# dict

Words: bugger all
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE, !!!, slang) nothing at all; none at all:\nThere’s bugger all on TV tonight. * Well, she was bugger all help (= no help at all).


Words: buggered
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun] (BrE, !!!, slang)\n  1  very tired\n  2  broken or ruined:\nOh no, the TV’s buggered.\n IDIOMS \n  I’ll be buggered (BrE, !!!, spoken) used to express great surprise:\nWell, I’ll be buggered! Look who’s here.\n  I’m buggered if ... (BrE, !!!, spoken) used to say that you do not know sth or to refuse to do sth:\n’What’s this meeting all about?’ ’I’m buggered if I know.’ * Well I’m buggered if I’m going to help her after what she said to me.


Words: buggy
Meaning:
noun (plural buggies)\n \n  1  (BrE) (AmE cart) a small car, often without a roof or doors, used for a particular purpose:\na garden / golf buggy\nsee also BEACH BUGGY\n \n  2  (also Baby Buggy) (both BrE) (AmE stroller) a type of light folding chair on wheels in which a baby or small child is pushed along\ncompare PUSHCHAIR\n \n  3  a light carriage for one or two people, pulled by one horse


Words: build
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (built, built )\n  1  ~ sth (of / in / from sth) | ~ sth (for sb) | ~ sb sth to make sth, especially a building, by putting parts together:\n[VN] They have permission to build 200 new houses. * Robins build nests almost anywhere. * a house built of stone * apartment blocks built in brick and concrete * They had a house built for them. * [VNN] David built us a shed in the back yard. * [V] They’re going to build on the site of the old power station.\n  2  [VN] to create or develop sth:\nShe’s built a new career for herself. * We want to build a better life. * This information will help us build a picture of his attacker.\n  3  [V] (written) (of a feeling) to become gradually stronger:\nThe tension and excitement built gradually all day.\n IDIOMS  see CASTLE, ROME\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  build sth around sth [usually passive] to create sth, using sth else as a basis:\nThe story is built around a group of high school dropouts.\n  build sth<->in | build sth into sth [often passive]\n1 to make sth a permanent part of a larger structure:\nWe’re having new wardrobes built in. * Manufacturers are now building modems into new computers. * The pipes were built into the concrete.\n2 to make sth a permanent part of a system, plan, etc:\nA certain amount of flexibility is built into the system.\nsee also BUILT-IN\n  build on sth to use sth as a basis for further progress:\nThis study builds on earlier work. * We will continue to build on our previous success.\n  build sth on sth [usually passive] to base sth on sth:\nan argument built on sound logic\n  build sth<->on | build sth onto sth to add sth (for example, an extra room) to an existing structure by building:\nThey’ve built an extension on. * The new wing was built onto the hospital last year.\n  build up (to sth) to become greater, more powerful or larger in number:\nAll the pressure built up and he was off work for weeks with stress. * The music builds up to a rousing climax.\nrelated noun BUILD-UP (1)\n  build up to sth | build yourself up to sth to prepare for a particular moment or event:\nBuild yourself up to peak performance on the day of the exam. * If you are building up to a competition you may wish to increase your fitness and endurance.\nrelated noun BUILD-UP (2)\n  build sb/sth up [usually passive] to give a very positive and enthusiastic description of sb/sth, often exaggerating your claims:\nThe play was built up to be a masterpiece but I found it very disappointing.\nrelated noun BUILD-UP (3)\n  build sb / yourself<->up to make sb/yourself healthier or stronger:\nYou need more protein to build you up.\n  build sth<->up\n1 to create or develop sth:\nShe’s built up a very successful business. * These finds help us build up a picture of life in the Middle Ages. * I am anxious not to build up false hopes (= to encourage people to hope for too much). * The gallery has built up a fine collection of contemporary art. * We’ve built up good relationships with our clients.\n2 to make sth higher or stronger than it was before:\nThe sea defences have been built up to ensure that such a disaster will not strike again.\n    noun [U, C, usually sing.] the shape and size of the human body:\na man of average build


Words: build-up
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [sing., U] an increase in the amount of sth over a period of time:\na steady build-up of traffic in the evenings * carbon dioxide build-up in the atmosphere\n  2  [C, usually sing.] ~ (to sth) the time before an important event, when people are preparing for it:\nthe build-up to the President’s visit * the build-up to her wedding\n  3  [C, usually sing.] a very positive and enthusiastic description of sth that is going to happen, that is intended to make people excited about it:\nThe media has given the show a huge build-up.


Words: builder
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or company whose job is to build or repair houses or other buildings\n  2  (usually in compounds) a person or thing that builds, creates or develops sth:\na shipbuilder * a confidence builder * a bodybuilder


Words: building
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] a structure such as a house or school that has a roof and walls:\ntall / old / historic buildings * The Blue Mosque at Isfahan is the most beautiful building I have ever seen.\n \n  2  [U] the process and work of building:\nthe building of the Channel Tunnel * There’s building work going on next door. * the building trade * building materials / costs / regulations


Words: building block
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] a piece of wood or plastic used as a toy for children to build things with\n \n  2  (building blocks) [pl.] parts that are joined together in order to make a large thing exist:\nSingle words are the building blocks of language.


Words: building society
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) (AmE savings and loan association) an organization like a bank that lends money to people who want to buy a house. People also save money with a building society.


Words: built
Meaning:
combining form\n(after adverbs and in compound adjectives) made in the particular way that is mentioned:\na newly built station * American-built cars\nsee also PURPOSE-BUILT, WELL BUILT


Words: built-in
Meaning:
(also less frequent in-built) adjective\n[only before noun] included as part of sth and not separate from it:\nbuilt-in cupboards * a computer workstation with a built-in telephone, answering machine and fax * (figurative) our built-in weaknesses\ncompare INBUILT


Words: built-up
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (especially BrE) (of an area of land) covered in buildings, roads, etc:\nto reduce the speed limit in built-up areas


Words: bulb
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (also light bulb) the glass part that fits into an electric lamp, etc. to give light when it is switched on:\na 60-watt bulb * a room lit by bare bulbs (= with no decorative cover)\n \n  2  the round underground part of some plants, shaped like an onion, that grows into a new plant every year:\ndaffodil bulbs * the bulb fields of Holland\n \n  3  an object shaped like a bulb, for example the end of a THERMOMETER


Words: bulge
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] \n  1  ~ (with sth) (usually used in the progressive tenses) to be completely full (of sth):\nHer pockets were bulging with presents. * a bulging briefcase\n  2  to stick out from sth in a round shape:\nHis eyes bulged. * South of Benghazi the coastline bulges out then in.\n IDIOMS  see SEAM\n    noun\n  1  a lump that sticks out from sth in a round shape:\nthe bulge of a gun in his pocket\n  2  (informal) fat on the body that sticks out in a round shape:\nThat skirt’s too tight. It shows all your bulges.\n  3  a sudden temporary increase in the amount of sth:\nAfter the war there was a bulge in the birth rate.


Words: bulimia
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an emotional disorder in which a person repeatedly eats too much and then forces him- or herself to VOMIT\ncompare ANOREXIA\n    bulimic  adjective\n    bulimic noun


Words: bulk
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [sing.] the ~ (of sth) the main part of sth; most of sth:\nThe bulk of the population lives in cities.\n  2  [U] the (large) size or quantity of sth:\nDespite its bulk and weight, the car is extremely fast. * a bulk order (= one for a large number of similar items) * bulk buying (= buying in large amounts, often at a reduced price) * It’s cheaper to buy in bulk.\n  3  [sing.] the weight or shape of sb/sth large:\nShe heaved her bulk out of the chair.\n    verb [V] \n IDIOMS \n  bulk large (BrE, formal) to be the most important part of sth:\nThe issue is likely to bulk large at the next summit meeting.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bulk sth<->out / up to make sth bigger, thicker or heavier:\nSausages often have bread in them to bulk them out. * He acquired another small airline and bulked up operations.


Words: bulky
Meaning:
adjective (bulkier, bulkiest)\n  1  (of a thing) large and difficult to move or carry:\nBulky items will be collected separately.\n  2  (of a person) tall and heavy:\nThe bulky figure of Inspector Jones appeared at the door.


Words: bull
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the male of any animal in the cow family:\na bull neck (= a short thick neck like a bull’s)\ncompare BULLOCK, COW, OX, STEER\n  2  [C] the male of the elephant, WHALE and some other large animals\ncompare COW\n  3  [C] (finance) a person who buys shares in a company, hoping to sell them soon afterwards at a higher price:\na bull market (= a situation in which share prices are rising)\ncompare BEAR\n  4  [C] an official order or statement from the POPE (= the head of the Roman Catholic Church):\na papal bull\n  5  [U] (slang) = BULLSHIT:\nThat’s a load of bull!\n  6  [C] = BULLSEYE\nsee also COCK AND BULL STORY\n IDIOMS \n  a bull in a china shop a person who is careless, or who moves or acts in a rough or awkward way, in a place or situation where skill and care are needed:\nYou’re not going to go storming in there like a bull in a china shop, are you?\n  take the bull by the horns to face a difficult or dangerous situation directly and with courage:\nNora decided to take the bull by the horns and organize things for herself.\nmore at RED adj., SHOOT v.


Words: bulldoze
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to destroy buildings, trees, etc. with a bulldozer:\nThe trees are being bulldozed to make way for a new superstore. * The makeshift dwellings were bulldozed into the ground.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] to force your way somewhere; to force sth somewhere:\n[V] Andy Roland bulldozed through to score. * [VN] He bulldozed his way to victory. * They bulldozed the tax through Parliament.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb (into doing sth) to force sb to do sth:\nThey bulldozed him into selling.


Words: bulldozer
Meaning:
noun\na powerful motor vehicle with a broad steel blade in front, used for moving earth or knocking down buildings


Words: bullet
Meaning:
noun\na small metal object that is fired from a gun:\nbullet wounds * There were bullet holes in the door. * He was killed by a bullet in the head.\nsee also PLASTIC BULLET, RUBBER BULLET\n IDIOMS  see BITE v.


Words: bulletin
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a short news report on the radio or television\n  2  an official statement about sth important:\na medical bulletin on the President’s health\n  3  a printed report that gives news about an organization or a group


Words: bulletin board
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (AmE) = NOTICEBOARD\n  2  (computing) a place in a computer system where any user can write or read messages


Words: bullfight
Meaning:
noun\na traditional public entertainment, popular especially in Spain, in which BULLS are fought and usually killed\n    bullfighter noun\n    bullfighting noun [U] \nsee also MATADOR


Words: bullish
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  confident and hopeful about the future:\nin a bullish mood\n  2  (finance) causing, or connected with, an increase in the price of shares:\na bullish market\ncompare BEARISH


Words: bullock
Meaning:
noun\na young BULL (= a male cow) that has been CASTRATED (= had part of its sex organs removed)\ncompare OX, STEER


Words: bullseye
Meaning:
(also bull) noun\n[usually sing.] the centre of the TARGET that you shoot or throw at in shooting, ARCHERY or DARTS; a shot or throw that hits this:\nHe scored a bullseye.


Words: bullshit
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] (!!!, slang) (also informal bull) (abbreviation BS) nonsense:\nThat’s just bullshit.\n    verb (-tt-) (!!!, slang) to say things that are not true, especially in order to deceive sb: [V] She’s just bullshitting. * [VN] Don’t try to bullshit me!\n    bullshitter noun


Words: bully
Meaning:
noun, verb, exclamation \n    noun (plural bullies) a person who uses their strength or power to frighten or hurt weaker people:\nthe school bully * Leave him alone, you big bully!\n    verb (bullies, bullying, bullied, bullied) [VN] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) to frighten or hurt a weaker person; to use your strength or power to make sb do sth:\nMy son is being bullied at school. * I won’t be bullied into signing anything.\n    bullying noun [U]:\nBullying is a problem in many schools. * He refused to give in to bullying and threats. * bullying behaviour / tactics\n    exclamation\n IDIOMS \n  bully for you, etc. (spoken) used to show that you do not think that what sb has said or done is very impressive:\nHe’s got a job in New York? Well, bully for him!


Words: bulrush
Meaning:
noun\na tall plant with long narrow leaves and a long brown head of flowers, that grows in or near water


Words: bulwark
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (against sth) (formal) a person or thing that protects or defends sth:\na bulwark against communism\n  2  a wall built as a defence\n  3  [usually pl.] the part of a ship’s side that is above the level of the DECK


Words: bum
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun (informal)\n  1  (BrE) the part of the body that you sit on\nSYN BACKSIDE, BEHIND, BOTTOM\n  2  (especially AmE) a person who has no home or job and who asks other people for money or food:\na beach bum (= sb who spends all their time on the beach, without having a job)\n  3  a lazy person who does nothing for other people or for society:\nHe’s nothing but a no-good bum!\n IDIOMS \n  bums on seats (BrE, informal) used to refer to the number of people who attend a show, talk, etc., especially when emphasizing the need or desire to attract a large number:\nThey’re not bothered about attracting the right audience-they just want bums on seats.\n    verb (-mm-) [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (off sb) (informal) to get sth from sb by asking:\nCan I bum a cigarette off you?\n  2  ~ sb (out) (AmE, informal) to make sb feel upset or disappointed\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bum around / about (informal) to travel around or spend your time with no particular plans:\nHe bummed around the world for a year.\n    adjective [only before noun] (informal) of bad quality; wrong or useless:\nHe didn’t play one bum note. * a bum deal (= a situation where you do not get what you deserve or have paid for)


Words: bumbag
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE fanny pack) noun\n(informal) a small bag attached to a belt and worn around the waist, to keep money, etc. in


Words: bumble
Meaning:
verb\n[V +adv./prep.] to act or move in an awkward or confused way:\nI could hear him bumbling around in the kitchen.


Words: bumf
Meaning:
(also bumph)  noun\n[U] (BrE, informal) written information, especially advertisements, official documents, forms, etc., that seem boring or unnecessary:\nHe threw away my letter, thinking it was just more election bumf.


Words: bummer
Meaning:
noun\n(a bummer) [sing.] (informal) a disappointing or unpleasant situation:\nIt’s a real bummer that she can’t come.


Words: bump
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] ~ against / into sb/sth to hit sb/sth accidentally:\nIn the dark I bumped into a chair. * The car bumped against the kerb.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (against / on sth) to hit sth, especially a part of your body, against or on sth:\nBe careful not to bump your head on the beam when you stand up.\n  3  [+adv./prep.] to move across a rough surface:\n[V] The jeep bumped along the dirt track. * [VN] The car bumped its way slowly down the drive. * She entered the subway, bumping her bags down the steps.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bump into sb (informal) to meet sb by chance:\nI bumped into Simon this morning.\n  bump sb<->off (informal) to murder sb\n  bump sth<->up (informal) to increase or raise sth:\nThey bump up their prices in the summer months. * We’ve bumped up the connection speed to make downloading much faster.\n    noun\n  1  [C] the action or sound of sth hitting a hard surface:\nHe fell to the ground with a bump. * We could hear loud bumps from upstairs where the children were playing.\n  2  [C] a swelling on the body, often caused by a blow\nSYN LUMP:\nShe was covered in bumps and bruises. * How did you get that bump on your forehead?\n  3  [C] a part of a flat surface that is not even, but raised above the rest of it:\na bump in the road\nsee also BUMPY\n  4  [C] a slight accident in which your vehicle hits sth:\nI had a bump in the car earlier, but it wasn’t serious.\n  5  (the bumps) [pl.] (BrE) (on a child’s birthday) the act of lifting the child in the air and then putting them down on the ground, once for every year of their age:\nWe gave her the bumps.\n IDIOMS  see EARTH n., THING


Words: bumper
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n a bar fixed to the front and back of a car, etc. to reduce the effect if it hits anything:\na bumper sticker (= a sign that people stick on the bumper of their cars with a message on it) * The cars were bumper to bumper on the road to the coast (= so close that their bumpers were nearly touching).\n    adjective [only before noun] (approving) unusually large; producing an unusually large amount:\na bumper issue (= of a magazine, etc.) * a bumper crop / harvest / season / year


Words: bumptious
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) showing that you think that you are very important; often giving your opinions in a loud, confident and annoying way


Words: bumpy
Meaning:
adjective (bumpier, bumpiest)\n  1  (of a surface) not even; with a lot of bumps:\na bumpy road / track * bumpy ground\n  2  (of a journey) uncomfortable with a lot of sudden unpleasant movements caused by the road surface, weather conditions, etc:\na bumpy ride / flight\n IDIOMS \n  have / give sb a bumpy ride to have a difficult time; to make a situation difficult for sb


Words: bun
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (BrE) a small round sweet cake:\nan iced bun\nsee also HOT CROSS BUN\n  2  [C] (BrE also bap) a small round flat bread roll:\na hamburger bun\ncompare ROLL\n  3  [C] long hair that has been twisted into a round shape and is worn on top or at the back of the head:\nShe wore her hair in a bun.\n  4  (buns) [pl.] (slang, especially AmE) the two sides of a person’s bottom\n IDIOMS \n  have a bun in the oven (informal, humorous) to be pregnant


Words: bunch
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ of sth a number of things of the same type which are growing or fastened together:\na bunch of bananas / grapes * a bunch of keys * She picked me a bunch of flowers.\n  2  [sing.] a ~ (of sth) (especially AmE) a large amount of sth; a large number of things or people:\nI have a whole bunch of stuff to do this morning.\n  3  [sing.] (informal) a group of people:\nThe people that I work with are a great bunch.\n  4  (bunches) [pl.] (BrE) long hair that is divided in two and tied at each side of the head:\nShe wore her hair in bunches.\n IDIOMS \n  the best / pick of the bunch the best out of a group of people or things\n    verb ~ (sth) (up) to become tight or to form tight folds; to make sth do this:\n[V] His muscles bunched under his shirt. * Her skirt had bunched up round her waist. * [VN] His forehead was bunched in a frown.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bunch up / together | bunch sb/sth up / together to move closer and form into a group; to make people or things do this:\nThe sheep bunched together as soon as they saw the dog.


Words: bundle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a number of things tied or wrapped together; sth that is wrapped up:\na bundle of rags / papers / firewood * She held her little bundle (= her baby) tightly in her arms.\n  2  [C] a number of things that belong, or are sold together:\na bundle of ideas / considerations * a bundle of graphics packages for your PC\n  3  [sing.] a ~ of laughs, fun, joy, etc. (informal) a person or thing that makes you laugh:\nHe wasn’t exactly a bundle of laughs (= a happy person to be with) last night.\n  4  (a bundle) [sing.] (informal) a large amount of money:\nThat car must have cost a bundle.\n IDIOMS \n  not go a bundle on sb/sth (BrE, informal) to not like sb/sth very much\nmore at NERVE n.\n    verb\n  1  [VN +adv./prep.] to push or send sb somewhere quickly and not carefully:\nThey bundled her into the back of a car. * He was bundled off to boarding school.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to move somewhere quickly in a group:\nWe bundled out onto the street.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (with sth) to supply extra equipment, especially SOFTWARE when selling a new computer, at no extra cost:\nA further nine applications are bundled with the system.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bundle sth<->up | bundle sth<->together to make or tie sth into a bundle:\nHe bundled up the dirty clothes and stuffed them into the bag. * The papers were all bundled together, ready to be thrown out.\n  bundle sb up (in sth) to put warm clothes or coverings on sb:\nI bundled her up in a blanket and gave her a hot drink.


Words: bung
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN +adv./prep.] (BrE, informal) to put or throw sth somewhere, carelessly and quickly:\nBung this in the bin, can you?\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bung sth up (with sth) [usually passive] to block sth:\nMy nose is all bunged up. * The drains are bunged up with dead leaves.\n    noun\n  1  a round piece of wood, rubber, etc. used for closing the hole in a container such as a BARREL or JAR\n  2  (BrE, informal) an amount of money that is given to sb to persuade them to do sth illegal


Words: bungee jumping
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a sport in which a person jumps from a high place, such as a bridge or a cliff, with a long elastic rope (called a bungee) tied to their feet:\nto go bungee jumping\n    bungee jump noun:\nto do / make a bungee jump


Words: bungle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to do sth badly or without skill; to fail at sth:\n[VN] They bungled the job. * a bungled robbery / raid / attempt [also V]\n    bungler  noun\n    bungling adjective:\nbungling incompetence\n    noun [usually sing.] something that is done badly and that causes problems:\nTheir pay was late because of a computer bungle.


Words: bunk
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a narrow bed that is fixed to a wall, especially on a ship or train\n \n  2  [C] (also bunk bed) one of two beds that are fixed together, one above the other, especially for children\n \n  3  [U] (old-fashioned, informal) nonsense\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  do a bunk (BrE, informal) to run away from a place without telling anyone\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bunk off | bunk off school / work (BrE, informal) to stay away from school or work when you should be there; to leave school or work early\nSYN SKIVE:\nI’m going to bunk off this afternoon. * She had bunked off work all week.


Words: bunker
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a strongly built shelter for soldiers or guns, usually underground:\na concrete / underground / secret bunker\n \n  2  a container for storing coal, especially on a ship or outside a house:\na coal bunker\n \n  3  (AmE also sand trap, trap) a small area filled with sand on a golf course:\nHe hit his second shot into a bunker.\n    verb [VN] (be bunkered) (in golf) to have hit your ball into a bunker (and therefore to be in a difficult position)


Words: bunting
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] coloured flags or paper used for decorating streets and buildings in celebrations\n  2  [C] a small bird related to the FINCH and SPARROW families. There are several types of bunting:\na corn / reed / snow bunting


Words: buoy
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n an object which floats on the sea or a river to mark the places where it is dangerous and where it is safe for boats to go\nsee also LIFEBUOY\n    verb [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  ~ sb (up) to make sb feel cheerful or confident:\nBuoyed by their win yesterday the team feel confident of further success. * Knowing that all her friends were there buoyed up her spirits.\n  2  ~ sb/sth (up) to keep sb/sth floating on water:\nThe raft was buoyed (up) by empty petrol cans.\n  3  ~ sth (up) to keep prices at a high or satisfactory level:\nTrading on Wall Street was buoyed in part by rising bond prices.


Words: buoyant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of prices, business activity, etc.) tending to increase or stay at a high level, usually showing financial success:\na buoyant economy / market * buoyant sales / prices * a buoyant demand for homes\n  2  cheerful and feeling sure that things will be successful:\nThey were all in buoyant mood.\n  3  floating, able to float or able to keep things floating:\nThe boat bobbed like a cork on the waves: light and buoyant. * Salt water is more buoyant than fresh water.\n    buoyancy  noun [U]:\nthe buoyancy of the market * a mood of buoyancy * a buoyancy aid (= sth to help you float)


Words: burble
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (on) (about sth) (BrE, disapproving) to speak in a confused or silly way that is difficult to hear or understand:\n[V] What’s he burbling about? [also V speech]\n  2  [V] to make the gentle sound of a stream flowing over stones


Words: burden
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  the ~ (of sth) | a ~ (on / to sb) a duty, responsibility, etc. that causes worry, difficulty or hard work:\nto bear / carry / ease / reduce / share the burden * The main burden of caring for old people falls on the state. * the heavy tax burden on working people * I don’t want to become a burden to my children when I’m old.\n  2  (formal) a heavy load that is difficult to carry\nsee also BEAST OF BURDEN\n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb / yourself (with sth) to give sb a duty, responsibility, etc. that causes worry, difficulty or hard work:\nThey have burdened themselves with a high mortgage. * I don’t want to burden you with my worries. * to be burdened by high taxation\nOPP UNBURDEN\n  2  (be burdened with sth) to be carrying sth heavy:\nShe got off the bus, burdened with two heavy suitcases.


Words: burdensome
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) causing worry, difficulty or hard work:\nThe new regulations will be burdensome for small businesses.


Words: bureau
Meaning:
1  (BrE) a desk with drawers and usually a top that opens down to make a table to write on\n \n  2  (AmE) = CHEST OF DRAWERS\n \n  3  an office or organization that provides information on a particular subject:\nan employment bureau\n \n  4  (in the US) a government department or part of a government department:\nthe Federal Bureau of Investigation


Words: bureaucracy
Meaning:
noun (plural bureaucracies)\n  1  [U] (often disapproving) the system of official rules and ways of doing things that a government or an organization has, especially when these seem to be too complicated:\nunnecessary / excessive bureaucracy * We need to reduce paperwork and bureaucracy in the company.\n  2  [U, C] a system of government in which there are a large number of state officials who are not elected; a country with such a system:\nthe power of the state bureaucracy * living in a modern bureaucracy


Words: bureaucrat
Meaning:
noun\n(often disapproving) an official working in an organization or a government department, especially one who follows the rules of the department too strictly


Words: bureaucratic
Meaning:
adjective\n(often disapproving) connected with a bureaucracy or bureaucrats and involving complicated official rules which may seem unnecessary:\nbureaucratic power / control / procedures / organizations * The report revealed a great deal of bureaucratic inefficiency. * centralized bureaucratic administration\n    bureaucratically  adverb


Words: burette
Meaning:
(AmE also buret)  noun\na glass tube with measurements on it and a tap/faucet at one end, used, for example, in chemical experiments for measuring out amounts of a liquid


Words: burgeon
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (formal) to begin to grow or develop rapidly\n    burgeoning adjective:\na burgeoning population * burgeoning demand


Words: burger
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  = HAMBURGER\n \n  2  (-burger) (in compounds) finely chopped fish, vegetables, nuts, etc. made into flat round shapes like HAMBURGERS:\na spicy beanburger\nsee also CHEESEBURGER, VEGGIE BURGER


Words: burglar
Meaning:
noun\na person who enters a building illegally in order to steal:\nBurglars broke into the gallery and stole dozens of priceless paintings. -> STEAL


Words: burglar alarm
Meaning:
noun\nan electronic device, often fixed to a wall, that rings a loud bell if sb tries to enter a building by force


Words: burglary
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural burglaries) the crime of entering a building illegally and stealing things from it\nSYN HOUSEBREAKING:\nThe youth was charged with three counts of burglary. * a rise in the number of burglaries committed in the area\ncompare ROBBERY, THEFT


Words: burgle
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to enter a building illegally, usually using force, and steal from it:\nWe were burgled while we were away (= our house was burgled). * The house next door has been burgled three times. -> STEAL


Words: burgundy
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (Burgundy) [U, C] (plural burgundies) a red or white wine from the Burgundy area of eastern France. There are several types of Burgundy.\n  2  [U] a dark red colour\n    burgundy adjective:\na burgundy leather briefcase


Words: burial
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the act or ceremony of burying a dead body:\na burial place / mound / site * Her body was sent home for burial. * His family insisted he should be given a proper burial. * baptism, marriage and burial services


Words: burial ground
Meaning:
noun\na place where dead bodies are buried, especially an ancient place:\na prehistoric burial ground


Words: burlesque
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a performance or piece of writing which tries to make sth look ridiculous by representing it in a humorous way\nSYN PARODY:\na burlesque of literary life\n  2  [U] (AmE) a type of entertainment, popular in the past in the US, involving humorous acts, singing, dancing, etc. and often including STRIPTEASE\n    burlesque adjective [usually before noun]:\nThe play was criticized for its burlesque treatment of serious issues.


Words: burn
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (burnt, burnt )\n  fire\n  1  [V] to produce flames and heat:\nA welcoming fire was burning in the fireplace. * Fires were burning all over the city.\n  2  [V] (used especially in the progressive tenses) to be on fire:\nBy nightfall the whole city was burning. * Two children were rescued from the burning car. * The smell of burning rubber filled the air.\n  3  to destroy, damage, injure or kill sb/sth by fire; to be destroyed, etc. by fire:\n[VN] to burn waste paper / dead leaves * All his belongings were burnt in the fire. * The cigarette burned a hole in the carpet. * The house was burnt to the ground (= completely destroyed) by protesters. * [VN-ADJ] His greatest fear is of being burnt alive. * [V] The house burned to the ground. * Ten people burned to death in the hotel fire.\n  fuel\n  4  if you burn a fuel, or a fuel burns, it produces heat, light or energy:\n[VN] a furnace that burns gas / oil / coke * (figurative) Some people burn calories (= use food to produce energy) faster than others. * [V] Which fuel burns most efficiently?\n  food\n  5  if food burns, or if you burn it, it is spoiled because it gets too hot:\n[V] I can smell something burning in the kitchen. * [VN] Sorry-I burnt the toast.\n  sun / heat / acid\n  6  to be damaged or injured by the sun, heat, acid, etc.; to damage or injure sb/sth in this way:\n[V] My skin burns easily (= in the sun). * [VN] I got badly burned by the sun yesterday. * The soup’s hot. Don’t burn your mouth. * I burned myself on the stove.\n  of part of body\n  7  [V] if part of your body burns or is burning, it feels very hot and painful:\nYour forehead’s burning. Have you got a fever? * Her cheeks burned with embarrassment.\n  of a light\n  8  [V] to produce light:\nLights were burning upstairs, but no one answered the door.\n  feel emotion / desire\n  9  ~ (with sth) (written) to feel a very strong emotion or desire:\n[V] to be burning with rage / ambition / love * [V to inf] He was burning to go climbing again.\n IDIOMS \n  burn your bridges (BrE also burn your boats) to do sth that makes it impossible to return to the previous situation later:\nThink carefully before you resign-you don’t want to burn your bridges.\n  burn the candle at both ends to become very tired by trying to do too many things and going to bed late and getting up early\n  burn your fingers | get your fingers burnt to suffer as a result of doing sth without realizing the possible bad results, especially in business:\nHe got his fingers badly burnt dabbling in the stock market.\n  burn a hole in your pocket if money burns a hole in your pocket, you want to spend it as soon as you have it\n  burn the midnight oil to study or work until late at night\n  burn sth to a cinder / crisp to cook sth for too long or with too much heat, so that it becomes badly burnt\nmore at EAR, MONEY\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  burn away | burn sth<->away to disappear as a result of burning; to make sth do this:\nHalf the candle had burnt away. * The clothing on his back got burnt away in the fire.\n  burn down if a fire burns down, it becomes weaker and has smaller flames\n  burn down | burn sth<->down to be destroyed, or to destroy sth, by fire:\nThe house burned down in 1995.\n  burn sth<->off\n1 to remove sth by burning:\nBurn off the old paint before repainting the door.\n2 to use energy by doing exercise:\nThis workout helps you to burn off fat and tone muscles.\n  burn out | burn itself out (of a fire) to stop burning because there is nothing more to burn:\nThe fire had burnt (itself) out before the fire engines arrived.\n  burn out | burn sth<->out to stop working or to make sth stop working because it gets too hot or is used too much:\nThe clutch has burnt out.\n  burn out | burn yourself / sb out to become extremely tired or sick by working too hard over a period of time:\nIf he doesn’t stop working so hard, he’ll burn himself out. * By the age of 25 she was completely burned out and retired from the sport.\nrelated noun BURNOUT\n  burn sth out [usually passive] to destroy sth completely by fire so that only the outer frame remains:\nThe hotel was completely burnt out. * the burnt-out wreck of a car\n  burn up\n1 to be destroyed by heat:\nThe spacecraft burned up as it entered the earth’s atmosphere.\n2 (usually used in the progressive tenses) (informal) to have a high temperature:\nYou’re burning up-have you seen a doctor?\n3 (of a fire) to burn more strongly and with larger flames\n  burn sb up (AmE, informal) to make sb very angry\n  burn sth<->up\n1 to get rid of or destroy sth by burning:\nThe fire burned up 1 500 acres of farmland.\n2 to use CALORIES or energy by doing exercise:\nWhich burns up more calories-swimming or cycling?\n    noun\n  injury\n  1  [C] an injury or a mark caused by fire, heat or acid:\nminor / severe / third-degree burns * cigarette burns on the furniture * burn marks * a specialist burns unit in a hospital\n  in muscles\n  2  (the burn) [sing.] the feeling that you get in your muscles when you have done a lot of exercise:\nFeel the burn!\n  river\n  3  [C] (ScotE) a small river\nSYN STREAM\n IDIOMS  see SLOW adj.


Words: burner
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the part of a cooker/stove, etc. that produces a flame\n \n  2  a large, solid, metal piece of equipment for burning wood or coal, used for heating a room:\na wood burner\nsee also BUNSEN BURNER\n \n IDIOMS  see BACK adj., FRONT adj.


Words: burning
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective\n [only before noun]\n \n  1  (of feelings, etc.) very strong; extreme:\na burning desire to win * He’s always had a burning ambition to start his own business.\n \n  2  a ~ issue / question a very important and urgent problem:\none of the burning issues of the day\n \n  3  (of pain, etc.) very strong and giving a feeling of burning\n \n  4  very hot; looking and feeling very hot:\nthe burning sun * her burning face\n  5  ~ eyes (literary) eyes that seem to be staring at you very hard\n    adverb (burning hot) very hot


Words: burnish
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to polish metal until it is smooth and shiny\n    burnished adjective [usually before noun]:\nburnished gold / copper


Words: burnout
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  the state of being extremely tired or ill, either physically or mentally, because you have worked too hard\n  2  the point at which a rocket has used all of its fuel and has no more power


Words: burnt offering
Meaning:
noun\n  1  something (usually an animal) that is burnt in a religious ceremony as a gift offered to a god\n  2  (BrE, humorous) food that has been accidentally and badly burnt


Words: burp
Meaning:
verb (informal)\n  1  [V] to let out air from the stomach through the mouth, making a noise\ncompare BELCH\n  2  [VN] to make a baby bring up air from the stomach, especially by rubbing or PATTING its back\n    burp noun


Words: burr
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [usually sing.] a strong pronunciation of the ’r’ sound, typical of some ACCENTS in English; an ACCENT with this type of pronunciation:\nShe speaks with a soft West Country burr.\n  2  [usually sing.] the soft regular noise made by parts of a machine moving quickly\n  3  (also bur) the seed container of some plants which is covered in very small hooks that stick to clothes or fur


Words: burrito
Meaning:
noun\n(plural burritos) (from Spanish) a Mexican dish consisting of a TORTILLA filled with meat or beans


Words: burrow
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to make a hole or a tunnel in the ground by digging: [V, usually +adv./prep.] Earthworms burrow deep into the soil. * moles burrowing away underground * [VN +adv./prep.] The rodent burrowed its way into the sand.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] to press yourself close to sb or under sth:\n[V] He burrowed down beneath the blankets. * [VN] She burrowed her face into his chest.\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] to search for sth under or among things:\nShe burrowed in the drawer for a pair of socks. * He was afraid that they would burrow into his past.\n    noun a hole or tunnel in the ground made by animals such as rabbits for them to live in


Words: bursary
Meaning:
noun\n(plural bursaries) (BrE) an amount of money that is given to sb so that they can study, usually at a college or university\nSYN SCHOLARSHIP, GRANT


Words: burst
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (burst, burst)\n  1  to break open or apart, especially because of pressure from inside; to make sth break in this way:\n[V] That balloon will burst if you blow it up any more. * The dam burst under the weight of water. * Shells were bursting (= exploding) all around us. * (figurative) He felt he would burst with anger and shame. * a burst pipe * [VN] Don’t burst that balloon! * The river burst its banks and flooded nearby towns.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to go or move somewhere suddenly with great force; to come from somewhere suddenly:\nHe burst into the room without knocking. * The sun burst through the clouds. * The words burst from her in an angry rush.\n  3  [V] be bursting (with sth) to be very full of sth; to be very full and almost breaking open:\nThe roads are bursting with cars. * to be bursting with ideas / enthusiasm / pride * The hall was filled to bursting point. * The hall was full to bursting. * (informal) I’m bursting (for a pee)! (= I need to use the toilet right now).\n IDIOMS \n  be bursting to do sth to want to do sth so much that you can hardly stop yourself:\nShe was bursting to tell him the good news.\n  burst sb’s bubble to bring an end to sb’s hopes, happiness, etc:\nHe seemed so happy, I couldn’t burst his bubble so soon.\n  burst open | burst (sth) open to open suddenly or violently; to make sth open in this way:\nThe door burst open. * Firefighters burst the door open and rescued them.\nmore at BUBBLE n., SEAM\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  burst in | burst into a room, building, etc. to enter a room or building suddenly and noisily:\nSuddenly the door flew open and Jo burst in.\n  burst in on sb/sth to interrupt sb/sth by entering a place suddenly and noisily:\nHe burst in on the meeting.\n  burst into sth to start producing sth suddenly and with great force:\nThe aircraft crashed and burst into flames (= suddenly began to burn). * She burst into tears (= suddenly began to cry).\n  burst on / onto sth to appear somewhere suddenly in a way that is very noticeable:\nA major new talent has burst onto the literary scene.\n  burst out\n1 to speak suddenly, loudly and with strong feeling:\n[+ speech] ’For heavens’ sake!’ he burst out.\nrelated noun OUTBURST\n2 to begin doing sth suddenly:\n[+ -ing] Karen burst out laughing.\n    noun\n  1  a short period of a particular activity or strong emotion that often starts suddenly:\na sudden burst of activity / energy / anger / enthusiasm * Her breath was coming in short bursts. * I tend to work in bursts. * spontaneous bursts of applause * bursts of laughter\n  2  an occasion when sth bursts; the hole left where sth has burst:\na burst in a water pipe\n  3  a short series of shots from a gun:\nfrequent bursts of machine-gun fire


Words: bury
Meaning:
verb (buries, burying, buried, buried)\n  dead person\n  1  [VN] to place a dead body in a grave:\nHe was buried in Highgate Cemetery. * (figurative) Their ambitions were finally dead and buried.\n  2  [VN] (old-fashioned) to lose sb by death:\nShe’s 85 and has buried three husbands.\n  hide in ground\n  3  [VN] to hide sth in the ground:\nburied treasure * The dog had buried its bone in the garden.\n  cover\n  4  [often passive] to cover sb/sth with soil, rocks, leaves, etc:\n[VN] The house was buried under ten feet of snow. * [VN-ADJ] The miners were buried alive when the tunnel collapsed.\n  5  [VN] to cover sth so that it cannot be seen:\nYour letter got buried under a pile of papers. * He buried his face in his hands and wept.\n  hide feeling\n  6  [VN] to ignore or hide a feeling, a mistake, etc:\nShe had learnt to bury her feelings.\n  put deeply into sth\n  7  [VN] ~ sth (in sth) to put sth deeply into sth else:\nHe walked slowly, his hands buried in his pockets. * She always has her head buried in a book.\n IDIOMS \n  bury the hatchet | bury your differences to stop being unfriendly and become friends again:\nAfter not speaking to each other for years, the two brothers decided to bury the hatchet.\nmore at HEAD n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bury yourself in sth\n1 to give all your attention to sth:\nSince she left, he’s buried himself in his work.\n2 to go to or be in a place where you will not meet many people:\nShe buried herself in the country to write a book.


Words: bus
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (plural buses, AmE also busses) a large road vehicle that carries passengers, especially one that travels along a fixed route and stops regularly to let people get on and off:\nShall we walk or go by bus? * A regular bus service connects the train station with the town centre. * a bus company / driver * a school bus\ncompare COACH\nsee also BUS LANE, BUS SHELTER, BUS STATION, BUS STOP, MINIBUS, TROLLEY BUS\n    verb (-s- or -ss-) [VN] \n  1  ~ sb (from / to ...) to transport sb by bus:\nWe were bussed from the airport to our hotel.\n  2  (AmE) to transport young people by bus to another area so that students of different races can be educated together\n  3  (AmE) to take the dirty plates, etc. off the tables in a restaurant, as a job:\nHe buses tables to help finance his tuition.


Words: bush
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] a plant that grows thickly with several hard stems coming up from the root:\na rose bush * holly bushes\ncompare TREE\n \n  2  [C] a thing that looks like a bush, especially an area of thick hair or fur\n \n  3  (often the bush) [U] an area of wild land that has not been cleared, especially in Africa and Australia\n \n IDIOMS  see BEAT v., BIRD


Words: bush telegraph
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] (informal, humorous) the process by which information and news are passed quickly from person to person


Words: bushel
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a unit for measuring grain and fruit (equal in volume to 8 GALLONS)\n  2  (bushels) [pl.] ~ (of sth) (AmE, informal) a large amount of sth\n IDIOMS  see HIDE v.


Words: Bushman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural Bushmen ) a member of one of the races of people from southern Africa who live and hunt in the African BUSH


Words: bushy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of hair or fur) growing thickly:\na bushy beard / tail * bushy eyebrows\n  2  (of plants) growing thickly, with a lot of leaves:\nbushy spring plants


Words: business
Meaning:
noun\n  trade\n  1  [U] the activity of making, buying, selling or supplying goods or services for money\nSYN COMMERCE, TRADE:\nbusiness contacts / affairs / interests * a business investment * It’s been a pleasure to do business with you. * She has set up in business as a hairdresser. * When he left school, he went into business with his brother. * She works in the computer business. * They were both in the same line of business.\nsee also AGRIBUSINESS, BIG BUSINESS, SHOW BUSINESS\n  work\n  2  [U] work that is part of your job:\nIs the trip to Rome business or pleasure? * a business lunch * He’s away on business.\n  3  [U] the amount of work done by a company, etc.; the rate or quality of this work:\nBusiness was bad. * Business was booming. * Her job was to drum up (= increase) business. * How’s business? * If we close down for repairs, we’ll lose business.\n  company\n  4  [C] a commercial organization such as a company, shop/store or factory:\nto have / start / run your own business * business premises * She works in the family business. * They’ve got a small catering business. * He wanted to expand the export side of the business.\n  responsibility\n  5  [U] something that concerns a particular person or organization:\nIt is the business of the police to protect the community. * I shall make it my business to find out who is responsible. * My private life is none of your business (= does not concern you). * It’s no business of yours who I invite to the party.\n  important matters\n  6  [U] important matters that need to be dealt with or discussed:\nthe main business of the meeting * He has some unfinished business to deal with.\n  event\n  7  [sing.] (usually with an adjective) a matter, an event or a situation:\nThat plane crash was a terrible business. * I found the whole business very depressing. * The business of the missing tickets hasn’t been sorted out.\n  being a customer\n  8  [U] (especially AmE) = CUSTOM (3):\nWe’re grateful for your business.\n IDIOMS \n  any other business the things that are discussed at the end of an official meeting that do not appear on the AGENDA:\nI think we’ve finished item four. Now is there any other business?\nsee also AOB\n  be in business (informal) to have everything that you need in order to be able to start sth immediately:\nAll we need is a car and we’ll be in business.\n  be the business (spoken, slang) to be very good\n  business as usual a way of saying that things will continue as normal in spite of a difficult situation\n  business is business a way of saying that financial and commercial matters are the important things to consider and you should not be influenced by friendship, etc.\n  get down to business to start dealing with the matter that needs to be dealt with, or doing the work that needs to be done:\nLet’s get down to business right away-we’ll stop for coffee later.\n  go about your business to do the things that you normally do:\nstreets filled with people going about their daily business\n  have no business doing sth | have no business to do sth to have no right to do sth:\nYou have no business being here.\n  like nobody’s business (BrE, spoken) very much, very fast, very well, etc:\nI’ve been working like nobody’s business to get it finished in time.\n  not be in the business of doing sth not intending to do sth (which it would be surprising for you to do):\nI’m not in the business of getting other people to do my work for me.\n  out of business having stopped operating as a business because there is no more money or work available:\nThe new regulations will put many small businesses out of business. * Some travel companies will probably go out of business this summer.\nmore at MEAN v., MIND v., PLY v.


Words: business card
Meaning:
(also card) noun\na small card printed with sb’s name and details of their job and company:\nWe exchanged business cards.\ncompare VISITING CARD


Words: business studies
Meaning:
noun\n[U+sing./pl. v.] the study of subjects connected with money and managing a business:\na degree in business studies


Words: businesslike
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person) working in an efficient and organized way and not wasting time or thinking about personal things:\nWearing a suit made him feel more businesslike. * She adopted a brisk businesslike tone.


Words: businessman
Meaning:
1  a person who works in business, especially at a high level\n  2  a person who is skilful in business and financial matters:\nI should have got a better price for the car, but I’m not much of a businessman.


Words: busk
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (informal, especially BrE) to perform music in a public place and ask for money from people passing by\n    busker noun\n    busking noun [U]


Words: bust
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb (bust, bust) or (busted, busted) [VN] (informal)\n  1  to break sth:\nI bust my camera. * The lights are busted. * Come out, or I’ll bust the door down!\n  2  ~ sb/sth (for sth) (of the police) to suddenly enter a place and search it or arrest sb:\nHe’s been busted for drugs.\n  3  (especially AmE) to make sb lower in military rank as a punishment\n IDIOMS \n  bust a gut (doing sth / to do sth) (informal) to make a great effort to do sth:\nIt’s a problem which nobody is going to bust a gut trying to solve.\n  ...or bust (informal) used to say that you will try very hard to get somewhere or achieve sth:\nFor him it’s the Olympics or bust.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  bust up (informal) (of a couple, friends, partners, etc.) to quarrel and separate:\nThey bust up after five years of marriage.\nrelated noun BUST-UP\n  bust sth<->up (informal) to make sth end by disturbing or ruining it:\nIt was his drinking that bust up his marriage.\n    noun\n  1  a stone or metal model of a person’s head, shoulders and chest:\na marble bust of Napoleon\n  2  (used especially when talking about clothes or measurements) a woman’s breasts or the measurement around the breasts and back:\nWhat is your bust measurement, Madam? * The dress was too big in the bust. * exercises to tone the bust\n  3  (informal) an unexpected visit made by the police in order to arrest people for doing sth illegal:\na drug bust\n    adjective [not usually before noun] (informal)\n  1  (BrE) broken:\nMy watch is bust.\n  2  (of a person or business) failed because of a lack of money:\nWe’re bust! * We lost our money when the travel company went bust.


Words: bust-up
Meaning:
noun (informal, especially BrE)\n  1  a bad argument or very angry disagreement:\nSue and Tony had a bust-up and aren’t speaking to each other.\n  2  the end of a relationship:\nthe final bust-up of their marriage


Words: buster
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (AmE, informal) used to speak to a man you do not like:\nGet lost, buster!\n  2  (usually in compounds; often used in newspapers) a person or thing that stops or gets rid of sth:\ncrime busters


Words: bustle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [+adv./prep.] to move around in a busy way or to hurry sb in a particular direction:\n[V] She bustled around in the kitchen. * [VN] The nurse bustled us out of the room.\n    noun\n  1  [U] busy and noisy activity:\nthe hustle and bustle of city life\n  2  [C] a frame that was worn under a skirt by women in the past in order to hold the skirt out at the back


Words: bustling
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (with sth) full of people moving about in a busy way:\na bustling city / port * The market was bustling with life.


Words: busy
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (busier, busiest)\n  doing sth\n  1  ~ (with sth/sb) having a lot to do; perhaps not free to do sth else because you are working on sth:\nAre you busy tonight? * Kate’s busy with her homework. * I’m afraid the doctor is busy at the moment. Can he call you back? * I’ll be too busy to come to the meeting. * The principal is a very busy woman. * She was always too busy to listen. * a very busy life\n  2  ~ (doing sth) spending a lot of time on sth:\nJames is busy practising for the school concert. * Let’s get busy with the clearing up. * They were busy enjoying themselves at the party.\n  place\n  3  full of people, activity, vehicles, etc:\na busy main road * Victoria is one of London’s busiest stations.\n  period of time\n  4  full of work and activity:\nHave you had a busy day? * This is one of the busiest times of the year for the department. * We had a busy weekend lined up.\n  telephone\n  5  (especially AmE) being used\nSYN ENGAGED:\nThe line is busy-I’ll try again later. * the busy signal\n  pattern / design\n  6  too full of small details:\nThis wallpaper is too busy for the bedroom.\n    busily adverb:\nHe was busily engaged repairing his bike.\n IDIOMS \n  as busy as a bee very busy\n  keep yourself busy to find enough things to do:\nSince she retired she’s kept herself very busy.\n    verb (busies, busying, busied, busied) ~ yourself (with sth) | ~ yourself (in / with) doing sth to fill your time doing an activity or a task: [VN -ing] While we talked, Bill busied himself fixing lunch. * [VN] She busied herself with the preparations for the party.


Words: busybody
Meaning:
noun\n(plural busybodies) (disapproving) a person who is too interested in what other people are doing:\nHe’s an interfering old busybody!


Words: but
Meaning:
conjunction, preposition, adverb, noun \n    conjunction\n  1  used to introduce a word or phrase that contrasts with what was said before:\nI got it wrong. It wasn’t the red one but the blue one. * His mother won’t be there, but his father might. * It isn’t that he lied exactly, but he did tend to exaggerate.\n  2  however; in spite of this:\nI’d asked everybody but only two people came. * By the end of the day we were tired but happy.\n  3  used when you are saying sorry about sth:\nI’m sorry but I can’t stay any longer.\n  4  used to introduce a statement that shows that you are surprised or annoyed, or that you disagree:\nBut that’s not possible! * ’Here’s the money I owe you.’ ’But that’s not right-it was only ｣10.’\n  5  except:\nI had no choice but to sign the contract.\n  6  used before repeating a word in order to emphasize it:\nNothing, but nothing would make him change his mind.\n  7  (literary) used to emphasize that sth is always true:\nShe never passed her old home but she thought of the happy years she had spent there (= she always thought of them).\n IDIOMS \n  but then (again)\n1 however; on the other hand:\nHe might agree. But then again he might have a completely different opinion.\n2 used before a statement that explains or gives a reason for what has just been said:\nShe speaks very good Italian. But then she did live in Rome for a year (= so it’s not surprising).\n  you cannot / could not but ... (formal) used to show that everything else is impossible except the thing that you are saying:\nWhat could he do but forgive her? (= that was the only thing possible)\n    preposition except; apart from:\nWe’ve had nothing but trouble with this car. * The problem is anything but easy. * Who but Rosa could think of something like that? * Everyone was there but him. * I came last but one in the race (= I wasn’t last but next to last). * Take the first turning but one (= not the first one but the one after it).\n    adverb only:\nI don’t think we’ll manage it. Still, we can but try. * There were a lot of famous people there: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, to name but two.\n    noun  [usually pl.] a reason that sb gives for not doing sth or not agreeing:\n’Let us have no buts,’ he said firmly. ’You are coming.’ * With so many ifs and buts, it is easier to wait and see.


Words: butch
Meaning:
adjective (informal)\n  1  (of a woman) behaving or dressing like a man\n  2  (of a man) big, and often behaving in an aggressive way


Words: butcher
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a person whose job is cutting up and selling meat in a shop/store or killing animals for this purpose\n \n  2  (butcher’s) (plural butchers) a shop/store that sells meat:\nHe owns the butcher’s in the main street.\n \n  3  a person who kills people in a cruel and violent way\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  have / take a butcher’s (BrE, slang) to have a look at sth\n \n ORIGIN  From rhyming slang, in which butcher’s hook stands for ’look’.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to kill people in a very cruel and violent way\n  2  to kill animals and cut them up for use as meat\n  3  (especially AmE) to spoil sth by doing it very badly:\nThe script was good, but those guys butchered it.


Words: butchery
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  cruel, violent and unnecessary killing:\nWhen are they going to put an end to this butchery?\n  2  the work of preparing meat to be sold


Words: butt
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  to hit or push sb/sth hard with your head\n  2  if an animal butts sb/sth, it hits them or it hard with its horns and head\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  butt in (on sb/sth)\n1 to interrupt a conversation rudely:\nHow can I explain if you keep butting in? * [+ speech] ’Is that normal?’ Josie butted in.\n2 (informal) to become involved in a situation that does not concern you:\nI didn’t ask you to butt in on my private business.\n  butt out (spoken, especially AmE) used to tell sb rudely to go away or to stop interfering in sth that does not concern them:\nButt out, Neil! This is none of your business.\n    noun\n\n \n  1  the thick end of a weapon or tool:\na rifle butt\n \n  2  the part of a cigarette or CIGAR that is left after it has been smoked:\nan ashtray full of cigarette butts\n \n  3  (BrE) a large round container for storing or collecting liquids:\na water butt\n \n  4  (informal, especially AmE) the part of the body that you sit on\nSYN BUTTOCKS:\nGet off your butt and do some work! * Get your butt over here! (= Come here!)\n  5  the act of hitting sb with your head:\na head butt * He gave him a headbutt.\n IDIOMS \n  be the butt of sth to be the person or thing that other people often joke about or criticize:\nShe was the butt of some very unkind jokes.\nmore at PAIN n.


Words: butter
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n [U] a soft yellow food made from cream or milk, used in cooking and for spreading on bread:\nFry the onions in butter. * Do you want butter or margarine on your toast?\nsee also BRANDY BUTTER, BREAD AND BUTTER, PEANUT BUTTER\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  butter wouldn’t melt in sb’s mouth (spoken) used to say that sb seems to be innocent, kind, etc. when they are not really\nmore at KNIFE v.\n    verb [VN] to spread or put butter on sth:\nShe buttered four thick slices of bread.\n IDIOMS  see KNOW v.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  butter sb<->up (informal) to say nice things to sb so that they will help you or give you sth:\nStop trying to butter me up! * He’s always trying to butter up the boss.


Words: butterfly
Meaning:
noun (plural butterflies)\n \n  1  [C] a flying insect with a long thin body and four large, usually brightly coloured, wings:\nbutterflies and moths * She’s like a butterfly. She flits in and out of people’s lives.\n \n  2  [U] a swimming stroke in which you swim on your front and lift both arms forward at the same time while your legs move up and down together:\nShe was third in the 200m butterfly (= a swimming race).\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  have butterflies (in your stomach) (informal) to have a nervous feeling in your stomach before doing sth


Words: buttermilk
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the liquid that remains after butter has been separated from milk, used in cooking or as a drink


Words: butterscotch
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a type of hard pale brown sweet/candy made by boiling butter and brown sugar together\n  2  (especially AmE) a sauce flavoured with butterscotch, used for pouring on ice cream, etc.


Words: buttery
Meaning:
adjective\nlike, containing or covered with butter:\na rich buttery fruit cake * The sun had flooded the day with a pale yellow buttery light.


Words: buttock
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] either of the two round soft parts at the top of a person’s legs:\nThe beating had left red weals on his buttocks (= on his bottom).


Words: button
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a small round piece of metal, plastic, etc. that is sewn onto a piece of clothing and used for fastening two parts together: (BrE) to do up / undo your buttons * (AmE) to button / unbutton your buttons * to sew on a button * shirt buttons * a row of gilt buttons\n \n  2  a small part of a machine that you press to make it work:\nthe play / stop / rewind button * Adam pressed a button and waited for the lift. * Choose ’printer’ from the menu and click with the right mouse button. * The windows slide down at the touch of a button.\nsee also PUSH-BUTTON\n \n  3  (especially AmE) a BADGE, especially one with a message printed on it:\nHe wore a button saying ’Life begins at 40!’\nsee also BELLY BUTTON\n IDIOMS  see BRIGHT adj.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (up) to fasten sth with buttons:\nShe hurriedly buttoned (up) her blouse.\n  2  [V] ~ (up) to be fastened with buttons:\n[V] The dress buttons (up) at the back.\n IDIOMS \n  button it! (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb rudely to be quiet


Words: button-down
Meaning:
adjective\na button-down collar, shirt, etc. has the ends of the collar fastened to the shirt with buttons


Words: buttonhole
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a hole on a piece of clothing for a button to be put through\n \n  2  (BrE) (AmE boutonniere) a flower that is worn in the buttonhole of a coat or jacket\n    verb (informal) [VN] to make sb stop and listen to you, especially when they do not want to:\nHe buttonholed me just as I was going home.


Words: buttress
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a stone or brick structure that supports a wall\n    verb [VN] (formal) to support or give strength to sb/sth:\nThe sharp increase in crime seems to buttress the argument for more police officers on the street.


Words: buy
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (bought, bought )\n  with money\n  1  ~ sb sth | ~ sth (for sb) to obtain sth by paying money for it: [VNN, VN] He bought me a new coat. * He bought a new coat for me. * [VN] Where did you buy that dress? * I bought it from a friend for ｣10. * [V] If you’re thinking of getting a new car, now is a good time to buy. * [VN-ADJ] I bought my car second-hand.\n  2  [VN] (of money) to be enough to pay for sth:\nHe gave his children the best education that money can buy. * Five pounds doesn’t buy much nowadays.\n  3  [VN] to persuade sb to do sth dishonest in return for money\nSYN BRIBE:\nHe can’t be bought (= he’s too honest to accept money in this way).\n  obtain\n  4  [VN] [usually passive] to obtain sth by losing sth else of great value:\nHer fame was bought at the expense of her marriage.\n  believe\n  5  [VN] (informal) to believe that sth is true, especially sth that is not very likely:\nYou could say you were ill but I don’t think they’d buy it (= accept the explanation).\n IDIOMS \n  (have) bought it (BrE, informal) to be killed, especially in an accident or a war:\nJoe finally bought it in a plane crash in Tunisia.\n  buy time to do sth in order to delay an event, a decision, etc:\nThe negotiators kept the gunman talking to buy time for the hostages.\nmore at PIG n., PUP\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  buy sth<->in (BrE) to buy sth in large quantities\n  buy into sth\n1 to buy shares in a company, especially in order to gain some control over it\n2 (informal) to believe sth, especially an idea that many other people believe in:\nShe had never bought into the idea that to be attractive you have to be thin.\n  buy sb<->off to pay sb money, especially dishonestly, to prevent them from doing sth you do not want them to do\n  buy sb<->out\n1 to pay sb for their share in a business, usually in order to get total control of it for yourself\nrelated noun BUYOUT\n2 to pay money so that sb can leave an organization, especially the army, before the end of an agreed period\n  buy sth<->up to buy all or as much as possible of sth:\nDevelopers are buying up all the land on the island.\n    noun\n  sth bought\n \n  1  a good, better, etc. ~ a thing that is worth the money that you pay for it:\nThat jacket was a really good buy. * Best buys this week are carrots and cabbages.\n \n  2  something that is bought or that is for sale; the act of buying sth:\nComputer games are a popular buy this Christmas. * The club has made some great buys this season (= it has bought good new players).


Words: buyer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who buys sth, especially sth expensive:\nHave you found a buyer for your house?\ncompare PURCHASER\n  2  a person whose job is to choose goods that will be sold in a large shop/store\n IDIOMS \n  a buyer’s market a situation in which there is a lot of a particular item for sale, so that prices are low and people buying have a choice


Words: buyout
Meaning:
noun\na situation in which a person or group gains control of a company by buying all or most of its shares:\na management buyout


Words: buzz
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] (of a bee) to make a continuous low sound:\nBees buzzed lazily among the flowers.\n  2  [V] to make a sound like a bee buzzing:\nThe doorbell buzzed loudly. * My ears were buzzing (= were filled with a continuous sound).\n  3  [V] ~ (with sth) to be full of excitement, activity, etc:\nThe place was buzzing with journalists. * New York buzzes from dawn to dusk. * My head was still buzzing after the day’s events.\n  4  ~ (for sb/sth) to call sb to come by pressing a BUZZER:\n[V] The doctor buzzed for the next patient to come in. [also VN]\n  5  [VN] (informal) to fly very close to sb/sth, especially as a warning or threat\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  buzz about / around to move around quickly, especially because you are very busy:\nI’ve been buzzing around town all day sorting out my trip.\n  buzz off (informal) used to tell sb rudely to go away:\nJust buzz off and let me get on with my work.\n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] (also buzzing [U, sing.]) a continuous sound like the one that a bee, a BUZZER or other electronic device makes:\nthe buzz of bees hunting nectar * The buzz of the Entryphone interrupted our conversation. * hums and buzzes from the amplifier\n  2  [sing.] the sound of people talking, especially in an excited way:\nThe buzz of conversation suddenly stopped when she came into the room.\n  3  [sing.] (informal) a strong feeling of pleasure, excitement or achievement:\na buzz of excitement / expectation * She gets a buzz out of her work. * Flying gives me a real buzz. * You can sense the creative buzz in the city.\n  4  (the buzz) [sing.] (informal) news that people tell each other that may or may not be true\nSYN RUMOUR:\nThe buzz is that Matt is in Scotland. Have you heard anything?\n IDIOMS \n  give sb a buzz (informal) to telephone sb:\nI’ll give you a buzz on Monday, OK?


Words: buzzard
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a large European BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) of the HAWK family\n  2  (AmE) a large American bird like a VULTURE that eats the flesh of animals that are already dead


Words: buzzer
Meaning:
noun\nan electrical device that produces a BUZZING sound as a signal:\nPut your fingers on the buzzer and be ready to answer.


Words: buzzword
Meaning:
noun\na word or phrase, especially one connected with a particular subject, that has become fashionable and popular and is used a lot in newspapers, etc:\nDigital is the buzzword of the moment in communications technology.


Words: by
Meaning:
preposition, adverb \n    preposition\n  1  near sb/sth; at the side of sb/sth; beside sb/sth:\na house by the river * The telephone is by the window. * Come and sit by me.\n  2  used, usually after a passive verb, to show who or what does, creates or causes sth:\nHe was knocked down by a bus. * a play by Ibsen * Who’s that book by? * I was frightened by the noise.\n  3  used for showing how or in what way sth is done:\nThe house is heated by gas. * May I pay by cheque? * I will contact you by letter. * to travel by boat / bus / car / plane * to travel by air / land / sea * Switch it on by pressing this button.\n  4  used before particular nouns without the, to say that sth happens as a result of sth:\nThey met by chance. * I did it by mistake. * The coroner’s verdict was ’death by misadventure’.\n  5  not later than the time mentioned; before:\nCan you finish the work by five o’clock? * I’ll have it done by tomorrow. * By this time next week we’ll be in New York. * He ought to have arrived by now / by this time. * By the time (that) this letter reaches you I will have left the country.\n  6  past sb/sth:\nHe walked by me without speaking.\n  7  during sth; in a particular situation:\nto travel by day / night * We had to work by candlelight.\n  8  used to show the degree or amount of sth:\nThe bullet missed him by two inches. * House prices went up by 10%. * It would be better by far (= much better) to ...\n  9  from what sth shows or says; according to sth:\nBy my watch it is two o’clock. * I could tell by the look on her face that something terrible had happened. * By law, you are a child until you are 18.\n  10  used to show the part of sb/sth that sb touches, holds, etc:\nI took him by the hand. * She seized her by the hair. * Pick it up by the handle!\n  11  used with the to show the period or quantity used for buying, selling or measuring sth:\nWe rented the car by the day. * They’re paid by the hour. * We only sell it by the metre.\n  12  used to state the rate at which sth happens:\nThey’re improving day by day. * We’ll do it bit by bit. * The children came in two by two (= in groups of two).\n  13  used for giving more information about where sb comes from, what sb does, etc:\nHe’s German by birth. * They’re both doctors by profession.\n  14  used when swearing to mean ’in the name of’:\nI swear by Almighty God ...\n  15  used to show the measurements of sth:\nThe room measures fifteen feet by twenty feet.\n  16  used when multiplying or dividing:\n6 multiplied by 2 equals 12. * 6 divided by 2 equals 3.\n IDIOMS \n  by the by / bye = by the way at WAY\n    adverb\n  1  past:\nJust drive by. Don’t stop. * He hurried by without speaking to me. * Excuse me, I can’t get by. * Time goes by so quickly.\n  2  used to say that sth is saved so that it can be used in the future:\nI’ve put some money by for college fees.\n  3  in order to visit sb for a short time:\nI’ll come by this evening and pick up the books.\n IDIOMS \n  by and by (old-fashioned) before long; soon:\nBy and by she met an old man with a beard.


Words: by-
Meaning:
(also bye-)  prefix (in nouns and verbs)\n  1  less important:\na by-product\n  2  near:\na bystander


Words: by-election
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) an election of a new Member of Parliament to replace sb who has died or left parliament\ncompare GENERAL ELECTION


Words: by-law
Meaning:
(also bye-law) noun\n  1  (BrE) a law that is made by a local authority and that applies only to that area\n  2  (AmE) a law or rule of a club or company


Words: by-product
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a substance that is produced during the process of making or destroying sth else:\nWhen burnt, plastic produces dangerous by-products.\n  2  a thing that happens, often unexpectedly, as the result of sth else:\nOne of the by-products of unemployment is an increase in crime.


Words: bye
Meaning:
exclamation, noun \n    exclamation (also bye-bye, bye-bye) (informal) goodbye:\nBye! See you next week. * She waved bye-bye and got into the car. * Bye for now Dad!\n    noun (sport) a situation in which a player or team does not have an opponent in one part of the competition and continues to the next part as if they had won\n IDIOMS  see BY


Words: bygones
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.]\n IDIOMS \n  let bygones be bygones to decide to forget about disagreements that happened in the past


Words: byline
Meaning:
noun\na line at the beginning or end of a piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine that gives the writer’s name:\nIt was accidentally printed under the wrong byline.


Words: bypass
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (especially BrE) a road that passes around a town or city rather than through the centre:\nthe western bypass around the town * the Newbury bypass\n  2  a medical operation on the heart in which blood is directed along a different route so that it does not flow through a part that is damaged or blocked; the new route that the blood takes:\nheart bypass surgery * a triple bypass operation\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to go around or avoid a place:\nA new road now bypasses the town.\n  2  to ignore a rule, an official system or sb in authority, especially in order to get sth done quickly:\nThey let us bypass the usual admissions procedure.


Words: bystander
Meaning:
noun\na person who sees sth that is happening but is not involved \nSYN ONLOOKER:\ninnocent bystanders at the scene of the accident


Words: byte
Meaning:
noun\na unit of information stored in a computer, equal to 8 BITS. A computer’s memory is measured in bytes.


Words: byway
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a small road that is not used very much:\nthe highways and byways of the English countryside\n  2  (byways) [pl.] the less important areas of a subject


Words: byword
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  a ~ for sth a person or thing that is a well-known or typical example of a particular quality:\nThe name Chanel became a byword for elegance.\n  2  (especially AmE) a word or phrase that is well known or often used:\nAndy Warhol’s provocative slogan, ’Everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes’, became a sixties byword.


Words: Byzantine
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  connected with Byzantium or the Eastern Roman Empire\n  2  used to describe architecture of the 5th to the 15th centuries in the Byzantine Empire, especially churches with high central DOMES and MOSAICS\n  3  (also byzantine) (formal) (of an idea, a system, etc.) complicated, secret and difficult to change:\nan organization of byzantine complexity


Words: C
Meaning:
noun, abbreviation, symbol \n    noun (also c) [C, U] (plural C’s, c’s )\n  1  the third letter of the English alphabet:\n’Cat’ begins with (a) C / ’C’.\n  2  (C) (music) the first note in the scale of C MAJOR\nsee also MIDDLE C\n  3  (C) the third highest mark/grade that a student can get for a piece of work:\nShe got (a) C / ’C’ in / for Physics.\n    abbreviation\n  1  (C.) CAPE:\nC. Horn (= for example, on a map)\n  2  CELSIUS, CENTIGRADE:\nWater freezes at 0ｰ C.\n  3  (also ｩ) (AmE also C.) COPYRIGHT:\nｩ Oxford University Press 1999\nsee also C. OF E., C. & W.\n    symbol (also c) the number 100 in ROMAN NUMERALS


Words: c
Meaning:
(BrE) (also c. AmE, BrE) abbreviation\n  1  (in writing) CENT(S)\n  2  (also C) (in writing) century:\nin the 19th c * (AmE) a C19th church\nsee also CENT.\n  3  (also ca) (especially before dates) about; approximately (from Latin circa):\nc1890\n  4  (AmE) (in cooking) cup:\nadd 2c. flour


Words: c / o
Meaning:
abbreviation\n(used on letters to a person staying at sb else’s house) care of:\nMr P Brown, c / o Ms M Jones


Words: cabal
Meaning:
noun\n(formal, usually disapproving) a small group of people who are involved in secret plans to get political power


Words: cabaret
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] entertainment with singing and dancing that is performed in restaurants or clubs in the evenings:\na cabaret act / singer / band * He made his name on the cabaret circuit.\n  2  [C] a restaurant or club where cabaret entertainment is performed:\nthe theatres, restaurants and cabarets of London’s West End


Words: cabbage
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] a round vegetable with large green, purplish-red or white leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked:\nDo you like cabbage? * two cabbages * white / red cabbage\n \n  2  (BrE) = VEGETABLE (2)


Words: caber
Meaning:
noun\na long heavy wooden pole that is thrown into the air as a test of strength in the traditional Scottish sport of tossing the caber


Words: cabin
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a small room on a ship in which you live or sleep\n \n  2  one of the areas for passengers to sit in a plane\n \n  3  a small house or shelter, usually made of wood:\na log cabin


Words: cabin crew
Meaning:
noun\n[C+sing./pl. v.] the people whose job is to take care of passengers on a plane:\nA member of the cabin crew demonstrated the safety procedures.


Words: cabinet
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (usually the Cabinet) [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of the most important government ministers, or ADVISERS to a president, responsible for advising and deciding on government policy:\na cabinet meeting * (BrE) a cabinet minister * (BrE) the shadow Cabinet (= the most important members of the opposition party)\n \n  2  [C] a piece of furniture with doors, drawers and/or shelves, that is used for storing or showing things:\nkitchen cabinets * a medicine cabinet * The china was displayed in a glass cabinet.\nsee also FILING CABINET


Words: cable
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U, C] thick strong metal rope used on ships, for supporting bridges, etc.\n \n  2  [C, U] a set of wires, covered in plastic or rubber, that carries electricity, telephone signals, etc:\noverhead / underground cables * a 10 000 volt cable * fibre-optic cable\n \n  3  [U] = CABLE TELEVISION:\nWe can receive up to 500 cable channels.\n \n  4  [C] (old-fashioned) a message sent by electrical signals and printed out\n    verb [V, VN] (old-fashioned) to send sb a message by cable


Words: cable car
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a vehicle that hangs from and is pulled by a moving cable and that carries passengers up and down a mountain\n \n  2  (especially AmE) a vehicle that runs on tracks and is pulled by a moving cable


Words: cable television
Meaning:
(also cable, cable TV) noun\n[U] a system of broadcasting television programmes along wires rather than by radio waves


Words: caboodle
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  the whole (kit and) caboodle everything:\nI had new clothes, a new hairstyle-the whole caboodle.


Words: cache
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a hidden store of things such as weapons:\nan arms cache\n  2  (computing) a part of a computer’s memory that stores copies of data that is often needed while a program is running. This data can be ACCESSED very quickly.


Words: cachet
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] (formal) if sth has cachet, it has a special quality that people admire and approve of:\nNo other brand name has quite the same cachet. * the cachet of the elegant Right Bank hotel


Words: cack-handed
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE, informal, disapproving) a cack-handed person often drops or breaks things or does things badly


Words: cackle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] (of a chicken) to make a loud unpleasant noise\n  2  to laugh in a loud unpleasant way:\n[V] They all cackled with delight. [also V speech]\n    noun\n  1  the loud noise that a HEN makes\n  2  a harsh unpleasant laugh


Words: cactus
Meaning:
noun\n(plural cactuses or cacti ) a plant that grows in hot dry regions, especially one with thick stems covered in SPINES but without leaves. There are many different types of cactus.


Words: CAD
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the abbreviation for ’computer-aided design’ (the use of computers to design machines, buildings, vehicles, etc.)


Words: cad
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned) a man who behaves in a dishonest or unfair way:\nHe’s no gentleman, he’s a cad!


Words: caddie
Meaning:
(also caddy)  noun, verb \n    noun (plural caddies) (in the game of golf) a person who helps a player by carrying his or her CLUBS and equipment during a game\n    verb (caddies, caddying, caddied, caddied) [V] to act as a caddie in the game of golf


Words: caddy
Meaning:
noun (plural caddies)\n  1  (especially BrE) = TEA CADDY\n  2  (AmE) a small bag for storing or carrying small objects:\na sewing / make-up caddy\n  3  = CADDIE


Words: cadence
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (formal) the rise and fall of the voice in speaking:\nHe delivered his words in slow, measured cadences.\n  2  the end of a musical phrase


Words: cadenza
Meaning:
noun\n(music) a short passage, usually near the end of a piece of classical music, which is played or sung by the SOLOIST alone, and intended to show the performer’s skill


Words: cadet
Meaning:
noun\na young person who is training to become an officer in the police or armed forces:\narmy cadets


Words: cadge
Meaning:
verb\n~ (sth) (from / off sb) (BrE, informal) to ask sb for food, money, etc. especially because you cannot or do not want to pay for sth yourself:\n[VN] I managed to cadge some money off my dad. [also V]\n    cadger noun


Words: cadmium
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol Cd) a chemical element. Cadmium is a soft poisonous bluish-white metal that is used in batteries and nuclear REACTORS.


Words: cadre
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a small group of people who are specially chosen and trained for a particular purpose:\na cadre of scientific experts\n  2  [C] a member of this kind of group:\nThey were to become the cadres of the new Communist party.


Words: Caesarean
Meaning:
(also Caesarian, Caesarean section, Caesarian section) (AmE also cesarean, C-section, cesarian) noun\n[C, U] a medical operation in which an opening is cut in a woman’s body in order to take out a baby:\nan emergency Caesarean * The baby was born by Caesarean section. * She had to have a Caesarean.


Words: caesium
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE cesium)  noun\n[U] (Symbol Cs) a chemical element. Caesium is a soft silver-white metal, used in PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS.


Words: cafe
Meaning:
noun\na place where you can buy drinks and simple meals. Alcohol is not usually served in British or American cafes:\nThere are small shops and pavement cafes around every corner.\ncompare RESTAURANT


Words: cafeteria
Meaning:
noun\na restaurant where you choose and pay for your meal at a COUNTER and carry it to a table. Cafeterias are often found in factories, colleges, hospitals, etc:\nConsumer groups were urging school cafeterias to serve healthier food.


Words: caffe latte
Meaning:
(also latte) noun\n(from Italian) a drink made by adding a small amount of strong coffee to a glass or cup of FROTHY steamed milk


Words: cage
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a structure made of metal bars or wire in which animals or birds are kept:\na birdcage * I don’t like seeing animals in cages.\nsee also RIBCAGE\n IDIOMS  see RATTLE v.\n    verb ~ sth (up) [VN] [usually passive] to put or keep an animal in a cage:\nThe dogs are caged (up) at night.\n    caged adjective:\nHe paced the room like a caged animal.


Words: cagey
Meaning:
adjective\n(cagier, cagiest) ~ (about sth) (informal) not wanting to give sb information\nSYN SECRETIVE:\nTony is very cagey about his family.\n    cagily adverb


Words: cahoots
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  be in cahoots (with sb) (informal) to be planning or doing sth dishonest with sb else


Words: cairn
Meaning:
noun\na pile of stones which mark a special place such as the top of a mountain or a place where sb is buried


Words: cajole
Meaning:
verb\n~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) | ~ sth out of sb to make sb do sth by talking to them and being very nice to them\nSYN COAX:\n[VN] He cajoled me into agreeing to do the work. * I managed to cajole his address out of them. * [V] Her voice was soft and cajoling. [also V speech]


Words: Cajun
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C] a person from Louisiana whose ancestors were French and who speaks an old form of French, also called Cajun\n  2  [U] a type of music originally played by Cajuns, that is a mixture of BLUES and FOLK MUSIC\n    adjective connected with the Cajuns, their language, music or spicy cooking:\nCajun chicken / cuisine


Words: cake
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C, U] a sweet food made from a mixture of flour, eggs, butter, sugar, etc. that is baked in an oven. Cakes are made in various shapes and sizes and are often decorated, for example with cream or ICING:\na piece / slice of cake * to make / bake a cake * a chocolate cake * a birthday cake * (BrE) a cake tin (= for cooking a cake in) * (AmE) a cake pan\nsee also CHRISTMAS CAKE, FRUIT CAKE, SPONGE CAKE, WEDDING CAKE\n \n  2  [C] a food mixture that is cooked in a round flat shape:\npotato cakes\nsee also FISH CAKE\n \n IDIOMS \n  have your cake and eat it (BrE) (also have your cake and eat it too AmE, BrE) to have the advantages of sth without its disadvantages; to have both things that are available\n  a slice / share of the cake (BrE) (AmE a piece / slice / share of the pie) a share of the available money or benefits that you believe you have a right to:\nScotland is demanding a larger slice of the national cake.\n  take the cake (especially AmE) = take the biscuit at BISCUIT\nmore at HOT adj., ICING, PIECE n.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sth (in / with sth) to cover sth with a thick layer of sth soft that becomes hard when it dries:\nHer shoes were caked with mud.\n  2  [V] if a substance cakes, it becomes hard when it dries\n    caked adjective:\ncaked blood


Words: calabrese
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of BROCCOLI (= a vegetable with a thick green stem and green or purple flower heads)


Words: calamine
Meaning:
(also calamine lotion) noun\n[U] a pink liquid that you put on burnt or sore skin to make it less painful


Words: calamitous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) causing great harm or damage\nSYN DISASTROUS:\nThe bridge collapsed in the storm, with calamitous results.


Words: calamity
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural calamities) an event that causes great harm or damage\nSYN DISASTER:\nSudan suffered a series of calamities during the 1980s. * His financial help saved the magazine from total calamity.


Words: calcify
Meaning:
verb\n(calcifies, calcifying, calcified, calcified) [V, VN] (technical) to become hard or make sth hard by adding CALCIUM salts


Words: calcium
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol Ca) a chemical element. Calcium is a soft silver-white metal that is found as a compound in bones, teeth and chalk.


Words: calculate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to use numbers to find out a total number, amount, distance, etc:\n[VN] Use the formula to calculate the volume of the container. * Benefit is calculated on the basis of average weekly earnings. * We haven’t really calculated the cost of the vacation yet. * [V wh-] You’ll need to calculate how much time the assignment will take. * [VN that] It has been calculated that at least 47 000 jobs were lost last year.\n  2  to guess sth or form an opinion by using all the information available:\n[V that] Conservationists calculate that hundreds of species could be lost in this area. * [V wh-] It is impossible to calculate what influence he had on her life.


Words: calculated
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] carefully planned to get what you want:\na calculated insult * He took a calculated risk (= a risk that you decide is worth taking even though you know it might have bad results).\n IDIOMS \n  be calculated to do sth to be intended to do sth; to be likely to do sth:\nHer latest play is calculated to shock. * This sort of life is not calculated to appeal to a young man of 20.


Words: calculating
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) good at planning things so that you have an advantage, without caring about other people:\na cold and calculating killer * I never realized you could be so calculating.


Words: calculation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] the act or process of using numbers to find out an amount:\nCathy did a rough calculation. * By my calculation(s), we made a profit of ｣20 000 last year. * Our guess was confirmed by calculation.\n  2  [C, U] the process of using your judgement to decide what the results would be of doing sth\n  3  [U] (disapproving) careful planning for yourself without caring about other people:\nan act of cold calculation


Words: calculus
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the type of mathematics that deals with rates of change, for example in the slope of a curve or the speed of a falling object


Words: calendar
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a page or series of pages showing the days, weeks and months of a particular year, especially one that you hang on a wall:\na calendar for 2001\nsee also ADVENT CALENDAR\n \n  2  (AmE) a record of what you have to do each day; the book in which you write this down\n \n  3  [usually sing.] a list of important events or dates of a particular type during the year:\nThis is one of the biggest weeks in the racing calendar. * a major festival in the church’s calendar * These days the tennis calendar has become so crowded.\n \n  4  a system by which time is divided into fixed periods, showing the beginning and end of a year:\nthe Islamic calendar


Words: calendar month
Meaning:
noun (technical)\n  1  one of the twelve months of the year\ncompare LUNAR MONTH\n  2  a period of time from a particular date in one month to the same date in the next one


Words: calf
Meaning:
1  [C] the back part of the leg between the ankle and the knee:\nI’ve torn a calf muscle.\n \n  2  [C] a young cow\n \n  3  [C] a young animal of some other type such as a young elephant or WHALE\n \n  4  [U] = CALFSKIN\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  in / with calf (of a cow) pregnant


Words: calfskin
Meaning:
(also calf) noun\n[U] soft thin leather made from the skin of calves, used especially for making shoes and clothing


Words: calibrate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (technical) to mark units of measurement on an instrument such as a THERMOMETER so that it can be used for measuring sth accurately


Words: calibration
Meaning:
noun (technical)\n  1  [U] the act of calibrating:\na calibration error\n  2  [C] the units of measurement marked on a THERMOMETER or other instrument:\nThe dial has calibrations from 1 to 5.


Words: calibre
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually caliber)  noun\n  1  [U] the quality of sth, especially a person’s ability:\nHe was impressed by the high calibre of applicants for the job. * The firm needs more people of your calibre.\n  2  [C] the width of the inside of a tube or gun; the width of a bullet:\na.22 calibre bullet * a high calibre weapon


Words: calico
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (especially BrE) a heavy cotton fabric that is usually plain white\n  2  (especially AmE) a rough cotton fabric that has a pattern printed on it


Words: call
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  give name\n  1  to give sb/sth a particular name; to use a particular name or title when you are talking to sb:\n[VN-N] They decided to call the baby Brooklyn. * His name’s Hiroshi but everyone calls him Hiro. * What do they call that new fabric? * [VN] They called their first daughter after her grandmother. * We call each other by our first names here.\nsee also CALLED\n  describe\n  2  to describe sb/sth in a particular way; to consider sb/sth to be sth:\n[VN-N] I wouldn’t call German an easy language. * Are you calling me a liar? * He was in the front room, or the lounge or whatever you want to call it. * [VN-ADJ] Would you call it blue or green? * [VN-N] I make it ten pounds forty-three you owe me. Let’s call it ten pounds.\n  shout\n  3  ~ (sth) (out) | ~ (out) to sb (for sth) to shout or say sth loudly to attract sb’s attention:\n[V] I thought I heard somebody calling. * She called out to her father for help. * [VN] Did somebody call my name? * He called out a warning from the kitchen. * [V speech] ’See you later!’ she called.\n  4  to ask sb to come by shouting or speaking loudly:\n[VN] Will you call the kids in for lunch? * [V] Did you call?\n  telephone\n  5  to ask sb/sth to come quickly to a particular place by telephoning:\n[VN] to call the fire department / the police / a doctor / an ambulance * The doctor has been called to an urgent case. * [VN, VNN] I’ll call a taxi for you. * I’ll call you a taxi.\n  6  to telephone sb:\n[V] I’ll call again later. * [VN] I called the office to tell them I’d be late. * My brother called me from Germany last night. -> PHONE\n  order sb to come\n  7  [VN +adv./prep.] [usually passive] (formal) to order sb to come to a place:\nSeveral candidates were called for a second interview. * The ambassador was called back to London by the prime minister. * He felt called to the priesthood (= had a strong feeling that he must become a priest).\n  visit\n  8  (especially BrE) to make a short visit to a person or place:\n[V] Let’s call on John. * I’ll call round and see you on my way home. * He was out when I called to see him.\n  meeting / strike, etc.\n  9  [VN] to order sth to happen; to announce that sth will happen:\nto call a meeting / an election / a strike\n  of bird / animal\n  10  [V] to make the cry that is typical for it\n  in games\n  11  to say which side of a coin you think will face upwards after it is thrown:\n[VN] to call heads / tails [also V]\n IDIOMS \n  call sb’s bluff to tell sb to do what they are threatening to do, because you believe that they will not be cruel or brave enough to do it\n  call sth into play (written) to make use of sth:\nChess is a game that calls into play all your powers of concentration.\n  call sth into question to doubt sth or make others doubt sth:\nHis honesty has never been called into question.\n  call it a day (informal) to decide or agree to stop doing sth:\nAfter forty years in politics I think it’s time for me to call it a day (= to retire).\n  call it quits (informal)\n1 to agree to stop a contest, quarrel, etc. because both sides seem equal\n2 to decide to stop doing sth\n  call sb names to use insulting words about sb\n  call the shots / tune (informal) to be the person who controls a situation\n  call a spade a spade to say exactly what you think without trying to hide your opinion\n  call time (on sth) (BrE) to say or decide that it is time for sth to finish\n  call sb to account (for / over sth) to make sb explain a mistake, etc. because they are responsible for it\n  call sb/sth to order to ask people in a meeting to be silent so that the meeting can start or continue\nmore at CARPET n., MIND n., PAY v., POT n., WHAT\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  call at ... (BrE) (of a train, etc.) to stop at a place for a short time:\nThis train calls at Didcot and Reading.\n  call sb away to ask sb to stop what they are doing and to go somewhere else:\nShe was called away from the meeting to take an urgent phone call.\n  call back | call sb back to telephone sb again or to telephone sb who telephoned you earlier:\nShe said she’d call back. * I’m waiting for someone to call me back with a price.\n  call for sb (especially BrE) to collect sb in order to go somewhere:\nI’ll call for you at 7 o’clock.\n  call for sth\n1 to need sth:\nThe situation calls for prompt action. * ’I’ve been promoted.’ ’This calls for a celebration!’\nsee also UNCALLED FOR\n2 to publicly ask for sth to happen:\nThey called for the immediate release of the hostages. * The opposition have called for him to resign.\n  call sth<->forth (formal) to produce a particular reaction:\nHis speech called forth an angry response.\n  call in to telephone a place, especially the place where you work:\nSeveral people have called in sick today.\n  call sb<->in to ask for the services of sb:\nto call in a doctor / the police\n  call sth<->in to order or ask for the return of sth:\nCars with serious faults have been called in by the manufacturers.\n  call sb/sth<->off to order a dog or a person to stop attacking, searching, etc.\n  call sth<->off to cancel sth; to decide that sth will not happen:\nto call off a deal / trip / strike * They have called off their engagement (= decided not to get married). * The game was called off because of bad weather.\n  call on / upon sb (formal)\n1 to formally invite or ask sb to speak, etc:\nI now call upon the chairman to address the meeting.\n2 to ask or demand that sb do sth:\nI feel called upon (= feel that I ought) to warn you that ...\n  call sb out\n1 to ask sb to come, especially to an emergency:\nto call out an engineer / a plumber / the troops\n2 to order or advise workers to stop work as a protest\nrelated noun CALL-OUT\n  call sb<->up\n1 (especially AmE) to make a telephone call to sb\n2 to make sb do their training in the army, etc. or fight in a war\nSYN CONSCRIPT, DRAFT\n3 to give sb the opportunity to play in a sports team, especially for their country\nrelated noun CALL-UP\n  call sth<->up\n1 to bring sth back to your mind\nSYN RECALL:\nThe smell of the sea called up memories of her childhood.\n2 to use sth that is stored or kept available:\nI called his address up on the computer. * She called up her last reserves of strength.\n    noun\n  on telephone\n  1  [C] (also phone call) the act of speaking to sb on the telephone:\nto get / have / receive a call from sb * to give sb / to make a call * Were there any calls for me while I was out? * I’ll take (= answer) the call upstairs. * I left a message but he didn’t return my call. * a local call * a long-distance call -> PHONE\n  loud sound\n  2  [C] a loud sound made by a bird or an animal, or by a person to attract attention:\nthe distinctive call of the cuckoo * a call for help\n  visit\n  3  [C] a short visit to sb’s house:\nThe doctor has five calls to make this morning. * (old-fashioned) to pay a call on an old friend\n  request / demand\n  4  [C] ~ (for sth) a request, an order or a demand for sb to do sth or to go somewhere:\ncalls for the minister to resign * calls for national unity * This is the last call for passengers travelling on British Airways flight 199 to Rome. * (formal) a call to arms (= a strong request to fight in the army, etc.)\nsee also CURTAIN CALL\n  5  [U] no ~ for sth | no ~ (for sb) to do sth no demand for sth; no reason for sb’s behaviour:\nThere isn’t a lot of call for small specialist shops nowadays.\n  6  [C] ~ on sb/sth a demand or pressure placed on sb/sth:\nShe is a busy woman with many calls on her time.\n  of a place\n  7  [sing.] ~ (of sth) (literary) a strong feeling of attraction that a particular place has for you:\nthe call of the sea / your homeland\n  to a particular job\n  8  [sing.] ~ (to do sth) a strong feeling to do sth, especially a particular job:\nHe felt the call of the priesthood early on in his life.\n  decision\n  9  [C] (informal) a decision:\nIt’s your call!\n  in tennis\n  10  [C] a decision made by the UMPIRE:\nThere was a disputed call in the second set.\n  in card games\n  11  [C] a player’s BID or turn to BID\n IDIOMS \n  the call of nature (humorous) the need to go to the toilet\n  have first call (on sb/sth) to be the most important person or thing competing for sb’s time, money, etc. and to be dealt with or paid for before other people or things:\nThe children always have first call on her time.\n  (be) on call (of a doctor, police officer, etc.) available for work if necessary, especially in an emergency:\nI’ll be on call the night of the party. * The doctor had been on call for 48 hours and was exhausted.\nmore at BECK, CLOSE adj.


Words: call box
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) = PHONE BOX\n  2  (AmE) a small box beside a road, with a telephone in it, to call for help after an accident, etc.


Words: call centre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE call center) noun\nan office in which a large number of people work using telephones, for example arranging insurance for people, or taking customers’ orders and answering questions


Words: call letters
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (AmE) the letters that are used to identify a radio or television station:\nthe call letters WNBC


Words: call sign
Meaning:
noun\nthe letters and numbers used in radio communication to identify the person who is sending a message


Words: call-out
Meaning:
noun\nan occasion when sb is called to do repairs, rescue sb, etc:\na call-out charge * ambulance call-outs


Words: call-up
Meaning:
(BrE) noun\n  1  [U, C, usually sing.] an order to join the armed forces\nSYN CONSCRIPTION, THE DRAFT:\nBecause of his occupation, he was not liable for call-up. * to receive your call-up papers * young men of call-up age\n  2  [C] the opportunity to play in a sports team, especially for your country:\nFowler’s recent form has earned him a call-up to the England squad.


Words: called
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] to have a particular name:\nWhat’s their son called? * I don’t know anyone called Scott. * I’ve forgotten what the firm he works for is called. * What’s it called again? Yeah, that’s right. A modem.\nsee also SO-CALLED


Words: caller
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who is making a telephone call:\nThe caller hung up. * an anonymous caller\n  2  a person who goes to a house or a building:\nYou had a caller this morning.


Words: calligraphy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] beautiful HANDWRITING that you do with a special pen or brush; the art of producing this:\nI’m teaching myself calligraphy. * a poem written in neat italic calligraphy\n    calligrapher noun


Words: calling
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a strong desire or feeling of duty to do a particular job, especially one in which you help other people\nSYN VOCATION:\nHe realized that his calling was to preach the gospel.\n  2  (formal) a profession or career:\nMy father considered engineering one of the highest possible callings.


Words: calliper
Meaning:
noun (BrE) (also caliper AmE, BrE) \n  1  (callipers) [pl.] an instrument with two long thin parts joined at one end, used for measuring the DIAMETER of tubes and round objects (= the distance across them):\na pair of callipers\n  2  (BrE) (AmE brace) [C, usually pl.] a metal support for weak or injured legs


Words: callisthenics
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE calisthenics)  noun\n[U+sing./pl. v.] physical exercises intended to develop a strong and graceful body


Words: callous
Meaning:
adjective\nnot caring about other people’s feelings or suffering:\na callous killer / attitude / act * a callous disregard for the feelings of others\n    callously adverb\n    callousness noun [U]


Words: callus
Meaning:
noun\nan area of thick hard skin on a hand or foot, usually caused by rubbing:\nThe calluses on her palm showed how hard she had had to work.


Words: calm
Meaning:
adjective, verb, noun \n    adjective (calmer, calmest)\n  1  not excited, nervous or upset:\nIt is important to keep calm in an emergency. * Try to remain calm. * Her voice was surprisingly calm. * The city is calm again (= free from disorder and fighting) after yesterday’s riots.\n  2  (of the sea) without large waves\n  3  (of the weather) without wind:\na calm, cloudless day\n    calmly adverb:\n’I’ll call the doctor,’ he said calmly.\n    calmness noun [U] \n    verb [VN] to make sb/sth become quiet and more relaxed, especially after strong emotion or excitement:\nHave some brandy; it’ll calm your nerves. * His presence had a calming influence.\nsee also TRAFFIC CALMING\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  calm down | calm sb/sth<->down to become or make sb become calm:\nLook, calm down! We’ll find her. * We waited inside until things calmed down. * He took a few deep breaths to calm himself down.\n    noun [C, U]\n  1  a quiet and peaceful time or situation:\nthe calm of a summer evening * The police appealed for calm.\n  2  a quiet and relaxed manner:\nHer previous calm gave way to terror. * Alex spoke with studied calm.\n IDIOMS \n  the calm before the storm a calm time immediately before an expected period of violent activity or argument\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \ncalm / calmness\nThe noun calm is usually used to talk about a peaceful time or situation: There was a short period of uneasy calm after the riot. It can also be used to describe a person’s manner: She spoke with icy calm. Calmness is usually used to talk about a person: We admired his calmness under pressure.\n______________________________


Words: Calor gas
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE cooking gas) noun\n[U] a type of gas stored as a liquid under pressure in metal containers and used for heating and cooking in places where there is no gas supply


Words: calorie
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a unit for measuring how much energy food will produce:\nA fried egg contains about 100 calories-about the same as you would burn off if you ran a mile. * No sugar for me, thanks-I’m counting my calories. * a low-calorie drink / diet\n  2  (technical) a unit for measuring a quantity of heat; the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a gram of water by one degree Celsius


Words: calorific
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (technical) connected with or producing heat:\nthe calorific value of food (= the quantity of heat or energy produced by a particular amount of food)


Words: calumny
Meaning:
noun (plural calumnies) (formal)\n  1  [C] a false statement about a person that is made to damage their reputation:\nHe accused the press of publishing vicious calumnies.\n  2  [U] the act of making such a statement:\na campaign of gossip and calumny


Words: Calvinist
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (also Calvinistic)\n  1  connected with Calvinism\n  2  having very strict moral attitudes\n    noun a member of a Church that follows the teaching of the French Protestant John Calvin\n    Calvinism noun [U]


Words: calypso
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural calypsos) a Caribbean song about a subject of current interest; this type of music


Words: calyx
Meaning:
noun\n(plural calyxes or calyces ) (technical) the ring of small green leaves, (called SEPALS), that protect a flower before it opens


Words: cam
Meaning:
noun\na part on a wheel that sticks out and changes the circular movement of the wheel into up-and-down or backwards-and-forwards movement


Words: camaraderie
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) a feeling of friendship and trust among people who work or spend a lot of time together:\nthe wartime spirit of camaraderie


Words: camel
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] an animal with a long neck and one or two HUMPS on its back, used in desert countries for riding on or for carrying goods\ncompare DROMEDARY\n  2  [U] = CAMEL HAIR:\na camel coat\n IDIOMS  see STRAW


Words: camel hair
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (also camel) a thick soft pale brown fabric made from camel’s hair or a mixture of camel’s hair and wool, used especially for making coats:\na camel-hair coat\n  2  the fine soft hair from a SQUIRREL’S tail, used for making artists’ PAINTBRUSHES


Words: camellia
Meaning:
noun\na bush with shiny leaves and white, red or pink flowers that look like roses and are also called camellias


Words: cameo
Meaning:
noun (plural cameos)\n  1  a small part in a film/movie or play for a famous actor:\na cameo role / appearance\n  2  a short piece of writing that gives a good description of sb/sth\n  3  a piece of jewellery that consists of a raised design, often of a head, on a background of a different colour:\na cameo brooch / ring


Words: camera
Meaning:
noun\na piece of equipment for taking photographs, moving pictures or television pictures:\nJust point the camera and press the button. * Cameras started clicking as soon as she stepped out of the car. * a TV / video camera * a camera crew\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  in camera (law) in a judge’s private room, without the press or the public being present:\nThe trial was held in camera.\n \n  on camera being filmed or shown on television:\nAre you prepared to tell your story on camera?


Words: camisole
Meaning:
noun\na short piece of women’s underwear that is worn on the top half of the body and has thin shoulder straps


Words: camouflage
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] a way of hiding soldiers and military equipment, using paint, leaves or nets, so that they look like part of their surroundings:\na camouflage jacket (= covered with green and brown marks and worn by soldiers) * troops dressed in camouflage\n  2  [U, sing.] the way in which an animal’s colour or shape matches its surroundings and makes it difficult to see:\nThe whiteness of polar bears and arctic foxes provides camouflage. * The leopard’s spots act as (a) camouflage. * Predators make as much use of camouflage as their prey do.\n  3  [U, sing.] behaviour that is deliberately meant to hide the truth:\nHer angry words were camouflage for the way she felt. * Maya’s cheerful manner just serves / acts as camouflage.\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (with sth) to hide sb/sth by making them or it look like the things around, or like sth else:\nThe soldiers camouflaged themselves with leaves and twigs. * Her size was camouflaged by the long loose dark dress she wore.


Words: camp
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n  in tents\n  1  [C, U] a place where people live temporarily in tents or huts:\nLet’s return to camp. * to pitch / make camp (= put up tents) * to break camp (= to take down tents)\nsee also HOLIDAY CAMP\n  holiday / vacation\n  2  [C, U] a place where young people go on holiday/vacation and take part in various activities or a particular activity:\na tennis camp * He spent two weeks at camp this summer. * summer camp\n  prison, etc.\n  3  [C] (used in compounds) a place where people are kept in huts or tents, especially by a government and often for long periods:\na refugee camp * a camp guard\nsee also CONCENTRATION CAMP, PRISON CAMP, TRANSIT CAMP\n  army\n  4  [C, U] a place where soldiers live while they are training or fighting:\nan army camp\n  group of people\n  5  [C] a group of people who have the same ideas about sth and oppose people with other ideas:\nthe socialist camp * We were in opposing camps. * People are split into two camps on this issue.\n  6  [C] one of the sides in a competition and the people connected with it:\nThere was an air of confidence in the England camp.\n IDIOMS  see FOOT n.\n    verb\n  live in tent\n  1  [V] to put up a tent and live in it for a short time:\nI camped overnight in a field.\n  2  [V] (go camping) to stay in a tent, especially while you are on holiday/vacation:\nThey go camping in France every year.\n  stay for short time\n  3  [V] ~ (out) to live in sb’s house for a short time, especially when you do not have a bed there:\nI’m camping out at a friend’s apartment at the moment.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  camp out to live outside for a short time:\nDozens of reporters camped out on her doorstep.\n  camp it up (BrE, informal) to behave in a very exaggerated manner, especially to attract attention to yourself or to make people laugh\n    adjective\n  1  (BrE) (of a man or his manner) deliberately behaving in a way that some people think is typical of a HOMOSEXUAL\nSYN EFFEMINATE:\nHe’s so camp, isn’t he?\n  2  exaggerated in style, especially in a deliberately amusing way:\nThe movie is a camp celebration of the fashion industry.


Words: camp follower
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who supports a particular group or political party but is not a member of it\n  2  (in the past) a person who was not a soldier but followed an army from place to place to sell goods or services


Words: campaign
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  ~ (against / for sth) a series of planned activities that are intended to achieve a particular social, commercial or political aim:\nto conduct a campaign * a campaign against ageism in the workplace * the campaign for parliamentary reform * an anti-smoking campaign * Today police launched (= began) a campaign to reduce road accidents. * an advertising campaign * an election campaign * the President’s campaign team / manager\n  2  a series of attacks and battles that are intended to achieve a particular military aim during a war:\nthe North African campaign * Air battles had dominated the campaign. * a bombing campaign\n    verb ~ (for / against sb/sth) to take part in or lead a campaign, for example to achieve political change or in order to win an election: [V] We have campaigned against whaling for the last 15 years. * The party campaigned vigorously in the north of the country. * [V to inf] They are campaigning to save the area from building development.\n    campaigning noun [U]


Words: campaigner
Meaning:
noun\na person who leads or takes part in a campaign, especially one for political or social change:\na leading human rights campaigner * a campaigner on environmental issues * a campaigner for women priests * an old / veteran / seasoned campaigner (= a person with a lot of experience of a particular activity) * (especially AmE) Bush campaigners (= people working for Bush in a campaign)


Words: campanology
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the study of bells and the art of ringing bells\n    campanologist  noun-see also BELL-RINGER


Words: camper
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who spends a holiday/vacation living in a tent or at a holiday camp\n  2  (also camper van) (both BrE) (AmE RV, recreational vehicle) (also motorhome AmE, BrE) a large motor vehicle designed for people to live and sleep in when they are travelling\n  3  (AmE) = CARAVAN


Words: campfire
Meaning:
noun\nan outdoor fire made by people who are sleeping outside or living in a tent:\nsinging around the campfire


Words: camphor
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a white substance with a strong smell, used in medicine, for making plastics and to keep insects away from clothes


Words: camping
Meaning:
noun\n[U] living in a tent, etc. on holiday/vacation:\nDo you go camping? * a camping trip * camping equipment


Words: campsite
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also camping site) (both BrE) (AmE campground) a place where people on holiday/vacation can put up their tents, park their CARAVAN, CAMPER, etc., often with toilets, water, etc.\n  2  (AmE) a place in a campground where you can put up one tent or park one CAMPER, etc.


Words: campus
Meaning:
noun\nthe buildings of a university or college and the land around them:\nShe lives on campus (= within the main university area). * campus life


Words: can
Meaning:
1  used to say that it is possible for sb/sth to do sth, or for sth to happen:\nI can run fast. * Can you call back tomorrow? * He couldn’t answer the question. * The stadium can be emptied in four minutes. * I can’t promise anything, but I’ll do what I can.\n  2  used to say that sb knows how to do sth:\nShe can speak Spanish. * Can he cook? * I could drive a car before I left school.\n  3  used with the verbs ’feel’, ’hear’, ’see’, ’smell’, ’taste’:\nShe could feel a lump in her breast. * I can hear music.\n  4  used to show that sb is allowed to do sth:\nYou can take the car, if you want. * We can’t wear jeans at work.\n  5  (spoken) used to ask permission to do sth:\nCan I read your newspaper? * Can I take you home?\n  6  (spoken) used to ask sb to help you:\nCan you help me with this box? * Can you feed the cat, please?\n  7  used in the negative for saying that you are sure sth is not true:\nThat can’t be Mary-she’s in New York. * He can’t have slept through all that noise.\n  8  used to express doubt or surprise:\nWhat can they be doing? * Can he be serious? * Where can she have put it?\n  9  used to say what sb/sth is often like:\nHe can be very tactless sometimes. * It can be quite cold here in winter.\n  10  used to make suggestions:\nWe can eat in a restaurant, if you like. * I can take the car if necessary.\n  11  (spoken) used to say that sb must do sth, usually when you are angry:\nYou can shut up or get out! -> MODAL\n IDIOMS \n  can’t be doing with sth (informal) used to say that you do not like sth and are unwilling to accept it:\nI can’t be doing with people who complain all the time.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \ncan / may\nCan and cannot (or can’t) are the most common words used for asking for, giving or refusing permission: Can I borrow your calculator? * You can come with us if you want to. * You can’t park your car there.\nMay (negative may not) is used as a polite and fairly formal way to ask for or give permission: May I borrow your newspaper? * You may come if you wish. It is often used in official signs and rules: Visitors may use the swimming pool between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. * Students may not use the college car park. The form mayn’t is almost never used in modern English.\n______________________________\n\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \ncan / could / be able to / manage\nCan is used to say that somebody knows how to do something: Can you play the piano? It is also used with verbs of seeing, noticing, etc.: I can hear someone calling, and with passive infinitives: The video can be rented from your local store.\nCan or be able to are used to say that something is possible or that somebody has the opportunity to do something: Can you/are you able to come on Saturday?\nYou use be able to to form the future and perfect tenses and the infinitive: You’ll be able to get a taxi outside the station. * I haven’t been able to get much work done today. * She’d love to be able to play the piano.\nCould is used to talk about what someone was generally able to do in the past: Our daughter could walk when she was nine months old.\nYou use was/were able to or manage (but not could) when you are saying that something was possible on a particular occasion in the past: I was able to/managed to find some useful books in the library. * _I_ _c_o_u_l_d_ _f_i_n_d_ _s_o_m_e_ _u_s_e_f_u_l_ _b_o_o_k_s_ _i_n_ _t_h_e_ _l_i_b_r_a_r_y. In negative sentences, could not can also be used: We weren’t able to / didn’t manage to / couldn’t get there in time. Could is also used with this meaning with verbs of seeing, noticing, understanding, etc.: I could see there was something wrong.\nCould have is used when you are saying that it was possible for somebody to do something in the past but they did not try: I could have won the game but decided to let her win.\n-> note at MAY\n______________________________\n\n\n noun, verb-see also CAN\n    noun\n\n \n  1  (BrE also tin) [C] a metal container in which food and drink is sold:\na can of beans * a beer / paint can\n \n HELP NOTE  In AmE can is the usual word used for both food and drink. In BrE can is always used for drink, but tin or can can be used for food, paint, etc.\n \n  2  [C] the amount contained in a can:\nWe drank a can of Coke each.\n \n  3  [C] a metal or plastic container for holding or carrying liquids:\nan oil can * a watering can\n  4  [C] a metal container in which liquids are kept under pressure and let out in a fine spray when you press a button on the lid:\na can of hairspray\n  5  (the can) [sing.] (AmE, slang) prison\n  6  (the can) [sing.] (AmE, slang) the toilet\n IDIOMS \n  a can of worms (informal) if you open up a can of worms, you start doing sth that will cause a lot of problems and be very difficult\n  be in the can (informal) (especially of filmed or recorded material) to be completed and ready for use\nmore at CARRY\n    verb (-nn-) [VN] \n  1  (especially AmE) to preserve food by putting it in a can\n  2  (AmE, informal) to dismiss sb from their job


Words: can-do
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (informal) willing to try new things and expecting that they will be successful:\na can-do attitude / spirit * Texas is a state of big opportunity, a can-do place.


Words: canal
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a long straight passage dug in the ground and filled with water for boats and ships to travel along; a smaller passage used for carrying water to fields, crops, etc:\nthe Panama / Suez Canal * an irrigation canal\n \n  2  a tube inside the body through which air or food passes\nsee also ALIMENTARY CANAL


Words: canalize
Meaning:
(BrE also canalise)  verb [VN] \n  1  (technical) to make a river wider, deeper or straighter; to make a river into a canal\n  2  (formal) to control an emotion, activity, etc. so that it is aimed at a particular purpose\nSYN CHANNEL\n    canalization, canalisation  noun [U]


Words: canape
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a small biscuit or piece of bread with cheese, meat, fish, etc. on it, usually served with drinks at a party


Words: cancan
Meaning:
noun\n(often the cancan) [sing.] a fast dance in which a line of women kick their legs high in the air


Words: cancel
Meaning:
verb (-ll-, AmE -l-)\n  1  [VN] to decide that sth that has been arranged will not now take place:\nAll flights have been cancelled because of bad weather. * The wedding was cancelled at the last minute. * Don’t forget to cancel the newspaper (= arrange for it not to be delivered) before going away.\ncompare POSTPONE\n  2  to say that you no longer want to continue with an agreement, especially one that has been legally arranged:\n[VN] to cancel a policy / subscription * Is it too late to cancel my order? * The US has agreed to cancel debts (= say that they no longer need to be paid) totalling $10 million. * [V] No charge will be made if you cancel within 10 days.\n  3  [VN] to mark a ticket or stamp so that it cannot be used again\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  cancel out | cancel sth<->out if two or more things cancel out or one cancels out the other, they are equally important but have an opposite effect on a situation so that the situation does not change:\nRecent losses have cancelled out any profits made at the start of the year. * The advantages and disadvantages would appear to cancel each other out.


Words: cancellation
Meaning:
(AmE also cancelation) noun\n  1  [U, C] a decision to stop sth that has already been arranged from happening; a statement that sth will not happen:\nWe need at least 24 hours’ notice of cancellation. * a cancellation fee / charge * Heavy seas can cause cancellation of ferry services. * Cancellations must be made in writing.\n  2  [C] something that has been cancelled:\nAre there any cancellations for this evening’s performance? (= tickets that have been returned)\n  3  [U] the fact of making sth no longer valid:\nthe cancellation of the contract


Words: Cancer
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the fourth sign of the ZODIAC, the CRAB\n \n  2  [sing.] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 22 June and 22 July, approximately\n \n    Cancerian  noun, adjective


Words: cancer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] a serious disease in which growths of cells, also called cancers, form in the body and kill normal body cells. The disease often causes death:\nlung / breast cancer * cancer of the bowel / stomach * Most skin cancers are completely curable. * The cancer has spread to his stomach. * Smokers face an increased risk of developing lung cancer. * cancer patients * cancer research\n  2  [C] (literary) an evil or dangerous thing that spreads quickly:\nViolence is a cancer in our society.\n    cancerous  adjective:\nto become cancerous * cancerous cells / growths / tumours


Words: candelabra
Meaning:
noun\n(plural candelabra, candelabras, AmE also candelabrums) an object with several branches for holding candles or lights


Words: candid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  saying what you think openly and honestly; not hiding your thoughts:\na candid statement / interview * You must be absolutely honest and candid. * To be candid, I can’t stand her.\nsee also CANDOUR\n  2  a candid photograph is one that is taken without the person in it knowing that they are being photographed:\nHe mingled among the guests and took the candid shots which were much more fun than the formal group photographs.\n    candidly adverb:\nShe candidly admitted her mistakes.


Words: candidacy
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural candidacies) (also candidature especially in BrE) the fact of being a candidate in an election:\nto announce / declare / withdraw your candidacy for the post


Words: candidate
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (for sth) a person who is trying to be elected or is applying for a job:\none of the leading candidates for the presidency * a presidential candidate * (BrE) He stood as a candidate in the local elections. * There were a large number of candidates for the job. * The party intends to field / put up a candidate in the next general election.\n  2  (BrE) a person taking an exam:\nCandidates are allowed to use dictionaries in this examination. * a candidate for the degree of MPhil\n  3  ~ (for sth) a person or group that is considered suitable for sth or that is likely to get sth or to be sth:\nOur team is a prime candidate for relegation this year. * Your father is an obvious candidate for a heart attack.


Words: candied
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of fruit or other food) preserved by boiling in sugar; cooked in sugar:\ncandied fruit * candied peel (= of oranges)


Words: candle
Meaning:
noun\na round stick of WAX with a piece of string (called a WICK) through the middle which is lit to give light as it burns:\na flickering candle * The room was lit by candles. * to blow out / snuff out a candle\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  cannot hold a candle to sb/sth is not as good as sb or sth else:\nHis singing can’t hold a candle to Pavarotti’s.\nmore at BURN v., WORTH adj.


Words: candlewick
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a soft cotton fabric with a raised pattern of threads, used especially for making BEDSPREADS


Words: candour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE candor)  noun\n[U] the quality of saying what you think openly and honestly:\n’I don’t trust him,’ he said, in a rare moment of candour.\nsee also CANDID


Words: candy
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural candies) (AmE) sweet food made of sugar and/or chocolate, eaten between meals; a piece of this\nSYN SWEET:\na box of candy * a candy store * a candy bar * Who wants the last piece of candy?


Words: candyfloss
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE cotton candy) noun\n[U] a type of sweet/candy in the form of a mass of sticky threads made from melted sugar and served on a stick, especially at FAIRGROUNDS


Words: cane
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] the hard hollow stem of some plants, for example BAMBOO or sugar:\nbean plants supported by bamboo canes\n  2  [U] these stems used as a material for making furniture, etc:\na cane chair\n  3  [C] a piece of cane or a thin rod, used to help sb to walk:\nHe clutched a top hat and a silver-topped cane.\nsee also WALKING STICK\n  4  [C] a piece of cane or a thin rod, used in the past in some schools for beating children as a punishment:\nto get the cane (= be punished with a cane)\n    verb [VN] to hit a child with a cane as a punishment\n    caning noun [U, C]:\nthe abolition of caning in schools


Words: canine
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective connected with dogs:\nLondon’s canine population * her canine companion, Goldie\n    noun\n\n \n  1  (also canine tooth) one of the four pointed teeth in the front of a human being’s mouth\ncompare INCISOR, MOLAR\n \n  2  (formal) a dog


Words: canister
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a container with a lid for holding tea, coffee, etc.\n  2  a strong metal container containing gas or a chemical substance, especially one that bursts when it is fired from a gun or thrown:\ntear-gas canisters\n  3  a flat round metal container used for storing film:\na film canister


Words: canker
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a disease that destroys the wood of plants and trees\n  2  [U] a disease that causes sore areas in the ears of animals, especially dogs and cats\n  3  [C] (literary) an evil or dangerous influence that spreads and affects people’s behaviour


Words: cannabis
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a drug made from the dried leaves and flowers or RESIN of the HEMP plant, which gives a feeling of being relaxed when it is smoked or eaten. Use of the drug is illegal in many countries.


Words: canned
Meaning:
adjective\n \n  1  (BrE also tinned) (of food) preserved in a can:\ncanned food / soup\n \n  2  ~ laughter / music laughter or music that has been previously recorded and used in television and radio programmes


Words: cannibal
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who eats human flesh:\na tribe of cannibals\n  2  an animal that eats the flesh of other animals of the same kind\n    cannibalism  noun [U]:\nto practise cannibalism\n    cannibalistic  adjective


Words: cannibalize
Meaning:
(BrE also cannibalise)  verb\n[VN] to take the parts of a machine, vehicle, etc. and use them to repair or build another\n    cannibalization, cannibalisation  noun [U]


Words: cannon
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural cannon or cannons)\n  1  an old type of large heavy gun, usually on wheels, that fires solid metal or stone balls:\nThree cannon opened fire. * a burst of cannon fire\nsee also LOOSE CANNON, WATER CANNON\n  2  an AUTOMATIC gun that is fired from an aircraft\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] to hit sb/sth with a lot of force while you are moving:\nHe ran around the corner, cannoning into a group of kids.


Words: cannon fodder
Meaning:
noun\n[U] soldiers who are thought of not as people whose lives are important, but as material to be used up in war:\nThe soldiers were little more than cannon fodder.


Words: canny
Meaning:
adjective\nintelligent, careful and showing good judgement, especially in business or politics:\na canny politician * a canny move * He was canny enough to see that they were trying to trap him.\n    cannily adverb:\nShe cannily concealed her delight at his suggestion.


Words: canoe
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a light narrow boat which you move along in the water with a PADDLE\nsee also KAYAK\n    verb (canoeing, canoed, canoed) [V] (often go canoeing) to travel in a canoe


Words: canon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a Christian priest with special duties in a CATHEDRAL\n  2  (formal) a generally accepted rule, standard or principle by which sth is judged:\nthe canons of good taste * market sovereignty, the central canon of Thatcherism\n  3  a list of the books or other works that are generally accepted as the genuine work of a particular writer or as being important:\nthe Shakespeare canon * ’Wuthering Heights’ is a central book in the canon of English literature.\n  4  a piece of music in which singers or instruments take it in turns to repeat the MELODY (= tune):\na canon for tenor and bass


Words: canonical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  included in a list of holy books that are accepted as genuine; connected with works of literature that are highly respected\n  2  according to the law of the Christian Church:\ncanonical authority / rules\n  3  (technical) in the simplest accepted form in mathematics:\nthe standard canonical form for a matrix


Words: canonize
Meaning:
(BrE also canonise)  verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (of the POPE) to state officially that sb is now a saint\ncompare BEATIFY\n    canonization, canonisation  noun [C, U]


Words: canopy
Meaning:
noun (plural canopies)\n \n  1  a cover that is fixed or hangs above a bed, seat, etc. as a shelter or decoration\n \n  2  a layer of sth that spreads over an area like a roof, especially branches of trees in a forest:\na canopy of leaves * a glorious canopy of stars * We could see the sky through gaps in the forest canopy.\n \n  3  a cover for the COCKPIT of an aircraft


Words: cant
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] statements, especially about moral or religious issues, that are not sincere and that you cannot trust\nSYN HYPOCRISY:\nHis speech was full of political, social and religious cant.\n    verb [V, VN] (formal) to be or put sth in a sloping position


Words: cantata
Meaning:
noun\na short musical work, often on a religious subject, sung by SOLO singers, often with a CHOIR and orchestra\ncompare ORATORIO, MOTET


Words: canteen
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (especially BrE) a place where food and drink are served in a factory, a school, etc.\n  2  a small container used by soldiers, travellers, etc. for carrying water or other liquid\n  3  ~ of cutlery (BrE) a box containing a set of knives, forks and spoons


Words: canter
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [usually sing.] a movement of a horse at a speed that is fairly fast but not very fast; a ride on a horse moving at this speed:\nShe set off across the field at a canter.\n    verb (of a horse or rider) to move or make a horse move at a canter: [V] We cantered along the beach. [also VN] \ncompare GALLOP, TROT


Words: cantilever
Meaning:
noun\na long piece of metal or wood that sticks out from a wall to support the end of a bridge or other structure


Words: canvas
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] a strong heavy rough fabric used for making tents, sails, etc. and by artists for painting on\n \n  2  [C] a piece of canvas used for painting on; a painting done on a piece of canvas, using oil paints:\na sale of the artist’s early canvases\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  under canvas in a tent:\nThey spent the night under canvas.


Words: canvass
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sb) (for sth) to ask sb to support a particular person, political party, etc., especially by going around an area and talking to people:\n[V] He spent the whole month canvassing for votes. * [VN] Party workers are busy canvassing local residents.\n  2  [VN] to ask people about sth in order to find out what they think about it:\nHe has been canvassing opinion on the issue. * People are being canvassed for their views on the proposed new road.\n  3  [VN] ~ support to try and get support from a group of people\n  4  [VN] to discuss an idea thoroughly:\nThe proposal is currently being canvassed.\n    canvass noun:\nto carry out a canvass\n    canvasser noun


Words: canyoning
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a sport in which you jump into a mountain stream and allow yourself to be carried down at high speed


Words: cap
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  hat\n \n  1  a type of soft flat hat with a PEAK (= a hard curved part sticking out in front). Caps are worn especially by men and boys, often as part of a uniform:\na school cap\nsee also BASEBALL CAP, CLOTH CAP, MOB CAP\n \n  2  (usually in compounds) a soft hat that fits closely and is worn for a particular purpose:\na shower cap\n \n  3  a soft hat with a square flat top worn by some university teachers and students at special ceremonies\ncompare MORTAR BOARD\n  in sport\n  4  (BrE) a cap given to sb who is chosen to play for a school, country, etc.; a player chosen to play for their country, etc:\nHe won his first cap (= was first chosen to play) for England against France. * There are three new caps in the side.\n  on pen / bottle\n  5  a protective cover or top for a pen, bottle, etc:\na lens cap\nsee also FILLER CAP, HUBCAP\n  limit on money\n  6  an upper limit on an amount of money that can be spent or borrowed by a particular institution or in a particular situation:\nThe government has placed a cap on local council spending.\n  in toy guns\n  7  a small paper container with explosive powder inside it, used especially in toy guns\n  for woman\n  8  (BrE) = DIAPHRAGM (2)\nsee also ICE CAP, THINKING CAP\n IDIOMS \n  go cap in hand (to sb) (BrE) (AmE go hat in hand) to ask sb for sth, especially money, in a very polite way that makes you seem less important:\nThere’s no way he’ll go cap in hand to his brother.\n  if the cap fits (, wear it) (BrE) (AmE if the shoe fits (, wear it)) (spoken) if you feel that a remark applies to you, you should accept it and take it as a warning or criticism:\nI didn’t actually say that you were lazy, but if the cap fits ...\nmore at FEATHER n.\n    verb (-pp-) [VN]\n  cover top\n  1  [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to cover the top or end of sth with sth:\nmountains capped with snow * snow-capped mountains\n  limit money\n  2  [often passive] (especially BrE) to limit the amount of money that can be charged for sth or spent on sth:\na capped mortgage\n  beat\n  3  (especially BrE) to say or do sth that is funnier, more impressive, etc. than sth that has been said or done before:\nWhat an amazing story. Can anyone cap that?\n  tooth\n  4  [usually passive] to put an artificial covering on a tooth to make it look more attractive:\nHe’s had his front teeth capped.\nSYN CROWN\n  in sport\n  5  [usually passive] (BrE) to choose sb to play football, cricket, etc. in their country’s national team:\nHe has been capped more than 30 times for Wales.\n IDIOMS \n  to cap / top it all (spoken) used to introduce the final piece of information that is worse than the other bad things that you have just mentioned:\nAnd then, to cap it all, it started to rain!


Words: capability
Meaning:
noun [C, U] (plural capabilities)\n  1  ~ (to do sth / of doing sth) the ability or qualities necessary to do sth:\nAnimals in the zoo have lost the capability to catch / of catching food for themselves. * beyond / within the capabilities of current technology * Age affects the range of a person’s capabilities. * a company’s production / manufacturing / processing capabilities\n  2  the power or weapons that a country has for war or for military action:\nBritain’s nuclear / military capability


Words: capable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ of sth / of doing sth having the ability or qualities necessary for doing sth:\nHe’s quite capable of lying to get out of trouble. * I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself, thank you. * You are capable of better work than this.\n  2  having the ability to do things well\nSYN SKILLED, COMPETENT:\nShe’s a very capable teacher. * I’ll leave the organization in your capable hands.\nOPP INCAPABLE\n    capably adverb:\nHe managed the conference very capably.


Words: capacity
Meaning:
noun (plural capacities)\n  of container\n  1  [U, C, usually sing.] the number of things or people that a container or space can hold:\nThe theatre has a seating capacity of 2 000. * a fuel tank with a capacity of 50 litres * The hall was filled to capacity (= was completely full). * They played to a capacity crowd (= one that filled all the space or seats). * a hard disk storage capacity of 500 megabytes\n  ability\n  2  [C, usually sing, U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) | ~ (to do sth) the ability to understand or to do sth:\nShe has an enormous capacity for hard work. * His capacity for learning languages astonished me. * your capacity to enjoy life * intellectual capacity * Limited resources are restricting our capacity for developing new products.\n  role\n  3  [C, usually sing.] the official position or function that sb has:\nacting in her capacity as manager / in her managerial capacity * We are simply involved in an advisory capacity on the project.\n  of factory / machine\n  4  [sing., U] the quantity that a factory, machine, etc. can produce:\nThe factory is working at full capacity.\n  of engine\n  5  [C, U] the size or power of a piece of equipment, especially the engine of a vehicle:\nan engine with a capacity of 1 600 ccs


Words: caparisoned
Meaning:
adjective\nin the past a caparisoned horse or other animal was one covered with a decorated cloth:\n12 state coaches, each drawn by eight horses caparisoned in red velvet embroidered with gold


Words: cape
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a loose outer piece of clothing that has no sleeves, fastens at the neck and hangs from the shoulders, like a CLOAK but shorter:\na bullfighter’s cape\n  2  (abbreviation C.) (often in place names) a piece of high land that sticks out into the sea:\nCape Horn


Words: caper
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [usually pl.] the small green flower BUD of a Mediterranean bush, preserved in VINEGAR and used to flavour dishes and sauces\n  2  (informal) an activity, especially one that is illegal or dangerous:\nA call to the police should put an end to their little caper. * He’s involved in some sort of organized crime caper.\n  3  a short jump or dance:\nHe cut a little celebratory caper (= jumped or danced a few steps) in the middle of the road.\n    verb [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] (written) to run or jump around in a happy and excited way


Words: capital
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  city\n \n  1  (also capital city) [C] the most important town or city of a country, usually where the central government operates from:\nCairo is the capital of Egypt. * Troops are stationed in and around the capital. * a tour of six European capital cities * (figurative) Paris, the fashion capital of the world\n \n  money\n \n  2  [sing.] a large amount of money that is invested or is used to start a business:\nto set up a business with a starting capital of ｣100 000\n \n  3  [U] wealth or property that is owned by a business or a person:\ncapital assets * capital expenditure (= money that an organization spends on buildings, equipment, etc.)\n  4  [U] (technical) people who use their money to start businesses, considered as a group:\ncapital and labour\n  letter\n  5  (also capital letter) [C] a letter of the form and size that is used at the beginning of a sentence or a name (= A,B,C rather than a,b,c):\nUse block capitals (= separate capital letters). * Please write in capitals / in capital letters.\n  architecture\n  6  the top part of a column\n IDIOMS \n  make capital (out) of sth to use a situation for your own advantage:\nThe opposition parties are all making political capital out of the disagreements within the government.\n    adjective\n  punishment\n  1  [only before noun] involving punishment by death:\na capital offence\n  letter\n  2  [only before noun] (of letters of the alphabet) having the form and size used at the beginning of a sentence or a name:\nEnglish is written with a capital ’E’.\ncompare LOWER CASE\n  excellent\n  3  (old-fashioned, BrE) excellent\n IDIOMS \n  with a capital A, B, etc. used to emphasize that a word has a stronger meaning than usual in a particular situation:\nHe was romantic with a capital R.


Words: capital goods
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (business) goods such as factory machines that are used for producing other goods\ncompare CONSUMER GOODS


Words: capital-intensive
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a business, an industry, etc.) needing large amounts of money in order to operate well\ncompare LABOUR-INTENSIVE


Words: capitalism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an economic system in which a country’s businesses and industry are controlled and run for profit by private owners rather than by the government:\nthe growth of industrial capitalism in the West\ncompare SOCIALISM


Words: capitalist
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  a person who supports capitalism:\nconflicts between capitalists and workers\n  2  a person who owns or controls a lot of wealth and uses it to produce more wealth\n    adjective (also less frequent capitalistic ) based on the principles of capitalism:\na capitalist society / system / economy


Words: capitalize
Meaning:
(BrE also capitalise)  verb [VN] \n  1  to write or print a letter of the alphabet as a CAPITAL; to begin a word with a capital letter:\nAll capitalized words are explained in the glossary.\n  2  (business) to sell possessions in order to change them into money\n  3  [usually passive] (business) to provide a company etc. with the money it needs to function\n    capitalization, capitalisation  noun [U, sing.] \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  capitalize on / upon sth to gain a further advantage for yourself from a situation\nSYN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF STH:\nThe team failed to capitalize on their early lead.


Words: capitation
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (technical) a tax or payment of an equal amount for each person; the system of payments of this kind:\na capitation allowance for books and equipment * a capitation fee for each pupil


Words: capitulate
Meaning:
1  to agree to do sth that you have been refusing to do for a long time\nSYN YIELD:\nThey were finally forced to capitulate to the terrorists’ demands.\n  2  to stop resisting an enemy and accept that you are defeated\nSYN SURRENDER:\nThe town capitulated after a three-week siege.\n    capitulation  noun [C, U]


Words: capon
Meaning:
noun\na male chicken that has been CASTRATED (= had part of its sex organs removed) and made fat for eating


Words: cappuccino
Meaning:
noun (plural cappuccinos)\n  1  [U] a type of coffee made with hot FROTHY milk and sometimes with chocolate powder on the top\n  2  [C] a cup of cappuccino


Words: caprice
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [C] a sudden change in attitude or behaviour for no obvious reason\nSYN WHIM\n  2  [U] the tendency to change your mind suddenly or behave unexpectedly


Words: capricious
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  showing sudden changes in attitude or behaviour:\na movie star who was capricious and difficult to please\n  2  changing suddenly and quickly:\na capricious climate\n    capriciously adverb\n    capriciousness noun [U]


Words: Capricorn
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the 10th sign of the ZODIAC, the Goat\n \n  2  [C] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 21 December and 20 January, approximately


Words: capsicum
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a type of PEPPER (= a hollow fruit, which may be green, red or yellow, eaten as a vegetable raw or cooked)


Words: capstan
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a thick CYLINDER that winds up a rope, used for lifting heavy objects such as an ANCHOR on a ship\n  2  the round bar on a TAPE RECORDER that guides the tape at a speed that does not change


Words: capsule
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a small container which has a measured amount of a medicine inside and which dissolves when you swallow it:\nThe medicine can be taken in tablet or capsule form. * Take two 30ml capsules a day.\n \n  2  a small plastic container with a substance or liquid inside\n \n  3  the part of a spacecraft in which people travel and that often separates from the main rocket:\nthe cramped conditions of a space capsule\n \n  4  (technical) a shell or container for seeds or eggs in some plants and animals\nsee also TIME CAPSULE


Words: captain
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  the person in charge of a ship or commercial aircraft:\nCaptain Cook * The captain gave the order to abandon ship. * Captain Jones and his co-pilot\n  2  an officer of fairly high rank in the navy, the army and the US air force:\nCaptain Lance Price\nsee also GROUP CAPTAIN\n  3  the leader of a group of people, especially a sports team:\nShe was captain of the hockey team at school. * He has just been made team captain.\n  4  an officer of high rank in a US police or fire department\n    verb [VN] to be a captain of a sports team or a ship


Words: captain of industry
Meaning:
noun\n(plural captains of industry) used in newspapers, etc. to describe a person who manages a large business company


Words: captaincy
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually sing, U] (plural captaincies) the position of captain of a team; the period during which sb is captain


Words: caption
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun words that are printed underneath a picture, CARTOON, etc. that explain or describe it\nsee also CLOSED-CAPTIONED\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to write a caption for a picture, photograph, etc:\nThe cartoon was captioned ’The English abroad’.


Words: captivate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] (written) to keep sb’s close attention by being extremely interesting, attractive, etc:\nThe children were captivated by her stories.


Words: captivating
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) taking all your attention; very attractive and interesting:\nHe found her captivating. * We spent a week relaxing on the captivating island of Capri.


Words: captive
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  kept as a prisoner or in an enclosed space; unable to escape:\ncaptive animals * They were taken captive by masked gunmen. * captive breeding (= the catching and breeding of wild animals)\n  2  [only before noun] not free to leave a particular place or to choose what you want do to:\nA salesman loves to have a captive audience (= listening because they have no choice).\n    noun a person who is kept as a prisoner, especially in a war:\nTalks have persuaded the terrorists to set the captives free.


Words: captivity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of being kept as a prisoner or in an enclosed space:\nHe was held in captivity for three years. * Wild animals do not always breed well in captivity. * The bird had escaped from captivity.


Words: captor
Meaning:
noun\n(written) a person who captures a person or an animal and keeps them as a prisoner:\nThe hostages were treated well by their captors.


Words: capture
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN]\n  catch\n  1  to catch a person or an animal and keep them as a prisoner or in an enclosed space:\nAllied troops captured over 300 enemy soldiers. * The animals are captured in nets and sold to local zoos.\n  take control\n  2  to take control of a place, building, etc. using force:\nThe city was captured in 1941.\n  3  to succeed in getting control of sth that other people are also trying to control:\nThe company has now captured almost 90% of the market.\n  make sb interested\n  4  ~ sb’s attention / imagination / interest to make sb interested in sth:\nThey use puppets to capture the imagination of younger audiences.\n  feeling / atmosphere\n  5  to succeed in accurately expressing a feeling, an atmosphere, etc. in a picture, piece of writing, film/movie, etc:\nThe article captured the mood of the nation.\n  film / record / paint\n  6  [often passive] ~ sb/sth on film / tape / canvas, etc. to film/record/paint, etc. sb/sth:\nThe attack was captured on film by security cameras.\n  sb’s heart\n  7  ~ sb’s heart to make sb love you\n  computing\n  8  to put sth into a computer in a form it can use\n    noun [U] the act of capturing sb/sth or of being captured:\nthe capture of enemy territory * He evaded capture for three days. * data capture


Words: car
Meaning:
(also BrE formal motor car) (AmE also automobile) noun\n \n  1  a road vehicle with an engine and four wheels that can carry a small number of passengers:\nPaula got into the car and drove off. * ’How did you come?’ ’By car.’ * Are you going in the car? * a car driver / manufacturer / dealer * a car accident / crash * Where can I park the car?\n \n  2  (AmE) any carriage on a train:\nSeveral cars went off the rails.\n \n  3  (BrE) (in compounds) a railway carriage of a particular type:\na sleeping / dining car


Words: car boot sale
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) an outdoor sale where people sell things that they no longer want from the backs of their cars


Words: car park
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) an area or a building where people can leave their cars\nsee also GARAGE, MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK\ncompare PARKING LOT


Words: car pool
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a group of car owners who take turns to drive everyone in the group to work, so that only one car is used at a time\n  2  (BrE) (also motor pool AmE, BrE) a group of cars owned by a company or an organization, that its staff can use


Words: car seat
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also child seat) a special safety seat for a child, that can be fitted into a car\n  2  a seat in a car


Words: carafe
Meaning:
noun\na glass container with a wide neck in which wine or water is served at meals; the amount contained in a carafe


Words: caramel
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] a type of hard sticky sweet/candy made from butter, sugar and milk; a small piece of this\n  2  [U] burnt sugar used for adding colour and flavour to food:\nice cream with caramel sauce\nsee also CReME CARAMEL\n  3  [U] a light brown colour


Words: caramelize
Meaning:
(BrE also caramelise)  verb\n  1  [V] (of sugar) to turn into caramel\n  2  [VN] to cook sth, especially fruit, with sugar so that it is covered with caramel


Words: carat
Meaning:
noun (abbreviation ct)\n  1  a unit for measuring the weight of diamonds and other precious stones, equal to 200 MILLIGRAMS\n  2  (especially BrE) (AmE usually karat) [usually sing.] a unit for measuring how pure gold is. The purest gold is 24 carats:\nan 18-carat gold ring


Words: caravan
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (BrE) (AmE camper) a road vehicle without an engine that is pulled by a car, designed for people to live and sleep in, especially when they are on holiday/vacation:\na caravan site / park\n \n  2  (BrE) a covered vehicle that is pulled by a horse and used for living in:\na gypsy caravan\n \n  3  a group of people with vehicles or animals who are travelling together, especially across the desert


Words: caravanning
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) the activity of spending a holiday/vacation in a caravan:\nCamping and caravanning attract people of all ages.


Words: carbohydrate
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a substance such as sugar or STARCH that consists of CARBON, HYDROGEN and OXYGEN. Carbohydrates in food provide the body with energy and heat.\n  2  (carbohydrates) [pl.] foods such as bread, potatoes and rice that contain a lot of carbohydrate:\nI’m trying to cut down on carbohydrates.


Words: carbolic
Meaning:
(also carbolic acid) noun\n[U] a chemical that kills bacteria, used as an ANTISEPTIC and as a DISINFECTANT (= to prevent infection from spreading):\ncarbolic soap


Words: carbon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (Symbol C) a chemical element. Carbon is found in all living things, existing in a pure state as diamond and GRAPHITE:\ncarbon fibre\n  2  [C] = CARBON COPY\n  3  [C] a piece of CARBON PAPER


Words: carbon copy
Meaning:
(also carbon) noun\n  1  a copy of a document, letter, etc. made with CARBON PAPER\nsee also CC\n  2  a person or thing that is very similar to sb/sth else:\nShe is a carbon copy of her sister.


Words: carbon dating
Meaning:
(also formal radiocarbon dating) noun\na method of calculating the age of very old objects by measuring the amounts of different forms of carbon in them


Words: carbon dioxide
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol CO2) a gas breathed out by people and animals from the lungs or produced by burning CARBON


Words: carbon monoxide
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol CO) a poisonous gas formed when CARBON burns partly but not completely. It is produced when petrol/gas is burnt in car engines.


Words: carbon paper
Meaning:
noun\nthin paper with a dark substance on one side, that is used between two sheets of paper for making copies of written or typed documents


Words: carbonated
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) (of a drink) containing small bubbles of CARBON DIOXIDE\nSYN FIZZY:\ncarbonated mineral water


Words: carboniferous
Meaning:
adjective (geology)\n  1  producing or containing coal\n  2  (Carboniferous) of the period in the earth’s history when layers of coal were formed underground:\nMost coal fields began life as swamps about 300 million years ago in the Carboniferous period.


Words: carboy
Meaning:
noun\na large round glass or plastic bottle, usually protected by an outer frame of wood and used for storing and transporting dangerous liquids


Words: carbuncle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a large painful swelling under the skin\n  2  a bright red jewel, usually cut into a round shape


Words: carburettor
Meaning:
noun\nthe part of an engine, for example in a car, where petrol/gas and air are mixed together and burn to provide power


Words: carcass
Meaning:
(BrE also less frequent carcase)  noun\nthe dead body of an animal, especially of a large one or of one that is ready for cutting up as meat:\nvultures scavenging for carcasses on the road * She boiled up the chicken carcass (= the bones of a cooked chicken) to make soup.


Words: carcinogen
Meaning:
noun\na substance that can cause CANCER:\nknown / potential / suspected carcinogens * exposure to chemical carcinogens in cigarette smoke


Words: card
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  paper\n \n  1  [U] (BrE) thick stiff paper:\na piece of card * The model of the building was made of card.\n \n  with information\n \n  2  [C] a small piece of stiff paper or plastic with information on it, especially information about sb’s identity:\na membership card * an appointment card\nsee also GREEN CARD, IDENTITY CARD, PLACE CARD, RED CARD, REPORT CARD, YELLOW CARD\n \n  3  [C] = BUSINESS CARD:\nHere’s my card if you need to contact me again.\n  4  [C] = VISITING CARD\n  for money\n  5  [C] a small piece of plastic, especially one given by a bank or shop/store, used for buying things or obtaining money:\nI put the meal on (= paid for it using) my card. * a phone card\nsee also CASH CARD, CHARGE CARD, CHEQUE CARD, CREDIT CARD, SMART CARD, SWIPE CARD\n  with greetings\n  6  [C] a piece of stiff paper that is folded in the middle and has a picture on the front of it, used for sending sb a greeting, an invitation, etc:\na birthday / get-well / good luck card * a card shop / store\nsee also CHRISTMAS CARD, GREETINGS CARD\n  7  [C] = POSTCARD:\nDid you get my card from Italy?\n  in games\n  8  [C] = PLAYING CARD:\nLet’s have a game of cards. * (BrE) a pack of cards * (AmE) a deck of cards\nsee also TRUMP CARD, WILD CARD\n  9  (cards) [pl.] a game or games in which playing cards are used:\nWho wants to play cards? * I’ve never been very good at cards. * She won ｣20 at cards.\n  computing\n  10  [C] a small device containing an electronic CIRCUIT that is part of a computer or added to it, enabling it to perform particular functions:\na printed circuit card * a graphics / network / sound card\n  person\n  11  [C] (old-fashioned, informal) an unusual or amusing person\n  horse races\n  12  [C] a list of all the races at a particular RACE MEETING (= a series of horse races):\na race card\n  for wool / cotton\n  13  [C] (technical) a machine or tool used for cleaning and combing wool or cotton before it is spun\n IDIOMS \n  sb’s best / strongest / winning card something that gives sb an advantage over other people in a particular situation\n  get your cards (BrE, informal) to be told to leave a job\n  give sb their cards (BrE, informal) to make sb leave their job\n  have a card up your sleeve to have an idea, a plan, etc. that will give you an advantage in a particular situation and that you keep secret until it is needed\n  hold all the cards (informal) to be able to control a particular situation because you have an advantage over other people\n  hold / keep / play your cards close to your chest to keep your ideas, plans, etc. secret\n  lay / put your cards on the table to tell sb honestly what your plans, ideas, etc. are\n  on the cards (BrE) (AmE in the cards) (informal) likely to happen:\nThe merger has been on the cards for some time now.\n  play your cards right to deal successfully with a particular situation so that you achieve some advantage or sth that you want:\nIf you play your cards right, the job could be yours when she leaves.\nmore at SHOW v., STACKED\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (technical) to clean wool using a wire instrument\n  2  (AmE, informal) to ask a person to show their identity card as a means of checking how old they are, for example if they want to buy alcohol


Words: card index
Meaning:
(also index) (both BrE) (AmE card catalog) noun\na box of cards with information on them, arranged in alphabetical order


Words: card sharp
Meaning:
noun\na person who cheats in games of cards in order to make money:\nHe was dressed like some Dodge City card sharp.


Words: card-carrying
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] known to be an official and usually active member of a political organization:\na card-carrying member of the Conservative party


Words: cardboard
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] stiff material like very thick paper, often used for making boxes:\na cardboard box * a piece of cardboard * a model made out of cardboard\n    adjective [only before noun] not seeming real or genuine:\nWith its superficial cardboard characters, the novel was typical of her work.


Words: cardboard city
Meaning:
noun\nan area of a city where people who have nowhere to live sleep outside, protected only by cardboard boxes


Words: cardholder
Meaning:
noun\na person who has a CREDIT CARD from a bank, etc:\nCardholders pay interest on the amount of money left unpaid.


Words: cardiac
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (medical) connected with the heart or heart disease:\ncardiac disease / failure / surgery * to suffer cardiac arrest (= an occasion when a person’s heart stops temporarily or permanently)


Words: cardigan
Meaning:
(AmE also cardigan sweater) noun\na knitted woollen jacket, usually with no collar and fastened with buttons at the front


Words: cardinal
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a priest of the highest rank in the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinals elect and advise the POPE:\nCardinal Hume\n \n  2  (also cardinal number) a number, such as 1, 2 and 3, used to show quantity rather than order\ncompare ORDINAL\n \n  3  a N American bird. The male cardinal is bright red.\n    adjective [only before noun] (formal) most important; having other things based on it:\nRespect for life is a cardinal principle of English law.


Words: cardinal sin
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (sometimes humorous) an action that is a serious mistake or that other people disapprove of:\nHe committed the cardinal sin of criticizing his teammates.\n  2  a serious SIN in the Christian Church


Words: care
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] the process of caring for sb/sth and providing what they need for their health or protection:\nmedical / patient care * How much do men share housework and the care of the children? * the provision of care for the elderly * skin / hair care products\nsee also DAY CARE, HEALTH CARE, INTENSIVE CARE\n  2  [U] attention or thought that you give to sth that you are doing so that you will do it well and avoid mistakes or damage:\nShe chose her words with care. * Great care is needed when choosing a used car. * Fragile-handle with care (= written on a container holding sth which is easily broken or damaged)\n  3  [C, usually pl., U] (formal) a feeling of worry or anxiety; something that causes problems or anxiety:\nI felt free from the cares of the day as soon as I left the building. * Sam looked as if he didn’t have a care in the world.\n IDIOMS \n  care of sb (AmE also in care of sb) (abbreviation c / o) used when writing to sb at another person’s address:\nWrite to him care of his lawyer.\n  in care (BrE) (of children) living in an institution run by the local authority rather than with their parents:\nThe two girls were taken into care after their parents were killed.\n  in the care of sb / in sb’s care being cared for by sb:\nThe child was left in the care of friends. * You won’t come to any harm while you’re in their care.\n  take care (spoken) used when saying goodbye:\nBye! Take care!\n  take care (that ... / to do sth) to be careful:\nTake care (that) you don’t drink too much! * Care should be taken to close the lid securely.\n  take care of sb/sth / yourself\n1 to care for sb/sth/yourself; to be careful about sth:\nWho’s taking care of the children while you’re away? * She takes great care of her clothes. * He’s old enough to take care of himself. * You should take better care of yourself.\n2 to be responsible for or to deal with a situation or task:\nDon’t worry about the travel arrangements. They’re all being taken care of. * Celia takes care of the marketing side of things.\n  under the care of sb receiving medical care from sb:\nHe’s under the care of Dr Parks. * refugees under the care of the relief agencies\n    verb (not used in the progressive tenses)\n  1  ~ (about sth) to feel that sth is important and worth worrying about:\n[V] She cares deeply about environmental issues. * I don’t care (= I will not be upset) if I never see him again! * He threatened to fire me, as if I cared!. * [V wh-] I don’t care what he thinks. * [V that] She doesn’t seem to care that he’s been married four times before.\n  2  [V] ~ (about sb) to like or love sb and worry about what happens to them:\nHe genuinely cares about his employees. * They care an awful lot about each other.\n  3  [V to inf] to make the effort to do sth:\nI’ve done this job more times than I care to remember.\n IDIOMS \n  couldn’t care less (informal) used to say, often rudely, that you do not think that sb/sth is important or worth worrying about:\nQuite honestly, I couldn’t care less what they do.\n  for all you, I, they, etc. care (spoken) used to say that a person is not worried about or interested in what happens to sb/sth:\nI could be dead for all he cares!\n  who cares? | What do I, you, etc. care? (spoken) used to say, often rudely, that you do not think that sth is important or interesting:\nWho cares what she thinks?\n  would you care for ... | would you care to ... (formal) used to ask sb politely if they would like sth or would like to do sth, or if they would be willing to do sth:\nWould you care for another drink? * If you’d care to follow me, I’ll show you where his office is. -> WANT\nmore at DAMN n., FIG n., HOOT n., TUPPENCE\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  care for sb\n1 to look after sb who is sick, very old, very young, etc:\nShe moved back home to care for her elderly parents.\nsee also UNCARED FOR\n2 to love or like sb very much:\nHe cared for her more than she realized.\n  not care for sb/sth (formal) to not like sb/sth:\nHe didn’t much care for her friends.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \ntake care of / look after / care for\nYou can take care of or, especially in BrE, look after someone who is very young, very old, or sick, or something that needs keeping in good condition: We’ve asked my mother to take care of/look after the kids while we’re away. * You can borrow my camera if you promise to take care of/look after it.\nIn more formal language you can also care for someone: She does some voluntary work, caring for the elderly, but care for is more commonly used to mean ’like’: I don’t really care for spicy food.\n______________________________


Words: care worker
Meaning:
(also care assistant) (both BrE) noun\na person whose job is to help and take care of people who are mentally ill, sick or DISABLED, especially those who live in special homes or hospitals


Words: careen
Meaning:
verb\n[V +adv./prep.] (especially AmE) (of a person or vehicle) to move forward very quickly especially in a way that is dangerous or uncontrolled\nSYN HURTLE


Words: career
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  the series of jobs that a person has in a particular area of work, usually involving more responsibility as time passes:\na career in medicine / politics * a teaching / academic career * What made you decide on a career as a vet? * She has been concentrating on her career. * a change of career * a career soldier / diplomat (= a professional one) * (BrE) a careers adviser / officer (= a person whose job is to give people advice and information about jobs)\n  2  the period of time that you spend in your life working or doing a particular thing:\nShe started her career as an English teacher. * He is playing the best tennis of his career. * My school career was not very impressive.\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] (of a person or vehicle) to move forward very quickly, especially in an uncontrolled way\nSYN HURTLE:\nThe vehicle careered across the road and hit a cyclist.


Words: career break
Meaning:
noun\na period of time when you do not do your usual job, for example because you have children to care for


Words: careerist
Meaning:
noun\n(often disapproving) a person whose career is more important to them than anything else:\na careerist politician\n    careerism noun [U]


Words: carefree
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving no worries or responsibilities:\nHe looked happy and carefree. * a carefree attitude / life


Words: careful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) | ~ (not to do sth) | ~ (when / what / how, etc.) | ~ (of / about / with sth) giving attention or thought to what you are doing so that you avoid hurting yourself, damaging sth or doing sth wrong:\nBe careful! * He was careful to keep out of sight. * Be careful not to wake the baby. * You must be careful when handling chemicals. * Be careful what you say. * Be careful of the traffic. * Please be careful with my glasses (= Don’t break them). * I’m very careful about washing my hands before eating (= I make sure I do it). * Be careful you don’t bump your head.\n  2  giving a lot of attention to details:\na careful piece of work * a careful examination of the facts * After careful consideration we have decided to offer you the job.\n    carefully  adverb:\nPlease listen carefully. * She put the glass down carefully. * Drive carefully.\n    carefulness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  you can’t be too careful (spoken) used to warn sb that they should take care to avoid danger or problems:\nDon’t stay out in the sun for too long-you can’t be too careful.\n  careful with money not spending money on unimportant things:\nHis mother had always been careful with money.


Words: careless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not giving enough attention and thought to what you are doing, so that you make mistakes:\nIt was careless of me to leave the door open. * Don’t be so careless about / with spelling. * a careless worker / driver\n  2  resulting from a lack of attention and thought:\na careless mistake / error\n  3  ~ of sth (formal) not at all worried about sth:\nHe seemed careless of his own safety.\n  4  not showing interest or effort\nSYN CASUAL:\nShe gave a careless shrug. * a careless laugh / smile\n    carelessly adverb:\nSomeone had carelessly left a window open. * She threw her coat carelessly onto the chair. * ’I don’t mind,’ he said carelessly.\n    carelessness noun [U]:\na moment of carelessness


Words: carer
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE caregiver) noun\na person who looks after a sick or old person at home:\nCarers do not always realize that they can receive financial support.


Words: caress
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] to touch sb/sth gently, especially in a sexual way or in a way that shows affection:\nHis fingers caressed the back of her neck.\n    noun a gentle touch or kiss to show you love sb


Words: caretaker
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  (BrE) (AmE, ScotE janitor) (AmE also custodian) a person whose job is to take care of a building such as a school or a block of flats or an apartment building\n  2  (especially AmE) a person who takes care of a house or land while the owner is away\n  3  (especially AmE) a person such as a teacher, parent, nurse, etc., who takes care of other people\n    adjective [only before noun] in charge for a short time, until a new leader or government is chosen:\na caretaker manager / government


Words: cargo
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural cargoes, AmE also cargos) the goods carried in a ship or plane:\nThe tanker began to spill its cargo of oil. * a cargo ship


Words: caricature
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a funny drawing or picture of sb that exaggerates some of their features:\na cruel caricature of the prime minister\n  2  [C] a description of a person or thing that makes them seem ridiculous by exaggerating some of their characteristics:\nHe had unfairly presented a caricature of my views.\n  3  [U] the art of drawing or writing caricatures:\nThe portrait verged on caricature.\n    caricaturist noun \n    verb [VN] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (as sth) to produce a caricature of sb; to describe or present sb as a type of person you would laugh at or not respect:\nShe was unfairly caricatured as a dumb blonde.


Words: carillon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a set of bells on which tunes can be played, sometimes using a piano keyboard\n  2  a tune played on bells


Words: caring
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] kind, helpful and showing that you care about other people:\nHe’s a very caring person. * caring parents * Children need a caring environment. * (BrE) a caring profession (= a job that involves looking after or helping other people)


Words: carjacking
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (especially AmE) the crime of forcing the driver of a car to take you somewhere or give you their car, using threats and violence\ncompare HIJACKING\n    carjack verb [VN]\n    carjacker noun


Words: carload
Meaning:
noun\nthe number of people or things that a car is carrying or is able to carry:\nA carload of American tourists arrived.


Words: carnage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the violent killing of a large number of people:\na scene of carnage * the carnage of the First World War * How can we reduce the carnage on our roads?


Words: carnal
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal or law) connected with the body or with sex:\ncarnal desires / appetites\n    carnally  adverb


Words: carnation
Meaning:
noun\na white, pink or red flower, often worn as a decoration on formal occasions:\nHe was wearing a carnation in his buttonhole.


Words: carnival
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a public festival, usually one that happens at a regular time each year, that involves music and dancing in the streets, for which people wear colourful clothes:\nThere is a local carnival every year. * the carnival in Rio * a carnival atmosphere\n  2  [C] (AmE) = FAIR n. (1)\n  3  [C] (AmE) = FeTE\n  4  [sing.] ~ of sth (written) an exciting or colourful mixture of things:\nthis summer’s carnival of sport


Words: carnivore
Meaning:
noun\nany animal that eats meat\ncompare HERBIVORE, INSECTIVORE, OMNIVORE\n    carnivorous  adjective:\na carnivorous diet\ncompare OMNIVOROUS


Words: carob
Meaning:
(also carob tree) noun\na southern European tree with dark brown fruit that can be made into a powder that tastes like chocolate


Words: carol
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (also Christmas carol) a Christian religious song sung at Christmas:\ncarol singers (= singers who visit people’s houses at Christmas to sing carols and collect money for charity) * a carol service (= a church ceremony in which people sing carols)\n    verb (-ll-, AmE -l-) [V, VN, V speech] (written) to sing sth in a cheerful way


Words: carouse
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (literary) to spend time drinking alcohol, laughing and enjoying yourself in a noisy way with other people


Words: carousel
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (especially AmE) = MERRY-GO-ROUND (1)\n \n  2  a moving belt from which you collect your bags at an airport


Words: carp
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U] (plural carp) a large FRESHWATER fish that is used for food\n    verb [V] ~ (at sb) (about sth) to keep complaining about sb/sth in an annoying way


Words: carpal tunnel syndrome
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (medical) a painful condition of the hand and fingers caused by pressure on a nerve because of repeated movements over a long period


Words: carpet
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] thick woollen or artificial fabric for covering floors or stairs:\na roll of carpet\n \n  2  [C] a piece of carpet used as a floor covering, especially when shaped to fit a room:\nto lay a carpet * a bedroom carpet * (BrE) We have fitted carpets (= carpets from wall to wall) in our house.\nsee also CARPETING, RED CARPET, RUG\n \n  3  [C] ~ (of sth) (written) a thick layer of sth on the ground:\na carpet of snow\n IDIOMS \n  (be / get called) on the carpet (informal, especially AmE) called to see sb in authority because you have done sth wrong:\nI got called on the carpet for being late.\nmore at SWEEP v.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  to cover the floor of a room with a carpet:\nThe hall was carpeted in blue.\n  2  ~ sth (with / in sth) (written) to be cover sth with a thick layer of sth:\nThe forest floor was carpeted with wild flowers.\n  3  (informal, especially BrE) to speak angrily to sb because they have done sth wrong\nSYN REPRIMAND:\nSenior officials were carpeted for leaking information to the press.


Words: carpet slipper
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE) a type of SLIPPER (= a shoe that you wear in the house), with the upper part made of fabric


Words: carpetbagger
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (disapproving) a politician who tries to be elected in an area where he or she is not known and is therefore not welcome\n  2  a person from the northern states of the US who went to the South after the Civil War in order to make money or get political power


Words: carpeting
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] carpets in general or the material used for carpets:\nnew offices with wall-to-wall carpeting * (AmE) We need new carpeting (= a new carpet) in the living room.\n  2  [C] (BrE, informal) an act of speaking angrily to sb because they have done sth wrong:\nThe boss gave him a severe carpeting.


Words: carriage
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (also coach) (both BrE) (AmE car) [C] a separate section of a train for carrying passengers:\na railway carriage\n \n  2  [C] a road vehicle, usually with four wheels, that is pulled by one or more horses and was used in the past to carry people:\na horse-drawn carriage\n \n  3  (BrE) (also handling AmE, BrE) [U] (formal) the act or cost of transporting goods from one place to another:\n｣16.95 including VAT and carriage * Orders are despatched within 28 days but allow time for carriage. * a contract for the carriage of goods\n \n  4  [C] a moving part of a machine that supports or moves another part, for example on a TYPEWRITER:\na carriage return (= the act of starting a new line when typing)\n  5  [sing.] (old-fashioned) the way in which sb holds and moves their head and body:\nShe showed her pedigree on her face and in her carriage.\nsee also BABY CARRIAGE, UNDERCARRIAGE


Words: carriageway
Meaning:
noun (BrE)\n  1  one of the two sides of a motorway or other large road, intended for traffic moving in one direction:\nthe eastbound carriageway of the M50 motorway\nsee also DUAL CARRIAGEWAY\n  2  the part of a road intended for vehicles, not people walking, etc:\nVehicles should be parked as close as possible to the edge of the carriageway.


Words: carrier
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a company that carries goods or passengers from one place to another, especially by air:\nDelta Air Lines, the third-largest carrier in the US\n \n  2  a military vehicle or ship that carries soldiers or equipment from one place to another:\nan armoured personnel carrier\nsee also AIRCRAFT CARRIER, PEOPLE CARRIER\n \n  3  a person who passes a disease to other people but does not suffer from it\n \n  4  a metal frame that is fixed to a bicycle and used for carrying bags\n  5  a person or thing that carries sth:\nAquarius, the Water Carrier * a baby carrier (= for carrying a baby on your back or in front of you)\n  6  (BrE) = CARRIER BAG


Words: carrot
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] a long pointed orange root vegetable:\ngrated carrot * a pound of carrots\n \n  2  [C] a reward promised to sb in order to persuade them to do sth:\nThey are holding out a carrot of $120 million in economic aid. * It’s a big carrot he’s dangling in front of Marler’s nose.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  the carrot and (the) stick (approach) if you use the carrot and stick approach, you persuade sb to try harder by offering them a reward if they do, or a punishment if they do not:\nThe emphasis is on the carrot of incentive rather than the stick of taxes.


Words: carry
Meaning:
verb (carries, carrying, carried, carried)\n \n  take with you\n \n  1  [VN] to support the weight of sb/sth and take them or it from place to place; to take sb/sth from one place to another:\nHe was carrying a suitcase. * She carried her baby in her arms. * The injured were carried away on stretchers. * a train carrying commuters to work\n \n  2  [VN] to have sth with you and take it wherever you go:\nPolice in many countries carry guns. * I never carry much money on me. -> WEAR\n \n  of pipes / wires\n \n  3  [VN] to contain and direct the flow of water, electricity, etc:\na pipeline carrying oil * The veins carry blood to the heart.\n  disease\n  4  if a person, an insect, etc. carries a disease, they are infected with it and might spread it to others although they might not become sick themselves:\nTicks can carry a nasty disease which affects humans.\n  remember\n  5  [VN +adv./prep.] ~ sth in your head / mind to be able to remember sth\n  support weight\n  6  [VN] to support the weight of sth:\nA road bridge has to carry a lot of traffic.\n  responsibility\n  7  [VN] to accept responsibility for sth; to suffer the results of sth:\nHe is carrying the department (= it is only working because of his efforts). * Their group was targeted to carry the burden of job losses.\n  have as quality / feature\n  8  [VN] to have sth as a quality or feature:\nHer speech carried the ring of authority. * My views don’t carry much weight with (= have much influence on) the boss. * Each bike carries a ten-year guarantee.\n  9  [VN] to have sth as a result:\nCrimes of violence carry heavy penalties. * Being a combat sport, karate carries with it the risk of injury.\n  of throw / kick\n  10  [VN +adv./prep.] if sth that is thrown, kicked, etc. carries a particular distance, it travels that distance before stopping:\nThe fullback’s kick carried 50 metres into the crowd.\n  of sound\n  11  [V]   [often +adv./prep.] if a sound carries, it can be heard a long distance away\n  take to place / position\n  12  [VN] ~ sth/sb to / into sth to take sth/sb to a particular point or in a particular direction:\nThe war was carried into enemy territory. * Her abilities carried her to the top of her profession.\n  approval / support\n  13  [VN] [usually passive] to approve of sth by more people voting for it than against it:\nThe resolution was carried by 340 votes to 210.\n  14  [VN] to win the support or sympathy of sb; to persuade people to accept your argument:\nHis moving speech was enough to carry the audience. * She nodded in agreement, and he saw he had carried his point.\n  have label\n  15  [VN] to have a particular label or piece of information attached:\nCigarettes must carry a health warning.\n  news story\n  16  [VN] if a newspaper or broadcast carries a particular story, it publishes or broadcasts it\n  item in store\n  17  [VN] if a shop/store carries a particular item, it has it for sale:\nWe carry a range of educational software.\n  baby\n  18  [VN] (be carrying sb) to be pregnant with sb:\nShe was carrying twins.\n  yourself\n  19  [VN +adv./prep.] to hold or move your head or body in a particular way:\nto carry yourself well / proudly\n IDIOMS \n  be / get carried away to get very excited or lose control of your feelings:\nI got carried away and started shouting at the television.\n  carry all / everything before you (written) to be completely successful\n  carry the can (for sb/sth) (BrE, informal) to accept the blame for sth, especially when it is not your fault\n  carry a torch for sb to be in love with sb, especially sb who does not love you in return\nmore at DAY, FAR adv., FAST adv., FETCH\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  carry sb back (to sth) to make sb remember a time in the past:\nThe smell of the sea carried her back to her childhood.\n  carry sth<->forward (also carry sth<->over) to move a total amount from one column or page to the next\n  carry sth<->off\n1 to win sth:\nHe carried off most of the prizes.\n2 to succeed in doing sth that most people would find difficult:\nShe’s had her hair cut really short, but she can carry it off.\n  carry on\n1 (especially BrE) to continue moving:\nCarry on until you get to the junction, then turn left.\n2 (informal) to argue or complain noisily:\nHe was shouting and carrying on.\nrelated noun CARRY-ON\n  carry on (with sth) | carry sth<->on to continue doing sth:\nCarry on with your work while I’m away. * After he left I just tried to carry on as normal (= do the things I usually do). * Carry on the good work! * [+ -ing] He carried on peeling the potatoes.\n  carry on (with sb) (old-fashioned) to have a sexual relationship with sb when you should not:\nHis wife found out he’d been carrying on with another woman.\n  carry sth<->out\n1 to do sth that you have said you will do or have been asked to do:\nto carry out a promise / a threat / a plan / an order\n2 to do and complete a task:\nto carry out an inquiry / an investigation / a survey * Extensive tests have been carried out on the patient.\n  carry over to continue to exist in a different situation:\nAttitudes learned at home carry over into the playground.\n  carry sth<->over\n1 to keep sth from one situation and use it or deal with it in a different situation\n2 to delay sth until a later time:\nThe match had to be carried over until Sunday.\n3 = CARRY STH FORWARD\n  carry sb through | carry sb through sth to help sb to survive a difficult period:\nHis determination carried him through the ordeal.\n  carry sth through to complete sth successfully:\nIt’s a difficult job but she’s the person to carry it through.\n  carry through (on / with sth) (AmE) to do what you have said you will do:\nHe has proved he can carry through on his promises.


Words: carry-on
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [usually sing.] (BrE, informal) a display of excitement, anger or silly behaviour over sth unimportant:\nWhat a carry-on!\n  2  (AmE) a small bag or case that you carry onto a plane with you:\nOnly one carry-on is allowed. * carry-on baggage


Words: carsick
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] feeling ill/sick because you are travelling in a car:\nDo you get carsick?\n    carsickness noun [U]


Words: cart
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a vehicle with two or four wheels that is pulled by a horse and used for carrying loads:\na horse and cart\n \n  2  (also handcart) a light vehicle with wheels that you pull or push by hand\n \n  3  (AmE) = TROLLEY:\na shopping / baggage cart * a serving cart\n \n  4  (AmE) = BUGGY:\na golf cart\n IDIOMS \n  put the cart before the horse to put or do things in the wrong order\n    verb [VN] \n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] to carry sth in a cart or other vehicle:\nThe rubbish is then carted away for recycling.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] (informal) to carry sth that is large, heavy or awkward in your hands:\nWe had to cart our luggage up six flights of stairs.\n  3  [+adv./prep.] (informal) to take sb somewhere, especially with difficulty:\nThe demonstrators were carted off to the local police station.


Words: carte blanche
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from French) ~ (to do sth) the complete freedom or authority to do whatever you like:\nHe was given carte blanche to say what he liked in the report. * to have carte blanche


Words: cartel
Meaning:
noun\n[C+sing./pl. v.] a group of separate companies that agree to increase profits by fixing prices and not competing with each other:\nto operate an illegal cartel


Words: cartilage
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the strong white FLEXIBLE substance found between the joints in the body; a piece of this:\nI’ve damaged the cartilage in my knee.


Words: cartload
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the amount of sth that fills a CART\n  2  [usually pl.] (informal) a large amount of sth:\nThere’s cartloads of junk in the garage.


Words: carton
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a light cardboard or plastic box or pot for holding goods, especially food or liquid; the contents of a carton:\na milk carton / a carton of milk\n \n  2  (AmE) a large container in which goods are packed in smaller containers:\na carton of cigarettes


Words: cartoon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an amusing drawing in a newspaper or magazine, especially one about politics or events in the news\n  2  = COMIC STRIP\n  3  (also animated cartoon) a film/movie made by photographing a series of gradually changing drawings or models, so that they look as if they are moving:\na Walt Disney cartoon * a cartoon character\n  4  (technical) a drawing made by an artist as a preparation for a painting


Words: cartridge
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (AmE also shell) a tube or case containing explosive and a bullet or SHOT, for shooting from a gun\n \n  2  a case containing sth that is used in a machine, for example photographic film for a camera, ink for a printer, etc. Cartridges are put into the machine and can be removed and replaced when they are finished or empty.\n \n  3  a thin tube containing ink which you put inside a pen


Words: cartwheel
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a fast physical movement in which you turn in a circle sideways by putting your hands on the ground and bringing your legs, one at a time, over your head:\nto do / turn cartwheels\n  2  the wheel of a CART\n    cartwheel verb [V]


Words: carve
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to make objects, patterns, etc. by cutting away material from wood or stone:\n[VN] a richly carved doorway * The statue was carved out of a single piece of stone. * The piece of wood had been carved into the shape of a flower. * The beads were carved from solid ivory. * (figurative) Over the centuries, melting snow had carved valleys in the landscape. * [V] She carves in both stone and wood.\n  2  [VN] to write sth on a surface by cutting into it:\nThey carved their initials on the desk. * A Latin inscription had been carved on the lid of the box.\n  3  to cut a large piece of cooked meat into smaller pieces for eating:\n[VN] Who’s going to carve the turkey? [also V, VNN]\n  4  [VN] [no passive] ~ sth (out) (for yourself) to work hard in order to have a successful career, reputation, etc:\nShe has carved a place for herself in the fashion world. * Against all odds, he succeeded in carving out a career in the media.\n IDIOMS \n  carved in stone (of a decision, plan, etc.) unable to be changed:\nPeople should remember that our proposals aren’t carved in stone.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  carve sth<->up (disapproving) to divide a company, an area of land, etc. into smaller parts in order to share it between people:\nThey have been accused of carving up the industry for their own benefit.


Words: carving
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] an object or a pattern made by cutting away material from wood or stone:\nstone / wooden carvings * There is some fine carving on the facade.\n  2  [U] the art of making objects in this way


Words: cascade
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a small WATERFALL, especially one of several falling down a steep slope with rocks\n  2  a large amount of water falling or pouring down:\na cascade of rainwater\n  3  (written) a large amount of sth hanging down:\nHer hair tumbled in a dark brown cascade down her back.\n  4  (written) a large number of things falling or coming quickly at the same time:\nHe crashed to the ground in a cascade of oil cans.\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] \n  1  to flow downwards in large amounts:\nWater cascaded down the mountainside.\n  2  (written) to fall or hang in large amounts:\nBlonde hair cascaded over her shoulders.\n    cascading adjective [only before noun]:\ncascading waterfalls / hair


Words: case
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  situation\n \n  1  [C] a particular situation or a situation of a particular type:\nIn some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment. * The company only dismisses its employees in cases of gross misconduct. * It’s a classic case (= a very typical case) of bad planning.\nsee also WORST-CASE\n \n  2  (the case) [sing.] ~ (that ...) the true situation:\nIf that is the case (= if the situation described is true), we need more staff. * It is simply not the case that prison conditions are improving.\n \n  3  [C, usually sing.] a situation that relates to a particular person or thing:\nIn your case, we are prepared to be lenient. * I cannot make an exception in your case (= for you and not for others).\n  police investigation\n  4  [C] a matter that is being officially investigated, especially by the police:\na murder case * a case of theft\n  in court of law\n  5  [C] a question to be decided in a court of law:\nThe case will be heard next week. * a court case * to win / lose a case * When does her case come before the court?\nsee also TEST CASE\n  arguments\n  6  [C, usually sing.] ~ (for / against sth) a set of facts or arguments that support one side in a court of law, discussion, etc:\nthe case for the defence / prosecution * Our lawyer didn’t think we had a case (= had enough good arguments to win in a court of law). * the case for / against private education * The report makes out a strong case (= gives good arguments) for spending more money on hospitals.\n  container\n  7  [C] (often in compounds) a container or covering used to protect or store things; a container with its contents or the amount that it contains:\na pencil case * a jewellery case * a packing case (= a large wooden box for packing things in) * The museum was full of stuffed animals in glass cases. * a case (= 12 bottles) of champagne\n  8  [C] = SUITCASE:\nLet me carry your case for you.\n  of disease\n  9  [C] the fact of sb having a disease or an injury; a person suffering from a disease or an injury:\na severe case of typhoid * The most serious cases were treated at the scene of the accident.\n  person\n  10  [C] a person who needs, or is thought to need, special treatment or attention:\nHe’s a hopeless case.\n  grammar\n  11  [C, U] the form of a noun, an adjective or a pronoun in some languages, that shows its relationship to another word:\nthe nominative / accusative / genitive case * Latin nouns have case, number and gender.\n IDIOMS \n  as the case may be used to say that one of two or more possibilities is true, but which one is true depends on the circumstances:\nThere may be an announcement about this tomorrow-or not, as the case may be.\n  be on sb’s case (informal) to criticize sb all the time:\nShe’s always on my case about cleaning my room.\n  be on the case to be dealing with a particular matter, especially a criminal investigation:\nWe have two agents on the case.\n  get off my case (spoken) used to tell sb to stop criticizing you\n  a case in point a clear example of the problem, situation, etc. that is being discussed\n  in any case whatever happens or may have happened:\nThere’s no point complaining now-we’re leaving tomorrow in any case.\n  (just) in case ( ...) because of the possibility of sth happening:\nYou’d better take the keys in case I’m out. * You probably won’t need to call-but take my number, just in case. * In case (= if it is true that) you’re wondering why Jo’s here-let me explain ...\n  in case of sth (often on official notices) if sth happens:\nIn case of fire, ring the alarm bell.\n  in that case if that happens or has happened; if that is the situation:\n’I’ve made up my mind.’ ’In that case, there’s no point discussing it’\nmore at REST v.\n    verb [VN] \n IDIOMS \n  case the joint (informal) to look carefully around a building so that you can plan how to steal things from it at a later time


Words: case history
Meaning:
noun\na record of a person’s background, past illnesses, etc. that a doctor or SOCIAL WORKER studies


Words: case law
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (law) law based on decisions made by judges in earlier cases\ncompare COMMON LAW, STATUTE LAW\nsee also TEST CASE


Words: case study
Meaning:
noun\na detailed account of the development of a person, a group of people or a situation over a period of time


Words: cased
Meaning:
adjective\n~ in sth completely covered with a particular material:\nThe towers are made of steel cased in granite.\nsee also CASING


Words: caseload
Meaning:
noun\nall the people that a doctor, SOCIAL WORKER, etc. is responsible for at one time:\na heavy caseload


Words: casework
Meaning:
noun\n[U] social work (= work done to help people in the community with special needs) involving the study of a particular person’s family and background


Words: caseworker
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a SOCIAL WORKER who helps a particular person or family in the community with special needs


Words: cash
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  money in the form of coins or notes/bills:\nHow much cash do you have on you? * Payments can be made by cheque or in cash. * Customers are offered a 10% discount if they pay cash. * The thieves stole ｣500 in cash.\nsee also HARD CASH, PETTY CASH\n  2  (informal) money in any form:\nThe museum needs to find ways of raising cash. * I’m short of cash right now. * I’m constantly strapped for cash (= without enough money). * Local schools have been starved of cash for a number of years.\n IDIOMS \n  cash down (BrE) (also cash up front AmE, BrE) with immediate payment of cash:\nto pay for sth cash down\n  cash in hand (BrE, informal) if you pay for goods and services cash in hand, you pay in cash, especially so that the person being paid can avoid paying tax on the amount:\na cash-in-hand payment of ｣20\n  cash on delivery (abbreviation COD) a system of paying for goods when they are delivered\n    verb [VN] ~ a cheque / check to exchange a cheque/check for the amount of money that it is worth:\nTraveller’s cheques can be cashed at most hotels.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  cash in (on sth) (disapproving) to gain an advantage for yourself from a situation, especially in a way that other people think is wrong or immoral:\nThe film studio is being accused of cashing in on the singer’s death.\n  cash sth<->in to exchange sth, such as an insurance policy, for money before the date on which it would normally end\n  cash up (BrE) (AmE cash out) to add up the amount of money that has been received in a shop/store, club, etc., especially at the end of the day:\nThe men broke into the office while staff were cashing up.


Words: cash and carry
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a large WHOLESALE shop/store that sells goods in large quantities at low prices to customers from other businesses who pay in cash and take the goods away themselves; the system of buying and selling goods in this way


Words: cash card
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) (AmE ATM card) a plastic card used to get money from a CASH DISPENSER (= a machine in or outside a bank)\ncompare CHEQUE CARD, DEBIT CARD


Words: cash cow
Meaning:
noun\n(business) the part of a business that always makes a profit and that provides money for the rest of the business


Words: cash flow
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] the movement of money into and out of a business as goods are bought and sold:\na healthy cash flow (= having enough money to make payments when necessary) * Many companies fail through poor cash flow. * cash-flow problems


Words: cash machine
Meaning:
(BrE also cash dispenser, cashpoint) (also ATM AmE, BrE) noun\na machine in or outside a bank, etc., from which you can get money from your bank account using a special plastic card


Words: cash register
Meaning:
(BrE also till) (AmE also register) noun\na machine used in shops/stores, restaurants, etc. that has a drawer for keeping money in, and that shows and records the amount of money received for each thing that is sold


Words: cash-starved
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] without enough money, usually because another organization, such as the government, has failed to provide it:\ncash-starved public services


Words: cashew
Meaning:
(also cashew nut) noun\nthe small curved nut of the tropical American cashew tree, used in cooking and often eaten salted with alcoholic drinks


Words: cashier
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a person whose job is to receive and pay out money in a bank, shop/store, hotel, etc.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to make sb leave the army, navy or air force because they have done sth wrong


Words: cashmere
Meaning:
noun\n[U] fine soft wool made from the long hair of a type of goat, used especially for making expensive clothes:\na cashmere sweater * The scarf is 70% cashmere.


Words: cask
Meaning:
noun\na small wooden BARREL used for storing liquids, especially alcoholic drinks; the amount contained in a cask:\na wine cask / a cask of wine


Words: casket
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a small decorated box for holding jewels or other valuable things, especially in the past\n  2  (AmE) = COFFIN


Words: casserole
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C, U] a hot dish made with meat, vegetables, etc. that are cooked slowly in liquid in an oven:\na chicken casserole * Is there any casserole left?\n \n  2  [C] (also casserole dish) a container with a lid used for cooking meat, etc. in liquid in an oven\n \n    casserole verb [VN]


Words: cassette
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a small flat plastic case containing tape for playing or recording music or sound:\na cassette recorder / player * available on cassette * a video cassette (= for recording sound and pictures)\n \n  2  a plastic case containing photographic film that can be put into a camera


Words: cassock
Meaning:
noun\na long piece of clothing, usually black or red, worn by some Christian priests and other people with special duties in a church


Words: cast
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (cast, cast)\n  a look / glance / smile\n  1  to look, smile, etc. in a particular direction:\n[VN] She cast a welcoming smile in his direction. * He groaned, casting his eyes to the ceiling. [also VNN]\n  light / a shadow\n  2  [VN] to make light, a shadow, etc. appear in a particular place:\nThe setting sun cast an orange glow over the mountains. * (figurative) The sad news cast a shadow over the proceedings (= made people feel unhappy).\n  doubt\n  3  [VN] ~ doubt / aspersions (on / upon sth) to say, do or suggest sth that makes people doubt sth or think that sb is less honest, good, etc:\nThis latest evidence casts serious doubt on his version of events.\n  fishing line\n  4  [V, VN] to throw one end of a FISHING LINE into a river, etc.\n  throw\n  5  [VN] (literary) to throw sb/sth somewhere, especially using force:\nThe priceless treasures had been cast into the Nile. * They cast anchor at nightfall.\n  skin\n  6  [VN] when a snake casts its skin, the skin comes off as part of a natural process\nSYN SHED\n  shoe\n  7  [VN] if a horse casts a shoe, the shoe comes off by accident\n  actors\n  8  ~ sb (as sb) to choose actors to play the different parts in a film/movie, play, etc.; to choose an actor to play a particular role:\n[VN] The play is being cast in both the US and Britain. * He has cast her as an ambitious lawyer in his latest movie. [also V]\n  describe\n  9  [VN] ~ sb (as sth) | ~ sb (in sth) to describe or present sb in a particular way:\nHe cast himself as the innocent victim of a hate campaign. * The press were quick to cast her in the role of ’the other woman’.\n  vote\n  10  [VN] ~ a / your vote / ballot (for sb/sth) to vote for sb/sth\n  shape metal\n  11  [VN] ~ sth (in sth) to shape hot liquid metal, etc. by pouring it into a hollow container (called a MOULD):\na statue cast in bronze * (figurative) an artist cast in the mould of (= very similar to) Miro\n IDIOMS \n  cast your mind back (to sth) to make yourself think about sth that happened in the past:\nI want you to cast your minds back to the first time you met.\n  cast your net wide to consider a lot of different people, activities, possibilities, etc. when you are looking for sth:\nIt’s worth casting your net wide when applying for your first job.\n  cast a spell (on sb/sth) to use words that are thought to be magic and have the power to change or influence sb/sth\nmore at ADRIFT, CAUTION n., DIE n., EYE n., LIGHT n., LOT n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  cast about / around for sth (written) to try hard to think of or find sth, especially when this is difficult:\nShe cast around desperately for a safe topic of conversation. * The authorities are clearly casting about for someone to blame.\n  cast sb/sth<->aside (formal) to get rid of sb/sth because you no longer want or need them\nSYN DISCARD:\nCasting modesty aside, she outlined the reason for her success. * He cast the newspaper aside impatiently.\n  be cast away to be left somewhere after a SHIPWRECK\nrelated noun CASTAWAY\n  be cast down (by sth) (literary) to be sad or unhappy about sth\nsee also DOWNCAST\n  cast off | cast sth<->off\n1 to undo the ropes that are holding a boat in a fixed position, in order to sail away\n2 (in knitting) to remove stitches from the needles in a way that forms an edge that will not come undone\n  cast sth<->off (written) to get rid of sth because you no longer want or need it:\nThe town is still trying to cast off its dull image.\n  cast on | cast sth<->on (in knitting) to put the first row of stitches on a needle\n  cast sb/sth<->out (literary) to get rid of sb/sth, especially by using force:\nHe claimed to have the power to cast out demons.\nrelated noun OUTCAST\n    noun\n  actors\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] all the people who act in a play or film/movie:\nThe whole cast performs / perform brilliantly. * members of the cast * an all-star cast (= including many well-known actors) * the supporting cast (= not the main actors, but the others) * a cast list\n  in shaping metal\n  2  [C] an object that is made by pouring hot liquid metal, etc. into a MOULD (= a specially shaped container)\n  3  [C] a shaped container used to make an object\nSYN MOULD\n  appearance\n  4  [sing.] (BrE, formal) the way that a person or a thing is or appears:\nHe has an unusual cast of mind. * I disliked the arrogant cast to her mouth.\n  throw\n  5  [C] an act of throwing sth, especially a fishing line\n  on arm / leg\n  6  [C] = PLASTER CAST:\nHer leg’s in a cast.\nsee also OPENCAST


Words: cast iron
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a hard type of iron that does not bend easily and is shaped by pouring the hot liquid metal into a MOULD (= a specially shaped container)\ncompare WROUGHT IRON


Words: cast-iron
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  made of cast iron:\na cast-iron bridge\n  2  very strong or certain; that cannot be broken or fail:\na cast-iron guarantee / promise * a cast-iron excuse / alibi


Words: cast-off
Meaning:
(BrE) (also hand-me-down AmE, BrE) noun\n[usually pl.] a piece of clothing that the original owner no longer wants to wear:\nShe used to wear her sister’s cast-offs.\n    cast-off (BrE) (also hand-me-down AmE, BrE) adjective:\na cast-off overcoat


Words: castanets
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] a musical instrument that consists of two small round pieces of wood that you hold in the hand and hit together with the fingers to make a noise. Castanets are used especially by Spanish dancers.


Words: castaway
Meaning:
noun\na person whose ship has sunk (= who has been SHIPWRECKED) and who has had to swim to a lonely place, usually an island


Words: caste
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] any of the four main divisions of Hindu society, originally those made according to functions in society:\nthe caste system * high-caste Brahmins\n  2  [C] a social class, especially one whose members do not allow others to join it:\nthe ruling caste\n  3  [U] the system of dividing society into classes based on differences in family origin, rank or wealth


Words: castigate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb/sth (for sth) (formal) to criticize sb/sth severely:\nHe castigated himself for being so stupid.\n    castigation  noun [U]


Words: casting
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the process of choosing actors for a play or film/movie:\nCasting was completed by May. * an odd piece of casting * a casting director\n  2  [C] an object made by pouring hot liquid metal, etc. into a MOULD (= a specially shaped container)


Words: casting vote
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] the vote given by the person in charge of an official meeting to decide an issue when votes on each side are equal:\nYou have the casting vote. * The chairman gave his casting vote in favour.


Words: castle
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large strong building with thick high walls and towers, built in the past by kings or queens, or other important people, to defend themselves against attack:\nWindsor Castle * a medieval castle\nsee also SANDCASTLE\n \n  2  (also rook) (in the game of CHESS) any of the four pieces placed in the corner squares of the board at the start of the game, usually made to look like a castle\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  (build) castles in the air (BrE) (to have) plans or dreams that are not likely to happen or come true:\nAs a child he would wander round the boatyards, building castles in the air about owning a boat one day.\nmore at ENGLISHMAN


Words: castor
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE caster)  noun\none of the small wheels fixed to the bottom of a piece of furniture so that it can be moved easily


Words: castor oil
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a thick yellow oil obtained from a tropical plant and used in the past as a type of medicine, usually as a LAXATIVE


Words: casual
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  without care / attention\n  1  [usually before noun] not showing much care or thought; seeming not to be worried; not wanting to show that sth is important to you:\na casual manner * It was just a casual remark-I wasn’t really serious. * He tried to sound casual, but I knew he was worried. * They have a casual attitude towards safety (= they don’t care enough).\n  2  [usually before noun] without paying attention to detail:\na casual glance * It’s obvious even to the casual observer.\n  not formal\n  3  not formal:\ncasual clothes (= comfortable clothes that you choose to wear in your free time) * family parties and other casual occasions\n  work\n  4  [usually before noun] (BrE) not permanent; not done, or doing sth regularly:\ncasual workers / labour * Students sometimes do casual work in the building or tourist trades. * They are employed on a casual basis (= they do not have a permanent job with the company).\n  relationship\n  5  [usually before noun] without deep affection:\na casual acquaintance * a casual friendship * to have casual sex (= to have sex without having a steady relationship with that partner)\n  by chance\n  6  [only before noun] happening by chance; doing sth by chance:\na casual encounter / meeting * a casual passer-by * The exhibition is interesting to both the enthusiast and the casual visitor. * The disease is not spread by casual contact.\n    casually adverb:\n’What did he say about me?’ she asked as casually as she could. * They chatted casually on the phone. * dressed casually in jeans and T-shirt\n    casualness noun [U]:\nHe was sure that the casualness of the gesture was deliberate.\n    noun (BrE)\n  clothes\n  1  (casuals) [pl.] informal clothes or shoes:\ndressed in casuals * She changed into flat casuals before walking round the town.\n  worker\n  2  [C] a casual worker (= one who does not work permanently for a company)


Words: casualty
Meaning:
noun (plural casualties)\n  1  [C] a person who is killed or injured in war or in an accident:\nroad casualties * Both sides had suffered heavy casualties (= many people had been killed).\n  2  [C] a person that suffers or a thing that is destroyed when sth else takes place:\nShe became a casualty of the reduction in part-time work (= she lost her job). * Small shops have been a casualty of the recession.\n  3  [U] (also casualty department, accident and emergency) (all BrE) (AmE emergency room) the part of a hospital where people who need urgent treatment are taken:\nThe victims were rushed to casualty in an ambulance. * We waited in casualty until a doctor could see us.


Words: casuistry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal, disapproving) a way of solving moral or legal problems by using clever arguments that may be false


Words: cat
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a small animal with soft fur that people often keep as a pet. Cats catch and kill birds and mice:\ncat food\nsee also KITTEN, TOMCAT\n \n  2  a wild animal of the cat family:\nthe big cats (= lions, TIGERS, etc.)\nsee also FAT CAT, WILDCAT\n \n IDIOMS \n  be the cat’s whiskers / pyjamas (informal) to be the best thing, person, idea, etc:\nHe thinks he’s the cat’s whiskers (= he has a high opinion of himself).\n  let the cat out of the bag to tell a secret carelessly or by mistake:\nI wanted it to be a surprise, but my sister let the cat out of the bag.\n  like a cat on hot bricks (BrE) very nervous:\nShe was like a cat on hot bricks before her driving test.\n  like a cat that’s got the cream very pleased with yourself\nSYN SMUG:\nShe looked like a cat that’s got the cream. She was almost purring with pleasure.\n  (has the) cat got your tongue? said to sb, especially a child, who stays silent when expected to speak, for example after being asked a question\n  look like sth the cat brought in (informal) (of a person) to look dirty and untidy\n  not have / stand a cat in hell’s chance (of doing sth) to have no chance at all\n  play (a game of) cat and mouse with sb | play a cat-and-mouse game with sb to play a cruel game with sb in your power by changing your behaviour very often, so that they become nervous and do not know what to expect:\nHe thought the police were playing some elaborate game of cat and mouse and waiting to trap him.\n  put / set the cat among the pigeons (BrE) to say or do sth that is likely to cause trouble:\nThen she told them she was dropping out of college. That really set the cat among the pigeons.\n  when the cat’s away the mice will play (saying) people enjoy themselves more and behave with greater freedom when the person in charge of them is not there\nmore at CURIOSITY, RAIN v., ROOM n.


Words: cat flap
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE cat door) noun\na hole cut in the bottom of the door to a house, covered by a piece of plastic that swings, so a pet cat can go in and out


Words: cat’s cradle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a game in which you wrap string around the fingers of both hands to make different patterns\n  2  [C] a pattern made with string in a game of cat’s cradle: (figurative) He sat on his heels, weaving an intricate cat’s cradle of thread for the ship’s rigging.


Words: cat-o’nine-tails
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a whip made of nine strings with knots in them, that was used to punish prisoners in the past:\nHe was flogged with a cat-o’nine tails.


Words: cataclysm
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a sudden disaster or a violent event that causes change, for example a flood or a war:\nto survive the cataclysm of the Black Death\n    cataclysmic  adjective [usually before noun]


Words: catacombs
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] a series of underground tunnels used for burying dead people, especially in ancient times


Words: catalogue
Meaning:
(AmE also catalog)  noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a complete list of items, for example of things that people can look at or buy:\na mail-order catalogue (= a book showing goods for sale to be sent to people’s homes) * to consult the library catalogue * An illustrated catalogue accompanies the exhibition. * an online catalogue\n  2  a long series of things that happen (usually bad things):\na catalogue of disasters / errors / misfortunes\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to arrange a list of things in order in a catalogue; to record sth in a catalogue\n  2  to give a list of things connected with a particular person, event, etc:\nInterviews with the refugees catalogue a history of discrimination and violence.


Words: catalyst
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (chemistry) a substance that makes a chemical reaction happen faster without being changed itself:\nChlorine will act as a catalyst.\n  2  ~ (for sth) a person or thing that causes a change:\nI see my role as being a catalyst for change. * The riots were later seen as the catalyst for the new political developments.


Words: catalytic converter
Meaning:
noun\na device used in the EXHAUST system of motor vehicles to reduce the damage caused to the environment:\na car fitted with a catalytic converter


Words: catapult
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (BrE) (AmE slingshot) a stick shaped like a Y with a rubber band attached to it, used by children for shooting stones\n  2  a weapon used in the past to throw heavy stones\n  3  a machine used for sending planes up into the air from a ship\n    verb [+adv./prep.] to throw sb/sth or be thrown suddenly and violently through the air:\n[VN] She was catapulted out of the car as it hit the wall. * (figurative) The movie catapulted him to international stardom. [also V]


Words: cataract
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a medical condition that affects the LENS of the eye and causes a gradual loss of sight\n  2  (literary) a large steep WATERFALL


Words: catarrh
Meaning:
noun\n[U] thick liquid (called PHLEGM) that you have in your nose and throat because, for example, you have a cold


Words: catastrophe
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a sudden disaster that causes many people to suffer:\nEarly warnings of rising water levels prevented another major catastrophe.\n  2  an event that causes one person or a group of people personal suffering, or that makes difficulties:\nThe attempt to expand the business was a catastrophe for the firm. * We’ve had a few catastrophes with the food for the party.\n    catastrophic  adjective:\ncatastrophic effects / losses / results * (AmE) a catastrophic illness (= one that costs a very large amount to treat)\n    catastrophically adverb:\nto fail catastrophically


Words: catatonic
Meaning:
adjective\n(medical) not able to move or show any reaction to things because of illness, shock, etc:\na catatonic trance


Words: catcall
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a noise or shout expressing anger at or disapproval of sb who is speaking or performing in public


Words: catch
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n (caught, caught )\n \n  hold\n \n  1  [VN] to stop and hold a moving object, especially in your hands:\nShe managed to catch the keys as they fell. * ’Throw me over that towel, will you?’ ’OK. Catch!’ * The dog caught the stick in its mouth.\n \n  2  [VN] to hold a liquid when it falls:\nThe roof was leaking and I had to use a bucket to catch the drips.\n \n  3  [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to take hold of sb/sth:\nHe caught hold of her arm as she tried to push past him.\n  capture\n  4  [VN] to capture a person or an animal that tries or would try to escape:\nThe murderer was never caught. * Our cat is hopeless at catching mice. * How many fish did you catch?\n  sb doing sth\n  5  to find or discover sb doing sth, especially sth wrong:\n[VN -ing] I caught her smoking in the bathroom. * You wouldn’t catch me working (= I would never work) on a Sunday! * She caught herself wondering whether she had made a mistake. * [VN +adv./prep.] He was caught with bomb-making equipment in his home. * Mark walked in and caught them at it (= in the act of doing sth wrong). * thieves caught in the act * You’ve caught me at a bad time (= at a time when I am busy).\n  be in time\n  6  [VN] to be in time to do sth, talk to sb, etc:\nI caught him just as he was leaving the building. * I was hoping to catch you at home (= to telephone you at home when you were there). * The illness can be treated provided it’s caught (= discovered) early enough. * (BrE) to catch the post (= post letters before the box is emptied) * (BrE, spoken) Bye for now! I’ll catch you later (= speak to you again later).\n  bus / train / plane\n  7  [VN] to be in time for a bus, train, plane, etc. and get on it:\nWe caught the 12.15 from Oxford. * I must go-I have a train to catch.\n  happen unexpectedly\n  8  [VN] to happen unexpectedly and put sb in a difficult situation:\nHis arrival caught me by surprise. * She got caught in a thunderstorm.\n  see / hear\n  9  [VN] (informal, especially AmE) to see or hear sth; to attend sth:\nLet’s eat now and maybe we could catch a movie later.\n  illness\n  10  [VN] to get an illness:\nto catch measles * I think I must have caught this cold from you.\n  become stuck\n  11  ~ (sth) (in / on sth) to become stuck in or on sth; to make sth become stuck:\n[V] Her dress caught on a nail. * [VN] He caught his thumb in the door.\n  hit\n  12  [+adv./prep.] to hit sb/sth:\n[VN] The stone caught him on the side of the head. * [VNN] She caught him a blow on the chin.\n  notice\n  13  [VN] to notice sth only for a moment:\nShe caught sight of a car in the distance. * He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. * I caught a look of surprise on her face. * He caught a whiff of her perfume.\n  hear / understand\n  14  [VN] to hear or understand sth:\nSorry, I didn’t quite catch what you said.\n  interest\n  15  [VN] ~ sb’s interest, imagination, attention, etc. if sth catches your interest, etc., you notice it and feel interested in it\n  show accurately\n  16  [VN] to show or describe sth accurately:\nThe artist has caught her smile perfectly.\n  light\n  17  [VN] if sth catches the light or the light catches it, the light shines on it and makes it shine too:\nThe knife gleamed as it caught the light.\n  the sun\n  18  [VN] (informal) if you catch the sun, you become red or brown because of spending time in the sun\n  burn\n  19  to begin to burn:\n[VN] The wooden rafters caught fire. * [V] These logs are wet: they won’t catch.\n  in cricket\n  20  [VN] to make a player unable to continue BATTING by catching the ball they have hit before it touches the ground\n IDIOMS \n  catch your breath\n1 to stop breathing for a moment because of fear, shock, etc.\n2 to breathe normally again after running or doing some tiring exercise\n  catch your death (of cold) (old-fashioned, informal) to catch a very bad cold\n  catch sb’s eye to attract sb’s attention:\nCan you catch the waiter’s eye?\n  catch it (BrE) (AmE catch hell, get it) (spoken) to be punished or spoken to angrily about sth:\nIf your dad finds out you’ll really catch it!\n  catch sb napping (BrE) to get an advantage over sb by doing sth when they are not expecting it and not ready for it\n  catch sb on the hop to surprise sb by doing sth when they are not expecting it and not ready for it\n  catch sb red-handed to catch sb in the act of doing sth wrong or committing a crime\n  catch sb with their pants down (BrE also catch sb with their trousers down) (informal) to arrive or do sth when sb is not expecting it and not ready, especially when they are in an embarrassing situation\nmore at BALANCE n., CLEFT adj., FANCY n., RAW n., ROCK n., SHORT adj.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  catch at sth = CLUTCH AT STH\n  catch on to become popular or fashionable:\nHe invented an electric car, but it never really caught on.\n  catch on (to sth) (informal) to understand sth:\nHe is very quick to catch on to things.\n  catch sb out\n1 to surprise sb and put them in a difficult position:\nMany investors were caught out by the fall in share prices.\n2 to show that sb does not know much or is doing sth wrong:\nThey tried to catch her out with a difficult question.\n  catch up on sth\n1 to spend extra time doing sth because you have not done it earlier:\nI have a lot of work to catch up on.\n2 to find out about things that have happened:\nWe spent the evening catching up on each other’s news.\n  be / get caught up in sth to become involved in sth, especially when you do not want to be:\nInnocent passers-by got caught up in the riots.\n  catch up (with sb) (BrE also catch sb up)\n1 to reach sb who is ahead by going faster:\nGo on ahead. I’ll catch up with you. * I’ll catch you up.\n2 to reach the same level or standard as sb who was better or more advanced:\nAfter missing a term through illness he had to work hard to catch up with the others.\n  catch up with sb\n1 to finally start to cause problems for sb after they have managed to avoid this for some time:\nShe was terrified that one day her past problems would catch up with her.\n2 if the police or authorities catch up with sb, they find and punish them after some time:\nThe law caught up with him years later when he had moved to Spain.\n    noun\n  of ball\n  1  [C] an act of catching sth, for example a ball:\nto make a catch\n  amount caught\n  2  [C] the total amount of things that are caught:\na huge catch of fish\n  fastening\n  3  [C] a device used for fastening sth:\na catch on the door * safety catches for the windows * I can’t open the catch on this bracelet.\n  difficulty\n  4  [C, usually sing.] a hidden difficulty or disadvantage:\nAll that money for two hours’ work-what’s the catch?\n  child’s game\n  5  [U] a child’s game in which two people throw a ball to each other\n  person\n  6  [sing.] (old-fashioned) a person that other people see as a good person to marry, employ, etc:\nHe’s a good catch.\n IDIOMS \n  (a) catch-22 | a catch-22 situation (informal) a difficult situation from which there is no escape because you need to do one thing before doing a second, and you cannot do the second thing before doing the first:\nI can’t get a job because I haven’t got anywhere to live but I can’t afford a place to live until I get a job-it’s a catch-22 situation.


Words: catch-all
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (especially AmE) a thing for holding many small objects\n  2  a group or a description that includes different things and that does not state clearly what is included or not\n    catch-all adjective [only before noun]:\na catch-all phrase / term


Words: catcher
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in baseball) the player who stands behind the BATTER and catches the ball if he or she does not hit it\n  2  (usually in compounds) a person or thing that catches sth:\na rat catcher


Words: catching
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  (of a disease) easily caught by one person from another\nSYN INFECTIOUS\n  2  (of an emotion or a mood) passing quickly from one person to another\nSYN INFECTIOUS:\nTry to be as enthusiastic as possible (enthusiasm is catching)!


Words: catchment area
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) the area from which a school takes its students, a hospital its patients, etc.\n  2  (also catchment) (technical) the area from which rain flows into a particular river or lake


Words: catchphrase
Meaning:
noun\na popular phrase that is connected with the politician or entertainer who used it and made it famous


Words: catchy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) (of music or the words of an advertisement) pleasing and easily remembered:\na catchy tune / slogan


Words: catechism
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a set of questions and answers that are used for teaching people about the beliefs of the Christian religion


Words: categorical
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) expressed clearly and in a way that shows that you are very sure about what you are saying:\nto make a categorical statement * to give a categorical assurance\n    categorically  adverb:\nHe categorically rejected our offer.


Words: categorize
Meaning:
(BrE also categorise)  verb\n[VN] ~ sb/sth (as sth) to put people or things into groups according to what type they are\nSYN CLASSIFY:\nParticipants were categorized according to age and sex. * His latest work cannot be categorized as either a novel or an autobiography.


Words: category
Meaning:
noun\n(plural categories) a group of people or things with particular features in common:\nStudents over 25 fall into a different category. * The results of this survey can be divided into three main categories.


Words: cater
Meaning:
verb\n~ (for sb/sth) to provide food and drinks for a social event:\n[V] (BrE) Most of our work now involves catering for weddings. * [VN] (AmE) Who will be catering the wedding?\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  cater for sb/sth to provide the things that a particular person or situation needs or wants:\nThe class caters for all ability ranges.\n  cater to sb/sth to provide the things that a particular type or person wants, especially things that you do not approve of:\nThey only publish novels which cater to the mass market.


Words: caterer
Meaning:
noun\na person or company whose job is to provide food and drinks at a business meeting or for a special occasion such as a wedding


Words: catering
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the work of providing food and drinks for meetings or social events:\nWho did the catering for your son’s wedding?


Words: caterpillar
Meaning:
noun\na small creature like a worm with legs, that develops into a BUTTERFLY or MOTH (= flying insects with large, sometimes colourful, wings). Caterpillars eat the leaves of plants.


Words: caterwaul
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to make the loud unpleasant noise that is typical of a cat:\npounding drums and caterwauling guitars


Words: catfish
Meaning:
noun\n(plural catfish) a large fish with long stiff hairs, like a cat’s WHISKERS, around its mouth. There are several types of catfish, most of which are FRESHWATER fish.


Words: catgut
Meaning:
(also gut) noun\n[U] thin strong twisted string made from the INTESTINES of sheep and used in making musical instruments


Words: catharsis
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural catharses ) (technical) the process of releasing strong feelings, for example through plays or other artistic activities, as a way of providing RELIEF from anger, suffering, etc.\n    cathartic  adjective:\nIt was a cathartic experience.


Words: cathedral
Meaning:
noun\nthe main church of a district, under the care of a BISHOP (= a priest of high rank):\nSt Paul’s Cathedral * (BrE) a cathedral city


Words: cathode
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) the point (or TERMINAL) in a battery or other electrical device where the electric current leaves. On a battery the cathode is marked (+).\ncompare ANODE


Words: cathode ray tube
Meaning:
noun\na VACUUM tube inside a television or computer screen, etc. from which a beam of ELECTRONS produces images on the screen


Words: catholic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (Catholic) = ROMAN CATHOLIC:\nAre they Catholic or Protestant? * a Catholic church\n  2  (often Catholic) (technical) connected with all Christians or the whole Christian Church\n  3  (formal) including many or most things:\nto have catholic tastes (= to like many different things)


Words: catkin
Meaning:
noun\na long thin hanging bunch, or short upright group, of soft flowers on the branches of trees such as the WILLOW


Words: catmint
Meaning:
, AmE, BrE) noun\n[U] a plant that has white flowers with purple spots, hairy leaves and a smell that is attractive to cats


Words: Catseye
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) one of a line of small objects that are fixed into a road and that reflect a car’s lights in order to guide traffic at night


Words: cattery
Meaning:
noun\n(plural catteries) (BrE) a place where people can pay to leave their cats to be cared for while they are away


Words: cattle
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] cows and BULLS that are kept as farm animals for their milk or meat:\na herd of cattle * twenty head of cattle (= twenty cows) * dairy / beef cattle * The prisoners were herded into trucks like cattle.


Words: cattle grid
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE cattle guard) noun\nmetals bars that are placed over a hole that has been made in the road. Cars can pass over the metal bars but animals such as such as sheep and cows cannot.


Words: catty
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) (of a woman) saying unkind things about other people\nSYN BITCHY, SPITEFUL:\na catty comment\n    cattiness noun [U]


Words: catty-corner
Meaning:
(ed) (also kitty-corner(ed)) adjective, adverb\n(AmE, informal) opposite and at a DIAGONAL angle from sth/sb:\na restaurant catty-corner from the theater * Motorcyclists cut catty-cornered across his yard.


Words: catwalk
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) (AmE runway) the long stage that models walk on during a fashion show:\na catwalk model / show\n  2  a narrow platform for people to walk on, for example along the outside of a building or a bridge


Words: Caucasian
Meaning:
noun\na member of any of the races of people who have pale skin\n    Caucasian adjective:\nThe police are looking for a Caucasian male in his forties.


Words: caucus
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (especially AmE) a meeting of the members or leaders of a political party to choose candidates or to decide policy; the members or leaders of a political party as a group:\n20 states will hold precinct caucuses on Tuesday to choose delegates to the parties’ national conventions.\n  2  a group of people with similar interests, often within a larger organization or political party:\nthe Congressional Black Caucus


Words: cauldron
Meaning:
(AmE also caldron)  noun\na large deep pot for boiling liquids or cooking food over a fire:\na witch’s cauldron * (figurative) The stadium was a seething cauldron of emotion. * a boiling / bubbling cauldron


Words: cauliflower
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a vegetable with green leaves around a large hard white head of flowers:\nDo you like cauliflower? * two cauliflowers


Words: cauliflower cheese
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE cauliflower with cheese) noun\n[U] a hot dish of cauliflower cooked and served in a cheese sauce


Words: cauliflower ear
Meaning:
noun\nan ear that is permanently SWOLLEN because it has been hit many times:\nthe boxer’s cauliflower ear


Words: caulk
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to fill the holes or cracks in sth, especially a ship, with a substance that keeps out water


Words: causal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) connected with the relationship between two things, where one causes the other to happen:\nthe causal relationship between poverty and disease\n  2  ~ conjunction / connective (grammar) a word such as because that introduces a statement about the cause of sth


Words: causality
Meaning:
(also causation) noun\n[U] (formal) the relationship between sth that happens and the reason for it happening; the principle that nothing can happen without a cause


Words: causation
Meaning:
noun [U] (formal)\n  1  the process of one event causing or producing another event\n  2  = CAUSALITY


Words: causative
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) acting as the cause of sth:\nSmoking is a causative factor in several major diseases.\n  2  (grammar) a causative verb expresses a cause, for example blacken which means ’to cause to become black’


Words: cause
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] the person or thing that makes sth happen:\nUnemployment is a major cause of poverty. * There was discussion about the fire and its likely cause. * Drinking and driving is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents.\n  2  [U] ~ (for sth) a reason for having particular feelings or behaving in a particular way:\nThere is no cause for concern. * The food was excellent-I had no cause for complaint. * with / without good cause (= with / without a good reason)\n  3  [C] an organization or idea that people support or fight for:\nAnimal welfare campaigners raised ｣70 000 for their cause last year. * a good cause (= an organization that does good work, such as a charity) * fighting for the Republican cause * The donation is the biggest private gift to a humanitarian cause.\nsee also LOST CAUSE\n  4  [C] (law) a case that goes to a court of law\n IDIOMS \n  be for / in a good cause worth doing, because it is helping other people\nmore at COMMON adj.\n    verb to make sth happen, especially sth bad or unpleasant:\n[VN] Do they know what caused the fire? * Are you causing trouble again? * Doctors say her condition is causing some concern. * The bad weather is causing problems for many farmers. * deaths caused by dangerous driving * [VN to inf] The poor harvest caused prices to rise sharply. * [VNN] The project is still causing him a lot of problems.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \ncause / reason / purpose\nThe cause of something is what makes it happen: We do not yet know the cause of the accident.\nA reason explains something: He has given no reasons for his decision. * There are several reasons why this is my favourite book. You talk about the reason for (not the reason of) something, but the cause of (not the cause for) something.\nThe purpose of something you do is the reason for doing it, the thing that you hope to achieve: The purpose of the trip is to raise funds for the election campaign.\n______________________________


Words: causeway
Meaning:
noun\na raised road or path across water or wet ground:\nThe islands are linked by causeways and bridges. * The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway.


Words: caustic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a chemical substance) able to destroy or dissolve other substances:\na caustic cleaning product * caustic liquid which blisters the skin\n  2  critical in a bitter or SARCASTIC way:\ncaustic comments / wit * Her speech was a caustic attack on government officials.\n    caustically  adverb:\n’You are no help at all,’ she said caustically.


Words: cauterize
Meaning:
(BrE also cauterise)  verb\n[VN] (medical) to burn a wound, using a chemical or heat, in order to stop it from bleeding or becoming infected


Words: caution
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] care that you take in order to avoid danger or mistakes; not taking any risks:\nextreme / great caution * Statistics should be treated with caution. * He could find himself making enemies as well as friends unless he proceeds with the utmost caution.\n  2  [C] (BrE) a warning that is given by the police to sb who has committed a crime that is not too serious:\nAs a first offender, she got off with a caution.\n  3  [U, C] (formal) a warning or a piece of advice about a possible danger or risk:\na word / note of caution * Some cautions must be mentioned-for example good tools are essential to do the job well.\n IDIOMS \n  throw / cast caution to the wind(s) to stop caring about how dangerous sth might be; to start taking risks:\nHe threw caution to the wind and dived into the water after the child.\n    verb\n  1  ~ (sb) against sth | ~ sb about sth to warn sb about the possible dangers or problems of sth:\n[V] I would caution against getting too involved. * [VN] Sam cautioned him against making a hasty decision. * [V that] The government cautioned that pay increases could lead to job losses. [also VN to inf, VN that, V speech, VN speech]\n  2  [VN] (BrE, law) to warn sb officially that anything they say may be used as evidence against them in a court of law:\nSuspects must be cautioned before any questions are asked.\n  3  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) to warn sb officially that they will be punished if they do sth wrong or illegal again:\nShe wasn’t sent to the juvenile court; instead she was cautioned.


Words: cautionary
Meaning:
adjective\ngiving advice or a warning:\na cautionary tale about the problems of buying a computer * In her conclusion, the author sounds a cautionary note.


Words: cautious
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (about sb/sth) | ~ (about doing sth) being careful about what you say or do, especially to avoid danger or mistakes; not taking any risks:\nHe was very cautious about committing himself to anything. * The government has been cautious in its response to the report. * They’ve taken a very cautious approach. * They expressed cautious optimism about a solution to the crisis.\n    cautiously adverb:\nShe looked cautiously around and then walked away from the house.\n    cautiousness noun [U]\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \ncautious / careful\nA cautious person is nervous that something may be dangerous or unwise, so they only do it very slowly or after a lot of thought. (opposite = rash)\nA careful person is not nervous but does take extra care to make sure that everything is correct or nothing goes wrong. (opposite = careless) People are now more cautious about buying luxuries. * I should be very careful not to annoy her.\nNotice also:\nBe careful / Take care when you drive on icy roads.\nCaution / Warning - thin ice.\n______________________________


Words: cavalier
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] not caring enough about sth important or about the feelings of other people:\nThe government takes a cavalier attitude to the problems of prison overcrowding.


Words: cavalry
Meaning:
noun\n(usually the cavalry) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] (in the past) the part of the army that fought on horses; the part of the modern army that uses ARMOURED vehicles:\nThe cavalry charged up the hill to engage the rebels.


Words: cave
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a large hole in the side of a hill or under the ground:\nthe mouth (= the entrance) of the cave * The area contains vast underground cave systems. * a cave-dweller (= a person who lives in a cave)\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  cave in (on sb/sth) (of a roof, wall, etc.) to fall down and inwards:\nThe ceiling suddenly caved in on top of them.\nrelated noun CAVE-IN\n  cave in (to sth) to finally do what sb wants after you have been strongly opposing them:\nThe President is unlikely to cave in to demands for a public inquiry.\nsee also CAVING


Words: caveat
Meaning:
noun\n(formal, from Latin) a warning that particular things need to be considered before sth can be done:\nAny discussion of legal action must be preceded by a caveat on costs.


Words: caveat emptor
Meaning:
noun\n(from Latin) the principle that a person who buys sth is responsible for finding any faults in the thing they buy:\nThe sale is subject to the caveat emptor principle.


Words: caveman
Meaning:
1  a person who lived in a CAVE thousands of years ago\n  2  (informal) a man who behaves in an aggressive way


Words: cavernous
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) (of a room or space) very large and often empty and/or dark; like a CAVE:\nthe vast, cavernous space of the empty concert hall


Words: caviar
Meaning:
(also caviare)  noun\n[U] the eggs of some types of fish, especially the STURGEON, that are preserved using salt and eaten as a very special and expensive type of food


Words: cavil
Meaning:
verb\n(-ll-, AmE -l-) [V] ~ (at sth) (rare, formal) to make unnecessary complaints about sth\nSYN QUIBBLE:\nSeveral countries cavilled at the cost of the project.


Words: caving
Meaning:
(also potholing) (both BrE) (AmE spelunking) noun\n[U] the sport or activity of going into CAVES under the ground:\nHe had always wanted to go caving.


Words: cavity
Meaning:
noun (plural cavities)\n  1  a hole or empty space inside sth solid:\nthe abdominal cavity\n  2  a hole in a tooth


Words: cavity wall
Meaning:
noun\na wall consisting of two walls with a space between them, designed to prevent heat from escaping:\ncavity wall insulation


Words: cavort
Meaning:
verb\n[V +adv./prep.] to jump or move around in a noisy, excited and often sexual way:\nThe photos showed her cavorting on the beach with her new lover.


Words: CB
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the abbreviation for ’Citizens’ Band’ (a range of waves on a radio on which people can talk to each other over short distances, especially when driving):\nA truck driver used his CB radio to call for help.


Words: CBE
Meaning:
noun\nthe abbreviation for ’Commander (of the Order) of the British Empire’ (an award given in Britain to some people for a special achievement):\nHe was made a CBE in 1995. * Jon Adams CBE


Words: CBI
Meaning:
abbreviation\nConfederation of British Industry (an important organization to which businesses and industries belong)


Words: CBS
Meaning:
abbreviation\nColumbia Broadcasting System (an American recording and broadcasting company that produces records, television programmes, etc.)


Words: cc
Meaning:
abbreviation\n  1  carbon copy (to) (used on business letters and e-mails to show that a copy is being sent to another person):\nto Luke Peters, cc Janet Gold\n  2  cubic centimetre(s):\nan 850cc engine


Words: CD
Meaning:
(also disc) noun\na small disc on which sound or information is recorded. CDs are played on a special machine called a CD player. CD is an abbreviation for ’compact disc’.


Words: CD-ROM
Meaning:
(AmE CD / ROM)  noun\n[C, U] a CD on which large amounts of information, sound and pictures can be stored, for use on a computer (an abbreviation for ’compact disc read-only memory’):\nThe software package contains 5 CD-ROMs. * The encyclopedia is available on CD-ROM. * a CD-ROM drive (= in a computer)\ncompare ROM


Words: CE
Meaning:
abbreviation\n  1  (in Britain) Church of England\n  2  (also C.E. especially in AmE) Common Era (= the period since the birth of Christ when the Christian CALENDAR starts counting years). CE can be used to give dates in the same way as AD.\ncompare AD, BC, BCE


Words: cease
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) to stop happening or existing; to stop sth from happening or existing:\n[V] Welfare payments cease as soon as an individual starts a job. * [V to inf] You never cease to amaze me! * [VN] They voted to cease strike action immediately. * He ordered his men to cease fire (= stop shooting). * [V -ing] The company ceased trading in June.\nsee also CESSATION\n IDIOMS  see WONDER n.


Words: ceasefire
Meaning:
noun\na time when enemies agree to stop fighting, usually while a way is found to end the fighting permanently\nSYN TRUCE:\na call for an immediate ceasefire * a permanent / a temporary / an interim ceasefire * Observers have reported serious violations of the ceasefire.


Words: ceaseless
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not stopping; seeming to have no end:\nthe ceaseless rain * His ceaseless questions began to annoy me.\n    ceaselessly adverb


Words: cedar
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a tall EVERGREEN tree with wide spreading branches\n  2  (also cedarwood) [U] the hard red wood of the cedar tree, that has a sweet smell


Words: cede
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to give sb control of sth or give them power, a right, etc., especially unwillingly:\nCuba was ceded by Spain to the US in 1898.\nsee also CESSION


Words: cedilla
Meaning:
noun\nthe mark placed under the letter c, especially in French, to show that it is pronounced like an s rather than a k (as in facade); a similar mark under s in Turkish and other eastern languages


Words: ceiling
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the top inside surface of a room:\nShe lay on her back staring up at the ceiling. * a large room with a high ceiling * The walls and ceiling were painted white.\n \n  2  the highest limit or amount of sth:\nprice ceilings\ncompare FLOOR\n \n  3  (technical) the greatest height at which a particular aircraft is able to fly:\nan aircraft with a ceiling of 20 000 feet\nsee also GLASS CEILING\n IDIOMS  see HIT v.


Words: ceiling rose
Meaning:
(also rose) noun\n(technical) a circular object that is fixed to the ceiling of a room for the wires of an electric light to go through


Words: celebrant
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a priest who leads a church service, especially the COMMUNION service; a person who attends a service:\nBishop Harris was principal celebrant at the mass.\n  2  (AmE) a person who is celebrating sth, for example at a party


Words: celebrate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to show that a day or an event is important by doing sth special on it:\n[V] Jake’s passed his exams. We’re going out to celebrate. * [VN] We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in Florence. * How do people celebrate New Year in your country?\n  2  [VN] to perform a religious ceremony, especially the Christian COMMUNION service\n  3  [VN] (formal) to praise sb/sth:\nsongs that celebrate the joys of romantic love * a movie celebrating the life and work of Martin Luther King


Words: celebrated
Meaning:
adjective\nfamous for having good qualities:\na celebrated painter * one of Rodin’s most celebrated works


Words: celebration
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, often pl.] a special event that people organize in order to celebrate sth:\nbirthday / wedding celebrations\n  2  [U, C] the act of celebrating sth:\nHer triumph was a cause for celebration. * a party in celebration of their fiftieth wedding anniversary * The service was a celebration of his life (= praised what he had done in his life).


Words: celebrity
Meaning:
noun (plural celebrities)\n  1  (also informal celeb) [C] a famous person:\nTV celebrities\n  2  [U] the state of being famous \nSYN FAME:\nDoes he find his new celebrity intruding on his private life?


Words: celery
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a vegetable with long crisp light green stems that are often eaten raw:\na stick of celery


Words: celestial
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal or literary) of the sky or of heaven:\ncelestial bodies (= the sun, moon, stars, etc.) * celestial light / music\ncompare TERRESTRIAL


Words: celibate
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  not married and not having sex, especially for religious reasons:\ncelibate priests\n  2  not having sex:\nI’ve been celibate for the past six months.\n    celibacy  noun [U]:\na vow of celibacy\n    noun (formal) a person who has chosen not to marry; a person who never has sex


Words: cell
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a room for one or more prisoners in a prison or police station\nsee also PADDED CELL\n  2  a small room without much furniture in which a MONK or NUN lives\n  3  the smallest unit of living matter that can exist on its own. All plants and animals are made up of cells:\nred blood cells * the nucleus of a cell\n  4  each of the small sections that together form a larger structure, for example a HONEYCOMB\n  5  a device for producing an electric current, for example by the action of chemicals or light:\na photoelectric cell\n  6  a small group of people who work as part of a larger political organization, especially secretly:\na terrorist cell


Words: cellar
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an underground room often used for storing things:\na coal cellar\n  2  = WINE CELLAR\nsee also SALT CELLAR


Words: cello
Meaning:
noun\n(plural cellos) a musical instrument with strings, shaped like a large violin. The player sits down and holds the cello between his or her knees.


Words: cellular
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with or consisting of the cells of plants or animals:\ncellular structure / processes\n  2  connected with a telephone system that works by radio instead of wires:\na cellular network * cellular radio\n  3  (BrE) (of fabric) loosely woven for extra warmth:\ncellular blankets


Words: cellulite
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of fat that some people get below their skin, which stops the surface of the skin looking smooth


Words: celluloid
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a thin transparent plastic material made in sheets, used in the past for photographic film\n  2  (old-fashioned) used as a way of referring to films/movies


Words: cellulose
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a natural substance that forms the cell walls of all plants and trees and is used in making plastics, paper, etc.\n  2  any compound of cellulose used in making paint, LACQUER, etc.


Words: Celsius
Meaning:
(also centigrade) adjective\n(abbreviation C) of or using a scale of temperature in which water freezes at 0ｰ and boils at 100ｰ:\nIt will be a mild night, around nine degrees Celsius. * the Celsius Scale\n    Celsius noun [U]:\ntemperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit


Words: Celt
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a member of a race of people from western Europe who settled in Ancient Britain before the Romans came\n  2  a person whose ancestors were Celts, especially one from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Cornwall or Brittany


Words: cement
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n [U]\n \n  1  a grey powder made by burning clay and LIME that sets hard when it is mixed with water. Cement is used in building to stick bricks together and to make very hard surfaces:\nUse a mixture of one part cement to four parts sand.\n \n  2  the hard substance that is formed when cement becomes dry and hard:\na floor of cement * a cement floor\nsee also CONCRETE, MORTAR\n \n  3  a soft substance that becomes hard when dry and is used for sticking things together or filling in holes:\ndental cement (= for filling holes in teeth)\n  4  something that unites people in a common interest:\nvalues which are the cement of society\n    verb [VN] \n  1  [often passive] ~ A and B (together) to join two things together using cement, glue, etc.\n  2  to make a relationship, an agreement, etc. stronger:\nThe President’s visit was intended to cement the alliance between the two countries.


Words: cement mixer
Meaning:
(also concrete mixer) noun\na machine with a drum that holds sand, water and cement and turns to mix them together


Words: cemetery
Meaning:
noun\n(plural cemeteries) an area of land used for burying dead people, especially one that is not beside a church\ncompare CHURCHYARD, GRAVEYARD


Words: censer
Meaning:
noun\na container for holding and burning INCENSE (= a substance that produces a pleasant smell), especially during religious ceremonies


Words: censor
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a person whose job is to examine books, films/movies, etc. and remove parts which are considered offensive, immoral or politically dangerous\n    verb [VN] to remove the parts of a book, film/movie, etc. that are considered offensive, immoral or politically dangerous:\nThe news reports had been heavily censored.


Words: censorious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) tending to criticize people or things a lot:\nShe fixed her daughter with a censorious eye.


Words: censorship
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act or policy of CENSORING books, etc:\npress censorship * The decree imposed strict censorship of the media.


Words: censure
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] (formal) strong criticism:\na vote of censure on the government’s foreign policy\n    verb [VN] ~ sb (for sth) (formal) to criticize sb severely, and often publicly, because of sth they have done:\nHe was censured by the council for leaking information to the press.


Words: census
Meaning:
noun\n(plural censuses) the process of officially counting sth, especially a country’s population, and recording various facts:\nto take a census * a census of birds / churchgoers / population * according to 1991 census figures


Words: cent
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation c, ct) a coin and unit of money worth 1% of the main unit of money in many countries, for example of the US dollar\nsee also PER CENT, RED CENT


Words: centaur
Meaning:
noun\n(in ancient Greek stories) a creature with a man’s head, arms and upper body on a horse’s body and legs


Words: centenary
Meaning:
(plural centenaries) (BrE) (also centennial AmE, BrE) noun\nthe 100th anniversary of an event:\nThe club will celebrate its centenary next year. * the centenary year * centenary celebrations\nsee also BICENTENARY, TERCENTENARY


Words: centennial
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) = CENTENARY:\nThe year 1889 was the centennial of the inauguration of George Washington.\nsee also BICENTENNIAL


Words: centi-
Meaning:
combining form (in nouns)\n  1  hundred:\ncentipede\n  2  (often used in units of measurement) one HUNDREDTH:\ncentimetre


Words: centigrade
Meaning:
adjective\n= CELSIUS(abbreviation C):\na temperature of 40 degrees centigrade\n    centigrade noun [U]:\ntemperatures in centigrade and Fahrenheit


Words: centilitre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE centiliter)  noun\n(abbreviation cl) a unit for measuring liquids. There are 100 centilitres in a litre.


Words: centimetre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE centimeter)  noun\n(abbreviation cm) a unit for measuring length. There are 100 centimetres in a metre.


Words: central
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  most important; main:\nThe central issue is that of widespread racism. * She has been a central figure in the campaign. * Prevention also plays a central role in traditional medicine. * Reducing inflation is central to (= is an important part of) the government’s economic policy.\n  2  having power or control over other parts:\nthe central committee (= of a political party) * The organization has a central office in York. * The car has power steering and a central locking system.\n  3  in the centre of an area or object:\ncentral London * Central America / Europe / Asia * There will be rain later in central and eastern parts of the country. * the central area of the brain\n  4  easily reached from many areas:\nThe flat is very central-just five minutes from Princes Street. * a central location\n    centrality  noun [U] (formal):\nthe centrality of the family as a social institution\n    centrally  adverb:\nThe hotel is centrally located for all major attractions. * a centrally planned economy * Is the house centrally heated (= does it have central heating)?


Words: central bank
Meaning:
noun\na national bank that does business with the government and other banks, and ISSUES the country’s coins and paper money


Words: central government
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the government of a whole country, rather than LOCAL GOVERNMENT which is concerned with smaller areas


Words: central heating
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a system for heating a building from one source which then pumps the hot water or hot air through pipes all around the building:\ngas-fired central heating


Words: central nervous system
Meaning:
noun\n(anatomy) the part of the system of nerves in the body that consists of the brain and the SPINAL CORD\nsee also NERVOUS SYSTEM


Words: central processing unit
Meaning:
noun\n(computing) (abbreviation CPU) the part of a computer that controls all the other parts of the system


Words: central reservation
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE median, median strip) noun\na narrow strip of land that separates the two sides of a motorway/freeway


Words: centralism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a way of organizing sth, such as government or education, that involves one central group of people controlling the whole system\n    centralist adjective:\ncentralist control of schools


Words: centralize
Meaning:
(BrE also centralise)  verb\n[VN] to give the control of a country or an organization to a group of people in one particular place:\na highly centralized system of government\n    centralization, centralisation  noun [U]:\nthe centralization of political power


Words: centre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE center)  noun, verb \n    noun\n [VN]\n \n  middle\n \n  1  [C] the middle point or part of sth:\nthe centre of a circle * a long table in the centre of the room * chocolates with soft centres\n \n  town / city\n \n  2  [C] (especially BrE) (AmE usually downtown [usually sing.]) the main part of a town or city where there are a lot of shops/stores and offices:\nin the town / city centre * the centre of town * a town centre car park\n \n  3  [C] a place or an area where a lot of people live; a place where a lot of business or cultural activity takes place:\nmajor urban / industrial centres * a centre of population * Small towns in South India serve as economic and cultural centres for the surrounding villages.\n  building\n  4  [C] a building or place used for a particular purpose or activity:\na shopping / sports / leisure / community centre * the Centre for Policy Studies\n  of excellence\n  5  [C] ~ of excellence a place where a particular kind of work is done extremely well:\nDarlington could become a regional centre of excellence for nursery nurse training.\n  of attention\n  6  [C, usually sing.] the point towards which people direct their attention:\nChildren like to be the centre of attention. * The prime minister is at the centre of a political row over leaked Cabinet documents.\n  -centred\n  7  (in adjectives) having the thing mentioned as the most important feature or FOCUS (= point) of attention:\na child-centred approach to teaching\nsee also SELF-CENTRED\n  in politics\n  8  (usually the centre) [sing.] a MODERATE (= middle) political position or party, between the extremes of LEFT-WING and RIGHT-WING parties:\na party of the centre * Are her views to the left or right of centre? * a centre party\n  in sport\n  9  [C] = CENTRE FORWARD\n IDIOMS  see FRONT n., LEFT adv.\n    verb [VN] to move sth so that it is in the centre of sth else:\nCarefully centre the photograph on the page and stick it in place.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  centre around / on / round / upon sb/sth | centre sth around / on / round / upon sb/sth to be or make sb/sth become the person or thing around which most activity, etc. takes place:\nState occasions always centred around the king himself. * Discussions were centred on developments in Eastern Europe.\n  centre sth in ... [usually passive] to make somewhere the place where an activity or event takes place:\nMost of the fighting was centred in the north of the capital.


Words: centre back
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE center back) noun\n(in football and some other sports) a player or position in the middle of the back line of players


Words: centre forward
Meaning:
(also centre) (both BrE) (AmE center forward, center) noun\n(in football and some other sports) a player or position in the middle of the front line of players


Words: centre half
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE center half) noun\n(in football and some other sports) a player or position in the middle of the HALFBACK line of players


Words: centre of gravity
Meaning:
noun\n(plural centres of gravity) the point in an object around which its MASS (= weight) is evenly DISTRIBUTED (= spread)


Words: centre stage
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE center stage) noun\n[U] an important position where sb/sth can easily get people’s attention:\nEducation is taking centre stage in the government’s plans. * The Balkans continue to occupy centre stage in world affairs.\n    centre stage adverb:\nThe minister said, ’We are putting full employment centre stage’.


Words: centreboard
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE centerboard)  noun\na board that can be lowered through a hole in the bottom of a sailing boat to keep it steady when sailing


Words: centrefold
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE centerfold)  noun\n  1  a large picture, often of a young woman with few or no clothes on, folded to form the middle pages of a magazine\n  2  a person whose picture is the centrefold of a magazine


Words: centrepiece
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE centerpiece)  noun\n  1  [sing.] the most important item:\nThis treaty is the centrepiece of the government’s foreign policy. * The water lily is obviously the centrepiece of any water garden.\n  2  an ornament or a decoration for the centre of a table


Words: centrifugal force
Meaning:
noun\n(physics) a force that appears to cause an object travelling around a centre to fly outwards and away from its circular path


Words: centrifuge
Meaning:
noun\na machine with a part that spins around to separate substances, for example liquids from solids, by forcing the heavier substance to the outer edge


Words: centrist
Meaning:
noun\na person with political views that are not extreme\nSYN MODERATE\n    centrist adjective:\na centrist politician


Words: century
Meaning:
noun (plural centuries)\n  1  a period of 100 years\n  2  (abbreviation c, cent.) any of the periods of 100 years before or after the birth of Christ:\nthe 20th century (= AD19012000 or 19001999) * eighteenth-century writers * By the close of this century another two billion people will have been born.\n  3  (in cricket) a score of 100 RUNS by one player in one INNINGS\n IDIOMS  see TURN n.


Words: ceramic
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] a pot or other object made of clay that has been made permanently hard by heat:\nan exhibition of ceramics by Picasso\n  2  (ceramics) [U] the art of making and decorating ceramics\n    ceramic adjective:\nceramic tiles


Words: cereal
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] one of various types of grass that produce grains that can be eaten or are used to make flour or bread. Wheat, BARLEY and RYE are all cereals:\ncereal crops\n \n  2  [U] the grain produced by cereal crops\n \n  3  [C, U] food made from the grain of cereals, often eaten for breakfast with milk:\nbreakfast cereals * a bowl of cereal


Words: cerebellum
Meaning:
noun\n(plural cerebellums or cerebella ) (anatomy) the part of the brain at the back of the head that controls the activity of the muscles


Words: cerebral
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  relating to the brain:\na cerebral haemorrhage\n  2  (formal) relating to the mind rather than the feelings\nSYN INTELLECTUAL:\nHis poetry is very cerebral.


Words: cerebral palsy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a medical condition usually caused by brain damage before or at birth that causes the loss of control of movement of the limbs


Words: cerebrum
Meaning:
noun\n(plural cerebra ) (anatomy) the front part of the brain, responsible for thoughts, emotions and personality


Words: ceremonial
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective relating to or used in a ceremony:\nceremonial occasions * a ceremonial sword * The post of mayor is largely ceremonial (= there are no real duties, only ceremonies to attend).\n    ceremonially  adverb \n    noun [U, C] the system of rules and traditions that states how things should be done at a ceremony or formal occasion:\nThe visit was conducted with all due ceremonial. * the ceremonials of the medieval church


Words: ceremonious
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) behaving or performed in an extremely formal way:\nShe unveiled the picture with a ceremonious gesture.\nOPP UNCEREMONIOUS\n    ceremoniously adverb:\nDr North ceremoniously raised his glass to offer a toast.


Words: ceremony
Meaning:
noun (plural ceremonies)\n  1  [C] a public or religious occasion that includes a series of formal or traditional actions:\nan awards / opening ceremony * a wedding / marriage ceremony\n  2  [U] formal behaviour; traditional actions and words used on particular formal occasions:\nThe royal guests were welcomed with pomp and ceremony.\n IDIOMS \n  stand on ceremony (BrE) to behave formally:\nPlease don’t stand on ceremony (= Please be natural and relaxed) with me.\n  without ceremony in a very rough or informal way:\nHe found himself pushed without ceremony out of the house and the door slammed in his face.\nsee also MASTER OF CEREMONIES


Words: cert
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal) a thing that is sure to happen or be successful\nSYN CERTAINTY:\nThat horse is a dead cert for (= is sure to win) the next race.


Words: certain
Meaning:
adjective, pronoun \n    adjective\n  1  ~ (that ...) | ~ (to do sth) | ~ (of sth / of doing sth) that you can rely on to happen or to be true:\nIt is certain that they will agree / They are certain to agree. * She looks certain to win an Oscar. * The climbers face certain death if the rescue today is unsuccessful. * If you want to be certain of getting a ticket, book now. -> SURE\n  2  ~ (that ...) | ~ (of / about sth) firmly believing sth; having no doubts:\nShe wasn’t certain (that) he had seen her. * Are you absolutely certain about this? * I’m not certain who was there. * To my certain knowledge he was somewhere else at the time (= I am sure about it).\n  3  used to mention a particular thing, person or group without giving any more details about it or them:\nFor certain personal reasons I shall not be able to attend. * Certain people might disagree with this. * They refused to release their hostages unless certain conditions were met.\n  4  (formal) used when mentioning a person who has been named, but who is not known:\nIt was a certain Dr Davis who performed the operation.\n  5  slight; noticeable, but difficult to describe:\nThat’s true, to a certain extent. * I felt there was a certain coldness in her manner.\n IDIOMS \n  for certain without doubt:\nI can’t say for certain when we’ll arrive.\n  make certain (that ...) to find out whether sth is definitely true:\nI think there’s a bus at 8 but you’d better call to make certain.\n  make certain of sth / of doing sth to do sth in order to be sure that sth else will happen:\nYou’ll have to leave soon to make certain of getting there on time.\n    pronoun (certain of ...) (formal) used for talking about some members of a group of people or things without giving their names:\nCertain of those present were unwilling to discuss the matter further.


Words: certainly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  without doubt; definitely:\nWithout treatment, she will almost certainly die. * Certainly, the early learning years are crucial to a child’s educational development. * I’m certainly never going there again. * She was certainly attractive but you couldn’t call her beautiful. -> SURELY\n  2  (used in answer to questions) of course:\n’May I see your passport, Mr Scott?’ ’Certainly.’ * ’Do you think all this money will change your life?’ ’Certainly not.’


Words: certainty
Meaning:
noun (plural certainties)\n  1  [C] a thing that is certain:\npolitical / moral certainties * Her return to the team now seems a certainty. * As we start the new millennium the only certainty is change, and lots of it.\n  2  [U] the state of being certain:\nThere is no certainty that the president’s removal would end the civil war. * I can’t say with any certainty where I’ll be next week.


Words: certifiable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (BrE) a person who is certifiable can or should be officially stated to be INSANE: (informal) He’s certifiable (= he’s crazy).\n  2  (especially AmE) good enough to be officially accepted or recommended


Words: certificate
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  (abbreviation cert.)\n \n  1  an official document that may be used to prove that the facts it states are true:\na birth / marriage / death certificate\n \n  2  an official document proving that you have completed a course of study or passed an exam; a qualification obtained after a course of study or an exam:\na Postgraduate Certificate in Education (= a British qualification for teachers) -> DEGREE\n    verb  [VN, VN to inf] (BrE) to give sb an official document proving that they have successfully completed a training course, especially for a particular profession


Words: certificated
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE) having the certificate which shows that the necessary training for a particular job has been done


Words: certification
Meaning:
noun [U] (technical)\n  1  the act of CERTIFYING sth:\nthe medical certification of the cause of death\n  2  the process of giving CERTIFICATES for a course of education:\nthe certification of the exam modules


Words: certify
Meaning:
verb (certifies, certifying, certified, certified)\n  1  ~ sb/sth (as) sth to state officially, especially in writing, that sth is true:\n[V (that)] He handed her a piece of paper certifying (that) she was in good health. * This (= this document) is to certify that ... * [VN-ADJ] He was certified dead on arrival. * The accounts were certified (as) correct by the finance department. [also VN to inf]\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (as sth) to give sb an official document proving that they are qualified to work in a particular profession\n  3  [usually passive] (BrE, law) to officially state that sb is mentally ill, so that they can be given medical treatment:\n[VN] Patients must be certified before they can be admitted to the hospital. [also VN-ADJ]


Words: certitude
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) a feeling of being certain; a thing about which you are certain:\n’You will like Rome,’ he said, with absolute certitude. * the collapse of moral certitudes


Words: cervical
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun] (anatomy)\n  1  connected with the cervix:\ncervical cancer\n  2  connected with the neck:\nthe cervical spine


Words: cessation
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) the stopping of sth; a pause in sth:\nMexico called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.


Words: cession
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) the act of giving up land or rights, especially to another country after a war\nsee also CEDE


Words: cesspit
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a covered hole or container in the ground for collecting waste from a building, especially from the toilets\n  2  a place where dishonest or immoral people gather:\na cesspit of corruption


Words: CFC
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a type of gas used especially in AEROSOLS (= types of container that release liquid in the form of a spray). CFCs are harmful to the layer of the gas OZONE in the earth’s atmosphere. (abbreviation for ’chlorofluorocarbon’)


Words: chafe
Meaning:
verb\n  1  if skin chafes, or if sth chafes it, it becomes sore because the thing is rubbing against it:\n[V] Her wrists chafed where the rope had been. * [VN] The collar was far too tight and chafed her neck.\n  2  [V] ~ (at / under sth) (formal) to feel annoyed and impatient about sth, especially because it limits what you can do:\nHe soon chafed at the restrictions of his situation. * Young people often go through a phase of chafing under parental control.


Words: chaff
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  the outer covering of the seeds of grain such as wheat, which is separated from the grain before it is eaten\n  2  STRAW (= the dried stems of wheat) and HAY (= dried grass) cut up as food for cows\n IDIOMS  see WHEAT\n    verb [VN] (old-fashioned or formal) to make jokes about sb in a friendly way \nSYN TEASE


Words: chagrin
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) a feeling of being disappointed or annoyed:\nTo her chagrin, neither of her sons became doctors. * Jon had discovered parties, wine and women, much to the chagrin of his parents.\n    chagrined adjective


Words: chain
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  metal rings\n \n  1  [C, U] a series of connected metal rings, used for pulling or fastening things; a length of chain used for a particular purpose:\na short length of chain * She wore a heavy gold chain around her neck. * The mayor wore his chain of office. * a bicycle chain * The prisoners were kept in chains (= with chains around their arms and legs, to prevent them from escaping).\n \n  connected things\n \n  2  [C] a series of connected things or people:\nto set in motion a chain of events * a chain of command (= a system in an organization by which instructions are passed from one person to another) * mountain / island chains * Volunteers formed a human chain to rescue precious items from the burning house.\nsee also FOOD CHAIN\n \n  of shops / hotels\n  3  [C] a group of shops/stores or hotels owned by the same company:\na chain of supermarkets / a supermarket chain\n  restriction\n  4  [C, usually pl.] (formal or literary) a thing that restricts sb’s freedom or ability to do sth:\nthe chains of fear / misery\n  in house buying\n  5  [C, usually sing.] (BrE) a situation in which a number of people selling and buying houses must each complete the sale of their house before buying from the next person\n IDIOMS  see BALL n., LINK n., WEAK\n    verb [VN] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (to sb/sth) | ~ sb/sth (up) to fasten sth with a chain; to fasten sb/sth to another person or thing with a chain, so that they do not escape or get stolen:\nThe doors were always locked and chained. * She chained her bicycle to the gate. * The dog was chained up for the night. * (figurative) I’ve been chained to my desk all week (= because there was so much work).


Words: chain letter
Meaning:
noun\na letter sent to several people asking them to make copies of the letter and send them on to more people


Words: chain mail
Meaning:
(also mail) noun\n[U] ARMOUR (= protective covering for the body worn when fighting) made of small metal rings linked together


Words: chain reaction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (chemistry) a chemical change that forms products which themselves cause more changes and new products\n  2  a series of events, each of which causes the next:\nIt set off a chain reaction in the international money markets.


Words: chain store
Meaning:
(BrE also multiple, multiple store) noun\na shop/store that is one of a series of similar shops/stores owned by the same company


Words: chain-smoke
Meaning:
verb\n[V, VN] to smoke cigarettes continuously, lighting the next one from the one you have just smoked\n    chain-smoker noun


Words: chainsaw
Meaning:
noun\na tool made of a chain with sharp teeth set in it, that is driven by a motor and used for cutting wood


Words: chair
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a piece of furniture for one person to sit on, with a back, a seat and four legs:\na table and chairs * Sit on your chair! * an old man asleep in a chair (= an armchair) * dining / kitchen chairs\nsee also ARMCHAIR, BATH CHAIR, DECKCHAIR, EASY CHAIR, HIGH CHAIR, MUSICAL CHAIRS, ROCKING CHAIR, WHEELCHAIR\n \n  2  (the chair) [sing.] the position of being in charge of a meeting or committee; the person who holds this position:\nShe takes the chair in all our meetings. * Who is in the chair today? * He was elected chair of the city council. * All remarks should be addressed to the chair.\n \n  3  [C] the position of being in charge of a department in a university:\nHe holds the chair of philosophy at Oxford.\n  4  (the chair) [sing.] (AmE, informal) = THE ELECTRIC CHAIR\n    verb [VN] to act as the CHAIRPERSON of a meeting, discussion, etc:\nWho’s chairing the meeting?


Words: chairman
Meaning:
1  the person in charge of a meeting, who tells people when they can speak, etc:\nSir Herbert took it upon himself to act as chairman.\n  2  the person in charge of a committee, a company, etc:\nthe chairman of the board of governors (= of a school) * The chairman of the company presented the annual report. -> GENDER


Words: chairmanship
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the position of a CHAIRMAN or CHAIRWOMAN:\nthe chairmanship of the committee\n  2  [U] the state of being a CHAIRMAN or CHAIRWOMAN:\nunder her skilful chairmanship


Words: chaise longue
Meaning:
(from French)\n  1  a long low seat with a back and one arm, on which the person sitting can stretch out their legs\n  2  (AmE) (also informal chaise lounge) a long chair with a back that can be upright for sitting on or flat for lying on outdoors


Words: chalet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a wooden house with a roof that slopes steeply down over the sides, usually built in mountain areas, especially in Switzerland\n  2  (BrE) a small house or HUT, especially one used by people on holiday/vacation at the sea


Words: chalice
Meaning:
noun\na large cup for holding wine, especially one from which wine is drunk in the Christian COMMUNION service\n IDIOMS  see POISON v.


Words: chalk
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n [U]\n \n  1  a type of soft white stone:\nthe chalk cliffs of southern England\n \n  2  (also chalks [pl.]) a substance similar to chalk made into white or coloured sticks for writing or drawing:\na piece / stick of chalk * drawing diagrams with chalk on the blackboard * a box of coloured chalks\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  chalk and cheese (BrE) if two people or things are like chalk and cheese or as different as chalk and cheese, they are completely different from each other:\nFrank and I will never get along. We’re chalk and cheese.\nmore at LONG adj.\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (up) (on sth) to write or draw sth with chalk:\nShe chalked (up) the day’s menu on the board. * A message was chalked on the door-’Back at 11 o’clock.’ * a chalked outline of a human body * The scores were chalked up on the wall.\n IDIOMS \n  chalk it up to experience (spoken, especially AmE) used to say that you should think of a failure as being sth that you can learn from\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  chalk up sth (informal) to achieve or record a success, points in a game, etc:\nThe team chalked up their tenth win this season. * As a Hollywood actor he has chalked up a number of box-office successes. * They will have chalked up 40 years of marriage this summer.\n  chalk sth up to sth (AmE, informal) to consider that sth is caused by sth:\nWe can chalk that win up to a lot of luck.


Words: challenge
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a new or difficult task that tests sb’s ability and skill:\nan exciting / interesting challenge * The role will be the biggest challenge of his acting career. * to face a challenge (= to have to deal with one) * Destruction of the environment is one of the most serious challenges we face. * Schools must meet the challenge of new technology (= deal with it successfully). * I’m looking forward to the challenge of my new job.\n  2  an invitation or a suggestion to sb that they should enter a competition, fight, etc:\nto accept / take up a challenge * to mount a challenge\n  3  ~ (to sth) a statement or an action that shows that sb refuses to accept sth and questions whether it is right, legal, etc:\nIt was a direct challenge to the president’s authority. * Their legal challenge was unsuccessful.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] to question whether a statement or an action is right, legal, etc.; to refuse to accept sth:\nThe story was completely untrue and was successfully challenged in court. * She does not like anyone challenging her authority. * This discovery challenges traditional beliefs.\n  2  ~ sb (to sth) to invite sb to enter a competition, fight, etc.; to suggest strongly that sb should do sth (especially when you think that they might be unwilling to do it):\n[VN] Mike challenged me to a game of chess. * [VN to inf] The opposition leader challenged the prime minister to call an election.\n  3  [VN] to test sb’s ability and skills, especially in an interesting way:\nThe job doesn’t really challenge her.\n  4  [VN] to order sb to stop and say who they are or what they are doing:\nWe were challenged by police at the border.


Words: challenged
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially AmE) (used with an adverb) a polite way of referring to sb who has a DISABILITY of some sort:\na competition for physically challenged athletes * (humorous) I’m financially challenged at the moment (= I have no money).


Words: challenger
Meaning:
noun\na person who competes with sb else in sport or in politics for an important position that the other person already holds:\nthe official challenger for the world championship title


Words: challenging
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  difficult in an interesting way that tests your ability:\nchallenging work / questions / problems * a challenging and rewarding career as a teacher\n  2  done in a way that invites people to disagree or argue with you, or shows that you disagree with them:\nShe gave him a challenging look. ’Are you really sure?’ she demanded.


Words: chamber
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] a hall in a public building that is used for formal meetings:\nThe members left the council chamber. * the Senate / House chamber\nsee also CHAMBER OF COMMERCE\n \n  2  [C+sing./pl. v.] one of the parts of a parliament:\nthe Lower / Upper Chamber (= in Britain, the House of Commons / House of Lords) * the Chamber of Deputies in the Italian parliament * Under Senate rules, the chamber must vote on the bill by this Friday.\n \n  3  [C] (in compounds) a room used for the particular purpose that is mentioned:\na burial chamber * Divers transfer from the water to a decompression chamber.\nsee also GAS CHAMBER\n  4  [C] an enclosed space in the body, in a plant or in a machine:\nthe chambers of the heart * the rocket’s combustion chamber * the chamber of a gun (= the part that holds the bullets)\n  5  [C] an enclosed space under the ground:\nThey found themselves in a vast underground chamber.\n  6  [C] (old use) a bedroom or private room:\nLady Eleanor was found dead in her chamber.


Words: Chamber of Commerce
Meaning:
noun\na group of local business people who work together to help business and trade in a particular town


Words: chamber pot
Meaning:
noun\na round container that people in the past had in the bedroom and used for URINATING in at night\ncompare POTTY


Words: chamberlain
Meaning:
noun\nan official who managed the home and servants of a king, queen or important family in past centuries


Words: chameleon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a small LIZARD (= a type of reptile) that can change colour according to its surroundings\n  2  (often disapproving) a person who changes their behaviour or opinions according to the situation


Words: chamois
Meaning:
noun (plural chamois)\n  1   [C] an animal like a small deer, that lives in the mountains of Europe and Asia\n  2   (BrE also chamois leather) [U, C] a type of soft leather, made from the skin of goats, sheep, etc.; a piece of this, used especially for cleaning windows\n  3   [U] (AmE) a soft thick cotton fabric, used especially for making shirts


Words: chamomile
Meaning:
(also camomile)  noun\n[U] a plant with a sweet smell and small white and yellow flowers. Its dried leaves and flowers are used to make tea, medicine, etc:\nchamomile tea


Words: champ
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V, VN] (especially of horses) to bite or eat sth noisily\n IDIOMS \n  champing at the bit (informal) impatient to do or start doing sth:\nGerry’s champing at the bit to go to college.\n    noun an informal way of referring to a CHAMPION, often used in newspapers:\nScottish champs celebrate victory!


Words: champagne
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a French SPARKLING white wine (= one with bubbles) that is drunk on special occasions:\na glass of champagne * a champagne reception (= a formal social occasion at which champagne is served) at the Imperial Hotel * There are a number of fine champagnes (= types of champagne) available at very reasonable prices.


Words: champion
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a person, team, etc. that has won a competition, especially in a sport:\nthe world basketball champions * a champion jockey / boxer / swimmer * the reigning champion (= the person who is champion now)\n  2  ~ (of sth) a person who fights for, or speaks in support of, a group of people or a belief:\nShe was a champion of the poor all her life.\n    verb [VN] to fight for or speak in support of a group of people or a belief:\nHe has always championed the cause of gay rights.


Words: championship
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also championships [pl.]) a competition to find the best player or team in a particular sport:\nthe National Basketball Association Championship * He won a silver medal at the European Championships.\n  2  the position of being a champion:\nThey’ve held the championship for the past two years.


Words: chance
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ of doing sth | ~ that ... | ~ of sth happening | ~ of sth a possibility of sth happening, especially sth that you want:\nIs there any chance of getting tickets for tonight? * She has only a slim chance of passing the exam. * There’s a slight chance that he’ll be back in time. * There is no chance that he will change his mind. * What chance is there of anybody being found alive? * Nowadays a premature baby has a very good chance of survival. * The operation has a fifty-fifty chance of success. * The chances are a million to one against being struck by lightning. * an outside chance (= a very small one) -> POSSIBILITY\n  2  [C] ~ (of sth) | ~ (to do sth) | ~ (for sb to do sth) a suitable time or situation when you have the opportunity to do sth:\nWe won’t get another chance of a holiday this year. * Please give me a chance to explain. * It was the chance she had been waiting for. * There will be a chance for parents to look around the school. * Jeff deceived me once already-I won’t give him a second chance. * This is your big chance (= opportunity for success). * Tonight is your last chance to catch the play at your local theatre.\n  3  [C] an unpleasant or dangerous possibility:\nWhen installing electrical equipment don’t take any chances. A mistake could kill. * The car might break down but that’s a chance we’ll have to take.\n  4  [U] the way that some things happen without any cause that you can see or understand\nSYN LUCK:\nI met her by chance (= without planning to) at the airport. * Chess is not a game of chance. * It was pure chance that we were both there. * We’ll plan everything very carefully and leave nothing to chance.\n IDIOMS \n  as chance would have it happening in a way that was lucky, although it was not planned:\nAs chance would have it, John was going to London too, so I went with him.\n  by any chance used especially in questions, to ask whether sth is true, possible, etc:\nAre you in love with him, by any chance?\n  the chances are (that) ... (informal) it is likely that ...:\nThe chances are you won’t have to pay.\n  chance would be a fine thing (BrE, spoken) people say chance would be a fine thing to show that they would like to do or have the thing that sb has mentioned, but that they do not think that it is very likely\n  give sb/sth half a chance to give sb/sth some opportunity to do sth:\nThat dog will give you a nasty bite, given half a chance.\n  no chance (spoken) there is no possibility:\n’Do you think he’ll do it?’ ’No chance.’\n  on the off chance (that) because of the possibility of sth happening, although it is unlikely:\nI didn’t think you’d be at home but I just called by on the off chance.\n  stand a chance (of doing sth) to have the possibility of succeeding or achieving sth:\nThe driver didn’t stand a chance of stopping in time.\n  take a chance (on sth) to decide to do sth, knowing that it might be the wrong choice:\nWe took a chance on the weather and planned to have the party outside.\n  take your chances to take a risk or to use the opportunities that you have and hope that things will happen in the way that you want:\nHe took his chances and jumped into the water.\nmore at CAT, DOG n., EVEN adj., EYE n., FAT adj., FIGHT v., SNOWBALL n., SPORTING\n    verb\n  1  (informal) to risk sth, although you know the result may not be successful:\n[VN] She was chancing her luck driving without a licence. * ’Take an umbrella.’ ’No, I’ll chance it’ (= take the risk that it may rain). * [V -ing] I stayed hidden; I couldn’t chance coming out.\n  2  (written or formal) to happen or to do sth by chance:\n[V to inf] If I do chance to find out where she is, I’ll inform you immediately. * They chanced to be staying at the same hotel. * [V (that)] It chanced (that) they were staying at the same hotel.\n IDIOMS \n  chance your arm (BrE, informal) to take a risk although you will probably fail\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  chance on / upon sb/sth (formal) to find or meet sb/sth unexpectedly or by chance:\nOne day he chanced upon Emma’s diary and began reading it.\n    adjective [only before noun] not planned:\na chance meeting / encounter


Words: chancel
Meaning:
noun\nthe part of a church near the ALTAR, where the priests and the CHOIR (= singers) sit during services


Words: chancellery
Meaning:
noun (plural chancelleries)\n  1  [C, usually sing.] the place where a chancellor has his or her office\n  2  [sing.+sing./pl. v.] the staff in the department of a chancellor


Words: chancellor
Meaning:
(also Chancellor)  noun (often used in a title)\n  1  the head of government in Germany or Austria:\nChancellor Schroder\n  2  (BrE) = CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER:\nMPs waited for the chancellor’s announcement. * the Shadow Chancellor Francis Maude\n  3  the official head of a university in Britain. Chancellor is an HONORARY title.\ncompare VICE CHANCELLOR\n  4  the head of some American universities\n  5  used in the titles of some senior state officials in Britain:\nthe Lord Chancellor (= a senior law official)


Words: chancery
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  (Chancery) (law) a division of the High Court in Britain\n  2  (especially BrE) an office where public records are kept\n  3  (also chancery court) a court of law in the US that decides legal cases based on the principle of EQUITY\n  4  the offices where the official representative of a country works, in another country


Words: chancy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) involving risks and uncertainty\nSYN RISKY:\nWorking for yourself can be a chancy business.


Words: chandelier
Meaning:
noun\na large round frame with branches that hold lights or candles. Chandeliers are decorated with many small pieces of glass and hang from the ceiling:\na crystal chandelier


Words: change
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  become / make different\n  1  [V] to become different:\nRick hasn’t changed. He looks exactly the same as he did at school. * changing attitudes towards education * Her life changed completely when she won the lottery.\n  2  [VN] to make sb/sth different:\nFame hasn’t really changed him. * Information technology has changed the way people work.\n  3  ~ (sb/sth) (from A) to / into B to pass or make sb/sth pass from one state or form into another:\n[V] Caterpillars change into butterflies. * Wait for the traffic lights to change. * The lights changed from red to green. * [VN] With a wave of her magic wand, she changed the frog into a handsome prince.\n  4  [VN] to stop having one state, position or direction and start having another:\nLeaves change colour in autumn. * The wind has changed direction. * Our ship changed course.\n  replace\n  5  [VN] ~ sb/sth (for sb/sth) | ~ sth (to sth) to replace one thing, person, service, etc. with sth new or different:\nI want to change my doctor. * We change our car every two years. * We changed the car for a bigger one. * Marie changed her name when she got married. * She changed her name to his. * That back tyre needs changing.\n  exchange\n  6  [VN] ~ sth (with sb) (used with a plural object) to exchange positions, places, etc. with sb else, so that you have what they have, and they have what you have:\nAt half-time the teams change ends. * Can we change seats? * Can I change seats with you?\n  clothes\n  7  ~ (into sth) | ~ (out of sth) to put on different or clean clothes:\n[V] I went into the bedroom to change. * She changed into her swimsuit. * You need to change out of those wet things. * [VN] (especially BrE) I didn’t have time to get changed before the party (= to put different clothes on). * (especially AmE) I didn’t have time to change clothes before the party.\n  baby\n  8  [VN] to put clean clothes or a clean NAPPY/ DIAPER on a baby:\nShe can’t even change a nappy. * The baby needs changing. * There are baby changing facilities in all our stores.\n  bed\n  9  [VN] to put clean sheets, etc. on a bed:\nto change the sheets * Could you help me change the bed?\n  money\n  10  [VN] ~ sth (into sth) to exchange money into the money of another country:\nWhere can I change my traveller’s cheques? * to change dollars into yen\n  11  [VN] ~ sth (for / into sth) to exchange money for the same amount in different coins or notes:\nCan you change a ｣20 note? * to change a dollar bill for four quarters\n  goods\n  12  [VN] ~ sth (for sth) (BrE) to exchange sth that you have bought for sth else, especially because there is sth wrong with it; to give a customer a new item because there is sth wrong with the one they have bought:\nThis shirt I bought’s too small-I’ll have to change it for a bigger one. * Of course we’ll change it for a larger size, Madam.\n  bus / train / plane\n  13  to go from one bus, train, etc. to another in order to continue a journey:\n[V] Where do I have to change? * Change at Reading (for London). * [VN] I stopped in Moscow only to change planes.\nsee also UNCHANGING\n IDIOMS \n  change hands to pass to a different owner:\nThe house has changed hands several times.\n  change horses in midstream to change to a different or new activity while you are in the middle of sth else; to change from supporting one person or thing to another\n  change your / sb’s mind to change a decision or an opinion:\nNothing will make me change my mind.\n  change your tune (informal) to express a different opinion or behave differently when your situation changes:\nWait until it happens to him-he’ll soon change his tune.\n  change your ways to start to live or behave in a different way from before:\nHe was in trouble with the police as a teenager but now he’s completely changed his ways.\nmore at CHOP v., LEOPARD, PLACE n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  change back (into sb/sth) to return to a previous situation, form, etc:\nOnly time will tell whether things can ever change back to the way they were. * The music changed back to a funky disco beat.\n  change back (into sth) to take off your clothes and put on what you were wearing earlier:\nShe changed back into her work clothes.\n  change sth back (into sth) to exchange an amount of money into the CURRENCY that it was in before:\nYou can change back unused dollars into pounds at the bank.\n  change down (BrE) to start using a lower GEAR when you are driving a car, etc:\nChange down into second. * to change down from fourth (gear) into third\n  change over (from sth) (to sth) to change from one system or position to another:\nThe farm has changed over to organic methods.\nrelated noun CHANGEOVER\n  change up (BrE) to start using a higher GEAR when driving a car, etc:\nChange up into fifth.\n    noun\n  difference\n \n  1  [C, U] ~ (in / to sth) the act or result of sth becoming different:\na change in the weather * important changes to the tax system * There was no change in the patient’s condition overnight. * She is someone who hates change. * social / political / economic change\n \n  sth new and interesting\n \n  2  (a change) [sing.] ~ (from sth) the fact of a situation, a place or an experience being different from what is usual and therefore likely to be interesting, enjoyable, etc:\nFinishing early was a welcome change. * Let’s stay in tonight for a change. * Can you just listen for a change? * It makes a change to read some good news for once.\n \n  replacing sth\n \n  3  [C] ~ (of sth) | ~ (from sth to sth) the process of replacing sth with sth new or different; a thing that is used to replace sth:\na change of address * The country needs a change of government. * a change from agriculture to industry * There will be a crew change when we land at Dubai. * (BrE) Let’s get away for the weekend. A change of scene (= time in a different place) will do you good.\n  of clothes\n  4  ~ of clothes, etc. [C] an extra set of clothes, etc:\nShe packed a change of clothes for the weekend. * I keep a change of shoes in the car.\n  money\n  5  [U] the money that you get back when you have paid for sth giving more money than the amount it costs:\nDon’t forget your change! * That’s 40p change. * The ticket machine gives change.\n  6  [U] coins rather than paper money:\nDo you have any change for the phone? * a pound / dollar in change (= coins that together are worth one pound / dollar) * I didn’t have any small change (= coins of low value) to leave as a tip. * He puts his loose change in a money box for the children. * Could you give me change for a ten pound note (= coins or notes that are worth this amount)?\n  of bus / train / plane\n  7  [C] an occasion when you go from one bus, train or plane to another during a journey:\nThe journey involved three changes.\n IDIOMS \n  a change for the better / worse a person, thing, situation, etc. that is better/worse than the previous or present one:\nVoters see the new leader as a change for the better.\n  a change of heart if you have a change of heart, your attitude towards sth changes, usually making you feel more friendly, helpful, etc:\nDan did not want to get married but recently he’s had a change of heart.\n  the change of life (informal) = MENOPAUSE\n  a change of mind an act of changing what you think about a situation, etc.\n  get no change out of sb (BrE, spoken) to get no help or information from sb:\nWe got no change out of the legal department.\nmore at RING v., WIND n.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nchange / alter / modify / vary\nChange has the most general use and describes any act of making something different: Marriage has changed her. * The rules are always being changed.\nAlter can be used instead of change, especially when you are talking about the differences between one time and another. It can sound more formal: Marriage has altered her. * The rules are always being altered.\nYou also alter something by making a difference in its appearance, character or use: Some of my old dresses will have to be altered to fit me now. You cannot use change here.\nModify is more formal than change and suggests making something more suitable for a particular situation: Adults often modify their language when talking to young children. It is also the word you use when you are talking about making changes to the design of something: The design of the car has been modified for racing.\nVary describes something that changes often, especially so that it remains interesting and effective: I think you need to vary your diet a little more.\nChange, alter and vary can also be used without an object: You never change/alter. * Opinions on this vary quite a lot.\n______________________________


Words: changeable
Meaning:
adjective\nlikely to change; often changing:\nThe weather is very changeable at this time of year. * She experienced changeable moods and panic attacks.\ncompare UNCHANGEABLE\n    changeability  noun [U]


Words: changed
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of people or situations) very different from what they were before:\nShe’s a changed woman since she got that job. * This will not be possible in the changed economic climate.\nOPP UNCHANGED


Words: changeling
Meaning:
noun\n(literary) a child who is believed to have been secretly left in exchange for another, especially (in stories) by FAIRIES


Words: changeover
Meaning:
noun\na change from one system, or method of working to another:\nthe changeover from a manual to a computerized system * a changeover period


Words: channel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  on television / radio\n  1  [C] a television station:\nWhat’s on Channel 4 tonight? * a movie / sports channel * to change / switch channels\n  2  [C] a band of radio waves used for broadcasting television or radio programmes:\nterrestrial / satellite channels\n  for communicating\n  3  [C] (also channels [pl.]) a method or system that people use to get information, to communicate, or to send sth somewhere:\nComplaints must be made through the proper channels. * The newsletter is a useful channel of communication between teacher and students. * The company has worldwide distribution channels. * Steps are being taken to implement a ceasefire through diplomatic channels.\n  for ideas / feelings\n  4  [C] a way of expressing ideas and feelings:\nThe campaign provided a channel for protest against the war. * Music is a great channel for releasing your emotions.\n  water\n  5  [C] a passage that water can flow along, especially in the ground, on the bottom of a river, etc:\ndrainage channels in the rice fields\n  6  [C] a deep passage of water in a river or near the coast that can be used as route for ships\n  7  [C] a passage of water that connects two areas of water, especially two seas:\nthe Bristol Channel\n  8  (the Channel) [sing.] the area of sea between England and France, also known as the English Channel:\nthe Channel Tunnel * cross-Channel ferries\n    verb (-ll-, AmE usually -l-) [VN]\n  ideas / feelings\n  1  ~ sth (into sth) to direct money, feelings, ideas, etc. towards a particular thing or purpose:\nHe channels his aggression into sport.\n  money / help\n  2  ~ sth (through sth) to send money, help, etc. using a particular route:\nMoney for the project will be channelled through local government.\n  water / light\n  3  to carry or send water, light, etc. through a passage:\nA sensor channels the light signal along an optical fibre.


Words: chant
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] words or phrases that a group of people shout or sing again and again:\nThe crowd broke into chants of ’Out! Out!’ * football chants\n  2  [C, U] a religious song or prayer or a way of singing, using only a few notes that are repeated many times:\na Buddhist chant\nsee also GREGORIAN CHANT\n    verb\n  1  to sing or shout the same words or phrases many times:\n[VN] The crowd chanted their hero’s name. * [V] A group of protesters, chanting and carrying placards, waited outside. * [V speech] ’Resign! Resign!’ they chanted.\n  2  [V, VN] to sing or say a religious song or prayer using only a few notes that are repeated many times\n    chanting noun [U]:\nThe chanting rose in volume.


Words: chantry
Meaning:
noun\n(plural chantries) (also chantry chapel) a small church or part of a church paid for by sb, so that priests could say prayers for them there after their death


Words: chaos
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a state of complete confusion and disorder:\neconomic / political / domestic chaos * Heavy snow has caused total chaos on the roads. * The house was in chaos after the party. * The country was thrown / plunged into chaos by the President’s death.


Words: chaos theory
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (mathematics) the study of a group of connected things that are very sensitive so that small changes in conditions affect them very much


Words: chaotic
Meaning:
adjective\nin a state of complete confusion and disorder:\nThe traffic in the city is chaotic in the rush hour.\n    chaotically  adverb:\nThe office was chaotically busy today.


Words: chap
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal, becoming old-fashioned) used to talk about a man in a friendly way:\nHe isn’t such a bad chap really. * Come on, chaps, let’s go for a drink!


Words: chapel
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a small building or room used for Christian worship in a school, prison, large private house, etc:\na college chapel\n  2  [C] a separate part of a church or CATHEDRAL, with its own ALTAR, used for some services and private prayer:\na Lady chapel (= a chapel DEDICATED to Mary, the mother of Jesus)\n  3  [C, U] (BrE) the word for a church used in some Christian DENOMINATIONS, for example by Nonconformists in Britain:\na Methodist chapel * a Mormon chapel * She always went to chapel on Sundays.\n  4  [C] a small church:\na tiny chapel in the mountains\n  5  [C] a small building or room used for funeral services, especially at a CEMETERY or CREMATORIUM:\na chapel of rest\n  6  [C+sing./pl. v.] (BrE) a branch of a trade union in a newspaper office or printing house; the members of the branch


Words: chaperone
Meaning:
(BrE also chaperon)  noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (in the past) an older woman who, on social occasions, took care of a young woman who was not married\n  2  a person who takes care of children in public, especially when they are working, for example as actors\n  3  (AmE) a person, such as a parent or a teacher, who goes with a group of young people on a trip or to a dance to encourage good behaviour\n    verb [VN] to act as a chaperone for sb, especially a woman


Words: chaplain
Meaning:
noun\na priest or other Christian minister who is responsible for the religious needs of people in a prison, hospital, etc. or in the armed forces\ncompare PADRE, PRIEST


Words: chaps
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] protective leather coverings worn over trousers/pants by COWBOYS, etc. when riding a horse:\na pair of chaps


Words: chapter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (abbreviation chap.) [C] a separate section of a book, usually with a number or title:\nI’ve just finished Chapter 3. * in the previous / next / last chapter * Have you read the chapter on the legal system?\n  2  [C] a period of time in a person’s life or in history:\na difficult chapter in our country’s history\n  3  [C+sing./pl. v.] all the priests of a CATHEDRAL or members of a religious community:\na meeting of the dean and chapter\n  4  [C] (especially AmE) a local branch of a society, club, etc:\nthe local chapter of the Rotary club\n IDIOMS \n  chapter and verse the exact details of sth, especially the exact place where particular information may be found:\nI can’t give chapter and verse, but that’s the rough outline of our legal position.\n  a chapter of accidents (BrE, written) a series of unfortunate events:\nThe whole affair has been a chapter of accidents from start to finish.


Words: char
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-rr-)\n  1  [V, VN] to become black by burning; to make sth black by burning it\nsee also CHARRED\n  2  [V] (old-fashioned, BrE) to work as a cleaner in a house:\nShe went out charring in the mornings.\n    noun (old-fashioned, BrE)\n  1  [C] = CHARWOMAN\n  2  [U] (informal) tea:\na cup of char


Words: character
Meaning:
noun\n  qualities / features\n  1  [C, usually sing.] all the qualities and features that make a person, groups of people, and places different from others:\nto have a strong / weak character * character traits / defects * The book gives a fascinating insight into Mrs Blair’s character. * Generosity is part of the American character. * The character of the neighbourhood hasn’t changed at all.\n  2  [C, usually sing, U] the way that sth is, or a particular quality or feature that a thing, an event or a place has:\nthe delicate character of the light in the evening * The police pointed out the illegal character of the protest action. * buildings that are very simple in character\n  3  [U] (approving) strong personal qualities such as the ability to deal with difficult or dangerous situations:\nEveryone admires her strength of character and determination. * He showed great character returning to the sport after his accident. * Adventure camps are considered to be character-building (= meant to improve sb’s strong qualities).\n  4  [U] (usually approving) the interesting or unusual quality that a place or a person has:\nThe modern hotels here have no real character. * a face with a lot of character\n  strange / interesting person\n  5  [C] (informal) (used with an adjective) a person, particularly an unpleasant or strange one:\nThere were some really strange characters hanging around the bar.\n  6  [C] (informal) an interesting or unusual person:\nShe’s a character!\n  reputation\n  7  [C, U] (formal) the opinion that people have of you, particularly of whether you can be trusted or relied on:\na man of good character and integrity * She was a victim of character assassination (= an unfair attack on the good opinion people had of her). * a slur / attack on his character * My teacher agreed to be a character witness for me in court. * a character reference (= a letter sb who knows you well writes to an employer to tell them about your good qualities)\n  in book / play / movie\n  8  [C] a person or an animal in a book, play or film/movie:\na major / minor character in the book * cartoon characters * Clint Eastwood’s character is the most sympathetic in the movie.\n  symbol / letter\n  9  [C] a letter, sign, mark or symbol used in writing, printing or on computers:\nChinese characters * a line 30 characters long * optical character recognition\n IDIOMS \n  in character | out of character typical/not typical of a person’s character:\nHer behaviour last night was completely out of character.\n  in character (with sth) in the same style as sth:\nThe new wing of the museum was not really in character with the rest of the building.


Words: characteristic
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective ~ (of sth/sb) very typical of sth or of sb’s character:\nShe spoke with characteristic enthusiasm.\nOPP UNCHARACTERISTIC\n    characteristically adverb:\nCharacteristically, Helen paid for everyone.\n    noun ~ (of sth/sb) a typical feature or quality that sth/sb has:\nThe need to communicate is a key characteristic of human society. * The two groups of children have quite different characteristics. * Personal characteristics, such as age, sex and marital status are taken into account. * genetic characteristics


Words: characterization
Meaning:
(BrE also characterisation)  noun [U, C]\n  1  the way that a writer makes characters in a book or play seem real:\na work of comic brilliance and masterly characterization * The film is worth seeing for its fine characterizations.\n  2  (formal) the way in which sb/sth is described or defined:\nthe characterization of physics as the study of simplicity


Words: characterize
Meaning:
(BrE also characterise)  verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to be typical of a person, place or thing:\nthe rolling hills that characterize this part of England\n  2  [often passive] to give sth its typical or most noticeable qualities or features:\nThe city is characterized by tall modern buildings in steel and glass.\n  3  ~ sb/sth (as sth) to describe or show the qualities of sb/sth in a particular way:\nactivities that are characterized as ’male’ or ’female’ work * How would you characterize the mood of the 1990s?


Words: charade
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a situation in which people pretend that sth is true when it clearly is not:\nTheir whole marriage had been a charade-they had never loved each other.\n  2  (charades) [U] a game in which one player acts out the syllables of a word or title and the other players try to guess what it is:\nLet’s play charades.


Words: charcoal
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a black substance made by burning wood slowly in an oven with little air. Charcoal is used as a fuel or for drawing:\ncharcoal grilled steaks * a charcoal drawing\n  2  (also charcoal grey) a very dark grey colour


Words: charge
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  money\n  1  [C, U] ~ (for sth) the amount of money that sb asks for goods and services:\nWe have to make a small charge for refreshments. * admission charges * Delivery is free of charge. -> PRICE\n  2  [C, U] (AmE, informal) = CHARGE ACCOUNT, CREDIT ACCOUNT:\nWould you like to put that on your charge? * ’Are you paying cash?’ ’No, it’ll be a charge.’\n  of crime / sth wrong\n  3  [C, U] an official claim made by the police that sb has committed a crime:\ncriminal charges * a murder / assault charge * He will be sent back to England to face a charge of (= to be on trial for) armed robbery. * They decided to drop the charges against the newspaper and settle out of court. * After being questioned by the police, she was released without charge. * a charge of theft / rape / attempted murder\n  4  [C] a statement accusing sb of doing sth wrong or bad:\nShe rejected the charge that the story was untrue. * Be careful you don’t leave yourself open to charges of political bias.\n  responsibility\n  5  [U] a position of having control over sb/sth; responsibility for sb/sth:\nShe has charge of the day-to-day running of the business. * They left the au pair in charge of the children for a week. * He took charge of the farm after his father’s death. * I’m leaving the school in your charge.\n  6  [C] (formal or humorous) a person that you have responsibility for and care for\n  electricity\n  7  [C, U] the amount of electricity that is put into a battery or carried by a substance:\na positive / negative charge\n  rush / attack\n  8  [C] a sudden rush or violent attack, for example by soldiers, wild animals or players of a game such as football:\nHe led the charge down the field.\n  explosive\n  9  [C] the amount of explosive material needed to fire a gun or make an explosion\nsee also DEPTH CHARGE\n  strong feeling\n  10  [sing.] the power to cause strong feelings:\nthe emotional charge of the piano piece\n  task\n  11  [sing.] (formal) a task or duty:\nHis charge was to obtain specific information.\n IDIOMS \n  bring / press / prefer charges against sb (law) to accuse sb formally of a crime so that there can be a trial in a court of law\n  get a charge out of sth (AmE) to get a strong feeling of excitement or pleasure from sth\nmore at REVERSE v.\n    verb\n  money\n  1  ~ (sb/sth) for sth | ~ (sb) sth (for sth) to ask an amount of money for goods or a service:\n[VN] What did they charge for the repairs? * The restaurant charged ｣20 for dinner. * We won’t charge you for delivery. * They’re charging ｣3 for the catalogue. * Calls are charged at 36p per minute. * [VNN] He only charged me half price. * [V] Do you think museums should charge for admission? [also V to inf, VN to inf]\n  2  [VN] ~ sth to sth to record the cost of sth as an amount that sb has to pay:\nThey charge the calls to their credit-card account. * (AmE) Don’t worry. I’ll charge it (= pay by credit card).\n  with crime / sth wrong\n  3  [VN] ~ sb (with sth / with doing sth) to accuse sb formally of a crime so that there can be a trial in a court of law:\nHe was charged with murder. * Several people were arrested but nobody was charged.\n  4  [VN] ~ sb (with sth / with doing sth) (formal) to accuse sb publicly of doing sth wrong or bad:\nOpposition MPs charged the minister with neglecting her duty.\n  rush / attack\n  5  to rush forward and attack sb/sth:\n[V] The bull put its head down and charged. * We charged at the enemy. [also VN]\n  6  [V +adv./prep.] to rush in a particular direction:\nThe children charged down the stairs. * He came charging into my room and demanded to know what was going on.\n  with responsibility / task\n  7  [VN] (usually passive) ~ sb with sth (formal) to give sb a responsibility or task:\nThe committee has been charged with the development of sport in the region. * The governing body is charged with managing the school within its budget.\n  with electricity\n  8  [VN] ~ (sth) (up) to pass electricity through sth so that it is stored there:\nBefore use, the battery must be charged. * The shaver can be charged up and used when travelling.\n  with strong feeling\n  9  [VN] (usually passive) ~ sth (with sth) (written) to fill sb with an emotion:\nThe room was charged with hatred. * a highly charged atmosphere\n  glass\n  10  [VN] (BrE, formal) to fill a glass:\nPlease charge your glasses and drink a toast to the bride and groom!\n  gun\n  11  [VN] (old use) to load a gun


Words: charge capping
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) the act of setting a limit on the amount of money that the local government of an area can charge people in order to pay for public services


Words: charge card
Meaning:
noun\na small plastic card provided by a shop/store which you use to buy goods there, paying for them later\nsee also CREDIT CARD


Words: charge d’affaires
Meaning:
(from French)\n  1  an official who takes the place of an AMBASSADOR in a foreign country when he or she is away\n  2  an official below the rank of AMBASSADOR who acts as the senior representative of his or her country in a foreign country where there is no AMBASSADOR


Words: charge sheet
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a record kept in a police station of the names of people that the police have stated to be guilty of a crime (= that they have charged)


Words: charge-cap
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (BrE) (of a government) to put an upper limit on the amount of money that a local council can charge, especially for public services


Words: chargeable sth
Meaning:
1  (of a sum of money) that must be paid by sb:\nAny expenses you may incur will be chargeable to the company.\n  2  (of income or other money that you earn) that you must pay tax on:\nchargeable earnings / income


Words: charger
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a piece of equipment for loading a battery with electricity\n  2  (old use) a horse that a soldier or KNIGHT rode in battle in the past:\nknights on white chargers


Words: chariot
Meaning:
noun\nan open vehicle with two wheels, pulled by horses, used in ancient times in battle and for racing


Words: charisma
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the powerful personal quality that some people have to attract and impress other people:\nThe President has great personal charisma. * a lack of charisma


Words: charismatic
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  having charisma:\na charismatic figure / leader / personality\n  2  (of a Christian religious group) believing in special gifts from God; worshipping in a very enthusiastic way:\nthe charismatic movement\n    noun (often Charismatic) a charismatic Christian


Words: charitable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with a charity or charities:\na charitable institution / foundation / trust * a charitable donation / gift * (BrE) to have charitable status (= to be an official charity)\n  2  helping people who are poor or in need:\nHis later years were devoted largely to charitable work.\n  3  kind in your attitude to other people, especially when you are judging them:\nLet’s be charitable and assume she just made a mistake.\nOPP UNCHARITABLE\n    charitably  adverb:\nTry to think about him a little more charitably.


Words: charity
Meaning:
noun (plural charities)\n  1  [C] an organization for helping people in need:\nMany charities sent money to help the victims of the famine. * The concert will raise money for local charities.\n  2  [U] the aim of giving money, food, help, etc. to people who are in need:\nMost of the runners in the London Marathon are raising money for charity. * Do you give much to charity? * a charity concert (= organized to get money for charity) * to live on / off charity (= to live on money which other people give you because you are poor)\n  3  [U] (formal) kindness and sympathy towards other people, especially when you are judging them:\nHer article showed no charity towards her former friends.\n IDIOMS \n  charity begins at home (saying) you should help and care for your own family, etc. before you start helping other people


Words: charlatan
Meaning:
noun\na person who claims to have knowledge or skills that they do not really have:\nHe knows nothing about medicine-he’s a complete charlatan.


Words: charm
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] the power of pleasing or attracting people:\na man of great charm * The hotel is full of charm and character.\n  2  [C] a feature or quality that is pleasing or attractive:\nher physical charms (= her beauty)\n  3  [C] a small object worn on a chain or BRACELET, that is believed to bring good luck:\na lucky charm * a charm bracelet\n  4  [C] an act or words believed to have magic power\nSYN SPELL\n IDIOMS \n  work like a charm to be immediately and completely successful:\nThose new pills you gave me worked like a charm.\nmore at THIRD\n    verb\n  1  to please or attract sb in order to make them like you or do what you want:\n[VN] He was charmed by her beauty and wit. * [V] Her words had lost their power to charm.\n  2  [VN] to control or protect sb/sth using magic, or as if using magic:\nHe has led a charmed life (= he has been lucky even in dangerous or difficult situations).\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  charm sth out of sb to obtain sth such as information, money, etc. from sb by using charm:\nShe managed to charm his address out of the porter.


Words: charm offensive
Meaning:
noun\na situation in which a person, for example a politician, is especially friendly and pleasant in order to get other people to like them and to support their point of view


Words: charmed circle
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (written) a group of people who have special influence:\nthe charmed circle of the senator’s advisers


Words: charmer
Meaning:
noun\na person who acts in a way that makes them attractive to other people, sometimes using this to influence others\nsee also SNAKE CHARMER


Words: charming
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very pleasant or attractive:\nThe cottage is tiny, but it’s charming. * She’s a charming person. * What a charming name.\n  2  (ironic, spoken) used to show that you have a low opinion of sb’s behaviour:\nThey left me to tidy it all up myself. Charming, wasn’t it?\n    charmingly adverb


Words: chart
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a page or sheet of information in the form of diagrams, lists of figures, etc:\na weather chart * a sales chart (= showing the level of a company’s sales)\nsee also BAR CHART, FLOW CHART, PIE CHART\n \n  2  [C] a detailed map of the sea:\na naval chart\n \n  3  (the charts) [pl.] (especially BrE) a list, produced each week, of the pop music records that have sold the most copies:\n’Two Tribes’ went straight into the charts at number 1. * to top the charts (= to be the record that has sold more copies than all the others) * a chart hit\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to record or follow the progress or development of sb/sth:\nThe exhibition charts the history of the palace. * His job was to chart the progress of the spacecraft.\n  2  to plan a course of action:\nShe had carefully charted her route to the top of her profession.\n  3  to make a map of an area\nSYN MAP:\nCook charted the coast of New Zealand in 1768.


Words: charter
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a written statement describing the rights that a particular group of people should have:\nthe European Union’s Social Charter of workers’ rights * a rail passenger’s charter * a charter of rights for people with disabilities\n  2  [C] a written statement of the principles and aims of an organization \nSYN CONSTITUTION:\nthe United Nations Charter\n  3  [C] an official document stating that a ruler or government allows a new organization, town or university to be established and gives it particular rights and privileges:\nThe Royal College received its charter as a university in 1967. * Certain towns were allowed to hold weekly markets, by royal charter.\n  4  [sing.] ~ (for sth) (BrE) a law or policy that seems likely to help criminals:\nThe new law will be a charter for unscrupulous financial advisers. * a blackmailer’s charter\n  5  [U] the hiring of a plane, boat, etc:\na yacht available for charter\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to hire/rent a plane, boat, etc. for your own use:\na chartered plane * They flew to Athens and then chartered a boat to the island.\n  2  to state officially that a new organization, town or university has been established and has special rights and privileges


Words: charter flight
Meaning:
noun\na flight in an aircraft in which all the seats are paid for by a travel company and then sold to their customers, usually at a lower cost than that of a SCHEDULED FLIGHT


Words: chartered
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (BrE) qualified according to the rules of a professional organization that has a royal charter:\na chartered surveyor / engineer\n  2  (of an aircraft, a ship or a boat) hired for a particular purpose:\na chartered plane


Words: chartreuse
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a green or yellow LIQUEUR (= a strong sweet alcoholic drink)\n  2  a pale yellow or pale green colour


Words: charwoman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural charwomen ) (BrE also char, charlady) (old-fashioned) a woman whose job is to clean a house, an office building, etc.


Words: chary
Meaning:
adjective\n~ of sth / of doing sth not willing to risk doing sth; fearing possible problems if you do sth \nSYN WARY


Words: chase
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  run / drive after\n  1  [VN] ~ (after) sb/sth to run, drive, etc. after sb/sth in order to catch them:\n[VN] My dog likes chasing rabbits. * The kids chased each other around the kitchen table. * We were chased by a bull while crossing the field. * [V] He chased after the burglar but couldn’t catch him.\n  money / work / success\n  2  [VN] to try to obtain or achieve sth, for example money, work or success:\nToo many people are chasing too few jobs nowadays. * The team is chasing its first win in five games.\n  man / woman\n  3  ~ (after) sb (informal) to try to persuade sb to have a sexual relationship with you:\n[V] Kevin’s been chasing after Jan for months. * [VN] Girls are always chasing him.\n  remind sb\n  4  [VN] (informal) to persuade sb to do sth that they should have done already:\nI need to chase him about organizing the meeting.\n  rush\n  5  [V +adv./prep.] (informal) to rush or hurry somewhere:\nI’ve been chasing around town all morning looking for a present for Sharon.\n  metal\n  6  [VN] (technical) to cut patterns or designs on metal:\nchased silver\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  chase sb/sth<->away, off, out, etc. to force sb/sth to run away:\nChase the cat out-we don’t want her in the kitchen. * This particular fish chases off any other fish that enters its territory.\n  chase sb<->up\n1 to remind sb to do sth that they should have done already:\nWe need to chase up all members who have not yet paid.\n2 (BrE) (AmE chase sth<->down) to find sth that is needed; to deal with sth that has been forgotten:\nMy job was to chase up late replies.\n    noun\n  running / driving after\n  1  [C] (often used with the) an act of running or driving after sb/sth in order to catch them:\nThe thieves were caught by police after a short chase. * a high-speed car chase * We lost him in the narrow streets and had to give up the chase (= stop chasing him). * to take up the chase (= start chasing sb) * The chase is on!\n  for success / money / work\n  2  [sing.] a process of trying hard to get sth:\nThree teams are involved in the chase for the championship. * the title chase\n  in sport\n  3  (the chase) [sing.] hunting animals as a sport:\nShe enjoyed the thrill of the chase.\n  4  [C] = STEEPLECHASE\nsee also WILD GOOSE CHASE\n IDIOMS \n  give chase to begin to run after sb/sth in order to catch them:\nWe gave chase along the footpath.


Words: chaser
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a drink that you have after another of a different kind, for example a stronger alcoholic drink after a weak one:\na beer with a whisky chaser\n  2  a horse for STEEPLECHASE racing (= in which horses must jump over a series of fences)


Words: chasm
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (literary) a deep crack or opening in the ground\n  2  [sing.] ~ (between A and B) (formal) a very big difference between two people or groups, for example because they have different attitudes:\nthe yawning chasm of the generation gap


Words: chaste
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (old-fashioned) not having sex with anyone; only having sex with the person that you are married to:\nto remain chaste\n  2  (formal) not expressing sexual feelings:\nShe gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek.\n  3  (formal) simple and plain in style; not decorated:\nthe cool, chaste interior of the hall * She wore a chaste gold chain around her neck.\n    chastely adverb:\nHe kissed her chastely on the cheek.


Words: chasten
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (formal) to make sb feel sorry for sth they have done:\nHe felt suitably chastened and apologized. * She gave them a chastening lecture.


Words: chastise
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to criticize sb for doing sth wrong:\nHe chastised the team for their lack of commitment.\n  2  (old-fashioned) to punish sb physically:\nParents are no longer allowed to chastise their children as they did in the past.\n    chastisement  noun [U]


Words: chastity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of not having sex with anyone or only having sex with the person you are married to; being CHASTE:\nvows of chastity (= those taken by some priests)


Words: chat
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-tt-) [V] ~ (away) (to / with sb) | ~ (about sth/sb) to talk in a friendly informal way to sb:\nMy kids spend hours chatting on the phone to their friends. * Within minutes of being introduced they were chatting away like old friends. * What were you chatting about?\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  chat sb<->up (BrE, informal) to talk in a friendly way to sb you are sexually attracted to:\nShe went straight over and tried to chat him up. * John was in the bar chatting up the barmaid.\n    noun\n  1  [C] (especially BrE) a friendly informal conversation:\nI just called in for a chat. * I had a long chat with her.\n  2  [U] talking, especially informal conversation:\nThat’s enough chat from me-on with the music!


Words: chat room
Meaning:
noun\nan area on the Internet where people can communicate with each other, usually about one particular topic


Words: chat show
Meaning:
(BrE) (also talk show AmE, BrE) noun\na television or radio programme in which people are asked questions and talk in an informal way about their work and opinions on various topics:\na chat-show host


Words: chateau
Meaning:
(also chateau)  noun\n(plural chateaux or chateaus ) (from French) a castle or large country house in France


Words: chatline
Meaning:
noun\na telephone service which allows a conversation among a number of people who call in separately


Words: chattel
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (law or old-fashioned) something that belongs to you:\nWomen are now considered as equal partners, not as chattels or housekeepers.\nsee also GOODS AND CHATTELS


Words: chatter
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] \n  1  ~ (away / on) (to sb) (about sth) to talk quickly and continuously, especially about things that are not important:\nThey chattered away happily for a while. * The children chattered to each other excitedly about the next day’s events.\n  2  (of teeth) to knock together continuously because you are cold or frightened:\nHer teeth chattered as she dressed.\n  3  (of birds or monkeys) to make a series of short high sounds:\nThe only sounds we could hear were the birds chattering in the trees.\n IDIOMS \n  the chattering classes (BrE) the people in society who like to give their opinions on political or social issues:\nConstitutional reform is popular among the chattering classes.\n    noun [U]\n  1  continuous rapid talk about things that are not important:\nJane’s constant chatter was beginning to annoy him. * idle chatter\n  2  a series of quick short high sounds that some animals make:\nthe chatter of monkeys\n  3  a series of short sounds made by things knocking together:\nthe chatter of teeth


Words: chatty
Meaning:
adjective (informal, especially BrE)\n  1  talking a lot in a friendly way:\nYou’re very chatty today, Alice.\n  2  having a friendly informal style:\na chatty letter


Words: chauffeur
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a person whose job is to drive a car, especially for sb rich or important\n    verb [VN] to drive sb in a car, usually as your job:\nHe was chauffeured to all his meetings. * a chauffeured limousine * With young children, you spend a lot of your time chauffeuring them around to all their various activities.


Words: chauvinism
Meaning:
noun [U] (disapproving)\n  1  an aggressive and unreasonable belief that your own country is better than all others:\nIt was a typical case of British chauvinism and insularity.\n  2  = MALE CHAUVINISM


Words: chauvinist
Meaning:
noun\n  1  = MALE CHAUVINIST\n  2  a person who has an aggressive and unreasonable belief that their own country is better than all others\n    chauvinistic  (also less frequent chauvinist) adjective\n    chauvinistically  adverb


Words: cheap
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n \n    adjective (cheaper, cheapest)\n \n  low price\n \n  1  costing little money or less money than you expected:\ncheap fares * Personal computers are cheap and getting cheaper. * Cycling is a cheap way to get around. * A good education is not cheap. * (BrE) Calls cost 36p a minute cheap rate. * The printer isn’t exactly cheap at ｣200. * immigrant workers, used as a source of cheap labour (= workers who are paid very little, especially unfairly)\nsee also DIRT CHEAP\n \n  2  charging low prices:\na cheap restaurant / hotel * a cheap taxi firm * (BrE) We found a cheap and cheerful cafe (= one that is simple and charges low prices but is pleasant). * Italy is a very cheap country to visit.\n  poor quality\n  3  (disapproving) low in price and quality:\ncheap perfume / jewellery / shoes * (BrE) a cheap and nasty bottle of wine\n  unkind\n  4  unpleasant or unkind and rather obvious:\nI was tired of his cheap jokes at my expense. * a comedian who is always looking for cheap laughs * to score a cheap political advantage\n  low status\n  5  (disapproving) having a low status and therefore not deserving respect:\nHe’s just a cheap crook. * His treatment of her made her feel cheap (= ashamed, because she had lost her respect for herself).\n  not generous\n  6  (AmE) (BrE mean) (informal, disapproving) not liking to spend money:\nDon’t be so cheap!\n    cheapness noun [U] \n IDIOMS \n  cheap at the price (BrE) (AmE cheap at twice the price) so good or useful that the cost does not seem too much:\nTo buy all the recommended equipment is expensive, but as an investment for the future it is cheap at the price.\n  on the cheap spending less money than you usually need to spend to do sth:\na guide to decorating your house on the cheap * to acquire valuable works of art on the cheap\nmore at LIFE\n    adverb (comparative cheaper no superlative) (informal) for a low price:\nI got this dress cheap in a sale.\n IDIOMS \n  be going cheap to be offered for sale at a lower price than usual:\nLook in the paper to see if there are any computers going cheap.\n  sth does not come cheap something is expensive:\nViolins like this don’t come cheap.


Words: cheapen
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make sb lose respect for himself or herself\nSYN DEGRADE:\nShe never cheapened herself by lowering her standards.\n  2  to make sth lower in price:\nto cheapen the cost of raw materials\n  3  to make sth appear to have less value:\nThe movie was accused of cheapening human life.


Words: cheaply
Meaning:
adverb\nwithout spending or costing much money:\nI’m sure I could buy this more cheaply somewhere else. * a cheaply made movie * You can live very cheaply in Italy.


Words: cheapo
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (informal, disapproving) cheap and often of poor quality:\ncheapo CD players


Words: cheapskate
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving) a person who does not like to spend money:\nWe really need a new heater, but the landlord’s such a cheapskate we’ll never get it.


Words: cheat
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN] to trick or deceive sb, especially when they trust you:\nShe is accused of attempting to cheat the taxman. * Many people feel cheated by the government’s refusal to hold a referendum. * He cheated his way into the job.\n  2  [V] ~ (at sth) to act in a dishonest way in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game, a competition, an exam, etc:\nHe cheats at cards. * You’re not allowed to look at the answers-that’s cheating. * Anyone caught cheating will be automatically disqualified from the examination.\n  3  [V] ~ (on sb) (of sb who is married or who has a regular sexual partner) to have a secret sexual relationship with sb else:\nHe’s cheating on his wife.\n IDIOMS \n  cheat death (often used in newspapers) to survive in a situation where you could have died\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  cheat sb (out) of sth to prevent sb from having sth, especially in a way that is not honest or fair:\nThey cheated him out of his share of the profits.\n    noun (especially BrE)\n  1  (also cheater especially in AmE) [C] a person who cheats, especially in a game:\nYou little cheat! * Are you accusing me of being a cheat? * a plan to crack down on tax cheats\n  2  [sing.] something that seems unfair or dishonest, for example a way of doing sth with less effort than it usually needs:\nIt’s really a cheat, but you can use ready-made pastry if you want.


Words: check
Meaning:
verb, noun, exclamation \n    verb\n  examine\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (for sth) to examine sth to see if it is correct, safe or satisfactory:\nCheck the container for cracks or leaks. * She gave me the minutes of the meeting to read and check. * Check the oil and water before setting off. * Check your work before handing it in. * Customs officers have the right to check all luggage going through customs.\n  make sure\n  2  ~ (with sb) to find out if sth is correct or true or if sth is how you think it is:\n[V (that)] Go and check (that) I’ve locked the windows. * [V] ’Is Mary in the office?’ ’Just a moment. I’ll go and check.’ * [V wh-] You’d better check with Jane what time she’s expecting us tonight.\nsee also CROSS-CHECK, DOUBLE-CHECK\n  control\n  3  [VN] to control sth; to stop sth from increasing or getting worse:\nThe government is determined to check the growth of public spending. * She tied some strips of cloth around the wound to check the bleeding.\n  4  [VN] to stop yourself from saying or doing sth or from showing a particular emotion:\nto check your anger / laughter / tears * She wanted to tell him the whole truth but she checked herself-it wasn’t the right moment.\n  coats / bags / cases\n  5  [VN] (AmE) to leave coats, bags, etc. in an official place (called a CHECKROOM) while you are visiting a club, restaurant, etc:\nDo you want to check your coats?\n  6  [VN] (AmE) to leave bags or cases with an official so that they can be put on a plane or train:\nHow many bags are you checking?\n  make mark\n  7  [VN] (AmE) = TICK:\nCheck the box next to the right answer.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  check in (at ...) | check into ... to go to a desk in a hotel, an airport, etc. and tell an official there that you have arrived:\nPlease check in at least an hour before departure. * We’ve checked in at the hotel. * He checked into a top London clinic yesterday for an operation on his knee.\nrelated noun CHECK-IN\n  check sth<->in to leave bags or cases with an official to be put on a plane or train:\nWe checked in our luggage and went through to the departure lounge.\nrelated noun CHECK-IN\n  check sb/sth<->off (AmE) = TICK SB/STH OFF:\nCheck the names off as the guests arrive. * As I packed my case I checked everything off on my list.\n  check on sb/sth to make sure that there is nothing wrong with sb/sth:\nI’ll just go and check on the children.\n  check out (of ...) to pay your bill and leave a hotel, etc:\nGuests should check out of their rooms by noon. * I’m sorry, they aren’t here. They checked out this morning.\nrelated noun CHECKOUT (2)\n  check sth<->out\n1 to find out if sth is correct, true or acceptable:\nThe police are checking out his alibi.\n2 (informal) to look at or examine sth that seems interesting or attractive:\nCheck out the prices at our new store! * Hey, check out that car!\n3 to borrow sth from an official place, for example a book from a library:\nThe book has been checked out in your name.\n  check over / through<->sth to examine sth carefully to make sure that it is correct or acceptable:\nCheck over your work for mistakes. * We checked through the photographs to make sure there were none missing.\n  check up on sb to make sure that sb is doing what they should be doing:\nMy parents are always checking up on me.\n  check up on sth to find out if sth is true or correct:\nI need to check up on a few things before I can decide.\n    noun\n  examination\n  1  [C] ~ (on sth) an act of making sure that sth is safe, correct or in good condition by examining it:\nCould you give the tyres a check? * a health check * The drugs were found in their car during a routine check by police. * I’ll just have a quick check to see if the letter’s arrived yet. * It is vital to keep a check on your speed (= look at it regularly in order to control it).\n  investigation\n  2  [C] ~ (on sth) an investigation to find out more information about sth:\nThe police ran a check on the registration number of the car. * Was any check made on Mr Morris when he applied for the post?\n  control\n  3  [C] ~ (on / to sth) (formal) something that slows down the progress of sth else or stops it from getting worse:\nA cold spring will provide a natural check on the number of insects. * the most fundamental check to the power of the British monarchy\n  pattern\n  4  [C, U] a pattern of squares, usually of two colours:\nDo you prefer checks or stripes? * a check shirt / suit * a yellow and red check skirt\nsee also CHECKED\n  money\n  5  [C] (AmE) = CHEQUE\n  6  [C] (AmE) = BILL:\nCan I have the check, please?\n  for coats / bags\n  7  [C] (AmE) coat ~ a place in a club, restaurant, etc. where you can leave your coat or bag\n  8  [C] (AmE) a ticket that you get when you leave your coat, bag, etc. in, for example, a restaurant or theatre\n  in game\n  9  [U] (in the game of CHESS) a position in which a player’s king (= the most important piece) can be directly attacked by the other player’s pieces:\nThere, you’re in check.\nsee also CHECKMATE\n  mark\n  10  (also check mark) [C] (AmE) = TICK\n IDIOMS \n  hold / keep sth in check to keep sth under control so that it does not spread or get worse:\nMaggie managed to keep her temper in check. * The epidemic was held in check by widespread vaccination.\nmore at RAIN CHECK\n    exclamation used to show that you agree with sb or that sth on a list has been dealt with:\n’Do you have your tickets?’ ’Check.’ ’Passport?’ ’Check.’


Words: check-in
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C, U] the place where you go first when you arrive at an airport, to show your ticket, etc:\nThe airline apologizes for long delays at check-ins today. * Aim to arrive at check-in at least two hours before departure.\n \n  2  [U] the act of showing your ticket, etc. when you arrive at an airport:\nDo you know your check-in time? * (BrE) the check-in desk * (AmE) the check-in counter


Words: check-up
Meaning:
noun\nan examination of sth, especially a medical one to make sure that you are healthy:\nto go for / to have a check-up * a medical / dental / routine / thorough check-up


Words: checker
Meaning:
noun-see also CHECKERS\n  1  (AmE) a person who works at the CHECKOUT in a supermarket\n  2  (in compounds) a computer program that you use to check sth, for example the spelling and grammar of sth you have written:\na spelling / grammar / virus checker\n  3  a person who checks things:\na quality control checker


Words: checklist
Meaning:
noun\na list of the things that you must remember to do, to take with you or to find out:\nThe following is a checklist of points to look for when choosing a coursebook. * a checklist for proofreaders


Words: checkmate
Meaning:
(also mate) noun [U]\n  1  (in the game of CHESS) a position in which one player cannot prevent his or her king (= the most important piece) being captured and therefore loses the game\nsee also CHECK\ncompare STALEMATE\n  2  a situation in which sb has been completely defeated\n    checkmate (also mate) verb:\n[VN] His king had been checkmated. * She hoped the plan would checkmate her opponents.


Words: checkout
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the place where you pay for the things that you are buying in a supermarket:\na checkout assistant / operator * long queues at the checkouts\n  2  [U] the time when you leave a hotel at the end of your stay:\nAt checkout, your bill will be printed for you. * The hotel’s extra benefits include late checkout.


Words: checkpoint
Meaning:
noun\na place, especially on a border between two countries, where people have to stop so their vehicles and documents can be checked:\nThere are border guards at the checkpoint crossing. * The soldier stopped the motorist at a roadside checkpoint.


Words: cheek
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] either side of the face below the eyes:\nchubby / rosy / pink cheeks * He kissed her on both cheeks. * Couples were dancing cheek to cheek.\n \n  2  (-cheeked) (in adjectives) having the type of cheeks mentioned:\nchubby-cheeked / rosy-cheeked / hollow-cheeked\n \n  3  [C] (informal) either of the BUTTOCKS\n \n  4  [U, sing.] (BrE) talk or behaviour that people think is annoying, rude or lacking in respect:\nWhat a cheek! * He had the cheek to ask his ex-girlfriend to babysit for them. * I think they’ve got a cheek making you pay to park the car.\n IDIOMS \n  cheek by jowl (with sb/sth) very close to sb/sth:\nThe guests, packed cheek by jowl, parted as he entered.\n  turn the other cheek to make a deliberate decision to remain calm and not to act in an aggressive way when sb has hurt you or made you angry\nmore at ROSE n., TONGUE n.\n    verb [VN] (BrE, informal) to speak to sb in a rude way that shows a lack of respect:\n’Don’t cheek your mother, Sam!’


Words: cheeky
Meaning:
adjective\n(cheekier, cheekiest) (BrE, especially spoken) rude in an amusing or an annoying way:\nYou cheeky monkey! * a cheeky grin * You’re getting far too cheeky!\n    cheekily adverb\n    cheekiness noun [U]


Words: cheep
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (of young birds) to make short high sounds:\nWe heard the birds cheeping as their mother fed them.\n    cheep noun:\nthe shrill cheep of the baby starlings


Words: cheer
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a shout of joy, support or praise:\nA great cheer went up from the crowd. * cheers of encouragement * Three cheers for the winners! (= used when you are asking a group of people to cheer three times, in order to congratulate sb, etc.)\n  2  [C] (AmE) a special song or poem used by CHEERLEADERS\n  3  [U] (formal or literary) an atmosphere of happiness:\nChristmas and New Year are a time of good cheer in the company of family and friends.\n    verb\n  1  to shout loudly, to show support or praise for sb, or to give them encouragement:\n[V] We all cheered as the team came on to the field. * Cheering crowds greeted their arrival. * [VN] The crowd cheered the President as he drove slowly by.\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] to give hope, comfort or encouragement to sb:\nShe was cheered by the news from home.\n    cheering noun [U]:\nHe came on stage amid clapping and cheering.\n    cheering adjective:\nThe results of the test were very cheering.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  cheer sb<->on to give shouts of encouragement to sb in a race, competition, etc:\nThe spectators cheered the runners on.\n  cheer up | cheer sb/sth<->up to become more cheerful; to make sb/sth more cheerful:\nOh, come on-cheer up! * Give Mary a call; she needs cheering up. * Bright curtains can cheer up a dull room.


Words: cheerful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  happy, and showing it by the way that you behave:\nYou’re not your usual cheerful self today. * He felt bright and cheerful and full of energy. * You’re in a cheerful mood. * a cheerful, hard-working employee * a cheerful smile / voice\n  2  giving you a feeling of happiness:\na bright, cheerful restaurant * walls painted in cheerful (= light and bright) colours * a chatty, cheerful letter\n    cheerfully  adverb:\nto laugh / nod / whistle cheerfully * I could cheerfully have killed him when he said that (= I would have liked to). * She cheerfully admitted that she had no experience at all (= she wasn’t afraid to do so).\n    cheerfulness noun [U]


Words: cheerio
Meaning:
exclamation\n(BrE, informal) goodbye:\nCheerio! I’ll see you later. * Cheerio now. * Cheerio then. See you on Wednesday.


Words: cheerleader
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in the US) one of the members of a group of young people (usually women) wearing special uniforms, who encourage the crowd to CHEER for their team at a sports event\n  2  a person who supports a particular politician, idea, or way of doing sth:\none of the leading cheerleaders for the President’s welfare policies


Words: cheerless
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) (of a place, etc.) without warmth or colour so it makes you feel depressed \nSYN GLOOMY:\na dark and cheerless room * a damp and cheerless December afternoon


Words: cheers
Meaning:
exclamation\n  1  a word that people say to each other as they lift up their glasses to drink\n  2  (BrE, informal) goodbye:\nCheers then. See you later.\n  3  (BrE, informal) thank you


Words: cheery
Meaning:
adjective\n(cheerier, cheeriest) (informal) (of a person or their behaviour) happy and cheerful:\na cheery remark / smile / wave * He left with a cheery ’See you again soon’.\n    cheerily adverb


Words: cheese
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] a type of food made from milk that can be either soft or hard and is usually white or yellow in colour; a particular type of this food:\nCheddar cheese * goat’s cheese (= made from the milk of a goat) * a cheese sandwich / salad * a chunk / piece / slice of cheese * a selection of French cheeses * a cheese knife (= a knife with a special curved blade with two points on the end, used for cutting and picking up pieces of cheese)\nsee also BLUE CHEESE, CAULIFLOWER CHEESE, COTTAGE CHEESE, CREAM CHEESE, MACARONI CHEESE\n \n  2  (cheese!) what you ask sb to say before you take their photograph\n \n IDIOMS  see BIG adj., CHALK n., HARD adj., SAY v.


Words: cheeseboard
Meaning:
noun (BrE)\n  1  a board that is used to cut cheese on\n  2  a variety of cheeses that are served at the end of a meal:\nThe meal finished with the cheeseboard and fresh fruit.


Words: cheesecake
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from a soft mixture of CREAM CHEESE, sugar, eggs, etc. on a base of cake or crushed biscuits/cookies, sometimes with fruit on top:\na strawberry cheesecake * Is there any cheesecake left?


Words: cheesed off
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (with / about sb/sth) (BrE, informal) annoyed or bored:\nI was extremely cheesed off to be woken so early. * He’s cheesed off with his job.


Words: cheesy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (slang) of low quality and without style \nSYN CORNY, TACKY:\nan incredibly cheesy love song\n  2  smelling or tasting of cheese


Words: chef-d’oeuvre
Meaning:
noun\n(plural chefs-d’oeuvre ) (from French, formal) a very good piece of work, especially the best work by a particular artist, writer, etc.\nSYN MASTERPIECE


Words: chemical
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  connected with chemistry:\na chemical element * the chemical industry\n  2  produced by or using processes which involve changes to atoms or MOLECULES:\nchemical reactions / processes\n    chemically  adverb:\nThe raw sewage is chemically treated.\n    noun a substance obtained by or used in a chemical process:\nFarmers are being urged to reduce their use of chemicals and work with nature to combat pests.


Words: chemical engineering
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the study of the design and use of machines in industrial chemical processes\n    chemical engineer noun


Words: chemical warfare
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the use of poisonous gases and chemicals as weapons in a war:\nbiological and chemical warfare


Words: chemist
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (also dispensing chemist) (both BrE) (AmE druggist) a person whose job is to prepare and sell medicines, and who works in a shop\ncompare PHARMACIST\n \n  2  (chemist’s) (plural chemists) (BrE) a shop/store that sells medicines and usually also soap, MAKE-UP, etc:\nYou can obtain the product from all good chemists. * Take this prescription to the chemist’s. * I’ll get it at the chemist’s. * a chemist’s / chemist shop\nsee also DRUGSTORE\ncompare PHARMACY\n \n  3  a scientist who studies chemistry:\na research chemist


Words: chemistry
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the scientific study of the structure of substances, how they react when combined or in contact with one another, and how they behave under different conditions:\na degree in chemistry * the university’s chemistry department * inorganic / organic chemistry\nsee also BIOCHEMISTRY\n  2  (technical) the chemical structure and behaviour of a particular substance:\nthe chemistry of copper * We do not fully understand the chemistry of genes. * The patient’s blood chemistry was monitored regularly.\n  3  the relationship between two people, usually a strong sexual attraction:\nsexual chemistry * The chemistry just wasn’t right.


Words: chemotherapy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the treatment of disease, especially CANCER, with the use of chemical substances:\na course of chemotherapy\ncompare RADIATION, RADIOTHERAPY


Words: cheque
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE check)  noun\na printed form that you can write on and sign as a way of paying for sth instead of using money:\na cheque for ｣50 * to write a cheque * to make a cheque out to sb * to pay by cheque * to cash a cheque (= to get or give money for a cheque)\nsee also BLANK CHEQUE, EUROCHEQUE, TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE


Words: cheque card
Meaning:
(also cheque guarantee card) noun\n(both BrE) a card that you must show when you pay by cheque to prove that the bank you have an account with will pay the money on the cheque\ncompare CASH CARD


Words: chequebook journalism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE, disapproving) the practice of journalists paying people large amounts of money to give them personal or private information for a newspaper story


Words: chequered
Meaning:
(BrE) (also checkered AmE, BrE)  adjective\n  1  ~ past / history / career a person’s past, etc. that contains both successful and not successful periods\n  2  having a pattern of squares of different colours


Words: cherish
Meaning:
verb [VN] (written)\n  1  to love sb/sth very much and want to protect them or it:\nChildren need to be cherished. * her most cherished possession\n  2  to keep an idea, a hope or a pleasant feeling in your mind for a long time:\nCherish the memory of those days in Paris. * He cherishes the hope that one day they will meet again.


Words: cherry
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n (plural cherries)\n \n  1  [C] a small soft round fruit with shiny red or black skin and a stone/pit inside\n \n  2  (also cherry tree) [C] a tree on which cherries grow, or a similar tree, grown for its flowers:\ncherry blossom * a winter-flowering cherry\n \n  3  (also cherrywood ) [U] the wood of the cherry tree\n \n  4  (also cherry red) [U] a bright red colour\n \n IDIOMS  see BITE n.\n    adjective (also cherry red) bright red in colour:\ncherry lips


Words: cherry-pick
Meaning:
verb\n[VN, V] to choose the best people or things from a group and leave those which are not so good


Words: cherub
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in art) a type of ANGEL, shown as a small fat, usually male, child with wings:\ncarvings of Madonnas and cherubs\ncompare SERAPH\n  2  (informal) a pretty child; a child who behaves well:\nI was quite a good student - no cherub, but no devil either.\n    cherubic  adjective (formal):\na cherubic face (= plump, and with the innocence of a small child)


Words: chess
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a game for two people played on a board marked with black and white squares on which each playing piece (representing a king, queen, castle, etc.) is moved according to special rules. The aim is to put the other player’s king in a position from which it cannot escape (= to CHECKMATE it).


Words: chessboard
Meaning:
noun\na board with 64 black and white squares that chess is played on:\nthe pieces on the chessboard


Words: chest
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the top part of the front of the body, between the neck and the stomach:\nThe bullet hit him in the chest. * She gasped for breath, her chest heaving. * a chest infection * chest pains * a hairy chest\n \n  2  (-chested) (in adjectives) having the type of chest mentioned:\nflat-chested * broad-chested\n \n  3  a large strong box, usually made of wood, used for storing things in and/or moving them from one place to another:\na medicine chest * a treasure chest\nsee also TEA CHEST\nsee also WAR CHEST\n IDIOMS \n  get sth off your chest to talk about sth that has been worrying you for a long time so that you feel less anxious:\nWhy not tell her how you feel? It might do you good to get it off your chest.\nmore at CARD n.


Words: chest of drawers
Meaning:
noun\n(plural chests of drawers) (AmE also bureau, dresser) a piece of furniture with drawers for keeping clothes in


Words: chestnut
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (also chestnut tree) [C] a large tree with spreading branches, that produces smooth brown nuts inside prickly cases. There are several types of chestnut tree.\nsee also HORSE CHESTNUT\n \n  2  [C] a smooth brown nut of a chestnut tree, some types of which can be eaten:\nroast chestnuts * The dessert was a rich mixture of chestnut puree and cream.\nsee also WATER CHESTNUT\ncompare CONKER\n \n  3  [U] a deep reddish-brown colour\n  4  [C] a horse of a reddish-brown colour\n  5  [C] (informal) an old joke or story that has been told so many times that it is no longer amusing or interesting\n    adjective reddish-brown in colour


Words: chesty
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, especially BrE) suffering from or showing signs of chest disease:\nI’m a bit chesty at night. * a chesty cough


Words: chevron
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a line or pattern in the shape of a V\n  2  a piece of fabric in the shape of a V which soldiers and police officers wear on their uniforms to show their rank


Words: chew
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ (at / on / through sth) | ~ sth (up) to bite food into small pieces in your mouth with your teeth to make it easier to swallow:\n[V] After the operation you may find it difficult to chew and swallow. * [VN] teeth designed for chewing meat * He is always chewing gum.\n  2  ~ (on sth) to bite sth continuously, for example because you are nervous or to taste it:\n[V] Rosa chewed on her lip and stared at the floor. * The dog was chewing on a bone. * [VN] to chew your nails\n IDIOMS \n  chew the fat (informal) to have a long friendly talk with sb about sth:\nRandall stayed chewing the fat for a while. * They met up once a year to chew the fat about the old days.\nmore at BITE v.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  chew sth<->over to think about or discuss sth slowly and carefully\n    noun\n  1  an act of chewing sth\n  2  a type of sweet/candy that you chew\n  3  a piece of tobacco that you chew


Words: chic
Meaning:
adjective\nvery fashionable and elegant:\nShe is always so chic, so elegant. * a chic new restaurant\n    chic noun [U]:\na perfectly dressed woman with an air of chic that was unmistakably French


Words: chicane
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a sharp double bend, either on a track where cars race, or on an ordinary road to stop vehicles from going too fast


Words: Chicano
Meaning:
noun\n(plural Chicanos) (especially AmE) a N American person whose family came from Mexico\ncompare LATINO


Words: chick
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a baby bird, especially a baby chicken\n \n  2  (old-fashioned, sometimes offensive) a way of referring to a young woman


Words: chicken
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a large bird that is often kept for its eggs or meat:\nThey keep chickens in the back yard. * free-range chickens\ncompare COCK, HEN\n \n  2  [U] meat from a chicken:\nfried / roast chicken * chicken stock / soup * chicken breasts / livers / thighs * chicken and chips\nsee also SPRING CHICKEN\n \n IDIOMS \n  a chicken-and-egg situation, problem, etc. a situation in which it is difficult to tell which one of two things was the cause of the other\nmore at COUNT v., HEADLESS, HOME adv.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  chicken out (of sth / of doing sth) (informal) to decide not to do sth because you are afraid:\nYou’re not going to chicken out, are you? * Kim put my name down for a sponsored parachute jump but I chickened out at the last moment.\n    adjective [not before noun] (informal) not brave; afraid to do sth \nSYN COWARDLY


Words: chicken feed
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (informal) an amount of money that is not large enough to be important:\nWe’re going to make so much money that five thousand will look like chicken feed.


Words: chickenpox
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a disease, especially of children, that causes a slight fever and many spots on the skin:\nto catch / get chickenpox


Words: chickenshit
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] (AmE, slang) nonsense\n    adjective (AmE, slang) (of a person) not brave\nSYN COWARDLY


Words: chickpea
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) (AmE usually garbanzo, garbanzo bean) a hard round seed, like a light brown pea, that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable


Words: chicory
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (BrE) (AmE endive) [C, U] a small pale green plant with bitter leaves that are eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. The root can be dried and used with or instead of coffee.\n  2  (AmE) = ENDIVE (1)


Words: chide
Meaning:
verb\n~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to criticize or blame sb because they have done sth wrong:\n[VN] She chided herself for being so impatient with the children. * [V speech] ’Isn’t that a bit selfish?’ he chided. [also VN speech]


Words: chief
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  most important; main:\nthe chief cause / problem / reason * one of the President’s chief rivals\n  2  (often Chief) highest in rank:\nthe Chief Education Officer * the chief financial officer of the company * Detective Chief Inspector Williams\n  3  (-in-chief) (in nouns) of the highest rank:\ncommander-in-chief\nsee also CHIEFLY\n    noun\n  1  a person with a high rank or the highest rank in a company or an organization:\narmy / industry / police chiefs\n  2  (often as a title) a leader or ruler of a tribe:\nChief Buthelezi * Chief Crazy Horse\n IDIOMS \n  there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians (BrE, informal) used to describe a situation in which there are too many people telling other people what to do, and not enough people to do the work


Words: chief constable
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a senior police officer who is in charge of the police force in a particular area:\nChief Constable Brian Turner


Words: chief executive
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the person with the highest rank in a company or an organization:\nThe chief executive addressed the board.\n  2  (Chief Executive) the President of the US


Words: chief justice
Meaning:
(also Chief Justice) noun\nthe most important judge in a court of law, especially the US Supreme Court


Words: chief of staff
Meaning:
noun\n(plural chiefs of staff) an officer of very high rank, responsible for advising the person who commands each of the armed forces\nsee also JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF


Words: chiefly
Meaning:
adverb\nnot completely, but as a most important part\nSYN PRIMARILY, MAINLY:\nWe are chiefly concerned with improving educational standards. * He’s travelled widely, chiefly in Africa and Asia.


Words: chignon
Meaning:
noun\n(from French) a style for women’s hair in which the hair is pulled back and twisted into a smooth knot at the back:\nlong hair worn in a chignon


Words: chilblain
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a painful red swelling on the hands or feet that is caused by cold or bad CIRCULATION of the blood


Words: child
Meaning:
1  a young human being who is not yet an adult:\na child of three / a three-year-old child * men, women and children * an unborn child * not suitable for young children * I lived in London as a child. * a child star\nsee also BRAINCHILD, LATCHKEY CHILD, SCHOOLCHILD\n \n  2  a son or daughter of any age:\nThey have three grown-up children. * a support group for adult children of alcoholics\nsee also GODCHILD, GRANDCHILD, LOVE CHILD, ONLY CHILD, STEPCHILD\ncompare KID\n  3  a person who is strongly influenced by the ideas and attitudes of a particular time or person:\na child of the 90s\n  4  (disapproving) an adult who behaves like a child and is not MATURE or responsible\n IDIOMS \n  be with child (old-fashioned) to be pregnant\n  be child’s play (informal) to be very easy to do, so not even a child would find it difficult


Words: child abuse
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the crime of harming a child in a physical, sexual or emotional way:\nvictims of child abuse


Words: child benefit
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in Britain) money that the government regularly pays to parents of children up to a particular age:\nto be eligible for / to receive child benefit


Words: childbearing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process of giving birth to children:\nwomen of childbearing age * Some women defer childbearing in favour of a career.


Words: childbirth
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process of giving birth to a baby:\npregnancy and childbirth * His wife died in childbirth.


Words: childcare
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the care of children, especially while parents are at work:\nchildcare facilities for working parents * Organizing childcare for three small children is difficult.


Words: childhood
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the period of sb’s life when they are a child:\nchildhood, adolescence and adulthood * in early childhood * childhood memories / experiences * She had a happy childhood. * He married his childhood sweetheart. * childhood cancer\n IDIOMS \n  a / sb’s second childhood a time in the life of an adult person when they behave like a child again


Words: childish
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with or typical of a child:\nchildish handwriting\n  2  (disapproving) (of an adult) behaving in a stupid or silly way\nSYN IMMATURE:\nDon’t be so childish!\ncompare CHILDLIKE\n    childishly adverb:\nto behave childishly\n    childishness noun [U]


Words: childlike
Meaning:
adjective\n(usually approving) having the qualities that children usually have, especially INNOCENCE:\nchildlike enthusiasm / simplicity / delight\ncompare CHILDISH


Words: childminder
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a person, usually a woman, who is paid to care for children while their parents are at work. A childminder usually does this in his or her own home.\nsee also BABYSITTER


Words: childproof
Meaning:
adjective\ndesigned so that young children cannot open, use, or damage it:\nchildproof containers for medicines


Words: chill
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [sing.] a feeling of being cold:\nThere’s a chill in the air this morning. * A small fire was burning to take the chill off the room.\n  2  [C] an illness caused by being cold and wet, causing fever and SHIVERING (= shaking of the body)\n  3  [sing.] a feeling of fear:\na chill of fear / apprehension * His words sent a chill down her spine. * The news of the disaster cast a chill over the party.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] [usually passive] to make sb very cold:\nThey were chilled by the icy wind. * Let’s go home, I’m chilled to the bone (= very cold).\n  2  when food or a drink chills or when sb chills it, it is made very cold but it does not freeze:\n[V] Let the pudding chill for an hour until set. * [VN] This wine is best served chilled. * chilled foods (= for example in a supermarket) * chilled beer / champagne\n  3  [VN] [usually passive] (literary) to frighten sb:\nHis words chilled her. * We were chilled at the prospect of war. * What he saw chilled his blood.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  chill out (informal) to relax and stop feeling angry or nervous about sth:\nThey sometimes meet up to chill out and drink a few beers. * Sit down and chill out!\n    adjective (formal) (especially of weather and the wind) cold, in an unpleasant way:\nthe chill grey dawn * a chill wind


Words: chilli
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE chili)  noun (plural chillies, AmE chilies)\n  1  (AmE also chili pepper) [C, U] the small green or red fruit of a type of pepper plant that is used in cooking to give a hot taste to food, often dried or made into powder, also called chilli or chilli powder\n  2  [U] = CHILLI CON CARNE


Words: chilli con carne
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (BrE also chilli) (AmE also chili) noun [U] a hot spicy Mexican dish made with meat, beans and chillies


Words: chilling
Meaning:
adjective\nfrightening, usually because it is connected with sth violent or cruel:\na chilling story * The film evokes chilling reminders of the war.


Words: chilly
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (especially of the weather or a place, but also of people) too cold to be comfortable:\nIt’s chilly today. * I was feeling chilly.\n  2  not friendly:\nThe visitors got a very chilly reception.\n    chilliness noun [U]


Words: chime
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (of a bell or a clock) to ring; to show the time by making a ringing sound:\n[V] I heard the clock chime. * Eight o’clock had already chimed. * [VN] The clock chimed midday.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  chime in (with sth) to join or interrupt a conversation:\nHe kept chiming in with his own opinions. * [+ speech] ’And me!’ she chimed in.\n  chime (in) with sth (written) (of plans, ideas, etc.) to agree with sth; to be similar to sth:\nHis opinions chimed in with the mood of the nation.\n    noun a ringing sound, especially one that is made by a bell:\ndoor chimes


Words: chimera
Meaning:
(also chimaera)  noun\n  1  (in ancient Greek stories) a creature with a lion’s head, a goat’s body and a snake’s tail, that can breathe out fire\n  2  (formal) an impossible idea or hope


Words: chimney
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a structure through which smoke or steam is carried up away from a fire, etc. and through the roof of a building; the part of this that is above the roof:\nHe threw the paper onto the fire and it flew up the chimney. * the factory chimneys of an industrial landscape\n \n  2  (technical) a narrow opening in an area of rock that a person can climb up


Words: chimney stack
Meaning:
noun (BrE)\n  1  the part of the chimney that is above the roof of a building\n  2  (AmE smokestack) a very tall chimney, especially one in a factory


Words: chimpanzee
Meaning:
(also informal chimp) noun\na small intelligent African APE (= an animal like a large monkey without a tail)


Words: chin
Meaning:
noun\nthe part of the face below the mouth and above the neck:\nA strap fastens under the chin to keep the helmet in place.\nsee also DOUBLE CHIN\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  (keep your) chin up (spoken) used to tell sb to try to stay cheerful even though they are in a difficult or unpleasant situation:\nChin up! Only two exams left.\n \n  take sth on the chin (informal) to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining, trying to make excuses, etc:\nIn this business, you have to learn to take criticism on the chin.\nmore at CHUCK v.


Words: china
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  white clay which is baked and used for making delicate cups, plates, etc:\na china vase\nsee also BONE CHINA\n  2  cups, plates, etc. that are made of china:\nShe got out the best china.\n IDIOMS  see BULL, TEA


Words: Chinese cabbage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE also Chinese leaf, pak choi [U] Chinese leaves [pl.]) a vegetable like CABBAGE with long, pale green leaves


Words: Chinese chequers
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE Chinese checkers) noun\n[U] a game for two to six players who try to move the playing pieces from one corner to the opposite corner of the board, which is shaped like a star


Words: Chinese whispers
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) the situation when information is passed from one person to another and gets slightly changed each time


Words: chink
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a narrow opening in sth, especially one that lets light through:\na chink in the curtains\n  2  ~ of light a small area of light shining through a narrow opening\n  3  [usually sing.] the light ringing sound that is made when glass objects or coins touch:\nthe chink of glasses\n IDIOMS \n  a chink in sb’s armour a weak point in sb’s argument, character, etc., that can be used in an attack\n    verb when glasses, coins or other glass or metal objects chink or when you chink them, they make a light ringing sound:\n[V] the sound of bottles chinking * [VN] We chinked glasses and drank to each other’s health.


Words: chinless
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a man) having a very small chin (often thought of as a sign of a weak character)\n IDIOMS \n  a chinless wonder (BrE, humorous, disapproving) a young, upper-class man who is weak and stupid


Words: chintz
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a shiny cotton fabric with a printed design, especially of flowers, used for making curtains, covering furniture, etc.


Words: chintzy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (BrE) covered in or decorated with chintz\n  2  (AmE, informal) cheap and not attractive\n  3  (AmE, humorous) not willing to spend money\nSYN CHEAP, STINGY


Words: chip
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  the place from which a small piece of wood, glass, etc. has broken from an object:\nThis mug has a chip in it.\n \n  2  a small piece of wood, glass, etc. that has broken off an object:\nchips of wood * chocolate chip cookies (= biscuits containing small pieces of chocolate)\n \n  3  (BrE) (also French fry, fry AmE, BrE) [usually pl.] a long thin piece of potato fried in oil or fat:\nAll main courses are served with chips or baked potato.\nsee also FISH AND CHIPS\n  4  (AmE) = CRISP:\npotato chips\n  5  = MICROCHIP:\nchip technology\nsee also V-CHIP\n  6  a small flat piece of plastic used to represent a particular amount of money in some types of gambling: (figurative) The release of prisoners was used as a bargaining chip.\n  7  (also chip shot) (in golf, football, etc.) an act of hitting or kicking a ball high in the air so that it lands within a short distance:\nShe left herself with a short chip to the green.\nsee also BLUE-CHIP\n IDIOMS \n  a chip off the old block (informal) a person who is very similar to their mother or father in the way that they look or behave\n  have a chip on your shoulder (about sth) (informal) to be sensitive about sth that happened in the past and become easily offended if it is mentioned because you think that you were treated unfairly:\nHe has a real chip on his shoulder about being adopted.\n  have had your chips (BrE, informal) to be in a situation in which you are certain to be defeated or killed\n  when the chips are down (informal) used to refer to a difficult situation in which you are forced to decide what is important to you:\nI’m not sure what I’ll do when the chips are down. * When the chips are down he always finds the courage to carry on.\n    verb (-pp-)\n  1  to damage sth by breaking a small piece off it; to become damaged in this way:\n[VN] a badly chipped saucer * She chipped one of her front teeth. * [V] These plates chip easily.\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to cut or break small pieces off sth with a tool:\nChip away the damaged area. * The fossils had been chipped out of the rock. * It took a long time to chip a hole in the wall. * It needs skill to chip a block of stone into a recognizable shape.\n  3  [VN, V] (especially in golf and football) to hit or kick the ball so that it goes high in the air and then lands within a short distance\n  4  [VN] ~ potatoes (BrE) to cut potatoes into long thin pieces and fry them in deep oil\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  chip away at sth to keep breaking small pieces off sth:\nHe was chipping away at the stone. * (figurative) They chipped away at the power of the government (= gradually made it weaker).\n  chip in (with sth) (informal)\n1 to join in or interrupt a conversation; to add sth to a conversation or discussion:\nPete and Anne chipped in with suggestions. * [+ speech] ’That’s different,’ she chipped in.\n2 (also chip in sth) to give some money so that a group of people can buy sth together:\nIf everyone chips in we’ll be able to buy her a really nice present. * We each chipped in (with) ｣5.\n  chip off | chip sth<->off to damage sth by breaking a small piece off it; to be damaged in this way:\nHe chipped off a piece of his tooth. * Use a good varnish that will not chip off.


Words: chip shop
Meaning:
(also informal chippy, chippie) noun\n(in Britain) a shop that cooks and sells fish and chips and other fried food for people to take home and eat


Words: chipboard
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of board that is used for building, made of small pieces of wood that are pressed together and stuck with glue:\nThey had nailed chipboard across the broken window.


Words: chippy
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (also chippie) (plural chippies) (BrE, informal)\n  1  = CHIP SHOP\n  2  = CARPENTER\n    adjective (informal) (of a person) getting annoyed or offended easily


Words: chiropodist
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually podiatrist) noun a person whose job is the care and treatment of people’s feet


Words: chiropractor
Meaning:
noun\na person whose job involves treating some diseases and physical problems by pressing and moving the bones in a person’s SPINE or joints\ncompare OSTEOPATH


Words: chirp
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] (of small birds and some insects) to make short high sounds:\nThe sparrows / crickets were chirping.\n  2  [V, V speech] to speak in a lively and cheerful way\n    chirp (also chirrup) noun


Words: chirpy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) lively and cheerful; in a good mood\n    chirpily adverb\n    chirpiness noun [U]


Words: chisel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a tool with a sharp flat edge at the end, used for shaping wood, stone or metal\n    verb (-ll-, AmE usually -l-) [often +adv./prep.] to cut or shape wood or stone with a chisel:\n[VN] A name was chiselled into the stone. * She was chiselling some marble. * a temple chiselled out of solid rock [also V]


Words: chit
Meaning:
noun (BrE)\n  1  a short written note, signed by sb, showing an amount of money that is owed, or giving sb permission to do sth:\nDo I need to sign a chit for these drinks?\n  2  (old-fashioned, disapproving) a young woman or girl, especially one who is thought to have no respect for older people:\na mere chit of a girl


Words: chit-chat
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (informal) conversation about things that are not important\nSYN CHAT:\nWe spent the afternoon in idle chit-chat.


Words: chivalrous
Meaning:
adjective\n(of men) polite, kind and behaving with honour, especially towards women\n    chivalrously adverb


Words: chivalry
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  polite and kind behaviour that shows a sense of honour, especially by men towards women\n  2  (in the Middle Ages) the religious and moral system of behaviour which the perfect KNIGHT was expected to follow:\nthe age of chivalry


Words: chives
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] the long thin leaves of a plant with purple flowers. Chives taste like onions and are used to give flavour to food.\n    chive adjective [only before noun]:\na chive and garlic dressing


Words: chivvy
Meaning:
verb\n(chivvies, chivvying, chivvied, chivvied) ~ sb (into sth) | ~ sb (along) (BrE) to try and make sb hurry or do sth quickly, especially when they do not want to do it:\n[VN] He chivvied them into the car. * If you don’t chivvy the others along, we’ll never get there on time. [also VN to inf]


Words: chloride
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (chemistry) a compound of CHLORINE and another chemical element\nsee also SODIUM CHLORIDE


Words: chlorinate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to put chlorine in sth, especially water:\nIs the swimming pool chlorinated?\n    chlorination  noun [U]:\na chlorination plant


Words: chlorine
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol Cl) a chemical element. Chlorine is a poisonous greenish-yellow gas with a strong smell. It is often used in swimming pools to keep the water clean.


Words: chloroform
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol CHCl3) a colourless liquid used in the past in medicine, etc. to make people unconscious, for example before an operation


Words: chlorophyll
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the green substance in plants that absorbs light from the sun to help them grow\nsee also PHOTOSYNTHESIS


Words: chock-a-block
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (with sth/sb) (BrE, informal) very full of things or people pressed close together:\nThe shelves were chock-a-block with souvenirs and ornaments. * It was chock-a-block in town today (= full of people).


Words: chocolate
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] a hard brown sweet food made from COCOA beans, used in cooking to add flavour to cakes, etc. or eaten as a sweet/candy:\na bar / piece of chocolate * a chocolate cake * a chocolate factory\nsee also MILK CHOCOLATE, PLAIN CHOCOLATE\n \n  2  [C] a sweet/candy that is made of or covered with chocolate:\na box of chocolates\n \n  3  [U, C] (BrE) = HOT CHOCOLATE:\na mug of drinking chocolate\ncompare COCOA\n  4  [U] a dark brown colour


Words: chocolate-box
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (BrE) (especially of places) very pretty, but in a way that does not seem real:\na chocolate-box village


Words: choice
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (between A and B) an act of choosing between two or more possibilities; something that you can choose:\nwomen forced to make a choice between family and career * We are faced with a difficult choice. * We aim to help students make more informed career choices. * Resources are finite, and choices have to be made between competing priorities and needs. * There is a wide range of choices open to you.\n  2  [U, sing.] the right to choose or the possibility of choosing:\nIf I had the choice, I would stop working tomorrow. * He had no choice but to leave (= this was the only thing he could do). * She’s going to do it. She doesn’t have much choice, really, does she? * This government is committed to extending parental choice in education. * After a delicious meal with free wine, the choice is yours: a quiet drink in the bar, the late night disco or a stroll along the beach beneath a starry sky. * Sandy had to tell his tale in halting Italian. Since Franco spoke no English, he had no choice in the matter.\n  3  [C] a person or thing that is chosen:\nShe’s the obvious choice for the job. * Hawaii remains a popular choice for winter vacation travel. * This colour wasn’t my first choice. * She wouldn’t be my choice as manager. * I don’t like his choice of friends (= the people he chooses as his friends).\n  4  [sing., U] the number or range of different things from which to choose:\nThe menu has a good choice of desserts. * There wasn’t much choice of colour.\nsee also HOBSON’S CHOICE, MULTIPLE-CHOICE\n IDIOMS \n  by choice because you have chosen:\nI wouldn’t go there by choice.\n  of choice (for sb/sth) (used after a noun) that is chosen by a particular group of people or for a particular purpose:\nIt’s the software of choice for business use.\n  of your choice that you choose yourself:\nFirst prize will be a meal for two at the restaurant of your choice.\nmore at SPOILT\n    adjective (choicer, choicest) [only before noun]\n  1  (especially of food) of very good quality\n  2  (AmE) (of meat) of very good, but not the highest, quality\n  3  ~ words / phrases carefully chosen words or phrases:\nShe summed up the situation in a few choice phrases. * (humorous) He used some pretty choice (= rude or offensive) language.


Words: choir
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who sing together, especially in church services or public performances:\nShe sings in the school choir.\n \n  2  [C] the part of a church where the choir sits during services


Words: choke
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ (on sth) to be unable to breathe because the passage to your lungs is blocked or you cannot get enough air; to make sb unable to breathe:\n[V] He was choking on a piece of toast. * She almost choked to death in the thick fumes. * [VN] Very small toys can choke a baby.\n  2  [VN] to make sb stop breathing by squeezing their throat\nSYN STRANGLE:\nHe may have been choked or poisoned.\n  3  ~ (with sth) to be unable to speak normally especially because of strong emotion; to make sb feel too emotional to speak normally:\n[V] His voice was choking with rage. * [VN] Despair choked her words. * ’I can’t bear it,’ he said in a choked voice.\nsee also CHOKED\n  4  [VN] ~ sth (up) (with sth) to block or fill a passage, space, etc. so that movement is difficult:\nThe pond was choked with rotten leaves. * The roads are choked up with traffic.\n  5  [V] (AmE, informal) to fail at sth, for example because you are nervous\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  choke sth<->back to try hard to prevent your feelings from showing:\nto choke back tears / anger / sobs\n  choke sth<->down to swallow sth with difficulty\n  choke sth<->off\n1 to prevent or limit sth:\nHigh prices have choked off demand.\n2 to interrupt sth; to stop sth:\nHer screams were suddenly choked off.\n  choke out | choke out sth to say sth with great difficulty because you feel a strong emotion:\nHe choked out a reply. * [+ speech] ’I hate you!’ she choked out.\n  choke up (AmE) to find it difficult to speak, because of the strong emotion that you are feeling:\nShe choked up when she began to talk about her mother.\n    noun\n  1  a device that controls the amount of air flowing into the engine of a vehicle:\nthe choke button * If the car won’t start, try giving it a bit more choke (= reducing the flow of air into the engine by pulling out the choke).\n  2  an act or the sound of choking:\nShe gave a little choke of laughter.


Words: choked
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ up (about sth)| (BrE also) ~ (about sth) (informal) upset or angry about sth, so that you find it difficult to speak


Words: cholera
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a disease caught from infected water that causes severe DIARRHOEA and VOMITING and often causes death


Words: choleric
Meaning:
adjective\n(rare, formal) easily made angry; bad-tempered:\nHe was a choleric, self-important little man.


Words: cholesterol
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a substance found in blood, fat and most tissues of the body. Too much cholesterol can cause heart disease:\na high cholesterol level


Words: chomp
Meaning:
verb\n~ (on / through sth) to eat or bite food noisily:\n[VN] He chomped his way through two hot dogs. * [V] She was chomping away on a bagel.


Words: choose
Meaning:
1  ~ (between A and / or B) | ~ (A) (from B) | ~ sb/sth as sth to decide which thing or person you want out of the ones that are available:\n[V] You choose, I can’t decide. * There are plenty of restaurants to choose from. * She had to choose between giving up her job or hiring a nanny. * [VN] Sarah chose her words carefully. * We have to choose a new manager from a shortlist of five candidates. * This site has been chosen for the new school. * He chose banking as a career. * We chose Paul Stubbs as / for chairperson. * [V wh-] You’ll have to choose whether to buy it or not. * [V to inf] We chose to go by train. * [VN to inf] We chose Paul Stubbs to be chairperson.\n  2  to prefer or decide to do sth:\n[V] Employees can retire at 60 if they choose. * [V to inf] Many people choose not to marry.\nsee also CHOICE n.\n IDIOMS \n  there is nothing / not much / little to choose between A and B there is very little difference between two or more things or people\nmore at PICK v.


Words: choosy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) careful in choosing; difficult to please\nSYN PICKY:\nI’m very choosy about my clothes.


Words: chop
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-pp-)\n  1  ~ sth (up) (into sth) to cut sth into pieces with a sharp tool such as a knife:\n[VN] Chop the carrots up into small pieces. * Add the finely chopped onions. * He was chopping logs for firewood. * (figurative) The country was chopped up into small administrative areas. [also V]\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] (informal) to reduce sth by a large amount; to stop sth\nSYN CUT:\nThe share price was chopped from 50 pence to 20 pence.\n  3  [VN] to hit sth with a short downward stroke or blow\n IDIOMS \n  chop and change (BrE, informal) to keep changing your mind or what you are doing\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  chop (away) at sth to aim blows at sth with a heavy sharp tool such as an AXE\n  chop sth<->down to make sth, such as a tree, fall by cutting it at the base with a sharp tool\n  chop sth<->off (sth) to remove sth by cutting it with a sharp tool:\nHe chopped a branch off the tree. * (informal) Anne Boleyn had her head chopped off.\n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a thick slice of meat with a bone attached to it, especially from a pig or sheep:\na pork / lamb chop\n \n  2  [C] an act of cutting sth with a quick downward movement using an AXE or a knife:\nGive the mushrooms a quick chop before adding them to the pan.\n \n  3  [C] an act of hitting sth with the side of your hand in a quick downward movement:\na karate chop\n \n  4  (chops) [pl.] (informal) the part of a person’s or an animal’s face around the mouth:\nThe dog sat licking its chops.\n IDIOMS \n  get / be given the chop (BrE, informal)\n1 (of a person) to be dismissed from a job:\nThe whole department has been given the chop.\n2 (of a plan, project, etc.) to be stopped or ended:\nThree more schemes have got the chop.\n  be for the chop (BrE, informal)\n1 (of a person) to be likely to be dismissed from a job:\nWho’s next for the chop?\n2 (of a plan, project, etc.) to be likely to be stopped or ended


Words: chop-chop
Meaning:
exclamation\n(BrE, informal) hurry up!:\nChop-chop! We haven’t got all day!\n ORIGIN  From pidgin English based on a Chinese dialect word for ’quick’.


Words: chopper
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (informal) = HELICOPTER\n  2  a large heavy knife or small AXE\n  3  (AmE) a type of motorcycle with a long piece of metal connecting the front wheel to the HANDLEBARS


Words: chopping board
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE cutting board) noun\na board made of wood or plastic used for cutting meat or vegetables on


Words: choppy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of the sea, etc.) with a lot of small waves; not calm:\nchoppy waters\n  2  (AmE, disapproving) (of a style of writing) containing a lot of short sentences and changing topics too often


Words: chopstick
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] either of a pair of thin sticks that are used for eating with, especially in Asian countries


Words: chorale
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a piece of church music with an impressive but simple tune\n  2  (especially AmE) a group of singers; a CHOIR


Words: chord
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (music) two or more notes played together\n \n  2  (mathematics) a straight line that joins two points on a curve\nsee also VOCAL CORDS\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  strike / touch a chord (with sb) to say or do sth that makes people feel sympathy or enthusiasm:\nThe speaker had obviously struck a chord with his audience.


Words: chore
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a task that you do regularly:\ndoing the household / domestic chores\n  2  an unpleasant or boring task:\nShopping’s a real chore for me.


Words: choreograph
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to design and arrange the steps and movements for dancers in a ballet or a show: (figurative) There was some carefully choreographed flag-waving as the President drove by.


Words: choreography
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the art of designing and arranging the steps and movements in dances, especially in ballet; the steps and movements in a particular ballet or show\n    choreographer  noun\n    choreographic  adjective


Words: chortle
Meaning:
verb\nto laugh loudly with pleasure or amusement:\n[V] Gill chortled with delight. [also V speech]\n    chortle noun


Words: chorus
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] part of a song that is sung after each verse\nSYN REFRAIN:\nEveryone joined in the chorus.\n  2  [C] a piece of music, usually part of a larger work, that is written for a CHOIR (= a group of singers):\nthe Hallelujah Chorus\n  3  [C+sing./pl. v.] (often in names) a large group of singers\nSYN CHOIR:\nthe Bath Festival Chorus\n  4  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of performers who sing and dance in a musical show:\nthe chorus line (= a line of singers and dancers performing together)\n  5  a ~ of sth [sing.] the sound of a lot of people expressing approval or disapproval at the same time:\na chorus of praise / complaint * a chorus of voices calling for her resignation * A chorus of laughter greeted his remark.\nsee also DAWN CHORUS\n  6  [sing.+sing./pl. v.] (in ancient Greek drama) a group of performers who comment together on the events of the play\n  7  [sing.] (especially in 16th century drama) an actor who speaks the opening and closing words of the play\n IDIOMS \n  in chorus all together\nSYN IN UNISON:\n’Thank you,’ they said in chorus.\n    verb to sing or say sth all together: [V speech] ’Hello, Paul,’ they chorused. [also VN]


Words: chow
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (slang) food\n  2  (also chow chow) [C] a dog with long thick hair, a curled tail and a blue-black tongue, originally from China


Words: chow mein
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a Chinese-style dish of fried NOODLES served with small pieces of meat and vegetables:\nchicken chow mein


Words: Christ
Meaning:
(also Jesus, Jesus Christ) noun, exclamation \n    noun the man that Christians believe is the son of God and on whose teachings the Christian religion is based\n    exclamation (!!!, informal) a swear word that many people find offensive, used to show that you are angry, annoyed or surprised:\nChrist! Look at the time-I’m late!


Words: christen
Meaning:
verb (informal)\n  1  to give a name to a baby at his or her baptism to welcome him or her into the Christian Church:\n[VN-N] The child was christened Mary. * [VN] Did you have your children christened?\n  2  to give a name to sb/sth:\n[VN-N] This area has been christened ’Britain’s last wilderness’. * They christened the boat ’Oceania’. [also VN]\n  3  [VN] (informal) to use sth for the first time:\nLet’s have a drink to christen our new wine glasses.


Words: christening
Meaning:
noun\na Christian ceremony in which a baby is officially named and welcomed into the Christian Church\ncompare BAPTISM


Words: Christian
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  based on or believing the teachings of Jesus Christ:\nthe Christian Church / faith / religion * She had a Christian upbringing. * a Christian country\n  2  connected with Christians:\nthe Christian sector of the city\n  3  (also christian) showing the qualities that are thought of as typical of a Christian; good and kind\n    noun a person who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ or has been BAPTIZED in a Christian church:\nOnly 10% of the population are now practising Christians.


Words: Christian name
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) (in western countries) a name given to sb when they are born or when they are CHRISTENED; a personal name, not a family name:\nWe’re all on Christian name terms here.


Words: Christianity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the religion that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the belief that he was the son of God


Words: Christmas
Meaning:
noun [U, C]\n  1  (also Christmas Day) 25 December, the day when Christians celebrate the birth of Christ:\nChristmas dinner / presents\nsee also BOXING DAY\n  2  (also Christmastime) the period that includes Christmas Day and the days close to it:\nthe Christmas holidays / vacation * Are you spending Christmas with your family? * Happy Christmas! * Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


Words: Christmas box
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, old-fashioned) a small gift, usually of money, given at Christmas to sb who provides a service during the year, for example a POSTMAN


Words: Christmas cake
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a fruit cake covered with MARZIPAN and ICING, traditionally eaten in Britain at Christmas


Words: Christmas card
Meaning:
noun\na card with a picture on it that you send to friends and relatives at Christmas with your good wishes


Words: Christmas pudding
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a hot PUDDING (= a sweet dish) like a dark fruit cake, traditionally eaten in Britain at Christmas


Words: Christmas stocking
Meaning:
(also stocking) noun\na long sock which children leave out when they go to bed on Christmas Eve so that it can be filled with presents


Words: Christmas tree
Meaning:
noun\nan EVERGREEN tree, or an artificial tree that looks similar, that people decorate with coloured lights and ornaments and have in their homes or outside at Christmas


Words: Christmassy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) typical of Christmas:\nWe put up the decorations and the tree and started to feel Christmassy at last.


Words: chromatic
Meaning:
adjective\n(music) of the chromatic scale, a series of musical notes that rise and fall in SEMITONES/HALF-TONES\ncompare DIATONIC


Words: chrome
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a hard shiny metal used especially as a protective covering for other metals; chromium or an ALLOY of chromium and other metals:\nglittering modern buildings of chrome, steel and glass


Words: chromium
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol Cr) a chemical element. Chromium is a hard grey metal that shines brightly when polished and is often used to cover other metals in order to prevent them from RUSTING:\nchromium-plated steel


Words: chromosome
Meaning:
noun\n(biology) one of the very small parts like threads in the NUCLEI (= central parts) of animal and plant cells, that carry the GENES:\nHumans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in their cells.\nsee also SEX CHROMOSOME, X CHROMOSOME, Y CHROMOSOME\n    chromosomal  adjective:\nchromosomal abnormalities / DNA


Words: chronic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (especially of a disease) lasting for a long time; difficult to cure or get rid of:\nchronic bronchitis / arthritis / asthma * the country’s chronic unemployment problem * a chronic shortage of housing in rural areas\ncompare ACUTE\n  2  having had a disease for a long time:\na chronic alcoholic / depressive\n  3  (BrE, informal) very bad:\nThe film was just chronic.\n    chronically  adverb:\na hospital for the chronically ill


Words: chronicle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a written record of events in the order in which they happened:\nthe Anglo-Saxon Chronicle * Her latest novel is a chronicle of life in a Devon village.\n    verb [VN] (written) to record events in the order in which they happened:\nHer achievements are chronicled in a new biography out this week.\n    chronicler  noun


Words: chronological
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a number of events) arranged in the order in which they happened:\nThe facts should be presented clearly and in chronological order.\n  2  ~ age (formal) the number of years a person has lived as opposed to their level of physical, mental or emotional development\ncompare MENTAL AGE\n    chronologically  adverb


Words: chronology
Meaning:
noun\n(plural chronologies) [U, C] the order in which a series of events happened; a list of these events in order:\nHistorians seem to have confused the chronology of these events. * a problem of chronology * a chronology of Mozart’s life


Words: chrysalis
Meaning:
noun\n(also chrysalid) the form of an insect, especially a BUTTERFLY or MOTH, while it is changing into an adult inside a hard case, also called a chrysalis\ncompare PUPA


Words: chrysanthemum
Meaning:
noun\na large, brightly coloured garden flower that is shaped like a ball and made up of many long narrow PETALS


