a part of the sea or a river where fish are caught in large quantities:\na herring / tuna fishery * coastal / freshwater fisheries\n  2  = FISH FARM:\na trout fishery\n  3  the business or industry of catching fish:\nthe Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food


Words: fishing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the sport or business of catching fish:\nThey often go fishing. * deep-sea fishing * a fishing boat * fishing grounds * We enjoyed a day’s fishing by the river.


Words: fishing rod
Meaning:
(also rod) (AmE also fishing pole) noun\na long wooden or plastic stick with a fishing line and hook attached, that is used for catching fish


Words: fishmeal
Meaning:
noun\n[U] dried fish made into powder and used as animal food or FERTILIZER (= a substance that helps crops grow)


Words: fishmonger
Meaning:
noun (especially BrE)\n  1  a person whose job is to sell fish in a shop\n  2  (fishmonger’s) (plural fishmongers) a shop that sells fish


Words: fishnet
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a fabric made of threads that produce a pattern of small holes like a net:\nfishnet stockings


Words: fishwife
Meaning:
noun\n(plural fishwives ) (disapproving) a woman with a loud voice and bad manners:\nShe cursed like a fishwife.


Words: fishy
Meaning:
adjective (fishier, fishiest)\n  1  (informal) that makes you suspicious because it seems dishonest:\nThere’s something fishy going on here.\n  2  smelling or tasting like a fish:\nWhat’s that fishy smell?


Words: fission
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (also nuclear fission) (physics) the act or process of splitting the NUCLEUS (= central part) of an atom, when a large amount of energy is released\ncompare FUSION\n  2  (biology) the division of cells into new cells as a method of reproducing cells


Words: fissure
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a long deep crack in sth, especially in rock or in the earth:\nparched grassland dissected by open dry fissures\n    fissured adjective:\nfissured rock / terrain


Words: fist
Meaning:
noun\na hand when it is tightly closed with the fingers bent into the PALM:\nHe punched me with his fist. * She clenched her fists to stop herself trembling. * He got into a fist fight in the bar. * He banged a heavy fist on the table.\nsee also HAM-FISTED, TIGHT-FISTED\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  make a better, good, poor, etc. fist of sth (BrE, informal) to make a good, bad, etc. attempt to do sth\nmore at IRON adj., MONEY


Words: fit
Meaning:
verb, adjective, noun \n    verb (fitting, fitted, fitted) (AmE usually fitting, fit, fit except in the passive)\n  right size / type\n  1  (not used in the progressive tenses) to be the right shape and size for sb/sth:\n[V] I tried the dress on but it didn’t fit. * That jacket fits well. * a close-fitting dress * [VN] I can’t find clothes to fit me. * The key doesn’t fit the lock.\n  2  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to be of the right size, type or number to go somewhere:\nI’d like to have a desk in the room but it won’t fit. * All the kids will fit in the back of the car.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb (for sth) [often passive] to put clothes on sb and make them the right size and shape:\nI’m going to be fitted for my wedding dress today.\n  put sth somewhere\n  4  [VN] to put or fix sth somewhere:\nThey fitted a smoke alarm to the ceiling. * The rooms were all fitted with smoke alarms.\n  5  [+adv./prep.] to put or join sth in the right place:\n[V] The glass fits on top of the jug to form a lid. * [VN] We fitted together the pieces of the puzzle.\n  agree / match\n  6  (not used in the progressive tenses) to agree with, match or be suitable for sth; to make sth do this:\n[V] Something doesn’t quite fit here. * His pictures don’t fit into any category. * [VN] The facts certainly fit your theory. * The punishment ought to fit the crime. * We should fit the punishment to the crime.\n  make suitable\n  7  ~ sb/sth (for sth) (especially BrE) to make sb/sth suitable for a particular job: [VN, VN to inf] His experience fitted him perfectly for the job. * His experience fitted him to do the job.\nsee also FITTED\n IDIOMS \n  fit (sb) like a glove to be the perfect size or shape for sb:\nThe dress fits me like a glove.\nmore at BILL n., CAP n., DESCRIPTION, FACE n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fit sb/sth<->in | fit sb/sth in / into sth\n1 to find time to see sb or to do sth:\nI’ll try and fit you in after lunch. * I had to fit ten appointments into one morning.\n2 to find or have enough space for sb/sth in a place:\nWe can’t fit in any more chairs.\n  fit in (with sb/sth) to live, work, etc. in an easy and natural way with sb/sth:\nHe’s never done this type of work before; I’m not sure how he’ll fit in with the other people. * Where do I fit in? * Do these plans fit in with your arrangements?\n  fit sb/sth<->out / up (with sth) to supply sb/sth with all the equipment, clothes, food, etc. they need:\nto fit out a ship before a long voyage * The room has been fitted out with a stove and a sink.\n  fit sb<->up (for sth) (BrE, informal) to make it look as if sb is guilty of a crime they have not committed\nSYN FRAME:\nI didn’t do it-I’ve been fitted up!\n    adjective (fitter, fittest)\n  healthy\n  1  ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) healthy and strong, especially because you do regular physical exercise:\nTop athletes have to be very fit. * (BrE) He won’t be fit to play in the match on Saturday. * She tries to keep fit by jogging every day. * (BrE) He’s been ill and isn’t fit enough for work yet. * I feel really fighting fit (= very healthy and full of energy). * The government aims to make British industry leaner and fitter (= employing fewer people and with lower costs).\nOPP UNFIT\n  suitable\n  2  ~ for sb/sth | ~ to do sth suitable; of the right quality; with the right qualities or skills:\nThe food was not fit for human consumption. * It was a meal fit for a king (= of very good quality). * Your car isn’t fit to be on the road! * The children seem to think I’m only fit for cooking and washing! * He’s so angry he’s in no fit state to see anyone. * (formal) This is not a fit place for you to live.\nOPP UNFIT\n  ready\n  3  ~ to do sth (BrE, informal) ready or likely to do sth extreme:\nThey worked until they were fit to drop (= so tired that they were likely to fall). * I’ve eaten so much I’m fit to burst. * She was laughing fit to burst (= very much).\n  attractive\n  4  (BrE, informal) sexually attractive\n IDIOMS \n  (as) fit as a fiddle (spoken) in very good physical condition\n  see / think fit (to do sth) (formal) to consider it right or acceptable to do sth; to decide or choose to do sth:\nYou must do as you think fit (= but I don’t agree with your decision). * The newspaper did not see fit to publish my letter (= and I criticize it for that).\nmore at SURVIVAL\n    noun\n  illness\n  1  [C] a sudden attack of an illness, such as EPILEPSY, in which sb becomes unconscious and their body may make violent movements:\nto have an epileptic fit * Her fits are now controlled by drugs.\n  of coughing / laughter\n  2  [C] a sudden short period of coughing or of laughter, that you cannot control:\na fit of coughing * He had us all in fits (of laughter) with his jokes.\n  of strong feeling\n  3  [C] a short period of very strong feeling:\nto act in a fit of anger / rage / temper / pique\n  of clothing\n  4  [C, U] (often with an adjective) the way that sth, especially a piece of clothing, fits:\na good / bad / close / perfect fit\n  match\n  5  [C] ~ (between A and B) the way that two things match each other or are suitable for each other:\nWe need to work out the best fit between the staff required and the staff available.\n IDIOMS \n  by / in fits and starts frequently starting and stopping again; not continuously:\nBecause of other commitments I can only write my book in fits and starts.\n  have / throw a fit (informal) to be very shocked, upset or angry:\nYour mother would have a fit if she knew you’d been drinking!


Words: fitful
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) happening only for short periods; not continuous or regular:\na fitful night’s sleep * a fitful burst of energy\n    fitfully  adverb:\nto sleep fitfully


Words: fitment
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (BrE, technical) a piece of furniture or equipment, especially one that is made for and fixed in a particular place:\nkitchen fitments * a shower fitment


Words: fitness
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the state of being physically healthy and strong:\na magazine on health and fitness * a fitness instructor / class / test * a high level of physical fitness\n  2  ~ for sth / to do sth the state of being suitable or good enough for sth:\nHe convinced us of his fitness for the task. * There were doubts about her fitness to hold office.


Words: fitted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] (especially BrE) (of furniture) built to be fixed into a particular space\nSYN BUILT-IN:\nfitted wardrobes / cupboards\n  2  [only before noun] (especially BrE) (of a room) with matching cupboards and other furniture built for the space and fixed in place:\na fitted kitchen / bedroom\n  3  [only before noun] (of clothes) made to follow the shape of the body; not loose:\na fitted jacket\n  4  ~ for / to sth | ~ to do sth (especially BrE) suitable; with the right qualities and skills:\nShe was well fitted to the role of tragic heroine.\n  5  ~ with sth having sth as equipment:\nInsurance costs will be reduced for houses fitted with window locks.


Words: fitted carpet
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a carpet that is cut and fixed to cover the floor of a room completely\nsee also WALL-TO-WALL CARPET


Words: fitter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job is to put together, or repair equipment:\na gas fitter\n  2  a person whose job is to cut and fit clothes or carpets, etc.


Words: fitting
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (formal) suitable or right for the occasion\nSYN APPROPRIATE:\nThe award was a fitting tribute to her years of devoted work. * A fitting end to the meal would be a glass of port. * It is fitting that the new centre for European studies should be in a university that teaches every European language.\n  2  (-fitting) (in adjectives) having a particular FIT:\na tight-fitting dress\n    noun\n  1  [usually pl.] a small part on a piece of equipment or furniture:\nlight fittings * a pine cupboard with brass fittings\n  2  [usually pl.] (BrE) items in a house such as a cooker, lights or shelves that are usually fixed but that you can take with you when you move to a new house\ncompare FIXTURE\n  3  an occasion when you try on a piece of clothing that is being made for you to see if it fits:\nto have a fitting for a wedding dress


Words: fitting room
Meaning:
(AmE also dressing room) noun\na room or CUBICLE in a shop/store where you can put on clothes to see how they look


Words: five
Meaning:
number\n5:\nThere are only five cookies left. * five of Sweden’s top financial experts * Ten people were invited but only five turned up. * Do you have change for five dollars? * a five-month contract * Look at page five. * Five and four is nine. * Three fives are fifteen. * I can’t read your writing-is this meant to be a five? * The bulbs are planted in threes or fives (= groups of three or five). * We moved to America when I was five (= five years old). * Shall we meet at five (= at five o’clock), then?\nsee also HIGH FIVE\n IDIOMS \n  give sb five (informal) to hit the inside of sb’s hand with your hand as a greeting or to celebrate a victory:\nGive me five!\nmore at NINE


Words: five o’clock shadow
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (informal) the dark colour that appears on a man’s chin and face when the hair has grown a little during the day


Words: five-a-side
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) a game of football played indoors with five players on each team:\na five-a-side tournament


Words: fix
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  attach\n  1  [VN] (especially BrE) to put sth firmly in a place so that it will not move:\nto fix a shelf to the wall * to fix a post in the ground * (figurative) He noted every detail so as to fix the scene in his mind.\n  arrange\n  2  [VN] to decide on a date, time, amount, etc. for sth\nSYN SET:\nHas the date of the next meeting been fixed? * They fixed the rent at ｣100 a week. * Their prices are fixed until the end of the year (= will not change before then).\n  3  ~ sth (up) (for sb) to arrange or organize sth:\n[VN] I’ll fix a meeting. * You have to fix visits up in advance with the museum. * How are you fixed (= do you have any plans) for Thursday? * (informal) Don’t worry, I’ll fix it with Sarah. * [V to inf] I’ve fixed up (for us) to go to the theatre next week.\n  position / time\n  4  [VN] to discover or say the exact position, time, etc. of sth:\nWe can fix the ship’s exact position at the time the fire broke out.\n  food / drink\n  5  ~ sth (for sb) | ~ sb sth (especially AmE) to provide or prepare sth, especially food: [VNN, VN] Can I fix you a drink? * Can I fix a drink for you? * [VN] I’ll fix supper.\n  repair\n  6  [VN] to repair or correct sth:\nThe car won’t start-can you fix it? * I’ve fixed the problem.\n  hair / face\n  7  [VN] (especially AmE) to make sth such as your hair or face neat and attractive:\nI’ll fix my hair and then I’ll be ready.\n  result\n  8  [VN] (informal) [often passive] to arrange the result of sth in a way that is not honest or fair:\nI’m sure the race was fixed.\n  punish\n  9  [VN] (informal) to punish sb who has harmed you and stop them doing you any more harm:\nDon’t worry-I’ll fix him.\n  in photography\n  10  [VN] (technical) to treat photographic film, etc. with a chemical so that the colours do not change or become less bright\n  animal\n  11  [VN] (AmE, informal) to make an animal unable to have young by means of an operation\nsee also NEUTER\n IDIOMS \n  fix sb with a look, stare, gaze, etc. to look directly at sb for a long time:\nHe fixed her with an angry stare.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fix on sb/sth to choose sb/sth:\nThey’ve fixed on Paris for their honeymoon. * Have you fixed on a date for the meeting?\n  fix sth on sb/sth [often passive] if your eyes or your mind are fixed on sth, you are looking at or thinking about sth with great attention\n  fix sth<->up to repair, decorate or make sth ready:\nThey fixed up the house before they moved in.\n  fix sb up (with sb) (informal) to arrange for sb to have a meeting with sb who might become a boyfriend or girlfriend\n  fix sb up (with sth) (informal) to arrange for sb to have sth; to provide sb with sth:\nI’ll fix you up with a place to stay.\n    noun\n  solution\n  1  [C] (informal) a solution to a problem, especially an easy or temporary one:\nThere is no quick fix for the steel industry.\n  drug\n  2  [sing.] (informal) an amount of sth that you need and want frequently, especially an illegal drug such as HEROIN:\nto get yourself a fix * I need a fix of coffee before I can face the day.\n  difficult situation\n  3  [sing.] a difficult situation\nSYN MESS:\nWe’ve got ourselves in a fix about this.\n  on position\n  4  [sing.] the act of finding the position of a ship or an aircraft:\nThey managed to get a fix on the yacht’s position.\n  understanding\n  5  [sing.] (informal) an act of understanding sth:\nHe tried to get a fix on the young man’s motives, but he just couldn’t understand him.\n  dishonest result\n  6  [sing.] (informal) a thing that is dishonestly arranged; a trick:\nHer promotion was a fix, I’m sure!


Words: fixated
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (on sb/sth) always thinking and talking about sb/sth in a way that is not normal:\nHe is fixated on things that remind him of his childhood.


Words: fixation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (with / on sb/sth) a very strong interest in sb/sth, that is not normal or natural:\na mother fixation * He’s got this fixation with cleanliness.\n  2  [U] (technical) the process of a gas becoming solid:\nnitrogen fixation


Words: fixative
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  a substance that is used to prevent colours or smells from changing or becoming weaker, for example in photography, art or the making of PERFUME\n  2  a substance that is used to stick things together or keep things in position, for example false teeth


Words: fixed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  staying the same; not changing or able to be changed:\nfixed prices * a fixed rate of interest * people living on fixed incomes * The money has been invested for a fixed period.\nsee also ABODE\n  2  (often disapproving) (of ideas and wishes) held very firmly; not easily changed:\nMy parents had fixed ideas about what I should become.\n  3  [only before noun] (of expressions on sb’s face) not changing and not sincere:\nHe greeted all his guests with a fixed smile on his face.\n IDIOMS \n  how are you, etc. fixed (for sth)? (spoken) used to ask how much of sth a person has, or to ask about arrangements:\nHow are you fixed for cash? * How are we fixed for Saturday (= have we arranged to do anything)?


Words: fixed costs
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (business) the costs that a business must pay that do not change even if the amount of work produced changes


Words: fixed-term
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] a fixed-term contract, etc. is one that only lasts for the agreed period of time


Words: fixedly
Meaning:
adverb\n(written) continuously, without looking away, but often with no real interest:\nto stare / gaze fixedly at sb/sth


Words: fixer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (informal) a person who arranges things for other people, sometimes dishonestly:\na great political fixer * an unscrupulous loan fixer\n  2  a chemical substance used in photography to prevent a photograph from changing and becoming too dark


Words: fixity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the quality of being firm and not changing:\nHe has great fixity of purpose. * the fixity of exchange rates


Words: fixture
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a sports event that has been arranged to take place on a particular date and at a particular place:\nan annual fixture * Saturday’s fixture against Liverpool * the season’s fixture list\n  2  (especially BrE) a thing such as a bath or a toilet that is fixed in a house and that you do not take with you when you move house:\nplumbing fixtures * The price of the house includes fixtures and fittings. * (figurative) He has stayed with us so long he seems to have become a permanent fixture.\ncompare FITTING


Words: fizz
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] when a liquid fizzes, it produces a lot of bubbles and makes a long sound like an ’s’:\nChampagne was fizzing in the glass. * (figurative) He started to fizz with enthusiasm. * (figurative) Shares prices are fizzing.\n    noun\n  1  [U, sing.] the small bubbles of gas in a liquid: (figurative) There is plenty of fizz and sparkle in the show. * (figurative) The fizz has gone out of the market.\n  2  [U, sing.] the sound that is made by bubbles of gas in a liquid, or a sound similar to this:\nthe fizz of a firework\n  3  [U] (BrE, informal) a drink that has a lot of bubbles of gas, especially CHAMPAGNE


Words: fizzle
Meaning:
verb\n[V] when sth, especially sth that is burning, fizzles, it makes a sound like a long ’s’\nSYN HISS:\nFireworks fizzled and exploded in the night sky.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fizzle out (informal) to gradually become less successful and end in a disappointing way:\nThe threatened revolt just fizzled out. * Her parents are hoping that the relationship will fizzle out.


Words: fizzy
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE) (of a drink) having bubbles of gas in it:\nfizzy drinks * The wine was pink and slightly fizzy. * ’A bottle of mineral water, please.’ ’Fizzy or still?’


Words: flab
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (informal, disapproving) soft, loose flesh on a person’s body:\nFight the flab with exercise!


Words: flabbergasted
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] (informal) extremely surprised and/or shocked:\nFriends were flabbergasted by the news that they’d split up. * She was too flabbergasted to speak.


Words: flabby
Meaning:
adjective (informal, disapproving)\n  1  having soft, loose flesh; fat:\nflabby thighs * He’s got soft and flabby since he gave up running.\n  2  weak; with no strength or force:\na flabby grip * a flabby argument / personality


Words: flag
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a piece of fabric with a special coloured design on it that may be the symbol of a particular country or organization, or may have a particular meaning. A flag can be attached to a pole or held in the hand:\nthe Italian flag * the flag of Italy * The hotel flies the American flag when it has guests from the US. * The American flag was flying. * All the flags were at half mast (= in honour of a famous person who has died). * The black and white flag went down, and the race began.\n \n  2  used to refer to a particular country or organization and its beliefs and values:\nto swear allegiance to the flag * He was working under the flag of the United Nations.\n \n  3  a piece of fabric that is attached to a pole and used as a signal or MARKER in various sports\n \n  4  a flower that is a type of IRIS and that grows near water:\nyellow flags\n  5  = FLAGSTONE\n IDIOMS \n  fly / show / wave the flag to show your support for your country, an organization or an idea to encourage or persuade others to do the same\n  keep the flag flying to represent your country or organization:\nOur exporters keep the flag flying at international trade exhibitions.\n    verb (-gg-)\n  1  [VN] to put a special mark next to information that you think is important:\nI’ve flagged the paragraphs that we need to look at in more detail.\n  2  [V] to become tired, weaker or less enthusiastic:\nIt had been a long day and the children were beginning to flag. * Her confidence never flagged. * flagging support / enthusiasm\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flag sb/sth<->down to signal to the driver of a vehicle to stop by waving at them:\nShe flagged down a passing motorist.


Words: flag day
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a day when money is collected in public places for a charity, and people who give money receive a small paper STICKER\n  2  (Flag Day) 14 June, the anniversary of the day in 1777 when the Stars and Stripes became the national flag of the United States


Words: flag football
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (AmE) a type of American football played without the usual form of TACKLING. A tackle is made, instead, by pulling a piece of fabric from an opponent’s WAISTBAND.\ncompare TOUCH FOOTBALL


Words: flag of convenience
Meaning:
noun\na flag of a foreign country that is used by a ship from another country for legal or financial reasons


Words: flagellate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to whip yourself or sb else, especially as a religious punishment or as a way of experiencing sexual pleasure\n    flagellation  noun [U]


Words: flagon
Meaning:
noun\na large bottle or similar container, often with a handle, in which wine, CIDER, etc. is sold or served


Words: flagrant
Meaning:
adjective\n(of an action) shocking because it is done in a very obvious way and shows no respect for people, laws, etc:\na flagrant abuse of human rights * a flagrant breach of copyright * He showed a flagrant disregard for anyone else’s feelings.\n    flagrantly adverb:\nThe plane flagrantly violated a UN no-fly zone.


Words: flagrante
Meaning:
adverb\n IDIOMS \n  in flagrante (literary or humorous) if sb is found or caught in flagrante, they are discovered doing sth that they should not be doing, especially having sex


Words: flagship
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the main ship in a FLEET of ships in the navy\n  2  [usually sing.] the most important product, service, building, etc. that an organization owns or produces:\nThe company is opening a new flagship store in London.


Words: flail
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (written)\n  1  ~ (sth) (about / around) to move around without control; to move your arms and legs around without control:\n[V] The boys flailed around on the floor. * He was running along, his arms flailing wildly. [also VN]\n  2  [VN] to hit sb/sth very hard, especially with a stick\n    noun a tool that has a long handle with a stick swinging from it, used especially in the past to separate grains of wheat from their dry outer covering, by beating the wheat


Words: flair
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [sing., U] ~ for sth a natural ability to do sth well:\nHe has a flair for languages.\n  2  [U] a quality showing the ability to do things in an interesting and imaginative way:\nartistic flair * She dresses with real flair.


Words: flak
Meaning:
(also flack)  noun [U]\n  1  guns on the ground that are shooting at enemy aircraft; bullets from these guns\n  2  (informal) severe criticism:\nHe’s taken a lot of flak for his left-wing views. * She came in for a lot of flak from the press.


Words: flak jacket
Meaning:
noun\na heavy jacket without sleeves that is strengthened with metal and is worn by soldiers and police officers to protect them from bullets


Words: flake
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a small, very thin layer or piece of sth, especially one that has broken off from sth larger:\nflakes of snow / paint * dried onion flakes\nsee also CORNFLAKES, SNOWFLAKE, SOAP FLAKES\n  2  (AmE, informal) a person who is strange or unusual or who forgets things easily\n    verb\n  1  [V] ~ (off) to fall off in small thin pieces:\nYou could see bare wood where the paint had flaked off. * His skin was dry and flaking.\n  2  to break sth, especially fish or other food into small thin pieces; to fall into small thin pieces:\n[VN] Flake the tuna and add to the sauce. * flaked almonds [also V]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flake out\n1 (informal) to lie down or fall asleep because you are extremely tired:\nWhen I got home he’d already flaked out on the bed.\n2 (AmE, informal) to begin to behave in a strange way


Words: flaky
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  tending to break into small, thin pieces:\nflaky pastry * dry flaky skin\n  2  (AmE, informal) (of a person) behaving in a strange or unusual way; tending to forget things:\nHe plays a flaky tourist visiting Europe.\n    flakiness noun [U]


Words: flambe
Meaning:
adjective\n[after noun] (from French) (of food) covered with alcohol, especially BRANDY and allowed to burn for a short time\n    flambe verb [VN]


Words: flamboyant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of people or their behaviour) different, confident and exciting in a way that attracts attention:\na flamboyant gesture / style / personality * He was flamboyant and temperamental on and off the stage.\n  2  bright, colourful and noticeable:\nflamboyant clothes / designs\n    flamboyance  noun [U]:\nHe lacked the flamboyance of other members of the band.\n    flamboyantly adverb


Words: flame
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C, U] a hot bright stream of burning gas that comes from sth that is on fire:\nthe tiny yellow flame of a match * The flames were growing higher and higher. * The building was in flames (= was burning). * The plane burst into flame(s) (= suddenly began burning strongly). * Everything went up in flames (= was destroyed by fire). * Heat the olive oil over a moderate flame (= on a gas cooker / stove). * The curtains were enveloped in a sheet of flame.\n \n  2  [U] a bright red or orange colour:\na flame-red car\n \n  3  [C] (literary) a very strong feeling:\na flame of passion\nsee also OLD FLAME\n IDIOMS  see ADD v., FAN v.\n    verb\n  1  (literary) to burn with a bright flame:\n[V] The logs flamed on the hearth. * (figurative) Hope flamed in her. [also V-ADJ]\n  2  (literary) (of a person’s face) to become red as a result of a strong emotion; to make sth become red:\n[V] Her cheeks flamed with rage. [also V-ADJ, VN]\n  3  [VN] (informal) to send sb an angry or insulting message on the Internet


Words: flame-thrower
Meaning:
noun\na weapon like a gun that shoots out burning liquid or flames and is often used for clearing plants from land


Words: flamenco
Meaning:
noun (plural flamencos)\n  1  [U, C] a fast exciting Spanish dance that is usually danced to music played on a guitar:\nflamenco dancing * to dance the flamenco\n  2  [U] the guitar music that is played for this dance:\nto play some flamenco


Words: flaming
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  full of anger:\na flaming argument / temper\n  2  burning and covered in flames:\nFlaming fragments were still falling from the sky.\n  3  (BrE, informal) used to emphasize that you are annoyed:\nYou flaming idiot! * Who let that flaming cat in?\n  4  bright red or orange in colour:\nflaming (red) hair * a flaming sunset


Words: flamingo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural flamingoes or flamingos) a large pink bird with long thin legs and a long neck, that lives near water in warm countries


Words: flammable
Meaning:
(also inflammable especially in BrE) adjective\nthat can catch fire and burn easily:\nhighly flammable liquids / materials\nOPP NON-FLAMMABLE


Words: flan
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (especially BrE) an open pie made of pastry or cake filled with eggs and cheese, fruit, etc:\na mushroom / strawberry flan * Have some more flan.\ncompare QUICHE, TART


Words: flange
Meaning:
noun\nan edge that sticks out from an object and strengthens it or (as in a railway/railroad wheel) keeps it in the correct position


Words: flank
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  the side of sth such as a building or mountain:\nThe sun lit up the western flank of the hill.\n \n  2  the left or right side of an army during a battle, or a sports team during a game:\nOur orders were to attack their left flank. * Their centre made a dash down the right flank.\n \n  3  the side of an animal between the RIBS and the hip:\nShe patted the horse’s flank.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (be flanked by sb/sth) to have sb/sth on one or both sides:\nShe left the courtroom flanked by armed guards.\n  2  to be placed on one or both sides of sth:\nThey drove through the flat cotton fields that flanked Highway 17.


Words: flannel
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] a soft light fabric, containing cotton or wool, used for making clothes:\na flannel shirt / coat * a grey flannel suit\n \n  2  (also facecloth) (both BrE) (AmE washcloth) [C] a small piece of cloth used for washing yourself:\na face flannel\n \n  3  (flannels) [pl.] trousers/pants made of flannel:\ncricket flannels\n \n  4  [U] (BrE, informal) words that do not have much meaning and that avoid telling sb what they want to know:\nOK, cut the flannel and tell me what you really want!


Words: flap
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  flat piece of paper, etc.\n \n  1  [C] a flat piece of paper, fabric, metal, etc. that is attached to sth along one side and that hangs down or covers an opening:\nthe flap of an envelope * I zipped the tent flaps shut. * The jacket was fastened with a complicated buttoned flap. * He was wearing a deerstalker hat with flaps to cover the ears.\nsee also CAT FLAP\n \n  movement\n \n  2  [C, usually sing.] a quick often noisy movement of sth up and down or from side to side:\nWith a flap of its wings, the bird was gone. * the flap of the sails\n \n  worry / excitement\n  3  [sing.] (informal, especially BrE) a state of worry, confusion and excitement:\nShe gets in a flap over the slightest thing. * Harry’s in a bit of a flap over this interview tomorrow.\n  public disagreement\n  4  [sing.] (AmE) public disagreement, anger or criticism caused by sth a public figure has said or done:\nthe flap about the President’s business affairs\n  part of aircraft\n  5  [C] a part of the wing of an aircraft that can be raised or lowered to control upward or downward movement:\nThe wing flaps were not extended at the time of the accident.\n    verb (-pp-)\n  move quickly\n  1  if a bird flaps its wings, or if its wings flap, they move quickly up and down:\n[VN] The bird flapped its wings and flew away. * [V] The gulls flew off, wings flapping.\n  2  to move or to make sth move up and down or from side to side, often making a noise:\n[V] The sails flapped in the breeze. * Two large birds flapped (= flew) slowly across the water. * [VN] She walked up and down, flapping her arms to keep warm. * A gust of wind flapped the tents.\n  be worried / excited\n  3  [V] (BrE, informal) to behave in an anxious or excited way:\nThere’s no need to flap-I’ve got everything under control.\n IDIOMS  see EAR


Words: flapjack
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] (BrE) a thick soft biscuit made from OATS, butter, sugar and SYRUP\n  2  [C] (AmE) a thick PANCAKE


Words: flapper
Meaning:
noun\na young woman in the 1920s who wore fashionable clothes, had short hair and was interested in modern music and new ideas


Words: flare
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] to burn brightly, but usually for only a short time or not steadily:\nThe match flared and went out. * The fire flared into life. * (figurative) Colour flared in her cheeks. * His dark eyes flared angrily.\n  2  [V] ~ (up) (especially of anger and violence) to suddenly start or become much stronger\nSYN ERUPT:\nViolence flared when the police moved in. * Tempers flared towards the end of the meeting.\nrelated noun FLARE-UP (1)\n  3  to say sth in an angry and aggressive way:\n[V speech] ’You should have told me!’ she flared at him. [also V]\n  4  [V] (of clothes) to become wider towards the bottom:\nThe sleeves are tight to the elbow, then flare out.\n  5  if a person or animal flares their NOSTRILS (= the openings at the end of the nose), or if their nostrils flare, they become wider, especially as a sign of anger:\n[V] The horse backed away, its nostrils flaring with fear. [also VN]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flare up\n1 (of flames, a fire, etc.) to suddenly start burning more brightly:\nHe put more logs on the fire and watched it flare up again.\nrelated noun FLARE-UP (3)\n2 (of a person) to suddenly become angry:\nShe flares up at the slightest provocation.\nrelated noun FLARE-UP (1)\n3 (of an illness, injury, etc.) to suddenly start again or become worse:\nHis eczema has flared up again.\nrelated noun FLARE-UP (2)\n    noun\n\n \n  1  [usually sing.] a bright but unsteady light or flame that does not last long:\nThe flare of the match lit up his face.\n \n  2  a device that produces a bright flame, used especially as a signal; a flame produced in this way:\nThe ship sent up distress flares to attract the attention of the coastguard. * A flare lit up the sky.\n \n  3  a shape that becomes gradually wider:\na skirt with a slight flare\n \n  4  (flares) (BrE also flared trousers) [pl.] (informal) trousers/pants that become very wide at the bottom of the legs:\na pair of flares


Words: flare-up
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  a sudden expression of angry or violent feeling:\na flare-up of tension between the two sides\n  2  (of an illness) a sudden painful attack, especially after a period without any problems or pain\n  3  the fact of a fire suddenly starting to burn again more strongly than before:\na flare-up of the bushfires


Words: flash
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb\n  shine brightly\n  1  to shine very brightly for a short time; to make sth shine in this way:\n[V] Lightning flashed in the distance. * A neon sign flashed on and off above the door. * the flashing blue lights of a police car * Start crossing when the green WALK sign starts to flash. * [VN] The guide flashed a light into the cave.\n  give signal\n  2  ~ (sth) (at sb) | ~ sb (sth) to use a light to give sb a signal: [VN, VNN] Red lights flashed a warning at them. * Red lights flashed them a warning. * [VN] Why is that driver flashing his lights at us?\n  show quickly\n  3  [VN] to show sth to sb quickly:\nHe flashed his pass at the security officer.\n  move quickly\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] to move or pass very quickly:\nThe countryside flashed past the train windows. * A look of terror flashed across his face.\n  of thoughts / memories\n  5  [V +adv./prep.] to come into your mind suddenly:\nA terrible thought flashed through my mind.\n  on screen\n  6  [+adv./prep.] ~ (sth) (up) to appear on a television screen, computer screen, etc. for a short time; to make sth do this:\n[V] A message was flashing on his pager. * [VN] His name was flashed up on the screen.\n  send news\n  7  [VN +adv./prep.] to send information quickly by radio, computer, etc:\nNews of their triumph was flashed around the world.\n  show emotion\n  8  [V] (literary) to show a strong emotion suddenly and quickly:\nHer eyes flashed with anger. * Fear flashed in his eyes.\n  of a man\n  9  [V] (informal) if a man flashes, he shows his sexual organs in public\n IDIOMS \n  flash sb a smile, look, etc. to smile, look, etc. at sb suddenly and quickly\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flash sth around (disapproving) to show sth to other people in order to impress them:\nHe’s always flashing his money around.\n  flash back (to sth)\n1 if your mind flashes back to sth, you remember sth that happened in the past:\nHer thoughts flashed back to their wedding day.\nrelated noun FLASHBACK (2)\n2 if a film/movie flashes back to sth, it shows things that happened at an earlier time, for example at an earlier part of sb’s life\nrelated noun FLASHBACK (1)\n3 (written) to reply very quickly and/or angrily\n  flash by / past (of time) to go very quickly:\nThe morning has just flashed by.\n    noun\n  light\n \n  1  [C] a sudden bright light that shines for a moment and then disappears:\na flash of lightning * Flashes of light were followed by an explosion. * There was a blinding flash and the whole building shuddered.\n \n  signal\n \n  2  [C] the act of shining a light on sth, especially as a signal\n \n  sudden idea / emotion\n \n  3  [C] ~ of sth a particular feeling or idea that suddenly comes into your mind or shows in your face:\na flash of anger / inspiration * When she looked at me, I caught a flash of recognition in her eyes. * ’Did you really win first prize?’ he said with a flash of genuine admiration.\n  of bright colour\n  4  [C] ~ of sth the sudden appearance for a short time of sth bright or colourful:\na flash of white teeth * On the horizon, she saw a flash of silver-the sea!\n  in photography\n  5  [C, U] a piece of equipment that produces a bright light for a very short time, used for taking photographs indoors, when it is dark, etc; the use of this when taking a photograph:\na camera with a built-in flash * I’ll need flash for this shot. * flash photography\n  news\n  6  [C] = NEWSFLASH\n  on uniform\n  7  [C] (BrE) a band or small piece of fabric worn on a military uniform to show a person’s rank\n  on book / packet\n  8  [C] a band of colour or writing across a book, packet, etc.\n IDIOMS \n  a flash in the pan a sudden success that lasts only a short time and is not likely to be repeated:\nHe needed to prove that his success was not just a flash in the pan.\n  in / like a flash very quickly and suddenly:\nThe weekend seemed to be over in a flash. * The answer came to me like a flash.\nmore at QUICK adv.\n    adjective (BrE, informal, disapproving) attracting attention by being large or expensive, or by having expensive clothes, etc.:\na flash car * He’s very flash, isn’t he? * He always was a bit of a flash dresser.


Words: flashback
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a part of a film/movie, play, etc. that shows a scene that happened earlier in time than the main story:\nThe events that led up to the murder were shown in a series of flashbacks. * The reader is told the story in flashback.\n  2  [C] a sudden, very clear, strong memory of sth that happened in the past that is so real you feel that you are living through the experience again:\nwar veterans suffering from nightmares and flashbacks


Words: flashbulb
Meaning:
noun\na small electric BULB that can be attached to a camera to take photographs indoors or when it is dark


Words: flasher
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (informal) a man who shows his sexual organs in public, especially in order to shock or frighten women\n  2  a device that turns a light on and off quickly


Words: flashgun
Meaning:
noun\na piece of equipment that holds and operates a bright light that is used to take photographs indoors or when it is dark


Words: flashing
Meaning:
noun\n[U, pl.] a strip of metal put on a roof where it joins a wall to prevent water getting through


Words: flashpoint
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a situation or place in which violence or anger starts and cannot be controlled:\nTension in the city is rapidly reaching flashpoint. * potential flashpoints in the south of the country


Words: flashy
Meaning:
adjective (flashier, flashiest) (informal, usually disapproving)\n  1  (of things) attracting attention by being bright, expensive, large, etc:\na flashy hotel * I just want a good reliable car, nothing flashy.\n  2  (of people) attracting attention by wearing expensive clothes, etc.\n  3  intended to impress by looking very skilful:\nHe specializes in flashy technique, without much depth. * She threw in a lot of flashy footwork to impress the judges.\n    flashily adverb:\nflashily dressed


Words: flask
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a bottle with a narrow top, used in scientific work for mixing or storing chemicals\n \n  2  (BrE) = VACUUM FLASK:\na flask of tea / coffee\ncompare THERMOS\n \n  3  (especially AmE) = HIP FLASK


Words: flat
Meaning:
adjective, noun, adverb \n    adjective (flatter, flattest)\n  level\n  1  having a level surface, not curved or sloping:\nlow buildings with flat roofs * People used to think the earth was flat. * Exercise is the only way to get a flat stomach after having a baby. * The sails hung limply in the flat calm (= conditions at sea when there is no wind and the water is completely level).\n  2  (of land) without any slopes or hills:\nThe road stretched ahead across the flat landscape. * The desert was flat, mile after mile. * He reached a flatter section of land near the river.\n  3  (of surfaces) smooth and even; without lumps or holes:\nI need a flat surface to write on. * We found a large flat rock to sit on.\n  not high\n  4  broad but not very high:\nChapatis are a kind of flat Indian bread. * flat shoes (= with no heels or very low ones)\n  dull\n  5  dull; lacking interest or enthusiasm:\nHe felt very flat after his friends had gone home. * It was a curiously flat note on which to end the election campaign.\n  voice\n  6  not showing much emotion; not changing much in tone:\nHer voice was flat and expressionless. * He spoke in a flat Midlands accent.\n  colours / pictures\n  7  very smooth, with no contrast between light and dark, and giving no impression of depth:\nAcrylic paints can be used to create large, flat blocks of colour.\n  business\n  8  not very successful because very little is being sold:\nThe housing market has been flat for months.\n  refusal / denial\n  9  [only before noun] not allowing discussion or argument; definite:\nHer request was met with a flat refusal. * He gave a flat ’No!’ to one reporter’s question. * These results are in flat contradiction to the theory of relativity.\n  in music\n  10  used after the name of a note to mean a note a SEMITONE/HALF-TONE lower:\nThat note should be B flat, not B.\nOPP SHARP\ncompare NATURAL\n  11  below the correct PITCH (= how high or low a note sounds):\nThe high notes were slightly flat.\nOPP SHARP\n  drink\n  12  no longer having bubbles in it; not fresh:\nThe soda was warm and had gone flat.\n  battery\n  13  (BrE) unable to supply any more electricity\n  tyre\n  14  not containing enough air, usually because of a hole\n  feet\n  15  completely flat with no natural raised curves underneath\nsee also FLAT-FOOTED\n IDIOMS \n  and that’s flat! (BrE, spoken) that is my final decision and I will not change my mind:\nYou can’t go and that’s flat!\n  as flat as a pancake completely flat:\nThe country around here is as flat as a pancake.\nmore at BACK n., SPIN n.\n    noun\n  rooms\n  1  [C] (BrE) a set of rooms for living in, including a kitchen, usually on one floor of a building:\nDo you live in a flat or a house? * They’re renting a furnished flat on the third floor. * a ground-floor flat * a new block of flats * Many large old houses have been converted into flats. * Children from the flats (= the block of flats) across the street were playing outside.\ncompare APARTMENT\n  level part\n  2  [sing.] the ~ of sth the flat level part of sth:\nHe beat on the door with the flat of his hand. * the flat of a sword / blade\n  land\n  3  [C, usually pl.] an area of low flat land, especially near water:\nsalt flats\nsee also MUDFLAT\n  horse racing\n  4  (the flat, the Flat) [sing.] (BrE) the season for racing horses on flat ground with no jumps\n  in music\n  5  [C] a note played a SEMITONE/HALF TONE lower than the note that is named. The written symbol is ({flat}):\nThere are no sharps or flats in the key of C major.\nOPP SHARP\ncompare NATURAL\n  tyre\n  6  [C] (especially AmE) a tyre that has lost air usually because of a hole:\nWe got a flat on the way home. * We had to stop to fix a flat.\n  in theatre\n  7  [C] (technical) an upright section of scenery used on a theatre stage\n  shoes\n  8  (flats) [pl.] = FLATTIES\n IDIOMS \n  on the flat (BrE) on level ground, without hills or jumps (= for example in horse racing):\nOvertaking the next cyclist on an Alpine climb is a dozen times harder than on the flat.\n    adverb (comparative flatter, no superlative)\n  level\n  1  spread out in a level, straight position, especially against another surface:\nLie flat and breath deeply. * They pressed themselves flat against the tunnel wall as the train approached.\n  refusing / denying\n  2  (BrE) (AmE flat out) (informal) in a definite and direct way:\nShe told me flat she would not speak to me again. * I made them a reasonable offer but they turned it down flat.\n  in music\n  3  lower than the correct PITCH (= how high or low a note sounds):\nHe sings flat all the time.\nOPP SHARP\n IDIOMS \n  fall flat if a joke, a story, or an event falls flat, it completely fails to amuse people or to have the effect that was intended:\nWithout Jem, the whole evening would have fallen flat.\n  fall flat on your face\n1 to fall so that you are lying on your front\n2 to fail completely, usually causing embarrassment:\nHis next television venture fell flat on its face.\n  flat broke (BrE also stony broke) (informal) completely broke\n  flat out (informal)\n1 as fast or as hard as possible:\nWorkers are working flat out to meet the rise in demand for new cars.\n2 (especially AmE) in a definite and direct way; completely:\nI told him flat out ’No’. * It’s a 30-year mortgage we just flat out can’t handle.\n  in ...flat (informal) used with an expression of time to say that sth happened or was done very quickly, in no more than the time stated:\nThey changed the wheel in three minutes flat (= in exactly three minutes).


Words: flat-footed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  without naturally raised curves (= ARCHES) under the feet\n  2  (especially AmE) not prepared for what is going to happen:\nThey were caught flat-footed by the attack.


Words: flat-pack
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a piece of furniture that is sold in pieces in a flat box and that you have to build yourself:\nYou can buy the kitchen as a flat-pack for self-assembly.


Words: flatbed
Meaning:
(also flatbed truck, flatbed trailer) noun\n(especially AmE) an open truck or TRAILER without high sides, used for carrying large objects


Words: flatly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that is very definite and will not be changed\nSYN ABSOLUTELY:\nto flatly deny / reject / oppose sth * I flatly refused to spend any more time helping him. * Our request was flatly rejected.\n  2  in a dull way with very little interest or emotion:\n’Oh, it’s you,’ she said flatly.


Words: flatten
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to become or make sth become flat or flatter:\n[V] The cookies will flatten slightly while cooking. * [VN] These exercises will help to flatten your stomach. * He flattened his hair down with gel. * The bird is recognizable by its flattened beak. * Roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly.\n  2  [VN] to destroy or knock down a building, tree, etc:\nMost of the factory was flattened by the explosion.\n  3  [VN] (informal) to defeat sb easily in a competition, argument, etc:\nOur team was flattened this evening!\n  4  [VN] (informal) to hit sb very hard so that they fall down:\nHe flattened the intruder with a single punch. * I’ll flatten you if you do that again!\n  5  [VN] (music) to sing or play a note lower\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flatten sth / yourself against / on sb/sth to press sth/your body against sb/sth:\nShe flattened her nose against the window and looked in. * Greg flattened himself against the wall to let me pass.\n  flatten out\n1 to gradually become completely flat:\nThe hills first rose steeply then flattened out towards the sea.\n2 to stop growing or going up:\nExport growth has started to flatten out.\n  flatten sth<->out to make sth completely flat


Words: flatter
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to say nice things about sb, often in a way that is not sincere, because you want them to do sth for you or you want to please them:\nAre you trying to flatter me?\n  2  ~ yourself to choose to believe sth good about yourself and your abilities, especially when other people do not share this opinion:\n[VN] ’How will you manage without me?’ ’Don’t flatter yourself.’ [also VN (that)]\n  3  [VN] to make sb seem more attractive or better then they really are:\nThat colour doesn’t flatter many people. * The scoreline flattered England (= they did not deserve to get such a high score).\n    flatterer  noun\n IDIOMS \n  be / feel flattered to be pleased because sb has made you feel important or special:\nHe was flattered by her attention. * I felt flattered at being asked to give a lecture. * She was flattered to hear that he had been asking about her. * I suppose we should be flattered that he agreed to come at all.\n  flatter to deceive (BrE) if sth flatters to deceive, it appears to be better, more successful, etc. than it really is:\nAs with many new bands, their early success flattered to deceive.


Words: flattering
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  making sb look more attractive:\na flattering dress * The photo is not very flattering. * A computer will help you select the most flattering shade of make-up.\n  2  saying nice things about sb/sth:\nflattering remarks\n  3  making sb feel pleased and special:\nI found it flattering that he still recognized me after all these years.


Words: flattery
Meaning:
noun\n[U] praise that is not sincere, especially in order to obtain sth from sb:\nYou’re too intelligent to fall for his flattery.\n IDIOMS \n  flattery will get you everywhere / nowhere (spoken, humorous) praise that is not sincere will/will not get you what you want


Words: flatulence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an uncomfortable feeling caused by having too much gas in the stomach:\nSymptoms may also include flatulence and nausea.


Words: flatulent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (disapproving) sounding important and impressive in a way that exaggerates the truth or facts\n  2  suffering from too much gas in the stomach


Words: flaunt
Meaning:
verb [VN] (disapproving)\n  1  to show sth you are proud of to other people, in order to impress them:\nHe did not believe in flaunting his wealth. * She openly flaunted her affair with the senator.\n  2  ~ yourself to behave in a confident and sexual way to attract attention\n IDIOMS \n  if you’ve got it, flaunt it (humorous, saying) used to tell sb that they should not be afraid of allowing other people to see their qualities and abilities


Words: flavour
Meaning:
(AmE flavor)  noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] how food or drink tastes:\nThe tomatoes give extra flavour to the sauce. * It is stronger in flavour than other traditional Dutch cheeses.\n  2  [C] a particular type of taste:\nThis yogurt comes in ten different flavours. * a wine with a delicate fruit flavour\n  3  [sing.] a particular quality or atmosphere:\nthe distinctive flavour of South Florida * The film retains much of the book’s exotic flavour. * Foreign visitors help to give a truly international flavour to the occasion.\n  4  [sing.] a / the ~ of sth an idea of what sth is like:\nI have tried to convey something of the flavour of the argument. * The following extract gives a flavour of the poet’s later works.\n  5  (computing) a particular type of sth, especially computer SOFTWARE\n IDIOMS \n  flavour of the month (especially BrE) somebody or something that is very popular at a particular time:\nEnvironmental issues are no longer the flavour of the month. * I’m not exactly flavour of the month around here at the moment.\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (with sth) to add sth to food or drink to give it more flavour or a particular flavour


Words: flavoured
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE flavored)  adjective\n  1  (-flavoured) having the type of flavour mentioned:\nlemon-flavoured sweets / candy\n  2  having had flavour added to it:\nflavoured yogurt


Words: flavouring
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE flavoring)  noun\n[U, C] a substance added to food or drink to give it a particular flavour:\norange / vanilla flavouring * This food contains no artificial flavourings.


Words: flaw
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (in sth) a mistake in sth that means that it is not correct or does not work correctly:\nThe argument is full of fundamental flaws. * The report reveals fatal flaws in security at the airport. * There is still a basic flaw in your selection procedure.\n  2  ~ (in sth) a crack or fault in sth that makes it less attractive or valuable:\nThe vase is in excellent condition except for a few small flaws in its base.\n  3  ~ (in sb/sth) a weakness in sb’s character:\nThere is always a flaw in the character of a tragic hero.


Words: flawed
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a flaw; damaged or spoiled:\nseriously / fundamentally / fatally flawed * a flawed argument * the book’s flawed heroine


Words: flawless
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout FLAWS and therefore perfect:\na flawless complexion / performance * Her English is almost flawless.\n    flawlessly adverb


Words: flax
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a plant with blue flowers, grown for its stem that is used to make thread and its seeds that are used to make LINSEED OIL\n  2  threads from the stem of the flax plant, used to make LINEN


Words: flay
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to remove the skin from an animal or person, usually when they are dead\n  2  to hit or whip sb very hard so that some of their skin comes off\n  3  (formal) to criticize sb/yourself severely:\nHe flayed himself for his lack of tact. * Her dark eyes flayed him.


Words: flea
Meaning:
noun\na very small jumping insect without wings, that bites animals and humans and sucks their blood:\nThe dog has fleas.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  with a flea in your ear if sb sends a person away with a flea in their ear, they tell them angrily to go away


Words: fleck
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [usually pl.] ~ (of sth)\n  1  a very small area of a particular colour:\nHis hair was dark, with flecks of grey. * The material has a red fleck in it.\n  2  a very small piece of sth:\nflecks of dust / foam / dandruff * Her face was covered with flecks of paint.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to cover or mark sth with small areas of a particular colour or with small pieces of sth:\nThe fabric was red, flecked with gold. * His hair was flecked with paint. * Mud and rain flecked the car windows.


Words: fledgling
Meaning:
(BrE also fledgeling)  noun\n  1  a young bird that has just learnt to fly\n  2  (usually before another noun) a person, an organization or a system that is new and without experience:\nfledgling democracies


Words: flee
Meaning:
verb\n(fled, fled  into ...) (written) to leave a person or place very quickly, especially because you are afraid of possible danger:\n[V] a camp for refugees fleeing from the war * He fled to London after an argument with his family. * She burst into tears and fled. * [VN] He was caught trying to flee the country. * The driver had already fled the scene of the accident.\ncompare FLY v. (12)


Words: fleece
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] the wool coat of a sheep; this coat when it has been removed from a sheep (by SHEARING)\n \n  2  [U, C] a soft warm fabric that feels like sheep’s wool; a jacket or a SWEATSHIRT that is made from this fabric:\na fleece lining * a bright red fleece\n    verb [VN] (informal) to take a lot of money from sb by charging them too much:\nSome local shops have been fleecing tourists.


Words: fleecy
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] made of soft material, like the wool coat of a sheep; looking like this:\na fleecy sweatshirt * a blue sky dappled with fleecy clouds


Words: fleet
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C] a group of military ships commanded by the same person:\na fleet of destroyers * Nelson destroyed the Franco-Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar.\n  2  [C] a group of ships fishing together:\na fishing / whaling fleet\n  3  (the fleet) [sing.] all the military ships of a particular country:\na reduction in the size of the British fleet\n  4  [C] ~ (of sth) a group of planes, buses, taxis, etc. travelling together or owned by the same organization:\nthe company’s new fleet of vans\n    adjective (literary) able to run fast:\nfleet of foot * fleet-footed


Words: Fleet Street
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a street in central London where many national newspapers used to have their offices (now used to mean British newspapers and journalists in general)


Words: fleeting
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] lasting only a short time:\na fleeting glimpse / smile * a fleeting moment of happiness * We paid a fleeting visit to Paris.\n    fleetingly adverb:\nShe smiled fleetingly. * How could she, even fleetingly, entertain such a thought?


Words: Flemish
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the Dutch language as spoken in northern Belgium, one of the two official languages of Belgium


Words: flesh
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] the soft substance between the skin and bones of animal or human bodies:\nThe trap had cut deeply into the rabbit’s flesh. * Tigers are flesh-eating animals. * the smell of rotting flesh\n \n  2  [U] the skin of the human body:\nHis fingers closed around the soft flesh of her arm. * flesh-coloured (= the colour of white people’s skin)\n \n  3  [U] the soft part of fruit and vegetables, especially when it is eaten:\nthe sweet flesh of a mango\n \n  4  (the flesh) [sing.] (literary) the human body when considering its physical and sexual needs, rather than the mind or soul:\nthe pleasures / sins of the flesh\n IDIOMS \n  flesh and blood when you say that sb is flesh and blood, you mean that they are a normal human being with needs, emotions and weaknesses:\nListening to the cries was more than flesh and blood could stand.\n  your (own) flesh and blood a person that you are related to:\nYou can’t do that to your own flesh and blood!\n  in the flesh if you see sb in the flesh, you are in the same place as them and actually see them rather than just seeing a picture of them\n  make your flesh creep to make you feel afraid or full of disgust:\nJust the sight of him makes my flesh creep.\n  put flesh on (the bones of) sth to develop a basic idea, etc. by giving more details to make it more complete:\nThe strength of the book is that it puts flesh on the bare bones of this argument.\nmore at POUND n., PRESS v., SPIRIT n., THORN, WAY n.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flesh sth<->out to add more information or details to a plan, argument, etc:\nThese points were fleshed out in the later parts of the speech. * None of his characters is fully fleshed out.


Words: flesh wound
Meaning:
noun\nan injury in which the skin is cut but the bones and organs inside the body are not damaged:\nHe only suffered a few superficial flesh wounds.


Words: fleshly
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (literary) connected with physical and sexual desires:\nfleshly temptations / pleasures


Words: fleshpots
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (humorous) places supplying food, drink and sexual entertainment:\nthe fleshpots of the capital


Words: fleshy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of parts of the body or people) having a lot of flesh:\nfleshy arms / lips * a large fleshy man * The bullet hit the fleshy part of his upper arm.\n  2  (of plants or fruit) thick and soft:\nfleshy fruit / leaves


Words: fleur-de-lis
Meaning:
(also fleur-de-lys)  noun\n(plural fleurs-de-lis ) (from French) a design representing a flower with three PETALS joined together at the bottom, often used in COATS OF ARMS


Words: flex
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to bend, move or stretch an arm or leg, or tighten a muscle, especially in order to prepare for a physical activity:\n[VN] to flex your fingers / feet / legs * He stood on the side of the pool flexing his muscles. [also V] \n IDIOMS \n  flex your muscles to show sb how powerful you are, especially as a warning or a threat\n    noun\n (BrE) (also cord AmE, BrE) [C, U] a piece of wire that is covered with plastic, used for carrying electricity to a piece of equipment:\nan electric flex * a length of flex


Words: flexible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (approving) able to change to suit new conditions or situations:\na more flexible design / approach * flexible working hours * Our plans need to be flexible enough to cater for the needs of everyone. * You need to be more flexible and imaginative in your approach. * Can you be flexible about when you take your leave?\n  2  able to bend easily without breaking:\nflexible plastic tubing\nOPP INFLEXIBLE\n    flexibility  noun [U]:\nComputers offer a much greater degree of flexibility in the way work is organized. * An overdraft provides increased flexibility but at a higher cost. * exercises to develop the flexibility of dancers’ bodies\n    flexibly adverb:\nManagers must respond flexibly to new developments in business practice.


Words: flexitime
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually flextime ) noun [U] a system in which employees work a particular number of hours each week or month but can choose when they start and finish work each day:\nShe works flexitime.


Words: flick
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n\n \n  1  [VN +adv./prep.] to hit sth with a sudden quick movement, especially using your finger and thumb together, or your hand:\nShe flicked the dust off her collar. * The horse was flicking flies away with its tail. * James flicked a peanut at her. * Please don’t flick ash on the carpet! * The striker flicked the ball into the back of the net.\n \n  2  to move or make sth move with sudden quick movements: [V, +adv./prep.] The snake’s tongue flicked out. * Her eyes flicked from face to face. * [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] He lifted his head, flicking his hair off his face. * The horse moved off, flicking its tail.\n \n  3  ~ a smile / look, etc. at sb | ~ sb a smile / look, etc. to smile or look at sb suddenly and quickly: [VN, VNN] She flicked a nervous glance at him. * She flicked him a nervous glance.\n \n  4  [VN] ~ sth (on / off) to press a button or switch quickly in order to turn a machine, etc. on or off:\nHe flicked a switch and all the lights went out. * She flicked the TV on.\n \n  5  [VN] ~ A (with B) | ~ B (at A) to move sth up and down with a sudden movement so that the end of it hits sth:\nHe flicked me with a wet towel. * He flicked a wet towel at me. * to flick a whip\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flick through sth to turn the pages of a book, etc. quickly and look at them without reading everything:\nI’ve only had time to flick through your report but it seems to be fine.\n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] a small sudden, quick movement or hit, for example with a whip or part of the body:\nBell’s flick into the penalty area helped to create the goal. * All this information is available at the flick of a switch (= by simply turning on a machine). * He threw the ball back with a quick flick of the wrist.\n  2  [sing.] a ~ through sth a quick look through the pages of a book, magazine, etc:\nI had a flick through the catalogue while I was waiting.\n  3  [C] (old-fashioned, informal) a film/movie\n  4  (the flicks) [pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a cinema


Words: flick knife
Meaning:
(BrE) (also switchblade AmE, BrE) noun\na knife with a blade inside the handle that jumps out quickly when a button is pressed


Words: flicker
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] (of a light or a flame) to keep going on and off as it shines or burns:\nThe lights flickered and went out. * the flickering screen of the television\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] (of an emotion, a thought, etc.) to be expressed or appear somewhere for a short time:\nAnger flickered in his eyes. * A smile flickered across her face.\n  3  [V] to move with small quick movements:\nHer eyelids flickered as she slept.\n    noun [usually sing.] ~ (of sth)\n  1  a light that shines in an unsteady way:\nthe flicker of a television / candle\n  2  a small, sudden movement with part of the body:\nthe flicker of an eyelid * By not the merest flicker of an eyelid did he betray his interest.\n  3  a feeling or an emotion that lasts for only a very short time:\na flicker of hope / doubt / interest * A flicker of a smile crossed her face.


Words: flies
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n \n  1  plural of FLY\n \n  2  (BrE) = FLY n. (3)\n \n  3  (the flies) the space above the stage in a theatre, used for lights and for storing scenery


Words: flight
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  journey by air\n  1  [C] a journey made by air, especially in a plane:\na smooth / comfortable / bumpy flight * a domestic / an international flight * a hot-air balloon flight * We met on a flight from London to Paris. * All flights between New York and Washington have been cancelled due to fog.\nsee also IN-FLIGHT\n  plane\n  2  [C] a plane making a particular journey:\nWe’re booked on the same flight. * Flight BA 4793 is now boarding at Gate 17. * If we leave now, I can catch the earlier flight. * mercy / relief flights (= planes taking help to countries where there is a war)\n  flying\n  3  [U] the act of flying:\nthe age of supersonic flight * flight safety * The bird is easily recognized in flight (= when it is flying) by the black band at the end of its tail.\n  movement of object\n  4  [U] the movement or direction of an object as it travels through the air:\nthe flight of a ball / dart / missile\n  of steps\n  5  [C] a series of steps between two floors or levels:\nShe fell down a flight of stairs / steps and hurt her back.\n  running away\n  6  [U, sing.] the act of running away from a dangerous or difficult situation:\nthe flight of refugees from the advancing forces * a flight from harsh reality * The main character is a journalist in flight from a failed marriage.\n  of fancy / imagination\n  7  [C] ~ of fancy / imagination an idea or a statement that is very imaginative but not practical or sensible:\nThis idea was one of my wilder flights of fancy.\n  group of birds / aircraft\n  8  [C] a group of birds or aircraft flying together:\na flight of geese * They flew in two flights of three aircraft. * an aircraft of the Queen’s flight\nsee also TOP-FLIGHT\n IDIOMS \n  in the first / top flight among the best of a particular group:\nThis is the team’s first season back in the top flight for more than 60 years.\n  put sb to flight (old-fashioned) to force sb to run away:\nThe enemy was quickly put to flight.\n  take flight to run away:\nThe gang took flight when they heard the police car.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] (BrE, sport) to kick, hit or throw a ball through the air in a skilful way:\nHe equalized with a beautifully flighted shot.


Words: flight deck
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an area at the front of a large plane where the pilot sits to use the controls and fly the plane\n  2  a long flat surface on top of a ship that carries aircraft (= an AIRCRAFT CARRIER) where they take off and land


Words: flight lieutenant
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation Flt. Lt.) an officer of fairly high rank in the British air force:\nFlight Lieutenant Richard Clarkson


Words: flight path
Meaning:
noun\nthe route taken by an aircraft through the air:\nThe pilot was instructed to change his flight path. * Residents are trying to have flight paths diverted away from their town.


Words: flight sergeant
Meaning:
noun\na member of the British air force, just below the rank of an officer:\nFlight Sergeant Bob Andrews


Words: flight simulator
Meaning:
noun\na device that reproduces the conditions that exist when flying an aircraft, used for training pilots


Words: flighty
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) a flighty woman is one who cannot be relied on because she is always changing activities, ideas and partners without treating them seriously


Words: flimsy
Meaning:
adjective (flimsier, flimsiest)\n  1  badly made and not strong enough for the purpose for which it is used:\na flimsy bridge / table\n  2  (of material) thin and easily torn:\na flimsy piece of paper / fabric / plastic\n  3  difficult to believe:\na flimsy excuse / explanation * The evidence against him is pretty flimsy. * He keeps calling on the flimsiest of pretexts.\n    flimsily adverb\n    flimsiness noun [U]


Words: flinch
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (at sth) | ~ (away) to make a sudden movement with your face or body as a result of pain, fear, surprise, etc:\nHe flinched at the sight of the blood. * She flinched away from the dog. * He met my gaze without flinching. * He didn’t even flinch (= wasn’t surprised) when I told him the price.\nsee also UNFLINCHING\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flinch from sth | flinch from doing sth (often used in negative sentences) to avoid thinking about or doing sth unpleasant:\nHe never flinched from facing up to trouble.


Words: fling
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (flung, flung )\n  1  [VN +adv./prep.] to throw sb/sth somewhere with force, especially because you are angry:\nSomeone had flung a brick through the window. * He flung her to the ground. * She flung the letter down on the table. * The door was suddenly flung open. * I was flung forward by the impact. * He had his enemies flung into prison.\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to move yourself or part of your body suddenly and with a lot of force:\nShe flung herself onto the bed. * He flung out an arm to stop her from falling.\n  3  ~ sth (at sb) to say sth to sb in an aggressive way:\n[VN] They were flinging insults at each other. [also V speech]\nsee also FAR-FLUNG\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fling yourself at sb (informal, disapproving) to make it too obvious to sb that you want to have a sexual relationship with them\n  fling yourself into sth to start to do sth with a lot of energy and enthusiasm:\nThey flung themselves into the preparations for the party.\n  fling sth<->off / on (informal) to take off or put on clothing in a quick and careless way:\nHe flung off his coat and collapsed on the sofa.\n  fling sb<->out (BrE, informal) to make sb leave a place suddenly\n  fling sth<->out (BrE, informal) to get rid of sth that you do not want any longer\n    noun [usually sing.] (informal)\n  1  a short period of enjoyment when you do not allow yourself to worry or think seriously about anything:\nHe was determined to have one last fling before retiring.\n  2  ~ (with sb) a short sexual relationship with sb:\nWe had a brief fling, but it’s over now.\nsee also HIGHLAND FLING


Words: flint
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] a type of very hard grey stone that can produce a SPARK when it is hit against steel:\nprehistoric flint implements * His eyes were as hard as flint.\n  2  [C] a piece of flint or hard metal that is used to produce a SPARK


Words: flinty
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (written) showing no emotion:\na flinty look / gaze / stare\n  2  containing flint:\nflinty pebbles / soils * The wine has a flinty taste.


Words: flip
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb (-pp-)\n  1  to turn over into a different position with a sudden quick movement; to make sth do this:\n[V] The plane flipped and crashed. * (figurative) She felt her heart flip (= with excitement, etc.). * [VN] He flipped the lid open and looked inside the case.\nsee also FLIP OVER\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (on / off) to press a button or switch in order to turn a machine, etc. on or off\nSYN FLICK:\nto flip a switch * She reached over and flipped off the light.\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to throw sth somewhere using your thumb and/or fingers:\nThey flipped a coin to decide who would get the ticket. * He flipped the keys onto the desk.\n  4  [V] ~ (out) (informal) to become very angry, excited or unable to think clearly:\nShe finally flipped under the pressure. * He completely flipped when he saw the mess in the kitchen.\n IDIOMS \n  flip your lid (informal) to become very angry and lose control of what you are saying or doing:\nShe’ll flip her lid when she finds out.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flip over to turn onto the other side or upside down:\nThe car hit a tree and flipped over. * He flipped over and sat up.\n  flip sth<->over to turn sth onto the other side or upside down:\nThe wind flipped over several cars.\n  flip through sth to turn the pages of a book, etc. quickly and look at them without reading everything:\nShe flipped through the magazine looking for the letters page.\n    noun\n  1  [C] a small quick hit with a part of the body that causes sth to turn over:\nThe whole thing was decided on the flip of a coin.\n  2  [C] a movement in which the body turns over in the air:\nThe handstand was followed by a back flip. * (figurative) Her heart did a flip.\n  3  [sing.] ~ through sth a quick look through the pages of a book, magazine, etc:\nI had a quick flip through the report while I was waiting.\n    adjective (informal) = FLIPPANT:\na flip answer / comment * Don’t be flip with me.


Words: flip chart
Meaning:
noun\nlarge sheets of paper fixed at the top to a stand so that they can be turned over, used for presenting information at a talk or meeting


Words: flip side
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.] ~ (of / to sth)\n  1  different and less welcome aspects of an idea, argument or action:\nIt was only after they were married that she began to see the flip side of the fairy tale.\n  2  (old-fashioned) the side of a record that does not have the main song or piece of music on it


Words: flip-flop
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (AmE also thong) a type of SANDAL (= open shoe) that has a strap that goes between the big toe and the toe next to it:\na pair of flip-flops\n    verb (-pp-) [V] ~ (on sth) (informal, especially AmE) to change your opinion about sth, especially when you then hold the opposite opinion:\nThe vice-president was accused of flip-flopping on several major issues.


Words: flippant
Meaning:
(also informal flip) adjective\nshowing that you do not take sth as seriously as other people think you should:\na flippant answer / attitude * Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound flippant. * You can’t afford to be flippant about such matters.\n    flippancy  noun [U]:\nHis flippancy conceals a deep insecurity.\n    flippantly adverb:\n’Oh dear,’ he said flippantly.


Words: flipper
Meaning:
noun [usually pl.]\n \n  1  a flat limb that is part of the body of some sea animals such as SEALS and TURTLES, used for swimming\n \n  2  a long flat piece of rubber or plastic that you wear on your foot to help you swim more quickly, especially below the surface of the water


Words: flipping
Meaning:
adjective, adverb\n(BrE, spoken) used as a mild swear word by some people to emphasize sth or to show that they are annoyed:\nI hate this flipping hotel! * Flipping kids! * It’s flipping cold today!


Words: flirt
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] ~ (with sb) to behave towards sb as if you find them sexually attractive, without seriously wanting to have a relationship with them:\nHe flirts outrageously with his female clients.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flirt with sth (written)\n1 to think about or be interested in sth for a short time but not very seriously:\nShe flirted with the idea of becoming an actress when she was younger.\n2 to take risks or not worry about a dangerous situation that may happen:\nto flirt with danger / death / disaster\n    noun [usually sing.] a person who flirts with a lot of people:\nShe’s a real flirt.


Words: flirtation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ with sth a short period of time during which sb is involved or interested in sth, often not seriously:\na brief and unsuccessful flirtation with the property market\n  2  [U] behaviour that shows you find sb sexually attractive but are not serious about them:\nFrank’s efforts at flirtation had become tiresome to her.\n  3  [C] ~ (with sb) a short sexual relationship with sb that is not taken seriously:\nShe had a mild flirtation with him when they first met.


Words: flirtatious
Meaning:
(also informal flirty) adjective\nbehaving in a way that shows a sexual attraction to sb that is not serious:\na flirtatious young woman * a flirtatious giggle / smile\n    flirtatiously adverb\n    flirtatiousness noun [U]


Words: flit
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-tt-) [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] ~ (from A to B) | ~ (between A and B) to move lightly and quickly from one place or thing to another:\nButterflies flitted from flower to flower. * He flits from one job to another. * A smile flitted across his face. * (figurative) A thought flitted through my mind. * (ScotE) I had to change schools every time my parents flitted (= moved house).\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  do a moonlight / midnight flit (BrE, informal) to leave a place suddenly and secretly at night, usually in order to avoid paying money that you owe to sb


Words: float
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  on water / in air\n  1  [V +adv./prep.] to move slowly on water or in the air\nSYN DRIFT:\nA group of swans floated by. * The smell of new bread floated up from the kitchen. * Beautiful music came floating out of the window. * The boats were floating gently down the river. * (figurative) An idea suddenly floated into my mind. * (figurative) People seem to float in and out of my life.\n  2  [V] ~ (in / on sth) to stay on or near the surface of a liquid and not sink:\nWood floats. * A plastic bag was floating in the water. * Can you float on your back?\n  3  [VN] to make sth move on or near the surface of a liquid:\nThere wasn’t enough water to float the ship. * They float the logs down the river to the towns.\n  walk lightly\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] (literary) to walk or move in an easy, graceful way:\nShe floated down the steps to greet us.\n  suggest idea\n  5  [VN] to suggest an idea or a plan for other people to consider:\nThey floated the idea of increased taxes on alcohol.\n  business / economics\n  6  [VN] (business) to sell shares in a company or business to the public for the first time:\nThe company was floated on the stock market in 1995. * Shares were floated at 585p.\n  7  [VN, V] (economics) if a government floats its country’s money or allows it to float, it allows its value to change freely according to the value of the money of other countries\n IDIOMS  see AIR n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  float about / around (usually used in the progressive tenses) if an idea, etc. is floating around, it is talked about by a number of people or passed from one person to another:\nThere’s a rumour floating around that you’re thinking of leaving.\n    noun\n  vehicle\n  1  a large vehicle on which people dressed in special COSTUMES are carried in a festival:\na carnival float\n  in fishing\n  2  a small light object attached to a FISHING LINE that stays on the surface of the water and moves when a fish has been caught:\nfloat fishing\n  for swimming\n  3  a light object that floats in the water and is held by a person who is learning to swim to stop them from sinking\n  drink\n  4  (AmE) a drink with ice cream floating in it:\na Coke float\n  money\n  5  (especially BrE) a sum of money consisting of coins and notes of low value that is given to sb before they start selling things so that they can give customers CHANGE\n  business\n  6  = FLOTATION


Words: floating
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] not fixed permanently in one particular position or place:\nfloating exchange rates * a floating population (= one in which people frequently move from one place to another) * (medical) a floating kidney / rib


Words: floating voter
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a person who does not always vote for the same political party and who has not decided which party to vote for in an election


Words: flock
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] ~ (of sth) a group of sheep, goats or birds of the same type\ncompare HERD\n  2  [C+sing./pl. v.] ~ (of sb) a large group of people, especially of the same type:\na flock of children / reporters * They came in flocks to see the procession.\n  3  [C+sing./pl. v.] (literary) the group of people who regularly attend the church of a particular priest, etc.\n  4  [U] small pieces of soft fabric used for filling cushions, chairs, etc:\na flock mattress\n  5  [U] small pieces of soft material on the surface of a fabric or paper that produce a raised pattern:\nflock wallpaper\n    verb to go or gather together somewhere in large numbers: [V +adv./prep.] Thousands of people flocked to the beach this weekend. * Huge numbers of birds had flocked together by the lake. * [V to inf] People flocked to hear him speak.\n IDIOMS  see BIRD


Words: flog
Meaning:
verb (-gg-)\n  1  [VN] [often passive] to punish sb by hitting them many times with a whip or stick:\nHe was publicly flogged for breaking the country’s alcohol laws.\n  2  ~ sth (to sb) | ~ sth (off) (BrE, informal) to sell sth to sb:\n[VN] She flogged her guitar to another student. * We buy them cheaply and then flog them off at a profit. * [VNN] I had a letter from a company trying to flog me insurance.\n IDIOMS \n  flog a dead horse (BrE, informal) to waste your effort by trying to do sth that is no longer possible\n  flog sth to death (BrE, informal) to use an idea, a story, etc. so often that it is no longer interesting:\nThe story has been flogged to death in the press.


Words: flogging
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a punishment in which sb is hit many times with a whip or stick:\na public flogging * calls to bring back flogging


Words: flood
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  water\n  1  [C, U] a large amount of water covering an area that is usually dry:\nThe heavy rain has caused floods in many parts of the country. * flood water / damage * Police have issued flood warnings for Nevada. * an appeal to help flood victims * the Thames flood barrier * The river is in flood (= has more water in it than normal and has caused a flood).\nsee also FLASH FLOOD\n  large number\n  2  [C] ~ (of sth) a very large number of things or people that appear at the same time:\na flood of complaints * a flood of refugees * The child was in floods of tears (= crying a lot).\n  in bible\n  3  (the Flood) [sing.] the great flood that covered the world in the Bible story:\nbefore the Flood (= a very long time ago)\n    verb\n  fill with water\n  1  if a place floods or sth floods it, it becomes filled or covered with water:\n[V] The cellar floods whenever it rains heavily. * [VN] If the pipe bursts it could flood the whole house.\n  of river\n  2  to become so full that it spreads out onto the land around it:\n[V] When the Ganges floods, it causes considerable damage. * [VN] The river flooded the valley.\n  large numbers\n  3  [V] ~ in / into / out of sth to arrive or go somewhere in large numbers:\nRefugees continue to flood into neighbouring countries. * Telephone calls came flooding in from all over the country.\n  4  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth with sth to send sth somewhere in large numbers:\nThe office was flooded with applications for the job. * We’ve been flooded with complaints.\n  5  [VN] ~ sth (with sth) to become or make sth become available in a place in large numbers:\nCheap imported goods are flooding the market. * A man who planned to flood Britain with cocaine was jailed for 15 years.\n  of feeling / thought\n  6  to affect sb suddenly and strongly: [V, +adv./prep.] A great sense of relief flooded over him. * Memories of her childhood came flooding back. * [VN] The words flooded him with self-pity.\n  of light / colour\n  7  to spread suddenly into sth; to cover sth: [V, +adv./prep.] She drew the curtains and the sunlight flooded in. * [VN] She looked away as the colour flooded her cheeks. * The room was flooded with evening light.\n  engine\n  8  [V, VN] if an engine floods or if you flood it, it becomes so full of petrol/gas that it will not start\n    flooded adjective:\nflooded fields\n    flooding noun [U]:\nThere will be heavy rain with flooding in some areas.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flood sb<->out [usually passive] to force sb to leave their home because of a flood


Words: flood plain
Meaning:
noun\nan area of flat land beside a river that regularly becomes flooded when there is too much water in the river


Words: flood tide
Meaning:
noun\na very high rise in the level of the sea that happens at particular times of the year\ncompare HIGH TIDE


Words: floodgate
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a gate that can be opened or closed to control the flow of water on a river: (figurative) If the case is successful, it may open the floodgates to more damages claims against the industry (= start sth that will be difficult to stop).


Words: floodlight
Meaning:
noun, verb \n \n    noun [usually pl.] a large powerful lamp, used for lighting sports grounds, theatre stages and the outside of buildings:\na match played under floodlights\n \n    floodlighting noun [U]:\nThe floodlighting had been turned off.\n    verb (floodlit, floodlit ) [VN] [usually passive] to light a place or a building using floodlights:\nThe swimming pool is floodlit in the evenings. * floodlit tennis courts * They floodlight the aqueduct each night.


Words: floor
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  of room\n \n  1  [C, usually sing.] the surface of a room that you walk on:\na wooden / concrete / marble floor * ceramic floor tiles * The body was lying on the kitchen floor. * The furniture and floor coverings date from the 1920s. * The alterations should give us extra floor space. -> EARTH\n \n  of vehicle\n \n  2  (AmE also floorboard) [C, usually sing.] the bottom surface of a vehicle:\nThe floor of the car was covered in cigarette ends.\n \n  level of building\n \n  3  [C] all the rooms that are on the same level of a building:\nHer office is on the second floor. * the Irish guy who lives two floors above * There is a lift to all floors. * Their house is on three floors (= it has three floors).\nsee also GROUND FLOOR -> STOREY\n  of the sea / forests\n  4  [C, usually sing.] the ground at the bottom of the sea, a forest, etc:\nthe ocean / valley / cave / forest floor\n  in parliament\n  5  (the floor) [sing.] the part of a building where discussions or debates are held, especially in a parliament; the people who attend a discussion or debate:\nOpposition politicians registered their protest on the floor of the House. * We will now take any questions from the floor.\n  area for work\n  6  [C, usually sing.] an area in a building that is used for a particular activity:\non the floor of the Stock Exchange (= where trading takes place)\nsee also DANCE FLOOR, FACTORY FLOOR, SHOP FLOOR\n  for wages / prices\n  7  [C, usually sing.] the lowest level allowed for wages or prices:\nPrices have gone through the floor (= fallen to a very low level).\ncompare CEILING (2)\n IDIOMS \n  get / be given / have the floor to get/be given/have the right to speak during a discussion or debate\n  hold the floor to speak during a discussion or debate, especially for a long time so that nobody else is able to say anything:\nShe held the floor for over an hour.\n  take (to) the floor to start dancing on a DANCE FLOOR:\nCouples took the floor for the last dance of the evening.\nmore at GROUND FLOOR, WIPE v.\n    verb [VN]\n  surprise / confuse\n  1  to surprise or confuse sb so that they are not sure what to say or do:\nHis reply completely floored me.\n  hit\n  2  [usually passive] to make sb fall down by hitting them, especially in a sport:\nHe was floored by the first punch.\n  building / room\n  3  [usually passive] to provide a building or room with a floor\n______________________________\n BRITISH / AMERICAN \nfloor\nIn BrE the floor of a building at street level is the ground floor, the one above it is the first floor and the one below it is the basement, or lower ground floor in a public building.\nIn AmE the floor at street level is usually called the first floor, the one above it is the second floor and the one below it is the basement. In public buildings the floor at street level can also be called the ground floor.\n-> note at STOREY\n______________________________


Words: floor plan
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a drawing of the shape of a room or building, as seen from above, showing the position of the furniture, etc.


Words: floorboard
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a long flat piece of wood in a wooden floor:\nbare / polished floorboards * The money was hidden under the floorboards.\n  2  [usually sing.] (AmE) = FLOOR (2):\na car floorboard * He had his foot to the floorboard (= was going very fast).


Words: flooring
Meaning:
noun\n[U] material used to make the floor of a room:\nvinyl / wooden flooring * kitchen / bathroom flooring


Words: floozie
Meaning:
(also floozy)  noun\n(plural floozies) (old-fashioned, informal) (disapproving) a woman who has sexual relationships with many different men


Words: flop
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-pp-) [V] \n  1  ~ into / on sth | ~ (down / back) to sit or lie down in a heavy and sudden way because you are very tired:\nExhausted, he flopped down into a chair.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] to fall, move or hang in a heavy or awkward way, without control:\nHer hair flopped over her eyes. * The young man flopped back, unconscious. * The fish were flopping around in the bottom of the boat.\n  3  (informal) to be a complete failure:\nThe play flopped on Broadway. * England flopped in the European Championship.\n    noun a film/movie, play, party, etc. that is not successful:\na box-office flop * The share sale has been a flop with investors.\nsee also BELLYFLOP


Words: floppy
Meaning:
adjective\n(floppier, floppiest) hanging or falling loosely; not hard and stiff:\na floppy hat * Hugh Grant and his floppy fringe * the puppy’s floppy ears


Words: floppy disk
Meaning:
(also floppy plural floppies) (also diskette) noun\na flat disk inside a plastic cover, that is used to store data in the form that a computer can read, and that can be removed from the computer\ncompare HARD DISK


Words: flora
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) the plants of a particular area, type of environment or period of time:\nalpine flora * rare species of flora and fauna (= plants and animals)


Words: floral
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  consisting of pictures of flowers; decorated with pictures of flowers:\nwallpaper with a floral design / pattern * a floral dress\n  2  made of flowers:\na floral arrangement / display * Floral tributes were sent to the church. * a beautiful floral scent


Words: floret
Meaning:
noun\na flower part of some vegetables, for example BROCCOLI and CAULIFLOWER. Each vegetable has several florets coming from one main stem.


Words: florid
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  (of a person’s face) red:\na florid complexion\n  2  (usually disapproving) having too much decoration or detail:\nflorid language * a florid style of painting\n    floridly adverb


Words: florist
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a person who owns or works in a shop/store that sells flowers and plants\n \n  2  (florist’s) (plural florists) a shop/store that sells flowers and plants:\nI’ve ordered some flowers from the florist’s.


Words: floss
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  = DENTAL FLOSS\n  2  thin silk thread\nsee also CANDYFLOSS\n    verb [V, VN] to clean between your teeth with DENTAL FLOSS


Words: flotation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also float) [C, U] (business) the process of selling shares in a company to the public for the first time in order to raise money:\nplans for (a) flotation on the stock exchange * a stock-market flotation\n  2  [U] the act of floating on or in water:\na flotation tank (= where people float in the dark as a way of relaxing)


Words: flotsam
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  parts of boats, pieces of wood or rubbish/garbage, etc. that are found floating on the sea or along the shore; any kind of rubbish/garbage:\nThe beaches are wide and filled with interesting flotsam and jetsam.\ncompare JETSAM\n  2  people who have no home or job and who move from place to place, often rejected by society:\nthe human flotsam of inner cities


Words: flounce
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] (written) to move somewhere in a way that draws attention to yourself, for example because you are angry or upset:\nShe flounced out of the room.\n    noun\n  1  a strip of fabric that is sewn around the edge of a skirt, dress, curtain, etc:\nlittle girls dressed in frills and flounces\n  2  (written) a quick and exaggerated movement that you make when you are angry or want people to notice you:\nShe left the room with a flounce.\n    flounced adjective:\na flounced skirt


Words: flounder
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to struggle to know what to say or do or how to continue with sth:\n[V] His abrupt change of subject left her floundering helplessly. [also V speech]\n  2  [V] to have a lot of problems and to be in danger of failing completely:\nAt that time the industry was floundering. * The new democracy there continues to flounder.\n  3  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to struggle to move or get somewhere in water, mud, etc:\nShe was floundering around in the deep end of the swimming pool. * A man came floundering through the snow towards us.\n    noun (plural flounder or flounders) a small flat sea fish that is used for food


Words: flour
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n [U] a fine white or brown powder made from grain, especially wheat, and used in cooking for making bread, cakes, etc.\nsee also PLAIN FLOUR, SELF-RAISING FLOUR\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to cover sth with a layer of flour:\nRoll the dough on a lightly floured surface.


Words: flourish
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] to develop quickly and be successful or common\nSYN THRIVE:\nFew businesses are flourishing in the present economic climate. * The arts began to flourish at that time. * There was a flourishing black market.\n  2  [V] to grow well; to be healthy and happy \nSYN THRIVE:\nThese plants flourish in a damp climate. * (especially BrE) I’m glad to hear you’re all flourishing.\n  3  [VN] (written) to wave sth around in a way that makes people look at it:\nHe rushed into the room flourishing the newspaper.\n    noun\n  1  [usually sing.] an exaggerated movement that you make when you want sb to notice you:\nHe opened the door for her with a flourish.\n  2  [usually sing.] an impressive act or way of doing sth:\nThe season ended with a flourish for Owen, when he scored in the final minute of the match.\n  3  details and decoration that are used in speech or writing:\na speech full of rhetorical flourishes * His writing is plain and direct, with no stylistic flourishes.\n  4  a curved line, that is used as decoration, especially in writing:\nHer signature was a complicated affair of practised flourishes.\n  5  [usually sing.] a loud short piece of music, that is usually played to announce an important person or event:\na flourish of trumpets


Words: floury
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  covered with flour:\nfloury hands\n  2  like flour; tasting of flour:\na floury texture\n  3  (of potatoes) soft and light when they are cooked


Words: flout
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to show that you have no respect for a law, etc. by openly not obeying it\nSYN DEFY:\nMotorists regularly flout the law. * to flout authority / convention


Words: flow
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, usually sing, U]\n  continuous movement\n  1  ~ (of sth/sb) the steady and continuous movement of sth in one direction:\nShe tried to stop the flow of blood from the wound. * an endless flow of refugees into the country * to improve traffic flow (= make it move faster) * to control the direction of flow * a steady flow of traffic through the city * air / gas / energy flow * the flow of an electric current\n  production / supply\n  2  ~ (of sth) the continuous production or supply of sth:\nthe flow of goods and services to remote areas * to encourage the free flow of information * data flow\nsee also CASH FLOW\n  of speech / writing\n  3  continuous talk by sb:\nYou’ve interrupted my flow-I can’t remember what I was saying. * As usual, Tom was in full flow.\n  4  ~ of sth the way that words and ideas are linked together in speech or writing:\nToo many examples can interrupt the smooth flow of the text. * I found it hard to follow the flow of the argument.\n  of the sea\n  5  the movement of the sea towards the land:\nthe ebb and flow of the tide\n IDIOMS \n  go with the flow (informal) to be relaxed and not worry about what you should do\nmore at EBB n.\n    verb [V]\n  move continuously\n  1  ~ (back / down, etc.) | ~ (into, through, etc. sth) (of liquid, gas or electricity) to move steadily and continuously in one direction:\nIt’s here that the river flows down into the ocean. * Blood flowed from a cut on her head. * This can prevent air from flowing freely to the lungs. * the electric currents flowing through the cables * She lost control and the tears began to flow.\n  2  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] (of people or things) to move or pass continuously from one place or person to another, especially in large numbers or amounts:\nconstant streams of traffic flowed past. * Election results flowed in throughout the night. * They examined the way in which information flowed between the firm’s 300 employees.\n  of ideas / conversation\n  3  to develop or be produced in an easy and natural way:\nConversation flowed freely throughout the meal. * We hope that the debate on this issue will continue to flow.\n  be available easily\n  4  to be available easily and in large amounts:\nIt was obvious that money flowed freely in their family. * The party got better as the drink began to flow.\n  of feeling\n  5  [+adv./prep.] to be felt strongly by sb:\nFear and excitement suddenly flowed over me. * He envied the affection that flowed between the boy and the old man.\n  of clothes / hair\n  6  ~ (down / over sth) to hang loosely and freely:\nHer hair flowed down over her shoulders. * long flowing skirts\n  of the sea\n  7  (of the TIDE in the sea / ocean) to come in towards the land\nOPP EBB v.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flow from sth (formal) to come or result from sth:\nThese changes flowed from the reorganization of the company.


Words: flow chart
Meaning:
(also flow diagram) noun\na diagram that shows the connections between the different stages of a process or parts of a system:\na flow chart showing what happens to the product between manufacture and final delivery


Words: flower
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  the coloured part of a plant from which the seed or fruit develops. Flowers usually grow at the end of a stem and last only a short time:\nThe plant has a beautiful bright red flower. * The roses are in flower early this year. * The crocuses are late coming into flower.\n \n  2  a plant grown for the beauty of its flowers:\na garden full of flowers * a flower garden / show\n \n  3  a flower with its stem that has been picked as a decoration:\nI picked some flowers. * a bunch of flowers * a flower arrangement\nsee also BOUQUET\n IDIOMS \n  the flower of sth (literary) the finest or best part of sth:\nThey were cut down in the flower of their youth.\n    verb [V] \n  1  (of a plant or tree) to produce flowers\nSYN BLOOM:\nThis particular variety flowers in July. * early-flowering spring bulbs\n  2  (literary) to develop and become successful\nSYN BLOSSOM


Words: flower bed
Meaning:
noun\na piece of ground in a garden/yard or park where flowers are grown:\na garden with beautifully kept flower beds


Words: flower power
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the culture connected with young people of the 1960s and early 1970s who believed in love and peace and were against war


Words: flowering
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the time when a plant has flowers:\nPlant bulbs in September for spring flowering.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] ~ of sth the time when sth, especially a period of new ideas in art, music, science, etc., reaches its most complete and successful stage of development:\nthe flowering of Viennese intellectual life * the flowering of democracy


Words: flowery
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  covered with flowers or decorated with pictures of flowers:\nflowery meadows * flowery wallpaper\n  2  smelling or tasting of flowers:\nflowery perfume * a flowery sparkling wine\n  3  (usually disapproving) (of speech or writing) too complicated; not expressed in a clear and simple way:\nflowery language / prose


Words: flu
Meaning:
(often the flu) (also formal influenza) noun\n[U] an infectious disease like a very bad cold, that causes fever, pains and weakness:\nThe whole family has the flu. * (BrE) She’s got flu.


Words: flub
Meaning:
verb\n(-bb-) (AmE) to do sth badly or make a mistake\nSYN FLUFF, BUNGLE:\n[VN] She flubbed the first line of the song. [also V]\n    flub noun


Words: fluctuate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (between A and B) to change frequently in size, amount, quality, etc., especially from one extreme to another:\nfluctuating prices * During the crisis, oil prices fluctuated between $20 and $40 a barrel. * Temperatures can fluctuate by as much as 10 degrees. * The documentary follows the fluctuating fortunes of one marketing company. * My weight fluctuated wildly depending on how much I ate. * My mood seems to fluctuate from day to day. * The rate of inflation has been fluctuating around 4% for some time.\n    fluctuation  of sth):\nwild fluctuations in interest rates


Words: flue
Meaning:
noun\na pipe or tube that takes smoke, gas or hot air away from a fire, a HEATER or an oven:\na blocked chimney flue


Words: fluency
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] the quality of being able to speak or write a language, especially a foreign language, easily and well:\nFluency in French and Spanish is required for this job. * to achieve / acquire / develop greater fluency * to build up a fluency in written and spoken English


Words: fluent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (in sth) able to speak, read or write a language, especially a foreign language, easily and well:\nShe’s fluent in Polish. * a fluent speaker / reader * ’Can he speak German?’ ’Yes, he’s fluent.’\n  2  (of a language, especially a foreign language) expressed easily and well:\nHe speaks fluent Italian.\n  3  (of an action) done in a smooth and skilful way:\nfluent handwriting * fluent movements\n    fluently adverb:\nShe speaks German fluently. * a child just beginning to read fluently


Words: fluff
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  (BrE) (also lint AmE, BrE) small pieces of wool, cotton, etc. that gather on clothes and other surfaces:\nThis sweater is covered in fluff.\n  2  soft animal fur or bird feathers, that is found especially on young animals or birds:\nThe baby birds were still covered in fluff.\n  3  (informal, especially AmE) entertainment that is not serious and is not considered to have great value\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (informal) to do sth badly or to fail at sth\nSYN BUNGLE:\nHe completely fluffed an easy shot (= in sport). * Most actors fluff their lines occasionally.\n  2  ~ sth (out / up) to shake or brush sth so that it looks larger and/or softer:\nThe female sat on the eggs, fluffing out her feathers. * Let me fluff up your pillows for you.


Words: fluffy
Meaning:
adjective (fluffier, fluffiest)\n  1  like fluff; covered in fluff:\na little fluffy kitten\n  2  (of food) soft, light and containing air:\nBeat the butter and sugar until soft and fluffy.\n  3  looking as if it is soft and light:\nfluffy white clouds


Words: fluid
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [C, U] a liquid; a substance that can flow:\nbody fluids (= for example, blood) * The doctor told him to drink plenty of fluids. * cleaning fluid\n    adjective\n  1  (formal) (of movements, designs, music, etc.) smooth, graceful and flowing:\na loose, fluid style of dancing * fluid guitar playing * the fluid lines of the drawing\n  2  (formal) (of a situation) likely to change; not fixed:\na fluid political situation * a fluid relationship between managers and staff * the growth of a socially fluid urban society\n  3  (technical) that can flow freely, as gases and liquids do:\na fluid consistency


Words: fluid ounce
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation fl oz) a unit for measuring liquids. There are 20 fluid ounces in a British PINT and 16 in an American pint.


Words: fluidity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (formal) the quality of being smooth and graceful:\nShe danced with great fluidity of movement.\n  2  (formal) the quality of being likely to change:\nthe fluidity of human behaviour * social fluidity\n  3  (technical) the quality of being able to flow freely, as gases and liquids do


Words: fluke
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (informal) a lucky or unusual thing that happens by accident, not because of planning or skill:\nThey are determined to show that their last win was no fluke. * It was a sheer fluke that no one was hurt in the bomb blast. * a fluke goal\n    fluky (also flukey)  adjective


Words: flume
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a narrow channel made to carry water for use in industry\n  2  a water CHUTE (= a tube for sliding down) at an amusement park or a swimming pool:\nHeated to 29ｰ the pool has flume rides and a wave machine.


Words: flummox
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (informal) to confuse sb so that they do not know what to say or do:\nI was flummoxed by her question.\n    flummoxed adjective


Words: flunk
Meaning:
verb (informal, especially AmE)\n  1  to fail an exam, a test or a course:\n[VN] I flunked math in second grade. [also V]\n  2  [VN] to make sb fail an exam, a test, or a course by giving them a low mark/grade:\nShe’s flunked 13 of the 18 students.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flunk out (of sth) (AmE, informal) to have to leave a school or a college because your marks/grades are not good enough:\nHe flunked out of college after four semesters.


Words: flunkey
Meaning:
(also flunky)  noun (plural flunkeys or flunkies)\n  1  (disapproving) a person who tries to please sb who is important and powerful by doing small jobs for them:\nThe minister arrived, surrounded by the usual subservient flunkeys.\n  2  (old-fashioned) a servant in uniform:\na team of hired flunkeys


Words: fluorescent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of substances) producing bright light by using some forms of RADIATION:\na fluorescent lamp (= one that uses such a substance) * fluorescent lighting\n  2  (of a colour, material, etc.) appearing very bright when light shines on it; that can be seen in the dark:\nfluorescent armbands worn by cyclists\ncompare PHOSPHORESCENT\n    fluorescence noun [U]


Words: fluoride
Meaning:
noun\na chemical compound of fluorine that protects teeth from decay and is often added to TOOTHPASTE and sometimes to drinking water


Words: flurried
Meaning:
adjective\nnervous and confused; especially because there is too much to do:\nShe hoped he wouldn’t notice her pink cheeks and flurried manner.


Words: flurry
Meaning:
noun (plural flurries)\n  1  [usually sing.] an occasion when there is a lot of activity, interest, excitement, etc. within a short period of time:\na sudden flurry of activity * Her arrival caused a flurry of excitement. * A flurry of shots rang out in the darkness.\n  2  a small amount of snow, rain, etc. that falls for a short time and then stops:\nsnow flurries * flurries of snow\n  3  a sudden short movement of paper or fabric, especially clothes:\nThe ladies departed in a flurry of silks and satins.


Words: flush
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb\n  1  (of a person or their face) to become red, especially because you are embarrassed, excited or hot:\n[V] She flushed with anger. * [V-ADJ] Sam felt her cheeks flush red. [also VN]\n  2  [V, VN] when a toilet flushes or you flush it, water passes through it to clean it, after a handle, etc. has been pressed\n  3  [VN] ~ sth out (with sth) | ~ sth through sth to clean sth by causing water to pass through it:\nFlush the pipe out with clean water. * Flush clean water through the pipe.\n  4  [VN +adv./prep.] to get rid of sth with a sudden flow of water:\nThey flushed the drugs down the toilet. * Drinking lots of water will help to flush toxins out of the body. * Gallons of toxic waste were flushed into the sea.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  flush sb/sth out (of sth) | flush sb/sth<->out to force a person or an animal to leave the place where they are hiding\n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] a red colour that appears on your face or body because you are embarrassed, excited or hot:\nA pink flush spread over his cheeks.\nsee also HOT FLUSH\n  2  [C, usually sing.] a sudden strong feeling; the hot feeling on your face or body caused by this:\na flush of anger / embarrassment / enthusiasm / guilt\n  3  [sing.] the act of cleaning a toilet with a sudden flow of water:\nGive the toilet a flush.\n  4  [C] (in card games) a set of cards that a player has that are all of the same SUIT:\na royal flush (= the five highest cards of a SUIT)\n IDIOMS \n  (in) the first flush of sth (written) (at) a time when sth is new, exciting and strong:\nin the first flush of youth / enthusiasm / romance\n    adjective [not before noun]\n  1  (informal) having a lot of money, usually for a short time:\nI’m flush this week-I’ll pay. * flush with cash / funds / money\n  2  ~ with sth (of two surfaces) completely level with each other:\nMake sure the paving stones are flush with the lawn.


Words: flushed
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person) red; with a red face:\nflushed cheeks * You look flushed-have you been running? * Her face was flushed with anger. * (figurative) He was flushed with success (= very excited and pleased) after his first novel was published.


Words: fluster
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] [often passive] to make sb nervous and/or confused, especially by giving them a lot to do or by making them hurry:\nDon’t fluster me or I’ll never be ready. * He was flustered by all the attention.\n    flustered adjective:\nShe arrived late, looking hot and flustered.\n    noun [sing.] (BrE) a state of being nervous and confused:\nto be in a terrible fluster


Words: flute
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a musical instrument of the WOODWIND group, shaped like a thin pipe. The player holds it sideways and blows across a hole at one end.\n \n  2  champagne ~ a tall narrow glass used for drinking CHAMPAGNE


Words: fluted
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of a round object) with a pattern of curves cut around the outside:\nfluted columns\n    fluting noun [U]


Words: flutter
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to move lightly and quickly; to make sth move in this way:\n[V] Flags fluttered in the breeze. * Her eyelids fluttered but did not open. * [VN] He fluttered his hands around wildly. * She fluttered her eyelashes at him (= tried to attract him in order to persuade him to do sth).\n  2  [V, VN] when a bird or an insect flutters its wings, or its wings flutter, the wings move lightly and quickly up and down\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] (of a bird or an insect) to fly somewhere moving the wings quickly and lightly:\nThe butterfly fluttered from flower to flower.\n  4  [V] (of your heart, etc.) to beat very quickly and not regularly:\nI could feel a fluttering pulse. * (figurative) The sound of his voice in the hall made her heart flutter. * (figurative) He felt his stomach flutter (= he felt nervous) when they called his name.\n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] a quick, light movement:\nthe flutter of wings * with a flutter of her long, dark eyelashes * (figurative) to feel a flutter of panic in your stomach\n  2  [C, usually sing.] ~ (on sth) (BrE, informal) a small bet:\nto have a flutter on the horses\n  3  [sing.] a state of nervous or confused excitement:\nHer sudden arrival caused quite a flutter. * to be in a flutter / to be all of a flutter\n  4  [C] a very fast, unsteady HEARTBEAT:\nHer heart gave a flutter when she saw him.\n  5  [U] (technical) the rapid changing of PITCH or volume of recorded sound


Words: flux
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] continuous movement and change:\nOur society is in a state of flux.\n  2  [C, usually sing, U] (technical) a flow; an act of flowing:\na flux of neutrons * magnetic flux


Words: fly
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (flies, flying, flew )\n HELP NOTE  In sense 15 flied is used for the past tense and past participle.\n  of bird / insect\n  1  [V] to move through the air, using wings:\nA stork flew slowly past. * A wasp had flown in through the window.\n  aircraft / spacecraft\n  2  [V] (of an aircraft or a spacecraft) to move through air or space:\nThey were on a plane flying from London to New York. * to fly at the speed of sound * Lufthansa fly to La Paz from Frankfurt.\n  3  [V] to travel in an aircraft or a spacecraft:\nI’m flying to Hong Kong tomorrow. * Is this the first time that you’ve flown? * I always fly business class. * We’re flying KLM.\n  4  to control an aircraft, etc. in the air:\n[VN] a pilot trained to fly large passenger planes * children flying kites * [V] He’s learning to fly.\n  5  [VN +adv./prep.] to transport goods or passengers in a plane:\nThe stranded tourists were finally flown home. * He had flowers specially flown in for the ceremony.\n  6  [VN] to travel over an ocean or area of land in an aircraft:\nto fly the Atlantic\n  move quickly / suddenly\n  7  [V]   [often +adv./prep.] to go or move quickly:\nThe train was flying along. * She gasped and her hand flew to her mouth. * It’s late-I must fly.\n  8  [usually +adv./prep.] to move suddenly and with force:\n[V] A large stone came flying in through the window. * Several people were hit by flying glass. * [V-ADJ] David gave the door a kick and it flew open.\n  of time\n  9  [V] ~ (by / past) to seem to pass very quickly:\nDoesn’t time fly? * Summer has just flown by.\n  flag\n  10  if a flag flies, or if you fly it, it is displayed, for example on a long pole:\n[VN] to fly the Union Jack / Stars and Stripes * [V] Flags were flying at half mast on all public buildings.\n  move freely\n  11  [V] to move around freely:\nhair flying in the wind\n  of stories / rumours\n  12  [V] to be talked about by many people\n  escape\n  13  (written) to escape from sb/sth:\n[VN] Both suspects have flown the country. [also V] \ncompare FLEE\n  of plan\n  14  [V] (AmE) to be successful:\nIt remains to be seen whether his project will fly.\n  in baseball\n  15  (flies, flying, flied, flied) [VN] to hit a ball high into the air\n IDIOMS \n  fly the coop (informal, especially AmE) to escape from a place\n  fly high to be successful:\nBritish cinema has been flying high recently, winning several coveted awards.\n  fly in the face of sth (written) to oppose or be the opposite of sth that is usual or expected:\nSuch a proposal is flying in the face of common sense.\n  fly into a rage, temper, etc. to become suddenly very angry\n  (go) fly a / your kite (AmE, informal) used to tell sb to go away and stop annoying you or interfering\n  fly the nest\n1 (of a young bird) to become able to fly and leave its nest\n2 (informal) (of sb’s child) to leave home and live somewhere else\n  fly off the handle (informal) to suddenly become very angry:\nHe seems to fly off the handle about the slightest thing these days.\n  go flying (BrE, informal) to fall, especially as a result of not seeing sth under your feet:\nSomeone’s going to go flying if you don’t pick up these toys.\n  let fly (at sb/sth) (with sth) to attack sb by hitting them or speaking angrily to them:\nHe let fly at me with his fist. * She let fly with a stream of abuse.\nmore at BIRD, CROW n., FLAG n., PIG n., SEAT n., TANGENT, WINDOW\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fly at sb (of a person or an animal) to attack sb suddenly:\nHe flew at me without warning.\n    noun\n (plural flies)\n \n  insect\n \n  1  [C] a small flying insect with two wings. There are many different types of fly:\nA fly was buzzing against the window. * Flies rose in thick black swarms.\n \n  in fishing\n \n  2  [C] a fly or sth made to look like a fly, that is put on a hook and used as BAIT to catch fish:\nfly fishing\n \n  on trousers / pants\n  3  [sing.] (BrE also flies [pl.]) an opening down the front of a pair of trousers/pants that fastens with a ZIP or buttons and is usually covered over by a strip of material:\nYour fly is undone! * Your flies are undone!\n  on tent\n  4  [C] a piece of fabric that covers the entrance to a tent\nsee also FLIES\n IDIOMS \n  die / fall / drop like flies to die or fall down in very large numbers:\nPeople were dropping like flies in the intense heat.\n  a / the fly in the ointment a person or thing that spoils a situation or an occasion that is satisfactory in all other ways\n  a fly on the wall a person who watches others without being noticed:\nI’d love to be a fly on the wall when he tells her the news. * fly-on-the-wall documentaries (= in which people are filmed going about their normal lives as if the camera were not there)\n  (there are) no flies on sb (informal) the person mentioned is clever and not easily tricked\n  not harm / hurt a fly to be kind and gentle and unwilling to cause unhappiness\n  on the fly (informal) if you do sth on the fly, you do it quickly while sth else is happening, and without thinking about it very much


Words: fly-by
Meaning:
noun (plural fly-bys)\n  1  the flight of a spacecraft near a planet to record data\n  2  (AmE) = FLY-PAST


Words: fly-by-night
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of a person or business) dishonest and only interested in making money quickly\n    fly-by-night noun


Words: fly-fishing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the sport of fishing in a river or lake using an artificial fly to attract and catch the fish


Words: fly-past
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE fly-by, flyover) noun\na special flight by a group of aircraft, for people to watch at an important ceremony


Words: flyer
Meaning:
(also flier)  noun\n  1  (informal) a person who flies an aircraft (usually a small one, not a passenger plane)\n  2  a person who travels in a plane as a passenger:\nfrequent flyers\n  3  a person who operates sth such as a model aircraft or a KITE from the ground\n  4  a thing, especially a bird or an insect, that flies in a particular way:\nButterflies can be strong flyers.\n  5  a small sheet of paper that advertises a product or an event and is given to a large number of people:\nto hand out flyers for a new club\n  6  (informal) a person, an animal or a vehicle that moves very quickly:\nFord’s flashy new flyer\n  7  = FLYING START\nsee also HIGH-FLYER


Words: flying
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] able to fly:\nflying insects\n IDIOMS \n  with flying colours very well; with a very high mark/grade:\nShe passed the exam with flying colours.\n    noun [U] travelling in an aircraft:\nI’m terrified of flying.


Words: flying buttress
Meaning:
noun\n(architecture) a half arch of brick or stone that supports the outside wall of a large building such as a church


Words: flying doctor
Meaning:
noun\n(especially in Australia) a doctor who travels in an aircraft to visit patients who live far from a town


Words: flying fish
Meaning:
noun\na tropical sea fish that can rise and move forwards above the surface of the water, using its FINS (= flat parts that stick out from its body) as wings


Words: flying picket
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a worker on strike who can go quickly to other factories, etc. to help persuade the workers there to join the strike


Words: flying saucer
Meaning:
noun\na round spacecraft that some people claim to have seen and that some people believe comes from another planet\ncompare UFO


Words: flying squad
Meaning:
noun\n(usually the Flying Squad) a group of police officers in Britain who are ready to travel very quickly to the scene of a serious crime


Words: flying start
Meaning:
(also less frequent flyer) noun\n[sing.] a very fast start to a race, competition, etc.\n IDIOMS \n  get off to a flying start | get off to a flyer to make a very good start; to begin sth well:\nShe’s got off to a flying start in her new career.


Words: flyover
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (BrE) (AmE overpass) a bridge that carries one road over another one\n \n  2  (AmE) = FLY-PAST


Words: flyweight
Meaning:
noun\na boxer, WRESTLER, etc. of the lightest class, usually weighing between 48 and 51 kilograms:\na flyweight champion


Words: flywheel
Meaning:
noun\na heavy wheel in a machine or an engine that helps to keep it working smoothly and at a steady speed


Words: FM abbreviation
Meaning:
1   frequency modulation (a method of broadcasting high-quality sound by radio):\nRadio 1 FM\n  2  (in writing) Field Marshall


Words: foal
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a very young horse or DONKEY\n IDIOMS \n  in foal (of a female horse) pregnant\n    verb [V] to give birth to a foal


Words: foam
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (also foam rubber) [U] a soft light rubber material, full of small holes, that is used for seats, MATTRESSES, etc:\na foam mattress * foam packaging\n \n  2  [U] a mass of very small air bubbles on the surface of a liquid:\na glass of beer with a good head of foam * The breaking waves left the beach covered with foam.\n \n  3  [U, C] a chemical substance that forms or produces a soft mass of very small bubbles, used for washing, shaving, or putting out fires, for example:\nshaving foam * a bottle of bath foam * The fire extinguisher directs foam onto the fire.\n    verb [V] (of a liquid) to have or produce a mass of small bubbles\nSYN FROTH:\nShe looked down at the foaming white water. * The toothpaste foamed in his mouth. * tankards of foaming beer\n IDIOMS \n  foam at the mouth\n1 (especially of an animal) to have a mass of small bubbles in and around its mouth, especially because it is ill or angry\n2 (informal) (of a person) to be very angry


Words: foamy
Meaning:
adjective\nconsisting of or producing a mass of small bubbles; like foam:\nfoamy beer / shampoo * foamy clouds


Words: fob
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-bb-)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fob sb<->off (with sth)\n1 to try to stop sb asking questions or complaining by telling them sth that is not true:\nDon’t let him fob you off with any more excuses. * She wouldn’t be fobbed off this time.\n2 to give sb sth that is not what they want or is of worse quality than they want:\nHe was unaware that he was being fobbed off with out-of-date stock.\n    noun\n  1  a short chain that is attached to a watch that is carried in a pocket\n  2  (also fob watch) a watch that is attached to a fob\n  3  a small ornament that is attached to a KEY RING, etc.


Words: focal point
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a thing or a person that is the centre of interest or activity:\nIn rural areas, the school is often the focal point for the local community. * He quickly became the focal point for those who disagreed with government policy.\n  2  (technical) = FOCUS


Words: focus
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-s- or -ss-)\n  1  ~ (sth) (on / upon sb/sth) to give attention, effort, etc. to one particular subject, situation or person rather than another:\n[V] The discussion focused on three main problems. * Each exercise focuses on a different grammar point. * [VN] The visit helped to focus world attention on the plight of the refugees.\n  2  ~ (sth) (on sb/sth) (of your eyes, a camera, etc.) to adapt or be adjusted so that things can be seen clearly; to adjust sth so that you can see things clearly:\n[V] Let your eyes focus on objects that are further away from you. * It took a few moments for her eyes to focus in the dark. * In this scene, the camera focuses on the actor’s face. * [VN] He focused his blue eyes on her. * I quickly focused the camera on the children.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (on sth) (technical) to aim rays of light onto a particular point using a LENS\n    noun\n (plural focuses or foci )\n \n  1  [U, C, usually sing.] ~ (for / on sth) the thing or person that people are most interested in; the act of paying special attention to sth and making people interested in it:\nIt was the main focus of attention at the meeting. * His comments provided a focus for debate. * In today’s lecture the focus will be on tax structures within the European Union. * The incident brought the problem of violence in schools into sharp focus. * We shall maintain our focus on the needs of the customer. * What we need now is a change of focus (= to look at things in a different way).\n \n  2  (also focal point) a point or distance at which the outline of an object is clearly seen by the eye or through a LENS:\nThe children’s faces are badly out of focus (= not clearly shown) in the photograph. * The binoculars were not in focus (= were not showing things clearly).\n \n  3  (also focal point) [C] (physics) a point at which rays or waves of light, sound, etc. meet after REFLECTION or REFRACTION; the point from which rays or waves of light, sound, etc. seem to come\n \n  4  [C] (geology) the point at which an earthquake starts to happen


Words: focus group
Meaning:
noun\na small group of people, specially chosen to represent different social classes, etc., who are asked to discuss and give their opinions about a particular subject. The information obtained is used by people doing MARKET RESEARCH, for example about new products or for a political party.


Words: focused
Meaning:
(also focussed)  adjective\nwith your attention directed to what you want to do; with very clear aims:\nfocused ambitions * a more focused approach / outlook * She should do well in her studies this year-she’s very focused.


Words: fodder
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  food for horses and farm animals\n  2  (disapproving) (often after a noun) people or things that are considered to have only one use:\nWithout education, these children will end up as factory fodder (= only able to work in a factory). * This story will be more fodder for the gossip columnists. * He regarded lists of rules, regulations and procedures as dustbin fodder (= only fit to be thrown away).\nsee also CANNON FODDER


Words: foetal
Meaning:
(BrE) (also fetal AmE, BrE)  adjective\n[only before noun] connected with a foetus; typical of a foetus:\nfoetal abnormalities / heartbeats * She lay curled up in a foetal position.


Words: foetus
Meaning:
(BrE) (also fetus AmE, BrE)  noun\na young human or animal before it is born, especially a human more than eight weeks after FERTILIZATION


Words: fog
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, C]\n  1  a thick cloud of very small drops of water in the air close to the land or sea, that is very difficult to see through:\nDense / thick fog is affecting roads in the north and visibility is poor. * freezing fog * Patches of fog will clear by mid-morning. * We get heavy fogs on this coast in winter. * The town was covered in a thick blanket of fog.\ncompare MIST\n  2  a state of confusion, in which things are not clear:\nHe went through the day with his mind in a fog.\n    verb (-gg-)\n  1  [V, VN] ~ (sth) (up) if a glass surface fogs or is fogged up, it becomes covered in steam or small drops of water so that you cannot see through\n  2  [VN] to make sb/sth confused or less clear:\nI tried to clear the confusion that was fogging my brain. * The government was trying to fog the real issues before the election.


Words: fog lamp
Meaning:
(BrE) (also fog light AmE, BrE) noun\na very bright light on the front or back of a car to help the driver to see or be seen in FOG


Words: fogbound
Meaning:
adjective\nunable to operate because of fog; unable to travel or to leave a place because of fog:\na fogbound airport * fogbound passengers * She spent hours fogbound in Brussels.


Words: fogey
Meaning:
(also fogy)  noun\n(plural fogeys or fogies) a person with old-fashioned ideas that he or she is unwilling to change:\nHe sounds like such an old fogey! * She was showing old fogey potential at a frighteningly young age.


Words: foggy
Meaning:
adjective\n(foggier, foggiest) not clear because of FOG:\nfoggy conditions * a foggy road\n IDIOMS \n  not have the foggiest (idea) (informal) to not know anything at all about sth:\n’Do you know where she is?’ ’Sorry, I haven’t the foggiest.’


Words: foghorn
Meaning:
noun\nan instrument that makes a loud noise to warn ships of danger in FOG:\nHe’s got a voice like a foghorn (= a loud unpleasant voice).


Words: foible
Meaning:
noun\na silly habit or a strange or weak aspect of a person’s character, that is considered harmless by other people:\nWe have to tolerate each other’s little foibles.


Words: foil
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (BrE also silver foil)\n  1  [U] metal made into very thin sheets that is used for covering or wrapping things, especially food: (BrE) aluminium foil * (AmE) aluminum foil * Cover the fish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.\nsee also TINFOIL\n  2  [U] paper that is covered in very thin sheets of metal:\nThe chocolates are individually wrapped in gold and silver foil.\n  3  [C] ~ (for sb/sth) a person or thing that contrasts with, and therefore emphasizes, the qualities of another person or thing:\nThe pale walls provide a perfect foil for the brightly coloured furniture. * His mellow guitar technique is the ideal foil for her soaring voice.\n  4  [C] a long thin light SWORD used in the sport of FENCING\n    verb [VN] [often passive] (written) to stop sth from happening, especially sth illegal; to prevent sb from doing sth\nSYN THWART:\nto foil a plan / crime / plot * Customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle priceless paintings out of the country. * They were foiled in their attempt to smuggle priceless paintings.


Words: foist
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  foist sb/sth on / upon sb to force sb to accept sb/sth that they do not want:\nThe title for her novel was foisted on her by the publishers. * When I was young my parents often foisted me upon a reluctant aunt for the weekend.


Words: fold
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n\n \n  1  [VN] ~ sth (up) | ~ sth (back, down, over, etc.) to bend sth, especially paper or fabric, so that one part lies on top of another part:\nHe folded the map up and put it in his pocket. * First, fold the paper in half / in two. * The blankets had been folded down. * a pile of neatly folded clothes * The bird folded its wings.\nOPP UNFOLD\nsee also FOLD-UP\n \n  2  ~ (sth)(away / down) to bend sth so that it becomes smaller or flatter and can be stored or carried more easily; to bend or be able to bend in this way:\n[VN] The bed can be folded away during the day. * [V] The table folds up when not in use. * (figurative) When she heard the news, her legs just folded under her (= she fell). * [V-ADJ] The ironing board folds flat for easy storage.\n \n  3  [VN] ~ A in B | ~ B round / over A to wrap sth around sb/sth:\nShe gently folded the baby in a blanket. * She folded a blanket around the baby.\n  4  [V] (of a company, a play, etc.) to close because it is not successful:\nThe new musical folded after only twenty performances.\n IDIOMS \n  fold sb in your arms (literary) to put your arms around sb and hold them against your body\n  fold your arms to put one of your arms over the other one and hold them against your body:\nHe stood watching her with his arms folded across his chest.\n  fold your hands to bring or hold your hands together:\nShe kept her hands folded in her lap.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fold sth<->in | fold sth into sth (in cooking) to add one substance to another and gently mix them together:\nFold in the beaten egg whites.\n    noun\n  1  [C] a part of sth, especially fabric, that is folded or hangs as if it had been folded:\nthe folds of her dress * loose folds of skin\n  2  [C] a mark or line made by folding sth, or showing where sth should be folded:\nWhy is the place I want to find always on the fold of the map?\n  3  [C] an area in a field surrounded by a fence or wall where sheep are kept for safety\n  4  (the fold) [sing.] a group of people with whom you feel you belong or who share the same ideas or beliefs:\nHe called on former Republican voters to return to the fold. * She was determined to draw Matthew back into the family fold.\n  5  [C] (geology) a curve or bend in the line of the layers of rock in the earth’s CRUST\n  6  [C] (BrE) a hollow place among hills or mountains


Words: fold-up
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of an object) that can be made smaller by closing or folding so that it takes up less space


Words: folder
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a cardboard or plastic cover for holding loose papers, etc.\n  2  (in some computer systems) a way of organizing and storing computer files


Words: folding
Meaning:
(also less frequent foldaway) adjective\n[only before noun] (of a piece of furniture, a bicycle, etc.) that can be folded, so that it can be carried or stored in a small space:\na folding chair * a foldaway bed


Words: folic acid
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a VITAMIN found in green vegetables, LIVER and KIDNEY, needed by the body for the production of red blood cells


Words: folio
Meaning:
noun (plural folios)\n  1  a book made with large sheets of paper, especially as used in early printing:\na folio edition\n  2  (technical) a single sheet of paper from a book


Words: folk
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  (also folks especially in AmE) [pl.] (informal) people in general:\nordinary working-class folk * I’d like a job working with old folk or kids. * the folks back home (= from the place where you come from)\n  2  (folks) [pl.] (informal) a friendly way of addressing more than one person:\nWell, folks, what are we going to do today?\n  3  (folks) [pl.] (informal, especially AmE) the members of your family, especially your parents:\nHow are your folks?\n  4  [pl.] people from a particular country or region, or who have a particular way of life:\ncountry folk * townsfolk * farming folk\n  5  (also folk music) [U] music in the traditional style of a country or community:\na folk festival / concert\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of art, culture, etc.) traditional and typical of the ordinary people of a country or community:\nfolk art * a folk museum\n  2  based on the beliefs of ordinary people:\nfolk wisdom * Garlic is widely used in Chinese folk medicine.


Words: folk song
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a song in the traditional style of a country or community\n  2  a type of song that became popular in the US in the 1960s, played on a guitar and often about political topics


Words: folk tale
Meaning:
noun\na very old traditional story from a particular place that was originally passed on to people in a spoken form


Words: folklore
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the traditions and stories of a country or community:\nIrish / Indian folklore * The story rapidly became part of family folklore.


Words: folksy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (especially AmE) simple, friendly and informal:\nThey wanted the store to have a folksy small-town image.\n  2  (sometimes disapproving) done or made in a traditional style that is typical of simple customs in the past:\na folksy ballad


Words: follow
Meaning:
verb\n  go after\n  1  to come or go after or behind sb/sth:\n[VN] He followed her into the house. * Follow me please. I’ll show you the way. * I think we’re being followed. * (figurative) She followed her mother into the medical profession. * [V] Wherever she led, they followed. * Sam walked in, with the rest of the boys following closely behind.\n  happen / do after\n  2  to come after sth/sb else in time or order; to happen as a result of sth else:\n[VN] The first two classes are followed by a break of ten minutes. * I remember little of the days that followed the accident. * A period of unrest followed the president’s resignation. * [V] A detailed news report will follow shortly. * There followed a short silence. * The opening hours are as follows ... * A new proposal followed on from the discussions.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (up) with sth to do sth after sth else:\nFollow your treatment with plenty of rest. * They follow up their March show with four UK dates next month.\n  be result\n  4  ~ (from sth) (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be the logical result of sth:\n[V] I don’t see how that follows from what you’ve just said. * [V that] If a = b and b = c it follows that a = c.\n  of part of meal\n  5  to come or be eaten after another part:\n[VN] The main course was followed by fresh fruit.\n HELP NOTE  This pattern is usually used in the passive. [V] (spoken) I’ll have soup and fish to follow.\n  road / path\n  6  [VN] to go along a road, path, etc:\nFollow this road until you get to the school, then turn left.\n  7  [VN] (of a road, path, etc.) to go in the same direction as sth or parallel to sth:\nThe lane follows the edge of a wood for about a mile.\n  advice / instructions\n  8  [VN] to accept advice, instructions, etc. and do what you have been told or shown to do:\nto follow a diet / recipe * He has trouble following simple instructions. * Why didn’t you follow my advice?\n  copy\n  9  [VN] to accept sb/sth as a guide, a leader or an example; to copy sb/sth:\nThey followed the teachings of Buddha. * He always followed the latest fashions (= dressed in fashionable clothes). * I don’t want you to follow my example and rush into marriage. * The movie follows the book faithfully.\n  understand\n  10  to understand an explanation or the meaning of sth: [V, VN] Sorry, I don’t follow. * Sorry, I don’t follow you. * [VN] The plot is almost impossible to follow.\n  watch / listen\n  11  [VN] to watch or listen to sb/sth very carefully:\nThe children were following every word of the story intently. * Her eyes followed him everywhere (= she was looking at him all the time).\n  be interested in\n  12  [VN] to take an active interest in sth and be aware of what is happening:\nHave you been following the basketball championships? * Millions of people followed the trial on TV.\n  of book / movie\n  13  [VN] to be concerned with the life or development of sb/sth:\nThe novel follows the fortunes of a village community in Scotland.\n  pattern / course\n  14  [VN] to develop or happen in a particular way:\nThe day followed the usual pattern.\n IDIOMS \n  follow in sb’s footsteps to do the same job, have the same style of life, etc. as sb else, especially sb in your family:\nShe works in television, following in her father’s footsteps.\n  follow your nose\n1 to be guided by your sense of smell\n2 to go straight forward:\nThe garage is a mile ahead up the hill-just follow your nose.\n3 to act according to what seems right or reasonable, rather than following any particular rules\n  follow suit\n1 (in card games) to play a card of the same SUIT that has just been played\n2 to act or behave in the way that sb else has just done\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  follow sb around / about to keep going with sb wherever they go:\nWill you stop following me around!\n  follow on to go somewhere after sb else has gone there:\nYou go to the beach with the kids and I’ll follow on when I’ve finished work.\n  follow through (in tennis, golf, etc.) to complete a stroke by continuing to move the club, RACKET, etc. after hitting the ball\nrelated noun FOLLOW-THROUGH (1)\n  follow through (with sth) | follow sth<->through to finish sth that you have started\nrelated noun FOLLOW-THROUGH (2)\n  follow sth<->up\n1 to add to sth that you have just done by doing sth else:\nYou should follow up your phone call with an e-mail or a letter.\n2 to find out more about sth that sb has told you or suggested to you\nSYN INVESTIGATE:\nThe police are following up several leads after their TV appeal for information.\nrelated noun FOLLOW-UP


Words: follow-through
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in tennis, golf, etc.) the final part of a stroke after the ball has been hit\n  2  the actions that sb takes in order to complete a plan:\nThe project could fail if there is inadequate follow-through.


Words: follow-up
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] an action or a thing that continues sth that has already started or comes after sth similar that was done earlier:\nThe book is a follow-up to her excellent television series. * Despite the success of his last album, there are as yet no plans for any follow-ups.\n    follow-up adjective [only before noun]:\na follow-up study * follow-up treatment at the local hospital


Words: follower
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who supports and admires a particular person or set of ideas:\nthe followers of Mahatma Gandhi\n  2  a person who is very interested in a particular activity and follows all the recent news about it:\nkeen followers of football * a follower of fashion\n  3  a person who does things after sb else has done them first:\nShe is a leader, not a follower.


Words: following
Meaning:
adjective, noun, preposition \n    adjective (the following ...)\n  1  next in time:\nthe following afternoon / month / year / week * They arrived on Monday evening and we got there the following day.\n  2  that are going to be mentioned next:\nAnswer the following questions.\n IDIOMS \n  a following wind a wind blowing in the same direction as a ship or other vehicle that helps it move faster:\nWith a generous following wind, we sped across the lake.\n    noun\n  1  [usually sing.] a group of supporters:\nThe band has a huge following in Spain and Italy.\n  2  (the following) (used with either a singular or a plural verb, depending on whether you are talking about one thing or person or several things or people) the thing or things that you will mention next; the person or people that you will mention next:\nThe following is a brief summary of events. * The following have been chosen to take part: Watts, Hodges and Lennox.\n    preposition after or as a result of a particular event:\nHe took charge of the family business following his father’s death.


Words: folly
Meaning:
noun (plural follies)\n  1  [U, C] ~ (to do sth) a lack of good judgement; the fact of doing sth stupid; an activity or idea that shows a lack of judgement:\nan act of sheer folly * the follies of youth * Giving up a secure job seems to be the height of folly. * It would be folly to turn the offer down. * His idealism had been soured by the varied spectacle of human folly.\n  2  [C] (BrE) a building that has no practical purpose but was built in the past as an ornament, often in the garden of a large country house


Words: foment
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to create trouble or violence or make it worse\nSYN INCITE:\nThey accused him of fomenting political unrest.


Words: fond
Meaning:
adjective (fonder, fondest)\n  1  ~ of sb feeling affection for sb, especially sb you have known for a long time:\nOver the years, I have grown quite fond of her. * I’ve always been very fond of your mother.\n  2  ~ of (doing) sth finding sth pleasant or enjoyable, especially sth you have liked or enjoyed for a long time:\nfond of music / cooking / going to parties * We had grown fond of the house and didn’t want to leave.\n  3  ~ of (doing) sth liking to do sth which other people find annoying or unpleasant, and doing it often:\nSheila’s very fond of telling other people what to do. * He’s rather too fond of the sound of his own voice (= he talks too much).\n  4  [only before noun] kind and loving\nSYN AFFECTIONATE:\na fond look / embrace / farewell * I have very fond memories of my time in Spain (= I remember it with affection and pleasure).\n  5  [only before noun] (~ hope) a hope about sth that is not likely to happen:\nI waited all day in the fond hope that she would change her mind.\n    fondness noun [U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth):\nHe will be remembered by the staff with great fondness. * a fondness for animals * It was her father’s fondness for drink that brought about the break-up of her parents’ marriage.


Words: fondant
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a thick sweet soft mixture made from sugar and water, used especially to cover cakes:\nfondant icing\n  2  [C] a soft sweet/candy that melts in the mouth, made of fondant


Words: fondle
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to touch and move your hand gently over sb/sth, especially in a sexual way, or in order to show love\nSYN CARESS


Words: fondly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that shows great affection:\nHe looked at her fondly. * I fondly remember my first job as a reporter.\n  2  in a hopeful way that is silly or unreasonable:\nI fondly imagined that you cared for me.


Words: fondue
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  a Swiss dish of melted cheese and wine into which pieces of bread are DIPPED\n  2  a dish of hot oil into which small pieces of meat, vegetables, etc. are DIPPED


Words: font
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a large stone bowl in a church that holds water for the ceremony of BAPTISM:\nthe baptismal font\n  2  (technical) the particular size and style of a set of letters that are used in printing, etc.


Words: food
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] things that people or animals eat:\na shortage of food / food shortages * food and drink * the food industry\n \n  2  [C, U] a particular type of food:\nDo you like Italian food? * frozen foods * a can of dog food (= for a dog to eat) * He’s off his food (= he does not want to eat anything).\nsee also CONVENIENCE FOOD, FAST FOOD, HEALTH FOOD, JUNK FOOD, SEAFOOD, SOUL FOOD, WHOLEFOOD\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  food for thought an idea that makes you think seriously and carefully:\nThe programme certainly provides plenty of food for thought.


Words: food chain
Meaning:
noun\n(usually the food chain) a series of living creatures in which each type of creature feeds on the one below it in the series:\nInsects are fairly low down (on) the food chain. * Pesticides work their way up the food chain from plants, through insects and birds to humans.


Words: food stamp
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) a piece of paper that is given by the government to poor people, for them to buy food with


Words: fool
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C] a person who you think behaves or speaks in a way that lacks intelligence or good judgement\nSYN IDIOT:\nDon’t be such a fool! * I felt a fool when I realized my mistake. * He told me he was an actor and I was fool enough to believe him.\n  2  [C] (in the past) a man employed by a king or queen to entertain people by telling jokes, singing songs, etc.\nSYN JESTER\n  3  [U, C] (BrE) (usually in compounds) a cold light DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from fruit that is cooked and crushed and mixed with cream or CUSTARD:\nrhubarb fool\n IDIOMS \n  act / play the fool to behave in a stupid way in order to make people laugh, especially in a way that may also annoy them:\nQuit playing the fool and get some work done!\n  any fool can / could ... (spoken) used to say that sth is very easy to do:\nAny fool could tell she was lying.\n  be no / nobody’s fool to be too intelligent or know too much about sth to be tricked by other people:\nShe’s nobody’s fool when it comes to dealing with difficult patients.\n  make a fool of sb to say or do sth deliberately so that people will think that sb is stupid:\nCan’t you see she’s making a fool of you? * I will not be made a fool of like this.\n  make a fool of yourself to do sth stupid which makes other people think that you are a fool:\nI made a complete fool of myself in front of everyone!\n  more fool sb (for doing sth) (spoken) used to say that you think that sb was stupid to do sth, especially when it causes them problems:\n’He’s not an easy person to live with.’ ’More fool her for marrying him!’ * ’I know I shouldn’t have given him the money, but I did.’ ’More fool you!’\nmore at SUFFER\n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sb (into doing sth) to trick sb into believing sth that is not true:\nShe certainly had me fooled-I really believed her! * You don’t fool me! * You’re fooling yourself if you think none of this will affect you. * Don’t be fooled into thinking they’re going to change anything.\n  2  [V] ~ (about / around) (with sth) to say or do stupid or silly things, often in order to make people laugh:\nStop fooling around and sit down! * If you fool about with matches, you’ll end up getting burned.\n IDIOMS \n  you could have fooled me (spoken) used to say that you do not believe sth that sb has just told you:\n’I’m trying as hard as I can!’ ’You could have fooled me!’\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fool around\n1 (BrE also fool about) to waste time instead of doing sth that you should be doing\n2 ~ (with sb) to have a sexual relationship with another person’s partner; to have a sexual relationship with sb who is not your partner:\nShe’s been fooling around with a married man.\n    adjective [only before noun] (informal) stupid; FOOLISH:\nThat was a damn fool thing to do! * That fool husband of mine locked us out of the house.


Words: fool’s errand
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a task that has no hope of being successfully carried out:\nHe sent me on a fool’s errand.


Words: fool’s paradise
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a state of happiness that is based on sth that is false or cannot last although the happy person does not realize it:\nAnyone who thinks there’s an easy solution to the problem is living in a fool’s paradise.


Words: foolhardy
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) taking unnecessary risks:\nIt would be foolhardy to sail in weather like this.\n    foolhardiness noun [U]:\nThere’s no excuse for such foolhardiness-you could have been killed. * He showed his usual disregard for danger-an attitude his friends called bravery and his enemies foolhardiness.


Words: foolish
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of actions or behaviour) not showing good sense or judgement\nSYN SILLY:\nShe’s just a vain, foolish woman. * I was foolish enough to believe what Jeff told me. * The accident was my fault-it would be foolish to pretend otherwise. * How could she have been so foolish as to fall in love with him? * a foolish idea / dream / mistake * It was a very foolish thing to do.\n  2  [not usually before noun] made to feel or look silly and embarrassed:\nI felt foolish and a failure. * He’s afraid of looking foolish in front of his friends.\n    foolishly adverb:\nWe foolishly thought that everyone would speak English. * Foolishly, I allowed myself to be persuaded to enter the contest.\n    foolishness noun [U]:\nJenny had to laugh at her own foolishness.


Words: foolproof
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a plan, machine, method, etc.) very well designed and easy to use so that it cannot fail and you cannot use it wrongly:\nThis recipe is foolproof-it’s perfect every time. * No system can ever be completely foolproof.


Words: foot
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (plural feet )\n \n  part of body\n \n  1  [C] the lowest part of the leg, below the ankle, on which a person or an animal stands:\nMy feet are aching. * to get / rise to your feet (= stand up) * I’ve been on my feet (= standing or walking around) all day. * We came on foot (= we walked). * Come on lads-on your feet and do some work! * walking around the house in bare feet (= not wearing shoes or socks) * Daniel was shifting anxiously from foot to foot. * a foot brake / pump (= operated using your foot, not your hand) * a foot passenger (= one who travels on a ferry without a car) * a foot soldier (= one without a vehicle or horse)\nsee also ATHLETE’S FOOT, BAREFOOT, CLUB FOOT, UNDERFOOT\n \n  -footed\n \n  2  (in adjectives and adverbs) having or using the type or number of foot/feet mentioned:\nbare-footed * four-footed * a left-footed shot into the corner\nsee also FLAT-FOOTED, SURE-FOOTED\n  part of sock\n  3  [C, usually sing.] the part of a sock, STOCKING, etc. that covers the foot\n  base / bottom\n  4  [sing.] the ~ of sth the lowest part of sth; the base or bottom of sth:\nthe foot of the stairs / page / mountain * The nurse hung a chart at the foot of the bed (= the part of the bed where your feet normally are when you are lying in it).\n  measurement\n  5  (plural feet or foot) (abbreviation ft) a unit for measuring length equal to 12 INCHES or 30.48 CENTIMETRES:\na 6-foot high wall * We’re flying at 35 000 feet. * ’How tall are you?’ ’Five foot nine’ (= five feet and nine inches).\n  -footer\n  6  (in compound nouns) a person or thing that is a particular number of feet tall or long:\nHis boat is an eighteen-footer. * Both my brothers are six-footers.\n  in poetry\n  7  [sing.] (technical) a unit of rhythm in a line of poetry containing one stressed syllable and one or more syllables without stress. Each of the four divisions in the following line is a foot:\nFor men / may come / and men / may go.\n IDIOMS \n  be rushed / run off your feet to be extremely busy; to have too many things to do:\nWeekdays are slow in the restaurant, but at weekends the staff are rushed off their feet.\n  fall / land on your feet to be lucky in finding yourself in a good situation, or in getting out of a difficult situation:\nYou landed on your feet, getting such a well-paid job with so little experience. * Jim’s always getting himself in trouble, but he usually seems to fall on his feet.\n  get / have a / your foot in the door to manage to enter an organization, a field of business, etc. that could bring you success:\nI always wanted to work in TV but it took me two years to get a foot in the door.\n  get / start off on the right / wrong foot (with sb) (informal) to start a relationship well/badly:\nI seem to have got off on the wrong foot with the new boss.\n  have feet of clay to have a fault or weakness in your character:\nWhen the actor was imprisoned for drug offences, his fans were upset to find that their hero had feet of clay.\n  have / keep your feet on the ground to have a sensible and realistic attitude to life:\nIn spite of his overnight stardom he still manages to keep his feet on the ground.\n  have / keep a foot in both camps to be involved in or connected with two different or opposing groups\n  have one foot in the grave (informal) to be so old or ill that you are not likely to live much longer\n  ...my foot! (informal, humorous) a strong way of saying that you disagree completely with what has just been said:\n’Ian can’t come because he’s tired.’ ’Tired my foot! Lazy more like!’\n  on your feet completely well or in a normal state again after an illness or a time of trouble:\nSue’s back on her feet again after her operation. * The new chairman hopes to get the company back on its feet within six months.\n  put your best foot forward to make a great effort to do sth, especially if it is difficult or you are feeling tired\n  put your feet up to sit down and relax, especially with your feet raised and supported:\nAfter a hard day’s work, it’s nice to get home and put your feet up.\n  put your foot down\n1 to be very strict in opposing what sb wishes to do:\nYou’ve got to put your foot down and make him stop seeing her.\n2 (BrE) to drive faster:\nShe put her foot down and roared past them.\n  put your foot in it (BrE) (also put your foot in your mouth AmE, BrE) to say or do sth that upsets, offends or embarrasses sb:\nI really put my foot in it with Ella-I didn’t know she’d split up with Tom.\n  put a foot wrong (usually used in negative sentences) to make a mistake:\nIn the last two games he has hardly put a foot wrong.\n  set foot in / on sth to enter or visit a place:\nthe first man to set foot on the moon * I vowed never to set foot in the place again.\n  set sb/sth on their / its feet to make sb/sth independent or successful:\nHis business sense helped set the club on its feet again.\n  stand on your own (two) feet to be independent and able to take care of yourself:\nWhen his parents died he had to learn to stand on his own two feet.\n  under your feet in the way; stopping you from working, etc:\nI don’t want you kids under my feet while I’m cooking.\nmore at BOOT n., COLD adj., DRAG v., FIND v., GRASS n., GROUND n., HAND n., HEAD n., ITCHY, LEFT adj., PATTER n., PULL v., SHOE n., SHOOT v., SIT, STOCKING, SWEEP v., THINK v., VOTE v., WAIT v., WALK v., WEIGHT n., WORLD\n    verb\n IDIOMS \n  foot the bill (informal) to be responsible for paying the cost of sth:\nOnce again it will be the taxpayer who has to foot the bill. * Who will be footing the bill for the party?


Words: foot-and-mouth disease
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a disease that cows, sheep, etc. can die from, which causes sore places on the mouth and feet


Words: footage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] part of a film showing a particular event:\nold film footage of the moon landing * People see live footage of the war at home on their televisions.


Words: football
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] (also formal Association Football) (both BrE) (also soccer AmE, BrE) (also BrE informal footy, footie) [U] a game played by two teams of 11 players, using a round ball which players kick up and down the playing field (= the PITCH). Teams try to kick the ball into the other team’s goal:\nto play football * a football match / team / stadium\n \n  2  [U] (AmE) = AMERICAN FOOTBALL\n \n  3  [C] a large round or OVAL ball made of leather or plastic and filled with air\n \n  4  [C] (always used with an adjective) an issue or problem that frequently causes argument and disagreement:\nHealth care should not become a political football.


Words: football boot
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a leather shoe with pieces of rubber on the bottom to stop it slipping, worn for playing football\ncompare CLEATS


Words: football pools
Meaning:
(also the pools) noun\n[pl.] a form of gambling in Britain in which people try to win money by saying what the results of football matches will be:\nThey’ve had a big win on the football pools.


Words: footer
Meaning:
noun\na line or block of text that is automatically added to the bottom of every page that is printed from a computer:\nThe footer gives the page number of the document.\ncompare HEADER


Words: footfall
Meaning:
noun\n(literary) the sound of the steps made by sb walking:\nHe heard her familiar, light footfall in the hall.


Words: foothill
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a hill or low mountain at the base of a higher mountain or range of mountains:\nthe foothills of the Himalayas


Words: foothold
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a crack, hole or branch where your foot can be safely supported when climbing:\nShe edged forward feeling for a foothold.\n  2  [usually sing.] a strong position in a business, profession, etc. from which sb can make progress and achieve success:\nThe company is eager to gain a foothold in Europe. * With this upcoming deal we hope to establish a permanent foothold in the US market.


Words: footing
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  the position of your feet when they are safely on the ground or some other surface:\nShe lost her footing (= she slipped or lost her balance) and fell backwards into the water. * I slipped and struggled to regain my footing.\n  2  the basis on which sth is established or organized:\nThe company is now on a sound financial footing. * The country has been on a war footing (= prepared for war) since March.\n  3  the position or status of sb/sth in relation to others; the relationship between two or more people or groups:\nThe two groups must meet on an equal footing. * They were demanding to be treated on the same footing as the rest of the teachers.


Words: footling
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) not important and likely to make you annoyed:\nfootling questions / matters * Time after time they came with the same footling complaints.


Words: footloose
Meaning:
adjective\nfree to go where you like or do what you want because you have no responsibilities:\nBert was a footloose, unemployed actor. * Ah, I was still footloose and fancy-free (= free to enjoy myself) in those days.


Words: footman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural footmen ) a male servant in a house in the past, who opened the door to visitors, served food at table, etc.


Words: footnote
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an extra piece of information that is printed at the bottom of a page in a book\n  2  (of an event or a person) that may be remembered but only as sth/sb that is not important:\nThe incident seems destined to become a mere footnote in history.


Words: footprint
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a mark left on a surface by a person’s foot or shoe or by an animal’s foot:\nfootprints in the sand * muddy footprints on the kitchen floor * He could identify any animal from its footprints.


Words: footsie
Meaning:
noun\n(informal)\n IDIOMS \n  play footsie with sb to touch sb’s feet lightly with your own feet, especially under a table, as an expression of affection or sexual interest


Words: footsore
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) having sore or tired feet, especially after walking a long way:\nThey limped in, weary and footsore. * I arrived at dusk, hungry and footsore after walking all day.


Words: footstep
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] the sound or mark made each time your foot touches the ground when you are walking or running:\nthe sound of footsteps on the stairs * footsteps in the snow\n IDIOMS  see FOLLOW


Words: footwear
Meaning:
noun\n[U] anything that people wear on their feet, for example shoes and boots:\nBe sure to wear the correct footwear to prevent injuries to your feet.


Words: footwork
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the way in which a person moves their feet when playing a sport or dancing\n  2  the ability to react quickly and skilfully to a difficult situation:\nIt was going to take some deft political footwork to save the situation.


Words: fop
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned) a man who is too interested in his clothes and the way he looks\n    foppish adjective


Words: for
Meaning:
preposition, conjunction \n    preposition\n HELP NOTE  For the special uses of for in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example fall for sb is in the phrasal verb section at fall.\n  1  used to show who is intended to have or use sth or where sth is intended to be put:\nThere’s a letter for you. * It’s a book for children. * We got a new table for the dining room. * This is the place for me (= I like it very much).\n  2  in order to help sb/sth:\nWhat can I do for you (= how can I help you)? * Can you translate this letter for me? * I took her classes for her while she was sick. * soldiers fighting for their country\n  3  concerning sb/sth:\nThey are anxious for her safety. * Fortunately for us, the weather changed.\n  4  as a representative of:\nI am speaking for everyone in this department.\n  5  employed by:\nShe’s working for IBM.\n  6  meaning:\nShaking your head for ’No’ is not universal.\n  7  in support of sb/sth:\nAre you for or against the proposal? * They voted for independence in a referendum. * There’s a strong case for postponing the exam. * I’m all for people having fun. * ’What does Naomi think about the move?’ ’She’s all for it.’\ncompare AGAINST (2)\n  8  used to show purpose or function:\na machine for slicing bread * Let’s go for a walk. * Are you learning English for pleasure or for your work? * What did you do that for (= Why did you do that)?\n  9  used to show a reason or cause:\nThe town is famous for its cathedral. * She gave me a watch for my birthday. * He got an award for bravery. * I couldn’t speak for laughing. * He didn’t answer for fear of hurting her.\n  10  in order to obtain sth:\nHe came to me for advice. * For more information, call this number. * There were over fifty applicants for the job.\n  11  in exchange for sth:\nCopies are available for two dollars each. * I’ll swap these two bottles for that one.\n  12  considering what can be expected from sb/sth:\nThe weather was warm for the time of year. * She’s tall for her age. * He’s not bad for a beginner. * That’s too much responsibility for a child.\n  13  better, happier, etc. ~ sth better, happier, etc. following sth:\nYou’ll feel better for a good night’s sleep. * This room would look more cheerful for a spot of paint.\n  14  used to show where sb/sth is going:\nIs this the bus for Chicago? * She knew she was destined for a great future.\n  15  used to show a length of time:\nI’m going away for a few days. * That’s all the news there is for now.\n  16  used to show that sth is arranged or intended to happen at a particular time:\nan appointment for May 12 * We’re invited for 7.30.\n  17  used to show the occasion when sth happens:\nI’m warning you for the last time-stop talking!\n  18  used to show a distance:\nThe road went on for miles and miles.\n  19  used to say how difficult, necessary, pleasant, etc. sth is that sb might do or has done:\nIt’s useless for us to continue. * There’s no need for you to go. * For her to have survived such an ordeal was remarkable. * The box is too heavy for me to lift. * Is it clear enough for you to read?\n  20  used to show who can or should do sth:\nIt’s not for me to say why he left. * How to spend the money is for you to decide.\n IDIOMS \n  be in for it (BrE also be for it) (informal) to be going to get into trouble or be punished:\nWe’d better hurry or we’ll be in for it.\n  for all\n1 in spite of:\nFor all its clarity of style, the book is not easy reading.\n2 used to say that sth is not important or of no interest or value to you/sb:\nFor all I know she’s still living in Boston. * You can do what you like, for all I care. * For all the good it’s done we might as well not have bothered.\n  there’s / that’s ...for you (often ironic) used to say that sth is a typical example of its kind:\nShe might at least have called to explain. There’s gratitude for you.\n    conjunction (old-fashioned or literary) used to introduce the reason for sth mentioned in the previous statement:\nWe listened eagerly, for he brought news of our families. * I believed her-for surely she would not lie to me.


Words: forage
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] ~ (for sth) (written)\n  1  (especially of an animal) to search for food:\nThe female only leaves the young when she forages for food.\n  2  (of a person) to search for sth, especially using the hands:\nHer assistant was foraging in a cupboard for some envelopes.\n    noun [U] food for horses and cows:\nforage crops / grass


Words: foray
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (into sth) an attempt to become involved in a different activity or profession:\nthe company’s first foray into the computer market\n  2  ~ (into sth) a short sudden attack made by a group of soldiers:\nThose on the front line make regular forays into occupied territory.\n  3  ~ (to / into ...) a short journey to find a particular thing or to visit a new place:\nweekend shopping forays to France * the perfect venue for a foray into the Dales or a trip across the North York Moors


Words: forbear
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  from doing sth) (formal) to stop yourself from saying or doing sth that you could or would like to say or do:\n[V] He wanted to answer back, but he forbore from doing so. * [V to inf] She forbore to ask any further questions.\n    noun = FOREBEAR


Words: forbearance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the quality of being patient and sympathetic towards other people, especially when they have done sth wrong:\nThe mortgage company had acted with forebearance, only taking them to court as a last resort.


Words: forbearing
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) showing forbearance:\nThank you for being so forbearing. * a gentle and forbearing nature


Words: forbid
Meaning:
1  ~ sb (from doing sth) to order sb not to do sth; to order that sth must not be done:\n[VN] He forbade them from mentioning the subject again. * Her father forbade the marriage. * [VN to inf] You are all forbidden to leave. * [VNN] My doctor has forbidden me sugar. [also VN -ing, V -ing]\n  2  (formal) to make it difficult or impossible to do sth:\n[VN] Lack of space forbids further treatment of the topic here. [also VN to inf]\n IDIOMS \n  God / Heaven forbid (that ...) (spoken) used to say that you hope that sth will not happen:\n’Maybe you’ll end up as a lawyer, like me.’ ’God forbid!’\n HELP NOTE  Some people find this use offensive.


Words: forbidden
Meaning:
adjective\nnot allowed:\nPhotography is strictly forbidden in the museum. * The conversation was in danger of wandering into forbidden territory (= topics that they were not allowed to talk about).\n IDIOMS \n  forbidden fruit a thing that is not allowed and that therefore seems very attractive


Words: forbidding
Meaning:
adjective\nseeming unfriendly and frightening and likely to cause harm or danger:\na forbidding appearance / look / manner * The house looked dark and forbidding.\n    forbiddingly adverb:\na forbiddingly elegant restaurant


Words: force
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  violent action\n  1  [U] violent physical action used to obtain or achieve sth:\nThe release of the hostages could not be achieved without the use of force. * The rioters were taken away by force. * The ultimatum contained the threat of military force. * We will achieve much more by persuasion than by brute force. * plans to seize power by force of arms (= by military force)\n  physical strength\n  2  [U] the physical strength of sth that is shown as it hits sth else:\nthe force of the blow / explosion / collision * The shopping centre took the full force of the blast. * She hits the ball with amazing force for someone so small. -> STRENGTH\n  strong effect\n  3  [U] the strong effect or influence of sth:\nThey realized the force of her argument. * He controlled himself by sheer force of will. * She spoke with force and deliberation.\n  sb / sth with power\n  4  [C] a person or thing that has a lot of power or influence:\neconomic / market forces * the forces of good / evil * Ron is the driving force (= the person who has the most influence) behind the project. * She’s a force to be reckoned with (= a person who has a lot of power and influence and should therefore be treated seriously). * The expansion of higher education should be a powerful force for change. * Television has become a major force in American political life. * He was finally defeated by forces beyond his control.\n  authority\n  5  [U] the authority of sth:\nThese guidelines do not have the force of law. * The court ruled that these standards have force in British law. * The culprits must expect to face the full force of the law.\n  group of people\n  6  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who have been organized for a particular purpose:\na member of the sales force * A large proportion of the labour force (= all the people who work in a particular company, area, etc.) is unskilled.\nsee also WORKFORCE\n  military\n  7  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who have been trained to protect other people, usually by using weapons:\na member of the security forces * rebel / government forces * a peace-keeping force\nsee also AIR FORCE, POLICE FORCE, TASK FORCE\n  8  (the forces) [pl.] (BrE) the army, navy and air force:\nallied / defence forces\nsee also THE ARMED FORCES\n  9  (forces) [pl.] the weapons and soldiers that an army, etc. has, considered as things that may be used:\nstrategic nuclear forces.\n  police\n  10  (the force) [sing.] (BrE) the police force:\nHe joined the force twenty years ago.\n  physics\n  11  [C, U] an effect that causes things to move in a particular way:\nThe moon exerts a force on the earth. * the force of gravity * magnetic / centrifugal force\n  of wind\n  12  [C, usually sing.] a unit for measuring the strength of the wind:\na force 9 gale * a gale force wind\nsee also TOUR DE FORCE\n IDIOMS \n  bring sth into force to cause a law, rule, etc. to start being used:\nThey are hoping to bring the new legislation into force before the end of the year.\n  come / enter into force (of a law, rule, etc.) to start being used:\nWhen do the new regulations come into force?\n  force of habit if you do sth from or out of force of habit, you do it automatically and in a particular way because you have always done it that way in the past:\nIt’s force of habit that gets me out of bed at 6.15 each morning.\n  the forces of nature the power of the wind, rain, etc., especially when it causes damage or harm:\nThey were fighting a losing battle against the forces of nature.\n  in force\n1 (of people) in large numbers:\nProtesters turned out in force.\n2 (of a law, rule, etc.) being used:\nThe new regulations are now in force.\n  join / combine forces (with sb) to work together in order to achieve a shared aim:\nThe two firms joined forces to win the contract.\nmore at SPENT\n    verb\n  make sb do sth\n  1  [often passive] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to make sb do sth that they do not want to do\nSYN COMPEL [VN, VN to inf] The President was forced into resigning. * The President was forced to resign. * [VN to inf] I was forced to take a taxi because the last bus had left. * She forced herself to be polite to them. * [VN] He didn’t force me-I wanted to go. * Ill health forced him into early retirement. * (spoken, humorous) ’I shouldn’t really have any more.’ ’Go on-force yourself!’ * Public pressure managed to force a change in the government’s position.\n  use physical strength\n  2  to use physical strength to move sb/sth into a particular position:\n[VN] to force a lock / window / door (= to break it open using force) * He tried to force a copy of his book into my hand. * to force an entry (= to enter a building using force) * She forced her way through the crowd of reporters. * [VN-ADJ] The door had been forced open.\n  make sth happen\n  3  [VN] to make sth happen, especially before other people are ready:\nHe was in a position where he had to force a decision. * Building a new road here will force house prices down.\n  a smile / laugh\n  4  [VN] to make yourself smile, laugh, etc. rather than doing it naturally\n  fruit / plants\n  5  [VN] to make fruit, plants, etc. grow or develop faster than normal by keeping them in special conditions:\nforced rhubarb * (figurative) It is unwise to force a child’s talent.\n IDIOMS \n  force sb’s hand to make sb do sth that they do not want to do or make them do it sooner than they had intended:\nThey decided to strike to force the management’s hand.\n  force the issue to do sth to make people take action on sth quickly\n  force the pace (especially BrE)\n1 to run very fast in a race in order to make the other competitors run faster\n2 to make sb do sth faster than they want to:\nThe demonstrations have succeeded in forcing the pace of change.\nmore at THROAT\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  force sth<->back to make yourself hide an emotion:\nShe swallowed hard and forced back her tears.\n  force sth<->down\n1 to make yourself eat or drink sth that you do not really want:\nShe felt sick but managed to force down a piece of toast.\n2 to make a plane, etc. land, especially by threatening to attack it\n  force sb/sth on / upon sb to make sb accept sth that they do not want:\nto force your attentions / opinions / company on sb\n  force sth out of sb to make sb tell you sth, especially by threatening them:\nI managed to force the truth out of him.\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \nforce n., v.\nforceful adj.\nforced adj. (=/= unforced)\nforcible adj.\nenforce v.\n______________________________


Words: force majeure
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from French, law) unexpected circumstances, such as war, that can be used as an excuse when they prevent sb from doing sth that is written in a contract


Words: force-feed
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to use force to make sb, especially a prisoner, eat or drink, by putting food or drink down their throat


Words: forced
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  happening or done against sb’s WILL (= without the person concerned wanting it):\nforced relocation to a job in another city * a forced sale of his property\n  2  not sincere; not the result of genuine emotions:\nShe said she was enjoying herself but her smile was forced.\nsee also UNFORCED


Words: forced labour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE forced labor) noun [U]\n  1  hard physical work that sb, often a prisoner or slave, is forced to do\n  2  prisoners or slaves who are forced to work:\nThe mines were manned by forced labour from conquered countries.


Words: forced landing
Meaning:
noun\nan act of having to land an aircraft unexpectedly in order to avoid a crash:\nto make a forced landing


Words: forceful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of people) expressing opinions firmly and clearly in a way that persuades other people to believe them\nSYN ASSERTIVE:\na forceful woman / speaker * a forceful character / personality\n  2  (of opinions, etc.) expressed firmly and clearly so that other people believe them:\na forceful argument / speech\n  3  using force:\nthe forceful suppression of minorities\n    forcefully  adverb:\nHe argued his case forcefully.\n    forcefulness noun [U]


Words: forceps
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] an instrument used by doctors, with two long thin parts for picking up and holding things:\na pair of forceps * a forceps delivery (= a birth in which the baby is delivered with the help of forceps)


Words: forcible
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] involving the use of physical force:\nforcible repatriation * The police checked all windows and doors for signs of forcible entry.


Words: forcibly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that involves the use of physical force:\nSupporters were forcibly removed from the court.\n  2  in a way that makes sth very clear:\nIt struck me forcibly how honest he’d been.


Words: ford
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a shallow place in a river where it is possible to drive or walk across\n    verb [VN] to walk or drive across a river or stream


Words: fore
Meaning:
noun, adjective, adverb \n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  be / come to the fore (BrE) (AmE be at the fore) to be/become important and noticed by people; to play an important part:\nShe has always been to the fore at moments of crisis. * The problem has come to the fore again in recent months.\n  bring sth to the fore to make sth become noticed by people\n    adjective [only before noun] (technical) situated at the front of a ship, an aircraft or an animal\ncompare AFT, HIND\n    adverb at or towards the front of a ship or an aircraft\ncompare AFT


Words: fore-
Meaning:
combining form (in nouns and verbs)\n  1  before; in advance:\nforeword * foretell\n  2  in the front of:\nthe foreground of the picture


Words: forebear
Meaning:
(also forbear)  noun\n[usually pl.] (formal or literary) a person who you are descended from, especially one who lived a long time ago\nSYN ANCESTOR


Words: foreboding
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a strong feeling that sth unpleasant or dangerous is going to happen:\nShe had a sense of foreboding that the news would be bad. * The letter filled him with foreboding. * He knew from her face that his forebodings had been justified.\n    foreboding adjective:\na foreboding feeling that something was wrong


Words: forecast
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a statement about what will happen in the future, based on information that is available now:\nsales forecasts * It is difficult to make long-term forecasts for a fast-growing industry. * The forecast said there would be sunny intervals and showers. * The shipping forecast gave warnings of gales.\nsee also WEATHER FORECAST\n    verb (forecast, forecast) or (forecasted, forecasted) to say what you think will happen in the future based on information that you have now\nSYN PREDICT [VN] Experts are forecasting a recovery in the economy. * Snow is forecast for tomorrow. * Temperatures were forecast to reach 40ｰC. * It is difficult to forecast the demand for the new train service. * [V that] The report forecasts that prices will rise by 3% next month. [also V wh-]


Words: forecaster
Meaning:
noun\na person who says what is expected to happen, especially sb whose job is to forecast the weather:\na weather forecaster * an economic forecaster


Words: foreclose
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V, VN] ~ (on sb/sth) (finance) (especially of a bank) to take control of sb’s property because they have not paid back money that they borrowed to buy it\n  2  [VN] (formal) to reject sth as a possibility\nSYN EXCLUDE:\nThe judge’s words effectively foreclosed any possibility of an early release.


Words: forecourt
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a large open space in front of a building, for example a PETROL/GAS STATION or hotel, often used for parking cars on


Words: foredoomed
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth) (formal) that will not be successful, as if fate has decided this from the beginning:\nAny attempt to construct an ideal society is foredoomed to failure.


Words: forefather
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (formal or literary) a person (especially a man) who you are descended from, especially one who lived a long time ago


Words: forefront
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.]\n IDIOMS \n  at / in / to the forefront (of sth) in or into an important or leading position in a particular group or activity:\nWomen have always been at the forefront of the Green movement. * The new product took the company to the forefront of the computer software field. * This latest protest has brought prison conditions to the forefront of public attention. * The court case was constantly in the forefront of my mind (= I thought about it all the time).


Words: foregoing
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun] (written)\n  1  used to refer to sth that has just been mentioned:\nthe foregoing analysis / discussion / example\n  2  (the foregoing) noun [sing.+sing./pl. v.] what has just been mentioned:\nThe foregoing is a description of the proposed plan.


Words: foregone
Meaning:
adjective\n IDIOMS \n  a foregone conclusion if you say that sth is a foregone conclusion, you mean that it is a result that is certain to happen:\nThe outcome of the vote is a foregone conclusion.


Words: foreground
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (the foreground)\n  1  [C, usually sing.] the part of a view, picture, etc. that is nearest to you when you look at it:\nThe figure in the foreground is the artist’s mother.\n  2  [sing.] an important position that is noticed by people:\nInflation and interest rates will be very much in the foreground of their election campaign.\ncompare BACKGROUND\n    verb [VN] (written) to give particular importance to sth:\nThe play foregrounds the relationship between father and daughter.


Words: forehand
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (in tennis, etc.) a way of hitting a ball in which the inner part of the hand (the PALM) faces the ball as it is hit:\nShe has a strong forehand. * a forehand volley * He served to his opponent’s forehand.\ncompare BACKHAND


Words: foreign
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  in or from a country that is not your own:\na foreign accent / language / student * a foreign-owned company * foreign holidays * You could tell she was foreign by the way she dressed.\n  2  [only before noun] dealing with or involving other countries:\nforeign affairs / news / policy / trade * foreign aid * a foreign correspondent (= one who reports on foreign countries in newspapers or on television)\nOPP HOME\n  3  ~ to sb/sth (formal) not typical of sb/sth; not known to sb/sth and therefore seeming strange:\nDishonesty is foreign to his nature.\n  4  ~ object / body (formal) an object that has entered sth by accident and should not be there:\nTears help to protect the eye from potentially harmful foreign bodies.


Words: foreign exchange
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the system of exchanging the money of one country for that of another country; the place where money is exchanged:\nThe pound fell on the foreign exchanges yesterday.\n  2  [U] money that is obtained using this system:\nour largest source of foreign exchange


Words: foreigner
Meaning:
noun (sometimes offensive)\n  1  a person who comes from a different country:\nThe fact that I was a foreigner was a big disadvantage.\n  2  a person who does not belong in a particular place:\nI have always been regarded as a foreigner by the local folk.


Words: forelock
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a piece of hair that grows at the front of the head and hangs down over the forehead\n  2  a part of a horse’s MANE that grows forwards between its ears\n IDIOMS \n  touch / tug your forelock (to sb) (BrE, disapproving) to show too much respect for sb, especially because you are anxious about what they think of you


Words: foreman
Meaning:
1  a worker who is in charge of a group of other factory or building workers\n  2  a person who acts as the leader of a JURY in a court of law


Words: foremost
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective the most important or famous; in a position at the front:\nthe world’s foremost authority on the subject * The Prime Minister was foremost among those who condemned the violence. * This question has been foremost in our minds recently.\n    adverb\n IDIOMS  see FIRST adv.


Words: forename
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a person’s first name rather than the name that they share with the other members of their family (their SURNAME):\nPlease check that your surname and forenames have been correctly entered.


Words: forensic
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  connected with the scientific tests used by the police when trying to solve a crime:\nforensic evidence / medicine / science / tests * the forensic laboratory * a forensic pathologist\n  2  connected with or used in a court of law:\na forensic psychiatrist (= one who examines people who have been accused of a crime)


Words: foreplay
Meaning:
noun\n[U] sexual activity, such as touching the sexual organs and kissing, that takes place before people have sex


Words: forerunner
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of sb/sth) a person or thing that came before and influenced sb/sth else that is similar; a sign of what is going to happen:\nCountry music was undoubtedly one of the forerunners of rock and roll. * He is recognized as the forerunner of all modern-day British Prime Ministers. * An early penalty goal proved the forerunner of a disastrous performance by Scotland.


Words: foresee
Meaning:
verb\n(foresaw ) to think sth is going to happen in the future; to know about sth before it happens\nSYN PREDICT:\n[VN] We do not foresee any problems. * The extent of the damage could not have been foreseen. * [V (that)] No one could have foreseen (that) things would turn out this way. * [V wh-] It is impossible to foresee how life will work out. [also VN -ing] \ncompare UNFORESEEN


Words: foreseeable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you can predict will happen; that can be foreseen:\nforeseeable risks / consequences\nOPP UNFORESEEABLE\n IDIOMS \n  for / in the forseeable future for/in the period of time when you can predict what is going to happen, based on the present circumstances:\nThe statue will remain in the museum for the foreseeable future. * It’s unlikely that the hospital will be closed in the foreseeable future (= soon).


Words: foreshadow
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to be a sign of sth that will happen in the future:\nHis sudden death had been foreshadowed by earlier health scares.


Words: foreshore
Meaning:
noun [C, usually sing, U]\n  1  (on a beach or by a river) the part of the shore between the highest and lowest levels reached by the water\n  2  the part of the shore between the highest level reached by the water and the area of land that has buildings, plants, etc. on it


Words: foreshorten
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (technical) to draw, photograph, etc. objects or people so that they look smaller or closer together than they really are:\nViewed from above, their bodies were foreshortened and partly hidden.\n  2  (written) to end sth before it would normally finish\nSYN CURTAIL:\na foreshortened education


Words: foresight
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (approving) the ability to predict what is likely to happen and to use this to prepare for the future:\nShe had had the foresight to prepare herself financially in case of an accident. * The government’s policies show a remarkable lack of foresight.\ncompare HINDSIGHT


Words: forest
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C, U] a large area of land that is thickly covered with trees:\na tropical forest * a forest fire * Thousands of hectares of forest are destroyed each year.\nsee also RAINFOREST\n \n  2  [C] ~ (of sth) a mass of tall narrow objects that are close together:\na forest of television aerials\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  not see the forest for the trees (AmE) = not see the wood for the trees at WOOD


Words: forestall
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to prevent sth from happening or sb from doing sth by doing sth first:\nTry to anticipate what your child will do and forestall problems. * Any plans for a peaceful settlement were forestalled by the intervention of the army.


Words: forested
Meaning:
adjective\ncovered in forest:\nthickly forested hills * The province is heavily forested and sparsely populated.


Words: foretaste
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a ~ (of sth) a small amount of a particular experience or situation that shows you what it will be like when the same thing happens on a larger scale in the future:\nThey were unaware that the street violence was just a foretaste of what was to come.


Words: foretell
Meaning:
verb\n(foretold, foretold ) (literary) to know or say what will happen in the future, especially by using magic powers\nSYN PREDICT:\n[VN] to foretell the future * [V that] The witch foretold that she would marry a prince. * [V wh-] None of us can foretell what lies ahead.


Words: forethought
Meaning:
noun\n[U] careful thought to make sure that things are successful in the future:\nSome forethought and preparation is necessary before you embark on the project. * He had had the forethought to book in advance. * She was appalled at her own lack of forethought.\n IDIOMS  see MALICE


Words: forever
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  (BrE also for ever) used to say that a particular situation or state will always exist:\nI’ll love you forever! * After her death, their lives changed forever. * Just keep telling yourself that it won’t last forever.\n  2  (BrE also for ever) (informal) a very long time:\nIt takes her forever to get dressed.\n  3  (spoken) used with verbs in the progressive tenses to say that sb does sth very often and in a way that is annoying to other people:\nShe’s forever going on about how poor they are.


Words: forewarn
Meaning:
verb\n[often passive] ~ sb (of sth) (written) to warn sb about sth bad or unpleasant before it happens:\n[VN] The commander had been forewarned of the attack. [also VN that]\n    forewarning noun [U, C]\n IDIOMS \n  forewarned is forearmed (saying) if you know about problems, dangers, etc. before they happen, you can be better prepared for them


Words: forfeit
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb [VN] to lose sth or have sth taken away from you because you have done sth wrong:\nIf you cancel your flight, you will forfeit your deposit. * He has forfeited his right to be taken seriously.\n    noun something that a person has to pay, or sth that is taken from them, because they have done sth wrong\n    adjective [not before noun] (formal) taken away from sb as a punishment


Words: forfeiture
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (law) the act of forfeiting sth:\nthe forfeiture of property * Failure to meet repayments leads automatically to forfeiture of the lease.


Words: forge
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN] to put a lot of effort into making sth successful or strong so that it will last:\na move to forge new links between management and workers * Strategic alliances are being forged with major European companies. * She forged a new career in the music business. * They forged a lead in the first 30 minutes of the game.\n  2  [VN] to make an illegal copy of sth in order to deceive people:\nto forge a passport / banknote / cheque * He’s getting good at forging his mother’s signature.\ncompare COUNTERFEIT\n  3  [VN] to shape metal by heating it in a fire and hitting it with a hammer; to make an object in this way:\nswords forged from steel\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] (written) to move forward in a steady but powerful way:\nHe forged through the crowds to the front of the stage. * She forged into the lead (= in a competition, race, etc.).\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  forge ahead (with sth) to move forward quickly; to make a lot of progress quickly:\nThe company is forging ahead with its plans for expansion. * Quick learners should be allowed to forge ahead.\n    noun\n  1  a place where objects are made by heating and shaping pieces of metal, especially one where a BLACKSMITH works\n  2  a large piece of equipment used for heating metals in; a building or part of a factory where this is found


Words: forger
Meaning:
noun\na person who makes illegal copies of money, documents, etc. in order to deceive people\ncompare COUNTERFEITER


Words: forgery
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the crime of copying money, documents, etc. in order to deceive people\n  2  [C] something, for example a document, piece of paper money, etc., that has been copied in order to deceive people:\nExperts are dismissing claims that the painting is a forgery.\ncompare COUNTERFEIT


Words: forget
Meaning:
events / facts\n  1  ~ (about) sth (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be unable to remember sth that has happened in the past or information that you knew in the past:\n[V] I’d completely forgotten about the money he owed me. * Before I forget, there was a call from Italy for you. * [VN] I never forget a face. * Who could forget his speech at last year’s party? * [V (that)] She keeps forgetting (that) I’m not a child any more. * I was forgetting (= I had forgotten) (that) you’ve been here before. * [V wh-] I’ve forgotten where they live exactly. * I forget how much they paid for it. * [V -ing] I’ll never forget hearing this piece of music for the first time. * [VN that] It should not be forgotten that people used to get much more exercise. [also VN -ing]\n  to do sth\n  2  ~ (about) sth to not remember to do sth that you ought to do, or to bring or buy sth that you ought to bring or buy:\n[V] ’Why weren’t you at the meeting?’ ’Sorry-I forgot.’ * [V to inf] Take care, and don’t forget to write. * I forgot to ask him for his address. * [VN] I forgot my purse (= I did not remember to bring it). * ’Hey, don’t forget me (= don’t leave without me)!’ * Aren’t you forgetting something? (= I think you have forgotten to do sth)\n HELP NOTE  You cannot use forget if you want to mention the place where you have left something: I’ve left my book at home. * _I_’_v_e_ _f_o_r_g_o_t_t_e_n_ _m_y_ _b_o_o_k_ _a_t_ _h_o_m_e_.\n  stop thinking about sth\n  3  ~ (about) sb/sth to deliberately stop thinking about sb/sth:\n[V] Try to forget about what happened. * Could you possibly forget about work for five minutes? * [VN] Forget him! * Let’s forget our differences and be friends. * [V (that)] Forget (that) I said anything!\n  4  ~ (about) sth to stop thinking that sth is a possibility:\n[V] If I lose this job, we can forget about buying a new car. * [VN] ’I was hoping you might be able to lend me the money.’ ’You can forget that!’\n  yourself\n  5  [VN] ~ yourself to behave in a way that is not socially acceptable:\nI’m forgetting myself. I haven’t offered you a drink yet!\n IDIOMS \n  forget it (spoken)\n1 used to tell sb that sth is not important and that they should not worry about it:\n’I still owe you for lunch yesterday.’ ’Forget it.’\n2 used to tell sb that you are not going to repeat what you said:\n’Now, what were you saying about John?’ ’Forget it, it doesn’t matter.’\n3 used to emphasize that you are saying ’no’ to sth:\n’Any chance of you helping out here?’ ’Forget it, I’ve got too much to do.’\n4 used to tell sb to stop talking about sth because they are annoying you:\nJust forget it, will you!\n  not forgetting ... (BrE) used to include sth in the list of things that you have just mentioned:\nI share the house with Jim, Ian and Sam, not forgetting Spike, the dog.\nmore at FORGIVE


Words: forgetful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  often forgetting things:\nShe has become very forgetful in recent years.\n  2  ~ of sb/sth (formal) not thinking about sb/sth that you should be thinking about:\nHe was soon forgetful of all dangers.\n    forgetfully  adverb\n    forgetfulness noun [U]


Words: forgettable
Meaning:
adjective\nnot interesting or special and therefore easily forgotten:\nan instantly forgettable tune\nOPP UNFORGETTABLE


Words: forgivable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you can understand and forgive:\nHis rudeness was forgivable in the circumstances.\nOPP UNFORGIVABLE


Words: forgive
Meaning:
1  ~ sb / yourself (for sth / for doing sth) to stop feeling angry with sb who has done sth to harm, annoy or upset you; to stop feeling angry with yourself:\n[VN] I’ll never forgive her for what she did. * I can’t forgive that type of behaviour. * I’d never forgive myself if she heard the truth from someone else. * [VNN] She’d forgive him anything. [also V]\n  2  ~ me (for doing sth) used to say in a polite way that you are sorry if what you are doing or saying seems rude or silly:\n[VN] Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly does the company do? * Forgive me, but I don’t see that any of this concerns me. * Forgive me for interrupting, but I really don’t agree with that. * [VN -ing] Forgive my interrupting but I really don’t agree with that.\n  3  (formal) (of a bank, country, etc.) to say that sb does not need to pay back money that they have borrowed:\n[VN] The government has agreed to forgive a large part of the debt. [also VNN]\n IDIOMS \n  sb could / might be forgiven for doing sth used to say that it is easy to understand why sb does or thinks sth, although they are wrong:\nLooking at the crowds out shopping, you could be forgiven for thinking that everyone has plenty of money.\n  forgive and forget to stop feeling angry with sb for sth they have done to you and to behave as if it had not happened:\nI know what he did was wrong but don’t you think it’s time to forgive and forget?


Words: forgiveness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of forgiving sb; willingness to forgive sb:\nto pray for God’s forgiveness * the forgiveness of sins * He begged forgiveness for what he had done.


Words: forgiving
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of sth) willing to forgive:\nShe had not inherited her mother’s forgiving nature. * The public was more forgiving of the president’s difficulties than the press and fellow politicians.


Words: forgo
Meaning:
(also forego)  verb\n(forwent ) [VN] (formal) to decide not to have or do sth that you would like to have or do:\nNo one was prepared to forgo their lunch hour to attend the meeting.


Words: fork
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a tool with a handle and three or four sharp points, (called PRONGS), used for picking up and eating food:\nto eat with a knife and fork\n \n  2  a garden tool with a long or short handle and three or four sharp metal points, used for digging\nsee also PITCHFORK\n \n  3  a place where a road, river, etc. divides into two parts; either of these two parts:\nShortly before dusk they reached a fork and took the left-hand track. * Take the right fork.\n \n  4  a thing shaped like a fork, with two or more long parts:\na jagged fork of lightning\nsee also TUNING FORK\n  5  either of two metal supporting pieces into which a wheel on a bicycle or motorcycle is fitted\n    verb\n  1  [V]   [often +adv./prep.] (not used in the progressive tenses) (of a road, river, etc.) to divide into two parts that lead in different directions:\nThe path forks at the bottom of the hill. * The road forks right after the bridge.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] (not used in the progressive tenses) (of a person) to turn left or right where a road, etc. divides into two:\nFork right after the bridge.\n  3  [VN]   [often +adv./prep.] to move, carry or dig sth using a fork:\nClear the soil of weeds and fork in plenty of compost. * He forked a piece of meat into his mouth. * Fork over the ground before planting.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  fork out (for sth) | fork out sth (for / on sth) (informal) to spend a lot of money on sth, especially unwillingly:\nWhy fork out for a taxi when there’s a perfectly good bus service? * We’ve forked out a small fortune on home improvements over the years.


Words: fork-lift truck
Meaning:
(also fork-lift) noun\na vehicle with special equipment on the front for moving and lifting heavy objects


Words: forked
Meaning:
adjective\nwith one end divided into two parts, like the shape of the letter ’Y’:\na bird with a black and white forked tail * the long forked tongue of a snake


Words: forked lightning
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the type of LIGHTNING that is like a line that divides into smaller lines near the ground\ncompare SHEET LIGHTNING


Words: forkful
Meaning:
noun\nthe amount that a fork holds:\na forkful of beans * He pushed forkfuls of food into his mouth.


Words: forlorn
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) appearing lonely and unhappy:\nShe looked so forlorn, standing there in the pouring rain.\n  2  (of a place) not cared for and with no people in it:\nEmpty houses quickly take on a forlorn look.\n  3  unlikely to succeed, come true, etc:\nShe waited in the forlorn hope that he would one day come back to her. * His father smiled weakly in a forlorn attempt to reassure him that everything was all right.\n    forlornly adverb


Words: form
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  type\n \n  1  [C] a type or variety of sth:\nforms of transport / government / energy * one of the most common forms of cancer * Music is not like most other art forms. * all the millions of different life forms on the planet today\n \n  way sth is / looks\n \n  2  [C, U] the particular way sth is, seems, looks or is presented:\nThe disease can take several different forms. * Help in the form of money will be very welcome. * Help arrived in the form of two police officers. * The training programme takes the form of a series of workshops. * Most political questions involve morality in some form or other. * We need to come to some form of agreement. * I’m opposed to censorship in any shape or form. * This dictionary is also available in electronic form.\n \n  document\n \n  3  [C] an official document containing questions and spaces for answers:\nan application / entry / order form * (especially BrE) to fill in a form * (especially AmE) to fill out a form * to complete a form * (BrE) a booking form * (AmE) a reservation form\n  shape\n  4  [C] the shape of sb/sth; a person or thing of which only the shape can be seen:\nher slender form * The human form has changed little over the last 30 000 years. * They made out a shadowy form in front of them.\n  arrangement of parts\n  5  [U] the arrangement of parts in a whole, especially in a work of art or piece of writing:\nShape and form are of greater importance to me than colour. * In a novel form and content are equally important.\n  being fit / healthy\n  6  [U] (BrE) how fit and healthy sb is; the state of being fit and healthy:\nAfter six months’ training the whole team is in superb form. * I really need to get back in form. * The horse was clearly out of form.\n  performance\n  7  [U] how well sb/sth is performing; the fact that sb/sth is performing well:\nMidfielder Elliott has shown disappointing form recently. * On current / present form the party is heading for another election victory. * Hingis signalled her return to form with a convincing victory. * He’s right on form (= performing well) as a crazy science teacher in his latest movie. * The whole team was on good form and deserved the win. * She was in great form (= happy and cheerful and full of energy) at the wedding party.\n  way of doing things\n  8  [U, C] (especially BrE) the usual way of doing sth:\nWhat’s the form when you apply for a research grant? * conventional social forms * True to form (= as he usually does) he arrived an hour late. * Partners of employees are invited as a matter of form.\n  9  [U] (good / bad ~) (old-fashioned, BrE) the way of doing things that is socially acceptable/not socially acceptable:\nWhen I was a boy it was always considered bad form to talk about food or money. * Good form dictated that she should dress more casually in the country.\n  in school\n  10  (BrE, old-fashioned) a class in a school:\nWho’s your form teacher?\nsee also SIXTH FORM\n  11  (-former) (in compounds) (BrE, old-fashioned) a student in the form mentioned at school:\na third-former\nsee also SIXTH-FORMER\n  of word\n  12  [C] a way of writing or saying a word that shows, for example, if it is plural or in a particular tense:\nthe infinitive form of the verb\n IDIOMS \n  take form (formal) to gradually form into a particular shape; to gradually develop:\nIn her body a new life was taking form.\nmore at SHAPE n., TRUE adj.\n    verb\n  start to exist\n  1  (especially of natural things) to begin to exist and gradually develop into a particular shape; to make sth begin to exist in a particular shape:\n[V] Flowers appeared, but fruits failed to form. * Storm clouds are forming on the horizon. * [VN] These hills were formed by glaciation.\n  2  to start to exist and develop; to make sth start to exist and develop:\n[V] A plan formed in my head. * [VN] I formed many close friendships at college. * I didn’t see enough of the play to form an opinion about it.\n  make shape / form\n  3  [VN] [often passive] ~ sth (into sth) | ~ sth (from / of sth) to produce sth in a particular way or make it have a particular shape:\nForm the dough into balls with your hands. * Bend the wire so that it forms a ’V’. * Rearrange the letters to form a new word. * Games can help children learn to form letters. * Do you know how to form the past tense? * The chain is formed from 136 links. * (formal) The table was formed of two large slabs of stone.\n  4  ~ (sb/sth) (up) (into sth) to move or arrange objects or people so that they are in a group with a particular shape; to become arranged in a group like this:\n[VN] to form a line / queue / circle * First get students to form groups of three or four. * [V] Queues were already forming outside the theatre. * The teams formed up into lines.\n  have function / role\n  5  [VN] to have a particular function or pattern:\nThe trees form a natural protection from the sun’s rays.\n  6  linking verb [V-N] to be sth:\nThe castle forms the focal point of the city. * The survey formed part of a larger programme of research. * These drawings will form the basis of the exhibition.\n  organization\n  7  to start a group of people, such as an organization, a committee, etc.; to come together in a group of this kind:\n[VN] They hope to form the new government. * He formed a band with some friends from school. * a newly-formed political party * [V] The band formed in 1998.\n  have influence on\n  8  [VN] to have an influence on the way that sth develops:\nPositive and negative experiences form a child’s character.


Words: formal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a style of dress, speech, writing, behaviour, etc.) very correct and suitable for official or important occasions:\nformal evening dress * The dinner was a formal affair. * He kept the tone of the letter formal and businesslike. * She has a very formal manner, which can seem unfriendly.\ncompare INFORMAL\n  2  official; following an agreed or official way of doing things:\nformal legal processes * to make a formal apology / complaint / request * Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were re-established in December. * It is time to put these arrangements on a slightly more formal basis.\n  3  (of education or training) received in a school, college or university, with lessons, exams, etc., rather than gained just through practical experience:\nHe has no formal teaching qualifications. * Young children are beginning their formal education sometimes as early as four years old.\n  4  concerned with the way sth is done rather than what is done:\nGetting approval for the plan is a purely formal matter; nobody will seriously oppose it. * Critics have concentrated too much on the formal elements of her poetry, without really looking at what it is saying.\n  5  (of a garden, room or building) arranged in a regular manner, according to a clear, exact plan:\ndelightful formal gardens, with terraced lawns and an avenue of trees\n    formally  adverb:\n’How do you do?’ she said formally. * The accounts were formally approved by the board. * Although not formally trained as an art historian, he is widely respected for his knowledge of the period.


Words: formaldehyde
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (Symbol CH2O) a colourless gas with a strong smell\n  2  (also technical formalin ) a liquid made by mixing formaldehyde and water, used for preserving BIOLOGICAL SPECIMENS, making plastics and as a DISINFECTANT:\nHis most famous artistic offering consists of a dead shark floating in a tank of formaldehyde.


Words: formalism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a style or method in art, music, literature, science, etc. that pays more attention to the rules and the correct arrangement and appearance of things than to inner meaning and feelings:\nThe defence of formalism is always that it serves to control an excess of feeling.\n    formalist  noun\n    formalist adjective [usually before noun]:\nformalist theory


Words: formality
Meaning:
noun (plural formalities)\n  1  [C, usually pl.] a thing that you must do as a formal or official part of a legal process, a social situation, etc:\nto go through all the formalities necessary in order to get a gun licence * Let’s skip the formalities and get down to business.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] a thing that you must do as part of an official process, but which has little meaning and will not affect what happens:\nHe already knows he has the job so the interview is a mere formality.\n  3  [U] correct and formal behaviour:\nDifferent levels of formality are appropriate in different situations. * She greeted him with stiff formality.


Words: formalize
Meaning:
(BrE also formalise)  verb [VN] (written)\n  1  to make an arrangement, a plan or a relationship official:\nThey decided to formalize their relationship by getting married.\n  2  to give sth a fixed structure or form by introducing rules:\nThe college has a highly formalized system of assessment.\n    formalization, formalisation  noun [U]


Words: format
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  the general arrangement, plan, design, etc. of sth:\nThe format of the new quiz show has proved popular.\n  2  the shape and size of a book, magazine, etc:\nThey’ve brought out the magazine in a new format.\n  3  (computing) the way in which data is stored or held for PROCESSING by a computer:\nThe images are stored in a digital format within the database.\n    verb (-tt-) [VN] \n  1  to prepare a computer disk so that data can be recorded on it\n  2  (technical) to arrange text in a particular way on a page or a screen


Words: formation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the action of forming sth; the process of being formed:\nAn agreement on the formation of a new government was reached on June 6. * evidence of recent star formation in the galaxy\n  2  [C] a thing that has been formed, especially in a particular place or in a particular way:\nmassive rock formations\n  3  [U, C] a particular arrangement or pattern:\naircraft flying in formation * formation flying / dancing * Flying low across the river was a formation of swans-five of them at least.


Words: formative
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] having an important and lasting influence on the development of sth or of sb’s character:\nthe formative years of childhood * formative influences in the development of the labour movement


Words: former
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  that used to exist in earlier times:\nin former times * the countries of the former Soviet Union * This beautiful old building has been restored to its former glory.\n  2  that used to have a particular position or status in the past:\nthe former world champion * my former boss / colleague / wife\n  3  (the former ...) used to refer to the first of two things or people mentioned:\nThe former option would be much more sensible.\ncompare LATTER\n  4  (the former) pronoun the first of two things or people mentioned:\nHe had to choose between giving up his job and giving up his principles. He chose the former.\ncompare LATTER\n IDIOMS \n  be a shadow / ghost of your former self to not have the strength, influence, etc. that you used to have:\nWhen his career ended, he became a shadow of his former self.


Words: formerly
Meaning:
adverb\nin earlier times\nSYN PREVIOUSLY:\nNamibia, formerly known as South West Africa * I learnt that the house had formerly been an inn. * John Marsh, formerly of London Road, Leicester, now living in France


Words: formidable
Meaning:
adjective\nif people, things or situations are formidable, you feel fear and/or respect for them, because they are impressive or powerful, or because they seem very difficult:\nIn debate he was a formidable opponent. * Somehow the small but formidable woman fought her way through the crowd to reach her son. * She has a formidable list of qualifications. * The two players together make a formidable combination. * The task was a formidable one. * They had to overcome formidable obstacles.\n    formidably  adverb:\nHe now has the chance to prove himself in a formidably difficult role. * She’s formidably intelligent.


Words: formless
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) without a clear or definite shape or structure:\nformless dreams * a formless landscape, thickly blanketed with smoke\n    formlessness noun [U]


Words: formula
Meaning:
1  [C] (mathematics) a series of letters, numbers or symbols that represent a rule or law:\nThe formula {Pi}r  is used to calculate the area of a circle.\n  2  [C] (chemistry) letters and symbols that show the parts of a chemical compound, etc:\nCO is the formula for carbon monoxide.\n  3  [C] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a particular method of doing or achieving sth:\nThey’re trying to work out a peace formula acceptable to both sides in the dispute. * There’s no magic formula for a perfect marriage. * All the patients were interviewed according to a standard formula.\n  4  [C] a list of the things that sth is made from, giving the amount of each substance to use:\nthe secret formula for the blending of the whisky\n  5  (also formula milk) [U, C] (especially AmE) a type of liquid food for babies, given instead of breast milk\n  6  (Formula One, Two, Three etc.) [U] a class of racing car, based on engine size, etc:\nFormula One racing\n  7  [C] a fixed form of words used in a particular situation:\nlegal formulae * The minister keeps coming out with the same tired formulas.


Words: formulaic
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) made up of fixed patterns of words or ideas:\nTraditional stories make use of formulaic expressions like ’Once upon a time ...’.


Words: formulate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to create or prepare sth carefully, giving particular attention to the details:\n[VN] to formulate a policy / theory / plan / proposal * The compost is specially formulated for pot plants. * [VN to inf] This new kitchen cleaner is formulated to cut through grease and dirt.\n  2  [VN] to express your ideas in carefully chosen words:\nShe has lots of good ideas, but she has difficulty formulating them. * He struggled to formulate an answer.\n    formulation  noun [U, C]:\nthe formulation of new policies * new formulations of existing drugs


Words: fornicate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (formal, disapproving) to have sex with sb that you are not married to\n    fornication  noun [U]\n    fornicator noun


Words: forsake
Meaning:
(literary)\n  1  to leave sb/sth, especially when you have a responsibility to stay:\nHe had made it clear to his wife that he would never forsake her.\n  2  to stop doing sth, or leave sth, especially sth that you enjoy:\nShe forsook the glamour of the city and went to live in the wilds of Scotland.\nsee also GODFORSAKEN


Words: forswear
Meaning:
verb\n(forswore ) [VN] (formal or literary) to stop doing or using sth; to make a promise that you will stop doing or using sth:\nThe group forswears all worldly possessions. * The country has not forsworn the use of chemical weapons.


Words: fort
Meaning:
noun\na building or buildings built in order to defend an area against attack:\nthe remains of a Roman fort\n IDIOMS \n  hold the fort (BrE) (AmE hold down the fort) (spoken) to have the responsibility for sth or care of sb while other people are away or out:\nWhy not have a day off? I’ll hold the fort for you.


Words: forte
Meaning:
noun, adverb \n    noun [sing.] a thing that sb does particularly well:\nLanguages were never my forte.\n    adverb (abbreviation f) (music) played or sung loudly\nOPP PIANO\n    forte adjective


Words: forth
Meaning:
adverb (literary except in particular idioms and phrasal verbs)\n  1  away from a place; out:\nThey set forth at dawn. * Huge chimneys belched forth smoke and grime.\n  2  towards a place; forwards:\nWater gushed forth from a hole in the rock.\nsee also BRING FORTH\n IDIOMS \n  from that day / time forth (literary) beginning on that day; from that time:\nFrom that day forth she gave me endless friendship and encouragement.\nmore at BACK adv., SO adv.


Words: forthcoming
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] going to happen, be published, etc. very soon:\nthe forthcoming elections * a list of forthcoming books * the band’s forthcoming UK tour\n  2  [not before noun] ready or made available when needed:\nFinancial support was not forthcoming.\n  3  [not before noun] willing to give information about sth:\nShe’s never very forthcoming about her plans.\nOPP UNFORTHCOMING


Words: forthright
Meaning:
adjective\ndirect and honest in manner and speech:\na woman of forthright views * He spoke in a forthright manner but without anger.\n    forthrightly adverb\n    forthrightness noun [U]


Words: fortification
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] a tower, wall, gun position, etc. built to defend a place against attack:\nthe ramparts and fortifications of the Old Town\n  2  [U] the act of fortifying or strengthening sth:\nplans for the fortification of the city


Words: fortify
Meaning:
verb (fortifies, fortifying, fortified, fortified) [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (against sb/sth) to strengthen a place against attack, especially by building high walls:\na fortified town * They fortified the area against attack.\n  2  ~ sb / yourself (against sb/sth) to make sb/yourself feel stronger, braver, etc:\nHe fortified himself against the cold with a stiff brandy. * Although fortified by its election success, the government remains cautious in its policies.\n  3  to make a feeling or an attitude stronger:\nThe news merely fortified their determination.\n  4  ~ sth (with sth) to increase the strength or quality of food or drink by adding sth to it:\nSherry is fortified wine (= wine with extra alcohol added). * cereal fortified with extra vitamins


Words: fortissimo
Meaning:
adverb\n(abbreviation ff) (music) played or sung very loudly\nOPP PIANISSIMO\n    fortissimo adjective


Words: fortitude
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) courage shown by sb who is suffering great pain or facing great difficulties:\nShe endured her illness with great fortitude.


Words: fortnight
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (BrE) two weeks:\na fortnight’s holiday * a fortnight ago * in a fortnight’s time * He’s had three accidents in the past fortnight.


Words: fortnightly
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE) happening once a fortnight:\nMeetings take place at fortnightly intervals.\n    fortnightly adverb:\nThe committee meets fortnightly.


Words: fortress
Meaning:
noun\na building or a place that has been strengthened and protected against attack:\na fortress town enclosed by four miles of ramparts * Fear of terrorist attack has turned the conference centre into a fortress.


Words: fortuitous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) happening by chance, especially a lucky chance that brings a good result:\na fortuitous meeting * His success depended on a fortuitous combination of circumstances.\n    fortuitously adverb


Words: fortunate
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to do sth) | ~ (in having ...) | ~ (for sb)(that ...) having or bringing an advantage, an opportunity, a piece of good luck, etc.\nSYN LUCKY:\nI have been fortunate enough to visit many parts of the world as a lecturer. * I was fortunate in having a good teacher. * Remember those less fortunate than yourselves. * It was very fortunate for him that I arrived on time.\nOPP UNFORTUNATE


Words: fortunately
Meaning:
adverb\nby good luck\nSYN LUCKILY:\nI was late, but fortunately the meeting hadn’t started. * Fortunately for him, he was very soon offered another job.\nOPP UNFORTUNATELY


Words: fortune
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] chance or luck, especially in the way it affects people’s lives:\nI have had the good fortune to work with some brilliant directors. * By a stroke of fortune he found work almost immediately. * Fortune smiled on me (= I had good luck).\n  2  [C] a large amount of money:\nHe made a fortune in real estate. * She inherited a share of the family fortune. * A car like that costs a small fortune. * You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your family tasty, healthy meals. * She is hoping her US debut will be the first step on the road to fame and fortune. * That ring must be worth a fortune.\n  3  [C, usually pl., U] the good and bad things that happen to a person, family, country, etc:\nthe changing fortunes of the film industry * the fortunes of war * a reversal of fortune(s)\n  4  [C] a person’s fate or future:\nShe can tell your fortune by looking at the lines on your hand.\n IDIOMS  see HOSTAGE, SEEK\nsee also SOLDIER OF FORTUNE


Words: fortune cookie
Meaning:
noun\na thin hollow biscuit/cookie, served in Chinese restaurants, containing a short message that predicts what will happen to you in the future


Words: fortune teller
Meaning:
noun\na person who claims to have magic powers and who tells people what will happen to them in the future


Words: forty
Meaning:
1  number 40\n  2  noun (the forties) [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 40 to 49\n    fortieth  ordinal number\n IDIOMS \n  in your forties between the ages of 40 and 49


Words: forty winks
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (informal) a short sleep, especially during the day:\nI’ll feel much better when I’ve had forty winks.


Words: forum
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (for sth) a place where people can exchange opinions and ideas on a particular issue; a meeting organized for this purpose:\nTelevision is now an important forum for political debate. * to hold an international forum on drug abuse\n  2  (in ancient Rome) a public place where meetings were held


Words: forward
Meaning:
adverb, adjective, verb, noun \n    adverb\n  1  (also forwards especially in BrE) towards a place or position that is in front:\nShe leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. * He took two steps forward. * They ran forward to welcome her.\nOPP BACK, BACKWARDS\n  2  towards a good result:\nWe consider this agreement to be an important step forward. * Cutting our costs is the only way forward. * We are not getting any further forward with the discussion. * The project will go forward (= continue) as planned.\nOPP BACKWARDS\n  3  towards the future; ahead in time:\nLooking forward, we hope to expand our operations in several of our overseas branches. * The next scene takes the story forward five years. * (old use) from this day forward\n  4  earlier; sooner:\nIt was decided to bring the meeting forward two weeks.\n  5  (technical) in or towards the front part of a ship or plane:\nThe main cabin is situated forward of (= in front of) the mast.\nsee also LOOK FORWARD, PUT FORWARD\n IDIOMS  see BACKWARDS, CLOCK n., FOOT n.\n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] directed or moving towards the front:\nThe door opened, blocking his forward movement. * a forward pass (for example in football) * They secured large contracts for the forward delivery (= delivery to the next place) of Russian imports.\n  2  [only before noun] (technical) situated in front, especially on a ship, plane or other vehicle:\nthe forward cabins * A bolt may have fallen off the plane’s forward door.\n  3  relating to the future:\nthe forward movement of history * A little forward planning at the outset can save you a lot of expense. * The plans are still no further forward than they were last month.\n  4  behaving towards sb in a manner which is too confident or too informal:\nI hope you don’t think I’m being too forward.\ncompare BACKWARD\n    verb\n  1  ~ sth (to sb) | ~ (sb) sth (formal) to send or pass goods or information to sb: [VN, VNN] We will be forwarding our new catalogue to you next week. * We will be forwarding you our new catalogue next week. * [VN] to forward a request / complaint / proposal\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (to sb) to send a letter, etc. received at the address a person used to live at to their new address:\nCould you forward any mail to us in New York? * I put ’please forward’ on the envelope.\n  3  [VN] (formal) to help to improve or develop sth\nSYN FURTHER:\nHe saw the assignment as a way to forward his career. * She uses various devices to forward the plot. * They have done a great deal to forward the cause of world peace.\nsee also FAST FORWARD\n    noun\n an attacking player whose position is near the front of a team in football, hockey, etc.\ncompare BACK


Words: forward-looking
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) planning for the future; willing to consider modern ideas and methods:\na forward-looking company * We need someone dynamic and forward-looking.


Words: forwarding address
Meaning:
noun\na new address to which letters should be sent on from an old address that sb has moved away from


Words: fossil
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the remains of an animal or a plant which have become hard and turned into rock:\nsuperbly preserved fossils over two million years old\n  2  (informal, disapproving) an old person, especially one who is unable to accept new ideas or adapt to changes


Words: fossil fuel
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] fuel such as coal or oil, that was formed over millions of years from the remains of animals or plants:\nCarbon dioxide is produced in huge amounts when fossil fuels are burned.


Words: fossilize
Meaning:
(BrE also fossilise)  verb\n  1  [usually passive] to become or make sth become a fossil:\n[VN] fossilized bones [also V]\n  2  [V, VN] (disapproving) to become, or make sb/sth become, fixed and unable to change or develop\n    fossilization, fossilisation  noun [U]


Words: foster
Meaning:
verb, adjective \n    verb\n  1  [VN] (written) to encourage sth to develop:\nThe club’s aim is to foster better relations within the community.\n  2  (especially BrE) to take another person’s child into your home for a period of time, without becoming his or her legal parents:\n[VN] They have fostered over 60 children during the past ten years. * [V] We couldn’t adopt a child, so we decided to foster.\ncompare ADOPT\n    adjective [only before noun] used with some nouns in connection with the fostering of a child:\na foster mother / father / family * foster parents * a foster child * a foster home * foster care


Words: foul
Meaning:
adjective, verb, noun \n    adjective (fouler, foulest)\n  1  dirty and smelling bad:\nfoul air / breath * a foul-smelling prison * Foul drinking water was blamed for the epidemic.\n  2  (especially BrE) very unpleasant; very bad:\nShe’s in a foul mood. * His boss has a foul temper. * This tastes foul.\n  3  (of language) including rude words and swearing\nSYN OFFENSIVE:\nfoul language * He called her the foulest names imaginable. * I’m sick of her foul mouth (= habit of swearing).\n  4  (of weather) very bad, with strong winds and rain:\na foul night\n  5  (literary) very evil or wicked:\na foul crime / murder\n    foully  adverb:\nHe swore foully. * She had been foully murdered during the night.\n    foulness noun [U]:\nThe air was heavy with the stink of damp and foulness.\n IDIOMS \n  fall foul of sb / sth to get into trouble with a person or an organization because of doing sth wrong or illegal:\nto fall foul of the law\nmore at FAIR adj., CRY v.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] (in sport) to do sth to another player that is against the rules of the game:\nHe was fouled inside the penalty area.\n  2  [V, VN] (in baseball) to hit the ball outside the playing area\n  3  [VN] to make sth dirty, usually with waste material:\nDo not permit your dog to foul the grass. * More and more beaches are being fouled by oil leakages.\n  4  ~ (sth) (up) to become caught or twisted in sth and stop it working or moving:\n[VN] The rope fouled the propeller. * The line became fouled in (= became twisted in) the propeller. * [V] A rope fouled up (= became twisted) as we pulled the sail down.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  foul up (informal) to make a lot of mistakes; to do sth badly:\nI’ve fouled up badly again, haven’t I?\nrelated noun FOUL-UP\n  foul sth<->up (informal) to spoil sth, especially by doing sth wrong:\nEverything was going really well until Jack came along and fouled things up.\nrelated noun FOUL-UP\n    noun (in sport) an action that is against the rules of the game:\nIt was a clear foul by Ford on the goalkeeper. * (AmE) to hit a foul (= in baseball, a ball that is too far left or right, outside the lines that mark the side of the field)\nsee also PROFESSIONAL FOUL


Words: foul play
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  criminal or violent activity that causes sb’s death:\nPolice immediately began an investigation, but did not suspect foul play (= did not suspect that the person had been murdered).\n  2  (BrE) dishonest or unfair behaviour, especially during a sports game:\nHe was sent off for foul play.


Words: foul-up
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a problem caused by bad organization or a stupid mistake:\nThere was a computer foul-up at the bank and customers were sent the wrong statements.


Words: found
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to start sth, such as an organization or an institution, especially by providing money:\nto found a club / company * Her family founded the college in 1895.\n  2  to be the first to start building and living in a town or country:\nThe town was founded by English settlers in 1790.\n  3  [usually passive] ~ sth (on sth) to base sth on sth:\nTheir marriage was founded on love and mutual respect.\nsee also ILL-FOUNDED, WELL FOUNDED, UNFOUNDED\n  4  (technical) to melt metal and pour it into a MOULD; to make objects using this process\nsee also FIND v.


Words: foundation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] a layer of bricks, CONCRETE, etc. that forms the solid underground base of a building:\nThe builders are now beginning to lay the foundations of the new school. * The explosion shook the foundations of the houses nearby.\n  2  [C, U] a principle, an idea or a fact that sth is based on and that it grows from:\nRespect and friendship provide a solid foundation for marriage. * The rumour is totally without foundation (= not based on any facts). * These stories have no foundation (= are not based on any facts).\n  3  [C] an organization that is established to provide money for a particular purpose, for example for scientific research or charity:\nThe money will go to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.\n  4  [U] the act of starting a new institution or organization:\nThe organization has grown enormously since its foundation in 1955. * She used the money to go towards the foundation of a special research group.\n  5  [U] a skin-coloured cream that is put on the face underneath other MAKE-UP\n IDIOMS \n  shake / rock the foundations of sth | shake / rock sth to its foundations to cause people to question their basic beliefs about sth:\nThis issue has shaken the foundations of French politics.


Words: foundation course
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a general course at a college that prepares students for longer or more difficult courses:\nan arts foundation course


Words: foundation stone
Meaning:
noun\na large block of stone that is put at the base of an important new public building in a special ceremony:\nto lay the foundation stone of the new museum


Words: founder
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a person who starts an organization, institution, etc. or causes sth to be built:\nthe founder and president of the company\n    verb [V] ~ (on sth) (written)\n  1  (of a plan, etc.) to fail because of a particular problem or difficulty:\nThe project foundered after problems with funding. * The peace talks foundered on a basic lack of trust.\n  2  (of a ship) to fill with water and sink:\nOur boat foundered on a reef.


Words: founder member
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE charter member) noun\none of the first members of a society, an organization, etc., especially one who helped start it


Words: founding father
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (formal) a person who starts or develops a new movement, institution or idea:\none of the founding fathers of modern psychology\n  2  (Founding Father) a member of the group of people who wrote the Constitution of the US in 1787


Words: foundling
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned) a baby who has been left by its parents and who is found and looked after by sb else


Words: foundry
Meaning:
noun\n(plural foundries) a factory where metal or glass is melted and made into different shapes or objects:\nan iron foundry * foundry workers


Words: fount
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of sth) (literary or humorous) the place where sth important comes from\nSYN SOURCE:\nShe treats him as if he were the fount of all knowledge.


Words: fountain
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a structure from which water is pumped up into the air, found as an ornament in parks and gardens/yards\nsee also DRINKING FOUNTAIN\n  2  a strong flow of liquid or of another substance that is forced into the air:\nThe amplifier exploded in a fountain of sparks. * The shell exploded, sending a fountain of sand and grit into the air.\n  3  a rich source or supply of sth:\nTourism is a fountain of wealth for the city.


Words: four
Meaning:
1  number 4\n HELP NOTE  There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.\n  2  noun a group of four people or things:\nto make up a four at tennis * a coach and four (= four horses)\n  3  noun (in cricket) a shot that scores four RUNS\n  4  noun a team of four people who row a long narrow boat in races; the boat that they row\n IDIOMS \n  on all fours (of a person) bent over with hands and knees on the ground:\nWe were crawling around on all fours.\n  these four walls used when you are talking about keeping sth secret:\nDon’t let this go further than these four walls (= Don’t tell anyone else who is not in the room now).


Words: four-by-four
Meaning:
(also 4x4) noun\n(AmE) a vehicle with FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (= a system in which power is given to all four wheels)


Words: four-letter word
Meaning:
noun\na short word that is considered rude or offensive, especially because it refers to sex or other functions of the body:\nThe play is full of four-letter words.


Words: four-poster bed
Meaning:
(also four-poster) noun\na large bed with a tall post at each of the four corners, a cover over the top and curtains around the sides


Words: four-square
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a building) square in shape, solid and strong:\na four-square Georgian house\n  2  (of a person) firm, steady and determined:\nHe was a four-square and formidable hero.\n    four-square adverb:\nI stand four-square with the President on this issue. * The new hut stood four-square in the corner of the garden. * The responsibility lies four-square with the government.


Words: four-wheel drive
Meaning:
noun\na system in which power is applied to all four wheels of a vehicle, making it easier to control; a vehicle with this system:\na car with four-wheel drive * We rented a four-wheel drive to get around the island.\nsee also ATV, FOUR-BY-FOUR


Words: foursome
Meaning:
noun\na group of four people taking part in a social activity or sport together:\nCan you make up a foursome for tennis tomorrow? * We used to go around together as a foursome. * The London-based foursome are due to tour Europe this summer.


Words: fourth
Meaning:
ordinal number, noun \n    ordinal number 4th\n HELP NOTE  There are examples of how to use ordinal numbers at the entry for fifth.\n    noun (especially AmE) = QUARTER


Words: fourthly
Meaning:
adverb\nused to introduce the fourth of a list of points you want to make in a speech or a piece of writing:\nFourthly, I should like to mention ...


Words: fowl
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] (plural fowl or fowls) a bird that is kept for its meat and eggs, for example a chicken:\na variety of domestic fowl\n  2  [C] (old use) any bird\nsee also GUINEAFOWL, WATERFOWL, WILDFOWL\n IDIOMS  see FISH n.


Words: fox
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a wild animal of the dog family, with reddish-brown fur, a pointed face and a thick heavy tail\nsee also FLYING FOX, VIXEN\n  2  [U] the skin and fur of the fox, used to make coats, etc.\n  3  [C] (often disapproving) a person who is clever and able to get what they want by influencing or tricking other people:\nHe’s a wily old fox.\n    verb [VN] (informal, especially BrE) to be too difficult for sb to understand or solve; to trick or confuse sb:\nThe last question foxed even our panel of experts.


Words: fox-hunting
Meaning:
(BrE also hunting) noun\n[U] a sport in which FOXES are hunted by specially trained dogs and by people on horses:\nto go fox-hunting


Words: foxhole
Meaning:
noun\na hole in the ground that soldiers use as a shelter against the enemy or as a place to fire back from\ncompare HOLE


Words: foxtrot
Meaning:
noun\na formal dance for two people together, with both small fast steps and longer slow ones; a piece of music for this dance


Words: foxy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  like a FOX in appearance:\nA grin slid over his foxy face.\n  2  (informal, especially AmE) (of a woman) sexually attractive\n  3  clever at tricking others\nSYN CUNNING


Words: foyer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a large open space inside the entrance of a theatre or hotel where people can meet or wait\nSYN LOBBY:\nI’ll meet you in the foyer at 7 o’clock.\n  2  (AmE) an entrance hall in a private house or flat/apartment


Words: Fr
Meaning:
(also Fr. especially in AmE) abbreviation\nFather (used in front of the name of some Christian priests):\nFr (Paul) O’Connor


Words: fracas
Meaning:
noun\n(plural fracas , AmE fracases) [usually sing.] a noisy argument or fight, usually involving several people:\na fracas between the supporters of the two teams


Words: fraction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a small part or amount of sth:\nOnly a small fraction of a bank’s total deposits will be withdrawn at any one time. * She hesitated for the merest fraction of a second. * He raised his voice a fraction\n HELP NOTE  If fraction is used with a plural noun, the verb is usually plural: Only a fraction of cars in the UK use leaded petrol. If it is used with a singular noun that represents a group of people, the verb can be singular or plural in BrE, but is usually singular in AmE: A tiny fraction of the population never vote / votes.\n  2  a division of a number, for example 5/8\nsee also VULGAR FRACTION\ncompare INTEGER


Words: fractional
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (written) very small; not important:\na fractional decline in earnings * There was a fractional hesitation before he said yes.\n  2  (mathematics) of or in fractions:\na fractional equation


Words: fractious
Meaning:
adjective (especially BrE)\n  1  bad-tempered or easily upset, especially by small things:\nChildren often get fractious and tearful when tired.\n  2  (written) making trouble and complaining:\nThe six fractious republics are demanding autonomy.


Words: fracture
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a break in a bone or other hard material:\na fracture of the leg / skull * a compound / simple fracture (= one in which the broken bone comes / does not come through the skin) * Cracks and fractures are appearing in the ancient wall.\n  2  [U] the fact of sth breaking, especially a bone:\nOld people’s bones are more prone to fracture. * Research has shown that hormone replacement therapy can reduce the risk of fracture by 50 to 60 per cent.\n    verb\n  1  to break or crack; to make sth break or crack:\n[V] His leg fractured in two places. * [VN] She fell and fractured her skull. * a fractured pipeline\n  2  (formal) (of a society, organization, etc.) to split into several parts so that it no longer functions or exists; to split a society or organization, etc. in this way:\n[V] Many people predicted that the party would fracture and split. * [VN] The company was fractured into several smaller groups.\n    fractured adjective [usually before noun]:\nHe suffered a badly fractured arm. * (figurative) They spoke a sort of fractured German.


Words: fragile
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  easily broken or damaged:\nfragile china / glass / bones * Be careful not to drop it; it’s very fragile.\n  2  weak and uncertain; easily destroyed or spoilt:\na fragile alliance / ceasefire / relationship * The economy remains extremely fragile. * In her job she was used to dealing with actors’ fragile egos.\n  3  delicate and often beautiful:\nfragile beauty * The woman’s fragile face broke into a smile.\n  4  not strong and likely to become ill:\nHer father is now 86 and in fragile health. * (BrE, spoken) I’m feeling a bit fragile after last night (= not well, perhaps because of drinking too much alcohol).\n    fragility  noun [U]:\nthe fragility of the human body * There was an air of fragility about him.


Words: fragment
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  a small part of sth that has broken off or comes from sth larger:\nPolice found fragments of glass near the scene. * The shattered vase lay in fragments on the floor. * I overheard a fragment of their conversation. * She could recall only fragments of his poetry.\n    verb  [V, VN] (written) to break or make sth break into small pieces or parts\n    fragmentation  noun [U]:\nthe fragmentation of the country into small independent states\n    fragmented adjective:\na fragmented society


Words: fragmentary
Meaning:
adjective\nmade of small parts that are not connected or complete:\nThere is only fragmentary evidence to support this theory. * The historical records of the period are, at best fragmentary.


Words: fragrance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a pleasant smell:\nThe bath oil comes in various fragrances. * The flowers are chosen for their delicate fragrance.\n  2  [C] a liquid that you put on your skin in order to make yourself smell nice\nSYN PERFUME:\nan exciting new fragrance from Dior * They are about to launch their first fragrance for men.


Words: fragrant
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a pleasant smell:\nfragrant herbs / flowers / oils * The air was fragrant with scents from the sea and the hills. * Swallows swooped through the fragrant evening air.\n    fragrantly adverb


Words: frail
Meaning:
adjective (frailer, frailest)\n  1  (especially of an old person) physically weak and thin:\nMother was becoming too frail to live alone. * his frail hands\n  2  weak; easily damaged or broken:\nthe frail stems of the flowers * Human nature is frail.


Words: frailty
Meaning:
noun (plural frailties)\n  1  [U] weakness and poor health:\nIncreasing frailty meant that she was more and more confined to bed.\n  2  [U, C] weakness in a person’s character or morals:\nhuman frailty * the frailties of human nature


Words: frame
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  border\n \n  1  [C] a strong border or structure of wood, metal, etc. that holds a picture, door, piece of glass, etc. in position:\na picture frame * aluminium window frames * I’m going to paint the door frame white.\n \n  structure\n \n  2  [C] the supporting structure of a piece of furniture, a building, a vehicle, etc. that gives it its shape:\nthe frame of an aircraft / a car / a bicycle * The bed frame is made of pine.\nsee also CLIMBING FRAME\n \n  of glasses\n  3  [C, usually pl.] a structure of plastic or metal that holds the LENSES in a pair of glasses:\ngold-rimmed frames\n  person / animal’s body\n  4  [C, usually sing.] the form or structure of a person or animal’s body:\nto have a small / slender / large frame * The bed was shorter than his six-foot frame.\n  general ideas\n  5  [sing.] the general ideas or structure that form the background to sth:\nIn this course we hope to look at literature in the frame of its social and historical context.\nsee also TIME FRAME\n  of film / movie\n  6  [C] one of the single photographs that a film or VIDEO is made of\n  of picture story\n  7  [C] a single picture in a COMIC STRIP\n  in garden\n  8  [C] = COLD FRAME\n  in snooker / bowling\n  9  [C] a single section of play in the game of SNOOKER, etc., or in BOWLING:\nDavis won the first frame easily.\n IDIOMS \n  be in / out of the frame be taking part/not taking part in sth:\nWe won our match, so we’re still in the frame for the championship.\n    verb [VN]\n  make border\n  1  [usually passive] to put or make a frame or border around sth:\nThe photograph had been framed and hung on the wall. * Her thick blonde hair framed her face. * He stood there, head back, framed against the blue sky.\n  produce false evidence\n  2  [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) to produce false evidence against an innocent person so that people think he or she is guilty\nSYN FIT UP:\nHe says he was framed.\n  develop plan / system\n  3  (formal) to create and develop sth such as a plan, a system or a set of rules\n  express sth\n  4  to express sth in a particular way:\nYou’ll have to be careful how you frame the question.\n    framed adjective (often in compounds):\na framed photograph * a gilt-framed mirror * a timber-framed house (= with a supporting structure of wood)


Words: frame of mind
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the way you feel or think about sth at a particular time:\nWe’ll discuss this when you’re in a better frame of mind. * By his own admission, Gordon was not in the right frame of mind to win yesterday.


Words: frame of reference
Meaning:
noun\n(plural frames of reference) a particular set of beliefs, ideas or experiences that affects how a person understands or judges sth:\nIt is easy to choose our own frame of reference and attack any ideas that do not fit it.


Words: frame-up
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a situation in which false evidence is produced in order to make people think that an innocent person is guilty of a crime


Words: framework
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the parts of a building or an object that support its weight and give it shape:\nbuilt on a wooden / metal framework\n  2  ~ (of / for sth) a set of beliefs, ideas or rules that is used as the basis for making judgements, decisions, etc:\nThe report provides a framework for further research. * We are currently exploring new approaches within existing frameworks of practice and thinking.\n  3  the structure of a particular system:\nWe need to establish a legal framework for the protection of the environment. * the basic framework of society


Words: franc
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the unit of money in France, Belgium, Switzerland and several other countries (to be replaced in France, Belgium and Luxembourg by the euro)\n  2  (the franc) [sing.] (finance) the value of the franc compared with the value of the money of other countries:\nthe movement of sterling against the franc


Words: franchise
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] formal permission given by a company to sb who wants to sell its goods or services in a particular area; formal permission given by a government to sb who wants to operate a public service as a business:\na franchise agreement / company * a catering / rail franchise * In the reorganization, Southern Television lost their franchise. * to operate a business under franchise\n  2  [C] a business or service run under franchise:\nThey operate franchises in London and Paris. * a burger franchise\n  3  [U] (formal) the right to vote in a country’s elections:\nuniversal adult franchise * The 1918 Reform Act extended the franchise to women over 30.\nsee also ENFRANCHISE\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to give or sell a franchise (1) to sb:\nCatering has been franchised (out) to a private company. * franchised restaurants\n    franchising noun [U]


Words: francophone
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] speaking French as the main language:\nthe francophone countries of West Africa * a francophone TV channel\n    francophone noun:\nthe special needs of francophones living in Canada


Words: frank
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (franker, frankest)\n HELP NOTE  more frank is also common) honest and direct in what you say, sometimes in a way that other people might not like:\na full and frank discussion * a frank admission of guilt * He was very frank about his relationship with the actress. * To be frank with you, I think your son has little chance of passing the exam.\n    frankness noun [U]:\nThey outlined their aims with disarming frankness.\n    verb [VN] [often passive] to stamp a mark on an envelope, etc. to show that the cost of posting it has been paid or does not need to be paid:\na franking machine


Words: frankfurter
Meaning:
(AmE also wiener, informal weenie) noun\na long thin smoked sausage with a reddish-brown skin, often eaten in a long bread roll as a HOT DOG


Words: frankincense
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a substance that is burnt to give a pleasant smell, especially during religious ceremonies


Words: frankly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in an honest and direct way that people might not like:\nHe spoke frankly about the ordeal. * They frankly admitted their responsibility.\n  2  used to show that you are being honest about sth, even though people might not like what you are saying:\nFrankly, I couldn’t care less what happens to him. * Quite frankly, I’m not surprised you failed.


Words: frantic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  done quickly and with a lot of activity, but in a way that is not very well organized:\na frantic dash / search / struggle * They made frantic attempts to revive him. * Things are frantic in the office right now. * They worked with frantic haste.\n  2  unable to control your emotions because you are extremely frightened or worried about sth:\nfrantic with worry * Let’s go back. Your parents must be getting frantic by now. * The children are driving me frantic (= making me very annoyed).\n    frantically  adverb:\nThey worked frantically to finish on time.


Words: fraternal
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  connected with the relationship that exists between people or groups that share the same ideas or interests:\na fraternal organization / society\n  2  connected with the relationship that exists between brothers:\nfraternal feelings / rivalry\n    fraternally adverb


Words: fraternal twin
Meaning:
noun\neither of two children or animals born from the same mother at the same time but not from the same egg\ncompare IDENTICAL TWIN


Words: fraternity
Meaning:
noun (plural fraternities)\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people sharing the same profession, interests or beliefs:\nmembers of the medical / banking / racing fraternity\n  2  (also AmE informal frat) [C] a club for a group of male students at an American college or university\ncompare SORORITY\n  3  [U] (formal) a feeling of friendship and support that exists between the members of a group:\nthe ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity


Words: fraternize
Meaning:
(BrE also fraternise)  verb\n[V] ~ (with sb) to behave in a friendly manner, especially towards sb that you are not supposed to be friendly with:\nShe was accused of fraternizing with the enemy.\n    fraternization, fraternisation  noun [U]


Words: fratricide
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (formal) the crime of killing your brother or sister; a person who is guilty of this crime\ncompare MATRICIDE, PARRICIDE, PATRICIDE\n  2  the crime of killing people of your own country or group; a person who is guilty of this crime\n    fratricidal  adjective:\nto be engaged in a fratricidal struggle


Words: fraud
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the crime of deceiving sb in order to get money or goods illegally:\nShe was charged with credit card fraud. * property that has been obtained by fraud * a $100 million fraud\n  2  [C] a person who pretends to have qualities, abilities, etc. that they do not really have in order to deceive other people:\nHe’s nothing but a liar and a fraud. * She felt a fraud accepting their sympathy (= because she was not really sad).\n  3  [C] something that is not as good, useful, etc. as people claim it is


Words: fraudulent
Meaning:
adjective\nintended to deceive sb, usually in order to make money illegally:\nfraudulent advertising * fraudulent insurance claims\n    fraudulence  noun [U]\n    fraudulently  adverb:\ncharged with fraudulently obtaining a bank loan


Words: fraught
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ with sth filled with sth unpleasant:\na situation fraught with danger / difficulty / problems\n  2  (especially BrE) causing or feeling worry and anxiety:\nShe looked / sounded fraught. * There was a fraught silence. * The atmosphere remained fraught. * Things are as fraught as ever in the office.


Words: fray
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  if fabric frays or sth frays it, the threads in it start to come apart:\n[V] The cuffs of his shirt were fraying. * This material frays easily. * [VN] It was fashionable to fray the bottoms of your jeans.\n  2  if sb’s nerves or temper frays or sth frays them, the person starts to get irritated or annoyed:\n[V] As the debate went on, tempers began to fray. [also VN] \n    frayed adjective:\nfrayed denim shorts * Tempers were getting very frayed.\n IDIOMS \n  fray at / around the edges / seams to start to come apart or to fail:\nSupport for the leader was fraying at the edges.\n    noun (the fray) [sing.] a fight, competition or argument, especially one that is exciting or seen as a test of your ability:\nready / eager for the fray * to enter / join the fray * At 71, he has now retired from the political fray.


Words: frazzle
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  be burnt, worn, etc. to a frazzle (informal) to be completely burnt/extremely tired


Words: freak
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun\n  1  (informal) a person with a very strong interest in a particular subject:\na health / fitness / jazz freak\nsee also CONTROL FREAK\n  2  (disapproving) a person who is considered to be unusual because of the way they behave, look or think:\nShe was treated like a freak because she didn’t want children. * He’s going out with a real freak.\n  3  (also freak of nature) (sometimes offensive) a person, an animal, a plant or a thing that is not physically normal\n  4  a very unusual and unexpected event:\nBy some freak of fate they all escaped without injury.\n    adjective [only before noun] (of an event or the weather) very unusual and unexpected:\na freak accident / storm / occurrence * freak weather conditions\n    verb ~ (sb) (out) (informal) if sb freaks or if sth freaks them, they react very strongly to sth that makes them suddenly feel shocked, surprised, frightened, etc: [V] My parents really freaked when they saw my hair. * [VN] Snakes really freak me out.


Words: freakish
Meaning:
adjective\nvery strange, unusual or unexpected:\nfreakish weather / behaviour * Are you saying it is somehow freakish to want to stay single?\n    freakishly adverb


Words: freckle
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a small, pale brown spot on a person’s skin, especially on their face, caused by the sun\ncompare MOLE\n \n    freckled  adjective:\na freckled face / schoolgirl


Words: free
Meaning:
adjective, verb, adverb \n    adjective (freer )\n  not controlled\n  1  ~ (to do sth) not under the control or in the power of sb else; able to do what you want:\nI have no ambitions other than to have a happy life and be free. * Students have a free choice of courses in their final year. * You are free to come and go as you please. * (spoken) ’Can I use the phone?’ ’Please, feel free (= of course you can use it).’\n  2  not restricted or controlled by anyone else; able to do or say what you want:\nA true democracy complete with free speech and a free press was called for. * the country’s first free election * They gave me free access to all the files.\n  not prisoner\n  3  (of a person) not a prisoner or slave:\nHe walked out of jail a free man.\n  animal / bird\n  4  not tied up or in a cage:\nThe researchers set the birds free.\n  no payment\n  5  costing nothing:\nAdmission is free. * free samples / tickets / advice * We’re offering a fabulous free gift with each copy you buy. * You can’t expect people to work for free (= without payment).\n  not blocked\n  6  clear; not blocked:\nEnsure there is a free flow of air around the machine.\n  without sth\n  7  ~ from / of sth not containing or affected by sth harmful or unpleasant:\nfree from difficulty / doubt / fear * free from artificial colours and flavourings * It was several weeks before he was completely free of pain.\n  8  (-free) (in adjectives) without the thing mentioned:\nvirtually fat-free yoghurt * tax-free earnings * a trouble-free life\n  not attached / trapped\n  9  ~ (of sth) not attached to sth or trapped by sth:\nPull gently on the free end of the rope. * They had to be cut free from their car after the accident. * She finally managed to pull herself free.\n  not being used\n  10  not being used:\nHe held out his free hand and I took it. * Is this seat free?\n  not busy\n  11  ~ (for sth) (of a person or time) without particular plans or arrangements; not busy:\nIf Sarah is free for lunch I’ll take her out. * Keep Friday night free for my party. * What do you like to do in your free time (= when you are not working)?\n  ready to give\n  12  ~ with sth (often disapproving) ready to give sth, especially when it is not wanted:\nHe’s too free with his opinions.\n  translation\n  13  a free TRANSLATION is not exact but gives the general meaning\ncompare LITERAL\n IDIOMS \n  free and easy informal; relaxed:\nLife was never going to be so free and easy again.\n  get, have, etc. a free hand to get, have, etc. the opportunity to do what you want to do and to make your own decisions:\nI was given a free hand in designing the syllabus.\n  get, take, etc. a free ride to get or take sth without paying because sb else is paying for it\n  it’s a free country (spoken) used as a reply when sb suggests that you should not do sth:\nIt’s a free country; I’ll say what I like!\n  there’s no such thing as a free lunch (spoken) used to say that it is not possible to get sth for nothing\nmore at HOME adv., REIN n.\n    verb\n  prisoner\n  1  [VN] ~ sb (from sth) to allow sb to leave prison or somewhere they have been kept against their WILL (= where they did not want to be kept):\nBy the end of May nearly 100 of an estimated 2 000 political prisoners had been freed. * The hijackers agreed to free a further ten hostages. * The starting point for emancipation was the freeing of children of slaves born after a certain date.\n  sb / sth trapped\n  2  [VN] ~ sb/sth / yourself (from sth) to move sb/sth that is caught or fixed on sth:\nThree people were freed from the wreckage. * She struggled to free herself. * A good kick finally freed the door. * He managed to free his arms from their bonds.\n  remove sth\n  3  [VN] ~ sb/sth of / from sb/sth to remove sth that is unpleasant or not wanted from sb/sth\nSYN RID:\nThese exercises help free the body of tension. * The police are determined to free the town of violent crime. * The centre aims to free young people from dependency on drugs.\n  make available\n  4  [VN] ~ sb/sth (up) to make sb/sth available for a particular purpose:\nWe freed time each week for a project meeting. * The government has promised to free up more resources for education.\n  5  [VN to inf] to give sb the extra time to do sth that they want to do:\nWinning the prize freed him to paint full-time.\n    adverb\n  without payment\n  1  (also free of charge) without payment:\nChildren under five travel free.\n  not trapped\n  2  away from or out of a position in which sb/sth is stuck or trapped:\nThe wagon broke free from the train.\nsee also SCOT-FREE\n IDIOMS \n  make free with sth (disapproving) to use sth a lot, even though it does not belong to you:\nDoes she know that you’re making free with her belongings?\n  run free (of an animal) to be allowed to go where it likes; not tied to anything or kept in a cage\nmore at WALK v.


Words: free agent
Meaning:
noun\na person who can do whatever they want because they are not responsible to or for anyone else:\nYou don’t have to make excuses-you’re a free agent.


Words: free enterprise
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an economic system in which private businesses compete with each other without much government control\ncompare PRIVATE ENTERPRISE


Words: free fall
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the movement of an object or a person falling through the air without engine power or a PARACHUTE:\na free fall display\n  2  a sudden drop in the value of sth that cannot be stopped:\nShare prices have gone into free fall.


Words: free house
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a pub that can sell different types of beer because it is not owned and controlled by one particular BREWERY (= a company producing beer)\ncompare TIED HOUSE


Words: free kick
Meaning:
noun\n(in football) an opportunity to kick the ball without any opposition, that is given to one team when the other team does sth wrong:\nto take a free kick


Words: free love
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (old-fashioned) the practice of having sex without being married or having several sexual relationships at the same time


Words: free market
Meaning:
noun\nan economic system in which the price of goods and services is affected by supply and demand rather than controlled by a government:\nto compete in a free market


Words: free marketeer
Meaning:
noun\na person who believes that prices should be allowed to rise and fall according to supply and demand and not be controlled by the government


Words: free port
Meaning:
noun\na port at which tax is not paid on goods that have been brought there temporarily before being sent to a different country


Words: free radical
Meaning:
noun\n(chemistry) an atom or group of atoms that has an ELECTRON that is not part of a pair, that makes it highly REACTIVE\nsee also ANTIOXIDANT (1)


Words: free trade
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a system of international trade in which there are no restrictions or taxes on imports and exports:\na free-trade agreement / area


Words: free vote
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a vote by members of parliament in which they can vote according to their own beliefs rather than following the policy of their political party


Words: free will
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the power to make your own decisions without being controlled by God or fate\n IDIOMS \n  of your own free will because you want to do sth rather than because sb has told or forced you to do it:\nShe left of her own free will.


Words: free-floating
Meaning:
adjective\nnot attached to or controlled by anything:\na free-floating currency / exchange rate * free-floating algae


Words: free-for-all
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  a situation in which there are no rules or controls and everyone acts for their own advantage:\nThe lowering of trade barriers has led to a free-for-all among exporters. * a price-cutting free-for-all\n  2  a noisy fight or argument in which a lot of people take part:\nPrompt action by prison staff prevented a violent free-for-all.


Words: free-form
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of art or music) not created according to standard forms or structures:\na free-form jazz improvisation


Words: free-range
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] connected with a system of farming in which animals are kept in natural conditions and can move around freely:\nfree-range chickens * free-range eggs\ncompare BATTERY (4), BATTERY FARM


Words: free-standing
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not supported by or attached to anything:\na free-standing sculpture\n  2  not a part of sth else:\na free-standing adult education service


Words: freebie
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) something that is given to sb without payment, usually by a company:\nHe took all the freebies that were on offer. * a freebie holiday


Words: freebooter
Meaning:
noun\na person who takes part in a war in order to steal goods and money\n    freebooting adjective, noun [U]


Words: freedom
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (of sth) the right to do or say what you want without anyone stopping you:\nfreedom of speech / thought / expression / worship * a threat to press / academic freedom * rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution * freedom of information (= the right to see secret information that a government has about people and organizations)\n  2  [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) | ~ (to do sth) the state of being able to do what you want, without anything stopping you:\nfreedom of action / choice * complete freedom to do as you wish * Thanks to the automobile, Americans soon had a freedom of movement previously unknown. * These proposals would give health authorities greater freedom in deciding how to spend their money. * Enjoy the freedom of the outdoors (= where you can do what you want).\n  3  [U] the state of not being a prisoner or slave:\nHe finally won his freedom after twenty years in jail.\n  4  [U] ~ from sth the state of not being affected by the thing mentioned:\nfreedom from fear / pain / hunger\n  5  [sing.] the ~ of sth permission to use sth without restriction:\nI was given the freedom of the whole house.\n IDIOMS \n  the freedom of the city (in Britain) an honour that is given to sb by a city as a reward for work they have done\nsee also FREEMAN\n IDIOMS  see MANOEUVRE n.


Words: freedom fighter
Meaning:
noun\na name used to describe a person who uses violence to try to remove a government from power, by people who support this\ncompare GUERRILLA, TERRORIST


Words: freehand
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] drawn without using a ruler or other instruments:\na freehand drawing\n    freehand adverb:\nto draw freehand


Words: freehold
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (law) (especially BrE) the fact of owning a building or piece of land for a period of time that is not limited:\nPrivate tenants in flats now have the right to buy the freehold from their landlord.\n    freehold adjective:\na freehold property\n    freehold adverb:\nto buy a house freehold\ncompare LEASEHOLD


Words: freeholder
Meaning:
noun\n(law) (especially BrE) a person who owns the freehold of a building or piece of land\ncompare LEASEHOLDER


Words: freelance
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective earning money by selling your work or services to several different organizations rather than being employed by one particular organization:\na freelance journalist * freelance work\n    freelance adverb:\nI work freelance from home. * She went (= started to work) freelance in 1996.\n    verb [V] to earn money by selling your work to several different organizations:\nShe freelanced as a sports reporter. * He freelanced for several companies.


Words: freeloader
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving) a person who is always accepting free food and accommodation from other people without giving them anything in exchange\n    freeload verb [V]\n    freeloading adjective, noun [U]


Words: freely
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  without anyone trying to prevent or control sth:\nthe country’s first freely elected president * EU citizens can now travel freely between member states. * the right to worship freely * Prices are higher than they would be if market forces were allowed to operate freely.\n  2  without anything stopping the movement or flow of sth:\nWhen the gate is raised, the water can flow freely. * Traffic is now moving more freely following an earlier accident. * The book is now freely available in the shops (= it is not difficult to get a copy). * Once into the open street they could breathe more freely. * (figurative) The wine flowed freely (= there was a lot of it to drink).\n  3  without trying to avoid the truth even though it might be unpleasant or embarrassing:\nI freely admit that I made a mistake. * Both players freely acknowledge that money was a major incentive.\n  4  in an honest way without worrying about what people will say or do:\nFor the first time he was able to speak freely without the fear of reprisals against his family.\n  5  in a willing and generous way:\nMillions of people gave freely in response to the appeal for the victims of the earthquake. * She has always given freely of her time.\n  6  a piece of writing that is translated freely is not translated exactly but the general meaning is given


Words: freeman
Meaning:
1  (BrE) a person who has been given the FREEDOM of a particular city as a reward for the work that they have done:\nHe was made a freeman of the City of London in March 1995.\n  2  a person who is not a slave


Words: Freemason
Meaning:
(also Mason) noun\na man belonging to a secret society whose members help each other and communicate using secret signs


Words: Freemasonry
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the system and practices of Freemasons\n  2  (freemasonry) the friendship that exists between people who have the same profession or interests:\nthe freemasonry of actors


Words: Freephone
Meaning:
(also Freefone)  noun\n[U] (in Britain) a system in which the cost of a telephone call is paid for by the organization being called, rather than by the person making the call:\nCall now on Freephone 0800 89216 for further details.\ncompare TOLL-FREE


Words: Freepost
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in Britain) a system in which the cost of sending a letter is paid for by the organization receiving it, rather than by the person sending it:\nComplete the form and send it to us at the Freepost address given below.


Words: freesia
Meaning:
noun\na plant with yellow, pink, white or purple flowers with a sweet smell, which are also called freesias


Words: freestyle
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a swimming race in which competitors can use any stroke they want (usually CRAWL):\nthe men’s 400 m freestyle\n  2  (often used as an adjective) a sports competition in which competitors can use any style that they want:\nfreestyle skiing / wrestling


Words: freethinker
Meaning:
noun\na person who forms their own ideas and opinions rather than accepting those of other people, especially in religious teaching\n    freethinking adjective [only before noun]


Words: freeware
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (computing) computer SOFTWARE that is offered free of charge for anyone to use\ncompare SHAREWARE


Words: freeway
Meaning:
(also expressway) noun\n(in the US) a wide road, with at least two LANES in each direction, where traffic can travel fast for long distances between large towns. You can only enter and leave freeways at special RAMPS:\na freeway exit * an accident on the freeway * to get onto / to exit the freeway\ncompare MOTORWAY


Words: freewheel
Meaning:
verb\n[V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to ride a bicycle without using the PEDALS:\nI freewheeled down the hill to the village.


Words: freewheeling
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (informal) not concerned about rules or the possible results of what you do:\na freewheeling lifestyle


Words: freeze
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (froze )\n  become ice\n  1  to become hard, and often turn to ice, as a result of extreme cold; to make sth do this:\n[V] Water freezes at 0ｰC. * It’s so cold that even the river has frozen. * [VN] The cold weather had frozen the ground. * [V-ADJ] The clothes froze solid on the washing-line.\nOPP THAW\n  of pipe / lock / machine\n  2  ~ (sth) (up) if a pipe, lock or machine freezes, or sth freezes it, it becomes blocked with frozen liquid and therefore cannot be used:\n[V] The pipes have frozen, so we’ve got no water. * [VN] Ten degrees of frost had frozen the lock on the car.\n  of weather\n  3  [V] when it freezes, the weather is at or below 0ｰ Celsius:\nIt may freeze tonight, so bring those plants inside.\n  be very cold\n  4  to be very cold; to be so cold that you die:\n[V] Every time she opens the window we all freeze. * [V, VN] Two men froze to death on the mountain. * Two men were frozen to death on the mountain.\n  food\n  5  [VN] to keep food at a very low temperature in order to preserve it:\nCan you freeze this cake? * These meals are ideal for home freezing.\n  6  [V] to be able to be kept at a very low temperature:\nSome fruits freeze better than others.\n  stop moving\n  7  [V] to stop moving suddenly because of fear, etc:\nI froze with terror as the door slowly opened. * (figurative) The smile froze on her lips. * The police officer shouted ’Freeze!’ and the man dropped the gun.\n  film / movie\n  8  [VN] to stop a film/movie or video in order to look at a particular picture:\nFreeze the action there!\nsee also FREEZE-FRAME\n  wages / prices\n  9  [VN] to hold wages, prices, etc. at a fixed level for a period of time:\nSalaries have been frozen for the current year.\n  money / bank account\n  10  [VN] to prevent money, a bank account, etc. from being used by getting a court order which forbids it:\nThe company’s assets have been frozen.\n IDIOMS \n  freeze your blood | make your blood freeze to make you extremely frightened or shocked\nmore at TRACK n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  freeze sb<->out (of sth) (informal) to be deliberately unfriendly to sb, creating difficulties, etc. in order to stop or DISCOURAGE them from doing sth or taking part in sth\n  freeze over to become completely covered by ice:\nThe lake freezes over in winter.\n    noun\n  of wages / prices\n  1  the act of keeping wages, prices, etc. at a particular level for a period of time:\na wage / price freeze\n  stopping sth\n  2  [usually sing.] ~ (on sth) the act of stopping sth:\na freeze on imports\n  cold weather\n  3  [usually sing.] (BrE) an unusually cold period of weather during which temperatures stay below 0ｰ Celsius:\nFarmers are still talking about the big freeze of ’94.\n  4  (AmE) a short period of time, especially at night, when the temperature is below 0ｰ Celsius:\nA freeze warning was posted for Thursday night.


Words: freezer
Meaning:
(BrE also deep freeze) (AmE also Deepfreeze deep freezer) noun\na large piece of electrical equipment in which you can store food for a long time at a low temperature so that it stays frozen\nsee also FRIDGE-FREEZER


Words: freezing
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  extremely cold:\nIt’s freezing in here! * I’m freezing! * My hands are freezing!\n  2  [only before noun] having temperatures that are below 0ｰ Celsius:\nfreezing fog * freezing temperatures\n    freezing adverb (informal):\nIt’s freezing cold outside.


Words: freezing point
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also freezing) [U] 0ｰ Celsius, the temperature at which water freezes:\nTonight temperatures will fall well below freezing (point).\n  2  [C, usually sing.] the temperature at which a particular liquid freezes:\nthe freezing point of polar sea water


Words: freight
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] goods that are transported by ships, planes, trains or lorries/trucks; the system of transporting goods in this way:\nto send goods by air freight * a freight business * passenger and freight transportation services\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to send or carry goods by air, sea or train\n  2  [usually passive] (literary) to fill sth with a particular mood or tone:\nEach word was freighted with anger.


