# dict

Words: man-eater
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a wild animal that attacks and eats human beings\n  2  (humorous) a woman who has many sexual partners\n    man-eating adjective [only before noun]:\na man-eating shark / tiger


Words: man-hour
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] the amount of work done by one person in one hour:\nIt will take them 2 000 man-hours to get the aircraft flying again.


Words: man-made
Meaning:
adjective\nmade by people; not natural \nSYN ARTIFICIAL:\na man-made lake * man-made fibres such as nylon and polyester


Words: manacle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [usually pl.] one of two metal bands joined by a chain, used for fastening a prisoner’s ankles or wrists together\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to put manacles on sb’s wrists or ankles, to stop them from escaping


Words: manage
Meaning:
verb\n  do sth difficult\n  1  to succeed in doing sth, especially sth difficult:\n[VN] In spite of his disappointment, he managed a weak smile. * I don’t know exactly how we’ll manage it, but we will, somehow. * Can you manage another piece of cake? (= eat one) * [V to inf] We managed to get to the airport in time. * How did you manage to persuade him? * (humorous) He always manages to say the wrong thing. * They managed to find a place to stay. * [V] We couldn’t have managed without you. * ’Need any help?’ ’No, thanks. I can manage.’ -> CAN\n  deal with problems\n  2  [V] ~ (with / without sb/sth) to be able to solve your problems, deal with a difficult situation, etc.\nSYN COPE:\nI don’t know how she manages on her own with four kids. * How do you manage without a car? * She’s 82 and can’t manage on her own any more.\n  money / time / information\n  3  [V] ~ (on sth) to be able to live without having much money:\nHe has to manage on less than ｣100 a week.\n  4  [VN] to use money, time, information, etc. in a sensible way:\nDon’t tell me how to manage my affairs. * a computer program that helps you manage data efficiently\n  5  [VN] to be able to do sth at a particular time:\nLet’s meet up again-can you manage next week sometime?\n  business / team\n  6  to control or be in charge of a business, a team, an organization, etc:\n[VN] to manage a factory / bank / hotel / soccer team * to manage a department / project * [V] We need people who are good at managing.\n  control\n  7  [VN] to keep sb/sth under control; to be able to deal with sb/sth:\nIt’s like trying to manage an unruly child. * Can you manage that suitcase?


Words: manageable
Meaning:
adjective\npossible to deal with or control:\nUse conditioner regularly to make your hair soft and manageable. * The debt has been reduced to a more manageable level. * It is important to present new information in manageable chunks.\nOPP UNMANAGEABLE


Words: managed
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] carefully looked after and controlled:\nThe money will be invested in managed funds. * Only wood from managed forests is used in our furniture.


Words: management
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act of running and controlling a business or similar organization:\na career in management * hotel / project management * a management training course * The report blames bad management. * The company’s top-down management style made decision-making slow and inflexible. * He is one of the highest paid management gurus in the world.\n  2  [C+sing./pl. v., U] the people who run and control a business or similar organization:\nThe management is / are considering closing the factory. * The shop is now under new management. * junior / middle / senior management * a management decision / job * My role is to act as a mediator between employees and management. * Most managements are keen to avoid strikes.\n  3  [U] the act or skill of dealing with people or situations in a successful way:\nclassroom management * time management (= the way in which you organize how you spend your time) * management of staff * Diet plays an important role in the management of heart disease.


Words: manager
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who is in charge of running a business, a shop/store or a similar organization or part of one:\na bank / hotel manager * the sales / marketing / personnel manager * a meeting of area managers\nsee also MIDDLE MANAGER\n  2  a person who deals with the business affairs of an actor, a musician, etc.\n  3  a person who trains and organizes a sports team:\nthe new manager of Italy


Words: manageress
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, becoming old-fashioned) a woman who is in charge of a small business, for example, a shop/store, restaurant or hotel


Words: managerial
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] connected with the work of a manager:\nDoes she have any managerial experience?


Words: manatee
Meaning:
noun\na large water animal with front legs and a strong tail but no back legs, that lives in America and Africa


Words: mandarin
Meaning:
noun [C]\n  1  (BrE) a powerful official of high rank, especially in the CIVIL SERVICE\n  2  a government official of high rank in China in the past\n  3  (also mandarin orange) a type of small orange with loose skin that comes off easily


Words: mandate
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  ~ (to do sth) | ~ (for sth) the authority to do sth, given to a government or other organization by the people who vote for it in an election:\nThe election victory gave the party a clear mandate to continue its programme of reform. * a mandate for an end to the civil war\n  2  the period of time for which a government is given power:\nThe presidential mandate is limited to two terms of four years each.\n  3  ~ (to do sth) (formal) an official order given to sb to perform a particular task:\nThe bank had no mandate to honour the cheque.\n  4  the power given to a country to govern another country or region, especially in the past:\nThe Cook Islands mandate was given to New Zealand.\n    verb  [often passive] (formal)\n  1  (especially AmE) to order sb to behave, do sth or vote in a particular way:\n[V that] The law mandates that imported goods should be identified as such. [also VN to inf, VN]\n  2  [VN to inf] to give sb, especially a government or a committee, the authority to do sth:\nThe assembly was mandated to draft a constitution.


Words: mandated
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun] (formal)\n  1  (of a country or state) placed under the rule of another country:\nmandated territories\n  2  required by law:\na mandated curriculum\n  3  having a mandate to do sth:\na mandated government


Words: mandatory
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sb) (to do sth) (formal) required by law\nSYN COMPULSORY:\nIt is mandatory for blood banks to test all donated blood for the virus. * The offence carries a mandatory life sentence.


Words: mandible
Meaning:
noun (anatomy)\n \n  1  the JAWBONE\n \n  2  the upper or lower part of a bird’s beak\n \n  3  either of the two parts that are at the front and on either side of an insect’s mouth, used especially for biting and crushing food


Words: mandolin
Meaning:
noun\na musical instrument with metal strings (usually eight) arranged in pairs, and a curved back, played with a PLECTRUM/PICK


Words: mandrake
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a poisonous plant used to make drugs, especially ones to make people sleep, thought in the past to have magic powers


Words: mane
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the long hair on the neck of a horse or a lion\n \n  2  (informal or literary) a person’s long or thick hair:\nShe tossed back her mane of chestnut hair.


Words: manfully
Meaning:
adverb\nusing a lot of effort in a brave and determined way:\nThey rose manfully to the challenge.\n    manful adjective [only before noun] (rare)


Words: manganese
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol Mn) a chemical element. Manganese is a grey-white metal that breaks easily, used in making glass and steel.


Words: mangetout
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE snow pea) noun\n[usually pl.] a type of very small pea that grows in long, flat green PODS that are cooked and eaten whole


Words: mangle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  to crush or twist sth so that it is badly damaged:\nHis hand was mangled in the machine.\n  2  to spoil sth, for example a poem or a piece of music, by saying it wrongly or playing it badly\n    mangled adjective:\nmangled bodies / remains\n    noun (also wringer) a machine with two ROLLERS (1) used especially in the past for squeezing the water out of clothes that had been washed


Words: mango
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural mangoes) a tropical fruit with smooth yellow or red skin, soft orange flesh and a large stone/pit inside


Words: mangrove
Meaning:
noun\na tropical tree that grows in mud or at the edge of rivers and sends roots down from its branches:\nmangrove swamps


Words: mangy
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of an animal) suffering from MANGE:\na mangy dog\n  2  (informal) dirty and in bad condition:\na mangy old coat


Words: manhandle
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to push, pull or handle sb roughly:\nBystanders claim they were manhandled by security guards. * They were manhandled into a waiting truck.\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to move or lift a heavy object using a lot of effort:\nThey were trying to manhandle an old sofa across the road.


Words: manhole
Meaning:
noun\na hole in the street that is covered with a lid, used when sb needs to go down to examine the pipes or SEWERS below the street


Words: manhood
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the state or time of being an adult man rather than a boy:\nto reach manhood * His youth and early manhood were spent in America.\n  2  [U] the qualities that a man is supposed to have, for example courage, strength and sexual power:\nHer new-found power was a threat to his manhood.\n  3  [sing.] (written or humorous) a man’s PENIS. People use ’manhood’ to avoid saying ’penis’.\n  4  [U] (literary) all the men of a country:\nThe nation’s manhood died on the battlefields of World War I.\ncompare WOMANHOOD


Words: mania
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing, U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) an extremely strong desire or enthusiasm for sth, often shared by a lot of people at the same time:\nHe had a mania for fast cars. * Football mania is sweeping the country.\n  2  [U] (psychology) a mental illness in which sb has an OBSESSION about sth that makes them extremely anxious, violent or confused:\nShe was diagnosed as suffering from persecution mania.\n\n combining form\n(in nouns) mental illness of a particular type:\nkleptomania\n    -maniac (in nouns):\na pyromaniac


Words: maniac
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (informal) a person who behaves in an extremely dangerous, wild, or stupid way:\nHe was driving like a maniac.\n  2  a person who has an extremely strong desire or enthusiasm for sth, to an extent that other people think is not normal:\na football / religious / sex maniac\n  3  (psychology) a person suffering from mania:\na homicidal maniac\n    maniac adjective [only before noun]:\na maniac driver / fan / killer


Words: manic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (informal) full of activity, excitement and anxiety; behaving in a busy, excited, anxious way:\nThings are manic in the office at the moment. * Martha’s pretty manic. * The performers had a manic energy and enthusiasm.\n  2  (psychology) connected with MANIA (2):\nmanic mood swings\n    manically adverb:\nI rushed around manically, trying to finish the housework.


Words: manic depression
Meaning:
noun\n(psychology) a mental illness causing sb to change quickly from being extremely happy to being extremely depressed


Words: manicure
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U] the care and treatment of a person’s hands and nails:\nto have a manicure\ncompare PEDICURE\n    verb [VN] to care for and treat your hands and nails


Words: manicured
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of hands or fingers) with nails that are neatly cut and polished\n  2  (of gardens, a LAWN, etc.) very neat and well cared for


Words: manifest
Meaning:
verb, adjective, noun \n    verb (formal)\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (in sth) to show sth clearly, especially a feeling, an attitude or a quality\nSYN DEMONSTRATE:\nSocial tensions were manifested in the recent political crisis.\n  2  [VN] ~ itself (in sth) to appear or become noticeable\nSYN APPEAR:\nThe symptoms of the disease manifested themselves ten days later.\n    adjective ~ (to sb) (in sth) | ~ (in sth) (formal) easy to see or understand:\nHis nervousness was manifest to all those present. * The anger he felt is manifest in his paintings.\n    manifestly adverb:\nmanifestly unfair * The party has manifestly failed to achieve its goal.\n    noun (technical) a list of goods or passengers on a ship or an aircraft


Words: manifestation
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [C, U] ~ (of sth) an event, action or thing that is a sign that sth exists or is happening; the act of appearing as a sign that sth exists or is happening:\nThe riots are a clear manifestation of the people’s discontent. * Some manifestation of your concern would have been appreciated.\n  2  [C] an appearance of a ghost or spirit:\nThe church is the site of a number of supernatural manifestations.


Words: manifesto
Meaning:
noun\n(plural manifestos) a written statement in which a group of people, especially a political party, explain their beliefs and say what they will do if they win an election:\nan election manifesto * the party manifesto


Words: manifold
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (formal) many; of many different types:\nThe possibilities were manifold. * Manifold examples of her work have been preserved in the city archives.\n    noun (technical) a pipe or an enclosed space with several openings for taking gases in and out of a car engine:\nthe exhaust manifold


Words: manikin
Meaning:
(also mannikin)  noun\n  1  a model of the human body that is used for teaching art or medicine\n  2  (old-fashioned) a very small man\nSYN DWARF


Words: manipulate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ (sb into sth / into doing sth) (disapproving) to control or influence sb/sth, often in a dishonest way so that they do not realize it:\nShe uses her charm to manipulate people. * As a politician, he knows how to manipulate public opinion. * They managed to manipulate us into agreeing to help.\n  2  to control or use sth in a skilful way:\nto manipulate the gears and levers of a machine * Computers are very efficient at manipulating information.\n  3  (technical) to move a person’s bones or joints into the correct position\n    manipulation  noun [U, C]:\nAdvertising like this is a cynical manipulation of the elderly. * data manipulation * manipulation of the bones of the back


Words: manipulative
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (disapproving) skilful at influencing sb or forcing sb to do what you want, often in an unfair way:\nmanipulative behaviour * He’s extremely manipulative, so don’t let him persuade you.\n  2  (formal) connected with the ability to handle objects skilfully:\nmanipulative skills such as typing and knitting


Words: manipulator
Meaning:
noun\n(often disapproving) a person who is skilful at influencing people or situations in order to get what they want:\na ruthless manipulator


Words: mankind
Meaning:
noun\n[U] all human beings thought about as one large group; the human race:\nthe history of mankind * an invention for the good of all mankind * The future of mankind is at stake.\nsee also HUMANKIND\ncompare WOMANKIND


Words: manly
Meaning:
adjective\n(often approving) having the qualities or physical features that are admired or expected in a man:\nthe manly virtues of courage and strength * He looked so manly in his uniform. * She had very manly shoulders.\n    manliness noun [U]:\nHe felt she had insulted his manliness.


Words: manna
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in the Bible) the food that God provided for the people of Israel during their 40 years in the desert: (figurative) To the refugees, the food shipments were manna from heaven (= an unexpected and very welcome gift).


Words: mannequin
Meaning:
noun (old-fashioned)\n  1  a person whose job is to wear and display new styles of clothes\nSYN MODEL\n  2  a model of a human body, used for displaying clothes in shops/stores


Words: manner
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [sing.] (formal) the way that sth is done or happens:\nShe answered in a businesslike manner. * The manner in which the decision was announced was extremely regrettable.\n  2  [sing.] the way that sb behaves and speaks towards other people:\nto have an aggressive / a friendly / a relaxed manner * His manner was polite but cool.\nsee also BEDSIDE MANNER\n  3  (manners) [pl.] behaviour that is considered to be polite in a particular society or culture:\nto have good / bad manners * It is bad manners to talk with your mouth full. * He has no manners (= behaves very badly). * She could at least have the good manners to let me know she won’t be able to attend.\nsee also TABLE MANNERS\n  4  (manners) [pl.] (formal) the habits and customs of a particular group of people:\nthe social morals and manners of the seventeenth century\n IDIOMS \n  all manner of sb/sth many different types of people or things:\nThe problem can be solved in all manner of ways. * He enjoyed interacting with all manner of different people.\n  in a manner of speaking if you think about it in a particular way; true in some but not all ways:\nThe warring governments could be seen as terrorists too, in a manner of speaking.\n  in the manner of sb/sth (formal) in a style that is typical of sb/sth:\na painting in the manner of Raphael\n  (as / as if) to the manner born (formal) as if sth is natural for you and you have done it many times in the past:\nShe adapted to life on the estate as if to the manner born.\n  what manner of ... (formal or literary) what kind of ...:\nWhat manner of man could do such a terrible thing?


Words: mannered
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (disapproving) (of behaviour, art, writing, etc.) trying to impress people by being formal and not natural:\nHis prose style is far too mannered and self-conscious. * deliberately slow and mannered movements\n  2  (-mannered) (in compounds) having the type of manners mentioned:\na well-mannered child * a mild-mannered person\nsee also ILL-MANNERED


Words: mannerism
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a particular habit or way of speaking or behaving that sb has but is not aware of:\nnervous / odd / irritating mannerisms\n  2  [U] too much use of a particular style in painting or writing\n  3  (Mannerism) a style in 16th century Italian art that did not show things in a natural way but made them look strange or out of their usual shape


Words: mannish
Meaning:
adjective\n(usually disapproving) (of a woman or of sth belonging to a woman) having qualities that are thought of as typical of or suitable for a man


Words: manoeuvrable
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE maneuverable)  adjective\nthat can easily be moved into different positions:\na small, highly manoeuvrable vehicle\n    manoeuvrability (AmE maneuverability) noun [U]


Words: manoeuvre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE maneuver)  noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a movement performed with care and skill:\na complicated / skilful manoeuvre * You will be asked to perform some standard manoeuvres during your driving test.\n  2  [C, U] a clever plan, action or movement that is used to give sb an advantage:\ndiplomatic manoeuvres * a complex manoeuvre in a game of chess * The amendment was somehow introduced by political manoeuvre.\n  3  (manoeuvres) [pl.] military exercises involving a large number of soldiers, ships, etc:\nThe army is on manoeuvres in the desert.\n IDIOMS \n  freedom of / room for manoeuvre the chance to change the way that sth happens and influence decisions that are made:\nSmall farmers have limited room for manoeuvre.\n    verb\n  1  to move or turn skilfully or carefully; to move or turn sth skilfully or carefully:\n[V] The yachts manoeuvred for position. * There was very little room to manoeuvre. * [VN] She manoeuvred the car carefully into the garage.\n  2  to control or influence a situation in a skilful but sometimes dishonest way:\n[V] The new laws have left us little room to manoeuvre (= not much opportunity to change or influence a situation). * [VN +adv./prep.] She manoeuvred her way to the top of the company.


Words: manoeuvring
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE maneuvering)  noun\n[U, C] clever, skilful, and often dishonest ways of achieving your aims:\nThe political manoeuvring never stops.


Words: manor
Meaning:
noun (BrE)\n  1  (also manor house) a large country house surrounded by land that belongs to it\n  2  an area of land with a manor house on it\n  3  (slang) an area in which sb works or for which they are responsible, especially officers at a police station


Words: manpower
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the number of workers needed or available to do a particular job:\na need for trained / skilled manpower * a manpower shortage * We have undertaken a major review to ensure best use of the available manpower.


Words: manque
Meaning:
adjective\n(following nouns) (from French, formal or humorous) used to describe a person who hoped to follow a particular career but who failed in it or never tried it:\nHe’s really an artist manque.


Words: mansard
Meaning:
(also mansard roof) noun\n(technical) a roof with a double slope in which the upper part is less steep than the lower part


Words: mansion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a large impressive house:\nan 18th century country mansion\n  2  (Mansions) [pl.] (BrE) used in the names of blocks of flats:\n2 Moscow Mansions, Cromwell Road


Words: manslaughter
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (law) the crime of killing sb illegally but not deliberately:\nThe charge has been reduced to manslaughter.\ncompare HOMICIDE, MURDER


Words: mantle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [sing.] the ~ of sb/sth (literary) the role and responsibilities of an important person or job, especially when they are passed on from one person to another:\nThe vice-president must now take on the mantle of supreme power. * She will soon inherit her father’s mantle.\n  2  [C] (literary) a layer of sth that covers a surface:\nhills with a mantle of snow * a grey mantle of mist shrouding the slopes\n  3  [C] a loose piece of clothing without sleeves, worn over other clothes, especially in the past\n  4  (also gas mantle) [C] a cover around the flame of a gas lamp that becomes very bright when it is heated\n  5  [sing.] (geology) the part of the earth below the CRUST and surrounding the CORE\n    verb [VN] (literary) to cover the surface of sth:\nHeavy mists mantled the forested slopes behind the village.


Words: mantra
Meaning:
noun\na word, phrase or sound that is repeated again and again, especially during prayer or MEDITATION:\na Buddhist mantra


Words: manual
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (of work, etc.) involving using the hands or physical strength:\nmanual labour / jobs / skills * manual and non-manual workers\n  2  operated or controlled by hand rather than automatically or using electricity, etc:\na manual gearbox * My camera has manual and automatic functions. * The company has now transferred all its manual records onto computer.\n  3  connected with using the hands:\nmanual dexterity\n    manually  adverb:\nmanually operated\n    noun a book that tells you how to do or operate sth, especially one that comes with a machine, etc. when you buy it:\na computer / car / instruction manual * Why don’t you read the manual?\ncompare HANDBOOK\n IDIOMS \n  on manual not being operated automatically:\nLeave the controls on manual.


Words: manufacture
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  to make or produce goods in large quantities, using machinery:\nmanufactured goods\n  2  to invent a story, an excuse, etc:\na news story manufactured by an unscrupulous journalist\n  3  (technical) to produce a substance:\nVitamins cannot be manufactured by our bodies. * Plants use the sun’s light to manufacture their food.\n    noun\n  1  [U] the process of producing goods in large quantities:\nthe manufacture of cars * What is the date of manufacture?\n  2  (manufactures) [pl.] (technical) manufactured goods:\na major importer of cotton manufactures


Words: manufacturer
Meaning:
noun\n(also the manufacturers [pl.]) a person or company that produces goods in large quantities:\na car / computer manufacturer * Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. * Faulty goods should be returned to the manufacturers.


Words: manufacturing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the business or industry of producing goods in large quantities in factories, etc:\nMany jobs in manufacturing were lost during the recession. * The company has established its first manufacturing base in Europe.


Words: manure
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] the waste matter from animals that is spread over or mixed with the soil to help plants and crops grow:\nDig plenty of well-rotted manure into the soil.\n    verb [VN] to put manure on or in soil to help plants grow


Words: manuscript
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a copy of a book, piece of music, etc. before it has been printed:\nan unpublished / original manuscript * I read her poems in manuscript.\n  2  a very old book or document that was written by hand before printing was invented:\nmedieval illuminated manuscripts


Words: many
Meaning:
determiner, pronoun\n  1  used with plural nouns and verbs, especially in negative sentences or in more formal English, to mean ’a large number of’. Also used in questions to ask about the size of a number, and with ’as’ and ’too’:\nWe don’t have very many copies left. * You can’t have one each. We haven’t got many. * Many people feel that the law should be changed. * Many of those present disagreed. * How many children do you have? * There are too many mistakes in this essay. * He made ten mistakes in as many (= in ten) lines. * New drivers have twice as many accidents as experienced drivers. * I’ve known her for a great many (= very many) years. * Even if one person is hurt that is one too many. * It was one of my many mistakes. * a many-headed monster\n  2  (the many) used with a plural verb to mean ’most people’:\na government which improves conditions for the many\n  3  (many a) (formal) used with a singular noun and verb to mean ’a large number of’:\nMany a good man has been destroyed by drink.\n IDIOMS \n  as many as ... used to show surprise that the number of people or things involved is so large:\nThere were as many as 200 people at the lecture.\n  have had one too many (informal) to be slightly drunk\n  many’s the ... (formal) used to show that sth happens often:\nMany’s the time I heard her use those words.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nmany / a lot of / lots of\nMany is used only with countable nouns. It is used mainly in questions and negative sentences: Do you go to many concerts? * How many people came to the meeting? * I don’t go to many concerts. Although it is not common in statements, it is used after so, as and too: You made too many mistakes.\nIn statements a lot of or lots of (informal) are much more common: I go to a lot of concerts. * ’How many CDs have you got?’ ’Lots!’ However, they are not used with measurements of time or distance: I stayed in England many/quite a few/ten weeks. * _I_ _s_t_a_y_e_d_ _i_n_ _E_n_g_l_a_n_d_ _a_ _l_o_t_ _o_f_ _w_e_e_k_s. When a lot of/lots of means ’many’, it takes a plural verb: Lots of people like Italian food. You can also use plenty of (informal): Plenty of stores stay open late. These phrases can also be used in questions and negative sentences.\nA lot of/lots of is still felt to be informal, especially in BrE, so in formal writing it is better to use many or a large number of in statements.\n-> note at MUCH\n______________________________


Words: Maori
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a member of a race of people who were the original people living in New Zealand\n  2  [U] the language of the Maori people\n    Maori adjective


Words: map
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a drawing or plan of the earth’s surface or part of it, showing countries, towns, rivers, etc:\na map of France * a street map of Miami * to read a / the map (= understand the information on a map) * large-scale maps * Can you find Black Hill on the map? * I’ll draw you a map of how to get to my house.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  put sb/sth on the map to make sb/sth famous or important:\nThe exhibition has helped put the city on the map.\nmore at WIPE v.\n    verb (-pp-) [VN] \n  1  to make a map of an area:\nan unexplored region that has not yet been mapped\n  2  to discover or give information about sth, especially the way it is arranged or organized:\nIt is now possible to map the different functions of the brain. * scientific discoveries which help to map our distant past\n    mapping noun [U]:\nthe mapping of the Indian subcontinent * gene mapping\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  map sth on / onto sth to link a group of qualities, items, etc. with their source, cause, position on a scale, etc:\nGrammar information enables students to map the structure of a foreign language into their own.\n  map sth<->out to plan or arrange sth in a careful or detailed way:\nHe has his career path clearly mapped out.


Words: maple
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] (also maple tree) a tall tree with leaves that have five points and turn bright red or yellow in the autumn/fall. Maples grow in northern countries:\nThe maple leaf is Canada’s national emblem.\n  2  [U] the wood of the maple tree


Words: maple syrup
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a sweet sticky sauce made with liquid obtained from some types of maple tree, often eaten with PANCAKES


Words: mar
Meaning:
verb\n(-rr-) [VN] to damage or spoil sth good:\nThe game was marred by the behaviour of drunken fans.


Words: marathon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a long running race of about 42 kilometres or 26 miles:\nthe London marathon * to run a marathon\n  2  an activity or a piece of work that lasts a long time and requires a lot of effort and patience:\nMy job interview was a real marathon.\n ORIGIN  From the story that in ancient Greece a messenger ran from Marathon to Athens (22 miles) with the news of a victory over the Persians.\n    marathon adjective [only before noun]:\na marathon journey lasting 56 hours * a marathon legal battle


Words: marauding
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (written) (of people or animals) going around a place in search of things to steal or people to attack:\nmarauding wolves * Gangs of marauding youths filled the streets.\n    marauder  noun


Words: marble
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] a type of hard stone that is usually white and often has coloured lines in it. It can be polished and is used in building and for making statues, etc:\na slab / block of marble * a marble floor / sculpture\n \n  2  [C] a small ball of coloured glass that children roll along the ground in a game\n \n  3  (marbles) [U] a game played with marbles:\nThree boys were playing marbles.\n \n  4  (marbles) [pl.] (informal) a way of referring to sb’s intelligence or mental ability:\nHe’s losing his marbles (= he’s not behaving in a sensible way).


Words: marbled
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving the colours and/or patterns of marble:\nmarbled wallpaper * The two types of chocolate in the cake give a marbled effect.


Words: March
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (abbreviation Mar.) the 3rd month of the year, between February and April\n HELP NOTE  To see how March is used, look at the examples at April.\n IDIOMS  see MAD


Words: march
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] to walk with stiff regular steps like a soldier:\n[V] Soldiers were marching up and down outside the government buildings. * Quick march! (= the order to start marching) * [VN] They marched 20 miles to reach the capital.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to walk somewhere quickly in a determined way:\nShe marched over to me and demanded an apology.\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to force sb to walk somewhere with you:\nThe guards marched the prisoner away. * She was marched out of the door and into a waiting car.\n  4  [V] to walk through the streets in a large group in order to protest about sth\nSYN DEMONSTRATE\n IDIOMS \n  get your marching orders (BrE, informal) to be ordered to leave a place, a job, etc.\n  give sb their marching orders (informal) to order sb to leave a place, their job, etc.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  march on to move on or pass quickly:\nTime marches on and we still have not made a decision.\n  march on ... to march to a place to protest about sth or to attack it:\nSeveral thousand people marched on City Hall.\n    noun\n  1  [C] an organized walk by many people from one place to another, in order to protest about sth, or to express their opinions:\nprotest marches * to go on a march\ncompare DEMONSTRATION\n  2  [C] an act of marching; a journey made by marching:\nThe army began their long march to the coast.\n  3  [sing.] the ~ of sth the steady development or forward movement of sth:\nthe march of progress / technology / time\n  4  [C] a piece of music written for marching to:\na funeral march\n IDIOMS \n  on the march marching somewhere:\nThe enemy are on the march\nmore at STEAL v.


Words: marchioness
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a woman who has the rank of a MARQUESS\n  2  the wife of a MARQUESS:\nthe Marchioness of Bath\ncompare MARQUISE


Words: Mardi Gras
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from French) the day before the beginning of Lent, celebrated as a holiday in some countries, with music and dancing in the streets\ncompare SHROVE TUESDAY


Words: mare
Meaning:
noun\na female horse or DONKEY\ncompare BROOD MARE, FILLY, STALLION\n IDIOMS \n  a mare’s nest\n1 a discovery that seems interesting but is found to have no value\n2 a very complicated situation:\nThis area of the law is a veritable mare’s nest.


Words: margarine
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a yellow substance like butter made from animal or vegetable fats, used in cooking or spread on bread, etc.


Words: margin
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the empty space at the side of a written or printed page:\nthe left-hand / right-hand margin * a narrow / wide margin * notes scribbled in the margin\n  2  [C, usually sing.] the amount of time, or number of votes, etc. by which sb wins sth:\nHe won by a narrow margin. * She beat the other runners by a margin of ten seconds. * Members voted by a margin of 71 to become a public limited company.\n  3  [C] (business) = PROFIT MARGIN:\nWhat are your average operating margins? * a gross margin of 45%\n  4  [C, usually sing.] an extra amount of sth such as time, space, money, etc. that you include in order to make sure that sth is successful:\na safety margin * The narrow gateway left me little margin for error as I reversed the car.\nsee also MARGIN OF ERROR\n  5  [C] (formal) the extreme edge or limit of a place:\nthe eastern margin of the Indian Ocean\n  6  [C, usually pl.] the part that is not included in the main part of a group or situation:\npeople living on the margins of society


Words: margin of error
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] an amount that you allow when you calculate sth, for the possibility that a number is not completely accurate:\nThe survey has a margin of error of 2.5%


Words: marginal
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  small and not important:\na marginal improvement in weather conditions * The story will only be of marginal interest to our readers. * The difference between the two estimates is marginal.\n  2  not part of a main or important group or situation:\nmarginal groups in society * Welsh was considered a marginal language.\n  3  (politics) (especially BrE) won or lost by a very small number of votes and therefore very important or interesting politically:\na marginal seat / constituency\n  4  [only before noun] written in the margin of a page:\nmarginal notes / comments\n  5  (of land) that cannot produce enough good crops to make a profit\n    noun (BrE) a seat in a parliament, on a local council, etc. that was won by a very small number of votes:\na Labour marginal


Words: marginalize
Meaning:
(BrE also marginalise)  verb\n[VN] to make sb feel as if they are not important and cannot influence decisions or events; to put sb in a position in which they have no power\n    marginalization, marginalisation noun [U]:\nthe marginalization of the elderly


Words: marginally
Meaning:
adverb\nvery slightly; not very much:\nThey now cost marginally more than they did last year. * He’s in a new job but he’s only marginally better off.


Words: marijuana
Meaning:
(also marihuana)  (also informal pot) noun\n[U] a drug (illegal in many countries) made from the dried leaves and flowers of the HEMP plant, which gives a feeling of being relaxed when it is smoked\nSYN CANNABIS


Words: marinade
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a mixture of oil, wine, spices, etc., used for soaking meat or fish in before it is cooked in order to make it softer or to give it a particular flavour


Words: marinate
Meaning:
(also marinade) verb\n[VN, V] if you marinate food or it marinates, you soak it in a marinade before cooking it


Words: marine
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  connected with the sea and the creatures and plants that live there:\nmarine life * a marine biologist (= a scientist who studies life in the sea)\n  2  connected with ships or trade at sea\n    noun a soldier who is trained to serve on land or at sea, especially one in the US Marine Corps or the British Royal Marines


Words: marital
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with marriage or with the relationship between a husband and wife:\nmarital difficulties / breakdown


Words: marital status
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) (used especially on official forms) the fact of whether you are single, married, etc:\nquestions about age, sex and marital status


Words: maritime
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with the sea or ships:\na maritime museum * the country’s maritime history\n  2  (formal) near the sea:\nmaritime Antarctica


Words: mark
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  write / draw\n \n  1  ~ A (with B) | ~ B on A to write or draw a symbol, line, etc. on sth in order to give information about it:\n[VN] Items marked with an asterisk can be omitted. * Prices are marked on the goods. * [VN-ADJ] The teacher marked her absent (= made a mark by her name to show that she was absent). * Do not open any mail marked ’Confidential’.\n \n  spoil / damage\n \n  2  to make a mark on sth in a way that spoils or damages it; to become spoilt or damaged in this way:\n[VN] A large purple scar marked his cheek. * [V] The surfaces are made from a material that doesn’t mark.\n \n  show position\n \n  3  [VN] to show the position of sth:\nThe cross marks the spot where the body was found. * The route has been marked in red.\n  celebrate\n  4  [VN] to celebrate or officially remember an event that you consider to be important:\na ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the war\n  be sign\n  5  [VN] to be a sign that sth new is going to happen:\nThis speech may mark a change in government policy. * The agreement marks a new phase in international relations.\n  give mark / grade\n  6  (BrE) to give marks to students’ work:\n[VN] I hate marking exam papers. * [VN-ADJ] Why have you marked this wrong? * [V] I spend at least six hours a week marking.\ncompare GRADE\n  give particular quality\n  7  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (as sth) (formal) to give sb/sth a particular quality or character\nSYN CHARACTERIZE:\na life marked by suffering * He was marked as an enemy of the poor.\n  pay attention\n  8  (old-fashioned, spoken) used to tell sb to pay careful attention to sth:\n[VN] There’ll be trouble over this, mark my words. * [V wh-] You mark what I say, John.\n  in sport\n  9  [VN] (in a team game) to stay close to an opponent in order to prevent them from getting the ball:\nHughes was marking Taylor. * Our defence had him closely marked.\nsee also MARKING\n IDIOMS \n  mark time\n1 to pass the time while you wait for sth more interesting:\nI’m just marking time in this job-I’m hoping to get into journalism.\n2 (of soldiers) to make marching movements without moving forwards\n  mark you (old-fashioned spoken, especially BrE) used to remind sb of sth they should consider in a particular case:\nShe hasn’t had much success yet. Mark you, she tries hard.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  mark sb down (BrE) to reduce the mark/grade given to sb in an exam, etc:\nShe was marked down because of poor grammar.\n  mark sb down as sth (especially BrE) to recognize sb as a particular type:\nI hadn’t got him marked down as a liberal.\n  mark sth<->down\n1 to reduce the price of sth:\nAll goods have been marked down by 15%.\nOPP MARK UP\nrelated noun MARKDOWN\n2 to make a note of sth for future use or action:\nThe factory is already marked down for demolition.\n  mark sb/sth off (from sb/sth) to make sb/sth seem different from other people or things:\nEach of London’s districts had a distinct character that marked it off from its neighbours.\n  mark sth<->off to separate sth by marking a line between it and sth else:\nThe playing area was marked off with a white line.\n  mark sb out as / for sth to make people recognize sb as special in some way:\nShe was marked out for early promotion.\n  mark sth<->out to draw lines to show the edges of sth:\nThey marked out a tennis court on the lawn.\n  mark sth<->up\n1 to increase the price of sth:\nShare prices were marked up as soon as trading started.\nOPP MARK DOWN\nrelated noun MARK-UP\n2 (technical) to mark or correct a text, etc., for example for printing:\nto mark up a manuscript\n    noun\n  spot / dirt\n  1  a small area of dirt, a spot or a cut on a surface that spoils its appearance:\nThe children left dirty marks all over the kitchen floor. * a burn / scratch mark * Detectives found no marks on the body.\n  2  a noticeable spot or area of colour on the body of a person or an animal which helps you to recognize them:\na horse with a white mark on its head * He was about six feet tall, with no distinguishing marks.\nsee also BIRTHMARK, MARKING\n  symbol\n  3  a written or printed symbol that is used as a sign of sth, for example the quality of sth or who made or owns it:\npunctuation marks * Any piece of silver bearing his mark is extremely valuable. * I put a mark in the margin to remind me to check the figure.\nsee also QUESTION MARK, EXCLAMATION MARK, TRADEMARK\n  sign\n  4  a sign that a quality or feeling exists:\nOn the day of the funeral businesses remained closed as a mark of respect. * Such coolness under pressure is the mark of a champion.\n  standard / grade\n  5  (especially BrE) a number or letter that is given to show the standard of sb’s work or performance or is given to sb for answering sth correctly:\nto get a good / poor mark in English * to give sb a high / low mark * What’s the pass mark (= the mark you need in order to pass)? * I got full marks (= the highest mark possible) in the spelling test. * (ironic) ’You’re wearing a tie!’ ’Full marks for observation.’\nsee also BLACK MARK, GRADE\n  level\n  6  a level or point that sth reaches that is thought to be important:\nUnemployment has passed the four million mark. * Ratings had soared towards the 20 million mark. * The needle was flickering around the 80 mark. * She was leading at the half-way mark.\n  machine / vehicle\n  7  (Mark) (followed by a number) a particular type or model of a machine or vehicle:\nthe Mark II engine\n  in gas oven\n  8  (Mark) (BrE) (followed by a number) a particular level of temperature in a gas oven:\nPreheat the oven to gas Mark 6.\n  signature\n  9  a cross made on a document instead of a signature by sb who is not able to write their name\n  target\n  10  (formal) a TARGET (sth/sb you aim at when attacking):\nOf the blows delivered, barely half found their mark. * to hit / miss the mark\n  german money\n  11  = DEUTSCHMARK\n IDIOMS \n  be close to / near the mark to be fairly accurate in a guess, statement, etc:\nSuch guesses are thought to be close to the mark. * ’The Times’ was nearer the mark when it said ...\n  be off the mark not to be accurate in a guess, statement, etc:\nNo, you’re way off the mark.\n  get off the mark to start scoring, especially in cricket:\nStewart got off the mark with a four.\n  hit / miss the mark to succeed/fail in achieving or guessing sth:\nHe blushed furiously and Robyn knew she had hit the mark.\n  leave your / its / a mark (on sth/sb) to have an effect on sth/sb, especially a bad one, that lasts for a long time:\nSuch a traumatic experience was bound to leave its mark on the children. * War has left its mark on the country. * She left a permanent mark on racing history.\n  make your / a mark (on sth) to become famous and successful in a particular area:\nHe has already made his mark on the music industry. * She quickly made her mark as a film director.\n  not be / feel up to the mark (old-fashioned, BrE) not to feel as well or lively as usual:\nI’m not feeling up to the mark at the moment.\n  on your marks, get set, go! used to tell runners in a race to get ready and then to start\n  quick / slow off the mark fast/slow in reacting to a situation:\nIf you’re quick off the mark in answering these questions, you could win a prize.\n  up to the mark as good as it/they should be:\nYour work isn’t really up to the mark.\nmore at OVERSTEP, TOE v., WIDE adj.


Words: mark-up
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] an increase in the price of sth based on the difference between the cost of producing it and the price it is sold at:\nan average mark-up of 10% * The mark-up on food in a restaurant is at least 100%.


Words: marked
Meaning:
adjective\neasy to see; noticeable:\na marked difference / improvement * a marked increase in profits * She is quiet and studious, in marked contrast to her sister. * The recent advertising campaign has had a marked effect on sales.\ncompare UNMARKED\n    markedly  adverb:\nHer background is markedly different from her husband’s. * This year’s sales have risen markedly.\n IDIOMS \n  a marked man a man who is in danger because his enemies want to harm him:\nHe has been a marked man since he decided to cooperate with the police.


Words: marker
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] an object or a sign that shows the position of sth:\na boundary marker * He placed a marker where the ball had landed.\n  2  [sing.] a ~ (of / for sth) a sign that sth exists or that shows what it is like:\nPrice is not always an accurate marker of quality. * Peter has put down a marker for (= shown that he is committed to) next year as the best time to launch the new product.\n  3  (BrE also marker pen) a pen with a thick FELT tip\n  4  (BrE) (AmE grader) a person who marks/grades students’ work or exam papers\n  5  (BrE) (in team games, especially football) a player who stays close to a player on the other team in order to stop them getting the ball


Words: market
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] an occasion when people buy and sell goods; the open area or building where they meet to do this:\na fruit / flower / antiques market * an indoor / a street market * market stalls / traders * We buy our fruit and vegetables at the market. * Thursday is market day in Poitiers. * a market town (= a town in Britain where a regular market is or was held)\n \n  2  [sing.] business or trade, or the amount of trade in a particular type of goods:\nthe world market in coffee * They have increased their share of the market by 10%. * the property / job market (= the number and type of houses, jobs, etc. that are available) * They have cornered the market in sportswear. (= sell the most)\n \n  3  [C] a particular area, country or section of the population that might buy goods:\nthe US / Japanese market * the global / domestic market\n \n  4  [sing.] ~ (for sth) the number of people who want to buy sth \nSYN DEMAND:\na growing / declining market for second-hand cars * There’s not much of a market for black and white televisions nowadays.\n  5  (often the market) [sing.] people who buy and sell goods in competition with each other:\nThe market will decide if the TV station has any future. * a market-based / market-driven / market-led economy * innovative products at the forefront of market trends\nsee also BLACK MARKET, MARKET FORCES\n  6  [C] = STOCK MARKET:\nthe futures market * the market crash of 1987\n HELP NOTE  There are many other compounds ending in market. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.\n IDIOMS \n  in the market for sth interested in buying sth:\nI’m not in the market for a new car at the moment.\n  on the market available for people to buy:\nto put your house on the market * The house came on the market last year. * There are hundreds of different brands on the market.\n  on the open market available to buy without any restrictions:\nFirearms are not freely available on the open market.\n  play the market to buy and sell STOCKS and shares in order to make a profit\nmore at BUYER, PRICE v., SELLER\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (to sb) (as sth) to advertise and offer a product for sale; to present sth in a particular way and make people want to buy it:\nIt is marketed as a low-alcohol wine. * School meals need to be marketed to children in the same way as other food.\nsee also MARKETING


Words: market forces
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] a free system of trade in which prices and wages rise and fall without being controlled by the government


Words: market garden
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE truck farm) noun\na type of farm where vegetables are grown for sale\n    market gardener noun market gardening noun [U]


Words: market leader
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the company that sells the largest quantity of a particular kind of product:\nWe are the market leader in hi-fi.\n  2  a product that is the most successful of its kind


Words: market share
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] (business) the amount that a company sells of its products or services compared with other companies selling the same things:\nThey claim to have a 40% worldwide market share.


Words: market value
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] what sth would be worth if it were sold:\nThe property cost a lot more when they bought it than its current market value.


Words: marketable
Meaning:
adjective\neasy to sell; attractive to customers or employers:\nmarketable products / skills / qualifications * He is British football’s most marketable commodity.\n    marketability  noun [U]:\nher marketability as a top model


Words: marketeer
Meaning:
noun\n(usually in compounds) a person who is in favour of a particular system of buying and selling:\na free marketeer (= a person who believes in a FREE MARKET system of trade)\nsee also BLACK MARKETEER


Words: marketing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the activity of presenting, advertising and selling a company’s products in the best possible way:\na marketing campaign * She works in sales and marketing. * Persuasion is one of the most valuable skills in marketing.\nsee also DIRECT MARKETING\n    marketer noun:\na company that is a developer and marketer of software


Words: marketplace
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (the marketplace) [sing.] the activity of competing with other companies to buy and sell goods, services, etc:\nCompanies must be able to survive in the marketplace. * the education marketplace\n  2  (also market square) [C] an open area in a town where a market is held


Words: marking
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [usually pl.] a pattern of colours or marks on animals, birds or wood:\nThe female fish is bright yellow with black markings.\n \n  2  [usually pl.] lines, colours or shapes painted on roads, vehicles, etc:\nRoad markings indicate where you can stop.\n \n  3  [U] (especially BrE) (AmE usually grading) the activity of checking and correcting the written work or exam papers of students:\nShe does her marking in the evenings.\n \n  4  [U] (in team games, especially football) the practice of staying close to a player on the other team in order to stop them getting the ball:\nEngland gave away a goal because of their slack marking at corners.


Words: marl
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] soil consisting of clay and LIME (1)\n  2  [U] a type of fabric with threads in it that are not of an even colour:\nblue marl leggings


Words: marmalade
Meaning:
noun\n[U] jam/jelly made from oranges, lemons, etc., eaten especially for breakfast\ncompare JAM (1)


Words: Marmite
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) a dark substance made from YEAST, spread on bread, etc.\nSYN YEAST EXTRACT:\nMarmite sandwiches


Words: maroon
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective dark brownish-red in colour\n    noun\n  1  [U] a dark brownish-red colour\n  2  [C] a large FIREWORK that shoots into the air and makes a loud noise, used to attract attention, especially at sea\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to leave sb in a place that they cannot escape from, for example an island:\n’Lord of the Flies’ is a novel about English schoolboys marooned on a desert island. * The car was marooned by floods.


Words: marque
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a well-known MAKE of a product, especially a car, that is expensive and fashionable:\nthe Porsche marque


Words: marquee
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a large tent used at social events\n  2  (AmE) a covered entrance to a theatre, hotel, etc. often with a sign on or above it


Words: marquess
Meaning:
(also marquis)  noun\n(in Britain) a NOBLEMAN of high rank:\nthe Marquess of Bath\ncompare MARCHIONESS


Words: marquetry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] patterns or pictures made of pieces of wood on the surface of furniture, etc.; the art of making these patterns


Words: marram grass
Meaning:
(also marram) noun\n[U] a type of grass that grows in sand, often planted to prevent sand DUNES from being destroyed by the wind, rain, etc.


Words: marriage
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the legal relationship between a husband and wife:\na good / happy marriage * All of her children’s marriages ended in divorce. * an arranged marriage (= one in which the parents choose a husband or wife for their child) * She has two children by a previous marriage. * This is his second marriage.\nsee also MIXED\n  2  [U] the state of being married:\nThey don’t believe in marriage. * My parents are celebrating 30 years of marriage.\n  3  [C] the ceremony in which two people become husband and wife:\nTheir marriage took place in a local church.\n HELP NOTE  Wedding is more common in this meaning.\n IDIOMS \n  by marriage when sb is related to you by marriage, they are married to sb in your family, or you are married to sb in their family:\nJane and I are related by marriage.\nmore at HAND n.


Words: marriage guidance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) advice that is given by specially trained people to couples with problems in their marriage:\na marriage guidance counsellor * They decided to go for marriage guidance.


Words: marriage licence
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE marriage license) noun\n  1  a document that allows two people to get married\n  2  (AmE) = MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE


Words: marriage of convenience
Meaning:
noun\na marriage that is made for practical, financial or political reasons and not because the two people love each other


Words: married
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (abbreviation m) having a husband or wife:\na married man / woman * Is he married? * a happily married couple * She’s married to John. * Rachel and David are getting married on Saturday. * How long have you been married?\nOPP UNMARRIED\n  2  [only before noun] connected with marriage:\nAre you enjoying married life? * Her married name (= the family name of her husband) is Jones-Mary Jones.\n  3  ~ to sth very involved in sth so that you have no time for other activities or interests:\nMy brother is married to his job.


Words: marrow
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] = BONE MARROW\n  2  (BrE) [U, C] a large vegetable that grows on the ground. Marrows are long and thick with dark green skin and white flesh.


Words: marry
Meaning:
verb (marries, marrying, married, married)\n  1  to become the husband or wife of sb; to get married to sb:\n[VN] She married a German. * He was 36 when he married Viv. * [V] He never married. * I guess I’m not the marrying kind (= the kind of person who wants to get married). * [V-ADJ] They married young.\n HELP NOTE  It is more common to say They’re getting married next month. than They’re marrying next month.\n  2  [VN] to perform a ceremony in which a man and woman become husband and wife:\nThey were married by the local priest.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb (to sb) to find a husband or wife for sb, especially your daughter or son\n  4  [VN] ~ sth and / to / with sth (formal) to combine two different things, ideas, etc. successfully:\nThe music business marries art and commerce.\n IDIOMS \n  marry money to marry a rich person\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  marry into sth to become part of a family or group because you have married sb who belongs to it:\nShe married into the aristocracy.\n  marry sb<->off (to sb) (disapproving) to find a husband or wife for sb, especially your daughter or son\n  marry sth<->up (with sth) to combine two things, people or parts of sth successfully\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \nmarry v.\nmarriage n.\nmarried adj. (=/= unmarried)\nmarital adj.\n______________________________


Words: Mars
Meaning:
noun\nthe planet in the SOLAR SYSTEM that is fourth in order of distance from the sun, between the Earth and Jupiter


Words: Marsala
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a dark strong sweet wine from Sicily. It is usually drunk with the sweet course of a meal.


Words: marsh
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] an area of low land that is always soft and wet because there is nowhere for the water to flow away to:\nCows were grazing on the marshes. * After so much rain, the field had become a marsh (= a very wet area).\n    marshy adjective:\nmarshy ground / land


Words: marshal
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (usually in compounds) an officer of the highest rank in the British army or air force:\nField Marshal Lord Haig * Marshal of the Royal Air Force\nsee also AIR CHIEF MARSHAL, AIR MARSHAL, AIR VICE-MARSHAL, FIELD MARSHAL\n  2  a person responsible for making sure that public events, especially sports events, take place without any problems, and for controlling crowds\n  3  (in the US) an officer whose job is to carry out court orders:\na federal marshal\n  4  (in some US cities) an officer of high rank in a police or fire department\n    verb (-ll-, AmE -l-) [VN] (written)\n  1  to gather together and organize the people, things, ideas, etc. that you need for a particular purpose:\nto marshal your arguments / thoughts / facts * They have begun marshalling forces to send relief to the hurricane victims.\n  2  to control or organize a large group of people:\nPolice were brought in to marshal the crowd.


Words: marshland
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] an area of soft wet land:\nlow-lying areas that used to be marshland * Fertile marshlands stretched for ten miles to the south.


Words: marsupial
Meaning:
noun\nany Australian animal that carries its young in a pocket of skin (called a POUCH) on the mother’s stomach. KANGAROOS and KOALAS are marsupials.\n    marsupial adjective


Words: marten
Meaning:
noun\na small wild animal with a long body, short legs and sharp teeth. Martens live in forests and eat smaller animals:\na pine marten


Words: martial law
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a situation where the army of a country controls an area instead of the police during a time of trouble:\nto declare / impose / lift martial law * The city remains firmly under martial law.


Words: martini
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (Martini) [U] a type of VERMOUTH\n  2  [U] an alcoholic drink made with GIN and VERMOUTH\n  3  [C] a glass of martini:\na dry martini


Words: martyr
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a person who suffers very much or is killed because of their religious or political beliefs:\nthe early Christian martyrs * a martyr to the cause of freedom\n  2  (usually disapproving) a person who tries to get sympathy from other people by telling them how much he or she is suffering:\nHe makes a martyr of himself whenever it’s his turn to do the housework.\n  3  ~ to sth (informal) a person who suffers very much because of an illness, problem or situation:\nShe’s a martyr to her nerves. * I feel like a martyr to this vacuum cleaner.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to kill sb because of their religious or political beliefs:\nMany first-century Christians were martyred for their faith.


Words: martyred
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (disapproving) showing pain or suffering so that people will be kind and sympathetic towards you:\nShe wore a perpetually martyred expression.


Words: marvel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a wonderful and surprising person or thing:\nthe marvels of nature / technology\n  2  (marvels) [pl.] wonderful results or things that have been achieved:\nThe doctors have done marvels for her.\n    verb (-ll-, AmE -l-) ~ (at sth) to be very surprised or impressed by sth: [V] Everyone marvelled at his courage. [also V that, V speech]


Words: marvellous
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE marvelous)  adjective\nextremely good; wonderful:\nThis will be a marvellous opportunity for her. * The weather was marvellous. * It’s marvellous what modern technology can do.\n    marvellously (BrE) (AmE marvelously) adverb:\nThis recipe is marvellously simple and quick.


Words: Marxism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the political and economic theories of Karl Marx (1818-83) which explain the changes and developments in society as the result of opposition between the social classes\n    Marxist  noun\n    Marxist adjective:\nMarxist theory / doctrine / ideology


Words: marzipan
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a sweet firm substance, sometimes with yellow colour added, made from ALMONDS, sugar and eggs and used to make sweets/candy and cover cakes


Words: mascara
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a substance that is put on EYELASHES to make them look dark and thick:\nwaterproof mascara * Don’t cry or your mascara will run.


Words: mascot
Meaning:
noun\nan animal, a toy, etc. that people believe will bring them good luck, or that represents an organization, etc:\nThe team’s mascot is a giant swan. * Misha, the bear-the official mascot of the 1980 Moscow Olympics


Words: masculine
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  having the qualities or appearance considered to be typical of men; connected with or like men:\nHe was handsome and strong, and very masculine. * a bold masculine design * That suit makes her look very masculine.\ncompare FEMININE, MALE\n  2  (grammar) belonging to a class of words that refer to male people or animals and often have a special form:\n’He’ and ’him’ are masculine pronouns.\n  3  (grammar) (in some languages) belonging to a class of nouns, pronouns or adjectives that have masculine GENDER not FEMININE or NEUTER:\nThe French word for ’sun’ is masculine.\n    noun\n  1  (the masculine) [sing.] the masculine GENDER (= form of nouns, adjectives and pronouns)\n  2  [C] a masculine word or word form\ncompare FEMININE, NEUTER


Words: masculinity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality of being masculine:\nHe felt it was a threat to his masculinity. * It’s a cliche to say that science is associated with masculinity and the arts with femininity.


Words: mash
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (also mashed potato, mashed potatoes) (all BrE) [U] potatoes that have been boiled and crushed into a soft mass, often with butter and milk:\nbangers and mash\n  2  [U] grain cooked in water until soft, used to feed farm animals\n  3  [U] a mixture of MALT grains and hot water, used for making beer, etc.\n  4  [sing.] a ~ (of sth) any food that has been crushed into a soft mass:\nThe soup was a mash of grain and vegetables.\nsee also MISHMASH\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (up) to crush food into a soft mass:\nMash the fruit up with a fork.\n    mashed adjective:\nmashed banana


Words: mask
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a covering for part or all of the face, worn to hide or protect it:\na gas / surgical mask * The robbers were wearing stocking masks.\nsee also OXYGEN MASK\n \n  2  something that covers your face and has another face painted on it:\nThe kids were all wearing animal masks.\nsee also DEATH MASK\n \n  3  a thick cream made of various substances that you put on your face and neck in order to improve the quality of your skin:\na face mask\n  4  [usually sing.] a manner or an expression that hides your true character or feelings:\nHe longed to throw off the mask of respectability. * Her face was a cold blank mask.\n    verb [VN] to hide a feeling, smell, fact, etc. so that it cannot be easily seen or noticed:\nShe masked her anger with a smile.


Words: masking tape
Meaning:
noun\n[U] sticky tape that you use to keep an area clean or protected when you are painting around or near it


Words: masochism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the practice of getting sexual pleasure from being physically hurt\ncompare SADISM\n  2  (informal) the enjoyment of sth that most people would find unpleasant or painful:\nYou spent the whole weekend in a tent in the rain? That’s masochism!\n    masochist  noun:\nAnyone who goes jogging for two hours a day must be a masochist!\n    masochistic  adjective:\nmasochistic behaviour / tendencies * He has a masochistic streak and seems to enjoy being treated badly by women.


Words: masonry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the parts of a building that are made of stone:\nShe was injured by falling masonry. * He acquired a knowledge of carpentry and masonry (= building with stone).


Words: masque
Meaning:
noun\na play written in verse, often with music and dancing, popular in England in the 16th and 17th centuries


Words: masquerade
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (formal) a way of behaving that hides the truth or a person’s true feelings:\nHe was tired of the masquerade and wanted the truth to come out.\n  2  (especially AmE) a type of party where people wear special COSTUMES and MASKS over their faces, to hide their identities\n    verb [V] ~ as sth to pretend to be sth that you are not:\ncommercial advertisers masquerading as private individuals * The local paper is full of gossip masquerading as news.


Words: Mass
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (sometimes mass) [U, C] (especially in the Roman Catholic Church) a ceremony held in memory of the last meal that Christ had with his DISCIPLES:\nto go to / hear Mass * a priest celebrating / saying Mass\nsee also EUCHARIST, COMMUNION\n  2  [C] a piece of music that is written for the prayers, etc. of this ceremony:\nBach’s Mass in B minor


Words: mass
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (of sth) a large amount of a substance that does not have a definite shape or form:\na mass of snow and rocks falling down the mountain * The hill appeared as a black mass in the distance. * The sky was full of dark masses of clouds.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] ~ of sth a large amount or quantity of sth:\na mass of blonde hair * I began sifting through the mass of evidence.\n  3  [sing.] ~ of sth a large number of people or things grouped together, often in a confused way:\nI struggled through the mass of people to the exit. * The page was covered with a mass of figures.\n  4  (masses (of sth)) [pl.] (informal) a large number or amount of sth:\nThere were masses of people in the shops yesterday. * I’ve got masses of work to do. * Don’t give me any more. I’ve eaten masses!\n  5  (the masses) [pl.] the ordinary people in society who are not leaders or who are considered to be not very well educated:\ngovernment attempts to suppress dissatisfaction among the masses * a TV programme that brings science to the masses\n  6  (the mass of sth) [sing.] the most; the MAJORITY:\nThe reforms are unpopular with the mass of teachers and parents.\n  7  [U] (physics) the quantity of material that sth contains:\ncalculating the mass of a planet\n HELP NOTE  Weight is used in non-technical language for this meaning.\nsee also BIOMASS, CRITICAL MASS, LAND MASS\n IDIOMS \n  be a mass of to be full of or covered with sth:\nThe rose bushes are a mass of flowers in June. * Her arm was a mass of bruises.\n    adjective [only before noun] affecting or involving a large number of people or things:\nmass unemployment / production * weapons of mass destruction * Their latest product is aimed at the mass market.\nsee also MASS-MARKET\n    verb to come together in large numbers; to gather people or things together in large numbers: [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] Demonstrators had massed outside the embassy. * Dark clouds massed on the horizon. * [VN] The general massed his troops for a final attack.\n    massed adjective:\nthe massed ranks of his political opponents


Words: mass-produce
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to produce goods in large quantities, using machinery\n    mass-produced adjective:\nmass-produced goods\n    mass production noun [U]:\nthe mass production of consumer goods


Words: massacre
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U]\n  1  the killing of a large number of people especially in a cruel way:\nthe bloody massacre of innocent civilians * Nobody survived the massacre.\n  2  (informal) a very big defeat in a game or competition:\nThe game was a 100 massacre for our team.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to kill a large number of people, especially in a cruel way:\nHundreds of innocent women and children were massacred.\n  2  (informal) to defeat sb very badly in a game or competition:\nOur team was massacred in the final.


Words: massage
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, C] the action of rubbing and pressing a person’s body with the hands to reduce pain in the muscles and joints:\nMassage will help the pain. * a back massage * to give sb a massage * massage oils * Once a week I have a sauna and a massage.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to rub and press a person’s body with the hands to reduce pain in the muscles and joints:\nHe massaged the aching muscles in her feet. * (figurative) to massage sb’s ego (= to make sb feel better, more confident, attractive, etc.)\n  2  to rub a substance into the skin, hair, etc:\nMassage the cream into your skin.\n  3  (disapproving) to change facts, figures, etc. in order to make them seem better than they really are:\nThe government was accused of massaging the unemployment figures.


Words: massage parlour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE massage parlor) noun\n  1  a place where you can pay to have a massage\n  2  a place that is supposed to offer the service of massage, but is also where men go to pay for sex with prostitutes


Words: massive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very large, heavy and solid:\na massive rock * the massive walls of the castle\n  2  extremely large or serious:\nThe explosion made a massive hole in the ground. * a massive increase in spending * He suffered a massive heart attack. * (BrE, spoken, informal) Their house is massive. * They have a massive great house.\n    massively adverb


Words: mast
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a tall pole on a boat or ship that supports the sails\n \n  2  a tall metal tower with an AERIAL that sends and receives radio or television signals\n \n  3  a tall pole that is used for holding a flag\nsee also HALF MAST\n \n IDIOMS  see NAIL v.


Words: master
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n  of servants\n  1  (old-fashioned) a man who has people working for him, often as servants in his home:\nI’m afraid the master is away on business. * They lived in fear of their master.\n  person in control\n  2  ~ of sth (written) a person who is able to control sth:\nShe was no longer master of her own future.\n  skilled person\n  3  ~ (of sth) a person who is skilled at sth:\na master of disguise * a master of the serve-and-volley game\nsee also PAST MASTER\n  dog owner\n  4  the male owner of a dog:\nThe dog saved its master’s life.\ncompare MISTRESS\n  teacher\n  5  (BrE, becoming old-fashioned) a male teacher at a school, especially a private school:\nthe physics master\ncompare SCHOOLMASTER, MISTRESS\n  university degree\n  6  (master’s) (also master’s degree) a second university degree, or, in Scotland, a first university degree, such as an MA:\nHe has a Master’s in Business Administration.\nsee also MA, MB, MBA, MSC\n  7  (usually Master) a person who has a master’s degree:\na Master of Arts / Science\n  captain of ship\n  8  the captain of a ship that transports goods\n  famous painter\n  9  a famous painter who lived in the past:\nan exhibition of work by the French master, Monet\nsee also OLD MASTER\n  original record / tape / movie\n  10  (often used as an adjective) a version of a record, tape, film/movie, etc. from which copies are made:\nthe master copy\n  title\n  11  (Master) (rather old-fashioned) a title used when speaking to or about a boy who is too young to be called Mr (also used in front of the name on an envelope, etc.)\n  12  (Master) (in Britain) the title of the head of some schools and university colleges:\nthe Master of Wolfson College\n  13  (Master) a title used for speaking to or about some religious teachers or leaders\n HELP NOTE  There are many other compounds ending in master. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.\n IDIOMS \n  be your own master / mistress to be free to make your own decisions rather than being told what to do by sb else\nmore at LORD, SERVE v.\n    verb [VN]\n  learn / understand\n  1  to learn or understand sth completely:\nto master new skills / techniques * French was a language he had never mastered.\n  control\n  2  to manage to control an emotion:\nShe struggled hard to master her temper.\n  3  to gain control of an animal or a person\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  skilled\n  1  ~ baker / chef / mason, etc. used to describe a person who is very skilled at the job mentioned:\na master builder / craftsman\n  most important\n  2  the largest and/or most important:\nthe master bedroom * a master file / switch


Words: master stroke
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] something clever that you do that gives a successful result:\na master stroke that established his career


Words: masterful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person, especially a man) able to control people or situations in a way that shows confidence as a leader\n  2  = MASTERLY:\na masterful performance\n    masterfully  adverb:\nHe took her arm masterfully and led her away.


Words: masterly
Meaning:
(also masterful) adjective\nshowing great skill or understanding:\na masterly performance * Her handling of the situation was masterly.


Words: mastermind
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [usually sing.] an intelligent person who plans and directs a complicated project or activity (often one that involves a crime):\nThe mastermind behind the robbery was never caught.\n    verb [VN] to plan and direct a complicated project or activity


Words: masterpiece
Meaning:
(also masterwork) noun\na work of art such as a painting, film/movie, book, etc. that is an excellent, or the best, example of the artist’s work:\nThe museum houses several of his Cubist masterpieces. * Her work is a masterpiece of (= an excellent example of) simplicity.


Words: mastery
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) great knowledge about or understanding of a particular thing:\nShe has mastery of several languages. * The orchestra is unrivalled in terms of technical mastery and sheer vitality.\n  2  [U] ~ (of / over sb/sth) control or power:\nhuman mastery of the natural world * He struggled for mastery over his emotions.


Words: mastic
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a substance that comes from the bark of a tree and is used in making VARNISH\n  2  a substance that is used in building to fill holes and keep out water


Words: masticate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (technical) to chew food\n    mastication  noun [U]:\na fibre-rich diet which encourages mastication


Words: masturbate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] to give yourself sexual pleasure by rubbing your sexual organs\n  2  [VN] to give sb sexual pleasure by rubbing their sexual organs\n    masturbation  noun [U]\n    masturbatory  adjective


Words: mat
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a small piece of thick carpet or strong material that is used to cover part of a floor:\nWipe your feet on the mat before you come in, please.\nsee also BATH MAT, DOORMAT, MOUSE MAT\n \n  2  a piece of thick material such as rubber or plastic used especially in some sports for people to lie on or fall onto:\na judo / exercise mat\n \n  3  a small piece of wood or fabric used on a table for decoration or to protect the surface from heat or damage:\na beer mat\nsee also TABLE MAT\n  4  a thick mass of sth that is stuck together:\na mat of hair\nsee also MATTED\n    adjective (AmE) = MATT


Words: match
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  for lighting fires\n  1  [C] a small stick made of wood or cardboard that is used for lighting a fire, cigarette, etc:\na box of matches * to strike a match (= to make it burn) * to put a match to sth (= set fire to sth) * If you suspect a gas leak do not strike a match or use electricity. * He took all her letters into the yard and put a match to them.\n  in sport\n  2  [C] (especially BrE) a sports event where people or teams compete against each other: (BrE) a football match * (AmE, BrE) a tennis match * They are playing an important match against Liverpool on Saturday.\nsee also SLANGING MATCH\n  an equal\n  3  [sing.] a ~ for sb | sb’s match a person who is equal to sb else in strength, skill, intelligence, etc:\nI was no match for him at tennis. * I was his match at tennis.\n  sb / sth that combines well\n  4  [sing.] a person or thing that combines well with sb/sth else:\nThe curtains and carpet are a good match. * Jo and Ian are a perfect match for each other.\n  sth the same\n  5  [C] a thing that looks exactly the same as or very similar to sth else:\nI’ve found a vase that is an exact match of the one I broke. * This paint is a close enough colour match to the original.\n  marriage\n  6  [C] (old-fashioned) a marriage or a marriage partner:\nHe was determined that his daughter should make a good match (= find a suitable husband).\nsee also LOVE MATCH\n IDIOMS \n  find / meet your match (in sb) to meet sb who is equal to, or even better than you in strength, skill or intelligence:\nHe thought he could beat anyone at chess but he’s met his match in Peter.\nmore at MAN n., WHOLE\n    verb\n  combine well\n  1  if two things match, or if one thing matches another, they have the same colour, pattern, or style and therefore look attractive together:\n[VN] The doors were painted blue to match the walls. * a scarf with gloves to match * [V] None of these glasses match (= they are all different).\nsee also MATCHING\n  be the same\n  2  if two things match or if one thing matches another, they are the same or very similar:\n[VN] Her fingerprints match those found at the scene of the crime. * As a couple they are not very well matched (= they are not very suitable for each other). * The dark clouds matched her mood. * [V] The two sets of figures don’t match.\n  find sth similar / connected\n  3  [VN] ~ sb/sth (to / with sb/sth) to find sb/sth that goes together with or is connected with another person or thing:\nThe aim of the competition is to match the quote to the person who said it.\n  be equal / better\n  4  [VN] to be as good, interesting, successful, etc. as sb/sth else\nSYN EQUAL:\nThe profits made in the first year have never been matched. * Her anger was only matched by her frustration. * The teams were evenly matched.\n  5  [VN] to make sth the same or better than sth else:\nThe company was unable to match his current salary. * They have reduced all their stock by 10% to match competitors’ prices.\n  provide sth suitable\n  6  [VN] to provide sth that is suitable for or enough for a particular situation:\nInvestment in hospitals is needed now to match the future needs of the country.\n IDIOMS  see MIX v.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  match sth against sth to compare sth with sth else in order to find things that are the same or similar:\nNew information is matched against existing data in the computer.\n  match sb/sth against / with sb/sth to arrange for sb to compete in a game or competition against sb else:\nWe are matched against last year’s champions in the first round.\n  match up (with sth) to be the same or similar\nSYN TALLY:\nThe suspects’ stories just don’t match up.\n  match sth<->up (with sth) to find things that belong together or that look attractive together:\nShe spent the morning matching up orders with invoices.\n  match up (to sb/sth) (usually used in negative sentences) to be as good, interesting, successful as sb/sth\nSYN MEASURE UP:\nThe trip failed to match up to her expectations. * Anyone who doesn’t match up (= who is not as good as expected) is soon fired.


Words: matching
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of clothing, fabric, objects, etc.) having the same colour, pattern, style, etc. and therefore looking attractive together:\na pine table with four matching chairs


Words: matchmaker
Meaning:
noun\na person who tries to arrange marriages or relationships between others\n    matchmaking noun [U]


Words: matchstick
Meaning:
noun\na single wooden match:\nstarving children with legs like matchsticks * Cut the carrots into matchsticks. (= long thin shapes)


Words: matchstick figure
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE stick figure) noun\na picture of a person drawn only with thin lines for the arms and legs, a circle for the head, etc.


Words: mate
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  friend\n  1  [C] (BrE, informal) a friend:\nThey’ve been best mates since school. * I was with a mate.\n  friendly name\n  2  [C] (BrE, informal) used as a friendly way of addressing sb, especially between men:\nSorry mate, you’ll have to wait. * All right, mate?\n  sb you share with\n  3  [C] (in compounds) a person you share an activity or accommodation with:\nworkmates / teammates / playmates / classmates * my room-mate / flatmate\nsee also RUNNING MATE, SOUL MATE\n  bird / animal\n  4  [C] either of a pair of birds or animals:\nA male bird sings to attract a mate.\n  sexual partner\n  5  [C] (informal) a husband, wife or other sexual partner\n  job\n  6  [C] (BrE) a person whose job is to help a skilled worker:\na builder’s / plumber’s mate\n  on ship\n  7  [C] an officer in a commercial ship below the rank of captain or MASTER\nsee also FIRST MATE\n  in chess\n  8  [U] = CHECKMATE\n    verb\n  animals / birds\n  1  [V] ~ (with sth) (of two animals or birds) to have sex in order to produce young:\nDo foxes ever mate with dogs? * After mating, the female kills the male.\nsee also MATING\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (to / with sth) to put animals or birds together so that they will have sex and produce young\n  in chess\n  3  [VN] = CHECKMATE


Words: material
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] cloth used for making clothes, curtains, etc.\nSYN FABRIC:\na piece of material * ’What material is this dress made of?’ ’Cotton.’\n  2  [C, U] a substance that things can be made from:\nbuilding materials (= bricks, sand, glass, etc.) * Oil is the raw material for plastic.\n  3  [C, usually pl., U] things that are needed in order to do a particular activity:\nteaching materials * The company produces its own training material. * (figurative) The teacher saw her as good university material (= good enough to go to university).\n  4  [U] information or ideas used in books, etc:\nShe’s collecting material for her latest novel.\n  5  [U] items used in a performance:\nThe band played all new material at the gig.\n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] connected with money, possessions, etc. rather than with the needs of the mind or spirit:\nmaterial comforts * changes in your material circumstances\nOPP SPIRITUAL\n  2  [only before noun] connected with the physical world rather than with the mind or spirit:\nthe material world\nOPP IMMATERIAL\n  3  ~ (to sth) (formal or law) important and needing to be considered:\nmaterial evidence * She omitted information that was material to the case.\nsee also IMMATERIAL\n    materially  adverb:\nMaterially they are no better off. * Their comments have not materially affected our plans (= in a noticeable or important way).


Words: materialism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (usually disapproving) the belief that money, possessions and physical comforts are more important than spiritual values:\nthe greed and materialism of modern society\n  2  (philosophy) the belief that only material things exist\ncompare IDEALISM


Words: materialist
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who believes that money, possessions and physical comforts are more important than spiritual values in life\n  2  a person who believes in the philosophy of materialism


Words: materialistic
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) caring more about money and possessions than anything else:\nChildren today are so materialistic.


Words: materialize
Meaning:
(BrE also materialise)  verb [V] \n  1  (usually used in negative sentences) to take place or start to exist as expected or planned:\nThe promotion he had been promised failed to materialize.\n  2  to appear suddenly and/or in a way that cannot be explained:\nA tall figure suddenly materialized at her side. * (informal) The train failed to materialize (= it did not come).\n    materialization, materialisation  noun [U]


Words: maternal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having feelings that are typical of a caring mother towards a child:\nmaternal love * I’m not very maternal. * She didn’t have any maternal instincts.\n  2  connected with being a mother:\nMaternal age affects the baby’s survival rate. * the effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy\n  3  [only before noun] related through the mother’s side of the family:\nmy maternal grandfather (= my mother’s father)\n    maternally  adverb:\nShe behaved maternally towards her students.\ncompare PATERNAL


Words: maternity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of being or becoming a mother:\nmaternity clothes (= clothes for women who are pregnant) * a maternity ward / hospital (= one where women go to give birth to their babies)


Words: matey
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective ~ (with sb) (BrE, informal) friendly, sometimes in a way that is not completely sincere:\nShe started off being quite matey with everyone.\n    noun (BrE) used by men as an informal way of addressing another man


Words: mathematics
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the science of numbers and shapes. Branches of mathematics include ARITHMETIC ALGEBRA, GEOMETRY and TRIGONOMETRY:\nthe core subjects of English, Maths and Science * a maths teacher * the school mathematics curriculum\n \n  2  [U+sing./pl. v.] the process of calculating using numbers:\nIf my maths is / are right, the answer is 142. * Is your math correct?\n \n    mathematical  adjective:\nmathematical calculations / problems / models * to assess children’s mathematical ability\n \n    mathematically  adverb:\nIt’s mathematically impossible. * Some people are very mathematically inclined (= interested in and good at mathematics).


Words: matinee
Meaning:
(also matinee)  noun\nan afternoon performance of a play, etc.; an afternoon showing of a film/movie


Words: matins
Meaning:
(also mattins)  noun\n[U] the service of morning prayer, especially in the Anglican Church\ncompare EVENSONG, VESPERS


Words: matriarchal
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a society or system) controlled by women rather than men; passing power, property, etc. from mother to daughter rather than from father to son:\nThe animals live in matriarchal groups.\ncompare PATRIARCHAL


Words: matriarchy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural matriarchies) a social system that gives power and authority to women rather than men\ncompare PATRIARCHY


Words: matricide
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) the crime of killing your mother; a person who is guilty of this crime\ncompare FRATRICIDE, PARRICIDE, PATRICIDE


Words: matriculate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (formal) to officially become a student at a university:\nShe matriculated in 1968.\n    matriculation  noun [U]


Words: matrimonial
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal or technical) connected with marriage or with being married:\nmatrimonial problems * the matrimonial home


Words: matrix
Meaning:
1  (mathematics) an arrangement of numbers, symbols, etc. in rows and columns, treated as a single quantity\n \n  2  (formal) the formal social, political, etc. situation from which a society or person grows and develops:\nthe European cultural matrix\n \n  3  (formal or literary) a system of lines, roads, etc. that cross each other, forming a series of squares or shapes in between\nSYN NETWORK:\na matrix of paths\n \n  4  (technical) a MOULD in which sth is shaped\n  5  (computing) a group of electronic CIRCUIT elements arranged in rows and columns like a GRID\nsee also DOT MATRIX PRINTER\n  6  (geology) a mass of rock in which minerals, precious stones, etc. are found in the ground


Words: matron
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a woman who works as a nurse in a school\n  2  (old-fashioned, BrE) a senior female nurse in charge of the other nurses in a hospital (now usually called a senior nursing officer)\n  3  (becoming old-fashioned) an older married woman


Words: matron of honour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE matron of honor) noun\n[sing.] a married woman who is the most important BRIDESMAID at a wedding\ncompare MAID OF HONOUR


Words: matt
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE mat) (also matte AmE, BrE)  adjective\n(of a colour, surface, or photograph) not shiny:\na matt finish * matt white paint * Prints are available on matt or glossy paper.


Words: matted
Meaning:
adjective\n(of hair, etc.) forming a thick mass, especially because it is wet and dirty:\nthe dog’s matted fur * Her hair was matted and tangled.


Words: matter
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  subject / situation\n  1  [C] a subject or situation that you must consider or deal with \nSYN AFFAIR:\nIt’s a private matter. * They had important matters to discuss. * She may need your help with some business matters. * I always consulted him on matters of policy. * It’s a matter for the police (= for them to deal with). * That’s a matter for you to take up with your boss. * Let’s get on with the matter in hand (= what we need to deal with now). * I wasn’t prepared to let the matter drop (= stop discussing it). * It was no easy matter getting him to change his mind. * It should have been a simple matter to check. * (ironic) And then there’s the little matter of the fifty pounds you owe me. * (formal) It was a matter of some concern to most of those present (= something they were worried about). * I did not feel that we had got to the heart of the matter (= the most important part). * And that is the crux of the matter (= the most important thing about the situation).\n  2  (matters) [pl.] the present situation, or the situation that you are talking about\nSYN THINGS:\nUnfortunately, there is nothing we can do to improve matters. * I’d forgotten the keys, which didn’t help matters. * Matters were made worse by a fire in the warehouse. * And then, to make matters worse, his parents turned up. * I decided to take matters into my own hands (= deal with the situation myself). * Matters came to a head (= the situation became very difficult) with his resignation.\n  problem\n  3  (the matter) [sing.] ~ (with sb/sth) used (to ask) if sb is upset, unhappy, etc. or if there is a problem:\nWhat’s the matter? Is there something wrong? * Is anything the matter? * Is something the matter with Bob? He seems very down. * There’s something the matter with my eyes. * ’We’ve bought a new TV.’ ’What was the matter with the old one?’ * What’s the matter with you today (= why are you behaving like this)? * What on earth was the matter with her, she wondered. She’d come here to enjoy herself and here she was, stuck on her own in the hotel.\n  a matter of sth / of doing sth\n  4  [sing.] a situation that involves sth or depends on sth\nSYN QUESTION:\nLearning to drive is all a matter of coordination. * Planning a project is just a matter of working out the right order to do things in. * That’s not a problem. It’s simply a matter of letting people know in time. * Some people prefer the older version to the new one. It’s a matter of taste. * She resigned over a matter of principle. * The government must deal with this as a matter of urgency. * (spoken) Just as a matter of interest (= because it is interesting, not because it is important), how much did you pay for it? * ’I think this is the best so far.’ ’Well, that’s a matter of opinion (= other people may think differently).\n  substance\n  5  [U] (technical) physical substance in general that everything in the world consists of; not mind or spirit:\nto study the properties of matter\n  6  [U] a substance or things of a particular sort:\nAdd plenty of organic matter to improve the soil. * elimination of waste matter from the body * She didn’t approve of their choice of reading matter.\nsee also SUBJECT MATTER\n IDIOMS \n  as a matter of fact (spoken)\n1 used to add a comment on sth that you have just said, usually adding sth that you think the other person will be interested in:\nIt’s a nice place. We’ve stayed there ourselves, as a matter of fact.\n2 used to disagree with sth that sb has just said:\n’I suppose you’ll be leaving soon, then?’ ’No, as a matter of fact I’ll be staying for another two years.’\n  be another / a different matter to be very different:\nI know which area they live in, but whether I can find their house is a different matter.\n  for that matter (spoken) used to add a comment on sth that you have just said:\nI didn’t like it much. Nor did the kids, for that matter.\n  it’s just / only a matter of time (before ...) used to say that sth will definitely happen, although you are not sure when:\nIt’s only a matter of time before they bring out their own version of the software.\n  (as) a matter of course the usual and correct thing that is done:\nWe always check people’s addresses as a matter of course.\n  a matter of hours, minutes, etc. | a matter of inches, metres, etc. only a few hours, minutes, etc:\nIt was all over in a matter of minutes. * The bullet missed her by a matter of inches.\n  a matter of life and death used to describe a situation that is very important or serious\n  a matter of record (formal) something that has been recorded as being true\n  no matter (spoken) used to say that sth is not important\n  no matter who, what, where, etc. used to say that sth is always true, whatever the situation is, or that sb should certainly do sth:\nThey don’t last long no matter how careful you are. * Call me when you get there, no matter what the time is.\nmore at FACT, LAUGHING\n    verb ~ (to sb) (not used in the progressive tenses) to be important or have an important effect on sb/sth: [V] The children matter more to her than anything else in the world. * It doesn’t matter to me what you do. * ’What did you say?’ ’Oh, it doesn’t matter’ (= it is not important enough to repeat).’ * ’I’m afraid I forgot that book again.’ ’It doesn’t matter (= it is not important enough to worry about).’ * What does it matter if I spent $100 on it-it’s my money! * As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. * After his death, nothing seemed to matter any more. * He’s been in prison, you know-not that it matters (= that information does not affect my opinion of him). * [V wh-] Does it really matter who did it? * [V that] It didn’t matter that the weather was bad.


Words: matter-of-fact
Meaning:
adjective\nsaid or done without showing any emotion, especially in a situation in which you would expect sb to express their feelings:\nShe told us the news of his death in a very matter-of-fact way. * He was very matter-of-fact about the breakdown of his marriage.\n    matter-of-factly adverb


Words: mattock
Meaning:
noun\na heavy garden tool with a long handle and a metal head, used for breaking up soil, cutting roots, etc.


Words: mattress
Meaning:
noun\nthe soft part of a bed, that you lie on:\na soft / hard mattress * We can sleep on a mattress on the floor.


Words: maturation
Meaning:
noun [U] (formal)\n  1  the process of becoming or being made mature (= ready to eat or drink after being left for a period of time)\n  2  the process of becoming adult


Words: mature
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective\n HELP NOTE  maturer is occasionally used instead of more mature\n  sensible\n  1  (of a child or young person) behaving in a sensible way, like an adult:\nJane is very mature for her age. * a mature and sensible attitude\nOPP IMMATURE\n  fully grown\n  2  (of a person, a tree, a bird or an animal) fully grown and developed:\nsexually mature * a mature oak / eagle / elephant\nOPP IMMATURE\n  wine / cheese\n  3  developed over a period of time to produce a strong, rich flavour\n  no longer young\n  4  used as a polite or humorous way of saying that sb is no longer young:\nclothes for the mature woman * a man of mature years\n  work of art\n  5  created late in an artist’s life and showing great understanding and skill\n  insurance policy\n  6  (business) ready to be paid\n    maturely adverb \n IDIOMS \n  on mature reflection / consideration (formal) after thinking about sth carefully and for a long time\n    verb\n  become fully grown\n  1  [V] to become fully grown or developed:\nThis particular breed of cattle matures early. * Technology in this field has matured considerably over the last decade.\n  become sensible\n  2  [V] to develop emotionally and start to behave like a sensible adult:\nHe has matured a great deal over the past year.\n  develop skill\n  3  [V] ~ (into sth) to fully develop a particular skill or quality:\nShe has matured into one of the country’s finest actresses.\n  wine / cheese\n  4  [V, VN] if wine, cheese, etc. matures or is matured, it develops over a period of time to produce a strong, rich flavour\n  insurance policy\n  5  [V] (business) to reach the date when it must be paid:\nShe has a number of investments that mature at the end of the year.


Words: maturity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the quality of thinking and behaving in a sensible, adult manner:\nHe has maturity beyond his years. * Her poems show great maturity.\ncompare IMMATURITY\n  2  (of a person, an animal, or a plant) the state of being fully grown or developed:\nThe forest will take 100 years to reach maturity.\ncompare IMMATURITY\n  3  (business) (of an insurance policy, etc.) the time when money you have invested is ready to be paid


Words: matzo
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural matzos) a type of bread in the form of a large flat biscuits, traditionally eaten by Jews during Passover; one of these biscuits


Words: maudlin
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  talking in a silly, emotional way, often full of pity for yourself, especially when drunk:\nHe gets very maudlin after a few drinks.\n  2  (of a book, film / movie, or song) expressing or causing exaggerated emotions, especially in way that is not sincere


Words: maul
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (of an animal) to attack and injure sb by tearing their flesh\n  2  to touch sb/sth in an unpleasant and/or violent way:\nShe was mauled by guards at the border.\n  3  to criticize sth/sb severely and publicly\n  4  (informal) to defeat sb easily\n    mauling noun [sing.]:\nThe play received a mauling from the critics. * They face a mauling by last year’s winners.


Words: mausoleum
Meaning:
noun\na special building made to hold the dead body of an important person or the dead bodies of a family:\nthe royal mausoleum


Words: maverick
Meaning:
noun\na person who does not behave or think like everyone else, but who has independent, unusual opinions:\na political maverick\n    maverick adjective [only before noun]:\na maverick film director


Words: maw
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (literary) something that seems like a big mouth that swallows things up completely:\nThey drove into the maw of the city.\n  2  (old-fashioned) an animal’s stomach or throat


Words: mawkish
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) expressing or sharing emotion in a way that is exaggerated or embarrassing:\na mawkish poem\n    mawkishness noun [U]


Words: max
Meaning:
abbreviation, verb \n    abbreviation\n  1  (also max. especially in AmE) MAXIMUM:\nmax temperature 18ｰC\n  2  at the most: (informal) It’ll cost ｣50 max.\nOPP MIN.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  max out (AmE, informal) to reach the limit at which nothing more is possible:\nThe car maxed out at 150 mph.


Words: maxim
Meaning:
noun\na well-known phrase that expresses sth that is usually true or that people think is a rule for sensible behaviour


Words: maximal
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (technical) as great or as large as possible:\nIt takes several weeks for the treatment to have maximal effect.\ncompare MINIMAL


Words: maximize
Meaning:
(BrE also maximise)  verb [VN] \n  1  to increase sth as much as possible:\nto maximize efficiency / fitness / profits * (computing) Maximize the window to full screen.\n  2  to make the best use of sth:\nto maximize opportunities / resources\nOPP MINIMIZE\n    maximization, maximisation  noun [U]


Words: maximum
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] (abbreviation max) as large, fast, etc. as is possible, or the most that is possible or allowed:\nthe maximum speed / temperature / volume * For maximum effect do the exercises every day. * a maximum security prison * The offence carries a maximum prison sentence of ten years.\ncompare MINIMUM\n    noun [usually sing.] (plural maxima ) (abbreviation max) the greatest amount, size, speed, etc. that is possible, recorded or allowed:\na maximum of 30 children in a class * The job will require you to use all your skills to the maximum. * The July maximum (= the highest temperature recorded in July) was 30ｰC * What is the absolute maximum you can afford to pay?\ncompare MINIMUM


Words: May
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the fifth month of the year, between April and June\n HELP NOTE  To see how May is used, look at the examples at April.


Words: may
Meaning:
modal verb, noun \n    modal verb (negative may not, rare short form past tense mayn’t )\n  1  used to say that sth is possible:\nThat may or may not be true. * He may have (= perhaps he has) missed his train. * They may well win. * There is a range of programs on the market which may be described as design aids.\n  2  used when admitting that sth is true before introducing another point, argument, etc:\nHe may be a good father but he’s a terrible husband.\n  3  (formal) used to ask for or give permission:\nMay I come in? * You may come in if you wish. -> CAN\n  4  (formal, spoken) used as a polite way of making a comment, asking a question, etc:\nYou look lovely, if I may say so. * May I ask why you took that decision? * If I may just add one thing ...\n  5  (formal) used to express wishes and hopes:\nMay she rest in peace. * Business has been thriving in the past year. Long may it continue to do so.\n  6  (formal) used to say what the purpose of sth is:\nThere is a need for more resources so that all children may have a decent education. -> MODAL\n IDIOMS \n  be that as it may (formal) in spite of that\nSYN NEVERTHELESS:\nI know that he has tried hard; be that as it may, his work is just not good enough.\n    noun [U] the white or pink flowers of the HAWTHORN


Words: May Day
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the first day of May, celebrated as a spring festival and, in some countries, as a holiday in honour of working people\ncompare LABOR DAY


Words: maybe
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used when you are not certain that sth will happen or that sth is true or is a correct number:\nMaybe he’ll come, maybe he won’t. * ’Are you going to sell your house?’ ’Maybe.’ * It will cost two, maybe three hundred pounds. * We go there maybe once or twice a month.\n  2  used when making a suggestion:\nI thought maybe we could go together. * Maybe you should tell her. * Maybe we can meet for lunch next week sometime.\n  3  used to agree with sb, and to add more information that should be thought about:\n’You should stop work when you have the baby.’ ’Maybe, but I can’t afford to.’\n  4  used when replying to a question or an idea, when you are not sure whether to agree or disagree:\n’I think he should resign.’ ’Maybe.’


Words: Mayday
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] an international radio signal used by ships and aircraft needing help when they are in danger\n ORIGIN  From the French venez m’aider ’come and help me’.


Words: mayhem
Meaning:
noun\n[U] confusion and fear, usually caused by violent behaviour or by some sudden shocking event:\nThere was absolute mayhem when everyone tried to get out at once. * It only takes a few stupid people to create mayhem in a crowd.


Words: mayonnaise
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a thick cold white sauce made from eggs, oil and VINEGAR, used to add flavour to sandwiches, salads, etc:\negg mayonnaise (= a dish made with HARD-BOILED eggs and mayonnaise)


Words: mayor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in England, Wales and N Ireland) the head of a town, BOROUGH or county council, chosen by other members of the council to represent them at official ceremonies, etc:\nthe Lord Mayor of London\ncompare PROVOST\n  2  the head of the government of a town or city, etc., elected by the public:\nthe Mayor of New York * Mayor Bob Anderson * London has elected its new mayor.\n    mayoral  adjective [only before noun]:\nmayoral robes / duties


Words: mayoralty
Meaning:
noun (plural mayoralties) (formal)\n  1  the title or position of a mayor\n  2  the period of time during which a person is a mayor


Words: mayoress
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also lady mayor) a woman who has been elected MAYOR -> GENDER\n  2  (in England, Wales and N Ireland) the wife of a MAYOR or a woman who helps a MAYOR at official ceremonies


Words: maze
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a system of paths separated by walls or HEDGES built in a park or garden, that is designed so that it is difficult to find your way through:\nWe got lost in the maze. * (figurative) The building is a maze of corridors. * The old city is a delightful maze for the modern tourist.\ncompare LABYRINTH\n  2  [usually sing.] a large number of complicated rules or details that are difficult to understand:\nMany applicants for the grant are put off by the maze of regulations and conditions. * a maze of regulations\n  3  (AmE) a printed PUZZLE in which you have to draw a line that shows a way through a complicated pattern of lines


Words: MB abbreviation
Meaning:
1   (in Britain) Bachelor of Medicine (a university degree in medicine):\nPhilip Watt MB\n  2  (also Mb) MEGABYTE:\n24MB of memory


Words: MBA
Meaning:
noun\nthe abbreviation for ’Master of Business Administration’ (a second university degree in business):\nto do / have an MBA


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


Words: MC
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the abbreviation for MASTER OF CEREMONIES\n  2  (M.C.) the abbreviation for Member of Congress


Words: McCoy
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  the real McCoy (informal) something that is genuine and that has value, not a copy:\nIt’s an American flying jacket, the real McCoy.


Words: MD
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the abbreviation for ’Doctor of Medicine’:\nPaul Clark MD\n  2  the abbreviation for MANAGING DIRECTOR:\nWhere’s the MD’s office?


Words: ME
Meaning:
noun, abbreviation \n    noun (BrE) (also chronic fatigue syndrome AmE, BrE) noun [U] the abbreviation for MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS (an illness that makes people feel extremely weak and tired and that can last a long time):\nShe’s had ME for six months.\n    abbreviation (AmE) MEDICAL EXAMINER


Words: me pronoun
Meaning:
, noun \n    pronoun  the form of I that is used when the speaker or writer is the object of a verb or preposition:\nDon’t hit me. * Excuse me! * Give it to me. * Hello, it’s me. * You’re taller than me. * ’Who’s there?’ ’Only me.’\n HELP NOTE  The use of me in the last three examples is correct in modern standard English. I in these sentences would be considered much too formal for almost all contexts, especially in BrE.\n    noun (also mi)  (music) the third note of a MAJOR scale


Words: meagre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE meager)  adjective\nsmall in quantity and poor in quality:\na meagre diet of bread and water * She supplements her meagre income by cleaning at night.


Words: meal
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] an occasion when people sit down to eat food, especially breakfast, lunch or dinner:\nTry not to eat between meals. * Lunch is his main meal of the day. * What time would you like your evening meal?\n  2  [C] the food that is eaten at a meal:\nEnjoy your meal. * a three-course meal\n  3  [U] (often in compounds) grain that has been crushed to produce a powder, used as food for animals and for making flour\nsee also BONEMEAL, OATMEAL, WHOLEMEAL\n IDIOMS \n  make a meal of sth (informal) to spend a lot of time, energy, etc. doing sth in a way that other people think is unnecessary and/or annoying:\nWhy do you have to make such a meal of everything?\nmore at SQUARE adj.\n______________________________\n MORE ABOUT \nmeals\nPeople use the words dinner, lunch, supper and tea in different ways depending on which English-speaking country they come from. In Britain it may also depend on which part of the country or which social class a person comes from.\nA meal eaten in the middle of the day is usually called lunch. If it is the main meal of the day it may also be called dinner in BrE, especially in the north of the country.\nA main meal eaten in the evening is usually called dinner, especially if it is a formal meal. Supper is also an evening meal, but more informal than dinner and usually eaten at home. It can also be a late meal or something to eat and drink before going to bed.\nIn BrE, tea is a light meal in the afternoon with sandwiches, cakes, etc. and a cup of tea: a cream tea. It can also be a main meal eaten early in the evening, especially by children: What time do the kids have their tea?\nAs a general rule, if dinner is the word someone uses for the meal in the middle of the day, they probably call the meal in the evening tea or supper. If they call the meal in the middle of the day lunch, they probably call the meal in the evening dinner.\nBrunch, a combination of breakfast and lunch, is becoming more common, especially as a meal you eat outside or one where your guests serve themselves.\n______________________________


Words: meal ticket
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (informal) a person or thing that you see only as a source of money and food:\nHe suspected that he was just a meal ticket for her.\n  2  (AmE) a card or ticket that gives you the right to have a cheap or free meal, for example at school


Words: mealtime
Meaning:
noun\na time in the day when you eat a meal:\nAs every parent with young children knows, life revolves around mealtimes.


Words: mealy
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of vegetables or fruit) that feel soft and dry when you eat them:\nmealy potatoes / apples


Words: mealy-mouthed
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) not willing or honest enough to speak in a direct or open way about what you really think:\nmealy-mouthed politicians


Words: mean
Meaning:
verb, adjective, noun \n    verb (meant, meant )\n  have as meaning\n  1  (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ sth (to sb) to have sth as a meaning\nSYN SIGNIFY:\n[VN] What does this sentence mean? * What is meant by ’batch processing’? * Does the name ’David Berwick’ mean anything to you (= do you know who he is)? * [V (that)] The flashing light means (that) you must stop.\n  intend as meaning\n  2  (not used in the progressive tenses) to intend to say sth on a particular occasion:\n[VN] What did he mean by that remark? * ’Perhaps we should try another approach.’ ’What do you mean? (= I don’t understand what you are suggesting.)’ * What do you mean, you thought I wouldn’t mind? (= of course I mind and I am very angry.) * What she means is that there’s no point in waiting here. * I always found him a little strange, if you know what I mean (= if you understand what I mean by ’strange’). * I know what you mean (= I understand and feel sympathy). I hated learning to drive too. * (spoken) It was like-weird. Know what I mean? * I see what you mean (= I understand although I may not agree), but I still think it’s worth trying. * See what I mean (= I was right and this proves it, doesn’t it)? She never agrees to anything I suggest. * ’But Pete doesn’t know we’re here!’ ’That’s what I mean! (= that’s what I have been trying to tell you.)’ * Do you mean Ann Smith or Mary Smith? * [V (that)] Did he mean (that) he was dissatisfied with our service? * You mean (= are you telling me) we have to start all over again?\n  have as purpose\n  3  ~ sth (as sth) | ~ what ... | ~ sth for sb to have sth as a purpose or intention\nSYN INTEND:\n[VN] What did she mean by leaving so early (= why did she do it)? * Don’t be upset-I’m sure she meant it as a compliment. * He means what he says (= is not joking, exaggerating, etc.). * Don’t laugh! I mean it (= I am serious). * Don’t be angry. I’m sure she meant it for the best (= intended to be helpful). * He means trouble (= to cause trouble). * The chair was clearly meant for a child. * [V to inf] She means to succeed. * I’m sorry I hurt you. I didn’t mean to. * [VN to inf] I didn’t mean you to read the letter. * I’m feeling very guilty-I’ve been meaning to call my parents for days, but still haven’t got around to it. * You’re meant to (= you are supposed to) pay before you go in. * [V (that)] (formal) I never meant (that) you should come alone.\n  intend sb to be / do sth\n  4  [often passive] ~ sb for sth | ~ sb to be sth to intend sb to be or do sth:\n[VN] I was never meant for the army (= did not have the qualities needed to become a soldier). * Philip and Kim were meant for each other (= are very suitable as partners). * [VN to inf] His father meant him to be an engineer. * She did everything to get the two of them together, but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.\n  have as result\n  5  to have sth as a result or a likely result\nSYN ENTAIL:\n[VN] Spending too much now will mean a shortage of cash next year. * [VN to inf] Do you have any idea what it means to be poor? * [V (that)] We’ll have to be careful with money but that doesn’t mean (that) we can’t enjoy ourselves. * [V -ing] This new order will mean working overtime. * [VN -ing] The injury could mean him missing next week’s game.\n  be important\n  6  [VN] [no passive] ~ sth to sb to be of value or importance to sb:\nYour friendship means a great deal to me. * $20 means a lot (= represents a lot of money) when you live on $100 a week. * Money means nothing to him. * Her children mean the world to her.\n IDIOMS \n  be meant to be sth to be generally considered to be sth:\nThis restaurant is meant to be excellent.\n  I mean (spoken) used to explain or correct what you have just said:\nIt was so boring-I mean, nothing happened for the first hour! * She’s English-Scottish, I mean.\n  mean business (informal) to be serious in your intentions:\nHe has the look of a man who means business.\n  mean (sb) no harm | not mean (sb) any harm to not have any intention of hurting sb\n  mean to say used to emphasize what you are saying or to ask sb if they really mean what they say:\nI mean to say, you should have known how he would react! * Do you mean to say you’ve lost it?\n  mean well (usually disapproving) to have good intentions, although their effect may not be good\n    adjective (meaner, meanest)\n  not generous\n  1  (BrE) (AmE cheap) not willing to give or share things, especially money:\nShe’s always been mean with money.\nOPP GENEROUS\nsee also STINGY\n  unkind\n  2  ~ (to sb) (of people or their behaviour) unkind, for example by not letting sb have or do sth:\nDon’t be so mean to your little brother!\n  angry / violent\n  3  (especially AmE) likely to become angry or violent:\nThat’s a mean-looking dog.\n  skilful\n  4  (informal approving, especially AmE) very good and skilful:\nHe’s a mean tennis player. * She plays a mean game of chess.\n  average\n  5  [only before noun] (technical) average; between the highest and the lowest, etc:\nthe mean temperature\n  intelligence\n  6  (formal) (of a person’s understanding or ability) not very great:\nThis should be clear even to the meanest intelligence.\n  poor\n  7  (literary) poor and dirty in appearance:\nmean houses / streets\n  8  (old-fashioned) born into or coming from a low social class:\nThese rights apply even to the meanest labourer.\n IDIOMS \n  be no mean ... (approving) used to say that sb is very good at doing sth:\nHis mother was a painter, and he’s no mean artist himself.\n    noun-see also MEANS\n  middle way\n  1  ~ (between A and B) a quality, condition, or way of doing sth that is in the middle of two extremes and better than either of them:\nHe needed to find a mean between frankness and rudeness.\n  average\n  2  (also arithmetic mean) (mathematics) the value found by adding together all the numbers in a group, and dividing the total by the number of numbers\n  3  (also geometric mean) (mathematics) a value between two extreme values, found by adding them together and dividing the total by 2\n IDIOMS \n  the happy / golden mean (approving) a course of action that is not extreme


Words: meander
Meaning:
prep.] \n  1  (of a river, road, etc.) to curve a lot rather than being in a straight line:\nThe stream meanders slowly down to the sea.\n  2  to walk slowly and change direction often, especially without a particular aim:\nThey meandered around the old town admiring the architecture.\n  3  (of a conversation, discussion, etc.) to develop slowly and change subject often, in a way that makes it boring or difficult to understand\n    meander noun:\nthe meanders of a river


Words: meanderings
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n  1  a course that does not follow a straight line:\nthe meanderings of a river / path\n  2  walking or talking without any particular aim:\nhis philosophical meanderings


Words: meanie
Meaning:
noun\n(spoken) used especially by children to describe an unkind person who will not give them what they want:\nDon’t be such a meanie!


Words: meaning
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  of sound / word / sign\n  1  ~ (of sth) [U, C] the thing or idea that a sound, word, sign, etc. represents:\nWhat’s the meaning of this word? * Words often have several meanings. * ’Honesty’? He doesn’t know the meaning of the word!\n  of what sb says / does\n  2  [U, C] the things or ideas that sb wishes to communicate to you by what they say or do:\nI don’t quite get your meaning (= understand what you mean to say). * What’s the meaning of this? I explicitly told you not to leave the room.\n  of feeling / experience\n  3  the real importance of a feeling or experience:\nWith Anna he learned the meaning of love.\n  of book / painting\n  4  [U, C] the ideas that a writer, artist, etc. wishes to communicate through a book, painting, etc:\nseveral layers of meaning * There are, of course, deeper meanings in the poem.\n  sense of purpose\n  5  [U] the quality or sense of purpose that makes you feel that your life is valuable:\nHer life seemed to have lost all meaning. * Having a child gave new meaning to their lives.\n    adjective [usually before noun] (rare) = MEANINGFUL


Words: meaningful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  serious and important:\na meaningful relationship / discussion / experience\n  2  (also less frequent meaning) intended to communicate or express sth to sb, without any words being spoken:\nShe gave me a meaningful look.\n  3  having a meaning that is easy to understand:\nThese statistics are not very meaningful.\n    meaningfully  adverb\n    meaningfulness noun [U]


Words: meaningless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  without any purpose or reason and therefore not worth doing or having:\na meaningless existence * meaningless violence on TV * We fill up our lives with meaningless tasks.\n  2  not considered important:\nFines are meaningless to a huge company like that.\n  3  not having a meaning that is easy to understand:\nTo me that painting is completely meaningless.\n    meaninglessly adverb meaninglessness noun [U]


Words: means
Meaning:
noun (plural means)\n  1  [C] ~ (of doing sth / of sth) an action, an object or a system by which a result is achieved; a way of achieving or doing sth:\nTelevision is an effective means of communication. * Is there any means of contacting him? * Have you any means of identification? * We needed to get to London but we had no means of transport.\n  2  [pl.] the money that a person has:\nPeople should pay according to their means. * He doesn’t have the means to support a wife and child. * Private school fees are beyond the means of most people (= more than they can afford). * Are the monthly repayments within your means (= can you afford them)? * Try to live within your means (= not spend more money than you have). * a man of means (= a rich man)\n IDIOMS \n  by all means (spoken) used to say that you are very willing for sb to have sth or do sth:\n’Do you mind if I have a look?’ ’By all means.’\n  by means of sth (formal) with the help of sth:\nThe load was lifted by means of a crane.\n  by no means | not by any (manner of) means not at all:\nShe is by no means an inexperienced teacher. * We haven’t won yet, not by any means.\n  a means to an end a thing or action that is not interesting or important in itself but is a way of achieving sth else:\nHe doesn’t particularly like the work but he sees it as a means to an end.\nmore at END n., FAIR adj., WAY n.


Words: means test
Meaning:
noun\nan official check of sb’s wealth or income in order to decide if they are poor enough to receive money from the government for a particular purpose\n    means-test verb [VN]


Words: meantime
Meaning:
noun, adverb \n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  in the meantime in the period of time between two times or two events \nSYN MEANWHILE:\nMy first novel was rejected by six publishers. In the meantime I had written a play. * The next programme starts in five minutes; in the meantime, here’s some music.\n    adverb (informal) = MEANWHILE:\nI’ll contact them soon. Meantime don’t tell them I’m back.


Words: meanwhile
Meaning:
adverb, noun \n    adverb (also informal meantime)\n  1  while sth else is happening:\nBob spent fifteen months alone on his yacht. Ann, meanwhile, took care of the children on her own.\n  2  in the period of time between two times or two events:\nThe doctor will see you again next week. Meanwhile, you must rest as much as possible.\n  3  used to compare two aspects of a situation:\nStress can be extremely damaging to your health. Exercise, meanwhile, can reduce its effects.\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  in the meanwhile in the period of time between two times or two events:\nI hope to go to medical school eventually. In the meanwhile, I am going to study chemistry.


Words: measles
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an infectious disease, especially of children, that causes fever and small red spots that cover the whole body\nsee also GERMAN MEASLES


Words: measly
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, disapproving) very small in size or quantity; not enough:\nI get a measly ｣4 an hour.


Words: measurable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that can be measured:\nmeasurable amounts of pollution in the atmosphere\n  2  [usually before noun] large enough to be noticed or to have a clear and noticeable effect:\nmeasurable improvements\n    measurably  adverb:\nWorking conditions have changed measurably in the last ten years.


Words: measure
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  size / quantity\n  1  ~ sb/sth (for sth) to find the size, quantity, etc. of sth in standard units:\n[VN] A ship’s speed is measured in knots. * a device that measures the level of radiation in the atmosphere * He’s gone to be measured for a new suit. * measuring equipment / instruments * [V wh-] A dipstick is used to measure how much oil is left in an engine.\n  2  linking verb [V-N] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be a particular size, length, amount, etc:\nThe main bedroom measures 12ft by 15ft. * The pond measures about 2 metres across.\n  judge\n  3  to judge the importance, value or effect of sth\nSYN ASSESS:\n[VN] It is difficult to measure the success of the campaign at this stage. * Regular tests are used to measure students’ progress. [also V wh-]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  measure sb/sth against sb/sth to compare sb/sth with sb/sth:\nThe figures are not very good when measured against those of our competitors. * a series of tasks that measure candidates against each other\n  measure sth<->out to take the amount of sth that you need from a larger amount:\nHe measured out a cup of milk and added it to the mixture.\n  measure up | measure sb/sth<->up to measure sb/sth:\nWe spent the morning measuring up and deciding where the furniture would go.\n  measure up (to sth/sb) (usually used in negative sentences and questions) to be as good, successful, etc. as expected or needed\nSYN MATCH UP:\nLast year’s intake just didn’t measure up. * The job failed to measure up to her expectations.\n    noun\n  official action\n  1  [C] ~ (to do sth) an official action that is done in order to achieve a particular aim:\nsafety / security / austerity measures * a temporary / an emergency measure * We must take preventive measures to reduce crime in the area. * The government is introducing tougher measures to combat crime. * measures against racism * Police in riot gear were in attendance as a precautionary measure.\nsee also HALF MEASURES\n  amount\n  2  [sing.] a particular amount of sth, especially a fairly large amount \nSYN DEGREE:\nA measure of technical knowledge is desirable in this job. * She achieved some measure of success with her first book.\n  way of showing / judging\n  3  [sing.] a sign of the size or the strength of sth:\nSending flowers is a measure of how much you care.\n  4  [C] a way of judging or measuring sth:\nan accurate measure of ability * Is this test a good measure of reading comprehension?\n  unit of size / quantity\n  5  [C, U] a unit used for stating the size, quantity or degree of sth; a system or a scale of these units:\nweights and measures * The Richter Scale is a measure of ground motion. * liquid / dry measure * Which measure of weight do pharmacists use?\n  6  [C] (especially of alcohol) a standard quantity:\na generous measure of whisky\n  instrument for measuring\n  7  [C] an instrument such as a stick, a long tape or a container that is marked with standard units and is used for measuring\nsee also TAPE MEASURE\n  in music\n  8  [C] (AmE) = BAR (9)\n IDIOMS \n  beyond measure (formal) very much:\nHe irritated me beyond measure.\n  for good measure as an extra amount of sth in addition to what has already been done or given:\nUse 50g of rice per person and an extra spoonful for good measure. * ’I’m no good at puzzles. I can’t even do crosswords,’ she added for good measure.\n  full / short measure the whole of sth or less of sth than you expect or should have:\nWe experienced the full measure of their hospitality. * The concert only lasted an hour, so we felt we were getting short measure.\n  in full measure (written) to the greatest possible degree:\nMy expectations had been met in full measure.\n  get / take / have the measure of sb | get / have / take sb’s measure (formal) to form an opinion about sb’s character or abilities so that you can deal with them:\nAfter only one game, the chess champion had the measure of his young opponent.\n  in no small measure | in some, equal, etc. measure (formal) to a large extent or degree; to some, etc. extent or degree:\nThe introduction of a new tax accounted in no small measure for the downfall of the government. * Our thanks are due in equal measure to every member of the team.\n  made to measure (BrE) made especially for one person according to particular measurements:\nYou’ll need to get a suit made to measure. * I’m having the curtains made to measure. * a made-to-measure suit\nmore at LARGE


Words: measured
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] slow and careful; controlled:\nShe replied in a measured tone to his threat. * He walked down the corridor with measured steps.


Words: measurement
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act or the process of finding the size, quantity or degree of sth:\nthe metric system of measurement * Accurate measurement is very important in science.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] the size, length or amount of sth:\nto take sb’s chest / waist measurement * Do you know your measurements (= the size of parts of your body)? * The exact measurements of the room are 3 metres 20 by 2 metres 84.


Words: meat
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] the flesh of an animal or a bird eaten as food; a particular type of this:\na piece / slice of meat * horse meat (= from a horse) * dog meat (= for a dog) * meat-eating animals * There’s not much meat on this chop. * (figurative, humorous) There’s not much meat on her (= she is very thin).\nsee also LUNCHEON MEAT, MINCEMEAT, RED MEAT, SAUSAGE MEAT, WHITE MEAT\n \n  2  [U] ~ (of sth) the important or interesting part of sth:\nThis chapter contains the real meat of the writer’s argument.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  meat and drink to sb something that sb enjoys very much:\nDealing with difficult customers is meat and drink to her.\n  meat-and-potatoes (AmE) dealing with or interested in the most basic and important aspects of sth:\na meat-and-potatoes argument * a meat-and-potatoes man (= a person who likes simple things)\nmore at DEAD


Words: meat loaf
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] finely chopped meat, onions, etc. that are mixed together and shaped like a LOAF of bread and then baked


Words: meat packing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (AmE) the process of killing animals and preparing the meat for sale:\nthe meat packing industry


Words: meaty
Meaning:
adjective (meatier, meatiest)\n  1  containing a lot of meat:\nmeaty sausages\n  2  smelling, or tasting like meat:\na meaty taste\n  3  (approving) containing a lot of important or interesting ideas:\na meaty discussion * As an actress she longed to play one of the meatier roles, like Lady Macbeth.\n  4  (informal) large and fat; with a lot of flesh:\na meaty hand * big, meaty tomatoes


Words: Mecca
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a city in Saudi Arabia that is the holiest city of Islam, being the place where the Prophet Muhammad was born\n  2  (usually mecca) a place that many people like to visit, especially for a particular reason:\nThe coast is a mecca for tourists.


Words: mechanic
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a person whose job is repairing machines, especially the engines of motor vehicles:\na car mechanic\n \n  2  (mechanics) [U] the science of movement and force\nsee also QUANTUM MECHANICS\n \n  3  (mechanics) [U] the practical study of machinery:\nthe school’s car maintenance department where students learn basic mechanics\n \n  4  (the mechanics) [pl.] the way sth works or is done:\nThe exact mechanics of how payment will be made will be decided later.


Words: mechanical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  operated by power from an engine:\na mechanical device / toy / clock * mechanical parts\n  2  connected with machines and engines:\nmechanical problems / defects * The breakdown was due to a mechanical failure.\n  3  (disapproving) (of people’s behaviour and actions) done without thinking, like a machine:\na mechanical gesture / response * My work has become mechanical-I could do it in my sleep.\n  4  connected with the physical laws of movement and cause and effect (= with MECHANICS):\nmechanical processes\n  5  (of a person) good at understanding how machines work\n    mechanically  adverb:\na mechanically powered vehicle * She spoke mechanically, as if thinking of something else. * He’s always been mechanically minded.


Words: mechanical engineering
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the study of how machines are designed, built and repaired\n    mechanical engineer noun [U]


Words: mechanism
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a set of moving parts in a machine that performs a task:\na delicate watch mechanism * The mechanism for locking the door of the washing machine is childproof.\n  2  a method or a system for achieving sth:\nmechanisms for dealing with complaints from the general public * The college has established an effective student support mechanism.\nsee also ERM\n  3  a system of parts in a living thing that together perform a particular function:\nthe balance mechanism in the ears * Pain acts as a natural defence mechanism.


Words: mechanistic
Meaning:
adjective\n(often disapproving) connected with the belief that all things in the universe can be explained as if they were machines; based on this belief:\nthe mechanistic philosophy that compares the brain to a computer\n    mechanistically  adverb


Words: mechanize
Meaning:
(BrE also mechanise)  verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to change a process, so that the work is done by machines rather than people:\nThe production process is now highly mechanized.\n    mechanization, mechanisation  noun [U]:\nthe increasing mechanization of farm work


Words: medal
Meaning:
noun\na flat piece of metal, usually shaped like a coin, that is given to the winner of a competition or to sb who has been brave, for example in war:\nto win a gold medal in the Olympics * to award a medal for bravery\n \n IDIOMS  see DESERVE


Words: Medal of Honor
Meaning:
noun\nthe highest award that the US gives to a member of the armed forces who has shown very great courage in a war


Words: medallist
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE medalist)  noun\na person who has received a medal, usually for winning a competition in a sport:\nan Olympic medallist * a gold / silver / bronze medallist


Words: meddle
Meaning:
verb [V] (disapproving)\n  1  ~ (in / with sth) (disapproving) to become involved in sth that does not concern you:\nHe had no right to meddle in her affairs. * He’s just a meddling old fool!\n  2  ~ (with sth) to touch sth in a careless way, especially when it is not yours or when you do not know how to use it correctly:\nSomebody had been meddling with her computer.\n    meddling noun [U]


Words: meddler
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) a person who tries to get involved in sth that does not concern them\nSYN BUSYBODY


Words: meddlesome
Meaning:
adjective\n(written, disapproving) (of people) enjoying getting involved in situations that do not concern them:\nmeddlesome politicians


Words: media
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (the media) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] the main ways that large numbers of people receive information and entertainment, that is television, radio and the newspapers:\nthe news / broadcasting / national media * The trial was fully reported in the media. * The media was / were accused of influencing the final decision. * Any event attended by the actor received widespread media coverage. * He became a media star for his part in the protests.\nsee also MASS MEDIA\n  2  plural of MEDIUM


Words: median
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] (technical)\n  1  having a value in the middle of a series of values:\nthe median age / price\n  2  situated in or passing through the middle:\na median point / line\n    noun\n\n \n  1  (mathematics) the middle value of a series of numbers arranged in order of size\n \n  2  (geometry) a straight line passing from a point of a triangle to the centre of the opposite side.\n \n  3  (also median strip) (both AmE) = CENTRAL RESERVATION


Words: mediate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (in sth) | ~ (between A and B) to try to end a disagreement between two or more people or groups by talking to them and trying to find things that everyone can agree on:\n[V] The Secretary-General was asked to mediate in the dispute. * An independent body was brought in to mediate between staff and management. * [VN] to mediate differences / disputes / problems\n  2  [VN] to succeed in finding a solution to a disagreement between people or groups:\nThey mediated a settlement.\n  3  [VN] [usually passive] (formal or technical) to influence sth and/or make it possible for it to happen:\nEducational success is mediated by economic factors.\n    mediation  noun [U]


Words: mediator
Meaning:
noun\na person or an organization that tries to get agreement between people or groups who disagree with each other:\nto act as (a) mediator in the negotiations


Words: medic
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE, informal) a medical student\n  2  (informal) a doctor\n  3  (AmE) a person in the armed forces who can give medical treatment


Words: Medicaid
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in the US) the system that provides medical care for poor people and that is paid for by taxes


Words: medical
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  connected with illness and injury and their treatment:\nmedical advances / care / research * her medical condition / history / records * the medical profession * a medical student / school * a medical certificate (= a statement by a doctor that gives details of your state of health)\nsee also MED\n  2  connected with ways of treating illness that do not involve cutting the body:\nmedical or surgical treatment\n    medically  adverb:\nmedically fit / unfit * The form should be signed by a person who is medically qualified.\n    noun (also medical examination) (informal) a thorough examination of your body that a doctor does, for example, before you start a particular job


Words: medical examiner
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation ME) (AmE) a doctor whose job is to examine a dead body in order to find out the cause of death\ncompare PATHOLOGIST


Words: medical officer
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation MO) a person, usually a doctor, employed in an organization to deal with medical and health matters


Words: Medicare
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in the US) the system that provides medical care for old people and that is paid for by taxes


Words: medicated
Meaning:
adjective\ncontaining a substance for preventing or curing infections of your skin or hair:\nmedicated shampoo / soap


Words: medication
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a drug or another form of medicine that you take to prevent or to treat an illness:\nto be on medication * Are you currently taking any medication? * Many flu medications are available without a prescription.


Words: medicinal
Meaning:
adjective\nhelpful in the process of healing illness or infection:\nmedicinal herbs / plants * medicinal properties / use * (humorous) He claims he keeps a bottle of brandy only for medicinal purposes.


Words: medicine
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the study and treatment of diseases and injuries:\nadvances in modern medicine * to study / practise medicine * traditional / conventional / orthodox medicine * alternative medicine\n \n  2  [U, C] a substance, especially a liquid that you drink or swallow in order to cure an illness:\nDid you take your medicine? * cough medicine * Chinese herbal medicines\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  the best medicine the best way of improving a situation, especially of making you feel happier:\nLaughter is the best medicine.\n  a taste / dose of your own medicine the same bad treatment that you have given to others:\nLet the bully have a taste of his own medicine.


Words: medicine man
Meaning:
noun\na person who is believed to have special magic powers of healing, especially among Native Americans\ncompare WITCH DOCTOR


Words: medieval
Meaning:
(also mediaeval)  adjective\n[usually before noun] connected with the Middle Ages (about AD 1000 to AD 1450):\nmedieval architecture / castles / manuscripts * the literature of the late medieval period


Words: mediocre
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) not very good; of only average standard:\na mediocre musician / talent / performance * I thought the play was only mediocre.


Words: mediocrity
Meaning:
noun (plural mediocrities) (disapproving)\n  1  [U] the quality of being average or not very good:\nHis acting career started brilliantly, then sank into mediocrity.\n  2  [C] a person who is not very good at sth:\na brilliant leader, surrounded by mediocrities


Words: meditate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (on / upon sth) to think deeply, usually in silence, especially for religious reasons or in order to make your mind calm\n  2  [VN] (written) to plan sth in your mind; to consider doing sth:\nThey were meditating revenge.


Words: meditation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the practice of thinking deeply in silence, especially for religious reasons or in order to make your mind calm:\nShe found peace through yoga and meditation. * He was deep in meditation and didn’t see me come in.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] ~ (on sth) (formal) serious thoughts on a particular subject that sb writes down or speaks:\nhis meditations on life and art


Words: meditative
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) thinking very deeply; involving deep thought:\nShe found him in a meditative mood. * a meditative poem


Words: Mediterranean
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with the Mediterranean Sea or the countries and regions that surround it; typical of this area:\na Mediterranean country * a Mediterranean climate


Words: medium
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun] (abbreviation M) in the middle between two sizes, amounts, lengths, temperatures, etc.\nSYN AVERAGE:\na medium size car / business / town * a man of medium height / build * There are three sizes-small, medium and large. * a medium steak (= one cooked quite well but not too much) * Cook over a medium heat for 15 minutes. * a medium dry white wine * Choose medium to large tomatoes.\n IDIOMS  see TERM\n    noun (plural media  or mediums)\n  1  a way of communicating information, etc. to people:\nthe medium of radio / television * electronic / audio-visual media * Television is the modern medium of communication. * A T-shirt can be an excellent medium for getting your message across.\n HELP NOTE  The plural in this meaning is usually media.\nsee also MEDIA, MASS MEDIA\n  2  something that is used for a particular purpose:\nEnglish is the medium of instruction (= the language used to teach other subjects). * Video is a good medium for practising listening to a foreign language.\n  3  the material or the form that an artist, a writer or a musician uses:\nthe medium of paint / poetry / drama * Watercolour is his favourite medium.\n  4  (biology) a substance that sth exists or grows in or that it travels through:\nThe bacteria were growing in a sugar medium.\n  5  (plural mediums) a person who claims to be able to communicate with the spirits of dead people\n IDIOMS  see HAPPY


Words: medium wave
Meaning:
(abbreviation MW) noun\n[U] (also the medium wave [sing.]) a band of radio waves with a length of between 100 and 1000 metres:\n648 m on (the) medium wave\ncompare SHORT WAVE


Words: medium-term
Meaning:
adjective\nused to describe a period of time that is a few weeks or months into the future:\nthe government’s medium-term financial strategy


Words: medley
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a piece of music consisting of several songs or tunes played or sung one after the other:\na medley of Beatles hits\n  2  a mixture of people or things of different kinds:\na medley of flavours / smells * The building was a medley of styles from different periods.\n  3  a swimming race in which each member of a team uses a different stroke:\nthe 4ﾗ100 metres medley


Words: meek
Meaning:
adjective (meeker, meekest)\n  1  quiet, gentle, and always ready to do what other people want without expressing your own opinion:\nThey called her Miss Mouse because she was so meek and mild. * They hung their heads in meek submission.\n  2  (the meek) noun [pl.] people who are meek:\nBlessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.\n    meekly adverb:\nHe meekly did as he was told.\n    meekness noun [U]


Words: meet
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (met, met )\n  by chance\n  1  [no passive] to be in the same place as sb by chance and talk to them:\n[V] I hope we’ll meet again soon. * [VN] Did you meet anyone in town?\n  by arrangement\n  2  [no passive] to come together formally in order to discuss sth:\n[V] The committee meets on Fridays. * [VN] The Prime Minister met other European leaders for talks.\n  3  [no passive] to come together socially after you have arranged it:\n[V] Let’s meet for a drink after work. * [VN] We’re meeting them outside the theatre at 7.\n  4  [VN] to go to a place and wait there for a particular person to arrive:\nWill you meet me at the airport? * The hotel bus meets all incoming flights.\n  for the first time\n  5  [no passive] to see and know sb for the first time; to be introduced to sb:\n[VN] Where did you first meet your husband? * (especially BrE) Pleased to meet you. * (AmE) Nice meeting you. * There’s someone I want you to meet. * [V] I don’t think we’ve met.\n  in contest\n  6  [no passive] to play, fight, etc. together as opponents in a competition: [V, VN] Sampras and Agassi met in last year’s final. * Sampras met Agassi in last year’s final.\n  experience sth\n  7  [VN] to experience sth, often sth unpleasant\nSYN COME ACROSS, ENCOUNTER:\nOthers have met similar problems. * How she met her death will probably never be known.\n  touch / join\n  8  to touch sth; to join:\n[V] The curtains don’t meet in the middle. * [VN] That’s where the river meets the sea. * His hand met hers.\n  satisfy\n  9  [VN] to do or satisfy what is needed or what sb asks for:\nHow can we best meet the needs of all the different groups? * Until these conditions are met we cannot proceed with the sale. * I can’t possibly meet that deadline.\n  pay\n  10  [VN] to pay sth:\nThe cost will be met by the company.\n IDIOMS \n  meet sb’s eye(s)\n1 (also meet sb’s gaze, look, etc., people’s eyes meet) if you meet sb’s eye(s), you look directly at them as they look at you; if two people’s eyes meet, they look directly at each other:\nShe was afraid to meet my eye. * Their eyes met across the crowded room. * She met his gaze without flinching.\n2 if a sight meets your eyes, you see it:\nA terrible sight met their eyes.\n  meet sb halfway to reach an agreement with sb by giving them part of what they want:\nIf he was prepared to apologize, the least she could do was meet him halfway and accept some of the blame.\n  meet your Maker (especially humorous) to die\n  there is more to sb/sth than meets the eye a person or thing is more complicated or interesting than you might think at first\nmore at END n., MATCH n., TWAIN\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  meet up (with sb) to meet sb, especially by arrangement:\nThey met up again later for a drink.\n  meet with sb (especially AmE) to meet sb, especially for discussions:\nThe President met with senior White House aides.\n  meet with sth (written)\n1 to be received or treated by sb in a particular way:\nHer proposal met with resistance from the Left. * to meet with success / failure\n2 to experience sth unpleasant:\nShe was worried that he might have met with an accident.\n  meet sth with sth to react to sth in a particular way:\nHis suggestion was met with howls of protest.\n    noun\n  1  (especially AmE) a sports competition:\na track meet\n  2  (BrE) an event at which horse riders and dogs hunt FOXES


Words: meeting
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] an occasion when people come together to discuss or decide sth:\nto have / hold / call / attend a meeting * The meeting will be held in the school hall. * a committee / staff meeting * What time is the meeting? * Helen will chair the meeting (= be in charge of it). * I’ll be in a meeting all morning-can you take my calls? * a meeting of the United Nations Security Council * The meeting was postponed.\n  2  (the meeting) [sing.] the people at a meeting:\nThe meeting voted to accept the pay offer.\n  3  [C] a situation in which two or more people meet together, because they have arranged it or by chance:\nAt our first meeting I was nervous. * It was a chance meeting that would change my life. * He remembered their childhood meetings with nostalgia. * The meeting of father and son after so long was a joyous occasion.\n  4  [C] a sports event or set of races, especially for horses:\nan athletics meeting * The horse has won at all of his previous meetings this season.\n IDIOMS \n  a meeting of minds a close understanding between people with similar ideas, especially when they meet to do sth or meet for the first time:\na meeting of minds between the two artists


Words: mega
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (slang) very large or impressive:\nThe song was a mega hit last year.\n    mega adverb:\nThey’re mega rich.


Words: mega-
Meaning:
combining form (in nouns)\n  1  (especially informal) very large or great:\na megastore\n  2  (in units of measurement) one million:\na megawatt\n  3  (computing) 1 048 576 (= 2 20):\nmegabyte


Words: megabyte
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation MB) a unit of computer memory, equal to 220 (or about 1 million) BYTES:\na 40-megabyte hard disk


Words: megalith
Meaning:
noun\na very large stone, especially one put in a place that was used for ceremonies in ancient times\n    megalithic :\nmegalithic monuments


Words: megalomania
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a mental illness or condition in which sb has an exaggerated belief in their own importance or power


Words: megaphone
Meaning:
noun\na device for making your voice sound louder, that is wider at one end, like a CONE, and is often used at outside events\ncompare LOUDHAILER


Words: megaton
Meaning:
(also megatonne)  noun\na unit for measuring the power of an explosive, equal to one million TONS of TNT:\na one megaton nuclear bomb


Words: melancholia
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned) a mental illness in which the patient is depressed and worried by unnecessary fears


Words: melancholic
Meaning:
adjective\n(old-fashioned or literary) feeling or expressing sadness, especially when the sadness is like an illness


Words: melancholy
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] (formal) a deep feeling of sadness that lasts for a long time and often cannot be explained:\nA mood of melancholy descended on us. * There is a brooding melancholy in his black and white photography.\n    adjective very sad or making you feel sadness:\nmelancholy thoughts / memories * The melancholy song died away.


Words: melange
Meaning:
noun\n(from French, written) a mixture or variety of different things:\na melange of different cultures


Words: melanin
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) a dark substance in the skin and hair that causes the skin to change colour in the sun’s light


Words: meld
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) to combine with sth else; to make sth combine with sth else:\n[V] The restored stonework melds beautifully with the original architecture. [also VN]


Words: melee
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (from French) a situation in which a crowd of people are rushing or pushing each other in a confused way:\nSeveral people were hurt in the melee. * I lost hold of her hand in the melee of people rushing towards the entrance.


Words: mellifluous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of music or of sb’s voice) sounding sweet and smooth; very pleasant to listen to:\na softly mellifluous voice


Words: mellow
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (mellower, mellowest)\n  1  (of colour or sound) soft, rich and pleasant:\nmellow autumn colours * Mellow music and lighting helped to create the right atmosphere. * The leaves looked golden in the mellow afternoon light.\n  2  (of a taste or flavour) smooth and pleasant:\na mellow, fruity wine * coffee with a full mellow flavour\n  3  (of people) calm, gentle and reasonable because of age or experience:\nDad’s certainly grown mellower with age.\n  4  (informal) (of people) relaxed, calm and happy, especially after drinking alcohol:\nAfter two glasses of wine, I was feeling mellow.\n    verb\n  1  to become or make sb become less extreme in their attitudes, behaviour, etc., especially as a result of growing older:\n[V] She had mellowed a great deal since their days at college. * [VN] A period spent working abroad had done nothing to mellow him.\n  2  [V, VN] to become, or make a colour become less bright, especially over a period of time\n  3  [V, VN] to develop or make wine develop a pleasant and less bitter taste over a period of time\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  mellow out (informal, especially AmE) to enjoy yourself by relaxing and not doing much:\nWe just listened to music and mellowed out all afternoon.


Words: melodic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] connected with the main tune in a piece of music:\nThe melodic line is carried by the two clarinets.\n  2  = MELODIOUS


Words: melodious
Meaning:
(also melodic) adjective\npleasant to listen to, like music:\na rich melodious voice\n    melodiously adverb


Words: melodrama
Meaning:
noun [U, C]\n  1  a story, play or novel that is full of exciting events and in which the characters and emotions seem too exaggerated to be real; the action in such a play, etc:\na gripping Victorian melodrama * Instead of tragedy, we got melodrama.\n  2  events, behaviour, etc. which are exaggerated or extreme:\nHer love of melodrama meant that any small problem became a crisis.


Words: melodramatic
Meaning:
adjective\n(often disapproving) full of exciting and extreme emotions or events; behaving or reacting to sth in an exaggerated way:\na melodramatic plot full of deceit and murder\n    melodramatically  adverb:\nHe flung my gift melodramatically across the room.


Words: melody
Meaning:
noun (plural melodies)\n  1  [C] a tune, especially the main tune in a piece of music written for several instruments or voices:\na haunting melody * The melody is then taken up by the flutes.\n  2  [C] a piece of music or a song with a clear or simple tune:\nold Irish melodies\n  3  [U] the arrangement of musical notes in a tune:\na few bars of melody drifted towards us


Words: melon
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a large fruit with hard green, yellow or orange skin, sweet flesh and juice and a lot of seeds:\na slice of melon\nsee also HONEYDEW MELON, WATERMELON


Words: melt
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to become or make sth become liquid as a result of heating:\n[V] The snow showed no sign of melting. * melting ice * [VN] The sun had melted the snow. * First, melt two ounces of butter.\ncompare DEFROST, DE-ICE\n  2  to become or to make a feeling, an emotion, etc. become gentler and less strong:\n[V] The tension in the room began to melt. * [VN] Her trusting smile melted his heart.\n IDIOMS \n  melt in your mouth (of food) to be soft and very good to eat:\nThey serve steaks that just melt in your mouth.\nmore at BUTTER n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  melt away | melt sth<->away to disappear or make sth disappear gradually:\nAt the first sign of trouble, the supporters melted away.\n  melt sth<->down to heat a metal or WAX object until it is liquid, especially so that the metal or wax can be used to make sth else:\nMany of the bronze statues were melted down and used to make weapons.\nrelated noun MELTDOWN\n  melt into sth to gradually become part of sth and therefore become difficult to see:\nOnce the introductions had been made, she melted into the background.


Words: meltdown
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a serious accident in which the central part of a nuclear REACTOR melts, causing harmful RADIATION to escape: (figurative) meltdown on the New York Stock Exchange


Words: melting pot
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a place or situation in which large numbers of people, ideas, etc. are mixed together:\nthe vast melting pot of American society\n IDIOMS \n  in the melting pot (especially BrE) likely to change; in the process of changing


Words: member
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (of sth) a person, an animal or a plant that belongs to a particular group:\na member of staff / society / the family * characteristics common to all members of the species\n  2  ~ (of sth) a person, a country or an organization that has joined a particular group, club or team:\nparty / union members * a meeting of member countries / states * How much does it cost to become a member? * an active member of the local church * a founder member of the conservation group * Little is known about the third member of the band.\n  3  (old use or literary) a part of the body, especially an arm or a leg\n  4  a PENIS. People say ’member’ to avoid saying ’ PENIS’.\n  5  (Member) (in Britain) a Member of Parliament:\nthe Hon. Member for Brent North\nsee also PRIVATE MEMBER


Words: membership
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (BrE) ~ (of sth)| (AmE) ~ (in sth) the state of being a member of a group, a club, an organization, etc:\nWho is eligible to apply for membership of the association? * a membership card / fee\n  2  [C+sing./pl. v.] the members, or the number of members, of a group, a club, an organization, etc:\nThe membership has / have not yet voted. * The club has a membership of more than 500.


Words: membrane
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  a thin layer of skin that connects or covers parts inside the body\nsee also MUCOUS MEMBRANE\n  2  a thin layer of tissue that covers cells in a plant\n  3  a thin layer of material used to prevent air, liquid, etc. from entering a particular part of sth:\na waterproof membrane\n    membranous  adjective


Words: memento
Meaning:
noun\n(plural mementoes or mementos) a thing that you keep or give to sb to remind you or them of a person or place:\na memento of our trip to Italy


Words: memo
Meaning:
(also formal memorandum) noun\n(plural memos) ~ (to sb) an official note from one person to another in the same organization:\nto write / send / circulate a memo


Words: memoir
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (memoirs) [pl.] an account written by sb, especially sb famous, about their life and experiences:\nThe retired actress is writing her memoirs.\n  2  [C] (formal) a written account of sb’s life, a place, or an event, written by sb who knows it well


Words: memorabilia
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] things that people collect because they once belonged to a famous person, or because they are connected with a particular interesting place, event or activity:\nfootball / Beatles memorabilia


Words: memorable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sth) special, good or unusual and therefore worth remembering or easy to remember:\na truly memorable occasion * The city is memorable for its fantastic beaches. * Her novels are full of memorable characters.\n    memorably  adverb:\nShe excelled in many great roles, most memorably as Lady Macbeth at the National Theatre.


Words: memorandum
Meaning:
1  (formal) = MEMO:\nan internal memorandum * leaks of confidential memoranda\n  2  (law) a record of a legal agreement which has not yet been formally prepared and signed:\nThe two sides have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict.\n  3  a proposal or report on a particular subject for a person, an organization, a committee, etc:\na detailed memorandum to the commission on employment policy


Words: memorial
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun ~ (to sb/sth)\n  1  [C] a statue, stone, etc. that is built in order to remind people of an important past event or of a famous person who has died:\na war memorial (= in memory of soldiers who died in a war) * a memorial to victims of the Holocaust\n  2  [sing.] a thing that will continue to remind people of sb/sth:\nThe painting will be a lasting memorial to a remarkable woman.\n    adjective [only before noun] created or done in order to remember sb who has died:\na memorial statue / plaque / prize * The memorial service will be held at a local church. * the John F Kennedy Memorial Hospital


Words: Memorial Day
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a holiday in the US, usually the last Monday in May, in honour of members of the armed forces who have died in war\nsee also REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY, VETERANS DAY


Words: memorialize
Meaning:
(BrE also memorialise)  verb\n(formal) [VN] to produce sth that will continue to exist and remind people of sb who has died or sth that has gone


Words: memorize
Meaning:
(BrE also memorise)  verb\n[VN] to learn sth carefully so that you can remember it exactly:\nto memorize a poem


Words: memory
Meaning:
(plural memories) noun\n  ability to remember\n  1  [C, U] ~ (for sth) your ability to remember things:\nI have a bad memory for names. * People have short memories (= they soon forget). * He had a long memory for people who had disappointed him. * She can recite the whole poem from memory. * He suffered loss of memory for weeks after the accident. * Are you sure? Memory can play tricks on you. * I quickly committed the number of the car to memory (= learned and remembered it). * The drugs had a severe effect on her short-term memory.\n  2  [U] the period of time that sb is able to remember events:\nThere hasn’t been peace in the country in / within my memory. * It was the worst storm in recent memory. * This hasn’t happened in living memory (= nobody alive now can remember it happening).\n  sth you remember\n  3  [C] a thought of sth that you remember from the past:\nchildhood memories * I have vivid memories of my grandparents. * What is your earliest memory? * The photos bring back lots of good memories.\n  4  [U] (formal) what is remembered about sb after they have died:\nHer memory lives on (= we still remember her). * Their behaviour insults the memory of those who died for this country.\n  computing\n  5  [C, U] the part of a computer where information is stored; the amount of space in a computer for storing information:\na computer with 8 megabytes of memory * Have you got enough memory available to run the program?\nsee also RAM\n IDIOMS \n  if (my) memory serves me well, correctly, etc. if I remember correctly\n  in memory of sb | to the memory of sb intended to show respect and remind people of sb who has died:\nHe founded the charity in memory of his late wife. * The statue was erected to the memory of my father.\nmore at ETCH, JOG v., REFRESH, SIEVE n.


Words: memory lane
Meaning:
noun\n[U]\n IDIOMS \n  a trip / walk down memory lane time that you spend thinking about and remembering the past or going to a place again in order to remind yourself of past experiences:\nVisiting my old school was a real trip down memory lane.


Words: menace
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that will probably cause serious damage, harm or danger\nSYN THREAT:\na new initiative aimed at beating the menace of illegal drugs * The communists remain a potential menace to the stability of the government.\n  2  [U] an atmosphere that makes you feel threatened or frightened:\na sense / an air / a hint of menace in his voice\n  3  [C, usually sing.] (informal) a person or thing that is annoying or causes trouble\nSYN NUISANCE:\nSlugs can be a menace in the greenhouse in winter.\n  4  (menaces) [pl.] (BrE, law) threats that sb will cause harm if they do not get what they are asking for:\nto demand money with menaces\n    verb [VN] (formal) to be a possible danger to sth/sb\nSYN THREATEN:\nThe forests are being menaced by major development projects.


Words: menacing
Meaning:
adjective\nseeming likely to cause you harm or danger\nSYN THREATENING:\na menacing face / tone * At night, the dark streets become menacing.\n    menacingly adverb:\nThe thunder growled menacingly.


Words: menage
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (from French, formal or humorous) all the people who live together in one house\nSYN HOUSEHOLD


Words: menage a trois
Meaning:
noun\n(plural menages a trois ) [usually sing.] (from French) a situation where three people, especially a husband, wife and lover, live together and have sexual relationships with each other


Words: mend
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (especially BrE)\n  1  [VN] to repair sth that has been damaged or broken so that it can be used again:\nHe mended shoes for a living. * Could you mend my bike for me?\n  2  [VN] to find a solution to a problem or disagreement:\nThey tried to mend their differences.\n  3  [V] (of a person) to improve in health after being ill/sick\nSYN RECOVER:\nHe’s mending slowly after the operation.\n  4  [V] (of a broken bone) to heal\n IDIOMS \n  mend (your) fences (with sb) to find a solution to a disagreement with sb\n  mend your ways to stop behaving badly\nmore at SAY v.\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  on the mend (informal, especially BrE) getting better after an illness or injury; improving after a difficult situation:\nMy leg is definitely on the mend now. * Does he believe the economy’s really on the mend? * They’ve been to see a counsellor and their relationship seems to be on the mend.


Words: mendacity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the act of not telling the truth\nSYN LYING:\npoliticians accused of hypocrisy and mendacity


Words: mendicant
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (especially of members of religious groups) living by asking people for money and food\n    mendicant noun


Words: menfolk
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (old-fashioned) men of a particular family or community:\na society sending its menfolk off to war\ncompare WOMENFOLK


Words: menial
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (usually disapproving) (of work) not skilled or important, and often boring or badly paid:\nmenial jobs / work * menial tasks like cleaning the floor\n    noun (old-fashioned) a person with a menial job


Words: meningitis
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a serious disease in which the tissues enclosing the brain and SPINAL CORD become infected and swollen, causing severe HEADACHE, fever and sometimes death


Words: menopause
Meaning:
(also informal the change (of life)) noun\n[U] (often the menopause) [sing.] the time during which a woman gradually stops MENSTRUATING, usually at around the age of 50:\nto reach (the) menopause * Women experience many emotional and physical changes during the menopause. * My husband says he’s going through the male menopause!\n    menopausal  adjective:\nmenopausal women / symptoms


Words: menstrual
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with the time when a woman menstruates each month:\nThe average length of a woman’s menstrual cycle is 28 days. * menstrual blood * (formal) a menstrual period\ncompare PREMENSTRUAL


Words: menstruate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (formal) when a woman menstruates, there is a flow of blood from her womb, usually once a month


Words: mental
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] connected with or happening in the mind; involving the process of thinking:\nthe mental process of remembering * Do you have a mental picture of what it will look like? * I must make a mental note to talk to her about it. * He has a complete mental block (= difficulty in understanding or remembering) when it comes to physics. * The experience caused her huge amounts of mental suffering.\n  2  [usually before noun] connected with the state of health of the mind or with the treatment of illnesses of the mind:\nmental health * a mental disorder / illness / hospital * She was suffering from physical and mental exhaustion. * The analysis of dreams can reveal details of a person’s mental state.\ncompare PSYCHIATRIC\n  3  [not usually before noun] (BrE, slang) crazy:\nWatch him. He’s mental. * My dad will go mental (= be very angry) when he finds out.


Words: mental age
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually sing.] the level of sb’s ability to think, understand, etc. that is judged by comparison with the average ability for children of a particular age:\nShe is sixteen but has a mental age of five.\ncompare CHRONOLOGICAL


Words: mental arithmetic
Meaning:
noun\n[U] adding, multiplying, etc. numbers in your mind without writing anything down or using a CALCULATOR


Words: mentality
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (plural mentalities) the particular attitude or way of thinking of a person or group:\nI cannot understand the mentality of football hooligans. * a criminal / ghetto mentality\nsee also SIEGE MENTALITY


Words: mentally
Meaning:
adverb\nconnected with or happening in the mind:\nmentally ill * The baby is very mentally alert. * Mentally, I began making a list of things I had to do. * a mentally handicapped child * I felt extremely fit, both physically and mentally.


Words: menthol
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a substance that tastes and smells of MINT, that is used in some medicines for colds and to give a strong cool flavour to cigarettes, TOOTHPASTE, etc.


Words: mention
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb ~ sth/sb (to sb) to write or speak about sth/sb, especially without giving much information:\n[VN] Nobody mentioned anything to me about it. * Sorry, I won’t mention it again. * Now that you mention it, she did seem to be in a strange mood. * His name has been mentioned as a future MP. * [V wh-] Did she mention where she was going? * [V that] You mentioned in your letter that you might be moving abroad. * He failed to mention that he was the one who started the fight. [also V -ing] \nsee also ABOVE-MENTIONED, AFOREMENTIONED\n IDIOMS \n  don’t mention it (spoken) used as a polite answer when sb has thanked you for sth:\n’Thanks for all your help.’ ’Don’t mention it.’\n  not to mention used to introduce extra information and emphasize what you are saying:\nHe has two big houses in this country, not to mention his villa in France.\n    noun [U, C, usually sing.] an act of referring to sb/sth in speech or writing:\nHe made no mention of her work. * The concert didn’t even get a mention in the newspapers. * Richard deserves (a) special mention for all the help he gave us. * I went white at the mention of her name. * We have several other products worthy of mention.


Words: mentor
Meaning:
noun\nan experienced person who advises and helps sb with less experience over a period of time:\nShe was a friend and mentor to many young actors.\n    mentoring noun [U]:\na mentoring programme * The point of the mentoring programme is to empower young fathers with parenting skills.


Words: menu
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a list of the food that is available at a restaurant or to be served at a meal:\nto ask for / look at the menu * What’s on the menu (= for dinner) tonight?\n \n  2  (computing) a list of possible choices that are shown on a computer screen:\na pull-down menu


Words: MEP
Meaning:
noun\nthe abbreviation for ’Member of the European Parliament’:\nthe Labour MEP for South East Wales


Words: mercenary
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (plural mercenaries) a soldier who will fight for any country or group that offers payment:\nforeign mercenaries * mercenary soldiers\n    adjective (disapproving) only interested in making or getting money:\na mercenary society / attitude * She’s interested in him for purely mercenary reasons.


Words: merchandise
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  [U]\n  1  (formal) goods that are bought or sold; goods that are for sale in a shop/store:\na wide selection of merchandise * These tokens can be exchanged for merchandise in any of our stores.\n  2  things you can buy that are connected with or that advertise a particular event or organization:\nofficial Olympic merchandise\n    verb  [VN] (written) to sell sth using advertising, etc.


Words: merchandising
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (especially AmE) the activity of selling goods, or of trying to sell them, by advertising or displaying them\n  2  products connected with a popular film/movie, person or event; the process of selling these goods:\nmillions of pounds’ worth of Batman merchandising


Words: merchant
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  a person who buys and sells goods in large quantities, especially one who imports and exports goods:\nbuilders’ merchants (= who sell supplies to the building trade) * a coal / wine merchant * Venice was once a city of rich merchants.\n  2  (informal, disapproving) a person who likes a particular activity:\na speed merchant (= sb who likes to drive fast) * noise merchants (= for example, a band who make a lot of noise)\n IDIOMS  see DOOM n.\n    adjective [only before noun] connected with the transport of goods by sea:\nmerchant navy / ships / seamen


Words: merchant bank
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a bank that deals with large businesses\n    merchant banker noun\n    merchant banking noun [U]


Words: merchant navy
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE merchant marine) noun\n[C+sing./pl. v.] a country’s commercial ships and the people who work on them


Words: merciful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ready to forgive people and show them kindness:\na merciful God * They asked her to be merciful to the prisoners.\n  2  (of an event) seeming to be lucky, especially because it brings an end to sb’s problems or suffering:\nDeath came as a merciful release.\nsee also MERCY


Words: mercifully
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used to show that you feel sb/sth is lucky because a situation could have been much worse:\nDeaths from the disease are mercifully rare. * Mercifully, everyone arrived on time.\n  2  in a merciful way:\nHe was treated mercifully.


Words: merciless
Meaning:
adjective\nshowing no kindness or pity\nSYN CRUEL:\na merciless killer / attack * the merciless heat of the sun * She was subjected to the merciless criticism of her opponents.\nsee also MERCY\n    mercilessly adverb:\nHis friends teased him mercilessly when they found the poem.


Words: mercurial
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (literary) often changing or reacting in a way that is unexpected:\nEmily’s mercurial temperament made her difficult to live with. * Advertising is a mercurial business.\n  2  (literary) lively and quick:\na brilliant, mercurial mind\n  3  (technical) containing MERCURY:\nmercurial compounds


Words: mercury
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol Hg) a chemical element. Mercury is a poisonous silver-white liquid metal, used in THERMOMETERS.


Words: mercy
Meaning:
noun (plural mercies)\n  1  [U] a kind or forgiving attitude towards sb that you have the power to harm or right to punish:\nto ask / beg / plead for mercy * They showed no mercy to their hostages. * God have mercy on us. * The troops are on a mercy mission (= a journey to help people) in the war zone.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] (informal) an event or a situation to be grateful for, usually because it stops sth unpleasant:\nIt’s a mercy she wasn’t seriously hurt. * His death was a mercy (= because he was in great pain).\nsee also MERCIFUL, MERCILESS\n IDIOMS \n  at the mercy of sb/sth not able to stop sb/sth harming you because they have power or control over you:\nI’m not going to put myself at the mercy of the bank. * We were at the mercy of the weather.\n  leave sb/sth to the mercy / mercies of sb/sth to leave sb/sth in a situation that may cause them to suffer or to be treated badly:\nprivatized companies left to the mercy of market forces * (humorous) I’ll leave you to the tender mercies of these ladies!\n  throw yourself on sb’s mercy (formal) to put yourself in a situation where you must rely on sb to be kind to you and not harm or punish you\nmore at SMALL adj.


Words: mercy killing
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] the act of killing sb out of pity, for example because they are in severe pain\nSYN EUTHANASIA


Words: mere
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] (superlative merest, no comparative)\n  1  used when you want to emphasize how small, unimportant, etc. sb/sth is:\nIt took her a mere 20 minutes to win. * A mere 2% of their budget has been spent on publicity. * He seemed so young, a mere boy. * You’ve got the job. The interview will be a mere formality.\n  2  used when you are saying that the fact that a particular thing is present in a situation is enough to have an influence on that situation:\nHis mere presence (= just the fact that he was there) made her feel afraid. * The mere fact that they were prepared to talk was encouraging. * The mere thought of eating made him feel sick. * The merest (= the slightest) noise is enough to wake her.\n    noun (BrE, literary) (also used in names) a small lake


Words: merely
Meaning:
adverb\nused meaning ’only’ or ’simply’ to emphasize a fact or sth that you are saying:\nIt is not merely a job, but a way of life. * He said nothing, merely smiled and watched her. * They agreed to go merely because they were getting paid for it. * I’m merely stating what everybody knows anyway.


Words: merge
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (with / into) sth | ~ A with B | ~ A and B (together) to combine or make two or more things combine to form a single thing:\n[V] The banks are set to merge next year. * His department will merge with mine. * The villages expanded and merged into one large town. * Fact and fiction merge together in his latest thriller. * The two groups have merged to form a new party. * [VN] His department will be merged with mine. * The company was formed by merging three smaller firms.\n  2  [V] if two things merge, or if one thing merges into another, the differences between them gradually disappear so that it is impossible to separate them:\nThe hills merged into the dark sky behind them.\n IDIOMS \n  merge into the background (of a person) to behave quietly when you are with a group of people so that they do not notice you


Words: merger
Meaning:
noun\n[C] ~ (between / of A and B) | ~ (with sth) the act of joining two or more organizations or businesses into one:\na merger between the two banks * our proposed merger with the university


Words: meringue
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a sweet white mixture made from egg whites and sugar, usually baked until crisp and used to make cakes; a small cake made from this mixture:\na lemon meringue pie


Words: merino
Meaning:
noun (plural merinos)\n  1  [C] a breed of sheep with long fine wool\n  2  [U] the wool of the merino sheep or a fabric made from this wool, used for making clothes


Words: merit
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] (formal) the quality of being good and of deserving praise, reward or admiration:\na work of outstanding artistic merit * The plan is entirely without merit. * I want to get the job on merit. * He was awarded a certificate of merit for his piano playing.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] a good feature that deserves praise, reward or admiration:\nWe will consider each case on its (own) merits (= without considering any other issues, feelings, etc.). * They weighed up the relative merits of the four candidates.\n    verb (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to do sth to deserve praise, attention, etc.\nSYN DESERVE [VN] He claims that their success was not merited. * The case does not merit further investigation. [also V -ing]


Words: meritocracy
Meaning:
noun (plural meritocracies)\n  1  [C, U] a country or social system where people get power or money on the basis of their ability\n  2  (the meritocracy) [sing.] the group of people with power in this kind of social system\n    meritocratic  adjective:\na meritocratic system


Words: merrily
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a happy, cheerful way:\nThey chatted merrily.\n  2  without thinking about the problems that your actions might cause:\nShe carried on merrily, not realizing the offence she was causing.


Words: merry
Meaning:
adjective (merrier, merriest)\n  1  happy and cheerful:\na merry grin\n  2  (Merry Christmas) used as a greeting at Christmas to say that you hope that sb has an enjoyable holiday\n  3  (informal, especially BrE) slightly drunk:\nI was merry after only a glass of champagne.\n IDIOMS \n  make merry (old-fashioned) to enjoy yourself by singing, laughing, drinking, etc.\n  the more the merrier the more people or things there are the better the situation will be or the more fun people will have:\n’Can I bring a friend to your party?’ ’Sure-the more the merrier!’\nmore at HELL, LEAD٠v.


Words: merry-go-round
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (also carousel especially in AmE) (BrE also roundabout) a circular platform with model horses, cars, etc. that turns around and around and that children ride on at a FAIRGROUND\n \n  2  (AmE) = ROUNDABOUT (2)\n \n  3  continuous busy activity or a continuous series of changing events:\nHe was tired of the merry-go-round of romance and longed to settle down.


Words: mesa
Meaning:
noun\n(plural mesas) a hill with a flat top and steep sides that is common in the south-west of the US


Words: mescaline
Meaning:
(also mescalin)  noun\n[U] a drug obtained from a type of CACTUS, that affects people’s minds and makes them see and hear things that are not really there


Words: mesh
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U, C] material made of threads of plastic rope or wire that are woven together like a net:\nwire mesh over the door of the cage * Nets should have fine meshes to trap small particles.\n \n  2  [C, usually sing.] a complicated situation or system that it is difficult to escape from:\nShe felt trapped in a mesh of loyalty and guilt.\n    verb (written)\n  1  ~ (sth) (with sth) | ~ (sth) (together) to fit together or match closely, especially in a satisfactory way; to make things fit together successfully:\n[V] This evidence meshes with earlier reports of an organized riot. * [VN] His theories mesh together various political and religious beliefs.\n  2  [V] (technical) (of parts of a machine) to fit together as they move:\nIf the cogs don’t mesh correctly, the gears will keep slipping.


Words: mesmeric
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) having such a strong effect on people that they cannot give their attention to anything else:\nShe gave a mesmeric performance. * I was jealous of the mesmeric effect that she seemed to have on men.


Words: mesmerize
Meaning:
(BrE also mesmerise)  verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to have such a strong effect on you that you cannot give your attention to anything else:\nThey were mesmerized by her performance.\n    mesmerizing, mesmerising adjective:\nHer performance was mesmerizing.


Words: mesquite
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (also mesquite tree [C]) a N American tree, often used for making CHARCOAL for GRILLING food:\nmesquite-grilled chicken


Words: mess
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  untidy state\n  1  [C, usually sing.] a dirty or untidy state:\nThe room was in a mess. * The kids made a mess in the bathroom. * ’ What a mess!’ she said, surveying the scene after the party. * My hair’s a real mess!\n  difficult situation\n  2  [C, usually sing.] a situation that is full of problems, usually because of a lack of organization or because of mistakes that sb has made:\nThe economy is in a mess. * I feel I’ve made a mess of things. * The whole situation is a mess. * Let’s try to sort out the mess. * The biggest question is how they got into this mess in the first place. * (ironic) That’s another fine mess you’ve got us into.\n  untidy person\n  3  [sing.] a person who is dirty or whose clothes and hair are not tidy:\nYou’re a mess!\n  animal waste\n  4  [U, C] (informal) the EXCREMENT (= solid waste matter) of an animal, usually a dog or cat\n  a lot\n  5  a ~ of sth (AmE, informal) a lot of sth:\nThere’s a mess of fish down there, so get your lines in the water.\n  armed forces\n  6  (also mess hall especially in AmE) a building or room in which members of the armed forces have their meals:\nthe officers’ mess\n    verb\n  make untidy\n  1  [VN] (informal, especially AmE) to make sth dirty or untidy:\nCareful-you’re messing my hair.\n  of an animal\n  2  [V] to empty its bowels somewhere that it should not\n IDIOMS \n  no messing (spoken) used to say that sth has been done easily:\nWe finished in time, no messing.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  mess around (BrE also mess about)\n1 to behave in a silly and annoying way, especially instead of doing sth useful\nSYN FOOL AROUND:\nWill you stop messing around and get on with some work? * I messed around in my first year at college.\n2 to spend time doing sth for pleasure in a relaxed way:\nWe spent the day messing around on the river.\n  mess around with sb (BrE also mess about with sb) to have a sexual relationship with sb, especially when you should not\n  mess around with sth (BrE also mess about with sth)\n1 to touch or use sth in a careless and/or annoying way:\nWho’s been messing around with my computer?\n2 to spend time playing with sth, repairing sth, etc.\n  mess sb about / around (BrE) to treat sb in an unfair and annoying way, especially by changing your mind a lot or not doing what you said you would:\nI’m sorry to mess you about but there are a few last-minute changes.\n  mess up | mess sth<->up to spoil sth or do it badly:\nI’ve really messed up this time. * If you cancel now you’ll mess up all my arrangements.\n  mess sb<->up\n1 (informal) to cause sb to have serious emotional or mental problems\n2 (AmE, especially spoken) to physically hurt sb, especially by hitting them:\nHe was messed up pretty bad by the other guy.\n  mess sth<->up to make sth dirty or untidy:\nI don’t want you messing up my nice clean kitchen.\n  mess with sb/sth (usually used in negative sentences) to get involved with sb/sth that may be harmful:\nI wouldn’t mess with him if I were you. * Don’t mess with fireworks.


Words: message
Meaning:
noun ~ (from sb) (to sb)\n \n  1  a written or spoken piece of information, etc. that you send to sb or leave for sb when you cannot speak to them yourself:\nThere were no messages for me at the hotel. * I left a message on your answering machine. * Jenny’s not here at the moment. Can I take a message? * We’ve had an urgent message saying that your father’s ill. * a televised message from the President to the American people * an e-mail message * I’ve been trying to get you all day-don’t you ever listen to your messages?\n \n  2  [usually sing.] an important moral, social or political idea that a book, speech, etc. is trying to communicate:\na film with a strong religious message * The campaign is trying to get the message across to young people that drugs are dangerous. * The clear message coming from the government is that they are getting tough on crime.\n \n  3  (messages) [pl.] (ScotE) shopping:\nto do the messages * to go for the messages * You can leave your messages (= the things that you have bought) here.\n \n IDIOMS \n  get the message (informal) to understand what sb is trying to tell you indirectly:\nWhen he started looking at his watch, I got the message and left.\n  on / off message (of a politician) stating/not stating the official point of view of their political party


Words: messenger
Meaning:
noun\na person who gives a message to sb or who delivers messages to people as a job:\nHe sent the order by messenger. * a motorcycle messenger


Words: Messiah
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (the Messiah) [sing.] (in Christianity) Jesus Christ who was sent by God into the world to save people from evil and SIN\n  2  (the Messiah) [sing.] (in Judaism) a king who will be sent by God to save the Jewish people\n  3  (messiah) a leader who people believe will solve the problems of a country or the world:\nHe’s seen by many as a political messiah.\n    messianic  adjective:\na messianic prophecy * a political leader who speaks with messianic fervour


Words: Messrs
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE Messrs.)  abbreviation\n(used as the plural of ’Mr’ before a list of names and before names of business companies):\nMessrs Smith, Brown and Jones * Messrs T Brown and Co


Words: messy
Meaning:
adjective (messier, messiest)\n  1  dirty and/or untidy:\nThe house was always messy. * The children got really messy playing in the woods.\n  2  making sb/sth dirty and/or untidy:\nIt was a messy job.\n  3  (of a situation) unpleasant, confused or difficult to deal with:\nThe divorce was painful and messy.


Words: Met
Meaning:
abbreviation (informal)\n  1  METEOROLOGICAL:\nthe Met Office weather forecast service\n  2  (the Met) the Metropolitan Opera House (in New York)\n  3  (the Met) the Metropolitan Police (the police force in London)


Words: meta-
Meaning:
combining form (in nouns, adjectives and verbs)\n  1  connected with a change of position or state:\nmetamorphosis * metabolism\n  2  higher; beyond:\nmetaphysics * metalanguage


Words: metabolism
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] (biology) the chemical processes in living things that change food, etc. into energy and materials for growth:\nThe body’s metabolism is slowed down by extreme cold.\n    metabolic  adjective [usually before noun]:\na metabolic process / disorder * a high / low metabolic rate


Words: metabolize
Meaning:
(BrE also metabolise)  verb\n[VN] (biology) to turn food, minerals, etc. in the body into new cells, energy and waste products by means of chemical processes:\nWe metabolize alcohol at different rates.


Words: metal
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a type of solid mineral substance that is usually hard and shiny and that heat and electricity can travel through, for example tin, iron, and gold:\na piece of metal * a metal pipe / bar / box * The frame is made of metal.\nsee also HEAVY METAL, PRECIOUS METAL


Words: metal detector
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  an electronic device that you use to look for metal objects that are buried under the ground\n \n  2  an electronic machine that is used, for example at an airport, to see if people are hiding metal objects such as weapons


Words: metal fatigue
Meaning:
noun\n[U] weakness in metal that is frequently put under pressure that makes it likely to break:\nThe aircraft wings were showing signs of metal fatigue.


Words: metalanguage
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (linguistics) the words and phrases that people use to talk about or describe language or a particular language


Words: metallic
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  that looks, tastes or sounds like metal:\nmetallic paint / colours / blue * a metallic taste * a metallic sound / click * a metallic voice (= harsh and unpleasant)\n  2  made of or containing metal:\na metallic object * metallic compounds


Words: metalwork
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the activity of making objects out of metal in an artistic and skilful way; objects that are made in this way:\na class in metalwork * a piece of ornamental metalwork\n  2  the metal parts of sth:\ncracks in the metalwork


Words: metamorphose
Meaning:
verb\n~ (sth/sb) (from sth) (into sth) (formal) to change or make sth/sb change into sth completely different, especially over a period of time:\n[V] The caterpillar will eventually metamorphose into a butterfly. [also VN]


Words: metamorphosis
Meaning:
noun\n(plural metamorphoses sth changes completely into sth different:\nthe metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly * She had undergone an amazing metamorphosis from awkward schoolgirl to beautiful woman.


Words: metaphor
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a word or phrase used in an imaginative way to describe sb/sth else, in order to show that the two things have the same qualities and to make the description more powerful, for example She has a heart of stone; the use of such words and phrases:\na game of football used as a metaphor for the competitive struggle of life * The writer’s striking use of metaphor.\ncompare SIMILE


Words: metaphorical
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with or containing metaphors:\nmetaphorical language\ncompare FIGURATIVE, LITERAL\n    metaphorically  adverb:\nI’ll leave you in Robin’s capable hands-metaphorically speaking, of course!


Words: metaphysics
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of existence, truth and knowledge\n    metaphysical  adjective:\nmetaphysical problems / speculation


Words: mete
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  mete sth<->out (to sb) (formal) to give sb a punishment; to make sb suffer bad treatment:\nSevere penalties were meted out by the court. * the violence meted out to the prisoners


Words: meteor
Meaning:
noun\na piece of rock from outer space that makes a bright line across the night sky as it burns up while falling through the earth’s atmosphere:\na meteor shower\nsee also SHOOTING STAR


Words: meteoric
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  achieving success very quickly:\na meteoric rise to fame * a meteoric career\n  2  connected with meteors:\nmeteoric craters


Words: meteorology
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the scientific study of the earth’s atmosphere and its changes, used especially in FORECASTING the weather (= saying what it will be like)\n    meteorological  adjective:\nmeteorological conditions


Words: meter
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (especially in compounds) a device that measures and records the amount of electricity, gas, water, etc. that you have used or the time and distance you have travelled, etc:\nA man came to read the gas meter. * The cab driver left the meter running while he waited for us.\nsee also LIGHT METER\n \n  2  = PARKING METER\n \n  3  (-meter) (in compounds) a device for measuring the thing mentioned:\nspeedometer * altimeter * calorimeter\n \n  4  (AmE) = METRE\n    verb [VN] to measure sth (for example how much gas, electricity, etc. has been used) using a meter


Words: methane
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol CH4) a gas without colour or smell, that burns easily and is used as fuel. Natural gas consists mainly of methane.


Words: methinks
Meaning:
verb\n(past tense methought) (not used in the perfect tenses) [V, V (that)] (old use or humorous) I think


Words: method
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (of sth / of doing sth) | ~ (for sth / for doing sth) a particular way of doing sth:\na reliable / effective / scientific method of data analysis * a new method of solving the problem * traditional / alternative methods * the best method for arriving at an accurate prediction of the costs\n  2  [U] the quality of being well planned and organized\n IDIOMS \n  there is (a) method in your madness there is a reason for your behaviour and it is not as strange or as stupid as it seems


Words: methodical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  done in a careful and logical way:\na methodical approach / study\n  2  (of a person) doing things in a careful and logical way:\nto have a methodical mind * She is very slow but methodical in her work.\n    methodically  adverb:\nThey sorted slowly and methodically through the papers.


Words: Methodist
Meaning:
noun\na member of a Christian Protestant Church that broke away from the Church of England in the 18th century\n    Methodism  noun [U]\n    Methodist adjective:\na Methodist church / preacher


Words: methodology
Meaning:
noun\n(plural methodologies) [C, U] (formal) a set of methods and principles used to perform a particular activity:\nrecent changes in the methodology of language teaching * research methodologies\n    methodological  adjective [usually before noun]:\nmethodological problems\n    methodologically  adjective


Words: methylated spirit
Meaning:
(also methylated spirits) (also informal meths) noun\n[U] a type of alcohol that is not fit for drinking, used as a fuel for lighting and heating and for cleaning off dirty marks


Words: meticulous
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in sth / doing sth) | ~ (about sth / in doing sth) paying careful attention to every detail:\nmeticulous planning / records / research * He’s always meticulous in keeping the records up to date. * Their room had been prepared with meticulous care. * She planned her trip in meticulous detail. * My father was meticulous about his appearance.\n    meticulously adverb:\na meticulously planned schedule * meticulously clean * She checked the painting meticulously for any damage.\n    meticulousness noun [U]


Words: metier
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (from French, formal) a person’s work, especially when they have a natural skill or ability for it:\nHe followed many unsuccessful paths before finding his true metier.


Words: metonymy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) the act of referring to sth by the name of sth else that is closely connected with it, for example using the White House for the US president


Words: metre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE meter)  noun (abbreviation m)\n  1  [C] a unit for measuring length; a hundred CENTIMETRES\n  2  (metres) used in the name of races:\nShe came second in the 200 metres. * the 4ﾗ100 metres relay\n  3  [U, C] the arrangement of strong and weak stresses in lines of poetry that produces the rhythm; a particular example of this


Words: metric
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  based on the metric system:\nmetric units / measurements / sizes * British currency went metric in 1971.\n  2  made or measured using the metric system:\nThese screws are metric.\ncompare IMPERIAL\n  3  = METRICAL


Words: metrical
Meaning:
(also metric) adjective\nconnected with the rhythm of a poem, produced by the arrangement of stress on the syllables in each line


Words: metro
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (also the Metro) [sing.] an underground train system, especially the one in Paris:\nto travel on the metro / by metro * the Paris Metro * a metro station -> UNDERGROUND\n    adjective (AmE, informal) = METROPOLITAN:\nthe New York metro areas


Words: metronome
Meaning:
noun\na device that makes a regular sound like a clock and is used by musicians to help them keep the correct rhythm when playing a piece of music\n    metronomic  adjective:\nHis financial problems hit the headlines with almost metronomic regularity.


Words: metropolitan
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (also AmE informal metro) connected with a large or capital city:\nthe New York metropolitan area * metropolitan districts / regions\n  2  connected with a particular country rather than with the other regions of the world that the country controls:\nmetropolitan France / Spain


Words: mettle
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the ability and determination to do sth successfully in spite of difficult conditions:\nThe next game will be a real test of their mettle. * She really showed her mettle under pressure.\n IDIOMS \n  on your mettle prepared to use all your skills, knowledge, etc. because you are being tested:\nThe team will be on their mettle for the big game.


Words: mews
Meaning:
noun\n(plural mews) (BrE) a short, narrow street with a row of STABLES (= buildings used to keep horses in) that have been made into small houses:\nThey live in St Mary’s Mews.


Words: Mexican wave
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE the wave) noun\na continuous movement that looks like a wave on the sea, made by a large group of people, especially people watching a football game, when one person after another stands up, raises their arms, and then sits down again


Words: mezzanine
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a floor that is built between two floors of a building and is smaller than the other floors:\na bedroom on the mezzanine * a mezzanine floor\n  2  (AmE) the first area of seats above the ground floor in a theatre; the first few rows of these seats\nsee also DRESS CIRCLE


Words: mezzo-soprano
Meaning:
(also mezzo) noun\n(plural mezzo-sopranos or mezzos) a singing voice with a range between SOPRANO and ALTO; a woman with a mezzo-soprano voice


Words: miaow
Meaning:
(BrE) (also meow AmE, BrE)  noun\nthe crying sound made by a cat\nsee also MEW\n    miaow (BrE) (also meow AmE, BrE) verb [V]


Words: miasma
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually sing, U] (literary) a mass of air that is dirty and smells unpleasant:\nA miasma of stale alcohol hung around him. * (figurative) the miasma of depression


Words: mica
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a clear mineral that splits easily into thin flat layers and is used to make electrical equipment


Words: Michaelmas daisy
Meaning:
noun\na plant that has blue, white, pink or purple flowers with dark centres, that appear in the autumn/fall


Words: mickey
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  take the mickey (out of sb) (BrE, informal) to make sb look or feel silly by copying the way they talk, behave, etc. or by making them believe sth that is not true, often in a way that is not intended to be unkind:\nAre you taking the mickey? * He’s always taking the mickey out of her.


Words: Mickey Mouse
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) not of high quality; too easy:\nIt’s only a Mickey Mouse job. * He’s doing some Mickey Mouse course at college.


Words: micro-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) small; on a small scale:\nmicrochip * micro-organism\nOPP MACRO-


Words: microbe
Meaning:
noun\nan extremely small living thing that you can only see under a MICROSCOPE and that may cause disease


Words: microbiology
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the scientific study of very small living things, such as bacteria\n    microbiological  adjective


Words: microchip
Meaning:
(also chip) noun\na very small piece of a material that is a SEMICONDUCTOR, used to carry a complicated electronic CIRCUIT


Words: microcomputer
Meaning:
(also micro) noun\na small computer that contains a MICROPROCESSOR\ncompare MAINFRAME, MINICOMPUTER, PERSONAL COMPUTER


Words: microcosm
Meaning:
noun\na thing, a place or a group that has all the features and qualities of sth much larger:\nThe family is a microcosm of society.\ncompare MACROCOSM\n IDIOMS \n  in microcosm on a small scale:\nThe developments in this town represent in microcosm what is happening in the country as a whole.


Words: microelectronics
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the design, production and use of very small electronic CIRCUITS\n    microelectronic adjective [only before noun]


Words: microfibre
Meaning:
(BrE) (also microfiber)  noun\n[U] a very light and warm artificial fabric that is used especially for making coats and jackets


Words: microfiche
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a piece of film with written information on it in print of very small size. Microfiches can only be read with a special machine:\nThe directory is available on microfiche.


Words: microphone
Meaning:
(also informal mic, mike) noun\na device that is used for recording sounds or for making your voice louder when you are speaking or singing to an audience:\na cassette recorder with a built-in microphone * to speak into the microphone * Their remarks were picked up by the hidden microphones.


Words: microprocessor
Meaning:
noun\n(computing) a small unit of a computer that contains all the functions of the CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT


Words: microscope
Meaning:
noun\nan instrument used in scientific study for making very small things look larger so that you can examine them carefully:\na microscope slide * The bacteria were then examined under a / the microscope. * (figurative) In the play, love and marriage are put under the microscope.\nsee also ELECTRON MICROSCOPE


Words: microscopic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] extremely small and difficult or impossible to see without a microscope:\na microscopic creature / particle * (humorous) The sandwiches were microscopic!\n  2  [only before noun] using a microscope:\na microscopic analysis / examination\n    microscopically  adverb:\nmicroscopically small creatures * All samples are examined microscopically.


Words: microwave
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (also formal microwave oven) a type of oven that cooks or heats food very quickly using ELECTROMAGNETIC waves rather than heat:\nReheat the soup in the microwave. * microwave cookery / meals\ncompare OVEN\n \n  2  (technical) an ELECTROMAGNETIC wave that is shorter than a radio wave but longer than a light wave\n    verb [VN] to cook or heat sth in a microwave\n    microwaveable (also microwavable) adjective:\nmicrowaveable meals


Words: mid-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns and adjectives) in the middle of:\nmid-morning coffee * She’s in her mid-thirties.


Words: mid-air
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a place in the air or the sky, not on the ground:\nThe bird caught the insects in mid-air\n    mid-air adjective:\na mid-air collision


Words: mid-Atlantic
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  connected with the area on the east coast of the US, that is near New York and immediately to the south of it:\nthe mid-Atlantic states / coast\n  2  in the middle of the Atlantic ocean: (figurative) a mid-Atlantic accent (= a form of English that uses a mixture of British and American sounds)


Words: mid-point
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] the point that is halfway through sth or through a period of time; the point that is halfway between two things:\nthe mid-point of the decade * At its mid-point, the race had no clear winner. * the mid-point between the first number and the last


Words: mid-range
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (especially of a product for sale) neither the best nor the worst that is available:\na mid-range computer


Words: mid-sized
Meaning:
(also mid-size) adjective\n(especially AmE) of average size, neither large nor small:\na mid-sized car


Words: Midas touch
Meaning:
noun\n(usually the Midas touch) [sing.] the ability to make a financial success of everything you do:\na businessman with the Midas touch\n ORIGIN  From the Greek myth in which King Midas was given the power to turn everything he touched into gold.


Words: midday
Meaning:
noun\n[U] 12 o’clock in the middle of the day; the period around this time \nSYN NOON:\nThe train arrives at midday. * a midday meal * the heat of the midday sun


Words: middle
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (the middle) [sing.] the part of sth that is at an equal distance from all its edges or sides; a point or a period of time between the beginning and the end of sth:\na lake with an island in the middle * He was standing in the middle of the room. * The phone rang in the middle of the night. * This chicken isn’t cooked in the middle. * His picture was right / bang (= exactly) in the middle of the front page. * I have a pain in the middle of my back. * Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. * I should have finished by the middle of the week. * You can’t leave in the middle of the meeting! * I like a story with a beginning, a middle and an end. * When they quarrel, I am often caught in the middle.\n \n  2  [C, usually sing.] (informal) a person’s waist:\nHe grabbed her around the middle. * I’ve put on weight around the middle.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  be in the middle of sth / of doing sth to be busy doing sth:\nThey were in the middle of dinner when I called * I’m in the middle of writing a difficult letter.\n  the middle of nowhere (informal) a place that is a long way from other buildings, towns, etc:\nShe lives on a small farm in the middle of nowhere.\n  split / divide sth down the middle to divide sth into two equal parts:\nThe country was split down the middle over the strike (= half supported it, half did not).\nmore at PIG n.\n    adjective\n [only before noun] in a position in the middle of an object, group of objects, people, etc. between the beginning and the end of sth:\nPens are kept in the middle drawer. * She’s the middle child of three. * He was very successful in his middle forties. * a middle-sized room * the middle-income groups in society\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  (steer, take, etc.) a middle course | (find, etc.) a / the middle way (to take/find) a course of action that is a COMPROMISE between two extreme positions


Words: middle age
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the period of your life when you are neither young nor old, between the ages of about 45 and 60:\na pleasant woman in early / late middle age


Words: Middle America
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the middle class in the US, especially those people who represent traditional social and political values, and who come from small towns and SUBURBS rather than cities


Words: middle class
Meaning:
noun\n[C+sing./pl. v.] the social class whose members are neither very rich nor very poor and that includes professional and business people:\nthe upper / lower middle class * the growth of the middle classes\ncompare UPPER CLASS, WORKING CLASS


Words: middle distance
Meaning:
noun\n(the middle distance) [sing.] the part of a painting or a view that is neither very close nor very far away:\nHis eyes were fixed on a small house in the middle distance. * She stood staring into the middle distance.


Words: Middle English
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an old form of English that was used between about AD 1150 and AD 1500\ncompare OLD ENGLISH


Words: middle ground
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a set of opinions, decisions, etc. that two or more groups who oppose each other can agree on; a position that is not extreme:\nNegotiations have failed to establish any middle ground. * The ballet company now occupies the middle ground between classical ballet and modern dance.


Words: middle management
Meaning:
noun\n[U+sing./pl. v.] the people who are in charge of small groups of people and departments within a business organization but who are not involved in making important decisions that will affect the whole organization:\nThe company has weak middle management and poor internal communication.\n    middle manager noun


Words: middle name
Meaning:
noun\na name that comes between your first name and your family name\n IDIOMS \n  be sb’s middle name (informal) used to say that sb has a lot of a particular quality:\n’Patience’ is my middle name!


Words: middle school
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in Britain) a school for children between the ages of about 9 and 13\n  2  (in the US) a school for children between the ages of about 11 and 14\ncompare UPPER SCHOOL


Words: middle-age spread
Meaning:
(also middle-aged spread) noun\n[U] (humorous) the fat around the stomach that some people develop in middle age


Words: middle-aged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) neither young nor old\n  2  (the middle aged) noun [pl.] people who are middle-aged\n  3  (disapproving) (of a person’s attitudes or behaviour) rather boring and old-fashioned:\nHe has a very middle-aged attitude to life.


Words: middle-class
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with the middle social class:\na middle-class background / family / suburb\n  2  (disapproving) typical of people from the middle social class, for example having traditional views:\na middle-class attitude * The magazine is very middle-class.


Words: middle-distance
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (sport) connected with running a race over a distance that is neither very short nor very long:\na middle-distance runner (= for example, somebody who runs 800 or 1500 metre races)


Words: middle-of-the-road
Meaning:
adjective\n(of people, policies, etc.) not extreme; acceptable to most people:\na middle-of-the-road newspaper * Their music is very middle-of-the-road.


Words: middle-ranking
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] having a responsible job or position, but not one of the most important:\na middle-ranking officer


Words: middlebrow
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (usually disapproving) (of books, music, art, etc.) of good quality but not needing a lot of thought to understand\ncompare HIGHBROW, LOWBROW


Words: middleman
Meaning:
1  a person or a company that buys goods from the company that makes them and sells them to sb else:\nBuy direct from the manufacturer and cut out the middleman.\n  2  a person who helps to arrange things between people who do not want to talk directly to each other \nSYN INTERMEDIARY, GO-BETWEEN:\nHe acted as a middleman in discussions between the two companies.


Words: middleweight
Meaning:
noun\na boxer weighing between 67 and 72.5 kilograms, heavier than a WELTERWEIGHT:\na middleweight champion


Words: middling
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] of average size, quality, status, etc:\na golfer of middling talent * ’Do you like your coffee weak or strong?’ ’Oh, middling, please.’


Words: midfield
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C, sing.] the central part of a sports field in football, etc.; the group of players in this position:\nHe plays (in) midfield. * The team’s midfield looks strong. * a midfield player\n \n    midfielder  noun


Words: midge
Meaning:
noun\na small flying insect that lives especially in damp places and that bites humans and animals:\nclouds of midges


Words: midget
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  (!!!, offensive) an extremely small person, who will never grow to a normal size because of a physical problem; a person suffering from DWARFISM\n  2  (informal, sometimes offensive) a very small person or animal\n    adjective [only before noun] very small


Words: Midlands
Meaning:
noun\n(the Midlands) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] the central part of a country, especially the central counties of England:\nHe’s from the West Midlands. * a Midlands town / company\n    Midland adjective [only before noun]


Words: midlife
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the middle part of your life when you are neither young nor old:\nIt is not difficult to take up a new career in midlife * midlife stresses


Words: midlife crisis
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] the feelings of worry, disappointment or lack of confidence that a person may feel in the middle part of their life:\nto go through a midlife crisis


Words: midnight
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  12 o’clock at night:\nThey had to leave at midnight. * on the stroke of midnight / shortly after midnight * She heard the clock strike midnight. * Let’s have a midnight feast tonight (= a secret meal that children like to have in the middle of the night). * We have to catch the midnight train.\n  2  (especially AmE) = MIDNIGHT BLUE\n IDIOMS  see BURN v., FLIT n.


Words: midst
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) (used after a preposition) the middle part of sth:\nSuch beauty was unexpected in the midst of the city. * She appeared from the midst of the crowd. * The house is set in the midst of large gardens.\n IDIOMS \n  in the midst of sth / of doing sth while sth is happening or being done; while you are doing sth:\na country in the midst of a recession * She discovered it in the midst of sorting out her father’s things. * She alone remained calm in the midst of all the confusion.\n  in their / our / its / your midst (formal) among or with them/us/it/you:\nThere is a traitor in our midst.


Words: midstream
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the middle part of a river, stream, etc:\nWe anchored in midstream * The boat drifted out into midstream.\n IDIOMS \n  (in) midstream in the middle of doing sth; while sth is still happening:\nTheir conversation was interrupted in midstream by the baby crying.\nmore at CHANGE v.


Words: midsummer
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the middle of summer, especially the period in June in northern parts of the world, in December in southern parts:\na midsummer evening


Words: midterm
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  in the middle of the period that a government, a council, etc. is elected for:\nmidterm elections\n  2  for or connected with a period of time that is neither long nor short; in the middle of a particular period:\na midterm solution * midterm losses\nsee also LONG-TERM, SHORT-TERM\n  3  in the middle of one of the main periods of the academic year:\na midterm examination / break\nsee also HALF-TERM


Words: midtown
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) the part of a city that is between the central business area and the outer parts:\na house in midtown * midtown Manhattan\ncompare DOWNTOWN, UPTOWN


Words: midway
Meaning:
adverb\nin the middle of a period of time; between two places \nSYN HALFWAY:\nThe goal was scored midway through the first half. * The hotel is situated midway between the two stations.\n    midway adjective:\nto reach the midway point


Words: midweek
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the middle of the week:\nto play a match in midweek * By midweek he was too tired to go out. * a midweek defeat for the team * midweek and weekend breaks\n    midweek adverb:\nIt’s cheaper to travel midweek.


Words: Midwest
Meaning:
(the Midwest) (also the Middle West) noun [sing.] the northern central part of the US\n    Midwestern  adjective


Words: midwife
Meaning:
noun\n(plural midwives ) a person, especially a woman, who is trained to help women give birth to babies\ncompare DOULA


Words: midwinter
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the middle of winter, around December in northern parts of the world, June in southern parts:\nmidwinter weather * The weather can be very clear and bright in midwinter.


Words: mien
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (formal or literary) a person’s appearance or manner that shows how they are feeling:\nI was impressed by her calm mien.


Words: miffed
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] (informal) slightly angry or upset:\nShe’s a bit miffed that we’re not taking her with us.


Words: might
Meaning:
modal verb, noun \n    modal verb (negative might not, short form mightn’t )\n  1  used as the past tense of may when reporting what sb has said:\nHe said he might come tomorrow.\n  2  used when showing that sth is or was possible:\nHe might get there in time, but I can’t be sure. * I know Vicky doesn’t like the job, but I mightn’t find it too bad. * The pills might have helped him, if only he’d taken them regularly. * He might say that now (= it is true that he does), but he can soon change his mind.\n  3  used to make a polite suggestion:\nYou might try calling the help desk. * I thought we might go to the zoo on Saturday.\n  4  (BrE) used to ask permission politely:\nMight I use your phone? * If I might just say something ...\n  5  (formal) used to ask for information:\nHow might the plans be improved upon? * And who might she be?\n  6  used to show that you are annoyed about sth that sb could do or could have done:\nI think you might at least offer to help! * Honestly, you might have told me!\n  7  used to say that you are not surprised by sth:\nI might have guessed it was you!\n  8  used to emphasize that an important point has been made:\n’And where is the money coming from?’ ’You might well ask!’ -> MODAL\n IDIOMS  see WELL\n    noun [U] (formal or literary) great strength, energy or power:\nAmerica’s military might * I pushed the rock with all my might.


Words: mightily
Meaning:
adverb (old-fashioned)\n  1  very; very much:\nmightily impressed / relieved\n  2  (formal) with great strength or effort:\nWe have struggled mightily to win back lost trade. * They complained mightily about the way they had been treated.


Words: mighty
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective (mightier, mightiest)\n  1  (especially literary) very strong and powerful:\na mighty warrior * He struck him with a mighty blow across his shoulder.\n  2  large and impressive:\nthe mighty Mississippi river * mighty mountain peaks * mighty oak trees\n IDIOMS  see HIGH adj.\n    adverb (formal, especially AmE) (with adjectives and adverbs) very:\nmighty difficult * driving mighty fast * That’s a mighty fine car you have!


Words: migraine
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a very severe type of HEADACHE which often makes a person feel sick and have difficulty in seeing:\nsevere migraine * I’m getting a migraine.


Words: migrant
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who moves from one place to another, especially in order to find work:\nThey claimed they were political refugees and not economic migrants. * migrant workers * The country has a large seasonal migrant population, who work on the coffee and cotton plantations for part of the year.\ncompare EMIGRANT, IMMIGRANT\n  2  a bird or an animal that moves from one place to another according to the season


Words: migrate
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  (of birds, animals, etc.) to move from one part of the world to another according to the season:\nSwallows migrate south in winter.\n  2  (of a lot of people) to move from one town, country, etc. to go and live and/or work in another\nSYN EMIGRATE:\nThousands were forced to migrate from rural to urban areas in search of work.\n  3  (technical) to move from one place to another:\nThe infected cells then migrate to other areas of the body.


Words: migration
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the movement of large numbers of people, birds or animals from one place to another:\nseasonal migration * mass migrations * the migration routes of birds


Words: migratory
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) connected with, or having the habit of, regular migration:\nmigratory flights / birds


Words: mild
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (milder, mildest)\n  1  not severe or harsh:\na mild form of the disease * a mild punishment / criticism * It’s safe to take a mild sedative. * Use a soap that is mild on the skin.\n  2  (of weather) not very cold, and therefore pleasant:\nthe mildest winter since records began * a mild climate\ncompare HARD\n  3  (of feelings) not great or extreme \nSYN SLIGHT:\nmild irritation / amusement / disapproval * a mild state of shock * She looked at him in mild surprise.\n  4  (of people or their behaviour) gentle and kind; not usually getting angry or violent:\na mild woman, who never shouted\n  5  (of a flavour) not strong, spicy or bitter:\na mild curry * mild cheese\nOPP HOT\n    mildness noun [U]:\nthe mildness of a sunny spring day * her mildness of manner\n    noun [U] (BrE) a type of clear dark beer with a mild flavour:\nTwo pints of mild, please.\ncompare BITTER


Words: mildly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  slightly; not very much:\nmildly surprised / irritated / interested * Those figures are mildly encouraging, but we need faster progress.\n  2  in a gentle manner:\n’I didn’t mean to upset you’ he said mildly.\n IDIOMS \n  to put it mildly (spoken) used to show that what you are talking about is much more extreme, etc. than your words suggest:\nThe result was unfortunate, to put it mildly (= it was extremely unfortunate). * To say I’m disgusted is putting it mildly.


Words: mile
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a unit for measuring distance equal to 1 609 metres or 1 760 YARDS:\na 20-mile drive to work * an area of four square miles * a mile-long procession * The nearest bank is about half a mile down the road. * We did about 30 miles a day on our cycling trip. * The car must have been doing at least 100 miles an hour. * My car does 35 miles to the gallon.\nsee also MPH, NAUTICAL MILE\n  2  (miles) [pl.] a large area or a long distance:\nmiles and miles of desert * There isn’t a house for miles around here. * I’m not walking-it’s miles away.\n  3  [C, usually pl.] (informal) very much; far:\nI’m feeling miles better today, thanks. * I’m miles behind with my work. * She’s taller than you by a mile.\n  4  (the mile) [sing.] a race over one mile:\nHe ran the mile in less than four minutes. * a four-minute mile\n IDIOMS \n  be miles away (informal) to be thinking deeply about sth and not aware of what is happening around you\n  go the extra mile (for sb/sth) to make a special effort to achieve sth, help sb, etc.\n  miles from anywhere (informal) in a place that is a long way from a town and surrounded only by a lot of open country, sea, etc:\nWe broke down miles from anywhere.\n  run a mile (from sb/sth) (informal) to show that you are very frightened of doing sth\n  see, spot, tell, smell, etc. sth a mile off (informal) to see or realize sth very easily and quickly:\nHe’s wearing a wig-you can see it a mile off. * After twenty years in the police she could smell a liar a mile off.\n  stand / stick out a mile to be very obvious or noticeable:\nIt stood out a mile that she was lying.\nmore at INCH n.


Words: mileage
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C, usually sing.] the distance that a vehicle has travelled, measured in miles:\nMy annual mileage is about 10 000. * a used car with one owner and a low mileage * The price of the car included unlimited mileage, but not fuel. * I get a mileage allowance if I use my car for work (= an amount of money paid for each mile I travel).\n  2  [U, C] the number of miles that a vehicle can travel using a particular amount of fuel:\nIf you drive carefully you can get better mileage from your car.\n  3  [U] (informal) the amount of advantage or use that you can get from a particular event or situation:\nI don’t think the press can get any more mileage out of that story.


Words: milepost
Meaning:
noun (especially AmE)\n  1  a post by the side of the road that shows how far it is to the next town, and to other places\n  2  = MILESTONE


Words: milestone
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also milepost especially in AmE) a very important stage or event in the development of sth:\nThis voyage marked an important milestone in the history of exploration. * Today we have passed another milestone on the road towards peace.\n  2  a stone by the side of a road that shows how far it is to the next town and to other places


Words: milieu
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually sing.] (plural milieux or milieus ) (from French, formal) the social environment that you live or work in:\nThe findings of the report refer to a particular social and cultural milieu.


Words: militant
Meaning:
adjective\nusing, or willing to use, force or strong pressure to achieve your aims, especially to achieve social or political change:\nmilitant groups / leaders * Some trade unions have a more militant approach to pay negotiations. * a militant feminist movement\n    militancy  noun [U]:\na growing militancy amongst the unemployed\n    militant noun:\nStudent militants were fighting with the police.\n    militantly adverb


Words: militarism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (usually disapproving) the belief that a country should have great military strength in order to be powerful\n    militarist noun:\nMilitarists ran the country.\n    militaristic  adjective:\nmilitaristic government


Words: militarize
Meaning:
(BrE also militarise)  verb [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  to send armed forces to an area:\na militarized zone\nOPP DEMILITARIZE\n  2  to make sth similar to an army:\na militarized police force\n    militarization, militarisation  noun [U]:\nthe increasing militarization of society


Words: military
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun] connected with soldiers or the armed forces:\nmilitary training / intelligence * a military coup * military uniform * We may have to take military action.\ncompare CIVILIAN\n    militarily adverb:\na militarily superior country * We may have to intervene militarily in the area. * militarily sensitive areas\n    noun (the military) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] soldiers; the armed forces:\nThe military was / were called in to deal with the riot.


Words: military service
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a period during which young people train in the armed forces:\nto be called up for military service * She has to do her military service.\n  2  the time sb spends in the armed forces:\nHe’s completed 30 years of active military service.


Words: militate
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  militate against sth (formal) to prevent sth; to make it difficult for sth to happen or exist:\nThe supervisor’s presence militated against a relaxed atmosphere.


Words: militia
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.+sing./pl. v.] a group of people who are not professional soldiers but who have had military training and can act as an army


Words: milk
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n [U]\n \n  1  the white liquid produced by cows, goats and some other animals as food for their young and used as a drink by humans:\na pint / litre of milk * a bottle / carton of milk * fresh / dried / powdered milk * Do you take milk in your tea? * milk products (= butter, cheese, etc.)\nsee also BUTTERMILK, CONDENSED MILK, EVAPORATED MILK, MALTED MILK, SKIMMED MILK\n \n  2  the white liquid that is produced by women and female MAMMALS for feeding their babies:\nbreast milk\n \n  3  the white juice of some plants and trees, especially the COCONUT\n \n IDIOMS \n  the milk of human kindness (literary) kind behaviour, considered to be natural to human beings\nmore at CRY v., LAND n.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to take milk from a cow, goat, etc.\n  2  ~ A (of B) | ~ B (from A) (disapproving) to obtain as much money, advantage, etc. for yourself as you can from a particular situation, especially in a dishonest way:\nShe’s milked a small fortune from the company over the years. * She’s milked the company of a small fortune. * I know he’s had a hard time lately, but he’s certainly milking it for all it’s worth (= using it as an excuse to do things that people would normally object to).\n IDIOMS  see DRY n.


Words: milk round
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in Britain) the job of going from house to house regularly, delivering milk; the route taken by sb doing this job\n  2  (also the milk round) (in Britain) a series of visits that large companies make each year to colleges and universities, to talk to students who are interested in working for them


Words: milk tooth
Meaning:
(BrE) (also baby tooth AmE, BrE) noun\nany of the first set of teeth in young children that drop out and are replaced by others


Words: milkman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural milkmen ) (especially in Britain) a person whose job is to deliver milk to customers each morning


Words: milkshake
Meaning:
(also shake) noun\na drink made of milk, and sometimes ice cream, with an added flavour of fruit or chocolate, which is mixed or shaken until it is full of bubbles:\na banana milkshake


Words: milky
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  made of milk; containing a lot of milk:\na hot milky drink * milky tea / coffee\n  2  like milk:\nmilky (= not clear) blue eyes * milky (= white) skin


Words: mill
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a building fitted with machinery for GRINDING grain into flour\nsee also WATERMILL, WINDMILL\n \n  2  (often in compounds) a factory that produces a particular type of material:\na cotton / cloth / steel / paper mill * mill owners / workers\nsee also ROLLING MILL, SAWMILL\n \n  3  (often in compounds) a small machine for crushing or GRINDING a solid substance into powder:\na pepper mill\nsee also RUN-OF-THE-MILL, TREADMILL\n IDIOMS \n  go through the mill | put sb through the mill to have or make sb have a difficult time:\nThey really put me through the mill in my interview.\nmore at GRIST\n    verb [VN] [often passive] to crush or GRIND sth in a mill\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  mill around (BrE also mill about) (especially of a large group of people) to move around an area without seeming to be going anywhere in particular:\nHundreds of fans were milling around outside the hotel.\nsee also MILLING


Words: millennium
Meaning:
or millenniums)\n  1  a period of 1 000 years, especially as calculated before or after the birth of Christ:\nthe second millennium AD * For millennia, it was accepted that the earth was at the centre of the universe.\n  2  (the millennium) the time when one period of 1 000 years ends and another begins:\nHow did you celebrate the millennium?


Words: millet
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of plant producing very small grain, grown mainly as food for animals but also eaten by people in parts of Africa and Asia


Words: milligram
Meaning:
(BrE also milligramme)  noun\n(abbreviation mg) a unit for measuring weight; a 1 000th of a gram:\nThe driver was well above the limit of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood


Words: millilitre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE milliliter)  noun\n(abbreviation ml) a unit for measuring the volume of liquids and gases; a 1 000th of a litre


Words: millimetre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE millimeter)  noun\n(abbreviation mm) a unit for measuring length; a 1 000th of a metre: (informal) The bullet missed his head by a millimetre.


Words: millinery
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the work of a milliner\n  2  the things made by a milliner:\nthe millinery department (= in a large store)


Words: milling
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  connected with the work of GRINDING grain, etc. to make flour:\nmilling machines\n  2  (of people) moving around in a large mass:\nI had to fight my way through the milling crowd.


Words: million
Meaning:
number (plural verb)\n  1  (abbreviation m) 1 000 000\n HELP NOTE  You say a, one, two, several, etc. million without a final ’s’ on ’million’. Millions (of ...) can be used if there is no number or quantity before it. Always use a plural verb with million or millions.:\na population of half a million * tens of millions of dollars * It must be worth a million (= pounds, dollars, etc.)\n  2  a million or millions (of ...) (informal) a very large amount:\nI still have a million things to do. * He made his millions (= all his money) on currency deals.\n HELP NOTE  There are more examples of how to use numbers at the entry for hundred.\n IDIOMS \n  look / feel like a million dollars / bucks (informal) to look/feel extremely good:\nWow, you look like a million dollars.\n  one, etc. in a million a person or thing that is very unusual or special:\nHe’s a man in a million.


Words: millionaire
Meaning:
noun\na person who has a million pounds, dollars, etc.; a very rich person:\nan oil millionaire * She’s a millionaire several times over. * a millionaire businessman


Words: millionth
Meaning:
ordinal number, noun \n    ordinal number 1 000 000th\n    noun each of one million equal parts of sth:\na / one millionth of a second


Words: millipede
Meaning:
noun\na small creature like an insect, with a long thin body divided into many sections, each with two pairs of legs


Words: millstone
Meaning:
noun\none of two flat circular stones used, especially in the past, to crush grain to make flour\n IDIOMS \n  a millstone around / round your neck a difficult problem or responsibility that it seems impossible to solve or get rid of:\nMy debts are a millstone around my neck. * Unemployment was an economic millstone around the country’s neck.


Words: milometer
Meaning:
(also mileometer)  (both BrE) (AmE odometer) (also informal the clock AmE, BrE) noun\nan instrument in a vehicle that measures the number of miles it has travelled


Words: mime
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, C] (especially in the theatre) the use of movements of your hands or body and the expressions on your face to tell a story or to act sth without speaking; a performance using this method of acting:\nThe performance consisted of dance, music and mime. * a mime artist * She performed a brief mime.\n    verb\n  1  to act, tell a story, etc. by moving your body and face but without speaking:\n[VN] Each player has to mime the title of a movie, play or book. * [V -ing] He mimed climbing a mountain. [also V]\n  2  ~ (to) sth to pretend to sing a song that is actually being sung by sb else on a record, tape, etc:\n[V] The band was miming to a backing tape. [also VN]


Words: mimetic
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical or formal) copying the behaviour or appearance of sb/sth else:\nmimetic art / literature (= that copies real life)


Words: mimic
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-ck-)\n  1  to copy the way sb speaks, moves, behaves, etc., especially in order to make other people laugh:\n[VN] She’s always mimicking the teachers. * He mimicked her southern accent. [also V speech]\n  2  [VN] to look or behave like sth else\nSYN IMITATE:\nThe robot was programmed to mimic a series of human movements. * the creation of a vaccine that mimics the virus\n    noun a person or an animal that can copy the voice, movements, etc. of others


Words: mimicry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the action or skill of being able to copy the voice, movements, etc. of others:\na talent for mimicry * Parrots specialize in vocal mimicry.


Words: mimosa
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a tropical bush or tree with balls of yellow flowers and leaves that are sensitive to touch and light\n  2  [C] (AmE) a drink made with CHAMPAGNE and orange juice


Words: min.
Meaning:
abbreviation\n  1  (in writing) minute(s):\nCook for 810 min. until tender.\n  2  (in writing) MINIMUM:\nmin. charge ｣4.50\nOPP MAX


Words: mince
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN] to cut food, especially meat, into very small pieces using a special machine (= called a MINCER):\nminced beef\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] (disapproving) to walk with quick short steps, in a way that is not natural:\nHe minced over to serve us.\n IDIOMS \n  not mince (your) words to say sth in a direct way even though it might offend other people:\nThey were severely criticized by the chairman, who was not a man to mince his words.\n    noun (BrE) (AmE ground beef, hamburger, hamburger meat) [U] meat, especially beef, that has been finely chopped in a special machine:\na pound of mince


Words: mince pie
Meaning:
noun\na small round pie filled with mincemeat, traditionally eaten at Christmas, especially in Britain


Words: mincemeat
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (especially BrE) a mixture of dried fruit, spices, etc. used especially for making pies\n IDIOMS \n  make mincemeat of sb (informal) to defeat sb completely in a fight, an argument or a competition


Words: mincer
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually meat grinder) noun a machine for cutting food, especially meat, into very small pieces


Words: mincing
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) (of a way of walking or speaking) very delicate, and not natural:\nshort mincing steps


Words: mind
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  ability to think\n  1  [C, U] the part of a person that makes them able to be aware of things, to think and to feel:\nthe conscious / subconscious mind * There were all kinds of thoughts running through my mind. * There was no doubt in his mind that he’d get the job. * ’Drugs’ are associated in most people’s minds with drug abuse. * She was in a disturbed state of mind. * I could not have complete peace of mind before they returned.\nsee also FRAME OF MIND, PRESENCE OF MIND\n  2  [C] your ability to think and reason; your intelligence; the particular way that sb thinks\nSYN INTELLECT:\nto have a brilliant / good / keen mind * a creative / evil / suspicious mind * She had a lively and enquiring mind. * His mind is as sharp as ever. * I’ve no idea how her mind works! * He had the body of a man and the mind of a child. * insights into the criminal mind\nsee also ONE-TRACK MIND\n  intelligent person\n  3  [C] a person who is very intelligent:\nShe was one of the greatest minds of her generation.\nsee also MASTERMIND\n  thoughts\n  4  [C] your thoughts, interest, etc:\nKeep your minds on your work! * Her mind is completely occupied by the new baby. * The lecture dragged on and my mind wandered. * Your mind’s not on the job. * She gave her mind to the arrangements for the next day. * As for avoiding you, nothing could be further from my mind (= I was not thinking of it at all).\n  memory\n  5  [C, usually sing.] your ability to remember things:\nWhen I saw the exam questions my mind just went blank (= I couldn’t remember anything). * Sorry-your name has gone right out of my mind.\n IDIOMS \n  be all in sb’s / the mind to be sth that only exists in sb’s imagination:\nThese problems are all in your mind, you know.\n  bear / keep sb/sth in mind | bear / keep in mind that ... to remember sb/sth; to remember or consider that ...\n  be bored, frightened, pissed, stoned, etc. out of your mind (informal) to be extremely bored, etc.\n  be / go out of your mind to be unable to think or behave in a normal way; to become crazy: (informal) You’re lending them money? You must be out of your tiny mind!\n  be in two minds about sth / about doing sth (BrE) (AmE be of two minds about sth / about doing sth) to be unable to decide what you think about sb/sth, or whether to do sth or not:\nI was in two minds about the book (= I didn’t know if I liked it or not). * She’s in two minds about accepting his invitation.\n  be of one / the same mind (about sb/sth) to have the same opinion about sb/sth\n  be out of your mind with worry, etc. to be extremely worried, etc.\n  bring / call sb/sth to mind (formal)\n1 to remember sb/sth:\nShe couldn’t call to mind where she had seen him before.\n2 to remind you of sb/sth:\nThe painting brings to mind some of Picasso’s early works.\n  come / spring to mind if sth comes/springs to mind, you suddenly remember or think of it:\nWhen discussing influential modern artists, three names immediately come to mind.\n  have a good mind to do sth | have half a mind to do sth\n1 used to say that you think you will do sth, although you are not sure:\nI’ve half a mind to come with you tomorrow.\n2 used to say that you disapprove of what sb has done and should do sth about it, although you probably will not:\nI’ve a good mind to write and tell your parents about it.\n  have sb/sth in mind (for sth) to be thinking of sb/sth, especially for a particular job, etc:\nDo you have anyone in mind for this job? * Watching TV all evening wasn’t exactly what I had in mind!\n  have it in mind to do sth (formal) to intend to do sth:\nFor a long time he had it in mind to write a novel about his experiences.\n  have a mind of your own to have your own opinion and make your own decisions without being influenced by other people:\nShe has a mind of her own and isn’t afraid to say what she thinks. * (humorous) My computer seems to have a mind of its own!\n  lose your mind to become mentally ill\n  make up your mind to decide sth:\nThey’re both beautiful-I can’t make up my mind. * Have you made up your minds where to go for your honeymoon? * You’ll never persuade him to stay-his mind’s made up (= he has definitely decided to go). * Come on-it’s make your mind up time!\n  mind over matter the use of the power of your mind to deal with physical problems:\nHe said that keeping running in spite of the pain was just a question of mind over matter.\n  your mind’s eye your imagination:\nHe pictured the scene in his mind’s eye.\n  on your mind if sb/sth is on your mind, you are thinking and worrying about them/it a lot:\nYou’ve been on my mind all day. * Don’t bother your father tonight-he’s got a lot on his mind.\n  put / get sth out of your mind to stop thinking about sb/sth; to deliberately forget sb/sth:\nI just can’t get her out of my mind.\n  put sb in mind of sb/sth (old-fashioned) to make sb think of sb/sth; to remind sb of sb/sth\n  put / set sb’s mind at ease / rest to do or say sth to make sb stop worrying about sth\n  put / set / turn your mind to sth | set your mind on sth to decide you want to achieve sth and give this all your attention:\nShe could have been a brilliant pianist if she’d put her mind to it.\n  take your mind off sth to make you forget about sth unpleasant for a short time:\nPainting helped take her mind off her troubles.\n  to my mind (spoken) in my opinion:\nIt was a ridiculous thing to do, to my mind.\nmore at BACK n., BEND v., BLOW v., BOGGLE, CAST v., CHANGE v., CHANGE n., CLOSE٠v., CROSS v., ETCH, KNOW v., MEETING, OPEN adj., OPEN v., PIECE n., PREY v., PUSH v., RIGHT adj., SIEVE n., SIGHT n., SLIP v., SPEAK, STICK v., TURN n., UNSOUND\n    verb\n  be upset / annoyed\n  1  (used especially in questions or with negatives; not used in the passive) to be upset, annoyed or worried by sth:\n[VN] I don’t mind the cold-it’s the rain I don’t like. * I hope you don’t mind the noise. * [V, V -ing] Did she mind about not getting the job? * Did she mind not getting the job? * [V] He wouldn’t have minded so much if she’d told him the truth. * [VN -ing] Do your parents mind you leaving home? * (formal) Do your parents mind your leaving home? * [V wh-] She never minded how hot it was. * [V that] He minded that he hadn’t been asked.\n  asking permission\n  2  used to ask for permission to do sth, or to ask sb in a polite way to do sth:\n[V] Do you mind if I open the window? * [VN -ing] Are you married, if you don’t mind me asking? * (formal) Are you married, if you don’t mind my asking? * [V -ing] Would you mind explaining that again, please? * Do you mind driving? I’m feeling pretty tired.\n  not care / worry\n  3  (not mind) [no passive] to not care or not be concerned about sth:\n[V] ’Would you like tea or coffee?’ ’I don’t mind-either’s fine.’ * [VN] Don’t mind her-she didn’t mean what she said. * Don’t mind me (= don’t let me disturb you)-I’ll just sit here quietly.\n  be willing\n  4  (not mind doing sth) [VN -ing] to be willing to do sth:\nI don’t mind helping if you can’t find anyone else.\n  warning\n  5  (BrE) (also watch AmE, BrE) (spoken) used to tell sb to be careful about sth or warn them about a danger:\n[VN] Mind ( = Don’t fall on) that step! * Mind your head! (= for example, be careful you don’t hit it on a low ceiling) * Mind your language! (= don’t speak in a rude or offensive way) * [V wh-] Mind how you go! (= often used when you say goodbye to sb) * Mind where you’re treading! * [V (that)] Mind you don’t cut yourself-that knife’s very sharp. * You must be home for dinner, mind.\n HELP NOTE  ’That’ is nearly always left out in this pattern.\n  take care of\n  6  (especially BrE) (AmE usually watch) [VN] to take care of sb/sth:\nWho’s minding the children this evening? * Could you mind my bags for a moment?\n IDIOMS \n  do you mind? (ironic) used to show that you are annoyed about sth that sb has just said or done:\nDo you mind? I was here before you.\n  I don’t mind admitting, telling you ..., etc. used to emphasize what you are saying, especially when you are talking about sth that may be embarrassing for you:\nI was scared, I don’t mind telling you!\n  I don’t mind if I do (spoken, informal) used to say politely that you would like sth you have been offered:\n’Cup of tea, Brian?’ ’I don’t mind if I do.’\n  if you don’t mind | if you wouldn’t mind (spoken)\n1 used to check that sb does not object to sth you want to do, or to ask sb politely to do sth:\nI’d like to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind. * Can you read that form carefully, if you wouldn’t mind, and then sign it.\n2 (often ironic) used to show that you object to sth that sb has said or done:\nI give the orders around here, if you don’t mind.\n3 used to refuse an offer politely:\n’Will you come with us tonight?’ ’I won’t, if you don’t mind-I’ve got a lot of work to do.’\n  if you don’t mind me / my saying so ... (spoken) used when you are going to criticize sb or say sth that might upset them:\nThat colour doesn’t really suit you, if you don’t mind my saying so.\n  I wouldn’t mind sth / doing sth (spoken) used to say politely that you would very much like sth/to do sth:\nI wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee, if it’s no trouble. * I wouldn’t mind having his money!\n  mind your own business (spoken, informal) to think about your own affairs and not ask questions about or try to get involved in other people’s lives:\n’What are you reading?’ ’Mind your own business!’ * I was just sitting there, minding my own business, when a man started shouting at me.\n  mind the shop (BrE) (AmE mind the store) to be in charge of sth for a short time while sb is away:\nWho’s minding the shop while the boss is abroad?\n  mind you (spoken) used to add sth to what you have just said especially sth that makes it less strong:\nI’ve heard they’re getting divorced. Mind you, I’m not surprised-they were always arguing.\n  never mind\n1 (especially BrE) used to tell sb not to worry or be upset:\nHave you broken it? Never mind, we can buy another one.\n2 used to suggest that sth is not important:\nThis isn’t where I intended to take you-but never mind, it’s just as good.\n3 used to emphasize that what is true about the first thing you have said is even more true about the second\nSYN LET ALONE:\nI never thought she’d win once, never mind twice!\n  never mind (about) (doing) sth used to tell sb they shouldn’t think about sth or do sth because it is not as important as sth else, or because you will do it:\nNever mind your car-what about the damage to my fence? * Never mind washing the dishes-I’ll do them later.\n  never you mind (informal) used to tell sb not to ask about sth because you are not going to tell them:\n’Who told you about it?’ ’Never you mind!’ * Never you mind how I found out-it’s true, isn’t it?\nmore at STEP n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  mind out (BrE, spoken, informal) used to tell sb to move so that you can pass:\nMind out-you’re in the way there!\n  mind out (for sb/sth) (BrE) used to warn sb of danger:\nHave some of my plum jam-but mind out for the stones.


Words: mind-blowing
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) very exciting, impressive or surprising:\nWatching your baby being born is a mind-blowing experience. * the mind-blowing beauty of Africa


Words: mind-boggling
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) very difficult to imagine or to understand; extremely surprising:\na problem of mind-boggling complexity * It’s mind-boggling to me that this is allowed to happen.\ncompare BOGGLE


Words: mind-reader
Meaning:
noun\n(often humorous) a person who knows what sb else is thinking without being told:\nWhat do you mean exactly? I’m not a mind-reader!


Words: minded
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (used with adjectives to form compound adjectives) having the way of thinking, the attitude or the type of character mentioned:\na fair-minded employer * high-minded principles * I appeal to all like-minded people to support me.\nsee also ABSENT-MINDED, BLOODY-MINDED, SINGLE-MINDED\n  2  (used with adverbs to form compound adjectives) having the type of mind that is interested in or able to understand the areas mentioned:\nI’m not very politically minded.\n  3  (used with nouns to form compound adjectives) interested in or enthusiastic about the thing mentioned:\na reform-minded government\n  4  [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) (formal) wishing or intending to do sth \nSYN INCLINED:\nShe was minded to accept their offer. * The government could change the law if they were so minded.


Words: minder
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) a person whose job is to take care of and protect another person:\na star surrounded by her minders\nsee also CHILDMINDER


Words: mindful
Meaning:
adjective\n~ of sb/sth | ~ that ... (formal) remembering sb/sth and considering them or it when you do sth \nSYN CONSCIOUS:\nmindful of our responsibilities * Mindful of the danger of tropical storms, I decided not to go out.


Words: mindless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  done or acting without thought and for no particular reason or purpose; \nSYN SENSELESS:\nmindless violence * mindless vandals\n  2  not needing thought or intelligence \nSYN DULL:\na mindless and repetitive task\n  3  ~ of sb/sth (written) not remembering sb/sth and not considering them or it when you do sth:\nWe explored the whole town, mindless of the cold and rain.\n    mindlessly adverb:\nThere is no excuse for mindlessly destroying public property.


Words: mindset
Meaning:
noun\na set of attitudes or fixed ideas that sb has and that are often difficult to change:\na conservative / old-fashioned mindset * the mindset of the computer generation


Words: mine
Meaning:
pronoun, noun, verb \n    pronoun (the POSSESSIVE form of I) of or belonging to the person writing or speaking:\nThat’s mine. * He’s a friend of mine (= one of my friends).\n    noun\n  1  a deep hole or holes under the ground where minerals such as coal, gold, etc. are dug:\na copper / diamond mine\nsee also MINING, COAL MINE, GOLD MINE\ncompare PIT, QUARRY\n  2  a type of bomb that is hidden under the ground or in the sea and that explodes when sb/sth touches it\nsee also LANDMINE\n IDIOMS \n  a mine of information (about / on sb/sth) a person, book, etc. that can give you a lot of information on a particular subject\n    verb\n  1  to dig holes in the ground in order to find and obtain coal, diamonds, etc:\n[VN] The area has been mined for slate for centuries. * Uranium is mined from deep underground. * [V] They were mining for gold.\n  2  [VN] to place mines below the surface of an area of land or water; to destroy a vehicle with mines:\nThe coastal route had been mined. * The UN convoy was mined on its way to the border.


Words: minefield
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an area of land or water where bombs that explode when they are touched (= MINES) have been hidden\n  2  a situation that contains hidden dangers or difficulties:\na legal minefield * Tax can be a minefield for the unwary.


Words: mineral
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C, U] a substance that is naturally present in the earth and is not formed from animal or vegetable matter, for example gold and salt. Some minerals are also present in food and drink and in the human body and are essential for good health:\nmineral deposits / extraction * the recommended intake of vitamins and minerals\ncompare VEGETABLE\n \n  2  [C, usually pl.] (BrE, formal) (AmE soda) a sweet drink in various flavours that has bubbles of gas in it and does not contain alcohol:\nSoft drinks and minerals sold here.


Words: mineral water
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] water from a SPRING in the ground that contains mineral salts or gases:\nA glass of mineral water, please.\n \n  2  [C] a glass or bottle of mineral water


Words: mingle
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (A) (with B) | ~ A and B (together) (written) to combine or make one thing combine with another:\n[V] The sounds of laughter and singing mingled in the evening air. * Her tears mingled with the blood on her face. * The flowers mingle together to form a blaze of colour. * [VN] He felt a kind of happiness mingled with regret.\n  2  [V] to move among people and talk to them, especially at a social event:\nThe princess was not recognized and mingled freely with the crowds. * If you’ll excuse me, I must go and mingle (= talk to other guests).


Words: miniature
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] very small; much smaller than usual:\nminiature roses * a rare breed of miniature horses * It looks like a miniature version of James Bond’s car. * Some parents dress their children like miniature adults.\n    noun\n  1  a very small detailed painting, often of a person\n  2  a very small copy or model of sth; a very small version of sth:\nbrandy miniatures (= very small bottles)\n IDIOMS \n  in miniature on a very small scale:\na doll’s house with everything in miniature * Through play, children act out in miniature the dramas of adult life.


Words: miniaturize
Meaning:
(BrE also miniaturise)  verb\n[VN] to make a much smaller version of sth\n    miniaturization, miniaturisation  noun [U]\n    miniaturized, miniaturised adjective [only before noun]:\na miniaturized listening device


Words: minicomputer
Meaning:
noun\na computer that is smaller and slower than a MAINFRAME but larger and faster than a MICROCOMPUTER


Words: minimal
Meaning:
adjective\nvery small in size or amount; as small as possible:\nThe work was carried out at minimal cost. * There’s only a minimal amount of risk involved. * The damage to the car was minimal.\ncompare MAXIMAL\n    minimally adverb:\nminimally invasive surgery * The episode was reported minimally in the press.


Words: minimalist
Meaning:
noun\nan artist, a musician, etc. who uses very simple ideas or a very small number of simple things in their work\n    minimalism noun [U]\n    minimalist adjective:\na minimalist style * minimalist paintings / sculptures


Words: minimize
Meaning:
(BrE also minimise)  verb [VN] \n  1  to reduce sth, especially sth bad, to the lowest possible level:\nGood hygiene helps to minimize the risk of infection. * Costs were minimized by using plastic instead of leather.\nOPP MAXIMIZE\n  2  to try to make sth seem less important than it really is \nSYN PLAY DOWN:\nHe always tried to minimize his own faults, while exaggerating those of others.\n  3  to make sth small, especially on a computer screen:\nMinimize any windows you have open.\nOPP MAXIMIZE


Words: minimum
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun] (abbreviation min.) the smallest that is possible or allowed; extremely small:\na minimum charge / price * the minimum age for retirement * What are your minimum requirements for the job? * The work was done with the minimum amount of effort.\nOPP MAXIMUM\n    minimum adverb:\nYou’ll need ｣200 minimum for your holiday expenses.\n    noun (plural minima ) [C, usually sing.]\n  1  (abbreviation min.) the smallest or lowest amount that is possible, required or recorded:\ncosts should be kept to a minimum. * The class needs a minimum of six students to continue. * As an absolute minimum, you should spend two hours in the evening studying. * Temperatures will fall to a minimum of 10 degrees.\n  2  [sing.] an extremely small amount:\nHe passed the exams with the minimum of effort. * The room had a minimum of furniture.\nOPP MAXIMUM


Words: minimum wage
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the lowest wage that an employer is allowed to pay by law:\nto introduce a national minimum wage * a minimum wage policy


Words: mining
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process of getting coal and other minerals from under the ground; the industry involved in this:\ncoal / diamonds / gold / tin mining * a mining company / community / engineer * Mining is prohibited in the National Park\nsee also MINE


Words: minion
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving or humorous) an unimportant person in an organization who has to obey orders; a servant:\nWhile I was waiting to see him, a minion brought me some tea. * Whenever the director needed more information, his minions were sent scurrying in all directions to obtain it.


Words: miniseries
Meaning:
noun\n(plural miniseries) a television play that is divided into a number of parts and shown on different days


Words: minister
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (often Minister) (BrE) (in Britain and many other countries) a senior member of the government who is in charge of a government department or a branch of one:\nthe Minister of Education * a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers * senior ministers in the Cabinet * cabinet ministers\nsee also PRIME MINISTER\n  2  (in some Protestant Christian Churches) a trained religious leader:\na Methodist minister\ncompare PASTOR, PRIEST, VICAR\n  3  a person, lower in rank than an AMBASSADOR, whose job is to represent their government in a foreign country\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  minister to sb/sth (formal) to care for sb, especially sb who is sick or old, and make sure that they have everything they need


Words: ministerial
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with a government minister or ministers:\ndecisions taken at ministerial level * a ministerial meeting / statement * to hold ministerial office (= to have the job of a government minister)


Words: ministering
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (written) caring for people:\nShe could not see herself in the role of ministering angel.


Words: ministrations
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (formal or humorous) the act of helping or caring for sb especially when they are ill or in trouble:\nHe recovered swiftly under the nurse’s expert ministrations.


Words: ministry
Meaning:
noun (plural ministries)\n  1  [C] (BrE) a government department that has a particular area of responsibility:\nthe Ministry of Defence * a ministry spokesperson\n  2  (the Ministry) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] ministers of religion, especially Protestant ministers, when they are mentioned as a group:\nHe was an excellent candidate for the Baptist ministry.\n  3  [C, usually sing.] the work and duties of a minister in the Church; the period of time spent working as a minister in the Church


Words: mink
Meaning:
noun (plural mink or minks)\n  1  [C] a small wild animal with thick shiny fur, a long body and short legs. Mink are often kept on farms for their fur:\na mink farm\n  2  [U] the skin and shiny brown fur of the mink, used for making expensive coats, etc:\na mink jacket\n  3  [C] a coat or jacket made of mink


Words: minnow
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a very small FRESHWATER fish\n  2  a company or sports team that is small or unimportant:\nThese two companies are both minnows in the international market.


Words: minor
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] not very large, important or serious:\na minor road * minor injuries * to undergo minor surgery * youths imprisoned for minor offences * There may be some minor changes to the schedule. * Women played a relatively minor role in the organization.\nOPP MAJOR\n  2  (music) based on a SCALE (= a series of eight notes) in which the third note is a SEMITONE/HALF-TONE higher than the second note:\nthe key of C minor\ncompare MAJOR\n    noun\n  1  (law) a person who is under the age at which you legally become an adult and are responsible for your actions:\nIt is an offence to serve alcohol to minors. * He was jailed for having sex with a minor.\n  2  (especially AmE) a subject that you study at university in addition to your MAJOR\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  minor in sth (AmE) to study sth at college, but not as your main subject\ncompare MAJOR


Words: minority
Meaning:
noun (plural minorities)\n  1  [sing.+sing./pl. v.] the smaller part of a group; less than half of the people or things in a large group:\nOnly a small minority of students is / are interested in politics these days. * For a minority, the decision was a disappointment. * minority shareholders in the bank\nOPP MAJORITY\n  2  [C] a small group within a community or country that is different because of race, religion, language, etc:\nthe rights of ethnic / racial minorities * minority languages * a large German-speaking minority in the east of the country * (AmE) The school is 95 per cent minority (= 95 per cent of children are not white Americans but from different racial groups). * (AmE) minority neighborhoods (= where no or few white people live)\n  3  (law) the state of being under the age at which you are legally an adult:\nWhen his minority ended he had to fight to reclaim his property.\n IDIOMS \n  be in a / the minority to form much less than half of a large group:\nMen are in the minority in this profession.\n  be in a minority of one (often humorous) to be the only person to have a particular opinion or to vote a particular way


Words: minority government
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a government that has fewer seats in parliament than the total number held by all the other parties


Words: mint
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] a plant with dark green leaves that have a fresh smell and taste and are added to food and drinks to give flavour, and used in cooking as a herb and to decorate food:\nmint-flavoured toothpaste * I decorated the fruit salad with a sprig of mint. * roast lamb with mint sauce\n \n  2  [C] a sweet/candy flavoured with a type of mint called PEPPERMINT:\nafter-dinner mints\n \n  3  [C] a place where money is made:\nthe Royal Mint (= the one where British money is made) * The bills were fresh from the mint.\n \n  4  (a mint) [sing.] (informal) a large amount of money:\nto make / cost a mint * They must be worth a mint.\n IDIOMS \n  in mint condition new or as good as new; in perfect condition\n    verb [VN] to make a coin from metal


Words: minted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  freshly / newly ~ recently produced, invented, etc:\na newly minted expression\n  2  (of food) flavoured with mint


Words: minuet
Meaning:
noun\na slow graceful dance that was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries; a piece of music for this dance


Words: minus
Meaning:
preposition, noun, adjective \n    preposition\n  1  used when you SUBTRACT one number or thing from another one:\nSeven minus three is four (7 - 3 = 4). * the former Soviet Union, minus the Baltic republics and Georgia\n  2  used to express temperature below zero degrees:\nIt was minus ten. * The temperature dropped to minus 28 degrees centigrade (-28ｰC).\n  3  (informal) without sth that was there before:\nWe’re going to be minus a car for a while. * The group found itself minus a bass player.\nOPP PLUS\n IDIOMS  see PLUS prep.\n    noun\n  1  (also minus sign) The symbol (-), used in mathematics\n  2  (informal) a negative quality; a disadvantage:\nLet’s consider the pluses and minuses of changing the system.\nOPP PLUS\n    adjective\n  1  (mathematics) lower than zero:\na minus figure / number\n  2  making sth seem negative and less attractive or good:\nWhat are the car’s minus points (= the disadvantages)? * On the minus side rented property is expensive and difficult to find.\n  3  [not before noun] (used in a system of marks / grades) slightly lower than the mark/grade A, B, etc:\nI got (a) B minus (B-) in the test.\nOPP PLUS


Words: minute
Meaning:
noun, verb-see also MINUTE\n    noun\n  part of hour\n  1  [C] (abbreviation min.) each of the 60 parts of an hour, that are equal to 60 seconds:\nIt’s four minutes to six. * I’ll be back in a few minutes. * Boil the rice for 20 minutes. * a ten-minute bus ride * I enjoyed every minute of the party. * Just minutes into the second half of the game Robinson scored his second goal.\n  very short time\n  2  [sing.] (spoken) a very short time:\nIt only takes a minute to make a salad. * Hang on a minute-I’ll just get my coat. * I just have to finish this-I won’t be a minute. * Could I see you for a minute? * I’ll be with you in a minute, Jo. * Typical English weather-one minute it’s raining and the next minute the sun is shining!\n  exact moment\n  3  [sing.] an exact moment in time:\nAt that very minute, Tom walked in.\n  angles\n  4  [C] each of the 60 equal parts of a degree, used in measuring angles:\n37 degrees 30 minutes (37 ｰ 30’)\n  record of meeting\n  5  (usually the minutes) [pl.] a summary or record of what is said or decided at a formal meeting:\nWe read through the minutes of the last meeting. * Who is going to take the minutes (= write them)?\n IDIOMS \n  (at) any minute / moment (now) very soon:\nHurry up! He’ll be back any minute now.\n  the minute / moment (that) ... as soon as ...:\nI want to see him the minute he arrives. * The minute she walked through the door I thought she looked different.\n  not for a / one minute / moment certainly not; not at all:\nI don’t think for a minute that she’ll accept but you can ask her.\n  this minute immediately; now:\nCome down from there this minute! * I don’t know what I’m going to do yet-I’ve just this minute found out.\n  to the minute exactly:\nThe train arrived at 9.05 to the minute.\n  up to the minute (informal)\n1 fashionable and modern:\nHer styles are always up to the minute.\n2 having the latest information:\nThe traffic reports are up to the minute.\nsee also UP-TO-THE-MINUTE\nmore at BORN, JUST adv., LAST det., WAIT v.\n    verb to write down sth that is said at a meeting in the official record (= THE MINUTES): [VN] I’d like that last remark to be minuted. [also V that]\n\n adjective-see also MINUTE (superlative minutest, no comparative)\n  1  extremely small:\nminute amounts of chemicals in the water * The kitchen on the boat is minute.\n  2  very detailed, careful and thorough:\na minute examination / inspection * She remembered everything in minute detail / in the minutest detail(s).\n    minutely adverb:\nThe agreement has been examined minutely.


Words: miracle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] an act or event that does not follow the laws of nature and is believed to be caused by God\n  2  [sing.] (informal) a lucky thing that happens that you did not expect or think was possible:\nan economic miracle * It’s a miracle (that) nobody was killed in the crash. * It would take a miracle to make this business profitable. * a miracle cure / drug\n  3  [C] ~ of sth a very good example or product of sth:\nThe car is a miracle of engineering.\n IDIOMS \n  work / perform miracles to achieve very good results:\nHer exercise programme has worked miracles for her.


Words: miraculous
Meaning:
adjective\nlike a miracle; completely unexpected and very lucky:\nmiraculous powers of healing * She’s made a miraculous recovery. * A teenage boy had a miraculous escape from death last night when he fell into an ice cold-river.\n    miraculously adverb:\nThey miraculously survived the plane crash. * The barn has been miraculously transformed into a luxury hotel.


Words: mirage
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an effect caused by hot air in deserts or on roads, that makes you think you can see sth, such as water, which is not there\n  2  a hope or wish that you cannot make happen because it is not realistic:\nHis idea of love was a mirage.


Words: mire
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) an area of deep mud:\nThe wheels sank deeper into the mire. * (figurative) My name had been dragged through the mire (= my reputation was ruined). * (figurative) The government was sinking deeper and deeper into the mire (= getting further into a difficult situation).


Words: mired
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun] ~ in sth (written)\n  1  in a difficult or unpleasant situation that you cannot escape from:\nThe country was mired in recession. * His reasons for leaving are mired in confusion.\n  2  stuck in deep mud


Words: mirror
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a piece of special flat glass that reflects images, so that you can see yourself when you look in it:\nHe looked at himself in the mirror. * a rear-view mirror (= in a car, so that the driver can see what is behind) * (BrE) a wing mirror (= on the side of a car) * (AmE) a side mirror\n \n  2  a ~ of sth [sing.] something that shows what sth else is like:\nThe face is the mirror of the soul. * Dickens’ novels are a mirror of his times.\n    verb [VN] (written)\n  1  to have features that are similar to sth else and which show what it is like:\nThe music of the time mirrored the feeling of optimism in the country.\n  2  to show the image of sb/sth on the surface of water, glass, etc.\nSYN REFLECT:\nShe saw herself mirrored in the shiny wood panelling.


Words: mirror image
Meaning:
noun\nan image of sth that is like a REFLECTION of it, either because it is exactly the same or because the right side of the original object appears on the left and the left side appears on the right


Words: mirrored
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] having a mirror or mirrors or behaving like a mirror:\nmirrored doors / sunglasses


Words: mirth
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) happiness, fun and laughter:\nThe performance produced much mirth among the audience.


Words: mirthless
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) showing no real enjoyment or amusement:\na mirthless laugh / smile\n    mirthlessly adverb


Words: misadventure
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (BrE, law) death caused by accident, rather than as a result of a crime:\na verdict of death by misadventure\n  2  [C, U] (formal) bad luck or a small accident


Words: misapply
Meaning:
verb\n(misapplies, misapplying, misapplied, misapplied) [VN] [usually passive] (formal) to use sth for the wrong purpose or in the wrong way:\nThe company admitted that their system of penalties had been misapplied.


Words: misapprehension
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) a wrong idea about sth, or sth you believe to be true that is not true:\nI was under the misapprehension that the course was for complete beginners.


Words: misappropriate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to take sb else’s money or property for yourself, especially when they have trusted you to take care of it\nSYN EMBEZZLE:\nHe is accused of misappropriating money from the company’s pension fund.\ncompare APPROPRIATE v.\n    misappropriation  noun [U]:\nthe misappropriation of funds


Words: misbehave
Meaning:
verb\n~ (yourself) to behave badly:\n[V] Any child caught misbehaving was made to stand at the front of the class. * [VN] I see the dog has been misbehaving itself again.\nOPP BEHAVE\n    misbehaviour (AmE misbehavior)  noun [U]


Words: miscalculate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to estimate an amount, a figure, a measurement, etc. wrongly:\n[VN] They had seriously miscalculated the effect of inflation. * [V wh-] He had miscalculated how long the trip would take. [also V]\n  2  to judge a situation wrongly:\n[VN] She miscalculated the level of opposition to her proposals. [also V wh-, V] \n    miscalculation  noun [C, U]:\nto make a miscalculation * a grave miscalculation of the mood of the country


Words: miscarriage
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] the process of giving birth to a baby before it is fully developed and able to survive; an occasion when this happens:\nto have a miscarriage * The pregnancy ended in miscarriage at 11 weeks. * This test carries a high risk of miscarriage. * She had suffered multiple miscarriages before trying the treatment.\ncompare ABORTION


Words: miscarriage of justice
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (law) a situation in which a court of law makes a wrong decision, especially when sb is punished when they are innocent


Words: miscarry
Meaning:
verb (miscarries, miscarrying, miscarried, miscarried)\n  1  to give birth to a baby before it is fully developed and able to live:\n[V] The shock caused her to miscarry. [also VN]\n  2  [V] (formal) (of a plan) to fail


Words: miscast
Meaning:
verb\n(miscast, miscast) [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (as sb/sth) to choose an actor to play a role for which they are not suitable:\nHe was hopelessly miscast as the romantic hero.


Words: miscegenation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the fact of children being produced by parents who are of different races, especially when one parent is white


Words: miscellaneous
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] consisting of many different kinds of things that are not connected and do not easily form a group:\na sale of miscellaneous household items * She gave me some money to cover any miscellaneous expenses.


Words: miscellany
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (written) a group or collection of different kinds of things:\na miscellany of objects in the room


Words: mischief
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  bad behaviour (especially of children) that is annoying but does not cause any serious damage or harm:\nThose children are always getting into mischief. * I try to keep out of mischief. * It’s very quiet upstairs; they must be up to some mischief!\n  2  the wish or tendency to behave or play in a way that causes trouble:\nHer eyes were full of mischief.\n  3  (formal) harm or injury that is done to sb or to their reputation:\nThe incident caused a great deal of political mischief.\n IDIOMS \n  do yourself a mischief (BrE, informal) to hurt yourself physically:\nWatch how you use those scissors-you could do yourself a mischief!\n  make mischief to do or say sth deliberately to upset other people, or cause trouble between them


Words: mischievous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  enjoying playing tricks and annoying people:\na mischievous boy * a mischievous grin / smile / look * Her eyes danced with mischievous amusement.\n  2  (formal) (of an action or a statement) causing trouble, such as damaging sb’s reputation:\nmischievous lies / gossip\n    mischievously adverb


Words: misconceived
Meaning:
adjective\nbadly planned or judged; not carefully thought about:\na misconceived education policy * their misconceived expectations of country life


Words: misconception
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] ~ (about sth) a belief or an idea that is not based on correct information, or that is not understood by people:\nfrequently held misconceptions about the disease * A popular misconception (= a lot of people have it) is that plastic is a hazard to the environment. * Let me deal with some common misconceptions. * views based on misconception and prejudice\ncompare PRECONCEPTION


Words: misconduct
Meaning:
noun [U] (formal)\n  1  unacceptable behaviour, especially by a professional person:\na doctor accused of gross misconduct (= very serious misconduct) * professional misconduct * alleged misconduct by the police\n  2  bad MANAGEMENT of a company, etc:\nmisconduct of the company’s financial affairs


Words: misconstruction
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) a completely wrong understanding of sth:\nAny misconstruction of these terms could lead to errors of law.


Words: misconstrue
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (as sth) (formal) to understand sb’s words or actions wrongly\nSYN MISINTERPRET:\nHe deliberately misconstrued everything I said. * It is easy to misconstrue confidence as arrogance.


Words: misdeed
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (formal) a bad or evil act:\nHe will have to answer for his misdeeds in a court of law.


Words: misdemeanour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE misdemeanor)  noun\n  1  (formal) an action that is bad or unacceptable, but not very serious:\nyouthful misdemeanours\n  2  (especially AmE, law) a crime that is not considered to be very serious\ncompare FELONY


Words: misdiagnose
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (as sth) to give an explanation of the nature of an illness or a problem that is not correct:\nHer depression was misdiagnosed as stress.\n    misdiagnosis )


Words: misdirect
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] (written) to use sth in a way that is not appropriate to a particular situation:\nTheir efforts over the past years have been largely misdirected. * misdirected aggression / concern\n  2  (written) to send sb/sth in the wrong direction or to the wrong place:\nSeveral passengers were misdirected to the wrong airport.\n  3  (law) (of a judge) to give a JURY (= the group of people who decide if sb is guilty of a crime) wrong information about the law\n    misdirection  noun [U]


Words: mise en scene
Meaning:
noun [sing.] (from French)\n  1  the arrangement of scenery, furniture, etc. used on the stage for a play in the theatre\n  2  (formal) the place or scene where an event takes place:\nVenice provided the mise-en-scene for the conference.


Words: miserable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very unhappy or uncomfortable:\nWe were cold, wet and thoroughly miserable. * Don’t look so miserable! * She knows how to make life miserable for her employees.\n  2  making you feel very unhappy or uncomfortable\nSYN DEPRESSING:\nmiserable housing conditions * I spent a miserable weekend alone at home. * What a miserable day (= cold and wet)! * The play was a miserable failure.\n  3  [only before noun] (disapproving) (of a person) always unhappy, bad-tempered and unfriendly:\nHe was a miserable old devil.\n  4  too small in quantity:\nHow can anyone live on such a miserable wage?\n    miserably  adverb:\nThey wandered around miserably. * a miserably cold day * He failed miserably as an actor.\n IDIOMS  see SIN n.


Words: miserly
Meaning:
adjective (disapproving)\n  1  (of a person) hating to spend money\nSYN MEAN\n  2  (of a quantity or amount) too small\nSYN PALTRY


Words: misery
Meaning:
noun (plural miseries)\n  1  [U] great suffering of the mind or body\nSYN DISTRESS:\nFame brought her nothing but misery.\n  2  [U] very poor living conditions\nSYN POVERTY:\nThe vast majority of the country live in utter misery.\n  3  [C] something that causes great suffering of mind or body:\nthe miseries of unemployment\n  4  [C] (BrE, informal) a person who is always unhappy and complaining:\nDon’t be such an old misery! * Old misery guts here doesn’t want to go out.\n IDIOMS \n  make sb’s life a misery to behave in a way that makes sb else feel very unhappy\n  put an animal, a bird, etc. out of its misery to kill a creature because it has an illness or injury that cannot be treated\n  put sb out of their misery (informal) to stop sb worrying by telling them sth that they are anxious to know:\nPut me out of my misery-did I pass or didn’t I?


Words: misfire
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  (of a plan or joke) to fail to have the effect that you had intended\n  2  (also miss) (of an engine) to not work correctly because the petrol/gas does not burn at the right time\n  3  (of a gun, etc.) to fail to send out a bullet, etc. when fired\ncompare BACKFIRE


Words: misfit
Meaning:
noun\na person who is not accepted by a particular group of people, especially because their behaviour or their ideas are very different:\na social misfit


Words: misfortune
Meaning:
noun (written)\n  1  [U] bad luck:\nHe has known great misfortune in his life. * We had the misfortune to run into a violent storm.\n  2  [C] an unfortunate accident, condition or event:\nShe bore her misfortunes bravely.


Words: misgiving
Meaning:
noun\n[C, often pl., U] ~ about sth / about doing sth feelings of doubt or anxiety about what might happen, or about whether or not sth is the right thing to do:\nI had grave misgivings about making the trip. * She decided to go despite her misgivings. * I read the letter with a sense of misgiving.


Words: misguided
Meaning:
adjective\nwrong because you have understood or judged a situation badly:\nThe new proposals are, in our opinion, totally misguided. * She only did it in a misguided attempt to help.\n    misguidedly adverb


Words: mishandle
Meaning:
verb [VN] (written)\n  1  to deal badly with a problem or situation\nSYN MISMANAGE:\nThe entire campaign had been badly mishandled.\n  2  to touch or treat sb/sth in a rough and careless way:\nThe equipment could be dangerous if mishandled.\n    mishandling noun [U]:\nthe government’s mishandling of the economy


Words: mishap
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a small accident or piece of bad luck that does not have serious results:\na slight mishap * a series of mishaps * I managed to get home without (further) mishap.


Words: mishear
Meaning:
verb\n(misheard, misheard ) to fail to hear correctly what sb says, so that you think they said sth else:\n[VN] You may have misheard her-I’m sure she didn’t mean that. * [V] I thought he said he was coming today, but I must have misheard. [also V wh-]


Words: mishit
Meaning:
verb\n(mishitting, mishit, mishit) [VN] (in cricket, golf, etc.) to hit the ball badly so that it does not go where you had intended\n    mishit  noun


Words: mishmash
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (informal, usually disapproving) a confused mixture of different kinds of things, styles, etc:\nThe designs were a mishmash of patterns and colours.


Words: misinform
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] ~ sb (about sth) (written) to give sb wrong information about sth:\nThey were deliberately misinformed about their rights. * a misinformed belief (= based on wrong information)\n    misinformation  noun [U]:\na campaign of misinformation * attitudes based on misinformation


Words: misinterpret
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (as sth / doing sth) to understand sth/sb wrongly\nSYN MISCONSTRUE, MISREAD:\nHis comments were misinterpreted as a criticism of the project. * She deliberately misinterpreted the question.\ncompare INTERPRET\n    misinterpretation  noun [U, C]:\nA number of these statements could be open to misinterpretation (= could be understood wrongly). * a gross misinterpretation of the facts


Words: misjudge
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to form a wrong opinion about a person or situation, especially in a way that makes you deal with them or it unfairly:\n[VN] She now realizes that she misjudged him. * It is difficult to understand how they could have misjudged the mood of the workforce so badly. [also V wh-]\n  2  to estimate sth such as time or distance wrongly:\n[VN] He misjudged the distance and his ball landed in the lake. [also V wh-] \n    misjudgement (also misjudgment) noun [C, U]


Words: mislay
Meaning:
verb\n(mislaid, mislaid ) [VN] (especially BrE) to put sth somewhere and then be unable to find it again, especially for only a short time:\nI seem to have mislaid my keys. * Our luggage was temporarily mislaid.


Words: mislead
Meaning:
verb\n(misled, misled ) [VN] ~ sb (about sth) | ~ sb (into doing sth) to give sb the wrong idea or impression and make them believe sth that is not true:\nHe deliberately misled us about the nature of their relationship. * Misleading the court in a trial is a serious offence.


Words: misleading
Meaning:
adjective\ngiving the wrong idea or impression and making you believe sth that is not true\nSYN DECEPTIVE:\nmisleading information / advertisements * It would be seriously misleading to suggest that television has no effect on children.\n    misleadingly adverb:\nThese bats are sometimes misleadingly referred to as ’flying foxes’.


Words: mismanage
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to deal with or manage sth badly\nSYN MISHANDLE:\nThe department’s budget was badly mismanaged.\n    mismanagement noun [U]:\naccusations of corruption and financial mismanagement * the government’s mismanagement of the economy


Words: mismatch
Meaning:
noun\n~ (between A and B) a combination of things or people that do not go together well or are not suitable for each other:\na mismatch between people’s real needs and the available facilities\n    mismatch  verb [VN] [often passive]:\nThey made a mismatched couple.


Words: misname
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (written) to give sb/sth a name that is wrong or not appropriate:\nThe Sea View Cafe, facing a building site, seemed to have been misnamed.


Words: misnomer
Meaning:
noun\na name or a word that is not appropriate or accurate:\n’Villa’ was something of a misnomer; the place was no more than an old farmhouse.


Words: misogynist
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a man who hates women\n    misogynistic (also misogynist) adjective:\nmisogynistic attitudes\n    misogyny noun [U]


Words: misplace
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to put sth somewhere and then be unable to find it again, especially for a short time\nSYN MISLAY


Words: misplaced
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not appropriate or correct in the situation:\nmisplaced confidence / optimism / fear * He made a misplaced attempt at reconciliation.\n  2  (of love, trust, etc.) given to a person who does not deserve or return those feelings:\nmisplaced loyalty


Words: mispronounce
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to pronounce a word wrongly:\nPeople are always mispronouncing my name.\n    mispronunciation  noun [C, U]


Words: misquote
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to repeat what sb has said or written in a way that is not correct:\nThe senator claims to have been misquoted in the article.\n    misquotation  noun [C, U]


Words: misread
Meaning:
[VN] ~ sth (as sth)\n  1  to understand sb/sth wrongly\nSYN MISINTERPRET:\nI’m afraid I completely misread the situation. * His confidence was misread as arrogance.\n  2  to read sth wrongly:\nI misread the 1 as a 7. * You must have misread the address.


Words: misreport
Meaning:
verb\nto give a report of an event, etc. that is not correct:\n[VN] The newspapers misreported the facts of the case. [also V wh-, VN that]


Words: misrepresent
Meaning:
verb\n[often passive] ~ sb/sth (as sth) to give information about sb/sth that is not true or complete so that other people have the wrong impression about them/it:\n[VN] He felt that the book misrepresented his opinions. * In the article she was misrepresented as an uncaring mother. [also V wh-]\n    misrepresentation  noun [C, U]:\na deliberate misrepresentation of the facts


Words: miss
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  not hit\n  1  to fail to hit, catch, reach, etc. sth:\n[VN] How many goals has he missed this season? * The bullet missed her by about six inches. * [V] She threw a plate at him and only narrowly missed. * [V -ing] She narrowly missed hitting him.\n  not hear / see\n  2  [VN] to fail to hear, see or notice sth:\nThe hotel is the only white building on the road-you can’t miss it. * Don’t miss next week’s issue! * I missed her name. * Your mother will know who’s moved in-she doesn’t miss much. * When you painted your bedroom, you missed a bit (= of the wall) under the window.\n  not understand\n  3  [VN] to fail to understand sth:\nHe completely missed the joke. * You’re missing the point (= failing to understand the main part) of what I’m saying. * I think I must have missed something because none of this makes any sense.\n  not be / go somewhere\n  4  [VN] to fail to be or go somewhere:\nShe hasn’t missed a game all year. * You missed a good party last night (= because you did not go). * ’Are you coming to the school play?’ ’I wouldn’t miss it for the world’.\n  not do sth\n  5  [VN] to fail to do sth:\nYou can’t afford to miss meals (= not eat meals) when you’re in training. * to miss a turn (= to not play when it is your turn in a game)\n  6  to not take the opportunity to do sth:\n[VN] The sale prices were too good to miss. * It was an opportunity not to be missed. [also V -ing]\n  be late\n  7  to be or arrive too late for sth:\n[VN] If I don’t leave now I’ll miss my plane. * Sorry I’m late-have I missed anything? * ’Is Ann there?’ ’You’ve just missed her (= she has just left).’ [also V -ing]\n  feel sad\n  8  to feel sad because you can no longer see sb or do sth that you like:\n[VN] She will be greatly missed when she leaves. * What did you miss most when you lived abroad? * [V -ing] I don’t miss getting up at six every morning! [also VN -ing]\n  notice sth not there\n  9  [VN] to notice that sb/sth is not where they/it should be:\nWhen did you first miss the necklace? * Let’s go for a quick drink-nobody will miss us. * We seem to be missing some students this morning.\n  avoid sth bad\n  10  to avoid sth unpleasant:\n[VN] If you go now you should miss the crowds. * [V -ing] He fell and just missed knocking the whole display over.\n  of engine\n  11  [V] = MISFIRE\n IDIOMS \n  he, she, etc. doesn’t miss a trick (spoken) used to say that sb notices every opportunity to gain an advantage\n  miss the boat (informal) to be unable to take advantage of sth because you are too late:\nIf you don’t buy now, you may find that you’ve missed the boat.\nmore at HEART, MARK n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  miss sb/sth<->out (BrE) to fail to include sb/sth in sth:\nI’ll just read through the form again to make sure I haven’t missed anything out.\n  miss out (on sth) to fail to benefit from sth useful or enjoyable by not taking part in it:\nOf course I’m coming-I don’t want to miss out on all the fun!\n    noun\n  title / form of address\n  1  (Miss) used before the family name, or the first and family name, of a woman who is not married, in order to speak or write to her politely:\nThat’s all, thank you, Miss Lipman. (old-fashioned or formal) the Misses Hill\ncompare MRS, MS\n  2  (Miss) a title given to the winner of a beauty contest in a particular country, town, etc:\nMiss America / Miss Brighton * the Miss World contest\n  3  (Miss) (informal, spoken) used especially by men to address a young woman when they do not know her name:\nWill that be all, Miss?\n  4  (Miss) (BrE, spoken) used as a form of address by children in some schools to a woman teacher, whether she is married or not:\nGood morning, Miss!\ncompare SIR\n  5  (old-fashioned) a girl or young woman\n  not hit\n  6  a failure to hit, catch or reach sth:\nHe scored two goals and had another two near misses.\n IDIOMS \n  give sth a miss (informal, especially BrE) to decide not to do sth, eat sth, etc:\nI think I’ll give badminton a miss tonight.


Words: missile
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a weapon that is sent through the air and that explodes when it hits the thing that it is aimed at:\nnuclear missiles * a missile base / site\nsee also BALLISTIC MISSILE, CRUISE MISSILE, GUIDED MISSILE\n  2  an object that is thrown at sb to hurt them:\nMissiles including stones and bottles were thrown at the police.


Words: missing
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that cannot be found or that is not in its usual place, or at home\nSYN LOST:\nI never found the missing piece. * My gloves have been missing for ages. * Two files have gone missing. * They still hoped to find their missing son. * (especially BrE) Our cat’s gone missing again.\n  2  that has been removed, lost or destroyed and has not been replaced:\nThe book has two pages missing / missing pages. * He didn’t notice there was anything missing from his room until later on.\n  3  (of a person) not present after an accident, battle, etc. but not known to have been killed:\nHe was reported missing, presumed dead. * Many soldiers were listed as missing in action.\n  4  not included, often when it should have been:\nFill in the missing words in this text. * There were several candidates missing from the list. * What is missing from the production is any sense of emotional commitment.


Words: missing link
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] something, such as a piece of information, that is necessary to be able to understand a problem or to make sth complete:\nHe may be able to provide us with the missing link that can help us solve the mystery.\n  2  (the missing link) [sing.] an animal similar to humans that was once thought to exist at the time that APES were developing into human beings


Words: missing person
Meaning:
noun\n(plural missing persons) a person who has disappeared from their home and whose family are trying to find them with the help of the police


Words: mission
Meaning:
noun\n  official job / group\n  1  [C] an important official job that a person or group of people is given to do, especially when they are sent to another country:\na trade mission to China * a fact-finding mission * a mercy mission to aid homeless refugees\n  2  [C] a group of people doing such a job; the place where they work:\nthe head of the British mission in Berlin\n  teaching christianity\n  3  [C, U] the work of teaching people about Christianity, especially in a foreign country; a group of people doing such work:\na Catholic mission in Africa * Gandhi’s attitude to mission and conversion\n  4  [C] a building or group of buildings used by a Christian mission\n  your duty\n  5  [C] particular work that you feel it is your duty to do:\nHer mission in life was to work with the homeless.\n  of armed forces\n  6  [C] an important job that is done by a soldier, group of soldiers, etc:\nThe squadron flew on a reconnaissance mission.\n  space flight\n  7  [C] a flight into space:\na US space mission * mission control (= the people on earth who control and communicate with the people on the mission)\n IDIOMS \n  mission accomplished used when you have successfully completed what you have had to do:\nMission accomplished. Let’s go and have a drink.


Words: missionary
Meaning:
noun\n(plural missionaries) a person who is sent to a foreign country to teach people about Christianity:\nBaptist missionaries * missionary work * (figurative) She spoke about her new project with missionary zeal (= with great enthusiasm).


Words: misspell
Meaning:
verb\n(misspelled, misspelled) or (misspelt, misspelt ) [VN] to spell a word wrongly\n    misspelling noun [C, U]


Words: misspend
Meaning:
verb\n(misspent, misspent ) [VN] [usually passive] to spend time or money in a careless rather than a useful way:\nHe joked that being good at cards was the sign of a misspent youth (= having wasted his time when he was young).


Words: missus
Meaning:
(also missis)  noun (becoming old-fashioned)\n  1  (informal, spoken) (used after ’the’, ’my’, ’your’, ’his’) a man’s wife:\nHow’s the missus (= your wife)? * My missus won’t let me smoke in the house.\n  2  (slang, especially BrE) used by some people as a form of address to a woman whose name they do not know:\nIs this your bag, missus?


Words: mist
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U, C] a cloud of very small drops of water in the air just above the ground, that make it difficult to see:\nThe hills were shrouded in mist. * Early morning mist patches will soon clear. * The origins of the story are lost in the mists of time (= forgotten because it happened such a long time ago). * (figurative) She gazed at the scene through a mist of tears.\ncompare FOG\nsee also MISTY\n \n  2  [sing.] a fine spray of liquid, for example, from an AEROSOL can\n    verb\n  1  ~ (sth) (up) | ~ (over) when sth such as glass mists or is misted, it becomes covered with very small drops of water, so that it is impossible to see through it:\n[VN] The windows were misted up with condensation. * [V] As he came in from the cold, his glasses misted up.\n  2  ~ (sth) (up) | ~ (over) if your eyes mist or sth mists them, they fill with tears:\n[V] Her eyes misted over as she listened to the speech. * [VN] Tears misted his eyes.\n  3  [VN] to spray the leaves of a plant with very small drops of water


Words: mistake
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  an action or an opinion that is not correct, or that produces a result that you did not want:\nIt’s easy to make a mistake. * This letter is addressed to someone else-there must be some mistake. * It would be a mistake to ignore his opinion. * Don’t worry, we all make mistakes. * You must try to learn from your mistakes. * Leaving school so young was the biggest mistake of my life. * I made the mistake of giving him my address. * It was a big mistake on my part to have trusted her.\n  2  a word, figure, etc. that is not said or written down correctly:\nIt’s a common mistake among learners of English. * The waiter made a mistake (in) adding up the bill. * Her essay is full of spelling mistakes.\n IDIOMS \n  and no mistake (old-fashioned spoken, especially BrE) used to show that you are sure about the truth of what you have just said:\nThis is a strange business and no mistake.\n  by mistake accidentally; without intending to:\nI took your bag instead of mine by mistake.\n  make no mistake (about sth) (spoken) used to emphasize what you are saying, especially when you want to warn sb about sth:\nMake no mistake (about it), this is one crisis that won’t just go away.\n  in mistake for sth thinking that sth is sth else:\nChildren may eat pills in mistake for sweets.\n    verb (mistook sth correctly: [VN] I admit that I mistook his intentions. * He had certainly changed, but nobody could mistake his voice. * I mistook her offer as a threat. * There was no mistaking (= it was impossible to mistake) the bitterness in her voice. [also V wh-] \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  mistake sb/sth for sb/sth to think wrongly that sb/sth is sb/sth else:\nI think you must be mistaking me for someone else.


Words: mistaken
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (about sb/sth) wrong in your opinion or judgement:\nYou are completely mistaken about Jane. * Unless I’m very much mistaken, that’s Paul’s wife over there. * I thought I saw someone I knew, but I must have been mistaken.\n  2  based on a wrong opinion or bad judgement:\nmistaken views / ideas * I told her my secret in the mistaken belief that I could trust her.\n    mistakenly adverb:\nHe mistakenly believed that his family would stand by him.


Words: mistaken identity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a situation in which you think wrongly that you recognize sb or have found the person you are looking for:\nHe was shot in what seems to have been a case of mistaken identity.


Words: mister
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (Mister) the full form, not often used in writing, of the abbreviation Mr\n  2  (spoken) used, especially by children, to address a man whose name they do not know:\nPlease, mister, can we have our ball back?


Words: mistime
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to do sth at the wrong time, especially when this makes sth bad or unpleasant happen:\nThe horse completely mistimed the jump and threw its rider. * A lot of the jokes were mistimed (= and therefore not funny).\n    mistiming noun [U]:\nThe failure of the talks was mainly due to insensitivity and mistiming.


Words: mistletoe
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a plant with small shiny white berries that grows on other trees and is often used as a decoration at Christmas:\nthe tradition of kissing under the mistletoe


Words: mistreat
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to treat a person or an animal in a cruel, unkind or unfair way\nSYN ILL-TREAT, MALTREAT:\nanimals that have been mistreated by their owners\n    mistreatment noun [U]


Words: mistress
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a man’s (usually a married man’s) mistress is a woman that he is having a regular sexual relationship with and who is not his wife\n  2  (BrE, becoming old-fashioned) a female teacher in a school, especially a private school:\nthe Biology mistress\n  3  (in the past) the female head of a house, especially one who employed servants:\nthe mistress of the house * Lizzie, fetch your mistress her shawl.\n  4  the female owner of a dog or other animal\n  5  (formal) a woman who is in a position of authority or control, or who is highly skilled in sth:\nShe wants to be mistress of her own affairs (= to organize her own life). * She is the mistress of plain speech.\ncompare MASTER


Words: mistrial
Meaning:
noun (law)\n  1  a trial that is not considered valid because of a mistake in the way it has been carried out\n  2  (AmE) a trial in which the JURY cannot reach a decision


Words: mistrust
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] to have no confidence in sb/sth because you think they may be harmful; to not trust sb/sth\nSYN DISTRUST:\nShe mistrusts anyone in a position of authority. -> DISTRUST\n    noun [U, sing.] a feeling that you cannot trust sb/sth \nSYN SUSPICION:\na climate of mistrust and fear * She has a deep mistrust of strangers. * There is considerable suspicion and mistrust between the two sides.\n    mistrustful sth):\nSome people are very mistrustful of computers. * Since the accident he has become withdrawn and mistrustful.\n    mistrustfully  adverb


Words: misty
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  with a lot of MIST:\na misty morning\n  2  not clear or bright:\nmisty memories * (literary) His eyes grew misty (= full of tears) as he talked.


Words: misty-eyed
Meaning:
adjective\nfeeling full of emotion, as if you are going to cry:\nI get very misty-eyed over our wedding pictures.


Words: misunderstand
Meaning:
verb\n(misunderstood, misunderstood sth correctly:\n[VN] I completely misunderstood her intentions. * Don’t misunderstand me-I am grateful for all you’ve done. * [V] I thought he was her husband-I must have misunderstood. [also V wh-]


Words: misunderstanding
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (of / about sth) | ~ (between A and B) a situation in which a comment, an instruction, etc. is not understood correctly:\nThere must be some misunderstanding-I thought I ordered the smaller model. * There is still a fundamental misunderstanding about the real purpose of this work. * All contracts are translated to avoid any misunderstanding between the companies. * The problem arose from a misunderstanding on the part of the French. * The meeting is a final chance to clear up any misunderstandings.\n  2  [C] a slight disagreement or argument:\nWe had a little misunderstanding over the bill.


Words: misunderstood
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving qualities that people do not see or fully understand:\na much misunderstood illness * She felt very alone and misunderstood.


Words: misuse
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  [U, C, usually sing.] the act of using sth in a dishonest way or for the wrong purpose:\nalcohol / drug misuse * the misuse of power / authority * a misuse of public funds\n    verb  [VN] \n  1  to use sth in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose:\nindividuals who misuse power for their own ends\n  2  to treat sb badly and/or unfairly


Words: mite
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a very small creature like a spider that lives on plants, animals, carpets, etc:\nhouse dust mites\n  2  a small child or animal, especially one that you feel sorry for:\nPoor little mite!\n  3  (old-fashioned) a small amount of sth:\nThe place looked a mite (= a little) expensive.


Words: mitigate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to make sth less harmful, serious, etc.\nSYN ALLEVIATE:\naction to mitigate poverty * Soil erosion was mitigated by the planting of trees.


Words: mitigating
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] ~ circumstances / factors (formal or law) circumstances or FACTORS that provide a reason that explains sb’s actions or a crime, and make them easier to understand so that the punishment may be less severe


Words: mitigation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) a reduction in how unpleasant, serious, etc. sth is:\nthe mitigation of a problem / punishment\n IDIOMS \n  in mitigation (law) with the aim of making a crime seem less serious or easier to forgive:\nIn mitigation, the defence lawyer said his client was seriously depressed at the time of the assault.


Words: mitre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE miter)  noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a tall pointed hat worn by BISHOPS at special ceremonies as a symbol of their position and authority\n  2  (also mitre joint) a corner joint, formed by two pieces of wood each cut at an angle, as in a picture frame\n    verb [VN] (technical) to join two pieces of wood together with a mitre joint


Words: mitt
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  = MITTEN\n \n  2  (in baseball) a large thick leather glove worn for catching the ball\n \n  3  [usually pl.] (slang) a hand:\nI’d love to get my mitts on one of those.


Words: mix
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  combine\n  1  ~ A with B | ~ A and B (together) if two or more substances mix or you mix them, they combine, usually in a way that means they cannot easily be separated:\n[V] Oil and water do not mix. * Oil does not mix with water. * [VN] Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. * If you mix blue and yellow, you get green. * I don’t like to mix business with pleasure (= combine social events with doing business).\n  2  ~ sth (for sb) | ~ sb sth to prepare sth by combining two or more different substances:\n[VN] With this range of paints, you can mix your own colours. * [VN, VNN] Why don’t you mix a cocktail for our guests? * Why don’t you mix our guests a cocktail?\n  3  [V] if two or more things, people or activities do not mix, they are likely to cause problems or danger if they are combined:\nChildren and fireworks don’t mix.\n  meet people\n  4  [V] ~ (with sb) to meet and talk to different people, especially at social events\nSYN SOCIALIZE:\nThey don’t mix much with the neighbours. * We’ve worked together for years but never mixed socially.\n  music / sounds\n  5  [VN] (technical) to combine different recordings of voices and/or instruments to produce a single piece of music\n IDIOMS \n  be / get mixed up in sth to be/become involved in sth, especially sth illegal or dishonest:\nDon’t tell me you’re mixed up in all of this?\n  be / get mixed up with sb to be/become friendly with or involved with sb that other people do not approve of:\nHe got mixed up with a crowd who were into drugs and crime.\n  mix and match to combine things in different ways for different purposes:\nYou can mix and match courses to suit your requirements.\n  mix it (with sb) (BrE) (AmE mix it up (with sb)) (informal) to argue with sb or cause trouble\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  mix sth<->in (with sth) to add one substance to others, especially in cooking:\nMix the remaining cream in with the sauce.\n  mix sth into sth to combine one substance with others, especially in cooking:\nMix the fruit into the rest of the mixture.\n  mix sth into / to sth to produce sth by combining two or more substances, especially in cooking:\nAdd the milk and mix to a smooth dough.\n  mix sth<->up to change the order or arrangement of a group of things, especially by mistake or in a way that you do not want:\nSomeone has mixed up all the application forms.\nrelated noun MIX-UP\n  mix sb/sth up (with sb/sth) to think wrongly that sb/sth is sb/sth else\nSYN CONFUSE:\nI think you must be mixing me up with someone else.\nsee also MIXED-UP\n    noun\n  combination\n  1  [C, usually sing.] a combination of different people or things:\na school with a good social mix of children * The town offers a fascinating mix of old and new. * a pair of wool mix socks (= made of wool and other materials)\n  2  [C, U] a combination of things that you need to make sth, often sold as a powder that you add water, etc. to:\na cake mix * cement mix\n  in popular music\n  3  [C] = REMIX\n  4  [sing.] the particular way that instruments and voices are arranged in a piece of music\n  5  [C] an arrangement of several songs or pieces of music into one continuous piece, especially for dancing


Words: mix-up
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a situation that is full of confusion, especially because sb has made a mistake \nSYN MUDDLE:\nThere has been a mix-up over the dates.


Words: mixed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having both good and bad qualities or feelings:\nThe weather has been very mixed recently. * I still have mixed feelings about going to Brazil (= I am not sure what to think). * The play was given a mixed reception by the critics (= some liked it, some did not). * British athletes had mixed fortunes in yesterday’s competition.\n  2  [only before noun] consisting of different kinds of people, for example, people from different races and cultures:\na mixed community * people of mixed race * a mixed marriage (= between two people of different races or religions)\n  3  [only before noun] consisting of different types of the same thing:\na mixed salad\n  4  [usually before noun] of or for both males and females:\na mixed school * I’d rather not talk about it in mixed company.


Words: mixed bag
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (informal) a collection of things or people of very different types:\nThe competition entries were a very mixed bag.


Words: mixed blessing
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] something that has advantages and disadvantages:\nWealth can be a mixed blessing.


Words: mixed doubles
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural mixed doubles) (in tennis, etc.) a game in which a man and a woman play together against another man and woman


Words: mixed economy
Meaning:
noun\nan economic system in a country in which some companies are owned by the state and some are private


Words: mixed grill
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a hot dish of different types of meat and vegetables that have been GRILLED:\na mixed grill of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes and mushrooms


Words: mixed metaphor
Meaning:
noun\na combination of two or more METAPHORS or IDIOMS that produces a ridiculous effect, for example, ’He put his foot down with a firm hand.’


Words: mixed-ability
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] with or for students who have different levels of ability:\na mixed-ability class * mixed-ability teaching


Words: mixed-up
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) confused because of mental, emotional or social problems:\na mixed-up kid / teenager * She was insecure, mixed-up and angry.


Words: mixer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a machine or device used for mixing things:\na food mixer * (BrE) a mixer tap (= one in which hot and cold water can be mixed together before it comes out of the pipe)\nsee also CEMENT MIXER\n  2  a drink such as fruit juice that is not alcoholic and that can be mixed with alcohol:\nlow-calorie mixers * cocktail mixers\n  3  (technical) a device used for mixing together different sound or picture signals in order to produce a single sound or picture; a person whose job is to operate this device:\na sound / vision mixer\n IDIOMS \n  a good / bad mixer a person who finds it easy/difficult to talk to people they do not know, for example at a party


Words: mixture
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] a combination of different things:\nThe city is a mixture of old and new buildings. * We listened to the news with a mixture of surprise and horror. * Anger is often caused by frustration or embarrassment, or a mixture of the two.\n  2  [C, U] a substance made by mixing other substances together:\ncake mixture * Add the eggs to the mixture and beat well.\nsee also COUGH MIXTURE\n  3  [C] (technical) a combination of two or more substances that mix together without any chemical reaction taking place\ncompare COMPOUND n.\n  4  [U] the act of mixing different substances together


Words: mm abbreviation
Meaning:
, exclamation \n    abbreviation MILLIMETRE(S):\nrainfall 6mm * a 35mm camera\n    exclamation (also mmm) the way of writing the sound  that people make to show that they are listening to sb or that they agree, they are thinking, they like sth, they are not sure, etc:\nMm, I know what you mean. * Mm, what lovely cake! * Mmm, I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.


Words: mnemonic
Meaning:
noun\na word, sentence, poem, etc. that helps you to remember sth:\n’MACRO’ is a mnemonic for the five main techniques: Memory, Aims, Concentration, Review and Organization.\n    mnemonic adjective [only before noun]:\na mnemonic device


Words: moan
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  (of a person) to make a long deep sound, usually expressing unhappiness, suffering or sexual pleasure\nSYN GROAN:\n[V] to moan in / with pain * The injured man was lying on the ground, moaning. * [V speech] ’I might never see you again,’ she moaned.\n  2  ~ (on) (about sth) (to sb) | ~ (at sb) (BrE, informal) to complain about sth in a way that other people find annoying:\n[V] What are you moaning on about now? * They’re always moaning and groaning about how much they have to do. * [V that] Bella moaned that her feet were cold.\n  3  [V] (literary) (especially of the wind) to make a long deep sound:\nThe wind was moaning through the trees.\n    moaner noun \n    noun\n  1  [C] a long deep sound, usually expressing unhappiness, suffering or sexual pleasure:\na low moan of despair / anguish\n  2  [C] (BrE, informal) a complaint about sth:\nWe had a good moan about work. * His letters are full of the usual moans and groans.\n  3  [sing.] (literary) a long deep sound, especially the sound that is made by the wind:\nShe lay listening to the moan of the wind in the trees behind the house.


Words: moat
Meaning:
noun\na deep wide channel that was dug around a castle, etc. and filled with water to make it more difficult for enemies to attack\n \n    moated adjective [usually before noun]:\na moated manor house


Words: mob
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, sing.+sing./pl. v.] a large crowd of people, especially one that may become violent or cause trouble:\nan angry / unruly mob * The mob was / were preparing to storm the building. * an excited mob of fans * mob rule (= a situation in which a mob has control, rather than people in authority)\nsee also LYNCH MOB\n  2  [C, usually sing.] (informal) a group of people who are similar in some way \nSYN GANG:\nAll the usual mob were there.\n  3  (the Mob) [sing.] (informal) the people involved in organized crime; the MAFIA\n IDIOMS  see HEAVY adj.\n    verb (-bb-) [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  if a crowd of birds or animals mob another bird or animal, they gather round it and attack it\n  2  if a person is mobbed by a crowd of people, the crowd gathers round them in order to see them and try and get their attention


Words: mobile
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] that is not fixed in one place and can be moved easily and quickly:\nmobile equipment * a mobile shop / library (= one inside a vehicle)\ncompare STATIONARY\n  2  [not usually before noun] (of a person) able to move or travel around easily:\na kitchen especially designed for the elderly or people who are less mobile * You really need to be mobile (= have a car) if you live in the country.\nOPP IMMOBILE\n  3  (of people) able to change your social class, your job or the place where you live easily:\na highly mobile workforce (= people who can move easily from place to place)\nsee also UPWARDLY MOBILE\n  4  (of a face or its features) changing shape or expression easily and often:\nHis mobile features registered amusement.\n    noun\n  1  a decoration made from wire, etc. that is hung from the ceiling and that has small objects hanging from it which move when the air around them moves\n  2  (BrE) = MOBILE PHONE:\nCall me on my mobile.


Words: mobile home
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a building that can be moved, sometimes with wheels, that is usually parked in one place and used for living in


Words: mobile library
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) (AmE bookmobile) a van/truck that contains a library and travels from place to place so that people in different places can borrow books


Words: mobile phone
Meaning:
(also mobile) (both BrE) (also cellular phone, cellphone AmE, BrE) noun\na telephone that does not have wires and works by radio, that you can carry with you and use anywhere


Words: mobility
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the ability to move easily from one place, social class, or job to another:\nsocial / geographical / career mobility\nsee also UPWARD MOBILITY\n  2  the ability to move or travel around easily:\nAn electric wheelchair has given her greater mobility. * mobility training for the blind


Words: mobilize
Meaning:
(BrE also mobilise)  verb\n  1  to work together in order to achieve a particular aim; to organize a group of people to do this:\n[VN] The unions mobilized thousands of workers in a protest against the cuts. [also V]\n  2  [VN] to find and start to use sth that is needed for a particular purpose\nSYN MARSHAL:\nThey were unable to mobilize the resources they needed.\n  3  if a country mobilizes its army, or if a country or army mobilizes, it makes itself ready to fight in a war:\n[V] The troops were ordered to mobilize. [also VN] \ncompare DEMOBILIZE\n    mobilization, mobilisation  noun [U]


Words: moccasin
Meaning:
noun\na flat shoe that is made from soft leather and has large stitches around the front, of a type originally worn by Native Americans


Words: mocha
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a type of coffee of very good quality\n  2  a drink made or flavoured with this, often with chocolate added


Words: mock
Meaning:
verb, adjective, noun \n    verb\n  1  to laugh at sb/sth in an unkind way, especially by copying what they say or do:\n[VN] He’s always mocking my French accent. * The other children mocked her, laughing behind their hands. * [V] You can mock, but at least I’m willing to have a try! [also V speech, VN speech]\n  2  [VN] (formal) to show no respect for sth:\nThe new exam mocked the needs of the majority of children.\n    mocker noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  not sincere:\nmock horror / surprise\n  2  that is a copy of sth; not real:\na mock election * a mock interview / examination (= used to practise for the real one)\n    noun (informal) (in Britain) a practice exam that you do before the official one:\nThe mocks are in November. * What did you get in the mock?


Words: mock-up
Meaning:
noun\na model or a copy of sth, often the same size as it, that is used for testing, or for showing people what the real thing will look like


Words: mockery
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] comments or actions that are intended to make sb/sth seem ridiculous:\nShe couldn’t stand any more of their mockery. * His smile was full of mockery. * The government has left itself open to mockery and ridicule.\n  2  [sing.] (disapproving) an action, a decision, etc. that is a failure and that is not as it is supposed to be:\nIt was a mockery of a trial.\n IDIOMS \n  make a mockery of sth to make sth seem ridiculous or useless:\nThe trial made a mockery of justice.


Words: mocking
Meaning:
adjective\n(of behaviour, an expression, etc.) showing that you think sb/sth is ridiculous:\na mocking smile * Her voice was faintly mocking.\n    mockingly adjective


Words: MOD
Meaning:
abbreviation\nMinistry of Defence (the government department in Britain that is responsible for defence)


Words: mod
Meaning:
noun\na member of a group of young people, especially in Britain in the 1960s, who wore neat, fashionable clothes and rode MOTOR SCOOTERS\ncompare ROCKER


Words: mod cons
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (BrE, informal) (especially in advertisements) the things in a house or flat/apartment that make living there easier and more comfortable:\nThe property has many interesting features and all mod cons.


Words: modal
Meaning:
(also modal verb, modal auxiliary, modal auxiliary verb) noun\n(grammar) a verb such as can, may or will that is used with another verb (not a modal) to express possibility, permission, intention, etc.\n    modal adjective \ncompare AUXILIARY\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \nmodal verbs\nThe modal verbs are can, could, may, might, must, ought to, shall, should, will and would. Dare, need, have to and used to also share some of the features of modal verbs.\nModal verbs have only one form. They have no -ing or -ed forms and do not add -s to the 3rd person singular form: He can speak three languages. * She will try and visit tomorrow.\nModal verbs are followed by the infinitive of another verb without to. The exceptions are ought to and used to: You must find a job. * You ought to stop smoking. * I used to smoke but I gave up two years ago.\nQuestions are formed without do/does in the present, or did in the past: Can I invite Mary? * Should I have invited Mary?\nNegative sentences are formed with not or the short form -n’t and do not use do/does or did.\nYou will find more help with how to use modal verbs at the dictionary entries for each verb.\n______________________________


Words: mode
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (formal) a particular way of doing sth; a particular type of sth:\na mode of production / operation / communication * a mode of life / behaviour / dress * environment-friendly modes of transport\n  2  the way in which a piece of equipment is set to perform a particular task:\nSwitch the camera into the automatic mode. * You can also use this computer game in two-player mode.\n  3  [sing.] (informal) a particular way of feeling or behaving:\nto be in holiday / work mode\n  4  [usually sing.] a particular style or fashion in clothes, art, etc:\nnarrative mode * a pop video made by a director who really understands the mode\nsee also aLA MODE, MODISH\n  5  (technical) a particular arrangement of notes in music for example the musical SCALE system:\nmajor / minor mode


Words: model
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  small copy\n \n  1  a copy of sth, usually smaller than the original object:\na working model (= one in which the parts move) of a fire engine * to make / build model aeroplanes * The architect had produced a scale model of the proposed shopping complex.\n \n  design\n \n  2  a particular design or type of product:\nThe latest models will be on display at the motor show.\n \n  description of system\n \n  3  a simple description of a system, used for explaining how sth works or calculating what might happen, etc:\na mathematical model for determining the safe level of pesticides in food * a realistic model of evolution\n  example to copy\n  4  something such as a system that can be copied by other people:\nThe nation’s constitution provided a model that other countries followed.\n  5  (approving) a person or thing that is considered an excellent example of sth:\nIt was a model of clarity. * a model student * a model farm (= one that has been specially designed to work well)\nsee also ROLE MODEL\n  fashion\n  6  a person whose job is to wear and show new styles of clothes and be photographed wearing them:\na fashion model * a male model\n  for artist\n  7  a person who is employed to be painted, drawn, photographed, etc. by an artist or photographer\n    verb (-ll-, AmE -l-)\n  work as model\n  1  [V] to work as a model for an artist or in the fashion industry\n  clothes\n  2  [VN] to wear clothes in order to show them to people who might want to buy them:\nThe wedding gown is being modelled for us by the designer’s daughter.\n  create copy\n  3  [VN] to create a copy of an activity, a situation, etc. so that you can study it before dealing with the real thing:\nThe program can model a typical home page for you.\n  clay etc.\n  4  [VN] to shape clay, etc. in order to make sth:\na statue modelled in bronze\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  model yourself on sb to copy the behaviour, style, etc. of sb you like and respect in order to be like them:\nAs a politician, he modelled himself on Churchill.\n  model sth on / after sth to make sth so that it looks, works, etc. like sth else:\nThe country’s parliament is modelled on the British system.


Words: modeller
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE modeler)  noun\n  1  a person who makes models of objects\n  2  a person who makes a simple description of a system or a process that can be used to explain it, etc.


Words: modelling
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE modeling)  noun [U]\n  1  the work of a fashion model:\na career in modelling * a modelling agency\n  2  the activity of making models of objects:\nclay modelling\n  3  the work of making a simple description of a system or a process that can be used to explain it, etc:\nmathematical / statistical / computer modelling


Words: modem
Meaning:
noun\na device that connects one computer system to another using a telephone line so that data can be sent


Words: moderate
Meaning:
adjective, verb, noun \n    adjective \n  1  that is neither very good, large, hot, etc. nor very bad, small, cold, etc:\nstudents of moderate ability * Even moderate amounts of the drug can be fatal. * The team enjoyed only moderate success last season. * Cook over a moderate heat.\n  2  having or showing opinions, especially about politics, that are not extreme:\nmoderate views / policies * a moderate socialist\n  3  staying within limits that are considered to be reasonable by most people:\na moderate drinker * moderate wage demands\nOPP IMMODERATE\n    verb \n  1  to become or make sth become less extreme, severe, etc:\n[V] By evening the wind had moderated slightly. * [VN] We agreed to moderate our original demands.\n  2  [VN, V] (BrE) to check that an exam has been marked fairly and in the same way by different people\n    noun  a person who has opinions, especially about politics, that are not extreme


Words: moderately
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  to an average extent; fairly but not very \nSYN REASONABLY:\na moderately successful career * She only did moderately well in the exam. * Cook in a moderately hot oven.\n  2  within reasonable limits:\nHe only drinks (alcohol) moderately.


Words: moderation
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the quality of being reasonable and not being extreme:\nThere was a call for moderation on the part of the trade unions. * Alcohol is usually not harmful if it is taken in moderation (= in small quantities). * Moderation in eating and drinking is the way to stay healthy.\n  2  (BrE) (in education) the process of making sure that the same standards are used by different people in marking exams, etc.


Words: moderator
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job is to help the two sides in a dispute to reach an agreement\nsee also MEDIATOR\n  2  (especially AmE) a person whose job is to make sure that a discussion or a debate is fair\n  3  (BrE) a person whose job is to make sure that an exam is marked fairly\n  4  (Moderator) a religious leader in the Presbyterian Church who is in charge of the Church council


Words: modern
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] of the present time or recent times \nSYN CONTEMPORARY:\nthe modern industrial world * Modern European history * modern Greek * Stress is a major problem of modern life. * Shakespeare’s language can be a problem for modern readers.\n  2  [only before noun] (of styles in art, music, fashion, etc.) new and intended to be different from traditional styles\nSYN CONTEMPORARY:\nmodern art / architecture / drama / jazz\n  3  (usually approving) using the latest technology, designs, materials, etc.\nSYN UP-TO-DATE:\na modern computer system * modern methods of farming * the most modern, well-equipped hospital in London\n  4  (of ways of behaving, thinking, etc.) new and not always accepted by most members of society:\nShe has very modern ideas about educating her children.


Words: modern language
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) a language that is spoken or written now, especially a European language, such as French or Spanish, that you study at school, university or college:\nthe department of modern languages * a degree in modern languages * a modern language teacher


Words: modern-day
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  of the present time \nSYN CONTEMPORARY:\nmodern-day America\n  2  used to describe a modern form of sb/sth, usually sb/sth bad or unpleasant, that existed in the past:\nIt has been called modern-day slavery.


Words: modernism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  modern ideas or methods\n  2  a style and movement in art, architecture and literature popular in the middle of the 20th century in which modern ideas, methods and materials were used rather than traditional ones\ncompare POSTMODERNISM\n    modernist  adjective [only before noun]:\nmodernist art\n    modernist noun


Words: modernistic
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a painting, building, piece of furniture, etc.) painted, designed, etc. in a very modern style


Words: modernity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) the condition of being new and modern:\na style of architecture that combines tradition and modernity


Words: modernize
Meaning:
(BrE also modernise)  verb\n  1  [VN] to make a system, methods, etc. more modern and more suitable for use at the present time\nSYN UPDATE:\nThe company is investing $9 million to modernize its factories. * a campaign to modernize the voting system\n  2  [V] to start using modern equipment, ideas, etc:\nUnfortunately we lack the resources to modernize.\n    modernization, modernisation  noun [U]


Words: modest
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not very large, expensive, important, etc:\nmodest improvements / reforms * He charged a relatively modest fee. * a modest little house * The research was carried out on a modest scale.\n  2  (approving) not talking much about your own abilities or possessions:\nShe’s very modest about her success. * You’re too modest!\nOPP IMMODEST\n  3  (of people, especially women, or their clothes) shy about showing much of the body; not intended to attract attention, especially in a sexual way:\na modest dress\nOPP IMMODEST\n    modestly adverb:\n’I’m not a very good painter,’ he said modestly. * She is always modestly dressed. * modestly priced goods


Words: modesty
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the fact of not talking much about your abilities or possessions:\nHe accepted the award with characteristic modesty. * I hate false (= pretended) modesty.\n  2  the action of behaving or dressing so that you do not show your body or attract sexual attention\n  3  the state of being not very large, expensive, important, etc:\nThey tried to disguise the modesty of their achievements.


Words: modicum
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (formal) a fairly small amount, especially of sth good or pleasant:\nThey should win, given a modicum of luck.


Words: modification
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] ~ (of / to / in sth) the act or process of changing sth in order to improve it or make it more acceptable; a change that is made:\nConsiderable modification of the existing system is needed. * It might be necessary to make a few slight modifications to the design.


Words: modifier
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) a word, such as an adjective or adverb, that describes another word or group of words, or restricts its/their meaning in some way:\nIn ’speak quietly’, the adverb ’quietly’ is a modifier.


Words: modify
Meaning:
verb (modifies, modifying, modified, modified) [VN] \n  1  to change sth slightly, especially in order to make it more suitable for a particular purpose\nSYN ADAPT:\nThe office software has been modified over the years. * Patients are taught how to modify their diet. * We found it cheaper to modify existing equipment rather than buy new. -> CHANGE\n  2  to make sth less extreme:\nto modify your behaviour / language / views\n  3  (grammar) a word, such as an adjective or adverb, that modifies another word or group of words describes it or restricts its meaning in some way:\nIn ’walk slowly’, the adverb ’slowly’ modifies the verb ’walk’.


Words: modular
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a course of study, especially at a British university or college) consisting of separate units from which students may choose several:\na modular course\n  2  (of machines, buildings, etc.) consisting of separate parts or units that can be joined together


Words: modulate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] (formal) to change the quality of your voice in order to create a particular effect by making it louder, softer, lower, etc.\n  2  [V] ~ (from sth) (to / into sth) (music) to change from one musical KEY (= set of notes) to another\n  3  [VN] (technical) to affect sth so that it becomes more regular, slower, etc:\ndrugs that effectively modulate the disease process\n  4  [VN] (technical) to change the rate at which a sound wave or radio signal VIBRATES (= the FREQUENCY) so that it is clearer\n    modulation  noun [U, C]


Words: module
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a unit that can form part of a course of study, especially at a college or university in Britain:\nThe course consists of ten core modules and five optional modules.\n  2  (computing) a unit of a computer system or program that has a particular function:\nsoftware modules * a tutorial module\n  3  one of a set of separate parts or units that can be joined together to make a machine, a piece of furniture, a building, etc.\n  4  a unit of a spacecraft that can function independently of the main part:\nthe lunar module


Words: modus operandi
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (from Latin, formal) a particular method of working:\nThe police gave a full description of the thief’s modus operandi.


Words: modus vivendi
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (from Latin, formal) an arrangement that is made between people, institutions or countries who have very different opinions or ideas, so that they can live or work together without quarrelling:\nThe two states reached a kind of modus vivendi.


Words: mohair
Meaning:
noun\n[U] soft wool or fabric made from the fine hair of the ANGORA goat, used for making clothes:\na mohair sweater


Words: Mohican
Meaning:
noun\na way of cutting the hair in which the head is shaved except for a strip of hair in the middle that is made to stick up\n    Mohican adjective:\na punk with a Mohican haircut


Words: moist
Meaning:
adjective\nslightly wet:\nwarm moist air * a rich moist cake * Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist. * Her eyes were moist (= with tears).\n    moistness noun [U]


Words: moisture
Meaning:
noun\n[U] very small drops of water that are present in the air, on a surface or in a substance:\nthe skin’s natural moisture * a material that is designed to absorb / retain moisture


Words: moisturize
Meaning:
(BrE also moisturise)  verb\nto put a special cream on your skin to make it less dry:\n[VN] a moisturizing cream / lotion * [V] a product that soothes and moisturizes


Words: moisturizer
Meaning:
(BrE also moisturiser)  noun\n[C, U] a cream that is used to make the skin less dry:\nAfter sunbathing, always apply moisturizer.


Words: molar
Meaning:
noun\nany of the twelve large teeth at the back of the mouth used for crushing and chewing food\ncompare CANINE, INCISOR


Words: mole
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a small animal with dark grey fur, that is almost blind and digs tunnels under the ground to live in\nsee also MOLEHILL\n  2  a small dark brown mark on the skin, sometimes slightly higher than the skin around it\ncompare FRECKLE\n  3  a person who works within an organization and secretly passes important information to another organization or country\n  4  (chemistry) a unit for measuring the amount of a substance


Words: molecule
Meaning:
noun\nthe smallest unit, usually consisting of a group of atoms, into which a substance can be divided without a change in its chemical nature:\nA molecule of water consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen.\n    molecular  adjective [only before noun]:\nmolecular structure / biology


Words: molehill
Meaning:
noun\na small pile of earth that a MOLE leaves on the surface of the ground when it digs underground\n IDIOMS  see MOUNTAIN


Words: molest
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to attack sb, especially a child, sexually\n  2  (old-fashioned) to attack sb physically:\nThe couple were molested while walking through the park.\n    molestation  noun [U]\n    molester  noun:\na child molester


Words: mollify
Meaning:
verb\n(mollifies, mollifying, mollified, mollified) [VN] (formal) to make sb feel less angry or upset\nSYN PLACATE:\nHis explanation failed to mollify her.


Words: mollusc
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE mollusk)  noun\n(technical) any creature with a soft body that is not divided into different sections, and usually a hard outer shell. SNAILS and SLUGS are molluscs.\ncompare BIVALVE, SHELLFISH


Words: mollycoddle
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (disapproving, becoming old-fashioned) to protect sb too much and make their life too comfortable and safe:\nShe was mollycoddled as a child.\ncompare CODDLE


Words: Molotov cocktail
Meaning:
(BrE also petrol bomb) noun\na simple bomb that consists of a bottle filled with petrol/gas and a piece of fabric in the end that is made to burn just before the bomb is thrown


Words: molten
Meaning:
adjective\n(of metal, rock, or glass) heated to a very high temperature so that it becomes liquid:\nmolten lead * a stream of molten lava


Words: mom-and-pop
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (AmE) (of a shop or business) owned and run by a husband and wife, or by a family


Words: moment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a very short period of time:\nCould you wait a moment, please? * One moment, please (= Please wait a short time). * He thought for a moment before replying. * I’ll be back in a moment. * We arrived not a moment too soon (= almost too late). * Moments later (= a very short time later), I heard a terrible crash.\n  2  [sing.] an exact point in time:\nWe’re busy at the moment (= now). * I agreed in a moment of weakness. * At that very moment, the phone rang. * From that moment on, she never felt really well again.\n  3  [C] a particular occasion; a time for doing sth:\nI haven’t finished. I’m still waiting for a quiet moment. * I’m waiting for the right moment to tell him the bad news. * That was one of the happiest moments of my life. * Have I caught you at a bad moment?\n IDIOMS \n  for the moment / present for now; for a short time:\nThis house is big enough for the moment, but we’ll have to move if we have children.\n  have it’s / your moments to have short times that are better, more interesting, etc. than others:\nI found the play rather boring, but it had its moments.\n  the moment of truth a time when sb/sth is tested, or when important decisions are made:\nThe moment of truth is when the trainee pilots take over the controls of the plane.\n  of moment very important:\nmatters of great moment\n  of the moment (of a person, a job, an issue, etc.) famous, important and talked about a lot now:\nShe’s the fashion designer of the moment.\nmore at JUST adv., LAST det., MINUTE n., NOTICE n., PSYCHOLOGICAL, SPUR n., WAIT v.


Words: momentarily
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  for a very short time\nSYN BRIEFLY:\nHe paused momentarily. * She was momentarily blinded by the light.\n  2  (AmE, spoken) very soon; in a moment:\nI’ll be with you momentarily.


Words: momentary
Meaning:
adjective\nlasting for a very short time\nSYN BRIEF:\na momentary lapse of concentration * momentary confusion


Words: momentous
Meaning:
adjective\nvery important or serious, especially because there may be important results:\na momentous decision / event / occasion


Words: momentum
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the ability to keep increasing or developing:\nThe fight for his release gathers momentum each day. * They began to lose momentum in the second half of the game.\n  2  a force that is gained by movement:\nThe vehicle gained momentum as the road dipped.\n  3  (technical) the quantity of movement of a moving object, measured as its MASS (= weight) multiplied by its speed


Words: monarchical
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) connected with a ruler such as a king or a queen or with the system of government by a king or queen:\nmonarchical rule / power


Words: monarchist
Meaning:
noun\na person who believes that a country should be ruled by a king or queen\n    monarchist adjective


Words: monarchy
Meaning:
noun (plural monarchies)\n  1  (the monarchy) a system of government by a king or a queen:\nplans to abolish the monarchy\n  2  a country that is ruled by a king or a queen:\nThere are several constitutional monarchies in Europe.\ncompare REPUBLIC\n  3  (the monarchy) the king or queen of a country and their family


Words: monastery
Meaning:
noun\n(plural monasteries) a building in which MONKS (= members of a male religious community) live together


Words: monastic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with MONKS or monasteries:\na monastic community * monastic lands\n  2  (of a way of life) simple and quiet and possibly CELIBATE:\nHe leads a monastic life with very little contact with other people.


Words: Monday
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (abbreviation Mon.) the day of the week after Sunday and before Tuesday, the first day of the working week:\nIt’s Monday today, isn’t it? * She started work last Monday. * Are you busy next Monday? * Monday morning / afternoon / evening * We’ll discuss this at Monday’s meeting. * Do we still have Monday’s paper? * I work Monday to Friday. * I work Mondays to Fridays. * On Monday(s) (= Every Monday) I do yoga. * I always do yoga on a Monday. * He was born on a Monday. * I went to Paris on Thursday, and came back the following Monday. * We’ll meet on Monday. * (BrE) ’When did the accident happen?’ ’It was the Monday (= the Monday of the week we are talking about).’ * (BrE) Come back Monday week (= a week after next Monday). (informal or AmE) We’ll meet Monday.\n ORIGIN  From the Old English for ’day of the moon’, translated from Latin lunae dies.


Words: monetarism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the policy of controlling the amount of money available in a country as a way of keeping the economy strong


Words: monetary
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with money, especially all the money in a country:\nmonetary policy / growth * an item of little monetary value * closer European political, monetary and economic union


Words: money
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] what you earn by working or selling things, and use to buy things:\nto borrow / save / spend / earn money * How much money is there in my account? * The money is much better in my new job. * If the item is not satisfactory, you will get your money back. * We’ll need to raise more money (= collect or borrow it) next year. * Can you lend me some money until tomorrow?\n \n  2  [U] coins or paper notes:\nI counted the money carefully. * Where can I change my money into dollars?\nsee also PAPER MONEY, READY MONEY\n \n  3  [U] a person’s wealth including their property:\nHe lost all his money. * The family made their money in the 18th century.\n  4  (moneys or monies) [pl.] (old use or law) sums of money:\na statement of all monies paid into your account\n HELP NOTE  You will find other compounds ending in money at their place in the alphabet.\n IDIOMS \n  be in the money (informal) to have a lot of money to spend\n  for my money (informal) in my opinion:\nFor my money, he’s one of the greatest comedians of all time.\n  get your money’s worth to get enough value or enjoyment out of sth, considering the amount of money, time, etc. that you are spending on it:\nLet’s spend all day there and really get our money’s worth.\n  good money a lot of money; money that you earn with hard work:\nThousands of people paid good money to watch the band perform. * Don’t waste good money on that!\n  have money to burn to have so much money that you do not have to be careful with it\n  made of money (informal) very rich:\nI’m not made of money, you know!\n  make money to earn a lot of money; to make a profit:\nThe movie should make money. * There’s money to be made from tourism.\n  make / lose money hand over fist to make/lose money very fast and in large quantities\n  money for jam / old rope (BrE, informal) money that is earned very easily, for sth that needs little effort:\nThe job only took about an hour-it was money for old rope.\n  money is no object money is not sth that needs to be considered, because there is plenty of it available:\nShe travels around the world as if money is no object.\n  money talks (saying) people who have a lot of money have more power and influence than others:\nMoney talks in today’s harsh economic climate.\n  on the money (AmE) correct; accurate:\nHis prediction was right on the money.\n  put money into sth to invest money in a business or a particular project:\nWe would welcome interest from anyone prepared to put money into the club.\n  put your money on sb/sth\n1 to bet that a particular horse, dog, etc. will win a race\n2 to feel very sure that sth is true or that sb will succeed:\nHe’ll be there tonight. I’d put money on it.\n  put your money where your mouth is (informal) to support what you say by doing sth practical; to show by your actions that you really mean sth\n  throw your money about / around (informal) to spend money in a careless and obvious way\n  throw good money after bad (disapproving) to spend more money on sth, when you have wasted a lot on it already\n  throw money at sth (disapproving) to try to deal with a problem or improve a situation by spending money on it, when it would be better to deal with it in other ways:\nIt is inappropriate simply to throw money at these problems.\nmore at CAREFUL, COIN v., COLOUR n., EASY adj., GROW, LICENCE n., LOVE n., MARRY, OBJECT, POT n., ROLL v., RUN n.


Words: money box
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) a small closed box with a narrow opening and sometimes with a lock and key, into which children put coins as a way of saving money\ncompare PIGGY BANK


Words: money market
Meaning:
noun\nthe banks and other institutions that lend or borrow money, and buy and sell foreign money:\nThe dollar had a steady day on the money markets.


Words: money supply
Meaning:
noun\n[sing., U] (economics) the total amount of money that exists in the economy of a country at a particular time:\nto control / increase / reduce the money supply * a rapid growth in (the) money supply


Words: money-back guarantee
Meaning:
noun\nan official promise by a shop/store, etc. to return the money you have paid for sth if it is not satisfactory


Words: money-grubbing
Meaning:
(also money-grabbing) adjective\n[only before noun] (informal, disapproving) trying to get a lot of money\n    money-grubber (also money-grabber) noun


Words: moneylender
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned) a person whose business is lending money, usually at a very high rate of interest


Words: moneymaker
Meaning:
noun\na product, business, etc. that produces a large profit\n    moneymaking adjective:\na moneymaking movie\n    moneymaking noun [U]


Words: monitor
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a television screen used to show particular kinds of information; a screen that shows information from a computer:\nThe details of today’s flights are displayed on the monitor. * a PC with a 17 inch colour monitor\nsee also VDU\n \n  2  a piece of equipment used to check or record sth:\na heart monitor\n \n  3  a student in a school who carries out special duties, such as helping the teacher\n \n  4  a person whose job is to check that sth is done fairly and honestly, especially in a foreign country:\nUN monitors declared the referendum fair.\n    verb\n  1  to watch and check sth over a period of time in order to see how it develops, so that you can make any necessary changes:\n[VN] Each student’s progress is closely monitored. [also V wh-]\n  2  [VN] to listen to telephone calls, foreign radio broadcasts, etc. in order to find out information that might be useful


Words: monk
Meaning:
noun\na member of a religious group of men who often live apart from other people in a MONASTERY and who do not marry or have personal possessions:\nBenedictine / Buddhist monks\ncompare FRIAR, NUN\nsee also MONKISH


Words: monkey
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  an animal with a long tail, that climbs trees and lives in hot countries. There are several types of monkey and they are related to APES and humans.\n \n  2  (informal) a child who is active and likes playing tricks on people:\nCome here, you cheeky little monkey!\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  I don’t / couldn’t give a monkey’s (BrE, slang) used to say, in a way that is not very polite, that you do not care about sth, or are not at all interested in it:\nI don’t give a monkey’s whether you want to come or not.\n \n  make a monkey (out) of sb to make sb seem stupid\nmore at BRASS


Words: monkey business
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (informal) dishonest or silly behaviour:\nThere’s been some monkey business going on here.


Words: mono
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective recording or producing sound which comes from only one direction:\na mono recording\ncompare STEREO\n    noun [U]\n  1  a system of recording or producing sound which comes from only one direction:\nrecorded in mono\ncompare STEREO\n  2  (AmE, informal) = GLANDULAR FEVER


Words: monochrome
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of photographs, etc.) using only black, white and shades of grey:\nmonochrome illustrations / images * (figurative) a dull monochrome life\n  2  using different shades of one colour:\nmonochrome furnishings\n    monochromatic  adjective:\na monochromatic colour scheme\n    monochrome noun [U]:\nan artist who works in monochrome


Words: monocle
Meaning:
noun\na single glass LENS for one eye, held in place by the muscles around the eye and used by people in the past to help them see clearly


Words: monogamy
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the fact or custom of being married to only one person at a particular time\ncompare BIGAMY, POLYGAMY\n  2  the practice or custom of having a sexual relationship with only one partner at a particular time\n    monogamous  adjective:\na monogamous marriage * Most birds are monogamous.


Words: monogram
Meaning:
noun\ntwo or more letters, usually the first letters of sb’s names, that are combined in a design and marked on items of clothing, etc. that they own:\nThe shirt had a tiny monogram embroidered on the pocket.\n    monogrammed adjective:\na monogrammed handkerchief


Words: monolingual
Meaning:
adjective\nspeaking or using only one language:\na monolingual dictionary\ncompare BILINGUAL, MULTILINGUAL


Words: monolith
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a large single upright block of stone, especially one that was shaped into a column by people living in ancient times, and that may have had some religious meaning\n  2  (often disapproving) a single, very large organization, etc. that is very slow to change and not interested in individual people:\nthe monolith of the state\n    monolithic  adjective:\na monolithic block * the monolithic structure of the state


Words: monologue
Meaning:
(AmE also monolog)  noun\n  1  [C] a long speech by one person during a conversation that stops other people from speaking or expressing an opinion:\nHe went into a long monologue about life in America.\n  2  [U, C] a long speech in a play, film/movie, etc. spoken by one actor, especially when alone\n  3  [C, U] a dramatic story, especially in verse, told or performed by one person:\na dramatic monologue\ncompare DIALOGUE, SOLILOQUY


Words: monopolistic
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) controlling or trying to get complete control over sth, especially an industry or a company:\nmonopolistic corporations


Words: monopolize
Meaning:
(BrE also monopolise)  verb [VN] \n  1  to have or take control of the largest part of sth so that other people are prevented from sharing it:\nMen traditionally monopolized jobs in the printing industry. * As usual, she completely monopolized the conversation.\n  2  to have or take a large part of sb’s attention or time so that they are unable to speak to or deal with other people:\nDon’t let him monopolize you like he did at the last party.\n    monopolization, monopolisation  noun [U]


Words: monopoly
Meaning:
noun (plural monopolies)\n  1  ~ (in / of / on sth) (business) the complete control of trade in particular goods or the supply of a particular service; a type of goods or a service that is controlled in this way:\nIn the past central government had a monopoly on television broadcasting. * Electricity, gas and water were considered to be natural monopolies.\n  2  [usually sing.] ~ in / of / on sth the complete control, possession or use of sth; a thing that belongs only to one person or group and that other people cannot share:\nManagers do not have a monopoly on stress. * A good education should not be the monopoly of the rich.\ncompare DUOPOLY


Words: monorail
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a railway/railroad system in which trains travel along a track consisting of a single rail, usually one placed high above the ground\n  2  [C] a train used in a monorail system


Words: monosodium glutamate
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (abbreviation MSG) a chemical compound that is sometimes added to food to improve its flavour


Words: monosyllabic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having only one syllable:\na monosyllabic word / reply\n  2  (of a person or their way of speaking) saying very little, in a way that appears rude to other people:\nRalph grew increasingly monosyllabic as the evening progressed.


Words: monosyllable
Meaning:
noun\na word with only one syllable, for example, ’it’ or ’no’:\nHe answered all her attempts at conversation with monosyllables.


Words: monotheism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the belief that there is only one God\ncompare POLYTHEISM\n    monotheist  noun\n    monotheistic  adjective


Words: monotone
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [sing.] a dull sound or way of speaking in which the tone and volume remain the same and therefore seem boring:\nHe spoke in a flat monotone.\n    adjective [only before noun] without any changes or differences in sound or colour:\nHe spoke in a monotone drawl. * monotone engravings


Words: monotonous
Meaning:
adjective\nnever changing and therefore boring:\na monotonous voice / diet / routine * monotonous work * New secretaries came and went with monotonous regularity.\n    monotonously adverb:\nAs the clock ticked monotonously on the wall Mr Simons slowly and methodically cut up and ate his food.


Words: Monsignor
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation Mgr) used as a title when speaking to or about a priest of high rank in the Roman Catholic Church


Words: monsoon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a period of heavy rain in summer in S Asia; the rain that falls during this period\n  2  a wind in S Asia that blows from the south-west in summer, bringing rain, and the north-east in winter


Words: monster
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  (in stories) an imaginary creature that is very large, ugly and frightening:\na monster with three heads * prehistoric monsters\n  2  an animal or a thing that is very large or ugly:\nTheir dog’s an absolute monster!\n  3  a person who is very cruel and evil\n  4  (humorous) a child who behaves badly\n    adjective [only before noun] (informal) unusually large:\nmonster mushrooms


Words: monstrosity
Meaning:
noun\n(plural monstrosities) something that is very large and very ugly, especially a building:\na concrete monstrosity


Words: monstrous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  considered to be shocking and unacceptable because it is morally wrong or unfair:\na monstrous lie / injustice\n  2  very large:\na monstrous wave\n  3  very large, ugly and frightening:\na monstrous figure / creature\n    monstrously adverb:\nmonstrously unfair * a monstrously fat man


Words: montage
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a picture, film/movie or piece of music or writing that consists of many separate items put together, especially in an interesting or unusual combination:\na photographic montage\n  2  [U] the process of making a montage


Words: month
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] any of the twelve periods of time into which the year is divided, for example May or June:\nthe month of August * We’re moving house next month. * She earns $1 000 a month. * The rent is ｣300 per month. * Have you read this month’s ’Physics World’? * Prices continue to rise month after month (= over a period of several months). * Her anxiety mounted month by month (= as each month passed).\nsee also CALENDAR MONTH\n  2  [C] a period of about 30 days, for example, 3 June to 3 July:\nThe baby is three months old. * a three-month-old baby * They lived in Toronto during their first few months of marriage. * several months later * a six-month contract * a month-long strike * He visits Paris once or twice a month.\nsee also LUNAR MONTH\n  3  (months) [pl.] a long time, especially a period of several months:\nHe had to wait for months for the visas to come through. * It will be months before we get the results.\n IDIOMS \n  in a month of Sundays (spoken) used to emphasize that sth will never happen:\nYou won’t find it, not in a month of Sundays.\nmore at FLAVOUR n.


Words: monthly
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, noun \n    adjective\n  1  happening once a month or every month:\na monthly meeting / visit / magazine\n  2  paid, valid or calculated for one month:\na monthly salary of ｣1 000 * a monthly season ticket * Summers are hot, with monthly averages above 22ｰC.\n    adverb every month or once a month:\nShe gets paid monthly.\n    noun (plural monthlies) a magazine published once a month:\nthe fashion monthlies


Words: monty
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  the full monty the full amount that people expect or want:\nThey’ll do the full monty (= take off all their clothes) if you pay them enough.


Words: monument
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1   (to sb/sth) a building, column, statue, etc. built to remind people of a famous person or event:\nA monument to him was erected in St Paul’s Cathedral.\n \n  2  a building that has special historical importance:\nan ancient monument\n \n  3   to sth a thing that remains as a good example of sb’s qualities or of what they did:\nThese recordings are a monument to his talent as a pianist.


Words: monumental
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] very important and having a great influence, especially as the result of years of work:\na monumental achievement * Gibbon’s monumental work ’The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire’\n  2  [only before noun] very large, good, bad, stupid, etc:\na book of monumental significance * We have a monumental task ahead of us. * It seems like an act of monumental folly. * We must act now to avert a disaster of monumental proportions.\n  3  [only before noun] appearing in or serving as a monument:\na monumental inscription / tomb * a monumental mason (= a person who makes monuments)


Words: mooch
Meaning:
verb (informal)\n  1  [V +adv./prep.] (BrE) to walk slowly with no particular purpose; to be somewhere not doing very much:\nHe’s happy to mooch around the house all day. * We had coffee then mooched down to the beach.\n  2  ~ (sth) (off sb) (AmE) to get money, food, etc. from sb else instead of paying for it yourself:\n[V] He’s always mooching off his friends. [also VN]


Words: mood
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] the way you are feeling at a particular time:\nShe’s in a good mood today (= happy and friendly). * He’s always in a bad mood (= unhappy, or angry and impatient). * to be in a foul / filthy mood * Some addicts suffer violent mood swings (= changes of mood) if deprived of the drug. * Wait until he’s in a better mood before you ask him. * I’m just not in the mood for a party tonight. * Let’s not talk about it now. I’m not in the mood. * He was in no mood for being polite to visitors.\n  2  [C] a period of being angry or impatient:\nI wonder why he’s in such a mood today. * She was in one of her moods (= one of her regular periods of being angry or impatient).\n  3  [sing.] the way a group of people feel about sth; the atmosphere in a place or among a group of people:\nThe mood of the meeting was distinctly pessimistic. * The movie captures the mood of the interwar years perfectly.\n  4  [C] (grammar) any of the sets of verb forms that show whether what is said or written is certain, possible, necessary, etc.\n  5  [C] (grammar) one of the categories of verb use that expresses facts, orders, questions, wishes or conditions:\nthe indicative / imperative / subjunctive mood


Words: mood music
Meaning:
noun\n[U] popular music intended to create a particular atmosphere, especially a relaxed or romantic one


Words: moody
Meaning:
adjective (moodier, moodiest)\n  1  having moods that change quickly and often:\nMoody people are very difficult to deal with.\n  2  bad-tempered or upset, often for no particular reason:\nWhy are you so moody today?\n  3  (of a film / movie, piece of music or place) suggesting particular emotions, especially sad ones:\nShe gazed out at the moody grey sea.\n    moodily  adverb:\nHe stared moodily into the fire.\n    moodiness noun [U]


Words: moon
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (usually the moon) (also the Moon) [sing.] the round object that moves around the earth once every 28 days and shines at night by light reflected from the sun:\nthe surface of the moon * a moon landing\n \n  2  [sing.] the moon as it appears in the sky at a particular time:\na crescent moon * There’s no moon tonight (= no moon can be seen). * By the light of the moon I could just make out shapes and outlines.\nsee also FULL MOON, HALF-MOON, NEW MOON\n \n  3  [C] a natural SATELLITE that moves around a planet other than the earth:\nHow many moons does Jupiter have?\n IDIOMS \n  ask, cry, etc. for the moon (BrE, informal) to ask for sth that is difficult or impossible to get or achieve:\nWanting a decent job and a home is hardly asking for the moon.\n  many moons ago (literary) a very long time ago:\nAll that happened many moons ago.\n  over the moon (informal, especially BrE) extremely happy and excited:\nThey’re over the moon about their trip to Japan.\nmore at ONCE adv., PROMISE v.\n    verb [V] (informal) to show your bottom to people in a public place as a joke or an insult\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  moon about / around (BrE, informal) to spend time doing nothing or walking around with no particular purpose, especially because you are unhappy\n  moon over sb (informal) to spend time thinking about sb that you love, especially when other people think this is silly or annoying


Words: moonlight
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] the light of the moon:\nto go for a walk by moonlight / in the moonlight * The floor was dappled with pale moonlight.\n IDIOMS  see FLIT n.\n    verb (moonlighted, moonlighted) [V] (informal) to have a second job that you do secretly, usually without paying tax on the extra money that you earn:\nHe spent years moonlighting as a cab driver.


Words: moonscape
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a view of the surface of the moon\n  2  an area of land that is bare and empty and looks like the surface of the moon


Words: moonshine
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (old-fashioned, AmE) whisky or other strong alcoholic drinks made and sold illegally\n  2  (informal) silly talk \nSYN NONSENSE


Words: Moor
Meaning:
noun\na member of a race of Muslim people living in NW Africa who entered and took control of part of Spain in the 8th century\n    Moorish  adjective:\nthe Moorish architecture of Cordoba in Spain


Words: moor
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] (especially BrE) a high open area of land that is not used for farming, especially an area covered with rough grass and HEATHER:\nthe North York moors * to go for a walk on the moors\n  2  [U] = MOORLAND:\nmoor and rough grassland\n    verb ~ sth (to sth) to attach a boat, ship, etc. to a fixed object or to the land with a rope, or ANCHOR it: [V] We moored off the north coast of the island. * [VN] A number of fishing boats were moored to the quay.


Words: mooring
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (moorings) [pl.] the ropes, chains, etc. by which a ship or boat is MOORED:\nThe boat slipped its moorings and drifted out to sea.\n \n  2  [C] the place where a ship or boat is MOORED:\nprivate moorings * to find a mooring * mooring ropes


Words: moorland
Meaning:
(also moor) noun\n[U, C, usually pl.] (especially BrE) land that consists of MOORS:\nwalking across open moorland


Words: moot
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (AmE) unlikely to happen and therefore not worth considering:\nHe argued that the issue had become moot since the board had changed its policy.\n IDIOMS \n  a moot point / question (BrE, AmE) a matter about which there may be disagreement or uncertainty:\nWhether this should be enforced by law or not is a moot point.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] (formal) to suggest an idea for people to discuss \nSYN PROPOSE, PUT FORWARD:\nThe plan was first mooted at last week’s meeting.


Words: mop
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a tool for washing floors that has a long handle with a bunch of thick strings or soft material at the end:\na mop and bucket\n \n  2  a kitchen UTENSIL (= a tool) for washing dishes, that has a short handle with soft material at one end\n \n  3  a mass of thick, often untidy, hair:\na mop of curly red hair\n    verb (-pp-) [VN] \n  1  to clean sth with a mop:\nShe wiped all the surfaces and mopped the floor.\n  2  ~ sth (from sth) to remove liquid from the surface of sth using a cloth:\nHe took out a handkerchief to mop his brow (= to remove the sweat).\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  mop sth/sb<->up to remove the liquid from sth using sth that absorbs it:\nDo you want some bread to mop up that sauce? * (figurative) A number of smaller companies were mopped up (= taken over) by the American multinational. * (figurative) New equipment mopped up (= used up) what was left of this year’s budget.\n  mop sb/sth<->up\n1 to complete or end sth by dealing with the final parts:\nThere are a few things that need mopping up before I can leave.\n2 to get rid of the last few people who continue to oppose you, especially by capturing or killing them:\nTroops combed the area to mop up any remaining resistance.


Words: mope
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to spend your time doing nothing and feeling sorry for yourself:\nMoping won’t do any good!\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  mope about / around ( ...) (disapproving) to spend time walking around a place with no particular purpose, especially because you feel sorry for yourself:\nInstead of moping around the house all day, you should be out there looking for a job.


Words: moquette
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a thick fabric with a soft surface made of a mass of small threads, used for making carpets and covering furniture


Words: moraine
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (technical) a mass of earth, stones, etc., carried along by a GLACIER and left when it melts


Words: moral
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] concerned with principles of right and wrong behaviour:\na moral issue / dilemma / question * traditional moral values * a decline in moral standards * moral philosophy * a deeply religious man with a highly developed moral sense * British newspapers were full of moral outrage at the weakness of other countries.\n  2  [only before noun] based on your own sense of what is right and fair, not on legal rights or duties:\nmoral responsibility / duty * Governments have at least a moral obligation to answer these questions. * (BrE) The job was to call on all her diplomatic skills and moral courage (= the courage to do what you think is right).\n  3  following the standards of behaviour considered acceptable and right by most people:\nHe led a very moral life. * a very moral person\ncompare AMORAL, IMMORAL\n  4  [only before noun] able to understand the difference between right and wrong:\nChildren are not naturally moral beings.\n IDIOMS \n  take, claim, seize, etc. the moral high ground to claim that your side of an argument is morally better than your opponents’ side; to argue in a way that makes your side seem morally better\n    noun\n  1  (morals) [pl.] standards or principles of good behaviour, especially in matters of sexual relationships:\nYoung people these days have no morals. * The play was considered an affront to public morals. * The question is one of manners rather than morals. * (old-fashioned) a woman of loose morals (= with a low standard of sexual behaviour)\n  2  [C] a practical lesson that a story, an event or an experience teaches you:\nAnd the moral is that crime doesn’t pay.


Words: moral fibre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE moral fiber) noun\n[U] the inner strength to do what you believe to be right in difficult situations:\nIt isn’t just a lack of moral fibre that leads to a rising divorce rate.


Words: moral support
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of giving encouragement by showing your approval and interest, rather than by giving financial or practical support:\nMy sister came along just to give me some moral support.


Words: moral victory
Meaning:
noun\na situation in which your ideas or principles are proved to be right and fair, even though you may not have succeeded where practical results are concerned:\nIn spite of the result, we felt we had won a moral victory.


Words: morale
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the amount of confidence and enthusiasm, etc. that a person or a group has at a particular time:\nto boost / raise / improve morale * Morale amongst the players is very high at the moment. * Staff are suffering from low morale. * Another win would be good for the team’s morale.


Words: moralist
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (often disapproving) a person who has strong ideas about moral principles, especially one who tries to tell other people how they should behave\n  2  a person who teaches or writes about moral principles


Words: moralistic
Meaning:
adjective\n(usually disapproving) having or showing very fixed ideas about what is right and wrong, especially when this causes you to judge other people’s behaviour


Words: morality
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] principles concerning right and wrong or good and bad behaviour:\nmatters of public / private morality * Standards of morality seem to be dropping.\n  2  [U] the degree to which sth is right or wrong, good or bad, etc. according to moral principles:\na debate on the morality of abortion\n  3  [U] a system of moral principles followed by a particular group of people:\nChristian morality\ncompare IMMORALITY


Words: morality play
Meaning:
noun\na type of play that was popular in the 15th and 16th centuries and was intended to teach a moral lesson, using characters to represent good and bad qualities


Words: moralize
Meaning:
(BrE also moralise)  verb\n[V] (usually disapproving) to tell other people what is right and wrong especially in order to emphasize that your opinions are correct:\nHe’s always moralizing about ’young people today’.


Words: morally
Meaning:
adverb\naccording to principles of good behaviour and what is considered to be right or wrong:\nto act morally * morally right / wrong / justified / unacceptable * He felt morally responsible for the accident.


Words: morass
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.] (written)\n  1  an unpleasant and complicated situation that is difficult to escape from:\na morass of lies and deceit * We got bogged down in a morass of detail and bureaucratic red tape.\n  2  a dangerous area of low soft wet land


Words: moratorium
Meaning:
noun\n(plural moratoriums or moratoria ) ~ (on sth) a temporary stopping of an activity, especially by official agreement:\nThe convention called for a two-year moratorium on commercial whaling.


Words: morbid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having or expressing a strong interest in sad or unpleasant things, especially disease or death:\nHe had a morbid fascination with blood. * ’He might even die.’ ’Don’t be so morbid.’ * She watched with morbid curiosity. * My mind was filled with morbid thoughts of death.\n  2  (medical) connected with disease\n    morbidity  noun [U]\n    morbidly adverb


Words: mordant
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) critical and unkind, but funny:\nHis mordant wit appealed to students.\n    mordantly adverb


Words: more
Meaning:
determiner, pronoun, adverb \n    determiner, pronoun (used as the comparative of ’much’, ’a lot of’, ’many’) ~ (sth / of sth) (than ...) a larger number or amount of:\nmore bread / cars * Only two more days to go! * people with more money than sense * I can’t stand much more of this. * She earns a lot more than I do. * There is room for no more than three cars. * I hope we’ll see more of you (= see you again or more often).\n IDIOMS \n  more and more continuing to become larger in number or amount:\nMore and more people are using the Internet. * She spends more and more time alone in her room.\n    adverb ~ (than ...)\n  1  used to form the comparative of adjectives and adverbs with two or more syllables:\nShe was far more intelligent than her sister. * He read the letter more carefully the second time.\n  2  to a greater degree than sth else; to a greater degree than usual:\nI like her more than her husband. * a course for more advanced students * It had more the appearance of a deliberate crime than of an accident. * Could you repeat that once more (= one more time)? * I had no complaints and no more (= neither) did Tom. * Signing the forms is little more than (= only) a formality. * I’m more than happy (= extremely happy) to take you there in my car. * She was more than a little shaken (= extremely shaken) by the experience. * (formal) I will torment you no more (= no longer).\nsee also ANY MORE\n IDIOMS \n  more and more continuing to become larger in number or amount\nSYN INCREASINGLY:\nI was becoming more and more irritated by his behaviour.\n  more or less\n1 almost:\nI’ve more or less finished the book.\n2 approximately:\nShe could earn $200 a night, more or less.\n  what is more used to add a point that is even more important:\nYou’re wrong, and what’s more you know it!


Words: moreover
Meaning:
adverb\n(formal) used to introduce some new information that adds to or supports what you have said previously\nSYN IN ADDITION:\nA talented artist, he was, moreover, a writer of some note.


Words: mores
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (formal) the customs and behaviour that are considered typical of a particular social group or community:\nchanges in social mores


Words: morgue
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a building in which dead bodies are kept before they are buried or CREMATED (= burned)\ncompare MORTUARY\n  2  a place where dead bodies that have been found are kept until they can be identified


Words: moribund
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  (of an industry, an institution, a custom, etc.) no longer effective and about to come to an end completely:\na moribund company / economy\n  2  in a very bad condition; dying:\na moribund patient / tree


Words: Mormon
Meaning:
noun\na member of a religion formed by Joseph Smith in the US in 1830, officially called ’the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’:\na Mormon church / chapel


Words: morning
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the early part of the day from the time when people wake up until midday or before lunch:\nThey left for Spain early this morning. * See you tomorrow morning. * I prefer coffee in the morning. * She woke every morning at the same time. * Our group meets on Friday mornings. * I walk to work most mornings. * We got the news on the morning of the wedding. * He’s been in a meeting all morning. * the morning papers\n  2  the part of the day from midnight to midday:\nI didn’t get home until two in the morning! * He died in the early hours of Sunday morning.\n  3  (mornings) adverb in the morning of each day:\nI only work mornings.\n IDIOMS \n  Good morning used as a polite greeting when people first see each other in the morning; sometimes also used formally when people leave each other in the morning; in informal use people often just say Morning:\nGood morning, Mr Dixon. * Morning, Mike.\n  in the morning\n1 during the morning of the next day; tomorrow morning:\nI’ll give you a call in the morning.\n2 between midnight and midday:\nIt must have happened at about five o’clock in the morning.\n  morning, noon and night at all times of the day and night (used to emphasize that sth happens very often or that it happens continuously):\nShe talks about him morning, noon and night. * The work continues morning, noon and night.\nmore at OTHER adj.


Words: morning coat
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE cutaway) noun\na black or grey jacket for men, short at the front and very long at the back, worn as part of morning dress\ncompare TAILS (6)


Words: morning dress
Meaning:
noun\n[U] clothes worn by a man on very formal occasions, for example a wedding, including a morning coat and dark trousers/pants


Words: morning glory
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a climbing plant with flowers shaped like TRUMPETS that open in the morning and close in late afternoon


Words: morning room
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned, especially BrE) (in some large houses, especially in the past) a room that you sit in in the morning


Words: morning sickness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the need to VOMIT that some women feel, often only in the morning, when they are pregnant, especially in the first months


Words: morning-after
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  happening the next day, after an exciting or important event:\nAfter his election victory, the president held a morning-after news conference.\n  2  used to describe how sb feels the next morning, after an occasion when they have drunk too much alcohol:\na morning-after headache


Words: morocco
Meaning:
noun\n[U] fine soft leather made from the skin of a goat, used especially for making shoes and covering books


Words: moron
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) an offensive way of referring to sb that you think is very stupid:\nThey’re a bunch of morons. * You moron-now look what you’ve done!\n    moronic  adjective:\na moronic stare * a moronic TV programme


Words: morose
Meaning:
adjective\nunhappy, bad-tempered and not talking very much:\nShe just sat there looking morose.\n    morosely adverb:\nHe was staring morosely out of the window.


Words: morph
Meaning:
verb\n[V, VN] to change smoothly from one image to another using computer ANIMATION; to make an image change in this way\n    morphing noun [U]


Words: morpheme
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) the smallest unit of meaning that a word can be divided into:\nThe word ’like’ contains one morpheme but ’un-like-ly’ contains three.


Words: morphine
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a powerful drug that is made from OPIUM and used to reduce pain:\nCancer patients are often prescribed increasing doses of morphine.


Words: morphology
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (biology) the form and structure of animals and plants, studied as a science\n  2  (linguistics) the forms of words, studied as a branch of linguistics\ncompare GRAMMAR, SYNTAX\n    morphological  adjective


Words: morris dance
Meaning:
noun\na traditional English dance that is performed by people wearing special clothes decorated with bells and carrying sticks that they hit together\n    morris dancer noun\n    morris dancing noun [U]


Words: morrow
Meaning:
noun\n(the morrow) [sing.] (old-fashioned, literary) the next day; tomorrow:\nWe had to leave on the morrow. * Who knows what the morrow (= the future) will bring?


Words: Morse code
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a system for sending messages, using combinations of long and short sounds or flashes of light to represent letters of the alphabet and numbers


Words: morsel
Meaning:
noun\na small amount or a piece of sth, especially food:\na tasty morsel of food * He ate it all, down to the last morsel.


Words: mortal
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  that cannot live for ever and must die:\nWe are all mortal.\nOPP IMMORTAL\n  2  (literary) causing death or likely to cause death; very serious:\na mortal blow / wound * to be in mortal danger * (figurative) Her reputation suffered a mortal blow as a result of the scandal.\ncompare FATAL\n  3  [only before noun] (formal) lasting until death\nSYN DEADLY:\nmortal enemies * They were locked in mortal combat (= a fight that will only end with the death of one of them).\n  4  [only before noun] (formal) (of fear, terror, etc.) extreme:\nWe lived in mortal dread of him discovering our secret.\n    noun (often humorous) a human being, especially an ordinary person with little power or influence\nSYN HUMAN BEING:\nold stories about gods and mortals * (humorous) Such things are not for mere mortals like ourselves. * (humorous) She can deal with complicated numbers in her head, but we lesser mortals need calculators!


Words: mortal sin
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (in the Roman Catholic Church) a very serious SIN for which you can be sent to HELL unless you CONFESS and are forgiven


Words: mortality
Meaning:
noun (plural mortalities)\n  1  [U] the state of being human and not living for ever:\nAfter her mother’s death, she became acutely aware of her own mortality.\n  2  [U] the number of deaths in a particular situation or period of time:\nthe infant mortality rate (= the number of babies that die at or just after birth) * Mortality from lung cancer is still increasing.\n  3  [C] (technical) a death:\nhospital mortalities (= deaths in hospital)


Words: mortally
Meaning:
adverb (literary)\n  1  causing or resulting in death\nSYN FATALLY:\nmortally wounded / ill\n  2  extremely:\nmortally afraid / offended


Words: mortar
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] a mixture of sand, water, LIME and CEMENT used in building for holding bricks and stones together\n \n  2  [C] a heavy gun that fires bombs and SHELLS high into the air; the bombs that are fired by this gun:\nto come under mortar fire / attack\n \n  3  [C] a small hard bowl in which you can crush substances such as seeds and grains into powder with a special object (called a PESTLE)\n \n IDIOMS  see BRICK n.\n    verb [V, VN] to attack sb/sth using a mortar


Words: mortar board
Meaning:
noun\na black hat with a stiff square top, worn by some university teachers and students at special ceremonies\ncompare CAP (4)


Words: mortgage
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (also informal home loan) a legal agreement by which a bank or similar organization lends you money to buy a house, etc., and you pay the money back over a particular number of years; the sum of money that you borrow:\nto apply for / take out / pay off a mortgage * mortgage rates (= of interest) * a mortgage on the house * a mortgage of ｣60 000 * monthly mortgage repayments\n    verb [VN] to give a bank, etc. the legal right to own your house, land, etc. if you do not pay the money back that you have borrowed from the bank to buy the house or land:\nHe had to mortgage his house to pay his legal costs.


Words: mortgagor
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a person who borrows money from a bank or a similar organization to buy a house, etc.


Words: mortify
Meaning:
verb\n(mortifies, mortifying, mortified, mortified) [usually passive] to make sb feel very ashamed or embarrassed:\n[VN to inf] She was mortified to realize he had heard every word she said. [also VN, VN that]\n    mortification  noun [U]:\nImagine my mortification when I found out.\n    mortifying adjective:\nHow mortifying to have to apologize to him!


Words: mortise
Meaning:
(also mortice)  noun\n(technical) a hole cut in a piece of wood, etc. to receive the end of another piece of wood, so that the two are held together\nsee also TENON


Words: mortise lock
Meaning:
noun\na lock that is fitted inside a hole cut into the edge of a door, not one that is screwed into the surface of one side


Words: mortuary
Meaning:
noun (plural mortuaries)\n  1  (AmE) a room or building, for example part of a hospital, in which dead bodies are kept before they are buried or CREMATED (= burned)\n  2  (AmE) = FUNERAL PARLOUR\ncompare MORGUE


Words: mosaic
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a picture or pattern made by placing together small pieces of glass, stone, etc. of different colours:\na Roman mosaic * a design in mosaic * mosaic tiles * (figurative) A mosaic of fields, rivers and woods lay below us.


Words: mosey
Meaning:
verb\n[V +adv./prep.] (informal) to go in a particular direction slowly and with no definite purpose:\nHe moseyed on over to the bar.


Words: mosh
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to dance and jump up and down violently or without control at a concert where ROCK music is played


Words: Moslem
Meaning:
noun\n= MUSLIM\n    Moslem adjective = MUSLIM\n HELP NOTE  The form Moslem is sometimes considered offensive. Use Muslim.


Words: mosquito
Meaning:
noun\n(plural mosquitoes or less frequent mosquitos) a flying insect that bites humans and animals and sucks their blood. One type of mosquito can spread the disease MALARIA:\na mosquito bite


Words: moss
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a very small green or yellow plant without flowers that spreads over damp surfaces, rocks, trees, etc:\nmoss-covered walls\ncompare LICHEN\nsee also SPANISH MOSS


Words: most
Meaning:
determiner, pronoun, adverb \n    determiner, pronoun (used as the superlative of ’much’, ’a lot of’, ’many’)\n  1  the largest in number or amount:\nWho do you think will get (the) most votes? * She had the most money of all of them. * I spent most time on the first question. * Who ate the most? * The director has the most to lose.\n HELP NOTE  The can be left out in informal BrE.\n  2  more than half of sb/sth; almost all of sb/sth:\nI like most vegetables. * Most classical music sends me to sleep. * As most of you know, I’ve decided to resign. * Most of the people I had invited turned up. * There are thousands of verbs in English and most (of them) are regular.\n HELP NOTE  The is not used with most in this meaning.\n IDIOMS \n  at (the) most not more than:\nAs a news item it merits a short paragraph at most. * There were 50 people there, at the very most.\n    adverb\n  1  used to form the superlative of adjectives and adverbs of two or more syllables:\nthe most boring / beautiful part * It was the people with the least money who gave most generously.\n HELP NOTE  When most is followed only by an adverb, the is not used: This reason is mentioned most frequently, but the most frequently mentioned reason.\n  2  to the greatest degree:\nWhat did you enjoy (the) most? * It was what she wanted most of all.\n HELP NOTE  The is often left out in informal English.\n  3  (formal) very; extremely; completely:\nIt was most kind of you to meet me. * We shall most probably never meet again. * This technique looks easy, but it most certainly is not.\n  4  (AmE, informal) almost:\nI go to the store most every day.


Words: MOT
Meaning:
(also MOT test) noun\na test that any vehicle in Britain over three years old must take in order to make sure that it is safe and in good condition (abbreviation for ’Ministry of Transport’):\nI’ve got to take the car in for its MOT. * to pass / fail the MOT


Words: moth
Meaning:
noun\na flying insect with a long thin body and four large wings, like a BUTTERFLY, but less brightly coloured. Moths fly mainly at night and are attracted to bright lights.


Words: moth-eaten
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of clothes, etc.) damaged or destroyed by moths\n  2  (informal, disapproving) very old and in bad condition


Words: mothball
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a small white ball made of a chemical with a strong smell, used for keeping moths away from clothes\n IDIOMS \n  in mothballs stored and not in use, often for a long time:\nThe plan has been put in mothballs.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to decide not to use or develop sth, for a period of time, especially a piece of equipment or a plan:\nThe original proposal had been mothballed years ago.


Words: mother
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a female parent of a child or animal; a person who is acting as a mother to a child:\nI want to buy a present for my mother and father. * the relationship between mother and baby * She’s the mother of twins. * a mother of three (= with three children) * an expectant (= pregnant) mother * She was a wonderful mother to both her natural and adopted children. * the mother chimpanzee caring for her young\n  2  the title of a woman who is head of a CONVENT (= a community of NUNS)\nsee also MOTHER SUPERIOR\n IDIOMS \n  at your mother’s knee when you were very young:\nI learnt these songs at my mother’s knee.\n  the mother of (all) sth (informal) used to emphasize that sth is very large, unpleasant, important, etc:\nI got stuck in the mother of all traffic jams.\nmore at OLD\n    verb [VN] to care for sb/sth because you are their mother, or as if you were their mother:\nHe was a disturbed child who needed mothering. * Stop mothering me!


Words: mother country
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  the country where you or your family were born and which you feel a strong emotional connection with\n  2  the country that controls or used to control the government of another country


Words: mother figure
Meaning:
noun\nan older woman that you go to for advice, support, help, etc., as you would to a mother\nsee also FATHER FIGURE


Words: mother hen
Meaning:
noun\n(usually disapproving) a woman who likes to care for and protect people and who worries about them a lot


Words: mother lode
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (especially AmE) a very rich source of gold, silver, etc. in a mine: (figurative) Her own experiences have provided her with a mother lode of material for her songs.


Words: Mother Nature
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the natural world, when you consider it as a force that affects the world and human beings


Words: Mother Superior
Meaning:
noun\na woman who is the head of a female religious community, especially a CONVENT (= a community of NUNS)


Words: Mother’s Day
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a day on which mothers traditionally receive cards and gifts from their children, celebrated in Britain on the fourth Sunday in Lent and in the US on the 2nd Sunday in May


Words: mother-of-pearl
Meaning:
(also pearl) noun\n[U] the hard smooth shiny substance in various colours that forms a layer inside the shells of some types of shellfish and is used in making buttons, ornaments, etc.


Words: motherfucker
Meaning:
noun\n(!!! slang, especially AmE) an offensive word used to insult sb, especially a man, and to show anger or dislike


Words: motherhood
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of being a mother:\nMotherhood suits her. * She’s struggling to combine motherhood and a career as a lawyer.


Words: mothering
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of caring for and protecting children or other people:\nan example of good / poor mothering * mothering skills / instincts


Words: motherland
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) the country that you were born in and that you feel a strong emotional connection with\nsee also FATHERLAND


Words: motherless
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving no mother because she has died or does not live with you:\nchildren left motherless


Words: motherly
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving the qualities of a good mother; typical of a mother\nSYN MATERNAL:\nmotherly love / advice / instincts * She was a kind, motherly woman.


Words: motif
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a design or a pattern used as a decoration:\nwallpaper with a flower motif\n  2  a subject, an idea or a phrase that is repeated and developed in a work of literature or a piece of music\nsee also LEITMOTIF


Words: motion
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, sing.] the act or process of moving or the way sth moves:\nNewton’s laws of motion * The swaying motion of the ship was making me feel seasick. * (formal) Do not alight while the train is still in motion (= moving). * Rub the cream in with a circular motion.\nsee also SLOW MOTION\n  2  [C] a particular movement made usually with your hand or your head, especially to communicate sth\nSYN GESTURE:\nAt a single motion of his hand, the room fell silent. * She made a sawing motion with her hand.\n  3  [C] a formal proposal that is discussed and voted on at a meeting:\nto table / put forward a motion * to propose a motion (= to be the main speaker in favour of a motion) * The motion was adopted / carried by six votes to one.\n  4  [C] (BrE, formal) an act of emptying the bowels; the waste matter that is emptied from the bowels\n IDIOMS \n  go through the motions (of doing sth) to do or say sth because you have to, not because you really want to\n  set / put sth in motion to start sth moving:\nThey set the machinery in motion. * (figurative) The wheels of change have been set in motion.\n    verb ~ to sb (to do sth) | ~ (for) sb to do sth to make a movement, usually with your hand or head to show sb what you want them to do: [V] I motioned to the waiter. * She motioned him into her office. * He motioned for us to follow him. [also VN to inf]


Words: motion sickness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the unpleasant feeling that you are going to VOMIT, that some people have when they are moving, especially in a vehicle


Words: motivate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] [often passive] to be the reason why sb does sth or behaves in a particular way:\nHe is motivated entirely by self-interest.\n  2  to make sb want to do sth, especially sth that involves hard work and effort:\n[VN] She’s very good at motivating her students. * [VN to inf] The plan is designed to motivate employees to work more efficiently.\n    motivated adjective:\na racially motivated attack * a highly motivated student (= one who is very interested and works hard)\n    motivation  noun [C, U]:\nWhat is the motivation behind this sudden change? * Most people said that pay was their main motivation for working. * He’s intelligent enough but he lacks motivation.\n    motivational adjective (formal):\nan important motivational factor\n    motivator noun:\nDesire for status can be a powerful motivator.


Words: motive
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun ~ (for sth) a reason for doing sth:\nThere seemed to be no motive for the murder. * I’m suspicious of his motives. * the profit motive (= the desire to make a profit) * I have an ulterior motive in offering to help you.\n    motiveless adjective:\nan apparently motiveless murder / attack\n    adjective [only before noun] (technical) causing movement or action:\nmotive power / force (for example, electricity, to operate machinery)


Words: motley
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) consisting of many different types of people or things that do not seem to belong together:\nShe had a motley group of friends at college. * The room was filled with a motley collection of furniture and paintings. * The audience was a motley crew of students and tourists.


Words: motor
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a device that uses electricity, petrol/gas, etc. to produce movement and makes a machine, a vehicle, a boat, etc. work:\nan electric motor * He started the motor.\nsee also OUTBOARD MOTOR\n \n  2  (BrE, old-fashioned or humorous) a car\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  having an engine; using the power of an engine:\nmotor vehicles\n  2  (especially BrE) connected with vehicles that have engines:\nthe motor industry / trade * a motor accident * motor insurance * motor fuel / oil\n  3  (technical) connected with movement of the body that is produced by muscles; connected with the nerves that control movement:\nuncoordinated motor activity * Both motor and sensory functions are affected.\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] (old-fashioned, BrE) to travel by car, especially for pleasure:\nWe motored down to Oxford for the day.\n    motoring noun [U]:\nThey’re planning a motoring holiday to France this year.


Words: motorbike
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) = MOTORCYCLE:\nBen drove off on his motorbike.\n  2  (AmE) a small light motorcycle


Words: motorcade
Meaning:
noun\na line of motor vehicles including one or more that famous or important people are travelling in:\nThe President’s motorcade glided by.


Words: motorcycle
Meaning:
(BrE also motorbike) noun\na road vehicle with two wheels, driven by an engine, with one seat for the driver and a seat for a passenger behind the driver:\nmotorcycle racing * a motorcycle accident


Words: motoring
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with driving a car:\na motoring offence * to become a member of a motoring organization


Words: motorist
Meaning:
noun\na person driving a car:\nThe accident was reported by a passing motorist. * Motorists who fail to stop risk an even higher penalty.\ncompare PEDESTRIAN


Words: motorized
Meaning:
(BrE also motorised)  adjective [only before noun]\n  1  having an engine:\nmotorized vehicles * a motorized wheelchair\n  2  (of groups of soldiers, etc.) using motor vehicles:\nmotorized forces / divisions


Words: motorway
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (in Britain) a wide road, with at least two LANES in each direction, where traffic can travel fast for long distances between large towns. You can only enter and leave motorways at special JUNCTIONS:\nbusy / congested motorways * Join the motorway at Junction 19. * Leave the motorway at the next exit. * A nine-mile stretch of motorway has been closed. * a motorway service area / station * The speed limit on motorways should be enforced.\ncompare FREEWAY


Words: mottled
Meaning:
adjective\nmarked with shapes of different colours without a regular pattern:\nthe mottled skin of a snake


Words: motto
Meaning:
noun\n(plural mottoes or mottos) a short sentence or phrase that expresses the aims and beliefs of a person, a group, an institution, etc. and is used as a rule of behaviour:\nThe school’s motto is: ’Duty, Honour, Country’. * ’Live and let live.’ That’s my motto.


Words: mould
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE mold)  noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a container that you pour a soft liquid or substance into, which then becomes solid in the same shape as the container, for example when it is cooled or cooked:\nA clay mould is used for casting bronze statues. * Pour the chocolate into a heart-shaped mould. * They broke the mould when they made you (= there is nobody like you).\n \n  2  [C, usually sing.] a particular style showing the characteristics, attitudes or behaviour that are typical of sb/sth:\na hero in the ’Superman’ mould * He is cast in a different mould from his predecessor. * She doesn’t fit (into) the traditional mould of an academic. * She is a prolific writer in the same mould as Agatha Christie.\n \n  3  [U, C] a fine soft green, grey or black substance like fur that grows on old food or on objects that are left in warm wet air:\nThere’s mould on the cheese. * moulds and fungi * mould growth * The room smelled damp and there was mould on one wall.\nsee also LEAF MOULD\n IDIOMS \n  break the mould (of sth) to change what people expect from a situation, especially by acting in a dramatic and original way:\nShe succeeded in breaking the mould of political leadership.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ A (into B) | ~ B (from / out of / in A) to shape a soft substance into a particular form or object by pressing it or by putting it into a mould:\nFirst, mould the clay into the desired shape. * The figure had been moulded in clay.\n  2  [VN] ~ sb/sth (into sb/sth) to strongly influence the way sb’s character, opinions, etc. develop:\nThe experience had moulded and coloured her whole life. * He moulded them into a superb team.\n  3  ~ (sth) to sth to fit or make sth fit tightly around the shape of sth:\n[V] The fabric moulds to the body. [also VN]


Words: moulder
Meaning:
(AmE molder)  verb\n[V] to decay slowly and steadily:\nThe room smelt of disuse and mouldering books.


Words: moulding
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE molding)  noun\na decorative strip of plastic, stone, wood, etc. around the top edge of a wall, on a door, etc:\nThere were elaborate plaster mouldings around the ceiling.


Words: mouldy
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE moldy)  adjective\n  1  covered with or containing MOULD:\nmouldy bread / cheese * Strawberries go mouldy very quickly.\n  2  old and not in good condition


Words: moult
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE molt)  verb\n[V] (of a bird or an animal) to lose feathers or hair before new feathers or hair grow


Words: mound
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large pile of earth or stones; a small hill:\na Bronze Age burial mound * The castle was built on top of a natural grassy mound.\n \n  2  a pile:\na small mound of rice / sand\n \n  3  ~ of sth (informal) a large amount of sth:\nI’ve got a mound of paperwork to do.\n \n  4  (in baseball) the small hill where the player who throws the ball (called the PITCHER) stands


Words: mount
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  organize\n \n  1  [VN] to organize and begin sth:\nto mount a protest / campaign / an exhibition\n \n  increase\n \n  2  [V] to increase gradually:\nPressure is mounting on the government to change the law. * The death toll continues to mount.\nsee also MOUNTING\n \n  go up sth\n  3  [VN] (formal) to go up sth, or up on to sth that is raised:\nShe slowly mounted the steps. * He mounted the platform and addressed the crowd.\n  bicycle / horse\n  4  to get on a bicycle, horse, etc. in order to ride it:\n[VN] He mounted his horse and rode away. [also V] \nsee also MOUNTED\nOPP DISMOUNT\n  picture / jewel, etc.\n  5  [VN] ~ sth (on / onto / in sth) to fix sth into position on sth, so that you can use it, look at it or study it:\nThe specimens were mounted on slides. * The diamond is mounted in gold.\n  of male animal\n  6  [VN] to get onto the back of a female animal in order to have sex\n IDIOMS  see GUARD n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  mount up to increase gradually in size and quantity:\nMeanwhile, my debts were mounting up.\n    noun\n  mountain\n  1  (Mount) (abbreviation Mt) (used in modern English only in place names) a mountain or a hill:\nMt. Everest * St Michael’s Mount\n  horse\n  2  (formal or literary) a horse that you ride on:\nShe saddled her mount quickly.\n  for displaying / supporting sth\n  3  something such as a piece of card or glass that you put sth on or attach sth to, to display it:\nChoose a blue mount for this picture.\n  4  (also mounting) something that an object stands on or is attached to for support:\nan engine / gun mount


