# dict

Words: distant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  far away in space or time:\nthe distant sound of music * distant stars / planets * The time we spent together is now a distant memory. * (formal) The airport was about 20 kilometres distant. * a star 30 000 light years distant from the Earth * (figurative) Peace was just a distant hope (= not very likely).\n  2  ~ (from sth) not like sth else:\nTheir life seemed utterly distant from his own.\n  3  [only before noun] (of a person) related to you but not closely:\na distant cousin / aunt / relative\n  4  not friendly; not wanting a close relationship with sb:\nPat sounded very cold and distant on the phone. * He became emotionally distant from his friends and family after the illness.\n  5  not paying attention to sth but thinking about sth completely different:\nThere was a distant look in her eyes, her mind was obviously on something else.\n    distantly adverb:\nSomewhere, distantly, he could hear the sound of the sea. * We’re distantly related. * Holly smiled distantly.\n IDIOMS \n  the (dim and) distant past a long time ago:\nstories from the distant past * In the distant past this land was covered in forests.\n  in the not too distant future not a long time in the future but fairly soon:\nI hope we’ll see each other again in the not too distant future.


Words: distaste
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) a feeling that sb/sth is unpleasant or offensive:\nHe looked around the filthy room in distaste. * a distaste for politics of any sort


Words: distemper
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  an infectious disease of animals, especially cats and dogs, that causes fever and coughing\n  2  (BrE) a type of paint that is mixed with water and used on walls


Words: distend
Meaning:
verb\n(formal or medical) to swell or make sth swell because of pressure from inside:\n[VN] starving children with huge distended bellies [also V]\n    distension  noun [U]:\ndistension of the stomach


Words: distil
Meaning:
(AmE also distill)  verb (-ll-) [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (from sth) to make a liquid pure by heating it until it becomes a gas, then cooling it and collecting the drops of liquid that form:\nto distil fresh water from sea water * distilled water\n  2  to make sth such as a strong alcoholic drink in this way:\nThe factory distils and bottles whisky.\n  3  ~ sth (from / into sth) (formal) to get the essential meaning or ideas from thoughts, information, experiences, etc:\nThe notes I made on my travels were distilled into a book.\n    distillation  noun [C, U]:\nthe distillation process * The movie is a perfect distillation of adolescence.


Words: distiller
Meaning:
noun\na person or company that produces SPIRITS (= strong alcoholic drinks) such as whisky by distilling them


Words: distillery
Meaning:
noun\n(plural distilleries) a factory where strong alcoholic drink is made by the process of distilling


Words: distinct
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  easily or clearly heard, seen, felt, etc:\nThere was a distinct smell of gas. * His voice was quiet but every word was distinct.\n  2  ~ (from sth) clearly different or of a different kind:\nThe results of the survey fell into two distinct groups. * Jamaican reggae music is quite distinct from North American jazz or blues. * rural areas, as distinct from major cities\n  3  [only before noun] used to emphasize that you think an idea or situation definitely exists and is important:\nBeing tall gave Tony a distinct advantage. * I had the distinct impression I was being watched. * A strike is now a distinct possibility.\n    distinctly adverb:\nI distinctly heard someone calling me. * a distinctly Australian accent * He could remember everything very distinctly.\n    distinctness noun [U]


Words: distinction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (between A and B) a clear difference or contrast especially between people or things that are similar or related:\ndistinctions between traditional and modern societies * Philosophers did not use to make a distinction between arts and science.\n  2  [U] the quality of being excellent or important:\na writer of distinction\n  3  [sing.] the quality of being sth that is special:\nShe had the distinction of being the first woman to fly the Atlantic.\n  4  [U] the separation of people or things into different groups:\nThe new law makes no distinction between adults and children (= treats them equally). * All groups are entitled to this money without distinction.\n  5  [C, U] a special mark/grade or award that is given to sb, especially a student, for excellent work:\nNaomi got a distinction in maths. * He graduated with distinction.


Words: distinctive
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a quality or characteristic that makes sth different and easily noticed:\nclothes with a distinctive style * The male bird has distinctive black and white markings on its head.\n    distinctively adverb:\na distinctively nutty flavour


Words: distinguish
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (between) A and B | ~ A from B to recognize the difference between two people or things:\n[V] At what age are children able to distinguish between right and wrong? * English law clearly distinguishes between murder and manslaughter. * [VN] It was hard to distinguish one twin from the other. * Sometimes reality and fantasy are hard to distinguish. * We can distinguish five meanings of the word ’mad’.\n  2  [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ A (from B) to be a characteristic that makes two people, animals or things different:\nWhat was it that distinguished her from her classmates? * The male bird is distinguished from the female by its red beak. * Does your cat have any distinguishing marks? * The power of speech distinguishes human beings from animals.\n  3  [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be able to see or hear sth:\nI could not distinguish her words, but she sounded agitated. * She could not distinguish the make and colour of the car in the fading light.\n  4  [VN] ~ yourself (as sth) to do sth so well that people notice and admire you:\nShe has already distinguished herself as an athlete.\n    distinguishable sth):\nThe male bird is easily distinguishable from the female. * The coast was barely distinguishable in the mist.


Words: distinguished
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very successful and admired by other people:\na distinguished career in medicine\n  2  having an appearance that makes sb look important or that makes people admire or respect them:\nI think grey hair makes you look very distinguished.


Words: distort
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to change the shape, appearance or sound of sth so that it is strange or not clear:\na fairground mirror that distorts your shape * The loudspeaker seemed to distort his voice.\n  2  to twist or change facts, ideas, etc. so that they are no longer correct or true:\nNewspapers are often guilty of distorting the truth. * The article gave a distorted picture of his childhood.\n    distortion  [C, U]:\nmodern alloys that are resistant to wear and distortion * a distortion of the facts


Words: distract
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb/sth (from sth) to take sb’s attention away from what they are trying to do:\nYou’re distracting me from my work. * Don’t talk to her-she’s very easily distracted. * It was another attempt to distract attention from the truth.\n    distracting adjective:\ndistracting thoughts * a distracting noise


Words: distracted
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (by sb/sth) unable to pay attention to sb/sth, because you are worried or thinking about sth else\n    distractedly adverb:\nI walked up and down distractedly, waiting for news.


Words: distraction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a thing that takes your attention away from what you are doing or thinking about:\nI find it hard to work at home because there are too many distractions. * cinema audiences looking for distraction\n  2  [C] an activity that amuses or entertains you\n IDIOMS \n  to distraction so that you become upset, excited, or angry and not able to think clearly:\nThe children are driving me to distraction today. * She was alone in the house all day and bored to distraction.


Words: distraught
Meaning:
adjective\nextremely upset and anxious so that you cannot think clearly:\nShe’s still too distraught to speak about the tragedy. * The child’s distraught parents pleaded for witnesses to contact the police.


Words: distress
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  a feeling of great worry or unhappiness; great suffering:\nThe newspaper article caused the actor considerable distress. * She was obviously in distress after the attack. * deep emotional distress\n  2  suffering and problems caused by not having enough money, food, etc:\neconomic / financial distress * The charity aims to relieve poverty and distress caused by natural disasters.\n  3  a situation in which a ship, plane, etc. is in danger or difficulty and needs help:\na distress signal (= a message asking for help) * It is a rule of the sea to help another boat in distress.\n IDIOMS  see DAMSEL\n    verb [VN] to make sb feel very worried or unhappy:\nIt was clear that the letter had deeply distressed her. * Don’t distress yourself (= don’t worry).


Words: distressed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  upset and anxious:\nHe was too distressed and confused to answer their questions.\n  2  suffering pain; in a poor physical condition:\nWhen the baby arrived, it was blue and distressed.\n  3  (of a piece of clothing or furniture) made to look older and more worn than it really is:\na distressed leather jacket


Words: distressing
Meaning:
adjective\nmaking you feel extremely upset, especially because of sb’s suffering:\nIt was a very distressing documentary. * What could be more distressing than the death of their only child?\n    distressingly adverb


Words: distribute
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (to / among sb/sth) to give things to a large number of people; to share sth between a number of people:\nThe organization distributed food and blankets to the earthquake victims. * The newspaper is distributed free. * The money was distributed among schools in the area.\n  2  to send goods to shops/stores and businesses so that they can be sold:\n’Plastika’ distributes our products in the UK.\n  3  [often passive] to spread sth, or different parts of sth, over an area:\nMake sure that your weight is evenly distributed. * Cases of the disease are widely distributed through Europe.


Words: distribution
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the way that sth is shared or exists over a particular area or among a particular group of people:\nthe unfair distribution of wealth * The map shows the distribution of this species across the world. * They studied the geographical distribution of the disease.\n  2  [U] the act of giving or delivering sth to a number of people:\nthe distribution of food and medicines to the flood victims * He was arrested on drug distribution charges. * Electronic media make the potential for information distribution possible on a scale never before achieved.\n  3  [U] (business) the system of transporting and delivering goods:\ndistribution costs * worldwide distribution systems * marketing, sales and distribution\n    distributional adjective


Words: distributor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or company that supplies goods to shops/stores, etc:\nJapan’s largest software distributor\n  2  a device in an engine that sends electric current to the SPARK PLUGS


Words: district
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an area of a country or town, especially one that has particular features:\nthe City of London’s financial district\n  2  an area of a country, town or state that has official BOUNDARIES (= borders), for administrative purposes:\na tax / postal district * a school district * congressional districts * district councils


Words: district attorney
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation DA) (in the US) a lawyer who is responsible for bringing criminal CHARGES against sb in a particular area or state


Words: distrust
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, sing.] ~ (of sb/sth) a feeling of not being able to trust sb/sth:\nThey looked at each other with distrust. * He has a deep distrust of all modern technology.\n    distrustful  adjective:\ndistrustful of authority\n    verb [VN] to feel that you cannot trust or believe sb/sth:\nShe distrusted his motives for wanting to see her again.\ncompare MISTRUST\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \ndistrust / mistrust\nThere is very little difference between these two words, but distrust is more common and perhaps slightly stronger. If you are sure that someone is acting dishonestly or cannot be relied on, you are more likely to say that you distrust them. If you are expressing doubts and suspicions, on the other hand, you would probably use mistrust.\n______________________________


Words: disturb
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] to interrupt sb when they are trying to work, sleep, etc:\nI’m sorry to disturb you, but can I talk to you for a moment? * If you get up early, try not to disturb everyone else. * She awoke early after a disturbed night. * Only the cry of seabirds disturbed the silence.\n  2  [VN] to move sth or change its position:\nDon’t disturb the papers on my desk.\n  3  to make sb worry:\n[VN] The letter shocked and disturbed me. * [VN to inf] It disturbed her to realize that she was missing him.


Words: disturbance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C, usually sing.] actions that make you stop what you are doing, or that upset the normal state that sth is in; the act of disturbing sb/sth or the fact of being disturbed:\nThe building work is creating constant noise, dust and disturbance. * a disturbance in the usual pattern of events * the disturbance of the local wildlife by tourists\n  2  [C] a situation in which people behave violently in a public place:\nserious disturbances in the streets * He was charged with causing a disturbance after the game.\n  3  [U, C] a state in which sb’s mind or a function of the body is upset and not working normally:\nemotional disturbance


Words: disturbed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  mentally ill, especially because of very unhappy or shocking experiences:\na special school for emotionally disturbed children * His behaviour is deeply disturbed.\n  2  unhappy and full of bad or shocking experiences:\nThe killer had a disturbed family background.\n  3  very anxious and unhappy about sth:\nI was deeply disturbed and depressed by the news.\ncompare UNDISTURBED


Words: disturbing
Meaning:
adjective\nmaking you feel anxious and upset or shocked:\na disturbing piece of news\n    disturbingly adverb


Words: disunite
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (formal) to make a group of people unable to agree with each other or work together:\na disunited political party


Words: disuse
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a situation in which sth is no longer being used:\nThe factory fell into disuse twenty years ago.


Words: ditch
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a long channel dug at the side of a field or road, to hold or take away water:\nThe car left the road and ended up in a ditch.\n IDIOMS  see LAST adj.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] (informal) to get rid of sth/sb because you no longer want or need it/them:\nThe new road building programme has been ditched. * He ditched his girlfriend.\n  2  [VN, V] if a pilot ditches an aircraft, or if it ditches, it lands in the sea in an emergency


Words: dither
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [sing.] (BrE, informal) a state of not being able to decide what you should do:\nto be in a dither about sth\n    verb [V] ~ (over sth) (especially BrE) to hesitate about what to do because you are unable to decide:\nShe was dithering over what to wear. * Stop dithering and get on with it.


Words: ditto
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (abbreviation do.) (Symbol ") used, especially in a list, underneath a particular word or phrase, to show that it is repeated and to avoid having to write it again\n  2  (informal) used instead of a particular word or phrase, to avoid repeating it:\nThe waiters were rude and unhelpful, the manager ditto. * Peter has promised nothing and done ditto.


Words: diuretic
Meaning:
noun\n(medical) a substance that causes an increase in the flow of URINE\n    diuretic adjective:\ndiuretic drugs / effects


Words: diurnal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (biology) (of animals) active during the day:\nUnlike most other bats, this species is diurnal.\nOPP NOCTURNAL\n  2  (astronomy) taking one day:\nthe diurnal rotation of the earth


Words: divan
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also divan bed) (both BrE) a bed with a thick base and a MATTRESS and no HEADBOARD\n  2  a long low soft seat without a back or arms


Words: dive
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (dived, dived, AmE also dove  dived) [V]\n  jump into water\n  1  ~ (from / off sth) (into sth) | ~ (in) to jump into water with your head and arms going in first:\nWe dived into the river to cool off. * He dived off the bridge. * Sam walked to the deep end of the pool and dived in.\n  underwater\n  2  (usually go diving) to swim underwater wearing breathing equipment, collecting or looking at things:\nto dive for pearls * The main purpose of his holiday to Greece was to go diving.\nsee also DIVING\n  3  to go to a deeper level underwater:\nThe submarine dived to avoid being seen. * The whale dived as the harpoon struck it.\n  of birds / aircraft\n  4  to go steeply down through the air:\nThe seagulls soared then dived. * The plane dived down to attack.\nsee also NOSEDIVE\n  of prices\n  5  to fall suddenly:\nThe share price dived from 49p to an all-time low of 40p.\n  move / jump / fall\n  6  [+adv./prep.] ~ (for sth) (informal) to move or jump quickly in a particular direction, especially to avoid sth, to try to catch a ball, etc:\nWe heard an explosion and dived for cover (= got into a place where we would be protected). * The goalie dived for the ball, but missed it. * It started to rain so we dived into the nearest cafe.\n  7  (BrE) (in football) to fall deliberately when sb TACKLES you, so that the REFEREE awards a FOUL\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dive into sth (informal) to put your hand quickly into sth such as a bag or pocket:\nShe dived into her bag and took out a couple of coins.\n    noun\n  jump into water\n  1  a jump into deep water with your head first and your arms in front of you:\na spectacular high dive (= from high above the water)\n  underwater\n  2  an act of going underwater and swimming there with special equipment:\na dive to a depth of 18 metres\n  of birds / aircraft\n  3  an act of suddenly flying downwards\n  bar / club\n  4  (informal) a bar, music club, etc. that is cheap, and perhaps dark or dirty:\nThe band played in every smoky dive in town.\n IDIOMS \n  make a dive (for sth) to suddenly move or jump forward to do sth or reach sb/sth:\nThe goalkeeper made a dive for the ball. * Paul made a dive for the fridge to get a drink.\n  take a dive (informal) to suddenly get worse:\nProfits really took a dive last year.


Words: diver
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a person who works underwater, usually with special equipment:\na deep-sea diver\ncompare FROGMAN\n \n  2  a person who jumps into the water with their head first and their arms in front of them


Words: diverge
Meaning:
verb [V] (written)\n \n  1  ~ (from sth) to separate and go in different directions:\nThe parallel lines appear to diverge. * The coastal road diverges from the freeway just north of Santa Monica. * Many species have diverged from a single ancestor. * We went through school and college together, but then our paths diverged.\n \n  2  ~ (from sth) (formal) (of opinions, views, etc.) to be different:\nOpinions diverge greatly on this issue.\n \n  3  ~ from sth to be or become different from what is expected, planned, etc:\nto diverge from the norm * He diverged from established procedure.\nOPP CONVERGE\n    divergence  noun [C, U]:\na wide divergence of opinion\n    divergent  adjective:\ndivergent paths / opinions


Words: divers
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (old use) of many different kinds:\na collection of essays on divers subjects


Words: diverse
Meaning:
adjective\nvery different from each other and of various kinds:\npeople from diverse cultures * My interests are very diverse.


Words: diversify
Meaning:
verb (diversifies, diversifying, diversified, diversified)\n  1  ~ (sth) (into sth) (especially of a business or company) to develop a wider range of products, interests, skills, etc. in order to be more successful or reduce risk:\n[V] Farmers are being encouraged to diversify into new crops. [also VN]\n  2  to change or to make sth change so that there is greater variety:\n[V] Patterns of family life are diversifying and changing. * [VN] The culture has been diversified with the arrival of immigrants.\n    diversification  noun [U]


Words: diversion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] the act of changing the direction that sb/sth is following, or what sth is used for:\na river diversion project * We made a short diversion to go and look at the castle. * the diversion of funds from the public to the private sector of industry\n  2  [C] something that takes your attention away from sb/sth while sth else is happening:\nFor the government, the war was a welcome diversion from the country’s economic problems. * A smoke bomb created a diversion while the robbery took place.\n  3  [C] (BrE) (AmE detour) a road or route that is used when the usual one is closed:\nDiversions will be signposted.\n  4  [C] (formal) an activity that is done for pleasure, especially because it takes your attention away from sth else:\nThe party will make a pleasant diversion. * The city is full of diversions.


Words: diversity
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C, usually sing.] a range of many people or things that are very different from each other:\nthe biological diversity of the rainforests * a great / wide / rich diversity of opinion\n  2  [U] the quality or fact of including a range of many people or things:\nThere is a need for greater diversity and choice in education.


Words: divert sth
Meaning:
(from sth) (to sth)\n  1  to make sb/sth change direction:\nNorthbound traffic will have to be diverted onto minor roads. * The course of the stream has now been diverted.\n  2  to use money, materials, etc. for a different purpose from their original purpose\n  3  to take sb’s thoughts or attention away from sth\nSYN DISTRACT:\nThe war diverted people’s attention away from the economic situation.\n  4  (formal) to entertain people:\nChildren are easily diverted.


Words: divest
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  ~ sb / yourself of sth to remove clothes:\nHe divested himself of his jacket.\n  2  ~ yourself of sth to get rid of sth:\nThe company is divesting itself of some of its assets.\n  3  ~ sb/sth of sth to take sth away from sb/sth:\nAfter her illness she was divested of much of her responsibility.


Words: divestment
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (finance) the act of selling the shares you have bought in a company or of taking money away from where you have invested it


Words: divide
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  separate\n  1  ~ (sth) (up) (into sth) to separate or make sth separate into parts:\n[V] The cells began to divide rapidly. * [VN] A sentence can be divided up into meaningful segments.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (up / out) (between / among sb) to separate sth into parts and give a share to each of a number of different people, etc:\nJack divided up the rest of the cash. * We divided the work between us.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (between A and B) to use different parts of your time, energy, etc. for different activities, etc:\nHe divides his energies between politics and business.\n  4  [VN] ~ A from B (formal) to separate two people or things:\nCan it ever be right to divide a mother from her child?\n  5  [VN] ~ sth (off) | ~ A from B to be the real or imaginary line or barrier that separates two people or things:\nA fence divides off the western side of the grounds. * The English Channel divides England from France.\n  cause disagreement\n  6  [VN] to make two or more people disagree:\nThe issue has divided the government. * The government is divided on this issue. * a divided society\n  mathematics\n  7  [VN] ~ sth by sth to find out how many times one number is contained in another:\n30 divided by 6 is 5 (30  6 = 5).\n  8  [VN] ~ into sth to be able to be multiplied to give another number:\n5 divides into 30 6 times.\n IDIOMS \n  divide and rule to keep control over people by making them disagree with and fight each other, therefore not giving them the chance to unite and oppose you together:\na policy of divide and rule\n  divided against itself (of a group which should be united) split by disagreements:\nThe regime is profoundly divided against itself.\n    noun [usually sing.]\n  difference\n  1  ~ (between A and B) a difference between two groups of people that separates them from each other:\nthe North / South divide * the divide between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland\n  between rivers\n  2  (especially AmE) a line of high land that separates two river systems\nSYN WATERSHED\n IDIOMS  see BRIDGE v.\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \ndivide v., n.\ndivision n.\ndivisive adj.\n______________________________


Words: dividend
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an amount of the profits that a company pays to people who own shares in the company:\ndividend payments of 50 cents a share\n  2  (BrE) a money prize that is given to winners in the FOOTBALL POOLS\n IDIOMS  see PAY v.


Words: divider
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a thing that divides sth:\na room divider (= a screen or door that divides a room into two parts)\n  2  (dividers) [pl.] an instrument made of two long thin metal parts joined together at the top, used for measuring lines and angles:\na pair of dividers


Words: dividing line
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  something that marks the separation between two things or ideas:\nThere is no clear dividing line between what is good and what is bad.\n  2  a place that separates two areas:\nThe river was chosen as a dividing line between the two districts.


Words: divine
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] coming from or connected with God or a god:\ndivine law / love / will * divine intervention (= help from God to change or improve a situation) * No one has a divine right to success.\n  2  (old-fashioned) wonderful; beautiful:\nThat mango tasted divine!\n    divinely adverb \n    verb\n  1  (formal) to find out sth by guessing:\n[V wh-] She could divine what he was thinking just by looking at him. [also VN]\n  2  [VN, V] to search for underground water using a stick in the shape of a Y, called a divining rod


Words: diving
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the sport or activity of diving into water with your head and arms first:\na diving competition\n  2  the activity of swimming underwater using special breathing equipment:\nI’d love to go diving in the Aegean. * a diving suit\nsee also SKIN DIVING


Words: diving board
Meaning:
noun\na board at the side of or above a swimming pool from which people can jump or DIVE into the water


Words: divinity
Meaning:
noun (plural divinities)\n  1  [U] the quality of being a god or like God:\nthe divinity of Christ\n  2  [C] a god or GODDESS:\nRoman / Greek / Egyptian divinity\n  3  [U] the study of the nature of God and religious belief\nSYN THEOLOGY:\na doctor of Divinity


Words: divisible
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (by sth) that can be divided, usually with nothing remaining:\n8 is divisible by 2 and 4, but not by 3.\nOPP INDIVISIBLE


Words: division
Meaning:
noun\n  into separate parts\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (of sth between A and B) | (of sth) (into sth) the process or result of dividing into separate parts; the process or result of dividing sth or sharing it out:\ncell division * the division of labour between the sexes * a fair division of time and resources * the division of the population into age groups * a distinction which cuts right across the familiar division into arts and sciences\n  mathematics\n  2  [U] the process of dividing one number by another:\nthe division sign ()\ncompare MULTIPLICATION\nsee also LONG DIVISION\n  disagreement / difference\n  3  [C, U] ~ (in / within sth) | ~ (between A and B) a disagreement or difference in opinion, way of life, etc., especially between members of a society or an organization:\nThere are deep divisions in the party over European monetary union. * the work of healing the divisions within society * divisions between rich and poor * social / class divisions\n  part of organization\n  4  [C+sing./pl. v.] (abbreviation Div.) a large and important unit or section of an organization:\nthe company’s sales division\n  in sport\n  5  [C+sing./pl. v.] (abbreviation Div.) (in Britain) one of the group of teams that a sport competition is divided into, especially in football:\nthe first division / division one * a first-division team\n  part of army\n  6  [C+sing./pl. v.] (abbreviation Div.) a unit of an army, consisting of several BRIGADES or REGIMENTS:\nthe Guards Armoured Division\n  border\n  7  [C] a line that divides sth:\nA hedge forms the division between their land and ours.\n  in parliament\n  8  [C] (technical) the separation of members of the British parliament into groups to vote for or against sth:\nThe Bill was read without a division.


Words: divisional
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] belonging to or connected with a division (= a section of the army or department of an organization):\nthe divisional commander / headquarters


Words: divisive
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) causing people to be split into groups that disagree with or oppose each other:\nHe believes that unemployment is socially divisive.\nsee also DIVIDE\n    divisively adverb\n    divisiveness noun [U]:\nThe minister disliked the divisiveness of rich and poor children going to different schools.


Words: divorce
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] the legal ending of a marriage:\nThe marriage ended in divorce in 1996. * an increase in the divorce rate (= the number of divorces in a year) * They have agreed to get a divorce. * Divorce proceedings (= the legal process of divorce) started today. * Bella wants a divorce. * He remarried after a divorce from his first wife, Kate. * She told him she was filing for divorce.\ncompare SEPARATION\n  2  [C] (formal) ~ (between A and B) a separation; the ending of a relationship between two things:\nthe divorce between religion and science\n    verb\n  1  to end your marriage to sb legally:\n[VN] They’re getting divorced. * She’s divorcing her husband. * [V] I’d heard they’re divorcing.\n  2  [VN] [often passive] (formal) ~ sb/sth from sth to separate, a person, an idea, a subject, etc. from sth; to keep two things separate:\nThey believed that art should be divorced from politics. * When he was depressed, he felt utterly divorced from reality.\n\n noun\n(AmE) a man whose marriage has been legally ended


Words: divorced
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  no longer married:\nMany divorced men remarry and have second families. * My parents are divorced. * Are they going to get divorced?\n  2  ~ from sth (formal) appearing not to be affected by sth; separate from sth:\nHe seems completely divorced from reality.


Words: divot
Meaning:
noun\na piece of grass and earth that is dug out by accident, for example by a CLUB when sb is playing golf


Words: divulge
Meaning:
verb\n~ sth (to sb) (formal) to give sb information that is supposed to be secret\nSYN REVEAL:\n[VN] Police refused to divulge the identity of the suspect. [also V wh-]


Words: divvy
Meaning:
verb\n(divvies, divvying, divvied, divvied)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  divvy sth<->up (informal) to divide sth, especially money into two or more parts


Words: Diwali
Meaning:
(also Divali)  noun\n[U] a Hindu festival that is held in the autumn/fall, celebrated by lighting candles and clay lamps, and with FIREWORKS


Words: DIY
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) the activity of making, repairing or decorating things in the home yourself, instead of paying sb to do it (abbreviation for ’do it yourself’):\na DIY store * My brother is a real DIY enthusiast.


Words: dizzy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  feeling as if everything is spinning around you and that you are not able to balance:\nClimbing so high made me feel dizzy. * I suffer from dizzy spells (= short periods when I am dizzy).\n  2  making you feel dizzy; making you feel that a situation is changing very fast:\nthe dizzy descent from the summit * the dizzy pace of life in Hong Kong\n  3  (informal, especially AmE) silly or stupid:\na dizzy blonde\n    dizzily adverb\n    dizziness noun [U]:\nHe complained of headaches and dizziness.\n IDIOMS \n  the dizzy heights (of sth) (informal) an important or impressive position:\nThey reached the dizzy heights of Number 11 in the hit parade.


Words: DJ
Meaning:
noun\na person who plays records and talks about music on the radio or in a club (abbreviation for ’disc jockey’)


Words: DNA
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (chemistry) the chemical in the cells of animals and plants that carries GENETIC information and is a type of NUCLEIC ACID:\nDNA fingerprinting


Words: do
Meaning:
verb, auxiliary verb, noun-see also DO\n    verb (does )\n  action\n  1  [VN] used to refer to actions that you do not mention by name or do not know about:\nWhat are you doing this evening? * We will do what we can to help. * Are you doing anything tomorrow evening? * The company ought to do something about the poor service. * There’s nothing to do (= no means of passing the time in an enjoyable way) in this place. * There’s nothing we can do about it (= we can’t change the situation). * What can I do for you (= how can I help)?\n  behave\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] ~ (as ...) to act or behave in the way mentioned:\nDo as you’re told! * They are free to do as they please. * You would do well to (= I advise you to) consider all the options before buying.\n  succeed / progress\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] used to ask or talk about the success or progress of sb/sth:\nHow is the business doing? * She did well out of (= made a big profit from) the deal. * He’s doing very well at school (= his work is good). * Both mother and baby are doing well (= after the birth of the baby). * (informal) How are you doing (= how are you)?\n  task / activity\n  4  [VN] to work at or perform an activity or a task:\nI’m doing some research on the subject. * I have a number of things to do today. * I do aerobics once a week. * (especially AmE) Let’s do (= meet for) lunch. * (spoken) Sorry. I don’t do funny (= I can’t be funny).\n  5  [VN] used with nouns to talk about tasks such as cleaning, washing, arranging, mending, etc:\nto do (= wash) the dishes * to do (= arrange) the flowers * I like the way you’ve done your hair.\n  6  [VN] ~ the ironing, cooking, shopping, etc. | ~ some, a little, etc. acting, writing, etc. to perform the activity or task mentioned:\nI like listening to the radio when I’m doing the ironing. * She did a lot of acting when she was at college.\n  job\n  7  [VN] (usually used in questions) to work at sth as a job:\nWhat do you do (= what is your job)? * What does she want to do when she leaves school? * What did she do for a living? * What’s Tom doing these days?\n  study\n  8  [VN] to learn or study sth:\nI’m doing physics, biology and chemistry. * Have you done any (= studied anything by) Keats?\n  solve\n  9  [VN] to find the answer to sth; to solve sth:\nI can’t do this sum. * Are you good at doing crosswords?\n  make\n  10  ~ sth (for sb) | ~ (sb) sth to produce or make sth:\n[VN] to do a drawing / painting / sketch * Does this pub do (= provide) lunches? * Who’s doing (= organizing and preparing) the food for the wedding reception? * [VN, VNN] I’ll do a copy for you. * I’ll do you a copy.\n  perform\n  11  [VN] to perform or produce a play, an opera, etc:\nThe local dramatic society is doing ’Hamlet’ next month.\n  copy sb\n  12  [VN] to copy sb’s behaviour or the way sb speaks, sings, etc., especially in order to make people laugh:\nHe does a great Elvis Presley. * Can you do a Welsh accent?\n  finish\n  13  (have / be done, get sth done) (formal) to finish sth:\n[V] Sit there and wait till I’ve done. * [V -ing] I’ve done talking-let’s get started. * [VN] Did you get your article done in time?\n  travel\n  14  [VN] to travel a particular distance:\nHow many miles did you do during your tour? * My car does 40 miles to the gallon (= uses one GALLON of petrol / gas to travel 40 miles).\n  15  [VN] to complete a journey/trip:\nWe did the round trip in two hours.\n  speed\n  16  [VN] to travel at or reach a particular speed:\nThe car was doing 90 miles an hour.\n  visit\n  17  [VN] (informal) to visit a place as a tourist:\nWe did Tokyo in three days.\n  spend time\n  18  [VN] to spend a period of time doing sth:\nShe did a year at college, but then dropped out. * He did six years (= in prison) for armed robbery.\n  deal with\n  19  [VN] to deal with or attend to sb/sth:\nThe hairdresser said she could do me (= cut my hair) at three.\n  be suitable / enough\n  20  ~ (for sb/sth) | ~ (as sth) to be suitable or be enough for sb/sth:\n[V] These shoes won’t do for the party. * ’Can you lend me some money?’ ’Sure-will $20 do?’ * The box will do fine as a table. * [VN] (especially BrE) This room will do me nicely, thank you (= it has everything I need). -> ENOUGH\n  cook\n  21  [VN] to cook sth:\nHow would you like your steak done?\n  cheat\n  22  [VN] [usually passive] (BrE, informal) to cheat sb:\nThis isn’t a genuine antique-you’ve been done.\n  punish\n  23  (BrE) ~ sb (for sth) (informal) to punish sb:\nThey did him for tax evasion. * She got done for speeding.\n  rob\n  24  [VN] (informal) to rob a place:\nThe gang did a warehouse and a supermarket.\n  take drugs\n  25  [VN] (informal) to take an illegal drug:\nHe doesn’t smoke, drink or do drugs.\n  have sex\n  26  [VN] ~ it (slang) to have sex\n IDIOMS \n  Most idioms containing do are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example do a bunk is at bunk.\n  be / have to do with sb/sth to be about or connected with sb/sth:\n’What do you want to see me about?’ ’It’s to do with that letter you sent me.’\n  have (got) something, nothing, a lot, etc. to do with sb/sth used to talk about how much sb/sth is connected with sb/sth:\nHer job has something to do with computers. * ’How much do you earn?’ ’What’s it got to do with you?’ * Hard work has a lot to do with (= is an important reason for) her success. * We don’t have very much to do with our neighbours (= we do not speak to them very often). * I’d have nothing to do with him, if I were you.\n  it won’t do (especially BrE) used to say that a situation is not satisfactory and should be changed or improved:\nThis is the third time you’ve been late this week; it simply won’t do.\n  not do anything / a lot / much for sb (informal) used to say that sth does not make sb look attractive:\nThat hairstyle doesn’t do anything for her.\n  nothing doing (informal) used to refuse a request:\n’Can you lend me ten dollars?’ ’Nothing doing!’\n  no you don’t (spoken) used to show that you intend to stop sb from doing sth that they were going to do:\nSharon went to get into the taxi. ’Oh no you don’t,’ said Steve.\n  that does it (informal) used to show that you will not accept sth any longer:\nThat does it, I’m off. I’m not having you swear like that at me.\n  that’s done it (informal) used to say that an accident, a mistake, etc. has spoiled or ruined sth:\nThat’s done it. You’ve completely broken it this time.\n  that will do used to order sb to stop doing or saying sth:\nThat’ll do, children-you’re getting far too noisy.\n  what do you do for sth? used to ask how sb manages to obtain the thing mentioned:\nWhat do you do for entertainment out here?\n  what is sb/sth doing ...? used to ask why sb/sth is in the place mentioned:\nWhat are these shoes doing on my desk?\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  do away with sb / yourself (informal) to kill sb/yourself\n  do away with sth (informal) to stop doing or having sth; to make sth end\nSYN ABOLISH:\nHe thinks it’s time we did away with the monarchy.\n  do sb/sth down (BrE, informal) to criticize sb/sth unfairly\n  do for sb/sth [usually passive] (informal) to ruin, destroy or kill sb/sth:\nWithout that contract, we’re done for. * It was the cold that did for him in the end.\n  do sb / yourself in (informal)\n1 to kill sb/yourself:\nHe was so depressed he felt like doing himself in.\n2 [usually passive] to make sb very tired:\nCome and sit down-you look done in.\n  do sth<->in (informal) to injure a part of the body:\nHe did his back in lifting heavy furniture.\n  do sb out of sth (informal) to unfairly prevent sb from having what they ought to have:\nShe was done out of her promotion.\n  do sb over (informal, especially BrE) to attack and beat sb severely:\nHe was done over by a gang of thugs.\n  do sth<->over\n1 to clean or decorate sth again:\nThe paintwork will need doing over soon.\n2 (AmE) to do sth again:\nShe insisted that everything be done over.\n  do up to be fastened:\nThe skirt does up at the back.\n  do sth<->up\n1 to fasten a coat, skirt, etc:\nHe never bothers to do his jacket up.\nOPP UNDO\n2 to make sth into a package\nSYN WRAP:\nShe was carrying a package done up in brown paper.\n3 (BrE) to repair and decorate a house, etc:\nHe makes money by buying old houses and doing them up.\n  do yourself up (informal) to make yourself more attractive by putting on MAKE-UP, attractive clothes, etc.\n  do sth with sb/sth (used in negative sentences and questions with what):\nI don’t know what to do with (= how to use) all the food that’s left over. * What have you done with (= where have you put) my umbrella? * What have you been doing with yourselves (= how have you been passing the time)?\nsee also COULD DO WITH, CAN’T BE DOING WITH\n  do without | do without sb/sth to manage without sb/sth:\nShe can’t do without a secretary. * If they can’t get it to us in time, we’ll just have to do without. [+ -ing] (ironic) I could have done without being (= I wish I had not been) woken up at three in the morning.\n    auxiliary verb (does )\n  1  used before a full verb to form negative sentences and questions:\nI don’t like fish. * They didn’t go to Paris. * Don’t forget to write. * Does she speak French?\n  2  used to make QUESTION TAGS (= short questions at the end of statements):\nYou live in New York, don’t you? * She doesn’t work here, does she?\n  3  used to avoid repeating a full verb:\nHe plays better than he did a year ago. * She works harder than he does. * ’Who won?’ ’I did.’ * ’I love peaches.’ ’So do I. * ’I don’t want to go back.’ ’Neither do I.’\n  4  used when no other AUXILIARY verb is present, to emphasize what you are saying:\nHe does look tired. * She did at least write to say thank you. * (BrE) Do shut up!\n  5  used to change the order of the subject and verb when an adverb is moved to the front:\nNot only does she speak Spanish, she’s also good with computers.\n    noun ) (BrE, informal) a party; a social event:\nAre you having a big do for your birthday?\n IDIOMS \n  do’s and don’ts (informal) rules that you should follow:\nHere are some do’s and don’ts for exercise during pregnancy.\nmore at FAIR adj.\n______________________________\n VOCABULARY BUILDING \nhousehold jobs: do or make?\nTo talk about jobs in the home you can use such phrases as wash the dishes, clean the kitchen floor, set the table, etc. In conversation the verb do is often used instead: Let me do the dishes. * Michael said he would do the kitchen floor. * It’s your turn to do the table. Do is often used with nouns ending -ing: to do the shopping/cleaning/ironing/vacuuming.\nThe verb make is used especially in the phrase make the beds and when you are talking about preparing or cooking food: He makes a great lasagne. * I’ll make breakfast while you’re having a shower. You can also say get, get ready and, especially in AmE, fix for preparing meals: Can you get dinner while I put the kids to bed? * Sit down - I’ll fix supper for you.\n______________________________\n\n\n noun\n= DOH\nsee also DO


Words: do it yourself
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (especially BrE) = DIY:\nThe materials you need are available from any good do-it-yourself store.


Words: do-gooder
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving) a person who tries to help other people but who does it in a way that is annoying:\nMembers of the church are not just a bunch of do-gooders.


Words: dob
Meaning:
verb\n(BrE, AustralE, informal)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dob sb in (to sb) to tell sb about sth that another person has done wrong:\nSue dobbed me in to the teacher.


Words: Dobermann
Meaning:
(pinscher) (also Doberman (pinscher) especially in AmE)  noun\na large dog with short dark hair, often used for guarding buildings


Words: docent
Meaning:
noun (AmE)\n  1  a teacher at some universities who is not a regular member of the department\n  2  a person whose job is to show tourists around a museum or CATHEDRAL and talk to them about it


Words: docile
Meaning:
adjective\nquiet and easy to control:\na docile child / horse / temperament\n    docilely  adverb (rare)\n    docility  noun [U]


Words: dock
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a part of a port where ships are repaired or where goods are put onto or taken off them:\ndock workers * a dock strike * The ship was in dock.\nsee also DRY DOCK\n \n  2  (docks) [pl.] a group of docks in a port and the buildings around them that are used for repairing ships, storing goods, etc.\n \n  3  [C] (AmE) = JETTY\n \n  4  [C] (AmE) a raised platform for loading vehicles or trains\n \n  5  [C] the part of a court of law where the person who has been accused of a crime stands or sits during a trial:\nHe’s been in the dock (= on trial for a crime) several times already.\n  6  [U] a wild plant of Northern Europe with large thick leaves that can be rubbed on skin that has been stung by NETTLES to make it less painful:\ndock leaves\n    verb\n  1  if a ship docks or you dock a ship, it sails into a harbour and stays there:\n[V] The ferry is expected to dock at 6. [also VN]\n  2  if two spacecraft dock, or are docked, they are joined together in space:\n[VN] Next year, a technology module will be docked on the space station. [also V]\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (from / off sth) to take away part of sb’s wages, etc:\nIf you’re late, your wages will be docked. * They’ve docked 15% off my pay for this week.\n  4  [VN] to cut an animal’s tail short:\nThe horse’s tail had been docked.


Words: docket
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (business) a document or label that shows what is in a package, which goods have been delivered, which jobs have been done, etc.\n  2  (AmE) a list of cases to be dealt with in a particular court of law


Words: dockland
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (also docklands [pl.]) (BrE) the district near DOCKS (= the place where ships are loaded and unloaded in a port):\nplans to further redevelop Bristol’s docklands


Words: dockyard
Meaning:
noun\nan area with DOCKS (= the place where ships are loaded and unloaded in a port) and equipment for building and repairing ships


Words: doctor
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (abbreviation Dr)\n \n  1  a person who has been trained in medical science, whose job is to treat people who are ill or injured:\nYou’d better see a doctor about that cough. * Doctor Staples (= as a title / form of address)\n \n  2  (doctor’s) a place where a doctor sees patients:\nan appointment at the doctor’s\n \n  3  a person who has received the highest university degree:\na Doctor of Philosophy / Law * Doctor Franks (= as a title / form of address)\n \n  4  (especially AmE) used as a title or form of address for a dentist\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to change sth in order to deceive sb\nSYN FALSIFY:\nHe was accused of doctoring the figures.\n  2  to add sth harmful to food or drink:\nThe wine had been doctored.\n  3  (informal) to remove part of the sex organs of an animal\nSYN NEUTER


Words: doctoral
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with a doctorate: (BrE) a doctoral thesis * (AmE) a doctoral dissertation


Words: doctrinaire
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) strictly following a theory in all circumstances, even if there are practical problems or disagreement:\na doctrinaire communist * doctrinaire attitudes / beliefs / policies


Words: doctrinal
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) relating to a doctrine or doctrines:\nthe doctrinal position of the English church * doctrinal beliefs / disputes * (disapproving) a rigidly doctrinal approach\n    doctrinally adverb


Words: doctrine
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, a political party, etc:\nthe doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty * Christian doctrine * He was deeply committed to political doctrines of social equality.\n  2  (Doctrine) [C] (AmE) a statement of government policy:\nthe Monroe Doctrine


Words: docu-soap
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a television programme about the lives of real people, presented as entertainment\nsee also SOAP OPERA


Words: docudrama
Meaning:
noun\na film/movie, usually made for television, in which real events are shown in the form of a story


Words: document
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  an official paper or book that gives information about sth, or that can be used as evidence or proof of sth:\nlegal documents * travel documents * Copies of the relevant documents must be filed at court. * One of the documents leaked to the press was a memorandum written by the head of the security police.\n  2  a computer file that contains text that has a name that identifies it:\nSave the document before closing.\n    verb  [VN] \n  1  to record the details of sth:\nCauses of the disease have been well documented. * The results are documented in Chapter 3.\n  2  to prove or support sth with documents:\ndocumented evidence


Words: documentary
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (plural documentaries) a film or a radio or television programme giving facts about sth:\na television documentary about / on the future of nuclear power\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  consisting of documents:\ndocumentary evidence / sources / material\n  2  giving a record or report of the facts about sth, especially by using pictures, recordings, etc. of people involved:\na documentary account of the Vietnam war * The film was given a documentary style by the director.


Words: documentation
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the documents that are required for sth, or that give evidence or proof of sth:\nI couldn’t enter the country because I didn’t have all the necessary documentation.\n  2  the act of recording sth in a document; the state of being recorded in a document:\nthe documentation of an agreement


Words: DOD
Meaning:
abbreviation\nDepartment of Defense (the government department in the US that is responsible for defence)


Words: doddering
Meaning:
adjective\n(of people) weak, slow and not able to walk in a steady way, especially because of old age:\na doddering old fool


Words: doddle
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (BrE, informal) a task or an activity that is very easy:\nThe first year of the course was an absolute doddle. * The machine is a doddle to set up and use.


Words: dodge
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to move quickly and suddenly to one side in order to avoid sb/sth:\n[VN] He ran across the road, dodging the traffic. * [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] The girl dodged behind a tree to hide from the other children.\n  2  to avoid doing sth, especially in a dishonest way:\n[VN] He dodged his military service. * [V -ing] She tried to dodge paying her taxes.\n    noun a clever and dishonest trick, played in order to avoid sth:\na tax dodge * When it comes to getting off work, he knows all the dodges.


Words: dodgem
Meaning:
noun (BrE)\n \n  1  (the dodgems) [pl.] a ride at a FUNFAIR in which people drive small electric cars around an enclosed space, trying to chase and hit the other cars:\nThe kids wanted to go on the dodgems.\n \n  2  (also dodgem car) (also bumper car AmE, BrE) one of the small electric cars that you drive in the dodgems


Words: dodger
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a person who dishonestly avoids doing sth:\ntax dodgers * a crackdown on fare dodgers on trains\nsee also DRAFT DODGER


Words: dodgy
Meaning:
adjective (informal, BrE)\n  1  seeming or likely to be dishonest\nSYN SUSPICIOUS:\nHe made a lot of money, using some very dodgy methods. * I don’t want to get involved in anything dodgy.\n  2  not working well; not in good condition:\nI can’t play-I’ve got a dodgy knee. * The marriage had been distinctly dodgy for a long time.\n  3  involving risk, danger or difficulty:\nIf you get into any dodgy situations, call me. * We had a few dodgy moments at the start, but everything went well in the end.


Words: dodo
Meaning:
noun (plural dodos)\n  1  a large bird that could not fly and that is now EXTINCT (= no longer exists)\n  2  (AmE) a stupid person\n IDIOMS  see DEAD adj.


Words: doer
Meaning:
noun\n(approving) a person who does things rather than thinking or talking about them:\nWe need fewer organizers and more doers.


Words: doff
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (old-fashioned) to take off your hat, especially to show respect for sb/sth:\nHe doffed his hat to her as she passed in her carriage.


Words: dog
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] an animal with four legs and a tail, often kept as a pet or trained for work, for example hunting or guarding buildings. There are many types of dog, some of which are wild:\nI took the dog for a walk. * I could hear a dog barking. * dog food * guard dogs * a dog and her puppies\nsee also GUIDE DOG, GUN DOG, LAPDOG, SHEEPDOG, SNIFFER DOG, TRACKER DOG\n \n  2  [C] a male dog, FOX or WOLF\ncompare BITCH\n \n  3  (the dogs) [pl.] (BrE, informal) GREYHOUND racing\n \n  4  [C] (slang, especially AmE) a thing of low quality; a failure:\nHer last movie was an absolute dog.\n  5  [C] (slang, especially AmE) an offensive way of describing a woman who is not considered attractive\n  6  [C] (informal, disapproving) used, especially after an adjective, to describe a man who has done sth bad:\nYou dirty dog!\nsee also HOT DOG, SHAGGY-DOG STORY, TOP DOG, WATCHDOG\n IDIOMS \n  (a case of) dog eat dog a situation in business, politics, etc. where there is a lot of competition and people are willing to harm each other in order to succeed:\nI’m afraid in this line of work it’s a case of dog eat dog. * We’re operating in a dog-eat-dog world.\n  a dog in the manger a person who stops other people from enjoying what he or she cannot use or does not want\n  a dog’s breakfast / dinner (BrE, informal) a thing that has been done badly\nSYN MESS:\nHe’s made a real dog’s breakfast of these accounts.\n  a dog’s life an unhappy life, full of problems or unfair treatment:\nHe led poor Amy a dog’s life. She was desperately lonely, poor dear.\n  every dog has his / its day (saying) everyone has good luck or success at some point in their life\n  go to the dogs (AmE also go to hell in a handbasket) (informal) to get into a very bad state:\nThis firm’s gone to the dogs since the new management took over.\n  not have a dog’s chance to have no chance at all:\nHe hasn’t a dog’s chance of passing the exam.\nmore at HAIR, RAIN v., SICK adj., SLEEP v., TAIL n., TEACH\n    verb (-gg-) [VN] \n  1  (of a problem or bad luck) to cause you trouble for a long time:\nHe had been dogged by bad health all his life. * Her career was dogged by misfortune.\n  2  to follow sb closely:\nShe had the impression that someone was dogging her steps.


Words: dog collar
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a collar for a dog\n  2  (informal) a stiff white collar fastened at the back and worn by some Christian priests


Words: dog tag
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE, slang) a small piece of metal that US soldiers wear round their necks with their name and number on it


Words: dog warden
Meaning:
(AmE also dogcatcher) noun\na person whose job is to catch dogs and cats that are walking freely in the streets and do not seem to have a home


Words: dog-paddle
Meaning:
(also doggy-paddle) noun\n[U] a simple swimming stroke, with short quick movements like those of a dog in the water


Words: dogfight
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a fight between aircraft in which they fly around close to each other\n  2  a struggle between two people or groups in order to win sth\n  3  (dog fight) a fight between dogs, especially one that is arranged illegally, for entertainment\n    dogfighting noun [U]


Words: dogged
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (approving) showing determination; not giving up easily:\ndogged determination / persistence * their dogged defence of the city\n    doggedly adverb:\nAlthough the men fought doggedly on, a sense of hopeless despair engulfed them.\n    doggedness noun [U]


Words: doggerel
Meaning:
noun\n[U] poetry that is badly written or ridiculous, sometimes because the writer has not intended it to be serious


Words: doggo
Meaning:
adverb\nlie ~ (old-fashioned, informal) to lie still and quiet, so that other people will not notice you


Words: doggone
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] adverb, exclamation (AmE, informal) used to show that you are annoyed or surprised:\nWhere’s the doggone key? * Don’t drive so doggone fast. * Well, doggone it!


Words: doggy
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (also doggie) (plural doggies) (informal) a child’s word for a dog\n    adjective [only before noun] of or like a dog:\na doggy smell


Words: doggy bag
Meaning:
(also doggie bag) noun\n(informal) a bag for taking home any food that is left after a meal in a restaurant


Words: doghouse
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) = KENNEL\n IDIOMS \n  be in the doghouse (informal, AmE, BrE) if you are in the doghouse, sb is annoyed with you because of sth that you have done


Words: dogma
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (often disapproving) a belief or set of beliefs held by a group or organization, which others are expected to accept without argument:\npolitical / social / religious / party dogma * He has caused a storm by calling into question one of the central dogmas of the Church.


Words: dogmatic
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) being certain that your beliefs are right and that others should accept them, without paying attention to evidence or other opinions:\na dogmatic approach / statement * There is a danger of becoming too dogmatic about teaching methods. * He was strident and dogmatic in giving his opinions.\n    dogmatically  adverb:\nNowhere in the report does she provide evidence for these assertions: they are merely dogmatically stated as fact.


Words: dogmatism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (disapproving) behaviour and attitudes that are dogmatic:\nLinguists are increasingly concerned to avoid dogmatism and prescription over what constitutes ’correct’ English.


Words: dogsbody
Meaning:
noun\n(plural dogsbodies) (BrE, informal) a person who does all the boring jobs that nobody else wants to do, and who is treated as being less important than other people:\nI got myself a job as a typist and general dogsbody on a small magazine.


Words: dogsled
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) a SLEDGE (= a vehicle that slides over snow) pulled by dogs, used especially in Canada and Alaska


Words: dogwood
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a bush or small tree with red or pink berries and red stems, that grows in northern regions; the hard wood of this tree


Words: doily
Meaning:
noun (plural doilies)\n \n  1  (BrE) a small circle of paper or fabric with a pattern of very small holes in it, that you put on a plate under a cake or sandwiches\n \n  2  (AmE) a small decorative MAT that you put on top of a piece of furniture


Words: doing
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually pl., U] a thing done or caused by sb:\nI’ve been hearing a lot about your doings recently. * I promise you this was none of my doing (= I didn’t do it).\n IDIOMS \n  take some doing | take a lot of doing to be hard work; to be difficult:\nGetting it finished by tomorrow will take some doing.


Words: doldrums
Meaning:
noun [pl.] (usually the doldrums)\n  1  the state of feeling sad or depressed:\nHe’s been in the doldrums ever since she left him.\n  2  a lack of activity or improvement:\nThe bond market normally revives after the summer doldrums. * Despite these measures, the economy remains in the doldrums.


Words: dole
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [sing.] (usually the dole) (BrE, informal) money paid by the state to unemployed people:\nHe’s been on the dole (= without a job) for a year. * It is feared the government might change the rules for claiming dole. * lengthening dole queues * We could all be in the dole queue on Monday (= have lost our jobs).\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dole sth<->out (to sb) to give out an amount of food, money, etc. to a number of people in a group


Words: doleful
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) very sad:\na doleful expression / face / song * a doleful looking man\n    dolefully  adverb


Words: doll
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a child’s toy in the shape of a person, especially a baby or a child:\na rag doll (= one made out of fabric)\n  2  (old-fashioned slang, especially AmE) a word used to describe a pretty or attractive woman, now often considered offensive:\nShe’s quite a doll.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  doll sb / yourself up (informal) to make yourself look attractive for a party, etc., with fashionable clothes:\nAre you getting dolled up for the party?


Words: doll’s house
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE dollhouse) noun\na toy house with small furniture and sometimes DOLLS in it for children to play with


Words: dollar
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] (Symbol $) the unit of money in the US, Canada, Australia and several other countries:\nYou will be paid in American dollars.\ncompare BUCK\n \n  2  [C] a BANKNOTE or coin worth one dollar:\nDo you have a dollar? * a dollar bill\n \n  3  (the dollar) [sing.] (finance) the value of the US dollar compared with the value of the money of other countries:\nThe dollar closed two cents down.\n IDIOMS  see BET v., MILLION


Words: dollop
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  a lump of soft food, often dropped from a spoon:\na dollop of whipped cream\n  2  an amount of sth:\nA dollop of romance now and then is good for everybody.


Words: dolly
Meaning:
noun (plural dollies)\n  1  a child’s word for a DOLL\n  2  (especially AmE) a low platform on wheels for moving heavy objects


Words: dolly-bird
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a way of referring to a young woman who is considered attractive but not very intelligent


Words: dolmen
Meaning:
noun\na pair or group of upright stones with a large flat stone on top, built in ancient times to mark a place where sb was buried


Words: dolphin
Meaning:
noun\na sea animal that looks like a large fish with a pointed mouth. Dolphins are very intelligent and often friendly towards humans. There are several types of dolphin:\na school of dolphins\ncompare PORPOISE


Words: domain
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an area of knowledge or activity; especially one that sb is responsible for:\nThe care of older people is being placed firmly within the domain of the family. * Physics used to be very much a male domain.\nsee also PUBLIC DOMAIN\n  2  lands owned or ruled by a particular person, government, etc., especially in the past:\nThe Spice Islands were within the Spanish domains.


Words: dome
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a round roof with a circular base:\nthe dome of St Paul’s Cathedral\n \n  2  a thing or a building shaped like a dome:\nhis bald dome of a head * the Millennium Dome in London\n \n  3  (AmE) (in names) a sports STADIUM whose roof is shaped like a dome:\nthe Houston Astrodome


Words: domestic
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] of or inside a particular country; not foreign or international:\ndomestic affairs / politics * domestic flights (= to and from places within a country) * Output consists of both exports and sales on the domestic market.\n  2  [only before noun] used in the home; connected with the home or family:\ndomestic appliances * domestic tasks / chores * the growing problem of domestic violence (= violence between members of the same family) * domestic service (= the work of a servant in a large house) * domestic help (= help with the work in a house; the person or people who do this work)\n  3  liking home life; enjoying or good at cooking, cleaning the house, etc:\nI’m not a very domestic sort of person.\n  4  (of animals) kept on farms or as pets; not wild\n    domestically  adverb:\ndomestically produced goods\n    noun\n  1  (also domestic help, domestic worker) a servant who works in sb’s house, doing the cleaning and other jobs\n  2  (informal) a fight between two members of the same family:\nThe police were called to sort out a domestic.


Words: domesticate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make a wild animal used to living with or working for humans\n  2  to grow plants or crops for human use\nSYN CULTIVATE\n  3  (often humorous) to make sb good at cooking, caring for a house, etc.; to make sb enjoy home life:\nSome men are very hard to domesticate.\n    domesticated adjective:\ndomesticated animals * They’ve become a lot more domesticated since they got married.\n    domestication  noun [U]:\nthe domestication of cattle


Words: domesticity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) home or family life:\nan atmosphere of happy domesticity * a life of domesticity and motherhood


Words: domicile
Meaning:
noun\n(formal or law) the place where sb lives, especially when it is stated for official or legal purposes


Words: domiciled
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] (formal or law) living in a particular place:\nto be domiciled in the United Kingdom


Words: domiciliary
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) in sb’s home:\na domiciliary visit (= for example, by a doctor) * domiciliary care / services / treatment


Words: dominant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  more important, powerful or noticeable than other things:\nThe firm has achieved a dominant position in the world market. * The dominant feature of the room was the large open fireplace.\n  2  (biology) a dominant GENE causes a person to have a particular physical characteristic, for example brown eyes, even if only one of their parents has passed on this GENE\ncompare RECESSIVE\n    dominance  noun [U]:\nto achieve / assert dominance over sb * political / economic dominance


Words: dominate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to control or have a lot of influence over sb/sth, especially in an unpleasant way:\n[VN] As a child he was dominated by his father. * [V] She always says a lot in meetings, but she doesn’t dominate.\n  2  [VN] to be the most important or noticeable feature of sth:\nIn recent years, social policy has been dominated by cuts in spending.\n  3  [VN] to be the largest, highest or most obvious thing in a place:\nThe cathedral dominates the city.\n    domination  noun [U]:\ncolonial / economic / political domination * companies fighting for domination of the software market


Words: domineering
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) trying to control other people without considering their wishes, opinions or feelings:\nHe was brought up by a cold and domineering father. * a domineering manner / personality


Words: Dominican
Meaning:
noun\na member of a Christian group of MONKS or NUNS following the rules of St Dominic\n    Dominican adjective


Words: dominion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U]  (over sb/sth) (literary) authority to rule; control:\nMan has dominion over the natural world. * Soon the whole country was under his sole dominion.\n  2  [C] (formal) an area controlled by one ruler:\nthe vast dominions of the Chinese Empire\n  3  (often Dominion) [C] (in the past) any of the countries of the British Commonwealth that had their own government\ncompare COLONY, PROTECTORATE


Words: domino
Meaning:
noun (plural dominoes)\n \n  1  [C] a small flat block, often made of wood, marked on one side with two groups of dots representing numbers, used for playing games\n \n  2  (dominoes) [U] a game played with a set of dominoes, in which players take turns to put them onto a table


Words: domino effect
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a situation in which one event causes a series of similar events to happen one after the other:\nEmployers fear a domino effect if the strike is successful (= that there will be many other strikes as a result).


Words: don
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (BrE) a teacher at a university, especially Oxford or Cambridge\nsee also DONNISH\n  2  (informal) the leader of a group of criminals involved with the Mafia\n    verb (-nn-) [VN] (formal) to put clothes, etc. on:\nHe donned his jacket and went out.


Words: donate sth
Meaning:
1  to give money, food, clothes, etc. to sb/sth, especially a charity:\nHe donated thousands of pounds to charity.\n  2  to allow doctors to remove blood or a body organ in order to help sb who needs it:\nAll donated blood is tested for HIV and other infections.


Words: donation
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U]  (to sb/sth) |  (of ...) something that is given to a person or an organization such as a charity, in order to help them; the act of giving sth in this way:\nto make a donation to charity * a generous / large / small donation * a donation of ｣200 / a ｣200 donation * The work of the charity is funded by voluntary donations. * organ donation (= allowing doctors to use an organ from your body after your death in order to save a sick person’s life)


Words: done
Meaning:
adjective, exclamation-see also DO v.\n    adjective [not before noun]\n  1   (with) finished; completed:\nWhen you’re done, perhaps I can say something. * I’ll be glad when this job is over and done with.\n  2  (of food) cooked enough:\nThe meat isn’t quite done yet.\n  3  (BrE, informal) socially acceptable, especially among people who have a strict set of social rules:\nAt school, it simply wasn’t done to show that you cared for anything except cricket.\n IDIOMS \n  be done for (informal) to be in a very bad situation; to be certain to fail:\nUnless we start making some sales, we’re done for. * When he pointed the gun at me, I thought I was done for (= about to die).\n  be done in (informal) to be extremely tired\n  be the done thing (BrE) to be socially acceptable behaviour\n  be / get done for sth / for doing sth (BrE, informal) to be caught and punished for doing sth illegal but not too serious:\nI got done for speeding on my way back.\n  be / have done with sth to have finished dealing with sb, or doing or using sth:\nIf you’ve done with that magazine, can I have a look at it?\n  have done with it (BrE) to do sth unpleasant, as quickly as possible, so that it is finished:\nWhy not tell her you’re quitting and have done with it?\nmore at EASY adv., HARD adv., SOON\n    exclamation used to show that you accept an offer:\n’I’ll give you ｣800 for it.’ ’Done!’


Words: donkey
Meaning:
noun\nan animal of the horse family, with short legs and long ears. People ride donkeys or use them to carry heavy loads.\n IDIOMS \n  donkey’s years (BrE, informal) a very long time:\nWe’ve known each other for donkey’s years. * I met him once, but that was donkey’s years ago.\nmore at TALK v.


Words: donnish
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE) (of a man) serious and concerned with academic rather than practical matters:\nHe has a somewhat donnish air about him.


Words: donor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or an organization that makes a gift of money, clothes, food, etc. to a charity, etc:\ninternational aid donors (= countries which give money, etc. to help other countries) * She is one of the charity’s main donors.\n  2  a person who gives blood or a part of his or her body to be used by doctors to help sick people:\na blood donor * The heart transplant will take place as soon as a suitable donor can be found. * donor organs * a donor card (= a card that you carry giving permission for doctors to use parts of your body after your death)


Words: doodle
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to draw lines, shapes, etc., especially when you are bored or thinking about sth else:\nI often doodle when I’m on the phone.\n    doodle noun


Words: doohickey
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE, informal) a small object whose name you have forgotten or do not know, especially part of a machine


Words: doom
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] death or destruction; any terrible event that you cannot avoid:\nto meet your doom * She had a sense of impending doom (= felt that sth very bad was going to happen).\n IDIOMS \n  doom and gloom | gloom and doom a general feeling of having lost all hope and of PESSIMISM (= expecting things to go badly):\nDespite the obvious setbacks, it is not all doom and gloom for the England team.\n  prophet of doom | doom merchant a person who predicts that things will go very badly:\nThe prophets of doom who said television would kill off the book were wrong.\n    verb [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (to sth) to make sb/sth certain to fail, suffer, die, etc:\nThe plan was doomed to failure. * The marriage was doomed from the start. [also VN to inf]


Words: doom-laden
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] predicting or leading to death or destruction:\ndoom-laden economic forecasts


Words: doomsayer
Meaning:
(especially AmE) (BrE also doomster ) noun a person who says that sth very bad is going to happen:\nEconomic doomsayers said the stock market crash would plunge the nation into a recession.


Words: doomsday
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the last day of the world when Christians believe that everyone will be judged by God\n IDIOMS \n  till doomsday (informal) a very long time; for ever:\nThis job’s going to take me till doomsday.


Words: door
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a piece of wood, glass, etc. that is opened and closed so that people can get in and out of a room, building, car, etc.; a similar thing in a cupboard/closet:\na knock on the door * to open / shut / close / slam / lock / bolt the door * to answer the door (= to go and open it because sb has knocked on it or rung the bell) * the front / back door (= at the entrance at the front / back of a building) * the bedroom door * the door frame * a four-door saloon car * the fridge door * Shut the door! * Close the door behind you, please. * The door closed behind him.\nsee also BACK-DOOR, FIRE DOOR, FRENCH DOOR, OPEN-DOOR, REVOLVING DOOR, SLIDING DOOR, STAGE DOOR, SWING DOOR, TRAPDOOR\n \n  2  the space when a door is open:\nMarc appeared through a door at the far end of the room. * (spoken) She’s just arrived-she’s just come in the door. * (spoken) He walked out the door.\n \n  3  the area close to the entrance of a building:\nThere’s somebody at the door (= at the front door of a house). * ’Can I help you?’ asked the man at the door.\nsee also DOORWAY\n  4  a building or home that is a particular number of buildings or homes away from another:\nthe family that lives three doors up from us * Our other branch is just a few doors down the road.\nsee also NEXT DOOR\n IDIOMS \n  be on the door to work at the entrance to a theatre, club, etc., for example collecting tickets from people as they enter\n  close / shut the door on sth to make it unlikely that sth will happen:\nShe was careful not to close the door on the possibility of further talks.\n  (from) door to door from building to building:\nThe journey takes about an hour, door to door. * a door-to-door salesman\n  (open) the door to sth (to provide) the means of getting or reaching sth; (to create) the opportunity for sth:\nThe agreement will open the door to increased international trade. * Our courses are the door to success in English.\n  lay sth at sb’s door (formal) to say that sb is responsible for sth that has gone wrong:\nThe blame for the disaster has been laid firmly at the government’s door.\n  leave the door open (for sth) to make sure that there is still the possibility of doing sth:\nWe have left the door open for further talks.\n  out of doors in the open air\nSYN OUTDOORS:\nYou should spend more time out of doors in the fresh air.\n  shut / slam the door in sb’s face\n1 to shut a door hard when sb is trying to come in\n2 to refuse to talk to sb or meet them, in a rude way\nmore at BACK adj., BARN, BEAT v., CLOSE v., CLOSED, DARKEN, DEATH, FOOT n., OPEN v., SHOW v., STABLE n., WOLF n.


Words: doorbell
Meaning:
noun\na bell with a button outside a house that you push to let the people inside know that you are there:\nto ring the doorbell


Words: doorman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural doormen ) a man, often in uniform, whose job is to stand at the entrance to a large building such as a hotel or a theatre, and open the door for visitors, find them taxis, etc.\ncompare PORTER (3)


Words: doormat
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a small piece of strong material near a door that people can clean their shoes on\n \n  2  (informal) a person who allows other people to treat them badly but usually does not complain


Words: doorstep
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a step outside a door of a building, or the area that is very close to the door:\nThe police turned up on their doorstep at 3 o’clock this morning.\n  2  (BrE, informal) a thick piece of bread, usually one that is made into a sandwich\n IDIOMS \n  on the / your doorstep very close to where a person lives:\nThe nightlife is great with bars and clubs right on the doorstep.


Words: doorstop
Meaning:
noun\na thing that is used to stop a door from closing or to prevent it from hitting and damaging a wall when it is opened


Words: doorway
Meaning:
noun\nan opening into a building or a room, where the door is:\nShe stood in the doorway for a moment before going in. * homeless people sleeping in shop doorways


Words: dope
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] (informal) a drug that is taken illegally for pleasure, especially CANNABIS or, in the US, HEROIN:\nto peddle / smoke dope\n  2  [U] a drug that is taken by a person or given to an animal to affect their performance in a race or sport:\nThe athlete failed a dope test (= a medical test showed that he had taken such drugs).\n  3  [C] (informal) a stupid person\n  4  [U] the ~ (on sb/sth) (informal) information on sb/sth, especially details that are not generally known:\nGive me the dope on the new boss.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to give a drug to a person or an animal in order to affect their performance in a race or sport\n  2  to give sb a drug, often in their food or drink, in order to make them unconscious:\nThieves doped a guard dog and stole $10 000 worth of goods. * The wine was doped.\n  3  ~ sb (up) [usually passive] (informal) if sb is doped or doped up, they cannot think clearly or act normally because they are under the influence of drugs


Words: dopey
Meaning:
adjective (informal)\n  1  rather stupid:\na dopey grin\n  2  not fully awake or thinking clearly, sometimes because you have taken a drug:\nI felt dopey and drowsy after the operation.


Words: Doric
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (architecture) used to describe the oldest style of architecture in Ancient Greece that has thick plain columns and no decoration at the top:\na Doric column / temple


Words: dormant
Meaning:
adjective\nnot active or growing now but able to become active or to grow in the future:\na dormant volcano * During the winter the seeds lie dormant in the soil.\n    dormancy noun [U]


Words: dormitory
Meaning:
noun (plural dormitories) (also informal dorm)\n  1  a room for several people to sleep in, especially in a school or other institution\n  2  (AmE) = HALL OF RESIDENCE


Words: dormitory town
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE bedroom community, bedroom suburb) noun\na town that people live in and from where they travel to work in a bigger town or city:\nRecently people have moved from the city centres to suburbs or dormitory towns.


Words: dorsal
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (technical) on or connected with the back of a fish or an animal:\na shark’s dorsal fin


Words: dosage
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] an amount of sth, usually a medicine or a drug, that is taken regularly over a particular period of time:\na high / low dosage * to increase / reduce the dosage * Do not exceed the recommended dosage.


Words: dose
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  an amount of a medicine or a drug that is taken once, or regularly over a period of time:\na high / low / lethal dose * Repeat the dose after 12 hours if necessary. * Take a single dose at bedtime to help you sleep. * I always take my daily dose of vitamin C.\n  2  (informal) an amount of sth:\nA dose of flu kept me off work for two weeks. * Workers at the nuclear plant were exposed to high doses of radiation. * I can cope with her in small doses (= for short amounts of time).\n IDIOMS \n  like a dose of salts (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) very fast and easily:\nHe got through the housework like a dose of salts.\nmore at MEDICINE\n    verb [VN] ~ sb / yourself (up) (with sth) to give sb/yourself a medicine or drug:\nShe dosed herself up with vitamin pills. * He was heavily dosed with painkillers.


Words: doss
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] (BrE, slang)\n  1  ~ (down) to sleep somewhere, especially somewhere uncomfortable or without a real bed:\nYou can doss down on my floor.\n  2  ~ (about / around) to spend your time not doing very much:\nWe were just dossing about in lessons today.\n    noun (BrE, slang) something that does not need much effort


Words: dosser
Meaning:
noun (BrE)\n  1  a person who has no permanent home and who lives and sleeps on the streets or in cheap HOSTELS\n  2  (spoken) a person who is very lazy


Words: dossier
Meaning:
noun\n~ (on sb/sth) a collection of documents that contain information about a person, an event or a subject\nSYN FILE:\nto assemble / compile a dossier * We have a dossier on him.


Words: dot
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a small round mark, especially one that is printed:\nThere are dots above the letters i and j. * Text and graphics are printed at 300 dots per inch. * The helicopters appeared as two black dots on the horizon. * The island is a small green dot on the map.\n IDIOMS \n  on the dot (informal) exactly on time or at the exact time mentioned:\nThe taxi showed up on the dot. * Breakfast is served at 8 on the dot. * Please tell him I’ll call him on the dot of twelve.\nmore at YEAR\n    verb (-tt-) [VN] \n  1  to put a dot above or next to a letter or word:\nWhy do you never dot your i’s?\n  2  [usually passive] to spread things or people over an area; to be spread over an area:\nThe countryside was dotted with small villages. * Small villages dot the countryside. * There are lots of Italian restaurants dotted around London.\n  3  ~ A on / over B | ~ B with A to put very small amounts of sth in a number of places on a surface:\nDot the cream all over your face. * Dot your face with the cream.\n IDIOMS \n  dot your i’s and cross your t’s to pay attention to the small details when you are finishing a task


Words: dote
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dote on / upon sb to feel and show great love for sb, ignoring their faults:\nHe dotes on his children.


Words: doting
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] showing a lot of love for sb, often ignoring their faults:\na doting mother / father * Doting dad Seb is delighted with his beautiful new daughter.


Words: dotted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  covered in dots\n  2  [only before noun] (music) (of a musical note) followed by a DOT to show that it is one and a half times the length of an ordinary note: (BrE) a dotted minim * (AmE) a dotted half note


Words: dotted line
Meaning:
noun\na line made of dots:\nCountry boundaries are shown on this map as dotted lines. * A page break is represented as a dotted line on screen. * Fold along the dotted line. * Write your name on the dotted line.\n IDIOMS  see SIGN v.


Words: dotty
Meaning:
adjective (old-fashioned, BrE, informal)\n  1  slightly crazy or silly\nSYN ECCENTRIC\n  2  ~ about sb/sth having romantic feelings for sb; being enthusiastic about sth:\nHe’s dotty about you.


Words: double
Meaning:
adjective, determiner, adverb, noun, verb \n    adjective\n [usually before noun]\n \n  twice as much / many\n \n  1  twice as much or as many as usual:\na double helping * two double whiskies\n \n  with two parts\n \n  2  having or made of two things or parts that are equal or similar:\ndouble doors * a double-page advertisement * ’Otter’ is spelt with a double t. * My extension is two four double 0 (2400).\n \n  for two people\n  3  made for two people or things:\na double bed / room\ncompare SINGLE adj. (4)\n  combining two things\n  4  combining two things or qualities:\na double meaning / purpose / aim * It has the double advantage of being both easy and cheap.\n    determiner\n  twice as much / many twice as much or as many as:\nHis income is double hers. * He earns double what she does. * We need double the amount we already have.\n    adverb\n  in two parts in twos or in two parts:\nI thought I was seeing double (= seeing two of sth). * Fold the blanket double. * I had to bend double to get under the table.\n    noun\n  twice as much / many\n \n  1  [U] twice the number or amount:\nHe gets paid double for doing the same job I do.\n \n  alcoholic drink\n \n  2  [C] a glass of strong alcoholic drink containing twice the usual amount:\nTwo Scotches, please-and make those doubles, will you?\n \n  person / thing\n \n  3  [C] a person or thing that looks exactly like another:\nShe’s the double of her mother.\n  4  [C] an actor who replaces another actor in a film/movie to do dangerous or other special things\nsee also BODY DOUBLE\n  bedroom\n  5  [C] = DOUBLE ROOM:\nIs that a single or a double you want?\ncompare SINGLE n. (3)\n  in sport\n  6  (doubles) [pl.] a game, especially of tennis, in which one pair plays another:\nmixed doubles (= in which each pair consists of a man and a woman)\ncompare SINGLES n. (5)\n  7  (the double) [sing.] the fact of winning two important competitions or beating the same player or team twice, in the same season or year:\nShe’s going for the double this year-the Olympics and the World Championship.\n IDIOMS \n  at the double (BrE) (AmE on the double) (informal) quickly; hurrying\n  double or quits (BrE) (AmE double or nothing) (in gambling) a risk in which you could win twice the amount you pay, or you could lose all your money\n    verb\n  become twice as much / many\n  1  to become, or make sth become, twice as much or as many:\n[V] Membership almost doubled in two years. * [VN] Double all the quantities in the recipe to make enough for eight people.\n  fold\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (over) to bend or fold sth so that there are two layers:\nShe doubled the blanket and put it under his head.\n  in baseball\n  3  [V] to hit the ball far enough for you to get to second BASE:\nHe doubled to left field.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  double as sth | double up as sth to have another use or function as well as the main one:\nThe kitchen doubles as a dining room.\n  double back to turn back and go in the direction you have come from\n  double up (on sth / with sb) (informal) to form a pair in order to do sth or to share sth:\nWe’ll have to double up on books; there aren’t enough to go around. * They only have one room left: you’ll have to double up with Peter.\n  double up / over | double sb up / over to bend or to make your body bend over quickly, for example because you are in pain:\nJo doubled up with laughter. * I was doubled over with pain.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \ndouble / dual\nThese adjectives are frequently used with the following nouns:\ndouble ~  dual ~\nbed  purpose\ndoors  function tab\nfigures  role\nstandards  approach\nthickness  citizenship\nDual describes something that has two parts, uses or aspects.\nDouble can be used with a similar meaning, but when it is used to describe something that has two parts, the two parts are usually the same or very similar.\nDouble, but not dual, can describe something that is made for two people or things or is twice as big as usual.\n______________________________


Words: double agent
Meaning:
noun\na person who is a SPY for a particular country, and also for another country which is an enemy of the first one


Words: double bill
Meaning:
(AmE also double feature) noun\ntwo films/movies, television programmes, etc. that are shown one after the other:\na cartoon double bill


Words: double bind
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a situation in which it is difficult to choose what to do because whatever you choose will have negative results


Words: double bluff
Meaning:
noun\na way of trying to deceive sb by telling them the truth while hoping that they think you are lying


Words: double Dutch
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE, informal) speech or writing that is impossible to understand, and that seems to be nonsense:\nThese instructions are written in double Dutch.


Words: double entendre
Meaning:
noun\n(from French) a word or phrase that can be understood in two different ways, one of which usually refers to sex


Words: double figures
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually double digits) noun\n[pl.] used to describe a number that is not less than 10 and not more than 99:\nInflation is in double figures.\n    double-figure (especially BrE) (AmE usually double-digit) adjective [only before noun]:\na double-figure pay rise


Words: double glazing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (especially BrE) windows that have two layers of glass with a space between them, designed to make the room warmer and to reduce noise:\nWe’re having double-glazing fitted.\n    double-glaze verb [VN]\n    double-glazed adjective:\ndouble-glazed windows


Words: double jeopardy
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE, law) the fact of taking sb to a court of law twice for the same crime, or punishing sb twice for the same reason


Words: double life
Meaning:
noun\na life of a person who leads two different lives which are kept separate from each other, usually because one of them involves secret, often illegal or immoral, activities:\nto live / lead a double life


Words: double quick
Meaning:
adverb\n(BrE, informal) very quickly\n    double-quick adjective [only before noun]:\nThe TV was repaired in double-quick time.


Words: double standard
Meaning:
noun\na rule or moral principle that is unfair because it is used in one situation, but not in another, or because it treats one group of people differently from another


Words: double take
Meaning:
noun\nif you do a double take, you wait for a moment before you react to sth that has happened, because it is very surprising


Words: double time
Meaning:
noun\n[U] twice sb’s normal pay, that they earn for working at times which are not normal working hours


Words: double-barrelled
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE double-barreled) adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of a gun) having two BARRELS (= places where the bullets come out)\n  2  (BrE) (of a family name) having two parts, sometimes joined by a HYPHEN, for example ’Day-Lewis’\n  3  (AmE) (of a plan, etc.) having two parts, and therefore likely to be effective


Words: double-book
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] to promise the same room, seat, table, etc. to two different people at the same time\ncompare OVERBOOK\n    double-booking noun [C, U]


Words: double-breasted
Meaning:
adjective\na double-breasted jacket or coat has two front parts so that one part covers the other when the buttons are done up, and two rows of buttons can be seen\ncompare SINGLE-BREASTED


Words: double-check
Meaning:
verb\nto check sth for a second time or with great care:\n[VN] I’ll double-check the figures. [also V, V (that)]\n    double-check noun


Words: double-cross
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to cheat or deceive sb who trusts you (usually in connection with sth illegal or dishonest):\nHe double-crossed the rest of the gang and disappeared with all the money.\n    double-cross noun [usually sing.]


Words: double-decker
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a bus with two floors, one on top of the other\ncompare SINGLE-DECKER\n \n  2  (AmE) a sandwich made from three pieces of bread with two layers of food between them


Words: double-edged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a knife, etc.) having two cutting edges:\na double-edged blade / axe / dagger\n  2  (of a remark, comment, etc.) having two possible meanings\nSYN AMBIGUOUS\n  3  having two different parts or uses, often parts that contrast with each other:\nthe double-edged quality of life in a small town-security and boredom\n IDIOMS \n  be a double-edged sword / weapon to be sth that has both advantages and disadvantages


Words: double-jointed
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving joints in your fingers, arms, etc. that allow you to bend them both backwards and forwards


Words: double-park
Meaning:
verb\n[usually passive] to park a car or other vehicle beside one that is already parked in a street:\n[VN] A red sports car stood double-parked almost in the middle of the road. * I’ll have to rush-I’m double-parked. [also V]


Words: doublespeak
Meaning:
(also doubletalk) noun\n[U] language that is intended to deceive people, or that can be understood in two different ways


Words: doublet
Meaning:
noun\na short, tightly fitting jacket worn by men from the 14th to the 17th century:\ndressed in doublet and hose


Words: doubly
Meaning:
adverb (used before adjectives)\n  1  more than usual:\ndoubly difficult / hard / important * I made doubly sure I locked all the doors when I went out.\n  2  in two ways; for two reasons:\nI was doubly attracted to the house-by its size and its location.


Words: doubt
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, C] ~ (about sth) | ~ (that ...) | ~ (as to sth) a feeling of being uncertain about sth or not believing sth:\na feeling of doubt and uncertainty * There is some doubt about the best way to do it. * There is no doubt at all that we did the right thing. * New evidence has cast doubt on the guilt of the man jailed for the crime. * The article raised doubts about how effective the new drug really was. * If you are in any doubt as to whether you should be doing these exercises, consult your doctor. * She knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was lying to her. * Whether he will continue to be successful in future is open to doubt.\n IDIOMS \n  beyond (any) doubt in a way that shows that sth is completely certain:\nThe research showed beyond doubt that smoking contributes to heart disease. * (law) The prosecution was able to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the woman had been lying.\n  be in doubt to be uncertain:\nThe success of the system is not in doubt.\n  have your doubts (about sth) to have reasons why you are not certain about whether sth is good or whether sth good will happen:\nI’ve had my doubts about his work since he joined the firm. * It may be all right. Personally, I have my doubts.\n  if in doubt used to give advice to sb who cannot decide what to do:\nIf in doubt, wear black.\n  no doubt\n1 used when you are saying that sth is probable:\nNo doubt she’ll call us when she gets there.\n2 used when you are saying that sth is certainly true:\nHe’s made some great movies. There’s no doubt about it.\n  without / beyond doubt used when you are giving your opinion and emphasizing the point that you are making:\nThis meeting has been, without doubt, one of the most useful we have had so far.\nmore at BENEFIT n.\n    verb\n  1  to feel uncertain about sth; to feel that sth is not true, will probably not happen, etc:\nThere seems no reason to doubt her story. * ’Do you think England will win?’-’I doubt it.’ * [V (that)] I never doubted (that) she would come. * [V wh-] I doubt whether / if the new one will be any better.\n  2  [VN] to not trust sb/sth; to not believe sb:\nI had no reason to doubt him.\n    doubter noun


Words: doubtful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (about sth) | ~ (about doing sth) (of a person) not sure; uncertain and feeling doubt:\nRose was doubtful about the whole idea. * He was doubtful about accepting extra work.\n  2  ~ (if / that / whether ...) unlikely; not probable:\nIt’s doubtful if this painting is a Picasso. * With her injuries it’s doubtful that she’ll ever walk again. * It’s doubtful whether the car will last another year. * Giggs is injured and is doubtful for the game tomorrow (= unlikely to play).\n  3  [not usually before noun] (of a thing) uncertain and likely to get worse:\nAt the beginning of the war things were looking very doubtful.\n  4  [only before noun] of low value; probably not genuine and that you cannot rely on:\nThis wine is of doubtful quality.\n    doubtfully  adverb


Words: doubtless
Meaning:
adverb\n(also less frequent doubtlessly) (written) almost certainly:\nHe would doubtless disapprove of what Kelly was doing. * Doubtless Williams, as the star of the movie, is getting five times the salary of everyone else.


Words: dough
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] a mixture of flour, water, etc. that is made into bread and pastry:\nKnead the dough on a floured surface.\n  2  [U] (old-fashioned, slang) money


Words: doughnut
Meaning:
(also donut especially in AmE)  noun\na small cake made of fried dough, usually in the shape of a ring or round and filled with jam/jelly, fruit, cream, etc.


Words: doughty
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (old-fashioned) brave and strong:\na doughty defender of women’s rights


Words: doula
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) a woman whose role is to provide emotional support to a woman who is giving birth\ncompare MIDWIFE


Words: dour
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) giving the impression of being unfriendly and severe\n  2  (of a thing, a place, or a situation) not pleasant; with no features that make it lively or interesting:\nThe city, drab and dour by day, is transformed at night. * The game proved to be a dour struggle, with both men determined to win.\n    dourly adverb


Words: douse
Meaning:
(also dowse)  verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (with sth) to stop a fire from burning by pouring water over it; to put out a light:\nHe doused the flames with a fire extinguisher.\n  2  ~ sb/sth (in / with sth) to pour a lot of liquid over sb/sth; to soak sb/sth in liquid:\nThe car was doused in petrol and set alight.


Words: dove
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a bird of the PIGEON family. The white dove is often used as a symbol of peace:\nA dove cooed softly. * He wore a dove-grey suit.\nsee also TURTLE DOVE\n  2  a person, especially a politician, who prefers peace and discussion to war\ncompare HAWK\n\n (AmE) past tense of DIVE


Words: dovetail
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (formal) ~ (sth) (with / into sth) if two things dovetail or if one thing dovetails with another, they fit together well:\n[V] My plans dovetailed nicely with hers. [also VN] \n    noun\n (also dovetail joint) a joint for fixing two pieces of wood together


Words: dowager
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a woman of high social rank who has a title from her dead husband:\nthe dowager Duchess of Norfolk\n  2  (informal) an impressive, usually rich, old woman


Words: dowdy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a woman) not attractive or fashionable:\nHe had a rather dowdy wife and several children.\n  2  (of a thing) dull or boring and not attractive:\na dowdy dress


Words: down
Meaning:
adverb, preposition, verb, adjective, noun \n    adverb\n HELP NOTE  For the special uses of down in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example climb down is in the phrasal verb section at climb.\n  1  to or at a lower place or position:\nShe jumped down off the chair. * He looked down at her. * We watched as the sun went down. * She bent down to pick up her glove. * Mary’s not down yet (= she is still upstairs). * The baby can’t keep any food down (= in her body).\n  2  from a standing or upright position to a sitting or horizontal one:\nPlease sit down. * He had to go and lie down for a while.\n  3  at a lower level or rate:\nPrices have gone down recently. * We’re already two goals down (= the other team has two goals more).\n  4  used to show that the amount or strength of sth is lower, or that there is less activity:\nTurn the music down! * The class settled down and she began the lesson.\n  5  (in a CROSSWORD) reading from top to bottom, not from side to side:\nI can’t do 3 down.\n  6  to or in the south of a country:\nThey flew down to Texas. * Houses are more expensive down south.\n  7  on paper; on a list:\nDid you get that down? * I always write everything down. * Have you got me down for the trip?\n  8  used to show the limits in a range or an order:\nEveryone will be there, from the Principal down.\n  9  having lost the amount of money mentioned:\nAt the end of the day we were ｣20 down.\n  10  if you pay an amount of money down, you pay that to start with, and the rest later\n  11  (informal) used to say how far you have got in a list of things you have to do:\nWell, I’ve seen six apartments so far. That’s six down and four to go!\n IDIOMS \n  be down to sb (informal) to be the responsibility of sb:\nIt’s down to you to check the door.\n  be down to sb/sth to be caused by a particular person or thing:\nShe claimed her problems were down to the media.\n  be down to sth to have only a little money left:\nI’m down to my last dollar.\n  be / go down with sth to have or catch an illness\n  down through sth (written) during a long period of time:\nDown through the years this town has seen many changes.\n  down under (informal) in Australia\n  down with sb/sth used to say that you are opposed to sth, or to a person:\nThe crowds chanted ’Down with NATO!’\n    preposition\n  1  from a high or higher point on sth to a lower one:\nThe stone rolled down the hill. * Tears ran down her face. * Her hair hung down her back to her waist.\n  2  along; towards the direction in which you are facing:\nHe lives just down the street. * Go down the road till you reach the traffic lights. * There’s a bridge a mile down the river from here.\n  3  all through a period of time:\nan exhibition of costumes down the ages (= from all periods of history)\n    verb [VN] (informal)\n  1  to finish a drink or eat sth quickly:\nWe downed our coffees and left.\n  2  to force sb/sth down to the ground:\nto down a plane * Storms downed trees and power lines.\n IDIOMS \n  down tools (BrE) (of workers) to stop work; to go on strike\n    adjective [not before noun]\n  1  (informal) sad or depressed:\nI feel a bit down today.\n  2  (of a computer or computer system) not working:\nThe system was down all morning.\nsee also DOWN TIME\n IDIOMS  see HIT v., KICK v., LUCK n., MOUTH n.\n    noun\n [U]-see also DOWNS\n \n  1  the very fine soft feathers of a bird:\nduck down\n \n  2  fine soft hair\nsee also DOWNY\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  have a down on sb/sth (BrE, informal) to have a bad opinion of sb and not treat them well\nmore at UP n.


Words: down at heel
Meaning:
adjective\nlooking less attractive and fashionable than before, usually because of a lack of money:\nThe town has become very down at heel. * a down-at-heel hotel


Words: Down’s syndrome
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an ABNORMAL condition in which a person is born with a wide, flat face, sloping eyes and a mental ability that is below average


Words: down-home
Meaning:
adjective\n(AmE) used to describe a person or thing that reminds you of a simple way of life, typical of the country, not the town


Words: down-to-earth
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) sensible and practical, in a way that is helpful and friendly:\nShe was friendly and down-to-earth and quickly put me at my ease.


Words: downbeat
Meaning:
adjective (informal)\n  1  dull or depressing; not hopeful about the future:\nThe overall mood of the meeting was downbeat.\nOPP UPBEAT\n  2  not showing strong feelings or enthusiasm


Words: downcast
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  (of eyes) looking down:\nEyes downcast, she continued eating and did not speak again.\n  2  (of a person or an expression) sad or depressed:\nA group of downcast men stood waiting for food.


Words: downer
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  [usually pl.] a drug, especially a BARBITURATE, that relaxes you or makes you want to sleep\ncompare UPPER\n  2  an experience that makes you feel sad or depressed:\nNot getting the promotion was a real downer. * He’s really on a downer isn’t he? (= very depressed)


Words: downfall
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the loss of a person’s money, power, social position, etc.; the thing that causes this:\nThe sex scandal finally led to his downfall. * Greed was her downfall.


Words: downgrade
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb/sth (from sth) (to sth) to move sb/sth down to a lower rank or level:\nShe’s been downgraded from principal to vice-principal.\n  2  to make sth/sb seem less important or valuable than it/they really are\ncompare UPGRADE\n    downgrading noun [U, C]:\na downgrading of diplomatic relations


Words: downhearted
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] feeling depressed or sad:\nWe’re disappointed by these results but we’re not downhearted.


Words: downhill
Meaning:
adverb, adjective, noun \n    adverb towards the bottom of a hill; in a direction that goes down:\nto run / walk / cycle downhill\nOPP UPHILL\n IDIOMS \n  go downhill to get worse in quality, health, etc.\nSYN DETERIORATE:\nTheir marriage went downhill after the first child was born. * He’s been going slowly downhill since he came out of hospital.\n    adjective going or sloping towards the bottom of a hill:\na downhill path\nOPP UPHILL\n IDIOMS \n  be (all) downhill | be downhill all the way (informal)\n1 to be easy compared to what came before:\nIt’s all downhill from here. We’ll soon be finished.\n2 becoming worse or less successful:\nIt’s been all downhill for his career since then, with four defeats in five games. * I started work as a journalist and it was downhill all the way for my health.\n    noun [U] the type of skiing in which you go directly down a mountain; a race in which people ski down a mountain\ncompare CROSS-COUNTRY


Words: Downing Street
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (not used with the) a way of referring to the British PRIME MINISTER and government, taken from the name of the street where the PRIME MINISTER lives:\nDowning Street issued a statement late last night.


Words: download
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (computing) to move data to a smaller computer system from a larger one\ncompare LOAD\nOPP UPLOAD


Words: downmarket
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE downscale) adjective\n(disapproving) cheap and of poor quality:\nThe company wants to break away from its downmarket image. * A town that has everything from luxury hotels to downmarket bars.\nOPP UPMARKET\n    downmarket adverb:\nTo get more viewers the TV station will have to go downmarket.


Words: downplay
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make people think that sth is less important than it really is:\nThe coach is downplaying the team’s poor performance.


Words: downright
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] used as a way of emphasizing sth negative or unpleasant:\nThere was suspicion and even downright hatred between them.\n    downright adverb:\nShe couldn’t think of anything to say that wasn’t downright rude. * It’s not just stupid-it’s downright dangerous.


Words: downs
Meaning:
noun\n(the downs) [pl.] an area of open land with low hills, especially in southern England:\nthe South Downs


Words: downshift
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  (AmE) to change to a lower GEAR in a vehicle\n  2  to change to a job or style of life where you may earn less but which puts less pressure on you and involves less stress\n    downshift noun [C, U] downshifter noun


Words: downsize
Meaning:
verb\n[V, VN] (business) to reduce the number of people who work in a company, business, etc. in order to reduce costs


Words: downstairs
Meaning:
adverb, noun \n    adverb\n down the stairs; on or to a floor or a house or building lower than the one you are on, especially the one at ground level:\nShe rushed downstairs and burst into the kitchen. * Wait downstairs in the hall.\nOPP UPSTAIRS\n \n    downstairs adjective [only before noun]:\na downstairs bathroom\n    noun [sing.] the lower floor of a house or building, especially the one at ground level:\nWe’re painting the downstairs.\nOPP UPSTAIRS


Words: downstream
Meaning:
(also less frequent downriver) adverb\n~ (of / from sth) in the direction in which a river flows:\nto drift / float downstream * downstream of / from the bridge * There’s a village about a mile downstream. * Hundreds of people were swept downstream in the floods.\nOPP UPSTREAM\n    downstream adjective:\ndownstream areas


Words: downtown
Meaning:
adverb\n(especially AmE) in or towards the centre of a city, especially its main business area:\nto go / work downtown\ncompare MIDTOWN, TOWN CENTRE, UPTOWN\n    downtown adjective:\na downtown store


Words: downtrend
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (AmE) a situation in which business activity or performance decreases or becomes worse over a period of time:\nThere was a gradual downtrend in the price of grain.\nOPP UPTREND


Words: downtrodden
Meaning:
adjective\ndowntrodden people are treated so badly by the people with authority and power that they no longer have the energy or ability to fight back:\na downtrodden minority * It was a downtrodden nation during centuries of foreign occupation.


Words: downturn
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] ~ (in sth) a fall in the amount of business that is done; a time when the economy becomes weaker:\na downturn in sales / trade / business * the economic downturn of the late 1990s\nOPP UPTURN


Words: downward
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] moving or pointing towards a lower level:\nthe downward slope of a hill * A rise in interest rates would reverse the downward trend in inflation. * She was trapped in a downward spiral of personal unhappiness. * The business was on a downward path, finally closing in 1998. * Subsidence is the downward movement of a site on which a building stands.\nOPP UPWARD


Words: downwards
Meaning:
(also downward especially in AmE) adverb\ntowards the ground or towards a lower level:\nShe was lying face downwards on the grass. * The garden sloped gently downwards to the river. * It was a policy welcomed by world leaders from the US president downwards. * Nine per cent of commuters used public transport in 1995 and the trend is downwards. * Official projections of the spread of Aids have mercifully been revised downwards (= it has been predicted that the disease will not spread as fast as earlier predictions suggested).\nOPP UPWARDS


Words: downwind
Meaning:
adverb\n~ (of sth) in the direction in which the wind is blowing:\nsailing downwind * Warnings were issued to people living downwind of the fire to stay indoors.\nOPP UPWIND\n    downwind adjective


Words: dowry
Meaning:
noun (plural dowries)\n  1  money and/or property that, in some societies, a wife or her family must pay to her husband when they get married\n  2  money and/or property that, in some societies, a husband must pay to his wife’s family when they get married


Words: dowse
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] to look for underground water or minerals by using a special stick or rod that moves when it comes near water, etc.\n  2  = DOUSE\n    dowser noun


Words: doyen
Meaning:
(AmE usually dean) noun\nthe most respected or most experienced member of a group or profession:\nClive James, that doyen of television critics ...


Words: doze
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] to sleep lightly for a short time:\nI dozed fitfully until dawn.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  doze off to go to sleep, especially during the day:\nShe dozed off in front of the fire.\n    noun [sing.] a short period of sleep, usually during the day:\nI had a doze on the train.


Words: dozen
Meaning:
noun, determiner (plural dozen)\n  1  [C] (abbreviation doz.) a group of twelve of the same thing:\nGive me a dozen, please. * two dozen eggs * three dozen red roses\n  2  [C] a group of approximately twelve people or things:\nseveral dozen / a few dozen people * The company employs no more than a couple of dozen people. * Only about half a dozen people turned up. * There was only space for a half-dozen tables.\n  3  (dozens) [pl.] ~ (of sth) (informal) a lot of people or things:\nThey arrived in dozens (= in large numbers). * I’ve been there dozens of times.\n IDIOMS  see BAKER, DIME, NINETEEN, SIX


Words: DPhil
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) the abbreviation for ’Doctor of Philosophy’:\nto be / have / do a DPhil * James Mendelssohn DPhil


Words: Dr
Meaning:
(BrE) (also Dr. AmE, BrE) abbreviation\n  1  (in writing) Doctor:\nDr (Jane) Walker\n  2  (in street names) DRIVE


Words: drab
Meaning:
adjective\n(drabber, drabbest) without interest or colour; dull and boring:\na cold drab little office * drab women, dressed in browns and greys\n    drabness [U]


Words: draconian
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of a law, punishment, etc.) extremely harsh and severe:\na call for draconian measures against drug-related crime


Words: draft
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a rough written version of sth that is not yet in its final form:\nI’ve made a rough draft of the letter. * This is only the first draft of my speech. * the final draft (= the final version) * The legislation is still in draft form. * a draft constitution / treaty / agreement\n  2  [C] (finance) a written order to a bank to pay money to sb:\nPayment must be made by bank draft drawn on a UK bank.\n  3  (the draft) [sing.] (especially AmE) = CONSCRIPTION\n  4  [sing.] (AmE) a system in which professional teams in some sports choose players each year from among college students:\nHe was the fourth player chosen in the 1992 draft, but the first of his class to reach the major leagues.\n  5  [C] (AmE) = DRAUGHT\n    adjective (AmE) = DRAUGHT\n    verb (also draught especially in BrE) [VN] \n  1  to write the first rough version of sth such as a letter, speech, or book:\nto draft a constitution / contract / bill * I’ll draft a letter for you.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] to choose people and send them somewhere for a special task:\nExtra police are being drafted in to control the crowds.\n  3  [usually passive] (AmE) = CONSCRIPT:\nHe had been drafted to fight in the Vietnam war. * They were drafted into the army.


Words: draft dodger
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE, disapproving) a person who illegally tries to avoid doing military service\ncompare CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR


Words: drafter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who prepares a rough version of a plan, document, etc.\n  2  (AmE) = DRAFTSMAN (2)


Words: draftsman
Meaning:
1  (AmE) = DRAUGHTSMAN, DRAUGHTSWOMAN\n  2  (AmE also drafter) a person who writes official or legal documents:\nthe draftsmen of the treaty / bill / constitution


Words: drag
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n (-gg-)\n \n  pull\n \n  1  [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to pull sb/sth along with effort and difficulty:\nI dragged the chair over to the window. * They dragged her from her bed. * The sack is too heavy to lift-you’ll have to drag it. * He quickly dragged a comb through his hair.\n \n  move slowly\n \n  2  [+adv./prep.] to move yourself slowly and with effort:\n[VN] I managed to drag myself out of bed. * [V] She always drags behind when we walk anywhere.\n \n  persuade sb to go\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to persuade sb to come or go somewhere they do not really want to come or go to:\nI’m sorry to drag you all this way in the heat. * The party was so good I couldn’t drag myself away. * He came in, dragging his three children behind him.\n  of time\n  4  [V] (of time or an event) to pass very slowly:\nTime dragged terribly. * The meeting really dragged.\nsee also DRAG ON\n  touch ground\n  5  to move, or make sth move, partly touching the ground:\n[V] This dress is too long-it drags on the ground when I walk. * [VN] He was dragging his coat in the mud.\n  search river\n  6  [VN] ~ sth (for sb/sth) to search the bottom of a river, lake, etc. with nets or hooks:\nThey dragged the canal for the missing children.\n  computing\n  7  [VN +adv./prep.] to move some text, an ICON, etc. across the screen of a computer using the mouse:\nClick on the file and drag it across.\n IDIOMS \n  drag your feet / heels to be deliberately slow in doing sth or in making a decision\nmore at BOOTSTRAP\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  drag sb<->down to make sb feel weak or unhappy:\nDwelling on the past only drags you down.\n  drag sb/sth<->down (to sth) to bring sb/sth to a lower social or economic level, a lower standard of behaviour, etc:\nIf he fails, he’ll drag us all down with him.\n  drag sth/sb into sth | drag sth/sb<->in\n1 to start to talk about sth/sb that has nothing to do with what is being discussed:\nDo you have to drag politics into everything?\n2 to try to get sb involved in a situation who is not connected with it:\nDon’t drag the children into our argument.\n  drag on (disapproving) to go on for too long:\nThe dispute has dragged on for months.\n  drag sth<->out to make sth last longer than necessary\nSYN PROLONG:\nLet’s not drag out this discussion; we need to reach a decision.\n  drag sth out of sb to make sb say sth they do not want to say:\nWe dragged a confession out of him.\n  drag sth<->up to mention an unpleasant story, fact, etc. that people do not want to remember or talk about:\nWhy do you have to keep dragging up my divorce?\n    noun\n  boring person / thing\n  1  [sing.] (informal) a boring person or thing; sth that is annoying:\nHe’s such a drag. * Walking’s a drag-let’s drive there. * Having to work late every day is a drag.\n  sb / sth stopping progress\n  2  [sing.] ~ on sb/sth (informal) a person or thing that makes progress difficult:\nHe came to be seen as a drag on his own party’s prospects.\n  on cigarette\n  3  [C] (informal) an act of breathing in smoke from a cigarette, etc:\nShe took a long drag on her cigarette.\n  women’s clothes\n  4  [U] (informal) clothes that are usually worn by the opposite sex (usually women’s clothes worn by men):\nHe performed in drag. * a drag queen (= a man dressed in women’s clothes usually in order to entertain people)\n  physics\n  5  [U] the force of the air that acts against the movement of an aircraft or other vehicle\nsee also MAIN DRAG\ncompare LIFT


Words: dragon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in stories) a large fierce animal with wings and a long tail, that can breathe out fire\n  2  (disapproving, especially BrE) a woman who behaves in a fierce and frightening way


Words: dragonfly
Meaning:
noun\n(plural dragonflies) an insect with a long thin body, often brightly coloured, and two pairs of large transparent wings. Dragonflies are often seen over water:\nBright blue dragonflies hovered and darted in the reeds.


Words: dragoon
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a soldier in the past who rode a horse and carried a gun\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dragoon sb into sth / into doing sth (written) to force or persuade sb to do sth that they do not want to do


Words: drain
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to make sth empty or dry by removing all the liquid from it; to become empty or dry in this way:\n[VN] Drain and rinse the pasta. * The marshes have been drained. * You will need to drain the central heating system before you replace the radiator. * [V] The swimming pool drains very slowly. * Leave the dishes to drain.\n  2  ~ (sth) (from / out of sth) | ~ (sth) (away / off) to make liquid flow away from sth; to flow away:\n[VN] We had to drain the oil out of the engine. * Drain off the excess fat from the meat. * [V] She pulled out the plug and the water drained away. * The river drains into a lake. * All the colour drained from his face when I told him the news * His face drained of colour. * (figurative) My anger slowly drained away.\n  3  [VN] to empty a cup or glass by drinking everything in it: (written) In one gulp, he drained the glass. * She quickly drained the last of her drink.\n  4  [VN] ~ sb/sth (of sth) to make sb/sth weaker, poorer, etc. by using up their/its strength, money, etc:\nMy mother’s hospital expenses were slowly draining my income. * I felt drained of energy. * The experience left her emotionally drained. * an exhausting and draining experience\n    noun\n  1  [C] a pipe that carries away dirty water or other liquid waste:\nWe had to call in a plumber to unblock the drain. * The drains (= the system of pipes) date from the beginning of the century.\n  2  [C] (BrE) (AmE grate, sewer grate) a frame of metal bars over the opening to a drain in the ground\n  3  [C] (AmE) = PLUGHOLE\n  4  [sing.] ~ on sb/sth a thing that uses a lot of the time, money, etc. that could be used for sth else:\nMilitary spending is a huge drain on the country’s resources.\nsee also BRAIN DRAIN\n IDIOMS \n  (go) down the drain (BrE also (go) down the plughole) (informal) (to be) wasted; (to get) very much worse:\nIt’s just money down the drain, you know. * Safety standards have gone down the drain.\nmore at LAUGH v.


Words: drainage
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the process by which water or liquid waste is drained from an area:\na drainage system / channel / ditch * The area has good natural drainage.\n  2  a system of drains


Words: drained
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] very tired and without energy:\nShe suddenly felt totally drained.


Words: draining board
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE drainboard) noun\nthe area next to a kitchen SINK where cups, plates, etc. are put for the water to run off, after they have been washed


Words: drainpipe
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (AmE also downspout) a pipe that carries RAINWATER from the roof of a building to a DRAIN\n \n  2  a pipe that carries dirty water or other liquid waste away from a building


Words: dram
Meaning:
noun\n(especially ScotE) a small amount of an alcoholic drink, especially whisky:\nHow about a wee dram to celebrate?


Words: drama
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a play for the theatre, television or radio:\na costume / historical drama\n  2  [U] plays considered as a form of literature:\nclassical / Elizabethan / modern drama * a drama critic * a drama student * I studied English and Drama at college.\n  3  [C] an exciting event:\nA powerful human drama was unfolding before our eyes.\n  4  [U, C] excitement:\nYou couldn’t help being thrilled by the drama of the situation.\n IDIOMS \n  make a drama out of sth to make a small problem or event seem more important or serious than it really is


Words: dramatic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a change, an event, etc.) sudden, very great and often surprising:\na dramatic increase / fall / change / improvement * dramatic results / developments / news * The announcement had a dramatic effect on house prices.\n  2  exciting and impressive:\na dramatic victory / ending * They watched dramatic pictures of the police raid on TV. * set against the dramatic backcloth of Mont Blanc\n  3  [usually before noun] connected with the theatre or plays:\na local dramatic society * Students will study various plays and dramatic texts. * a dramatic monologue\n  4  exaggerated in order to create a special effect and attract people’s attention:\nHe flung out his arms in a dramatic gesture. * Don’t be so dramatic!\n    dramatically  adverb:\nPrices have fallen dramatically. * At any point events could have developed in a dramatically different way. * ’At last!’ she cried dramatically. * The mountains rose dramatically behind them.


Words: dramatic irony
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a situation in a play when a character’s words carry an extra meaning to the audience because they know more than the character, especially about what is going to happen


Words: dramatics
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] behaviour that does not seem sincere because it is exaggerated or too emotional\nsee also AMATEUR DRAMATICS


Words: dramatist
Meaning:
noun\na person who writes plays for the theatre, television or radio\nSYN PLAYWRIGHT:\na TV dramatist


Words: dramatize
Meaning:
(BrE also dramatise)  verb\n  1  [VN] to present a book, an event, etc. as a play or a film/movie:\nJane Austen’s ’Emma’ was dramatized on television recently.\n  2  to make sth seem more exciting or important than it really is:\n[VN] Don’t worry too much about what she said-she tends to dramatize things. [also V] \n    dramatization, dramatisation  noun [U, C]:\na television dramatization of the trial * She has a tendency to dramatization.


Words: drape
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN +adv./prep.] \n  1  ~ sth around / over / across, etc. sth to hang clothes, materials, etc. loosely on sb/sth:\nShe had a shawl draped around her shoulders. * He draped his coat over the back of the chair.\n  2  ~ sb/sth in / with sth to cover or decorate sb/sth with material:\nwalls draped in ivy * She draped some velvety material over the old sofa.\n  3  ~ around / round / over, etc. sth to allow part of your body to rest on sth in a relaxed way:\nHis arm was draped casually around her shoulders.\n    noun\n (especially AmE) (AmE also drapery) [usually pl.] a long thick curtain:\nblue velvet drapes


Words: draper
Meaning:
noun (old-fashioned, BrE)\n  1  a person who owns or manages a shop that sells fabric, curtains, etc.\n  2  (draper’s) (plural drapers) a shop/store that sells fabric, curtains, etc.


Words: drapery
Meaning:
noun (plural draperies)\n  1  [U] (also draperies [pl.]) fabric or clothing hanging in loose folds:\na cradle swathed in draperies and blue ribbon * The style is noted for its flowing drapery.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] (AmE) = DRAPE\n  3  [U] (old-fashioned) fabric and materials for sewing sold by a draper:\na drapery shop / business\ncompare DRY GOODS


Words: drastic
Meaning:
adjective\nextreme in a way that has a sudden, serious or violent effect on sth:\ndrastic measures / changes * The government is threatening to take drastic action. * a drastic shortage of food * a drastic reduction in their standard of living * Talk to me before you do anything drastic.\n    drastically  adverb:\nOutput has been drastically reduced. * Things have started to go drastically wrong.


Words: drat
Meaning:
exclamation\n(old-fashioned, informal) used to show that you are annoyed:\nDrat! I forgot my key.\n    dratted adjective [only before noun] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal):\nThis dratted pen won’t work.


Words: draught
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a flow of cool air in a room or other enclosed space:\nThere’s a draught in here. * A cold draught of air blew in from the open window. * I was sitting in a draught. * She shivered in the icy draught.\n \n  2  [C] (formal) one continuous action of swallowing liquid; the amount swallowed:\nHe took a deep draught of his beer.\n \n  3  [C] (old use or literary) medicine in a liquid form:\na sleeping draught (= one that makes you sleep)\n \n  4  (draughts) (BrE) (AmE checkers) [U] a game for two players using 24 round pieces on a board marked with black and white squares\n  5  [C] (BrE) (AmE checker) one of the round pieces used in a game of draughts\n IDIOMS \n  on draught (BrE) (of beer) taken from a large container (= a BARREL):\nThis beer is not available on draught (= it is available only in bottles or cans).\n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] served from a large container (= a BARREL) rather than in a bottle:\ndraught beer\n  2  [only before noun] used for pulling heavy loads:\na draught horse\n    verb [VN] (especially BrE) = DRAFT


Words: draught excluder
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE weather strip) noun\n[C, U] a piece of material that helps to prevent cold air coming through a door, window, etc.


Words: draughtboard
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE checkerboard) noun\na board with black and white squares, used for playing DRAUGHTS/CHECKERS


Words: draughtsman
Meaning:
1  a person whose job is to draw detailed plans of machinery, buildings, etc.\n  2  a person who draws:\nHe’s a poor draughtsman.\nsee also DRAUGHTSWOMAN, DRAUGHTSPERSON\n    draughtsmanship (BrE) (AmE draftsmanship) noun [U]


Words: draughtswoman
Meaning:
1  a woman whose job is to draw detailed plans of machinery, buildings, etc.\n  2  a woman who draws\nsee also DRAUGHTSMAN


Words: draughty
Meaning:
adjective\n(draughtier, draughtiest) (of a room, etc.) uncomfortable because cold air is blowing through:\na draughty room / corridor


Words: draw
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (drew )\n  make pictures\n  1  to make pictures, or a picture of sth, with a pencil, pen or chalk (but not paint):\n[V] You draw beautifully. * [VN] to draw a picture / diagram / graph * She drew a house. * He drew a circle in the sand with a stick. * (figurative) The report drew a grim picture of inefficiency and corruption.\n  pull\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to move sth/sb by pulling it or them gently:\nHe drew the cork out of the bottle. * I drew my chair up closer to the fire. * She drew me onto the balcony. * I tried to draw him aside (for example where I could talk to him privately). * (figurative) My eyes were drawn to the man in the corner.\n  3  [VN] (of horses, etc.) to pull a vehicle such as a carriage:\nThe Queen’s coach was drawn by six horses. * a horse-drawn carriage\n  curtains\n  4  [VN] to open or close curtains, etc:\nThe blinds were drawn. * It was getting dark so I switched on the light and drew the curtains. * She drew back the curtains and let the sunlight in.\n  move\n  5  [V +adv./prep.] (written) to move in the direction mentioned:\nThe train drew into the station. * The train drew in. * The figures in the distance seemed to be drawing closer. * Their car drew alongside ours. * (figurative) Her retirement is drawing near. * (figurative) The meeting was drawing to a close.\n  weapon\n  6  ~ (sth) (on sb) to take out a weapon, such as a gun or a SWORD, in order to attack sb:\n[VN] She drew a revolver on me. * He came towards them with his sword drawn. [also V]\n  attract\n  7  [VN] ~ sb (to sth) to attract or interest sb:\nThe movie is drawing large audiences. * Her screams drew passers-by to the scene. * The course draws students from all over the country. * She felt drawn to the man standing by the door.\n  get reaction\n  8  [VN] ~ sth (from sb) to produce a reaction or response:\nThe announcement drew loud applause from the audience. * The plan has drawn a lot of criticism.\n  make sb talk\n  9  [VN] ~ sb (about / on sth) [often passive] (BrE) to make sb say more about sth:\nSpielberg refused to be drawn on his next movie.\n  conclusion\n  10  [VN] ~ sth (from sth) to have a particular idea after you have studied sth or thought about it:\nWhat conclusions did you draw from the report? * We can draw some lessons for the future from this accident.\n  comparison\n  11  [VN] to express a comparison or a contrast:\nto draw an analogy / a comparison / a parallel / a distinction between two events\n  choose\n  12  to decide sth by picking cards, tickets or numbers by chance:\n[V] We drew for partners. * [VN] They had to draw lots to decide who would go. * He drew the winning ticket. * Names were drawn from a hat for the last few places. * Italy has been drawn against Spain in the first round. * [VN to inf] Italy has been drawn to play Spain.\n  game\n  13  ~ (with / against sb) to finish a game without either team winning:\n[V] England and France drew. * England drew with / against France. * England and France drew 33. * [VN] England drew their game against France.\n  money\n  14  [VN] ~ sth (from sth) | ~ sth out (of sth) | ~ sth on sth to take money or payments from a bank account or post office:\nCan I draw $80 out of my account? * I drew out ｣200. * She went to the post office to draw her pension. * The cheque was drawn on his personal account.\n  liquid / gas\n  15  [VN] to take or pull liquid or gas from somewhere:\nto draw water from a well * The device draws water along the pipe.\n  smoke / air\n  16  ~ at / on sth | ~ sth in (written) to breathe in smoke or air:\n[V] He drew thoughtfully on his pipe. * [VN] She breathed deeply, drawing in the fresh mountain air.\n IDIOMS \n  draw a blank to get no response or result:\nSo far, the police investigation has drawn a blank.\n  draw breath (BrE) (AmE draw a breath)\n1 to stop doing sth and rest:\nShe talks all the time and hardly stops to draw breath.\n2 (literary) to live; to be alive:\nHe was as kind a man as ever drew breath.\n  draw sb’s fire to make sb direct their anger, criticism, etc. at you, so that others do not have to face it\n  draw the line (at sth / at doing sth) to refuse to do sth; to set a limit:\nI don’t mind helping, but I draw the line at doing everything myself. * We would have liked to invite all our relatives, but you have to draw the line somewhere.\n  draw the line (between sth and sth) to distinguish between two closely related ideas:\nWhere do you draw the line between genius and madness?\n  draw the short straw (BrE) (AmE get the short end of the stick) to be the person in a group who is chosen or forced to perform an unpleasant duty or task:\nI drew the short straw and had to clean the toilets.\n  draw straws (for sth) to decide on sb to do or have sth, by choosing pieces of paper, etc:\nWe drew straws for who went first.\nmore at BATTLE n., DAGGER, HEIGHT, HORN, LOT n., SIDE n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  draw back to move away from sb/sth:\nHe came close but she drew back.\n  draw back (from sth / from doing sth) to choose not to take action, especially because you feel nervous:\nWe drew back from taking our neighbours to court.\n  draw sth from sb/sth to take or obtain sth from a particular source:\nto draw support / comfort / strength from your family * She drew her inspiration from her childhood experiences.\n  draw in to become dark earlier in the evening as winter gets nearer:\nThe nights / days are drawing in.\n  draw sb into sth / into doing sth | draw sb<->in to involve sb or make sb take part in sth, although they may not want to take part at first:\nyoungsters drawn into a life of crime * The book starts slowly, but it gradually draws you in.\n  draw sth<->off to remove some liquid from a larger supply:\nThe doctor drew off some fluid to relieve the pressure.\n  draw on (written) if a time or a season draws on, it passes:\nNight was drawing on.\n  draw on / upon sth to use a supply of sth that is available to you:\nI’ll have to draw on my savings. * The novelist draws heavily on her personal experiences.\n  draw out to become lighter in the evening as summer gets nearer:\nThe days / evenings are drawing out.\n  draw sb<->out to encourage sb to talk or express themselves freely\n  draw sth<->out to make sth last longer than usual or necessary:\nShe drew the interview out to over an hour.\nsee also LONG-DRAWN-OUT\n  draw up if a vehicle draws up, it arrives and stops:\nThe cab drew up outside the house.\n  draw sth<->up to make or write sth that needs careful thought or planning:\nto draw up a contract / list\n    noun\n  choosing\n  1  (AmE also drawing) [usually sing.] ~ (for sth) the act of choosing sth, for example the winner of a prize or the teams who play each other in a competition, usually by taking pieces of paper, etc. out of a container without being able to see what is written on them:\nthe draw for the second round of the European Cup * The draw for the raffle takes place on Saturday. * I’m now going to call on the President to make the draw.\n  sports / games\n  2  (especially BrE) a game in which both teams or players finish with the same number of points:\nThe match ended in a two-all draw. * He managed to hold Smith to a draw (= to stop him from winning when he seemed likely to do so).\ncompare TIE n. (5)\n  3  (AmE usually drawing) a competition in which the winners are chosen in a draw:\na prize draw\ncompare LOTTERY\n  4  (BrE) a sports match for which the teams or players are chosen in a draw:\nLiverpool have an away draw against Manchester United.\n  5  [usually sing.] a set of matches for which the teams or players are chosen in a draw:\nThere are only two seeded players left in the top half of the draw.\n  attraction\n  6  a person, a thing or an event that attracts a lot of people\nSYN ATTRACTION:\nShe is currently one of the biggest draws on the Irish music scene.\n  smoke\n  7  an act of breathing in the smoke from a cigarette\nSYN DRAG:\nShe took one last draw from the cigarette.\n IDIOMS \n  be quick / fast on the draw\n1 (informal) to be quick to understand or react in a new situation:\nYou can’t fool him, he’s always quick on the draw.\n2 to be quick at pulling out a gun in order to shoot it\nmore at LUCK n.


Words: drawback
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of / to sth) | ~ (of / to doing sth) a disadvantage or problem that makes sth a less attractive idea:\nThe main drawback to it is the cost. * This is the one major drawback of the new system.


Words: drawbridge
Meaning:
noun\na bridge that can be pulled up, for example to stop people from entering a castle or to allow ships to pass under it:\nto raise / lower the drawbridge


Words: drawer
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1   a part of a piece of furniture such as a desk, used for keeping things in. It is shaped like a box and has a handle on the front for pulling it out:\nin the top / middle / bottom drawer of the desk * the kitchen drawer (= the one in the kitchen)\nsee also CHEST OF DRAWERS, TOP DRAWER\n \n  2   (formal) a person who writes a cheque:\na cheque bearing the signature of the drawer


Words: drawers
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (old-fashioned) KNICKERS or UNDERPANTS, especially ones that cover the upper parts of the legs


Words: drawing
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a picture made using a pencil or pen rather than paint:\na pencil / charcoal drawing * a drawing by Paul Klee * a drawing of a yacht * a collection of children’s drawings * He did / made a drawing of the old farmhouse.\n  2  [U] the art or skill of making pictures, plans, etc. using a pen or pencil:\nI’m not very good at drawing. * technical drawing\n  3  (AmE) = DRAW (1, 3)


Words: drawing board
Meaning:
noun\na large flat board used for holding a piece of paper while a drawing or plan is being made:\nan architect’s drawing board\n IDIOMS \n  (go) back to the drawing board to start thinking about a new way of doing sth after a previous plan or idea has failed:\nThey rejected our proposal, so it’s back to the drawing board.\n  on the drawing board being prepared or considered:\nIt’s just one of several projects on the drawing board.


Words: drawing pin
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE thumbtack, tack) noun\na short pin with a large round flat head, used especially for fastening paper to a board or wall


Words: drawing room
Meaning:
noun\n(formal or old-fashioned) a room in a large house in which people relax and guests are entertained\ncompare LIVING ROOM


Words: drawl
Meaning:
verb\nto speak or say sth slowly with vowel sounds that are longer than usual:\n[V speech] ’Hi there!’ she drawled lazily. * [V] He had a smooth drawling voice. [also VN]\n    drawl noun [sing.]:\nShe spoke in a slow southern drawl.


Words: drawn
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person or their face) looking pale and thin because the person is ill, tired or worried:\nShe looked very pale and drawn.\nsee also DRAW v.


Words: drawstring
Meaning:
noun\na piece of string sewn inside the material at the top of a bag, pair of trousers/pants, etc. that can be pulled tighter in order to make the opening smaller:\nThey fasten with a drawstring.


Words: dray
Meaning:
noun\na low flat vehicle, pulled by horses, and used in the past for carrying heavy loads, especially BARRELS of beer


Words: dread
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to be very afraid of sth; to fear that sth bad is going to happen:\n[VN] This was the moment he had been dreading. * [V -ing] I dread being sick. * [VN -ing] She dreads her husband finding out. * [V to inf] I dread to think what would happen if there really was a fire here. [also V that] \n    noun [U, C, usually sing.] a feeling of great fear about sth that might or will happen in the future; a thing that causes this feeling:\nThe prospect of growing old fills me with dread. * She has an irrational dread of hospitals. * The committee members live in dread of (= are always worried about) anything that may cause a scandal. * My greatest dread is that my parents will find out.


Words: dreaded
Meaning:
(also formal dread) adjective\n[only before noun] causing fear:\nThe dreaded moment had finally arrived. * (humorous) Did I hear the dreaded word ’homework’?


Words: dreadful
Meaning:
adjective (especially BrE)\n  1  very bad or unpleasant:\nWhat dreadful weather! * What a dreadful thing to say! * It’s dreadful the way they treat their staff. * How dreadful! * Jane looked dreadful (= looked ill or tired).\n  2  [only before noun] used to emphasize how bad sth is:\nHe’s a dreadful snob. * She’s making a dreadful mess of things. * I’m afraid there’s been a dreadful mistake.\n  3  [usually before noun] causing fear or suffering:\na dreadful accident / disease / scream * They suffered dreadful injuries.


Words: dreadfully
Meaning:
adverb (especially BrE)\n  1  extremely; very much:\nI’m dreadfully sorry. * I miss you dreadfully.\n  2  very badly:\nThey suffered dreadfully during the war.


Words: dreadlocks
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] hair that is twisted into long thick pieces that hang down from the head, worn especially by RASTAFARIANS


Words: dream
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a series of images, events and feelings that happen in your mind while you are asleep:\nI had a vivid dream about my old school. * I thought someone came into the bedroom, but it was just a dream. * ’Good night. Sweet dreams.’ * Don’t think about it. You’ll only give yourself bad dreams.\ncompare NIGHTMARE\nsee also WET DREAM\n  2  [C] a wish to have or be sth, especially one that seems difficult to achieve:\nHer lifelong dream was to be a famous writer. * He wanted to be rich but it was an impossible dream. * If I win, it will be a dream come true. * She tried to turn her dream of running her own business into reality. * a dream car / house / job * If he thinks it’s easy to get a job he’s living in a dream world. * I’ve finally found the man of my dreams. * a chance to fulfil a childhood dream * It was the end of all my hopes and dreams.\nsee also PIPE DREAM\n  3  [sing.] a state of mind or a situation in which things do not seem real or part of normal life:\nShe walked around in a dream all day.\nsee also DAYDREAM, WET DREAM\n  4  [sing.] (informal) a beautiful or wonderful person or thing:\nThat meal was an absolute dream.\n IDIOMS \n  go / work like a dream\n1 to work very well:\nMy new car goes like a dream.\n2 to happen without problems, in the way that you had planned:\nThe wedding celebrations went like a dream.\n  in your dreams (spoken) used to tell sb that sth they are hoping for is not likely to happen:\n’I’ll be a manager before I’m 30.’ ’In your dreams.’\n  like a bad dream (of a situation) so unpleasant that you cannot believe it is true:\nIn broad daylight the events of the night before seemed like a bad dream.\nmore at WILD adj.\n    verb (dreamt, dreamt ) or (dreamed, dreamed)\n  1  ~ (of / about sb/sth) to experience a series of images, events and feelings in your mind while you are asleep:\n[V] Did I talk in my sleep? I must have been dreaming. * I dreamt about you last night. * [VN] Did it really happen or did I just dream it? * [V (that)] I dreamt (that) I got the job.\n  2  ~ (of / about sth) | ~ (of / about doing sth) to imagine and think about sth that you would like to happen:\n[V] She dreams of running her own business. * It was the kind of trip most of us only dream about. * (spoken) I wouldn’t dream of going without you (= I would never go without you). * [VN] Who’d have dreamt it? They’re getting married. * [V (that)] I never dreamt (that) I’d actually get the job.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dream sth away to waste time just thinking about things you would like to do without actually doing anything\n  dream on (spoken, informal) you say dream on to tell sb that an idea is not practical or likely to happen\n  dream sth<->up (informal) to have an idea, especially a very unusual or silly one:\nTrust you to dream up a crazy idea like this!


Words: dream ticket
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (used especially in newspapers about candidates for an election) a combination of people who, together, are considered to be the best


Words: dreamer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (sometimes disapproving) a person who has ideas or plans that are not practical or realistic\n  2  (usually disapproving) a person who does not pay attention to what is happening around them, but thinks about other things instead\n  3  a person who dreams:\nDreamers do not always remember their dreams.


Words: dreamland
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (especially BrE, disapproving) a pleasant but not very realistic situation that only exists in your mind:\nYou must be living in dreamland if you think he’ll change his mind.


Words: dreamlike
Meaning:
adjective\nas if existing or happening in a dream:\nThe place has an almost dreamlike quality. * The dancer’s movements were slow and dreamlike.


Words: dreamy
Meaning:
adjective (dreamier, dreamiest)\n  1  looking as though you are thinking about other things and not paying attention to what is happening around you:\nShe had a dreamy look in her eyes. * a dreamy expression\n  2  (of a person or an idea) imaginative, but not very realistic:\nPaul was dreamy and not very practical.\n  3  as if you are in a dream or asleep:\nHe moved in the dreamy way of a man in a state of shock.\n  4  (informal) pleasant and gentle; that makes you feel relaxed:\na slow, dreamy melody\n  5  (informal) beautiful; wonderful:\nWhat’s he like? I bet he’s really dreamy.\n    dreamily  adverb:\n’I have lots of happy memories,’ she said dreamily. * He gazed dreamily out of the window.\n    dreaminess noun [U]:\nShe was feeling the same romantic dreaminess she had felt as a young girl.


Words: dreary
Meaning:
adjective\n(drearier, dreariest) that makes you feel sad; dull and not interesting:\na dreary winter’s day * a dreary film * a long and dreary journey on the train\n    drearily  adverb:\n’I didn’t get the job,’ he said drearily. * The dresses all looked drearily similar-I didn’t like any of them.\n    dreariness noun [U]:\nShe hated the dreariness of her everyday life.


Words: dredge
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sth) (for sth) to remove mud, stones, etc. from the bottom of a river, canal, etc. using a boat or special machine, to make it deeper or to search for sth:\n[VN] They’re dredging the harbour so that larger ships can use it. * They dredge the bay for gravel. [also V]\n  2  ~ sth (up) (from sth) to bring sth up from the bottom of a river, etc. using a boat or special machine:\n[VN] waste dredged (up) from the sea bed\n  3  [VN] ~ (in / with) to cover food lightly with sugar, flour, etc:\nDredge the top of the cake with icing sugar.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dredge sth<->up\n1 (usually disapproving) to mention sth that has been forgotten, especially sth unpleasant or embarrassing:\nThe papers keep trying to dredge up details of his past love life.\n2 to manage to remember sth, especially sth that happened a long time ago:\nNow she was dredging up memories from the depths of her mind.


Words: dredger
Meaning:
noun\na boat or machine that is used to clear mud, etc. from the bottom of a river, or to make the river wider


Words: dregs
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n  1  the last drops of a liquid, mixed with little pieces of solid material that are left in the bottom of a container:\nShe threw the coffee dregs down the sink.\n  2  the worst and most useless parts of sth:\nthe dregs of society / humanity\n  3  (literary) the last parts of sth:\nthe last dregs of daylight


Words: drench
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (in / with sth) to make sb/sth completely wet:\nWe were caught in the storm and got drenched to the skin. * His face was drenched with sweat. * (figurative) She drenched herself in perfume.


Words: dress
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  clothes\n \n  1  [C] a piece of women’s clothing that is made in one piece and covers the body down to the legs, sometimes reaching to below the knees, or to the ankles:\na long white dress * a wedding dress\nsee also COCKTAIL DRESS, EVENING DRESS, SUNDRESS\n \n  2  [U] clothes for either men or women:\nto wear casual / formal dress * He has no dress sense (= no idea of how to dress well). * The company has a strict dress code-all male employees are expected to wear suits.\nsee also EVENING DRESS, FANCY DRESS, MORNING DRESS, HEADDRESS\n    verb\n  clothes\n  1  ~ (sb) (in sth) to put clothes on yourself/sb:\n[V] I dressed quickly. * [VN] She dressed herself and the children in their best clothes. * Get up and get dressed! * The children spend hours dressing and undressing their dolls.\nOPP UNDRESS\n  2  [V] ~ (sb) (for / in / as sth) to wear a particular type or style of clothes:\nto dress well / badly / fashionably / comfortably * You should dress for cold weather today. * She always dressed entirely in black. * He was dressed as a woman (= he was wearing women’s clothes).\n  3  [V] to put on formal clothes:\nDo they expect us to dress for dinner?\n  4  [VN] to provide clothes for sb:\nHe dresses many of Hollywood’s most famous young stars.\n  wound\n  5  [VN] to clean, treat and cover a wound:\nThe nurse will dress that cut for you.\n  food\n  6  [VN] to prepare food for cooking or eating:\nto dress a salad (= put oil or vinegar, etc. on it) * to dress a chicken (= clean it ready for cooking)\n  decorate\n  7  [VN] (formal) to decorate or arrange sth:\nto dress a shop window (= arrange a display of clothes or goods in it)\n  stone / wood / leather\n  8  [VN] to prepare a material such as stone, wood, leather, etc. for use\n IDIOMS  see MUTTON, PART n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dress down to wear clothes that are more informal than those you usually wear, for example in an office\n  dress sb down to criticize or be angry with sb because they have done sth wrong\n  dress up to wear clothes that are more formal than those you usually wear:\nThere’s no need to dress up-come as you are.\n  dress up | dress sb up to put on special clothes, especially to pretend to be sb/sth different:\nKids love dressing up. * The boys were all dressed up as pirates. * (BrE) dressing-up clothes * (AmE) dress-up clothes\n  dress sth up to present sth in a way that makes it seem better or different:\nHowever much you try to dress it up, office work is not glamorous.


Words: dress circle
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually first balcony) noun\nthe first level of seats above the ground floor in a theatre


Words: dress rehearsal
Meaning:
noun\nthe final practice of a play in the theatre, using the clothes and lights that will be used for the real performance: (figurative) The earlier protests had just been dress rehearsals for full-scale revolution.


Words: dress uniform
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a uniform that army, navy, etc. officers wear for formal occasions and ceremonies:\nwearing full dress uniform


Words: dressage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a set of controlled movements that a rider trains a horse to perform; a competition in which these movements are performed:\nto win prizes for dressage * a dressage horse / rider


Words: dressed
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  wearing clothes and not naked or wearing clothes for sleeping:\nHurry up and get dressed. * fully dressed * I can’t go to the door-I’m not dressed yet.\n  2  ~ (in ...) wearing clothes of a particular type:\nsmartly dressed * The bride was dressed in white. * He was casually dressed in jeans and a T-shirt.\n IDIOMS \n  dressed to kill (informal) wearing the kind of clothes that will make people notice and admire you\n  dressed (up) to the nines (informal) wearing very elegant or formal clothes\nmore at MUTTON


Words: dresser
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (also Welsh dresser) (BrE) a large piece of wooden furniture with shelves in the top part and cupboards below, used for displaying and storing cups, plates, etc.\n \n  2  (AmE) = CHEST OF DRAWERS\n \n  3  (used with an adjective) a person who dresses in the way mentioned:\na snappy dresser\n \n  4  (in a theatre) a person whose job is to look after an actor’s clothes for a play and help him/her to get dressed


Words: dressing
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also salad dressing) [C, U] a thin sauce used to add flavour to salads, usually made from oil, VINEGAR, salt, pepper, etc:\na low-calorie dressing\nsee also FRENCH DRESSING\n  2  [U] (AmE) = STUFFING (1)\n  3  [C] a piece of soft material placed over a wound in order to protect it\n  4  [U] the act of putting on clothes:\nMany of our patients need help with dressing.\nsee also CROSS-DRESSING, POWER DRESSING, WINDOW DRESSING


Words: dressing gown
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE bathrobe, robe) noun\na long loose piece of clothing, usually with a belt, worn indoors over night clothes, for example when you first get out of bed


Words: dressing room
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a room for changing your clothes in, especially one for actors or, in British English, for sports players\n  2  a small room next to a bedroom in some large houses, in which clothes are kept and people get dressed\n  3  (AmE) = FITTING ROOM


Words: dressing table
Meaning:
(AmE also vanity) noun\na piece of bedroom furniture like a table with drawers and a mirror on top, used by women to sit at while they comb their hair, etc.


Words: dressing-down
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) an occasion when sb speaks angrily to a person because they have done sth wrong


Words: dressy
Meaning:
adjective (dressier, dressiest)\n  1  (of clothes) elegant and formal\n  2  (of people) liking to wear elegant or fashionable clothes


Words: dribble
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V, VN] to let SALIVA or another liquid come out of your mouth and run down your chin\nSYN DROOL\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to fall in small drops or in a thin stream:\nMelted wax dribbled down the side of the candle.\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] ~ sth (into / over / onto sth) to pour sth slowly, in drops or a thin stream\nSYN DRIZZLE:\nDribble a little olive oil over the salad.\n  4  (in football and some other sports) to move the ball along with several short kicks, hits or bounces:\n[VN] She dribbled the ball the length of the field. * [V] He dribbled past two defenders and scored a magnificent goal.\n    noun\n  1  [C] a very small amount of liquid, in a thin stream:\na dribble of blood * Add just a dribble of oil.\n  2  [U] (especially BrE) SALIVA (= liquid) from a person’s mouth:\nThere was dribble all down the baby’s front.\n  3  [C] the act of dribbling the ball in a sport


Words: dribs
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.]\n IDIOMS \n  in dribs and drabs (informal) in small amounts or numbers over a period of time:\nShe paid me in dribs and drabs, not all at once.


Words: dried fruit
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] fruit (for example, CURRANTS or RAISINS) that has been dried to be used in cooking or eaten on its own


Words: drift
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  slow movement\n  1  [sing., U] a slow steady movement from one place to another; a gradual change or development from one situation to another, especially to sth bad:\na population drift away from rural areas * attempts to halt the drift towards war\n  of ship\n  2  [U] the movement of a ship or plane away from its direction because of currents or wind:\nRemember to allow for drift.\n  of sea / air\n  3  [U, C] the movement of the sea or air\nSYN CURRENT:\nthe general direction of drift on the east coast * He knew the hidden drifts in that part of the river.\n  of snow\n  4  [C] a large pile of sth, especially snow, made by the wind:\nThe road was blocked by deep drifts of snow.\nsee also SNOWDRIFT\n  of flowers\n  5  [C] a large mass of sth, especially flowers:\nPlant daffodils in informal drifts.\n  meaning\n  6  [sing.] the general meaning of what sb says or writes:\nDo you catch my drift? * My German isn’t very good, but I got the drift of what she said.\nsee also CONTINENTAL DRIFT\n    verb\n  move slowly\n  1  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to move along smoothly and slowly in water or air:\nClouds drifted across the sky. * The empty boat drifted out to sea. * A cool breeze drifted through the open window. * Smoke drifted across the room.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to move or go somewhere slowly:\nThe crowd drifted away from the scene of the accident. * Her gaze drifted around the room. * People began to drift back to their houses.\n  without purpose\n  3  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to happen or change or to do sth without a particular plan or purpose:\nI didn’t intend to be a teacher-I just drifted into it. * He hasn’t decided what to do yet-he’s just drifting. * The conversation drifted onto politics.\n  into state / situation\n  4  [V] ~ in / into sth to go from one situation or state to another without realizing it:\nFinally she drifted into sleep. * The injured man tried to speak but soon drifted into unconsciousness.\n  of snow / sand\n  5  [V] to be blown into large piles by the wind:\ndrifting sand * Some roads are closed because of drifting.\n  float\n  6  [VN] to make sth float somewhere:\nThe logs are drifted downstream to the mill.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  drift apart to become less friendly or close to sb:\nAs children we were very close, but as we grew up we just drifted apart.\n  drift off (to sleep) to fall asleep:\nI didn’t hear the storm, I must have drifted off by then.


Words: drift net
Meaning:
noun\na very large net used by fishing boats. The net is hung in the sea behind the boat and pulled along.


Words: drill
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a tool or machine with a pointed end for making holes:\nan electric drill * a pneumatic drill * a hand drill * a dentist’s drill * a drill bit (= the pointed part at the end of the drill)\n \n  2  [C, U] a way of learning sth by means of repeated exercises:\ntense drills\n \n  3  [C, U] a practice of what to do in an emergency, for example if there is a fire:\nThere’ll be a fire drill sometime this morning.\n \n  4  [U] military training in marching, the use of weapons, etc:\nrifle drill\n  5  (the drill) [sing.] (old-fashioned, BrE) the correct or usual way to do sth:\nWhat’s the drill for claiming expenses?\n  6  [U] strong cotton fabric\n  7  [C] a machine for planting seeds in rows\n    verb\n  1  to make a hole in sth, using a drill:\n[VN] Drill a series of holes in the frame. * [V] They’re drilling for oil off the Irish coast. * He drilled through the wall by mistake.\n  2  ~ sb (in sth) to teach sb to do sth by making them repeat it a lot of times:\n[VN to inf] The children were drilled to leave the classroom quickly when the fire bell rang. * [VN] a well-drilled team\n  3  [VN] to train soldiers to perform military actions:\nThe soldiers were being drilled outside the barracks.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  drill sth into sb to make sb remember or learn sth by repeating it often:\nIt was drilled into us at an early age never to drop litter.


Words: drily
Meaning:
(also dryly)  adverb-see also DRY\n  1  if sb speaks drily, they are being humorous, but not in an obvious way:\n’Well, at least it’s not purple,’ she commented drily.\n  2  in a way that shows no emotion:\nHe smiled drily and leaned back in his chair.\n  3  in a way that shows that there is no liquid present:\nShe coughed drily. * He swallowed drily and nodded.


Words: drink
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C, U] a liquid for drinking; an amount of a liquid that you drink:\nCan I have a drink? * soft drinks (= cold drinks without alcohol) * a drink of water * food and drink * She took a drink from the glass and then put it down.\n \n  2  [C, U] alcohol or an alcoholic drink; sth that you drink on a social occasion:\nLet’s go for a drink. * The drinks are on me (= I’ll pay for them). * I need a stiff drink (= a very strong drink). * (BrE) He’s got a drink problem. * (AmE) He has a drinking problem. * (humorous) The children are enough to drive me to drink. * (BrE) They came home the worse for drink (= drunk). * She took to drink (= drank too much alcohol) after her marriage broke up.\n \n  3  (drinks) [pl.] (BrE) a social occasion where you have alcoholic drinks:\nWould you like to come for drinks on Sunday? * a drinks party\n \n IDIOMS  see DEMON, MEAT\n    verb (drank )\n  1  to take liquid into your mouth and swallow it:\n[V] What would you like to drink? * He was drinking straight from the bottle. * [VN] In hot weather, you should drink plenty of water. * I don’t drink coffee.\n  2  to drink alcohol, especially when it is done regularly:\n[V] He doesn’t drink. * Don’t drink and drive (= drive a car after drinking alcohol). * She’s been drinking heavily since she lost her job. * [VN] I drank far too much last night. * [VN-ADJ] He had drunk himself unconscious on vodka.\nsee also DRUNK\n IDIOMS \n  drink sb’s health (BrE) to wish sb good health as you lift your glass, and then drink from it\n  drink like a fish to drink a lot of alcohol regularly\n  drink sb under the table (informal) to drink more alcohol than sb else without becoming as drunk as they are\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  drink sth<->in to look at or listen to sth with great interest and enjoyment:\nWe just stood there drinking in the scenery.\n  drink to sb/sth to wish sb good luck, health or success as you lift your glass and then drink from it\nSYN TOAST:\nAll raise your glasses and drink to Katie and Tom!\n  drink up | drink (sth)<->up to drink all of sth:\nDrink up and let’s go. * Come on, drink up your juice.


Words: drink-driver
Meaning:
(BrE) (also drunk driver AmE, BrE) noun\na person who drives a vehicle after drinking too much alcohol


Words: drink-driving
Meaning:
(also drunken driving) (both BrE) (also drunk driving AmE, BrE) noun\n[U] driving a vehicle after drinking too much alcohol


Words: drinker
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who drinks alcohol regularly, especially sb who drinks too much:\na heavy / moderate drinker * I’m not much of a drinker.\n  2  (after a noun) a person who regularly drinks the particular drink mentioned:\na coffee / tea / beer drinker


Words: drinking
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of drinking alcohol:\nDrinking is not advised during pregnancy. * There are tough penalties for drinking and driving.


Words: drinking chocolate
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) a sweet chocolate powder or a hot drink made from this powder mixed with hot milk and/or water\ncompare COCOA


Words: drinking fountain
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually water fountain) noun\na device that supplies water for drinking in public places


Words: drip
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-pp-)\n  1  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] (of liquid) to fall in small drops:\nShe was hot and sweat dripped into her eyes. * Water was dripping down the walls.\n  2  to produce drops of liquid:\n[V] The tap was dripping. * Her hair dripped down her back. * [VN] Be careful, you’re dripping paint everywhere!\n  3  ~ (with) sth (written) to contain or hold a lot of sth:\n[V] The trees were dripping with fruit. * [VN] His voice dripped sarcasm.\n    noun\n  1  [sing.] the sound or action of small drops of liquid falling continuously:\nThe silence was broken only by the steady drip, drip of water from the roof.\n  2  [C] a small drop of liquid that falls from sth:\nWe put a bucket under the hole in the roof to catch the drips.\n  3  (AmE also IV) [C] (medical) a piece of equipment that passes liquid food, medicine or blood very slowly through a tube into a patient’s VEIN:\nShe’s been put on a drip.\n  4  [C] (informal, becoming old-fashioned) a boring or stupid person with a weak personality:\nDon’t be such a drip-come and join in the fun!


Words: drip-dry
Meaning:
adjective\nmade of a fabric that will dry quickly without CREASES when you hang it up wet:\na drip-dry shirt


Words: drip-feed
Meaning:
verb\n(drip-fed, drip-fed) [VN] to give sb sth in separate small amounts\n    drip feed noun [U, C]:\nthe steady drip feed of leaked documents in the papers


Words: dripping
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective ~ (with sth) very wet:\nHer face was dripping with sweat. * His clothes were still dripping wet. * (figurative) His wife came in, dripping with diamonds.\n    noun [U] fat that comes out of meat when it is cooked, often kept for frying other food in


Words: drive
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (drove )\n  vehicle\n  1  to operate a vehicle so that it goes in a particular direction:\n[V] Can you drive? * Don’t drive so fast! * I drove to work this morning. * Shall we drive (= go there by car) or go by train? * [VN] He drives a taxi (= that is his job).\n  2  [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to take sb somewhere in a car, taxi, etc:\nCould you drive me home?\n  3  [VN] to own or use a particular type of vehicle:\nWhat car do you drive?\n  machine\n  4  [VN] [usually passive] to provide the power that makes a machine work:\na steam-driven locomotive\n  make sb do sth\n  5  [VN] to force sb to act in a particular way:\nThe urge to survive drove them on. * You’re driving yourself too hard.\n  6  to make sb very angry, crazy, etc. or to make them do sth extreme:\n[VN-ADJ] to drive sb crazy / mad * [VN to inf] Hunger drove her to steal. * [VN] Those kids are driving me to despair. * (humorous) It’s enough to drive you to drink (= to make you start drinking too much alcohol)!\n  make sb / sth move\n  7  [VN +adv./prep.] to force sb/sth to move in a particular direction:\nto drive sheep into a field * The enemy was driven back.\n  hit / push\n  8  [VN +adv./prep.] to force sth to go in a particular direction or into a particular position by pushing it, hitting it, etc:\nto drive a nail into a piece of wood\n  make a hole\n  9  [VN +adv./prep.] to make an opening in or through sth by using force:\nThey drove a tunnel through the solid rock.\n  in sport\n  10  to hit a ball with force, sending it forward:\n[VN] to drive the ball into the rough (= in golf) [also V]\n  wind / water\n  11  [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to carry sth along:\nHuge waves drove the yacht onto the rocks.\n  12  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to fall or move rapidly and with great force:\nThe waves drove against the shore. * driving rain\n IDIOMS \n  drive a coach and horses through sth to spoil sth, for example a plan\n  drive sth home (to sb) to make sb understand or accept sth, by saying it often, loudly, angrily, etc:\nYou will really need to drive your point home.\n  drive sb insane to make sb more and more angry or irritated, especially over a long period of time:\nThis job is driving me insane.\n  what sb is driving at the thing sb is trying to say:\nI wish I knew what they were really driving at.\nmore at GROUND n., HARD adj., SNOW n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  drive away | drive sb/sth away to leave in a vehicle; to take sb away in a vehicle:\nWe heard him drive away. * Someone drove the car away in the night.\n  drive sb away to make sb not want to stay or not want to go somewhere:\nHer constant nagging drove him away. * Terrorist threats are driving away tourists.\n  drive off\n1 (of a driver, car, etc.) to leave:\nThe robbers drove off in a stolen vehicle.\n2 (in golf) to hit the ball to begin a game\n  drive sb/sth<->off to force sb/sth to go back or away:\nThe defenders drove off each attack.\n  drive on to continue driving:\nDon’t stop-drive on!\n  drive sb/sth<->out (of sth) to make sb/sth disappear or stop doing sth:\nNew fashions drive out old ones. * The supermarkets are driving small shopkeepers out of business.\n  drive sth<->up / down to make sth such as prices rise or fall quickly\n    noun\n  in / of vehicle\n \n  1  [C] a journey in a car or other vehicle:\nLet’s go for a drive. * a drive through the mountains * It’s a three-hour drive to London.\n \n  2  [C, U] the equipment in a vehicle that takes power from the engine to the wheels:\nthe drive shaft * a car with four-wheel drive * a left- / right-hand drive car (= a car where the driver and the controls are on the left / right)\n \n  outside house\n \n  3  (also driveway) [C] a wide hard path or a private road that leads from the street to a house:\nThere were two cars parked in / on the drive.\n  effort\n  4  [C] ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) an organized effort by a group of people to achieve sth:\na recruitment / export / economy drive * a drive for greater efficiency * the government’s drive to reduce energy consumption\n  desire / energy\n  5  [C, U] a strong desire or need in people:\na strong sexual drive\n  6  [U] (approving) a strong desire to do things and achieve sth; great energy:\nHe’ll do very well-he has tremendous drive.\n  in sport\n  7  [C] a long hard hit or kick:\nShe has a strong forehand drive (= in tennis). * He scored with a brilliant 25-yard drive (= for example, in football).\n  computing\n  8  [C] the part of a computer that reads and stores information on disks or tapes:\na 224 MB hard drive * a CD drive\nsee also DISK DRIVE\n  games\n  9  [C] (BrE) a social occasion when a lot of people compete in a game such as WHIST or BINGO\n  animals / enemy\n  10  [C] an act of chasing animals or the enemy and making them go into a smaller area, especially in order to kill or capture them\n  road\n  11  (Drive) (abbreviation Dr) used in the names of roads:\n21 Island Heights Drive


Words: drive-by
Meaning:
adjective\n(AmE) [only before noun] a drive-by shooting, etc. is done from a moving car:\na drive-by killing\n    drive-by noun


Words: drive-in
Meaning:
noun\na place where you can watch films/movies, eat, etc. without leaving your car:\nWe stopped at a drive-in for a hamburger. * drive-in movies


Words: drive-through
Meaning:
(also drive-thru) noun\n(AmE) a restaurant, bank, etc. where you can be served without having to get out of your car


Words: drivel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] (informal, disapproving) silly nonsense:\nHow can you watch that drivel on TV? * a novel full of romantic drivel\n    verb (-ll-, AmE -l-) [V] ~ (on) (about sth) (usually used in the progressive tenses) to keep talking about silly or unimportant things


Words: driven
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person) determined to succeed, and working very hard to do so\nsee also DRIVE, DROVE, DRIVEN v.


Words: driver
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who drives a vehicle:\na bus / train / ambulance / taxi driver * She climbed into the driver’s seat. * The accident was the other driver’s fault. * (BrE) a learner driver (= one who has not yet passed a driving test) * (AmE) a student driver * The car comes equipped with a driver’s airbag.\n  2  (in golf) a CLUB with a wooden head\n  3  (computing) software that controls the sending of data between a computer and a piece of equipment that is attached to it such as a printer\n IDIOMS  see BACK SEAT, SEAT n.


Words: driving
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] the way that sb drives a vehicle; the act of driving:\ndangerous driving * driving lessons\n IDIOMS  see SEAT n.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  strong and powerful; having a strong influence in making sth happen:\nWho was the driving force (= the person with the strongest influence) in the band? * She only got where she is today through hard work and a driving ambition.\n  2  (of rain, snow, etc.) falling very fast and at an angle:\na day of strong winds and driving rain


Words: driving under the influence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (abbreviation DUI) (AmE) (in some states in the US) the crime of driving a vehicle after drinking too much alcohol. It is a less serious crime than ’driving while intoxicated’.


Words: drizzle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] when it is drizzling, it is raining lightly\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (over sth) to pour a small amount of liquid over the surface of sth:\nDrizzle the lemon juice over the fish.\n    noun [U, sing.] light fine rain:\nA light drizzle was falling. * The forecast for tomorrow is mist and drizzle.\n    drizzly  adjective:\na dull, drizzly morning


Words: droll
Meaning:
adjective\n(old-fashioned or ironic) amusing, but not in a way that you expect:\nSo they’ve locked me out of the house? Very droll, I’m sure! * There was a droll, cynical expression on his face.


Words: dromedary
Meaning:
noun\n(plural dromedaries) an animal of the CAMEL family, with only one HUMP, that lives in desert countries


Words: drone
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [usually sing.] a continuous low noise:\nthe distant drone of traffic * He spoke in a low drone.\n  2  [usually sing.] a continuous low sound made by some musical instruments, for example the BAGPIPES, over which other notes are played or sung\n  3  a male bee that does not work and only lives in order to reproduce\ncompare QUEEN BEE, WORKER\n  4  a person who is lazy and gives nothing to society while others work:\nThe medieval lord of the manor was what some today would call a drone.\n  5  an aircraft without a pilot, controlled from the ground\n    verb [V] to make a continuous low noise:\nA plane was droning in the distance. * a droning voice\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  drone on (about sth) to talk for a long time in a boring way


Words: drool
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] to let SALIVA (= liquid) come out of your mouth\nSYN DRIBBLE:\nThe dog was drooling at the mouth.\n  2  ~ (over sb/sth) (disapproving) to show in a silly or exaggerated way that you want or admire sb/sth very much:\nteenagers drooling over photos of movie stars


Words: droop
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  to bend, hang or move downwards, especially because of being weak or tired:\nthe drooping branches of the apple tree * She was so tired, her eyelids were beginning to droop. * The plants were drooping from lack of water.\n  2  to become sad or depressed:\nOur spirits drooped when we heard the news.\n    droop noun [sing.]:\nthe slight droop of her mouth\n    droopy adjective:\na droopy moustache


Words: drop
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-pp-)\n  fall\n  1  to fall or allow sth to fall by accident:\n[V] The climber slipped and dropped to his death. * [VN] Be careful not to drop that plate.\n  2  to fall or make sth fall deliberately: [V, +adv./prep.] He staggered in and dropped into a chair. * [VN] Medical supplies are being dropped into the stricken area. * (BrE) He dropped his trousers (= undid them and let them fall). * (AmE) He dropped his pants.\n  3  [V] to fall down or be no longer able to stand because you are extremely tired:\nI feel ready to drop. * She expects everyone to work till they drop.\n  become weaker / less\n  4  to become or make sth weaker, lower or less:\n[V] The temperature has dropped considerably. * At last the wind dropped. * His voice dropped to a whisper. * The Dutch team have dropped to fifth place. * The price of shares dropped by 14p. * Shares dropped in price by 14p. * [VN] She dropped her voice dramatically. * You must drop your speed in built-up areas.\n  eyes\n  5  ~ your eyes / gaze | your eyes / gaze ~ (written) to look down:\n[V] Her eyes dropped to her lap. [also VN]\n  slope downwards\n  6  [V] ~ (away) (from sth) to slope steeply downwards:\nIn front of them the valley dropped sharply away from the road.\n  deliver / send\n  7  [VN] ~ sb/sth (off) to stop so that sb can get out of a car, etc.; to deliver sth on the way to somewhere else:\nCan you drop me near the bank? * You left your jacket, but I can drop it off on my way to work tomorrow.\n  8  [VNN] ~ sb a line / note to send a short letter to sb:\nDrop me a line when you get there.\n  leave out\n  9  [VN] ~ sb/sth (from sth) to leave sb/sth out by accident or deliberately:\nShe’s been dropped from the team because of injury. * He spoke with a cockney accent and dropped his aitches (= did not pronounce the letter ’h’ at the start of words).\n  friends\n  10  [VN] to stop seeing sb socially:\nShe’s dropped most of her old friends.\n  stop\n  11  [VN] to stop doing or discussing sth; to not continue with sth:\nI dropped German (= stopped studying it) when I was 14. * Drop everything and come at once! * Look, can we just drop it (= stop talking about it)? * I think we’d better drop the subject. * Let’s drop the formalities-please call me Mike. * The police decided to drop the charges against her.\n  hint\n  12  [VN] ~ a hint to say or do sth in order to show sb, in an indirect way, what you are thinking\n  in knitting\n  13  [VN] ~ a stitch to let a stitch go off the needle\n IDIOMS \n  drop a brick / clanger (BrE, informal) to say sth that offends or embarrasses sb, although you did not intend to\n  drop dead\n1 (informal) to die suddenly and unexpectedly\n2 (spoken) used to tell sb, rudely, to stop annoying you, interfering, etc.\nsee also DROP-DEAD\n  drop sb in it (BrE, informal) to put sb in an embarrassing situation, especially by telling a secret that you should not have told\n  drop names to mention famous people you know or have met in order to impress others\nrelated noun NAME-DROPPING\n  let sb/sth drop\n1 to do or say nothing more about sb/sth:\nI suggest we let the matter drop.\n2 to mention sb/sth in a conversation, by accident or as if by accident:\nHe let it drop that the Prime Minister was a close friend of his.\nmore at BOTTOM n., FLY n., HEAR, JAW n., LAP n., PENNY\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  drop back / behind | drop behind sb to move or fall into position behind sb else:\nWe cannot afford to drop behind our competitors.\n  drop by / in / round | drop in on sb | drop into sth to pay an informal visit to a person or a place:\nDrop by sometime. * I thought I’d drop in on you while I was passing. * Sorry we’re late-we dropped into the pub on the way.\n  drop off (BrE, informal)\n1 to fall into a light sleep:\nI dropped off and missed the end of the film.\n2 to become fewer or less:\nTraffic in the town has dropped off since the bypass opened.\n  drop out (of sth)\n1 to no longer take part in or be part of sth:\nHe has dropped out of active politics. * a word that has dropped out of the language\n2 to leave school, college, etc. without finishing your studies:\nShe started an engineering degree but dropped out after only a year.\nrelated noun DROPOUT (1)\n3 (disapproving) to reject the ideas and ways of behaving that are accepted by the rest of society\nrelated noun DROPOUT (2)\n    noun\n  of liquid\n \n  1  [C] a very small amount of liquid that forms a round shape:\ndrops of rain * a drop of blood * Mix a few drops of milk into the cake mixture.\nsee also RAINDROP, TEARDROP\n \n  2  [C, usually sing.] (especially spoken) a small quantity of a liquid:\nCould I have a drop more milk in my coffee, please? * Would you like a drop of brandy? * I haven’t touched a drop (= drunk any alcohol) all evening. * He drained the last drop of beer from the glass.\n \n  fall\n \n  3  [C, usually sing.] ~ (in sth) a fall or reduction in the amount, level or number of sth:\na drop in prices / temperature * a dramatic / sharp drop in profits * If you want the job, you must be prepared to take a drop in salary. * There was a substantial drop in the number of people out of work last month. * a five per cent drop\n  distance\n  4  [sing.] a distance down from a high point to a lower point:\nThere was a sheer drop of fifty metres to the rocks below. * a twenty-foot drop\n  medicine\n  5  (drops) [pl.] a liquid medicine that you put one drop at a time into your eyes, ears or nose:\neye drops * Use the drops three times a day.\n  delivering\n  6  [C] the act of delivering sb/sth in a vehicle or by plane; the act of dropping sth:\nAid agencies are organizing food drops to civilians in the war zone. * a parachute drop\n  sweet / candy\n  7  [C] a small round sweet/candy of the type mentioned:\nfruit drops * cough drops (= sweets / candy to help a cough)\n IDIOMS \n  at the drop of a hat immediately; without hesitating:\nThe company can’t expect me to move my home and family at the drop of a hat.\n  a drop in the ocean (BrE) (AmE a drop in the bucket) an amount of sth that is too small or unimportant to make any real difference to a situation:\nThe amount of money raised was a drop in the ocean compared to what we needed.


Words: drop-dead
Meaning:
adverb\n(informal) used before an adjective to emphasize that sb/sth is attractive in a very noticeable way:\na drop-dead gorgeous Hollywood star\n    drop-dead adjective:\nShe wore a flamboyant drop-dead designer dress for the occasion.


Words: droplet
Meaning:
noun\na small drop of a liquid:\nwater droplets / droplets of water * Infectious diseases are spread by airborne droplets.


Words: dropout
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who leaves school or college before they have finished their studies:\ncollege dropouts * a university with a high dropout rate\n  2  (disapproving) a person who rejects the ideas and ways of behaving that are accepted by the rest of society:\nHe’s a dropout who will never have a steady job.


Words: dropper
Meaning:
noun\na short glass tube with a hollow rubber end used for measuring medicine or other liquids in drops:\nan eye dropper


Words: droppings
Meaning:
noun\nthe solid waste matter of birds and animals (usually small animals):\npigeon / mouse droppings


Words: dross
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (BrE) something of very low quality; the least valuable part of sth:\nmass-produced dross * The dross churned out by some record companies isn’t worth listening to. * He considered the working class to be the dross of society.\n  2  (technical) a waste substance, especially that separated from a metal when it is melted:\nThe fire burns away the dross leaving the pure metal.


Words: drought
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a long period of time when there is little or no rain:\ntwo years of severe drought * one of the worst droughts on record * The country’s entire grain harvest has been hit by drought.


Words: drove
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a large number of people or animals, often moving or doing sth as a group:\ndroves of tourists * People were leaving the countryside in droves to look for work in the cities.\nsee also DRIVE v.


Words: drown
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to die because you have been underwater too long and you cannot breathe; to kill sb in this way:\n[V] Two children drowned after falling into the river. * He had attempted to rescue the drowning man. * [VN] She tried to drown herself. * He was drowned at sea. * They had drowned the unwanted kittens.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (in sth) to make sth very wet; to completely cover sth in water or another liquid:\nThe fruit was drowned in cream.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb/sth (out) (of a sound) to be louder than other sounds so that you cannot hear them:\nShe turned up the radio to drown out the noise from next door.\n    drowning noun [U, C]:\ndeath by drowning * Alcohol plays a part in an estimated 30% of drownings.\n IDIOMS \n  drown your fears / loneliness / sorrows, etc. (especially humorous) to get drunk in order to forget your problems


Words: drowse
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to be in a light sleep or almost asleep:\nMy mother was sitting on the porch drowsing in the sun.


Words: drowsy
Meaning:
adjective (drowsier, drowsiest)\n  1  tired and almost asleep\nSYN SLEEPY:\nThe tablets may make you feel drowsy.\n  2  making you feel relaxed and tired:\na drowsy afternoon in the sunshine\n    drowsily  adverb:\nShe yawned drowsily.\n    drowsiness noun [U]:\nThe drugs tend to cause drowsiness.


Words: drubbing
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) (in a sport) a situation where one team easily beats another:\nWe gave them a drubbing in the match on Saturday. * (figurative) They’ll get a drubbing in the local elections in May.


Words: drudge
Meaning:
noun\na person who has to do long hard boring jobs:\nWorking for that company, I was little more than a drudge.


Words: drug
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  an illegal substance that some people smoke, INJECT, etc. to give them pleasant or exciting feelings:\nHe does not smoke or take drugs. * teenagers experimenting with drugs * I found out Steve was on drugs (= regularly used drugs). * drug and alcohol abuse * a hard (= very harmful) drug such as heroin * a soft drug (= one that is not considered very harmful) * Drugs have been seized with a street value of two million dollars. * She was a drug addict (= could not stop using drugs). * She was found to be under the influence of drugs. * He was charged with pushing drugs (= selling them). * (informal) I don’t do drugs (= use them). * drug rehabilitation\n  2  a substance used as a medicine or used in a medicine:\nprescribed drugs * The doctor put me on a course of pain-killing drugs. * drug companies * The drug has some bad side effects.\nsee also DESIGNER DRUG\n    verb (-gg-) [VN] \n  1  to give a person or an animal a drug, especially to make them unconscious, or to affect their performance in a race or competition:\nHe was drugged and bundled into the back of the car. * It’s illegal to drug horses before a race.\n  2  to add a drug to sb’s food or drink to make them unconscious or sleepy:\nHer drink must have been drugged.\n IDIOMS \n  drugged up to the eyeballs to have taken or been given a lot of drugs


Words: drugstore
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) a shop/store that sells medicines and also other types of goods, for example COSMETICS\nsee also CHEMIST (2)\ncompare PHARMACY


Words: drum
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a musical instrument made of a hollow round frame with plastic or skin stretched tightly across one or both ends. You play it by hitting it with sticks or with your hands:\na bass drum * Tony Cox on drums * to play the drums * a regular drum beat * There was a great crash and then a long roll of drums.\n \n  2  a large container for oil or chemicals, shaped like a CYLINDER:\na 50 gallon drum * an oil drum\n \n  3  a thing shaped like a drum, especially part of a machine:\nThe mixture flows to a revolving drum where the water is filtered out.\n \n IDIOMS \n  beat / bang the drum (for sb/sth) (especially BrE) to speak with enthusiasm in support of sb/sth:\nShe’s really banging the drum for the new system.\n    verb (-mm-)\n  1  [V] to play a drum\n  2  ~ (sth) on sth to make a sound by hitting a surface again and again:\n[VN] Impatiently, he drummed his fingers on the table. [also V]\n IDIOMS \n  drum sth into sb’s head = DRUM STH INTO SB\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  drum sth into sb to make sb remember sth by repeating it a lot of times:\nWe had it drummed into us that we should never talk to strangers.\n  drum sb out (of sth) [usually passive] to force sb to leave an organization as a punishment for doing sth wrong:\nHe was drummed out of the army.\n  drum sth<->up to try hard to get support or business:\nHe had flown to the north of the country to drum up support for the campaign.


Words: drum majorette
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually majorette) noun\na girl in special brightly coloured clothes who walks in front of a marching band spinning, throwing and catching a long stick (called a BATON)


Words: drumming
Meaning:
noun [U, sing.]\n  1  the act of playing a drum; the sound of a drum being played:\nDrumming is a good way of developing your sense of rhythm.\n  2  a continuous sound or feeling like the beats of a drum:\nthe steady drumming of the rain on the tin roof


Words: drumstick
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the lower part of the leg of a chicken or other bird that is cooked and eaten as food:\na chicken / turkey drumstick\n \n  2  a stick used for playing a drum


Words: drunk
Meaning:
adjective, noun-see also DRINK v.\n    adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] having drunk so much alcohol that it is impossible to think or speak clearly:\nShe was too drunk to remember anything about the party. * His only way of dealing with his problems was to go out and get drunk. * They got drunk on vodka.\n  2  ~ with sth (written) in a great state of excitement because of a particular emotion or situation:\ndrunk with optimism / success\n IDIOMS \n  (as) drunk as a lord (BrE) (AmE as drunk as a skunk) (informal) very drunk\nmore at BLIND adv., ROARING\n    noun a person who is drunk or who often gets drunk


Words: drunken
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  drunk or often getting drunk:\na drunken driver * She was often beaten by her drunken husband.\n  2  showing the effects of too much alcohol; involving people who are drunk:\nHe came home to find her in a drunken stupor. * a drunken brawl * drunken laughter / singing * He finally fell into a drunken sleep.\n    drunkenly adverb:\nHe staggered drunkenly to his feet.\n    drunkenness noun [U]


Words: dry
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective\n (drier, driest)\n \n  not wet\n \n  1  not wet, damp or sticky; without water or MOISTURE:\nIs my shirt dry yet? * Store onions in a cool dry place. * I’m afraid this cake has turned out very dry and crumbly. * Her mouth felt as dry as a bone (= completely dry). * When the paint is completely dry, apply another coat. * It was high summer. The trees were dusty and the rivers were dry (= had no water in them).\nsee also BONE DRY\n \n  little rain\n \n  2  with very little rain:\nweeks of hot dry weather * a dry climate * the dry season * I hope it stays dry for our picnic. * Rattlesnakes occur in the warmer, drier parts of North America.\n  skin / hair\n  3  without the natural oils that makes it soft and healthy:\na moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for dry hair\n  cough\n  4  that does not produce any PHLEGM (= the thick liquid that forms in the nose and throat):\na dry hacking cough\n  bread\n  5  eaten on its own without any butter, jam, etc:\nBreakfast consisted of dry bread and a cup of tea.\n  wine\n  6  not sweet:\na crisp dry white wine * a dry sherry * This wine is too dry for me.\n  humour\n  7  (approving) very clever and expressed in a quiet way that is not obvious; often using IRONY:\nHe was a man of few words with a delightful dry sense of humour.\n  without emotion\n  8  not showing emotion:\na dry tone / voice / manner\n  boring\n  9  not interesting:\nGovernment reports tend to make dry reading.\n  without alcohol\n  10  without alcohol; where it is illegal to buy, sell or drink alcohol:\nWe had a dry wedding (= no alcoholic drinks were served). * a dry county / state * The whiskey can be distilled in Lynchburg but not consumed because the town is in a dry county.\n  thirsty\n  11  (informal, especially BrE) thirsty; that makes you thirsty:\nI’m a bit dry. * This is dry work.\n    dryly = DRILY\n    dryness noun [U] \n IDIOMS \n  milk / suck sb/sth dry to get from sb/sth all the money, help, information, etc. they have, usually giving nothing in return:\nBy earning millions from racing and giving pennies back, the bookmakers are sucking the sport dry.\n  not a dry eye in the house (humorous) used to say that everyone was very emotional about sth:\nThere wasn’t a dry eye in the house when they announced their engagement.\n  run dry to stop supplying water; to be all used so that none is left:\nThe wells in most villages in the region have run dry. * Vaccine supplies started to run dry as the flu outbreak reached epidemic proportions. * Native resources of scientific talent and ingenuity have not run dry.\nmore at BLEED, HIGH adj., HOME adv., POWDER n., SQUEEZE v.\n    verb (dries, drying, dried, dried) to become dry; to make sth dry: [V] He did the laundry and hung it out to dry. * Be careful. The paint hasn’t dried yet. * You wash the dishes and I’ll dry. * [VN] You can use this towel to dry your hands. * I’ll just finish drying my hair then I’ll come down. * to dry your eyes / tears\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dryoff | dry sb/sth<->off to become dry or make sth dry:\nWe went swimming then lay in the sun to dry off. * We dried our boots off by the fire.\n  dry out | dry sb<->out (informal) to stop drinking alcohol after you have continuously been drinking too much; to cure sb of drinking too much alcohol:\nHe went to an expensive clinic to dry out.\n  dry out | dry sth<->out to become or to allow sth to become dry, in a way that is not wanted:\nWater the plant regularly, never letting the soil dry out. * Hot sun and cold winds can soon dry out your skin.\n  dry up\n1 (of rivers, lakes, etc.) to become completely dry:\nDuring the drought the river dried up.\n2 if a supply of sth dries up, there is gradually less of it until there is none left:\nAs she got older, offers of modelling work began to dry up.\n3 to suddenly stop talking because you do not know what to say next:\nThe play was going very well until one of the actors suddenly dried up.\n  dry up | dry sth<->up (BrE) to dry dishes with a towel after you have washed them:\nI’ll wash and you can dry up.


Words: dry dock
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] an enclosed part of a port, from which the water can be removed, for building or repairing ships:\nThe ship is in dry dock.


Words: dry goods
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n  1  types of food that are solid and dry, such as tea, coffee and flour\n  2  (old-fashioned, AmE) fabric and things that are made out of fabric, such as clothes and sheets:\na dry goods store\ncompare DRAPERY


Words: dry ice
Meaning:
noun\n[U] solid CARBON DIOXIDE used for keeping food, etc. cold and producing special effects in the theatre


Words: dry land
Meaning:
noun\n[U] land, rather than sea:\nIt was a great relief to be back on dry land after such a rough crossing.


Words: dry-clean
Meaning:
(also clean) verb\n[VN] to clean clothes using chemicals instead of water:\nThis garment must be dry-cleaned only.\n    dry-cleaning noun [U]


Words: dryer
Meaning:
(also drier)  noun\n(especially in compounds) a machine for drying sth:\na hair dryer * Don’t put that sweater in the dryer.\nsee also SPIN DRYER, TUMBLE-DRYER


Words: drystone wall
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) (AmE dry wall) a stone wall built without MORTAR (= a substance usually used to hold bricks or stones together in building) between the stones


Words: DTs
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE D.T.’s)  noun\n[pl.] a physical condition in which people who drink too much alcohol feel their body shaking and imagine that they are seeing things that are not really there (abbreviation for ’delirium tremens’)


Words: dual
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] having two parts or aspects:\nhis dual role as composer and conductor * She has dual nationality (= is a citizen of two different countries). * The piece of furniture serves a dual purpose as a cupboard and as a table.\nsee also DUAL-PURPOSE -> DOUBLE


Words: dual carriageway
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE divided highway) noun\na road with a strip of land in the middle that divides the lines of traffic moving in opposite directions


Words: dual-purpose
Meaning:
adjective\nthat can be used for two different purposes:\na dual-purpose vehicle (= for carrying passengers or goods) * The church is a modern dual-purpose building, both a place of worship and a community centre.


Words: dualism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (philosophy) the theory that there are two opposite principles in everything, for example good and evil\n  2  (formal) the state of having two parts\n    dualist, dualistic adjective\n    dualist noun


Words: dub
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-bb-)\n  1  [VN-N] to give sb/sth a particular name, often in a humorous or critical way:\nThe Belgian actor Jean Claude Van Damme has been dubbed ’Muscles from Brussels’.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (into sth) to replace the original speech in a film/movie or television programme with words in another language:\nan American movie dubbed into Italian\ncompare SUBTITLE\n  3  [VN] (especially BrE) to make a piece of music by mixing sounds from different recordings\n    noun a type of West Indian music or poetry with a strong beat


Words: dubious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (about sth) / (about doing sth) (of a person) not certain and slightly suspicious about sth; not knowing whether sth is good or bad\nSYN DOUBTFUL:\nI was rather dubious about the whole idea.\n  2  (disapproving) probably not honest:\nThey indulged in some highly dubious business practices to obtain their current position in the market.\n  3  that you cannot be sure about; that is probably not good:\nThey consider the plan to be of dubious benefit to most families. * (ironic) She had the dubious honour of being the last woman to be hanged in England (= it was not an honour at all).\n    dubiously adverb


Words: duchy
Meaning:
(also dukedom) noun\nan area of land that is owned and controlled by a DUKE or DUCHESS:\nthe Duchy of Cornwall


Words: duck
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (plural ducks or duck) [C] a common bird that lives on or near water, with short legs, WEBBED feet (= feet with thin pieces of skin between the toes) and a wide beak. There are many types of duck, some of which are kept for their meat or eggs:\nwild ducks * duck eggs * Every afternoon they went to the park to feed the ducks. * Ducks were quacking noisily on the lake.\n \n  2  [C] a female duck\ncompare DRAKE\n \n  3  [U] meat from a duck:\nroast duck with orange sauce\n \n  4  (also duckie, ducks, ducky) [C, usually sing.] (BrE, informal) a friendly way of addressing sb:\nAnything else, duck?\ncompare DEAR, LOVE\n  5  (a duck) [sing.] (in cricket) a BATSMAN’S score of zero:\nHe was out for a duck.\nsee also LAME DUCK, SITTING DUCK\n IDIOMS \n  (take to sth) like a duck to water (to become used to sth) very easily, without any problems or fears:\nShe has taken to teaching like a duck to water.\nmore at DEAD adj., WATER n.\n    verb\n  1  ~ (down) | ~ (behind / under sth) to move your head or body downwards to avoid being hit or seen:\n[V] He had to duck as he came through the door. * We ducked down behind the wall so they wouldn’t see us. * He just managed to duck out of sight. * He ducked under the overhanging branches. * [VN] She ducked her head and got into the car.\n  2  [VN] to avoid sth by moving your head or body out of the way\nSYN DODGE:\nHe ducked the first few blows then started to fight back.\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] to move somewhere quickly, especially in order to avoid being seen:\nShe ducked into the adjoining room as we came in.\n  4  ~ (out of) sth to avoid a difficult or unpleasant duty or responsibility:\n[V] It’s his turn to cook dinner, but I bet he’ll try to duck out of it. * [VN] The government is ducking the issue.\n  5  (AmE also dunk) [VN] to push sb underwater and hold them there for a short time:\nThe kids were ducking each other in the pool.


Words: duct
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a pipe or tube carrying liquid, gas, electric or telephone wires, etc:\na heating / ventilation duct\n  2  a tube in the body or in plants through which liquid passes:\nthe bile duct


Words: ducting
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a system of ducts\n  2  material in the form of a duct or ducts:\na short piece of ducting


Words: dud
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C] (informal) a thing that is useless, especially because it does not work correctly:\nTwo of the fireworks in the box were duds.\n  2  (duds) [pl.] (slang) clothes\n    adjective [only before noun] useless; that does not work correctly:\na dud battery * a dud cheque (= written by sb who has not enough money in their bank account)


Words: dude ranch
Meaning:
noun\nan American RANCH (= a large farm) where people can go on holiday/vacation and do the sort of activities that COWBOYS do


Words: due
Meaning:
adjective, noun, adverb \n    adjective\n  caused by\n  1  [not before noun] ~ to sth/sb caused by sb/sth; because of sb/sth:\nThe team’s success was largely due to her efforts. * Most of the problems were due to human error. * The project had to be abandoned due to a lack of government funding. * Due to staff shortages, we are unable to offer a full buffet service on this train.\n HELP NOTE  Some people think that it is more correct to use owing to to mean ’because of’ after a verb or at the beginning of a clause, as due is an adjective.\n  expected\n  2  [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) | ~ (for sth) arranged or expected:\nWhen’s the baby due? * Rose is due to start school in January. * The band’s first album is due for release later this month. * The next train is due in five minutes. * (especially AmE) My essay’s due next Friday (= it has to be given to the teacher by then).\n  owed\n  3  [not usually before noun] when a sum of money is due, it must be paid immediately:\nPayment is due on 1 October.\n  4  [not before noun] ~ (to sb) owed to sb as a debt, because it is their right or because they have done sth to deserve it:\nHave they been paid the money that is due to them? * Our thanks are due to the whole team.\n  5  [not before noun] ~ (for) sth owed sth; deserving sth:\nI’m still due 15 day’s leave. * She’s due for promotion soon.\n  suitable / right\n  6  [only before noun] (formal) that is suitable or right in the circumstances:\nAfter due consideration, we have decided to appoint Mr. Davis to the job. * to make due allowance for sth * (BrE) He was charged with driving without due care and attention.\ncompare UNDUE\n IDIOMS \n  in due course at the right time and not before:\nYour request will be dealt with in due course.\n  with (all) due respect used when you are going to disagree, usually quite strongly, with sb:\nWith all due respect, the figures simply do not support you on this.\n    noun\n  1  (your / sb’s ~) [U] a thing that should be given to sb by right:\nHe received a large reward, which was no more than his due (= than what he deserved). * She’s a slow worker, but to give her her due (= to be fair to her), she does try very hard.\n  2  (dues) [pl.] charges, for example to be a member of a club:\nto pay your dues * trade union dues\n    adverb ~ north / south / east / west exactly; in a straight line:\nto sail due east * The village lies five miles due north of York.


Words: due date
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] the date on or by which sth, especially a sum of money, is owed or expected:\nIf payment is not made by the due date, 10% will be added to the bill. * a baby’s due date (= when a baby is expected to be born)


Words: duel
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a formal fight with weapons between two people, used in the past to settle a quarrel, especially over a matter of honour:\nto fight / win a duel * to challenge sb to a duel\n  2  a competition or struggle between two people or groups:\na verbal duel * The race turned out to be a great duel between Meade and the eventual winner, Chris Stoney.\n    duel verb (-ll-, AmE -l-):\n[V] The two men duelled to the death.


Words: duet
Meaning:
(also less frequent duo) noun\na piece of music for two players or singers:\na piano duet\ncompare SOLO, TRIO


Words: duff
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective (BrE, informal) useless; that does not work as it should:\nHe sold me a duff radio.\n    noun (AmE, informal) a person’s bottom:\nAre you just going to sit around on your duff all day?\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  duff sb<->up (BrE, informal) to hit or kick sb severely\nSYN BEAT UP


Words: duffel bag
Meaning:
(also duffle bag)  noun\n  1  (BrE) a bag made out of fabric, shaped like a tube and closed by a string around the top. It is usually carried over the shoulder.\n  2  (AmE) a similar bag, but closed with a ZIP along the top and carried in your hand\ncompare HOLDALL


Words: duffel coat
Meaning:
(also duffle coat)  noun\na coat made of heavy woollen fabric, that usually has a HOOD and is fastened with TOGGLES


Words: duffer
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a person who is stupid or unable to do anything well:\nI was a bit of a duffer at school.


Words: dugout
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a rough shelter, made by digging a hole in the ground and covering it, used by soldiers\n  2  a shelter by the side of a football or baseball field where a team’s manager, etc. can sit and watch the game\n  3  (also dugout canoe) a CANOE (= a type of light narrow boat) made by cutting out the inside of a tree TRUNK


Words: duke
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a NOBLEMAN of the highest rank:\nthe Duke of Edinburgh\n  2  (in some parts of Europe, especially in the past) a male ruler of a small independent state\nsee also ARCHDUKE, DUCHESS, DUCHY, GRAND DUKE


Words: dulcet
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (humorous or ironic) sounding sweet and pleasant:\nI thought I recognized your dulcet tones (= the sound of your voice)


Words: dulcimer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a musical instrument that you play by hitting the metal strings with two hammers\n  2  a musical instrument with strings, popular in American traditional music, that you lay on your knee and play with your fingers


Words: dull
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (duller, dullest)\n  boring\n  1  not interesting or exciting:\nLife in a small town could be deadly dull. * The countryside was flat, dull and uninteresting. * The first half of the game was pretty dull. * There’s never a dull moment when John’s around.\n  light / colours\n  2  not bright or shiny:\na dull colour / glow * dull, lifeless hair * Her eyes were dull with dark shadows beneath them.\n  sounds\n  3  not clear or loud:\nThe gates shut behind him with a dull thud.\n  weather\n  4  not bright, with a lot of clouds:\nIt was a dull, grey day.\n  pain\n  5  not very severe, but continuous:\na dull ache / pain\n  person\n  6  slow in understanding\nSYN STUPID:\na dull pupil / class / mind\n  trade\n  7  (especially AmE) not busy; slow:\nDon’t sell into a dull market.\n    dullness noun [U]:\nthe dullness of modern architecture\n    dully  adverb:\n’I suppose so,’ she said dully. * His leg ached dully.\n IDIOMS \n  (as) dull as ditchwater (BrE) (AmE (as) dull as dishwater) extremely boring:\nI always found history as dull as ditchwater.\n    verb\n  pain\n  1  (of pain or an emotion) to become or be made weaker or less severe:\n[VN] The tablets they gave him dulled the pain for a while. [also V]\n  person\n  2  [VN] (written) to make a person slower or less lively:\nHe felt dulled and stupid with sleep.\n  colours, sounds\n  3  to become or to make sth less bright, clean or sharp:\n[V] His eyes dulled and he slumped to the ground. * [VN] The endless rain seemed to dull all sound.


Words: duly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  (formal) in the correct or expected manner:\nThe document was duly signed and authorized by the inspector.\n  2  at the expected and correct time:\nThey duly arrived at 9.30 in spite of torrential rain.\ncompare UNDULY


Words: dumb
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (dumber, dumbest)\n  1  (old-fashioned, sometimes offensive) unable to speak:\nShe was born deaf and dumb.\n HELP NOTE  Dumb used in this meaning is old-fashioned and can be offensive. It is better to use speech-impaired instead.\n  2  temporarily not speaking or refusing to speak:\nWe were all struck dumb with amazement. * We all sat there in dumb silence.\n  3  (informal, especially AmE) stupid:\nThat was a pretty dumb thing to do. * If the police question you, act dumb (= pretend you do not know anything). * In all her early movies she always played a dumb blonde.\n    dumbly adverb:\n’Are you all right?’ Laura nodded dumbly.\n    dumbness noun [U] \n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dumb down | dumb sth<->down (disapproving) to make sth less accurate or EDUCATIONAL, and of worse quality, by trying to make it easier for people to understand:\nThe BBC denies that its broadcasting has been dumbed down.\n    dumbing down noun [U]


Words: dumb animal
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (BrE) an animal, especially when seen as deserving pity:\nstanding up for the rights of dumb animals


Words: dumb-bell
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a short bar with a weight at each end, used for strengthening the arm and shoulder muscles\n  2  (AmE, informal) a stupid person


Words: dumdum
Meaning:
(also dumdum bullet) noun\na bullet that spreads out and breaks into many pieces when it hits sb, causing serious injuries


Words: dummy
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n (plural dummies)\n \n  1  [C] a model of a person, used especially when making clothes or for showing them in a shop window:\na tailor’s dummy * a ventriloquist’s dummy\n \n  2  [C] a thing that seems to be real but is only a copy of the real thing:\nThe bottles of whisky on display are all dummies.\n \n  3  [C] (AmE, informal) a stupid person:\nDon’t just stand there you dummy.\n \n  4  [C] (in some sports, such as football) an occasion when you pretend to pass the ball to another player and then do not do so\n  5  [C] (BrE) (AmE pacifier) a specially shaped rubber or plastic object for a baby to suck\n  6  [U] (in card games, especially BRIDGE) the cards which are placed facing upwards on the table and which can be seen by all the players:\nShe played a jack from dummy.\n    adjective [only before noun] made to look real, although it is actually a copy which does not work:\na dummy bomb / rifle


Words: dump
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN]\n  get rid of\n  1  to get rid of sth you do not want, especially in a place which is not suitable:\nToo much toxic waste is being dumped at sea. * The dead body was just dumped by the roadside.\n  2  ~ sth (on sb) (informal) to get rid of sb/sth or leave them for sb else to deal with:\nHe’s got no right to keep dumping his problems on me.\n  3  (business) to get rid of goods by selling them at a very low price, often in another country\n  put down\n  4  to put sth down in a careless or untidy way:\nJust dump your stuff over there-we’ll sort it out later.\n  end relationship\n  5  (informal) to end a romantic relationship with sb:\nDid you hear he’s dumped his girlfriend?\n  computing\n  6  to copy information and move it somewhere to store it\n IDIOMS  see LAP n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dump on sb (AmE) to criticize sb severely or treat them badly\n    noun-see also DUMPS\n  for waste\n  1  a place where waste or rubbish/garbage is taken and left:\nthe municipal dump * a toxic / nuclear waste dump\n  dirty place\n  2  (informal, disapproving) a dirty or unpleasant place:\nHow can you live in this dump?\n  for weapons\n  3  a temporary store for military supplies:\nan ammunition dump\n  computing\n  4  an act of copying data stored in a computer; a copy or list of the contents of this data:\na screen dump (= a copy of what is on a computer screen)\n  waste from body\n  5  [C] (slang) an act of passing waste matter from the body through the bowels:\nto have a dump


Words: dumper
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a person who throws away dangerous or harmful things, especially in the wrong place


Words: dumper truck
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE dump truck) noun\na vehicle for carrying earth, stones, etc. in a container which can be lifted up for the load to fall out


Words: dumping
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act or practice of DUMPING sth, especially dangerous substances:\na ban on the dumping of radioactive waste at sea


Words: dumping ground
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a place where sth that is not wanted is DUMPED:\nThe city’s canals are used as a dumping ground for a range of toxic pollutants.


Words: dumpling
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a small ball of DOUGH (= a mixture of flour, fat and water) that is cooked and served with meat dishes:\nchicken with herb dumplings\n  2  a small ball of pastry often with fruit in it, eaten as a DESSERT:\napple dumplings


Words: dumps
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.]\n IDIOMS \n  down in the dumps (informal) feeling unhappy \nSYN DEPRESSED:\nHe’d been down in the dumps since his girlfriend left him.


Words: dungarees
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n \n  1  (BrE) (AmE overalls, bib overalls) a piece of clothing that consists of trousers/pants with an extra piece of fabric covering the chest, held up by straps over the shoulders:\na pair of dungarees * His dungarees were covered in grease.\n \n  2  (AmE) heavy cotton trousers/pants for working in


Words: dungeon
Meaning:
noun\na dark underground room used as a prison, especially in a castle:\nThrow him into the dungeons!


Words: dunk
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (in / into sth) to put food quickly into liquid before eating it:\nShe sat reading a magazine, dunking cookies in her coffee.\n  2  [VN] (especially AmE) to push sb underwater for a short time, as a joke; to put sth into water:\nThe camera survived being dunked in the river.\n  3  [V, VN] (in basketball) to jump very high and put the ball through the basket with great force from above


Words: duo
Meaning:
noun (plural duos)\n  1  two people who perform together or are often seen or thought of together:\nthe comedy duo Laurel and Hardy\ncompare TRIO\n  2  = DUET


Words: duodenum
Meaning:
noun\n(plural duodenums or duodena ) (anatomy) the first part of the small INTESTINE, next to the stomach\n    duodenal  adjective:\na duodenal ulcer


Words: duopoly
Meaning:
noun (plural duopolies) (business)\n  1  a right to trade in a particular product or service, held by only two companies or organizations\n  2  a group of two companies or organizations who hold a duopoly\ncompare MONOPOLY


Words: dupe
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] ~ sb (into doing sth) to trick or cheat sb:\nThey soon realized they had been duped. * He was duped into giving them his credit card.\n    noun (formal) a person who is tricked or cheated:\nThese men were simply the dupes of their unscrupulous leaders.


Words: duplex
Meaning:
noun (especially AmE)\n  1  a building divided into two separate homes\n  2  a flat/apartment with rooms on two floors


Words: duplicate
Meaning:
verb, adjective, noun \n    verb  [VN] \n  1  [often passive] to make an exact copy of sth:\na duplicated form / letter\n  2  to do sth again, especially when it is unnecessary:\nThere’s no point in duplicating work already done.\n    duplication  noun [U, C] \n    adjective  [only before noun] exactly like sth else; made as a copy of sth else:\na duplicate invoice\n    noun  one of two or more things that are the same in every detail \nSYN COPY:\nIs this a duplicate or the original?\n IDIOMS \n  in duplicate (of documents, etc.) as two copies that are exactly the same in every detail:\nto prepare a contract in duplicate \ncompare TRIPLICATE


Words: duplicity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) dishonest behaviour that is intended to make sb believe sth which is not true\n    duplicitous  adjective


Words: durable
Meaning:
adjective\nlikely to last for a long time without breaking or getting weaker:\ndurable plastics * negotiations for a durable peace * Painted steel is likely to be less durable than other kinds.\n    durability  noun [U]:\nthe durability of gold * This rope is renowned for its high level of strength and durability.\nsee also CONSUMER DURABLES


Words: duration
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the length of time that sth lasts or continues:\nThe school was used as a hospital for the duration of the war. * a contract of three years’ duration\n IDIOMS \n  for the duration (informal) until the end of a particular situation


Words: duress
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) threats or force that are used to make sb do sth:\nHe signed the confession under duress. * The promise was obtained by duress on the part of her husband.


Words: during
Meaning:
preposition\n  1  all through a period of time:\nduring the 1990s * There are extra flights to Colorado during the winter. * Please remain seated during the performance.\n  2  at some point in a period of time:\nHe was taken to the hospital during the night. * I only saw her once during my stay in Rome.\n HELP NOTE  During is used to say when something happens; for answers the question ’how long?’: I stayed in London for a week. * _I_ _s_t_a_y_e_d_ _i_n_ _L_o_n_d_o_n_ _d_u_r_i_n_g_ _a_ _w_e_e_k_.


Words: dusk
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the time of day when the light has almost gone, but it is not yet dark:\nThe street lights go on at dusk. * I’ve been on the go from dawn to dusk. * She arrived home as dusk was falling.\ncompare DAWN


Words: dusky
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary) not very bright; dark or soft in colour:\nthe dusky light inside the cave * dusky pink * Her skin turned a dusky gold in the sun.


Words: dust
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] a fine powder that consists of very small pieces of sand, earth, etc:\nA cloud of dust rose as the truck drove off. * The workers wear masks to avoid inhaling the dust.\n  2  the fine powder of dirt that forms in buildings, on furniture, floors, etc:\nThe books were all covered with dust. * There wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere in the room. * She is allergic to house dust. * That guitar’s been sitting gathering dust (= not being used) for years now.\n  3  a fine powder that consists of very small pieces of a particular substance:\ncoal / gold dust\nsee also DUSTY\n IDIOMS \n  leave sb in the dust (AmE) to leave sb far behind\n  let the dust settle | wait for the dust to settle to wait for a situation to become clear or certain:\nHe waited for the dust to settle after the election before making any new decisions.\nmore at BITE v.\n    verb\n  1  to clean furniture, a room, etc. by removing dust from surfaces with a cloth:\n[V] I broke the vase while I was dusting. * [VN] Could you dust the sitting room?\n  2  [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to remove dirt from sb/sth/yourself with your hands or a brush:\nShe dusted some ash from her sleeve.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (with sth) to cover sth with fine powder:\nDust the cake with sugar.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dust sb/sth<->down (especially BrE) to remove dust, dirt, etc. from sb/sth:\nMel stood up and dusted herself down.\n  dust sb/sth<->off to remove dust, dirt, etc. from sb/sth:\nShe got out the best china and dusted it off. * He put down the box and dusted off his hands. * (figurative) For the concert, he dusted off some of his old hits.


Words: dust bowl
Meaning:
noun\nan area of land that has been turned into desert by lack of rain or too much farming:\nthe Oklahoma Dust Bowl of the 1930s


Words: dust cover
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  = DUST JACKET\n \n  2  a hard or soft plastic cover on a piece of equipment, etc. that protects it when it is not being used


Words: dustbin
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE garbage can, trash can) noun\na large container with a lid, used for putting rubbish/garbage in, usually kept outside the house -> RUBBISH


Words: duster
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a cloth for removing dust from furniture\n \n  2  (old-fashioned, AmE) a piece of clothing that you wear over your other clothes when you are cleaning the house, etc.


Words: dustman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural dustmen ) (also informal binman, formal refuse collector) (all BrE) (AmE garbage man) a person whose job is to remove waste from outside houses, etc. -> RUBBISH


Words: dustpan
Meaning:
noun\na small flat container with a handle into which dust is brushed from the floor:\na dustpan and brush


Words: dusty
Meaning:
adjective (dustier, dustiest)\n  1  full of dust; covered with dust:\na dusty road * piles of dusty books\n  2  (of a colour) not bright; dull:\ndusty pink


Words: Dutch
Meaning:
adjective\nof or connected with the Netherlands, its people or its language\n IDIOMS \n  go Dutch (with sb) to share the cost of sth with sb


Words: Dutch barn
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a farm building without walls that has a roof supported on poles, used for storing HAY (= dried grass), etc.


Words: dutiful
Meaning:
adjective\ndoing everything that you are expected to do; willing to obey and to show respect:\na dutiful daughter / son / wife\n    dutifully  adverb:\nWe laughed dutifully at all his jokes, even the ones that weren’t funny.


Words: duty
Meaning:
noun (plural duties)\n  1  [C, U] something that you feel you have to do because it is your moral or legal responsibility:\nIt is my duty to report it to the police. * Local councillors have a duty to serve the community. * I don’t want you to visit me simply out of a sense of duty. * your duties as a parent * to do your duty for your country * I’ll have to go I’m afraid-duty calls. * The company owes a duty of care to its customers.\n  2  [U] the work that is your job:\nReport for duty at 8 a.m.\nsee also NIGHT DUTY\n  3  (duties) [pl.] tasks that are part of your job:\nI spend a lot of my time on administrative duties. * Your duties will include setting up a new computer system.\nsee also HEAVY-DUTY\n  4  [C, U] ~ (on sth) a tax that you pay on things that you buy especially those that you bring into a country:\ncustoms / excise / import duties * duty on wine and beer\nsee also DEATH DUTY, STAMP DUTY\n IDIOMS \n  on / off duty (of nurses, police officers, etc.) working/not working at a particular time:\nWho’s on duty today? * What time do you go off duty?\nsee also OFF-DUTY\nmore at BOUNDEN, LINE n.


Words: duty-bound
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] (formal) having to do sth because it is your duty:\nI felt duty-bound to help him.


Words: duty-free
Meaning:
adjective\n(of goods) that you can bring into a country without paying tax on them:\nduty-free cigarettes / alcohol / shopping\n    duty-free adverb:\nYou’re allowed 1ｽ litres of spirits duty-free.\n    duty-free noun (BrE, informal):\nWe bought a load of duty-frees (= duty-free goods) at the airport.


Words: duty-free shop
Meaning:
(also duty-free) noun\na shop/store in an airport or on a ship, etc. that sells goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, PERFUME, etc. without tax on them


Words: duvet
Meaning:
(also continental quilt, quilt) noun\n(all BrE) a large fabric bag that is filled with feathers or other soft material and used as a cover on a bed:\na duvet cover


Words: DVD
Meaning:
noun\na disk on which large amounts of information, especially photographs and video, can be stored, for use on a computer (an abbreviation for ’digital videodisc’ or ’digital versatile disk’):\na DVD-ROM drive


Words: dwarf
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun (plural dwarfs or dwarves )\n  1  (in stories) a creature like a small man, who has magic powers and who is usually described as living and working under the ground, especially working with metal\n  2  (sometimes offensive) an extremely small person, who will never grow to a normal size because of a physical problem; a person suffering from DWARFISM\n HELP NOTE  There is no other word that is generally considered more acceptable.\n    adjective [only before noun] (of a plant or an animal) much smaller than the normal size:\ndwarf conifers\n    verb [VN] to make sth seem small or unimportant compared with sth else:\nThe old houses were dwarfed by the huge new tower blocks.


Words: dwarfism
Meaning:
noun\nthe medical condition of being a dwarf. People who suffer from this condition are very short and often have short arms and legs.


Words: dweeb
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE, slang, disapproving) a person, especially a boy or a man, who does not have good social skills and is not fashionable


Words: dwell
Meaning:
verb\n(dwelt, dwelt or dwelled, dwelled) [V +adv./prep.] (formal or literary) to live somewhere:\nHe dwelt in a ruined cottage on the hillside. * For ten years she dwelled among the nomads of North America.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  dwell on / upon sth\n1 to think or talk a lot about sth, especially sth it would be better to forget:\nSo you made a mistake, but there’s no need to dwell on it.\n2 (written) to look at sth for a long time


Words: dweller
Meaning:
noun\n(especially in compounds) a person or an animal that lives in the particular place that is mentioned:\napartment dwellers


Words: dwelling
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a house, flat/apartment, etc. where a person lives:\nThe development will consist of 66 dwellings and a number of offices.


Words: dwindle
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (away) (to sth) to become gradually less or smaller:\ndwindling audiences / numbers / popularity * a dwindling band of supporters * Support for the party has dwindled away to nothing. * Membership of the club has dwindled from 70 to 20.


Words: dye
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (dyes, dyeing, dyed, dyed) to change the colour of sth, especially by using a special liquid or substance:\n[VN] to dye wool / fabric / clothes * [VN-ADJ] She dyed her hair blonde.\nsee also TIE-DYE\n    noun [C, U] a substance that is used to change the colour of things such as cloth or hair:\nblack dye * hair dye * natural / chemical / vegetable dyes


Words: dyed in the wool
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (usually disapproving) having strong beliefs or opinions that are never going to change:\ndyed in the wool traditionalists\n ORIGIN  From the idea that dye produced a more even and lasting colour if the wool was dyed in its raw state.


Words: dying
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] connected with or happening at the time of sb’s death:\nI will remember it to my dying day. * her dying wishes / words\n  2  (the dying) noun [pl.] people who are dying:\ndoctors who care for the dying\n IDIOMS  see BREATH\nsee also DIE v.


Words: dyke
Meaning:
(also dike)  noun\n  1  a long thick wall that is built to stop water flooding onto a low area of land, especially from the sea\n  2  (especially BrE) a channel that carries water away from the land\n  3  (!!!, slang) (usually offensive) = LESBIAN


Words: dynamic
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  (dynamics) [pl.] the way in which people or things behave and react to each other in a particular situation:\nthe dynamics of political change * group dynamics (= the way in which members of a group react to each other) * Market dynamics are working in the company’s favour.\n  2  (dynamics) [U] the science of the forces involved in movement:\nfluid dynamics\ncompare STATICS\n  3  [sing.] (formal) a force that produces change, action or effects\n  4  (dynamics) [pl.] (music) changes in volume in music:\nThey play all the notes in the right place and have a scrupulous regard for the tempos and dynamics.\n    adjective\n  1  (approving) (of a person) forceful, and having a lot of energy:\na dynamic personality\n  2  (of a process) always changing and making progress\nOPP STATIC\n  3  (physics) (of a force or power) producing movement\nOPP STATIC


Words: dynamism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] energy and enthusiasm to make new things happen or to make things succeed:\nThe freshness and dynamism of her approach was welcomed by all her students.


Words: dynamite
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  a powerful explosive:\na stick of dynamite\n  2  a thing that is likely to cause a violent reaction or a lot of trouble:\nThe abortion issue is political dynamite.\n  3  (informal, approving) an extremely impressive or exciting person or thing:\nTheir new album is dynamite.\n    verb [VN] to destroy or damage sth using dynamite


Words: dynamo
Meaning:
noun (plural dynamos)\n  1  a device for turning MECHANICAL energy (= energy from movement) into electricity; a GENERATOR\n  2  (informal) a person with a lot of energy:\nthe team’s midfield dynamo * She’s a human dynamo.


Words: dynasty
Meaning:
noun (plural dynasties)\n  1  a series of rulers of a country who all belong to the same family:\nthe Nehru-Gandhi dynasty\n  2  a period of years during which members of a particular family rule a country:\na Ming dynasty vase\n    dynastic  adjective [usually before noun]:\ndynastic history


Words: dysfunctional
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) not working in a satisfactory or successful way:\nchildren from dysfunctional families


Words: dyslexia
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a slight disorder of the brain that causes difficulty in reading and spelling, for example, but does not affect intelligence\n    dyslexic  adjective:\nHe’s dyslexic.\n    dyslexic noun:\nWriting courses for dyslexics.


Words: dyspeptic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (medical) connected with or suffering from dyspepsia\n  2  (formal, rare) bad-tempered


Words: E
Meaning:
noun, abbreviation \n    noun (also e) [C, U] (plural E’s, e’s )\n  1  the fifth letter in the English alphabet:\n’Egg’ begins with (an) E / ’E’.\n  2  (E) (music) the third note in the scale of C MAJOR\n  3  (E) the fifth highest mark/grade that a student can get for a piece of work, showing that it is very bad:\nHe got an E in / for French.\nsee also E-NUMBER\n    abbreviation\n  1  East; Eastern:\nE Asia\n  2  (slang) the drug ECSTASY


Words: e-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns and verbs) connected with the use of electronic communication, especially the Internet, for sending information, doing business, etc:\ne-commerce * e-business\nsee also E-FIT, E-MAIL


Words: e-fit
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a picture of a person who is wanted by the police, made using a computer program that puts together and makes changes to pictures of different features of faces, based on information that is given by sb who has seen the person\ncompare IDENTIKIT, PHOTO-FIT


Words: e-mail
Meaning:
(also email)  noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (also formal electronic mail) [U] a way of sending messages and data to other people by means of computers connected together in a NETWORK:\nto send a message by e-mail\n  2  [C, U] a message sent by e-mail\n    verb ~ sth (to sb) to send a message to sb by e-mail:\n[VN] Patrick e-mailed me yesterday. * [VN, VNN] I’ll e-mail the documents to her. * I’ll e-mail her the documents.


Words: E-number
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a number beginning with the letter E that is printed on packets and containers to show what artificial flavours and colours have been added to food and drink; an artificial flavour, colour, etc. added to food and drink:\nThis sauce is full of E-numbers.


Words: each
Meaning:
determiner, pronoun\nused to refer to every one of two or more people or things, when you are thinking about them separately:\nEach answer is worth 20 points. * Each of the answers is worth 20 points. * The answers are worth 20 points each. * ’Red or blue?’ ’I’ll take one of each, please.’ * We each have our own car. * There aren’t enough books for everyone to have one each. * They lost $40 each. * Each day that passed he grew more and more desperate.\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \neach / every\nEach is used in front of a singular noun and is followed by a singular verb: Each student has been given his or her own e-mail address. The use of his or her sometimes sounds slightly formal and it is becoming more common to use the plural pronoun their: Each student has been given their own e-mail address.\nWhen each is used after a plural subject, it has a plural verb: They each have their own e-mail address.\nEvery is always followed by a singular verb: Every student in the class is capable of passing the exam.\nEach of, each one of and every one of are followed by a plural noun or pronoun, but the verb is usually singular: Each (one) of the houses was slightly different. * I bought a dozen eggs and every one of them was bad. A plural verb is more informal.\n______________________________


Words: each other
Meaning:
pronoun\nused as the object of a verb or preposition to show that each member of a group does sth to or for the other members:\nDon and Susie really loved each other (= he loved her and she loved him). * They looked at each other and laughed. * We can wear each other’s clothes.


Words: each way
Meaning:
adverb\n(BrE) if you bet money each way on a race, you win if your horse, etc. comes first, second or third in the race:\nShe put ｣5 each way on the favourite. * an each-way bet


Words: eager
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sth / to do sth) very interested and excited by sth that is going to happen or about sth that you want to do\nSYN KEEN:\neager crowds outside the stadium * She is eager for (= wants very much to get) her parents’ approval. * Everyone in the class seemed eager to learn. * They’re eager to please (= wanting to be helpful).\n    eagerly adverb:\nthe band’s eagerly awaited new CD * They eagerly accepted my offer of hospitality.\n    eagerness noun [U, sing.]:\nI couldn’t hide my eagerness to get back home.


Words: eagle
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) with a sharp curved beak and very good sight:\neagles soaring overhead\nsee also BALD EAGLE, GOLDEN EAGLE\n \n  2  (in golf) a score of two strokes less than the standard score for a hole (= two under PAR)\ncompare BIRDIE, BOGEY


Words: eagle eye
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] if sb has an eagle eye, they watch things carefully and are good at noticing things:\nNothing escaped our teacher’s eagle eye.\n    eagle-eyed adjective:\nAn eagle-eyed tourist found the suspicious package.


Words: ear
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] either of the organs on the sides of the head that you hear with:\nan ear infection * the inner / outer ear * She whispered something in his ear. * He put his hands over his ears. * She’s had her ears pierced. * The elephant flapped its ears. * He was always there with a sympathetic ear (= a willingness to listen to people). * (BrE) She gave him a clip round the ear (= hit him on the head because of sth he had done).\nsee also CAULIFLOWER EAR, GLUE EAR, MIDDLE EAR\n \n  2  (-eared) (in adjectives) having the type of ears mentioned:\na long-eared owl\n \n  3  [sing.] an ability to recognize and copy sounds well:\nShe has always had an ear for languages. * You need a good ear to master the piano.\n  4  [C] the top part of a grain plant, such as wheat, that contains the seeds:\nears of corn\n IDIOMS \n  be all ears (informal) to be waiting with interest to hear what sb has to say:\n’Do you know what he said?’ ’Go on-I’m all ears.’\n  be out on your ear (informal) to be forced to leave (a job, etc.)\n  be up to your ears in sth to have a lot of sth to deal with:\nWe’re up to our ears in work.\n  sth comes to / reaches sb’s ears somebody hears about sth, especially when other people already know about it:\nNews of his affair eventually reached her ears.\n  sb’s ears are burning a person thinks that other people are talking about them, especially in an unkind way:\n’I bumped into your ex-wife last night.’ ’I thought I could feel my ears burning!’\n  sb’s ears are flapping (BrE, informal) a person is trying to listen to sb else’s conversation\n  go in one ear and out the other (informal) (of information, etc.) to be forgotten quickly:\nEverything I tell them just goes in one ear and out the other.\n  have sb’s ear | have the ear of sb to be able to give sb advice, influence them, etc. because they trust you:\nHe had the ear of the monarch.\n  keep / have an / your ear to the ground to make sure that you always find out about the most recent developments in a particular situation:\nThe agent had no suitable properties on his books but promised to keep an ear to the ground for us.\n  play (sth) by ear to play music by remembering how it sounds rather than by reading it\n  play it by ear (informal) to decide how to deal with a situation as it develops rather than by having a plan to follow:\nI’m not sure how many people are expected-we’ll just have to play it by ear. * I don’t know what they’ll want when they arrive-we’ll have to play it by ear.\n  shut / close your ears to sth to refuse to listen to sth:\nShe decided to shut her ears to all the rumours.\n  smile / grin / beam from ear to ear to be smiling, etc. a lot because you are very pleased about sth\n  with half an ear without giving your full attention to what is being said, etc.\nmore at BELIEVE, BEND v., BOX n., BOX v., COCK v., DEAF adj., EASY adj., FEEL v., FLEA, LEND, MUSIC, OPEN adj., PIG n., PRICK v., RING v., SILK, THICK adj., WALL n., WET adj., WORD n.


Words: eardrum
Meaning:
noun\nthe piece of thin tightly stretched skin inside the ear which is moved by sound waves, making you able to hear:\na perforated eardrum


Words: earful
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (informal) if sb gives you an earful, they tell you for a long time how angry they are about sth that you have done


Words: earliest
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (the earliest) the time before which sth cannot happen:\nThe earliest we can finish is next Friday. * We can’t finish before next Friday at the earliest.


Words: early
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective (earlier, earliest)\n  1  near the beginning of a period of time, an event etc:\nthe early morning * my earliest memories * The project is still in the early stages. * the early 1990s * in the early days of space exploration (= when it was just beginning) * The earliest possible date I can make it is the third. * He’s in his early twenties. * Mozart’s early works (= those written at the beginning of his career) * Early booking is essential, as space is limited. * The ruling overturned the court’s earlier decision. * The earliest description of this species dates from 1703.\n  2  arriving, or done before the usual, expected or planned time:\nYou’re early! I wasn’t expecting you till seven. * The bus was ten minutes early. * an early breakfast * Let’s make an early start tomorrow. * She’s an early riser (= she gets up early in the morning) * He learnt to play the piano at an early age. * early potatoes (= that are ready to eat at the beginning of the season)\nOPP LATE\n    earliness noun [U]:\nIn spite of the earliness of the hour there were crowds all over town.\n IDIOMS \n  an early bird (humorous) a person who gets up, arrives, etc. very early:\nYou’re an early bird this morning!\n  at your earliest convenience (written, business) as soon as possible:\nPlease telephone at your earliest convenience.\n  it’s early days (yet) (BrE) used to say that it is too soon to be sure how a situation will develop:\nIt’s early days yet. We don’t know if the play will be a success.\nmore at BRIGHT adj., HOUR, NIGHT\n    adverb (earlier, earliest)\n  1  near the beginning of a period of time, an event, a piece of work, etc:\nearly in the week / year / season / morning * The best rooms go to those who book earliest. * We arrived early the next day. * We meet the hero quite early in the film. * He started writing music as early as 1989.\nOPP LATE -> SOON\n  2  before the usual, expected or planned time:\nThe bus came five minutes early. * I woke up early this morning. * The baby arrived earlier than expected. * early flowering plants\nOPP LATE\n  3  (earlier) before the present time or the time mentioned:\nAs I mentioned earlier ... * a week earlier * She had seen him earlier in the day.\nOPP LATER\n IDIOMS \n  early on at an early stage of a situation, relationship, period of time, etc:\nI knew quite early on that I wanted to marry her.


Words: early closing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) the practice of closing shops on a particular afternoon every week (now no longer very common):\nWednesday is early closing day in many places.


Words: early warning
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] a thing that tells you in advance that sth serious or dangerous is going to happen:\nan early warning of heart disease * an early warning system (= of enemy attack)


Words: earmark
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (for / as sb/sth) to decide that sth will be used for a particular purpose, or to state that sth will happen to sb/sth in the future:\nThe money had been earmarked for spending on new school buildings. * The factory has been earmarked for closure. * She was earmarked early as a possible champion.


Words: earmuff
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] either of a pair of coverings for the ears connected by a band across the top of the head, and worn to protect the ears, especially from cold:\na pair of earmuffs


Words: earn
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to get money for work that you do:\n[VN] He earns about ｣20 000 a year. * She earned a living as a part-time secretary. * She must earn a fortune (= earn a lot of money). * [VNN] His victory in the tournament earned him $50 000. * [V] All the children are earning now.\n  2  [VN] to get money as profit or interest on money you lend, have in a bank, etc:\nYour money would earn more in a high-interest account.\n  3  to get sth that you deserve, usually because of sth good you have done or because of the good qualities you have:\n[VN] He earned a reputation as an expert on tax law. * As a teacher, she had earned the respect and admiration of her students. * I need a rest. Think I’ve earned it, don’t you? * She’s having a well-earned rest this week. * [VNN] His outstanding ability earned him a place on the team.\n IDIOMS \n  earn a / your crust (BrE, informal) to earn enough money to live on:\nI’ve been an actor for 20 years, earning a crust wherever I can.\n  earn your keep\n1 to do useful or helpful things in return for being allowed to live or stay somewhere\n2 to be worth the amount of time or money that is being spent:\nHe felt he no longer deserved such a high salary. He just wasn’t earning his keep.\nmore at SPUR n.


Words: earner
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who earns money for a job that they do:\nhigh / low earners * The survey revealed that top earners in the country tended to be men.\nsee also WAGE EARNER\n  2  an activity or a business that makes a profit:\nTourism is the country’s biggest foreign currency earner. * (BrE, informal) Her new business has turned out a nice little earner.


Words: earnest
Meaning:
adjective\nvery serious and sincere:\nan earnest young man * Despite her earnest efforts, she could not find a job. * When I looked over, he was in earnest conversation with his father.\n    earnestly adverb:\nHe gazed earnestly into my eyes.\n    earnestness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  in earnest\n1 more seriously and with more force or effort than before:\nThe work on the house will begin in earnest on Monday. * That was when our troubles started in earnest.\n2 very serious and sincere about what you are saying and about your intentions; in a way that shows that you are serious:\nYou may laugh but I’m in deadly earnest. * I could tell she spoke in earnest.


Words: earnings
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n  1  the money that you earn for the work that you do:\na rise in average earnings * compensation for loss of earnings caused by the accident\n  2  the profit that a company makes:\nearnings per share * export earnings


Words: earnings-related
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE) (of payments, etc.) connected to and changing according to the amount of money that you earn:\nan earnings-related pension scheme


Words: earpiece
Meaning:
noun\nthe part of a telephone or piece of electrical equipment that you hold next to or put into your ear so that you can listen


Words: earplug
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a piece of soft material that you put into your ear to keep out noise, water or air


Words: earshot
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  out of earshot (of sb/sth) too far away to hear sb/sth or to be heard:\nWe waited until Ted was safely out of earshot before discussing it.\n  within earshot (of sb/sth) near enough to hear sb/sth or to be heard:\nAs she came within earshot of the group, she heard her name mentioned.


Words: earth
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (also Earth, the Earth) [U, sing.] the world; the planet that we live on:\nthe planet Earth * the history of life on earth * the earth’s ozone layer * The earth revolves around the sun. * I must be the happiest person on earth!\n \n  2  [U, sing.] land; the hard surface of the world that is not the sea or the sky; the ground:\nAfter a week at sea, it was good to feel the earth beneath our feet again. * You could feel the earth shake as the truck came closer.\n \n  3  [U] the substance that plants grow in\nSYN SOIL:\na clod / lump / mound of earth * I cleaned off the earth clinging to my boots.\n  4  [C] the hole where an animal, especially a FOX, lives\n  5  (BrE) (AmE ground) [C, usually sing.] a wire that connects an electric CIRCUIT with the ground and makes it safe\n IDIOMS \n  charge, cost, pay, etc. the earth (BrE, informal) to charge, etc. a lot of money:\nI’d love that dress, but it costs the earth. * If you want a house in London, you’ll have to pay the earth for it.\n  come back / down to earth (with a bang / bump) | bring sb (back) down to earth (with a bang / bump) (informal) to return, or to make sb return, to a normal way of thinking or behaving after a time when they have been very excited, not very practical, etc.\nsee also DOWN-TO-EARTH\n  go to earth / ground (BrE) to hide, especially to escape from sb who is chasing you\n  how, why, where, who, etc. on earth (informal) used to emphasize the question you are asking when you are surprised or angry or cannot think of an obvious answer:\nWhat on earth are you doing? * How on earth can she afford that?\n  be, feel, look, taste, etc. like nothing on earth (informal) to be, feel, look, taste, etc. very bad\n  on earth used after negative nouns or pronouns to emphasize what you are saying:\nNothing on earth would persuade me to go with him.\n  run sb/sth to earth / ground (BrE) to find sb/sth after looking hard for a long time\nmore at END n., FACE n., MOVE v., PROMISE v., SALT n., WIPE v.\n    verb (BrE) (AmE ground) [VN] [usually passive] to make electrical equipment safe by connecting it to the ground with a wire\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nearth / floor / ground / soil / land\nTo talk about our planet, use the earth.\nFor the surface of the earth that is not the sea or the sky, use earth, land or ground: The parachute floated gently down to earth. * We did not see land again until the ship reached Australia. * a plane 2 500 feet above the ground.\nFor the hard surface you walk on, use ground outside and floor inside: He flung his bike to the ground and rushed inside. * Her clothes were just lying on the floor.\nTrees and plants grow in soil, earth (BrE), or dirt (AmE) : These plants prefer alkaline soil. * We filled a few trays with earth/dirt and planted the seeds. What you buy in bags to put your plants or seeds in is usually called compost or soil. Ground is an area of soil: fertile/soft ground * a piece of ground where the kids play.\n______________________________


Words: earth mother
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also Earth Mother) a GODDESS who represents the earth as the source of life; a GODDESS of FERTILITY\n  2  (informal) a woman who seems very suited to being a mother


Words: earth science
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a science concerned with studying the earth or part of it. Geography and GEOLOGY are both earth sciences.\ncompare LIFE SCIENCES, NATURAL SCIENCE


Words: earthbound
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  unable to leave the surface of the earth:\nbirds and their earthbound predators\n  2  (literary) not imaginative or spiritual


Words: earthen
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of floors or walls) made of earth:\na primitive hut with an earthen floor\n  2  (of objects) made of baked clay:\nearthen pots


Words: earthling
Meaning:
noun\na word used in SCIENCE FICTION stories by creatures from other planets to refer to a person living on the earth


Words: earthly
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (written) connected with life on earth and not with any spiritual life:\nearthly desires * the sorrows of this earthly life\n  2  (often used in questions and negatives for emphasis) possible:\nThere’s no earthly reason why you shouldn’t go. * What earthly difference is my opinion going to make? * He didn’t have an earthly chance of getting the job.


Words: earthquake
Meaning:
(also informal quake) noun\na sudden, violent shaking of the earth’s surface:\ndamage caused by a powerful earthquake * The earthquake measured 68 on the Richter scale.


Words: earthwork
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a large bank of earth that was built long ago in the past and used as a defence:\nA castle and extensive earthworks are still to be found in the area.


Words: earthy
Meaning:
adjective (earthier, earthiest)\n  1  concerned with the body, sex, etc. in an open and direct way that some people find rude or embarrassing:\nan earthy sense of humour\n  2  of or like earth or soil:\nearthy colours / smells\n    earthiness noun [U]


Words: earwig
Meaning:
noun\na small brown insect with a long body and two curved pointed parts called PINCERS that stick out at the back end of its body


Words: ease
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  lack of difficulty:\nHe passed the exam with ease. * The ease with which she learns languages is astonishing. * This computer is popular for its good design and ease of use. * All important points are numbered for ease of reference (= so that you can find them easily).\n  2  the state of feeling relaxed or comfortable without worries, problems or pain:\nIn his retirement, he lived a life of ease.\n IDIOMS \n  (stand) at ease used as a command to soldiers to tell them to stand with their feet apart and their hands behind their backs\ncompare ATTENTION n. (5)\n  at (your) ease relaxed and confident and not nervous or embarrassed:\nI never feel completely at ease with him. * She was at her ease straight away in the new job.\n  put sb at (their) ease to make sb feel relaxed and confident, not nervous or embarrassed:\nTry to put the candidate at ease by being friendly and informal.\nmore at ILL adj., MIND n.\n    verb\n  1  to become or to make sth less unpleasant, painful, severe, etc:\n[VN] This should help ease the pain. * The plan should ease traffic congestion in the town. * It would ease my mind (= make me less worried) to know that she was settled. * [V] The pain immediately eased.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] to move, or to move sb/sth, slowly and carefully:\n[V] He eased slowly forwards. * [VN] She eased herself into a chair. * He eased off his shoes.\n  3  [VN] to make sth easier:\nRamps have been built to ease access for the disabled.\n  4  to make sth or to become less tight and more relaxed:\n[VN] Ease your grip on the wheel a little. [also V]\n  5  to become or make sth lower in price or value\nSYN REDUCE:\n[V] Share prices eased back from yesterday’s levels. [also VN]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  ease into sth | ease yourself / sb into sth to become or help sb to become familiar with sth new, especially a new job:\nIt will take a little time for him to ease himself into his new role.\n  ease off | ease off sth to become or make sth become less strong, unpleasant, etc:\nWe waited until the traffic had eased off. * Ease off the training a few days before the race.\n  ease sb<->out (of sth) to force sb to leave a job or position of authority, especially by making it difficult or unpleasant for them over a period of time\n  ease up\n1 to reduce the speed at which you are travelling\n2 to become less strong, unpleasant, etc.


Words: easily
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  without problems or difficulty:\nI can easily finish it tonight. * The museum is easily accessible by car. * Learning languages doesn’t come easily to him.\n  2  very probably; very likely:\nAre you sure you locked the gate? You could easily have forgotten. * The situation might all too easily have become a disaster.\n  3  ~ the best, nicest, etc. without doubt; definitely:\nIt’s easily the best play I’ve seen this year. * She is easily the most experienced teacher in the school.\n  4  quickly; more quickly than is usual:\nI get bored easily. * He’s easily distracted.


Words: east
Meaning:
noun, adjective, adverb \n    noun [U, sing.] (abbreviation E)\n  1  (usually the east) the direction that you look towards to see the sun rise; one of the four main points of the COMPASS:\nWhich way is east? * A gale was blowing from the east. * a town to the east of (= further east than) Chicago\ncompare NORTH, SOUTH, WEST\n  2  (also East) the eastern part of a country, region or city:\nI was born in the East, but now live in San Francisco.\n  3  (the East) the countries of Asia, especially China, Japan and India\n  4  (the East) (in the past) the Communist countries of Eastern Europe:\nEast-West relations\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (also East) (abbreviation E) in or towards the east:\nEast Africa * They live on the east coast.\n  2  an east wind blows from the east\ncompare EASTERLY\n    adverb towards the east:\nThe house faces east.


Words: eastbound
Meaning:
adjective\ntravelling or leading towards the east:\neastbound traffic * the eastbound carriageway of the motorway


Words: Easter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] (also Easter Day, Easter Sunday) (in the Christian religion) a Sunday in March or April when Christians remember the death of Christ and his return to life:\nEaster services\n  2  (also Eastertime) the period that includes Easter Day and the days close to it:\nthe Easter holidays / vacation


Words: Easter egg
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) an egg made of chocolate that is given as a present and eaten at Easter\n  2  an egg with a shell that is painted and decorated at Easter


Words: easterly
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  in or towards the east:\ntravelling in an easterly direction\n  2  [usually before noun] (of winds) blowing from the east:\na cold easterly wind\ncompare EAST\n    noun (plural easterlies) a wind that blows from the east


Words: eastern
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (also Eastern) [only before noun] (abbreviation E) situated in the east or facing east:\neastern Spain * Eastern Europe * the eastern slopes of the mountain\n  2  (usually Eastern) connected with the part of the world that is to the east of Europe:\nEastern cookery


Words: eastwards
Meaning:
(also eastward) adverb\ntowards the east:\nto go / look / turn eastwards\n    eastward adjective:\nin an eastward direction


Words: easy
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective (easier, easiest)\n  1  not difficult; done or obtained without a lot of effort or problems:\nan easy exam / job * He didn’t make it easy for me to leave. * Their house isn’t the easiest place to get to. * vegetables that are easy to grow * Several schools are within easy reach (= not far away). * It can’t be easy for her, on her own with the children. * It’s easy for you to tell me to keep calm, but you’re not in my position. * It would be the easiest thing in the world to fall in love with him.\nOPP HARD\n  2  comfortable, relaxed and not worried:\nI’ll agree to anything for an easy life. * I don’t feel easy about letting the kids go out alone.\nOPP UNEASY\n  3  [only before noun] open to attack; not able to defend yourself:\nShe’s an easy target for their criticisms. * The baby fish are easy prey for birds.\n  4  [only before noun] pleasant and friendly; not awkward:\nHe had a very easy manner.\n  5  [not usually before noun] (informal, disapproving) (of women) willing to have sex with many different people\nsee also EASILY\n    easiness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  as easy as anything / as pie / as ABC / as falling off a log (informal) very easy or very easily:\nFooling him was as easy as falling off a log.\n  easy money money that you get without having to work very hard for it\n  easy on the ear / eye (informal) pleasant to listen to or look at:\nThe room was painted in soft pastels that were easy on the eye.\n  have an easy time (of it) (BrE) to have no difficulties or problems:\nHe’s had an easy time of it since he married Lucy.\n  I’m easy (BrE, informal) used to say that you do not have a strong opinion when sb has offered you a choice:\n’Do you want to watch this or the news?’ ’Oh, I’m easy. It’s up to you.’\n  of easy virtue (old-fashioned) (of a woman) willing to have sex with anyone\n  on easy street (AmE) enjoying a comfortable way of life with plenty of money\n  take the easy way out to end a difficult situation by choosing the simplest solution even if it is not the best one:\nHe took the easy way out and didn’t go to the meeting.\nmore at FREE adj., OPTION, REACH n., RIDE n., TOUCH n.\n    adverb (easier, easiest) used to tell sb to be careful when doing sth:\nEasy with that chair-one of its legs is loose.\n IDIOMS \n  easier said than done much more difficult to do than to talk about:\n’Why don’t you get yourself a job?’ ’That’s easier said than done.’\n  easy come, easy go (saying) used to mean that sb does not care very much about money or possessions especially if they spend it or lose sth\n  easy does it (informal) used to tell sb to do sth, or move sth, slowly and carefully\n  go easy on sb (informal) used to tell sb to treat a person in a gentle way and not to be too angry or severe:\nGo easy on her-she’s having a really hard time at the moment.\n  go easy on / with sth (informal) used to tell sb not to use too much of sth:\nGo easy on the sugar.\n  stand easy used as a command to soldiers who are already standing AT EASE to tell them that they can stand in an even more relaxed way\n  take it easy (spoken) used to tell sb not to be worried or angry:\nTake it easy! Don’t panic.\n  take it / things easy to relax and avoid working too hard or doing too much:\nThe doctor told me to take it easy for a few weeks. * I like to take things easy when I’m on holiday.


Words: easy-going
Meaning:
adjective\nrelaxed and happy to accept things without worrying or getting angry:\nI wish I had such easy-going parents!


Words: eat
Meaning:
1  to put food in your mouth, chew it and swallow it:\n[V] I was too nervous to eat. * She doesn’t eat sensibly (= doesn’t eat food that is good for her). * [VN] I don’t eat meat. * Would you like something to eat? * I couldn’t eat another thing (= I have had enough food).\n  2  [V] to have a meal:\nWhere shall we eat tonight? * We ate at a pizzeria in town.\n IDIOMS \n  eat sb alive (informal)\n1 to criticize or punish sb severely because you are extremely angry with them:\nHe’ll eat you alive if he ever finds out.\n2 to defeat sb completely in an argument, a competition, etc:\nThe defence lawyers are going to eat you alive tomorrow.\n3 [usually passive] (of insects, etc.) to bite sb many times:\nI was being eaten alive by mosquitoes.\n  eat your heart out! (spoken) used to compare two things and say that one of them is better:\nLook at him dance! Eat your heart out, John Travolta (= he dances even better than John Travolta).\n  eat your heart out (for sb/sth) (especially BrE) to feel very unhappy, especially because you want sb/sth you cannot have:\nI’m not going to mope at home, eating my heart out for some man.\n  eat humble pie (BrE) (AmE eat crow) to say and show that you are sorry for a mistake that you made\n ORIGIN  From a pun on the old word umbles, meaning ’offal’, which was considered inferior food.\n  eat like a horse (informal) to eat a lot:\nShe may be thin, but she eats like a horse.\n  eat out of your / sb’s hand to trust sb and be willing to do what they say:\nShe’ll have them eating out of her hand in no time.\n  eat sb out of house and home (informal, often humorous) to eat a lot of sb else’s food:\nHow much longer is he staying? He’s eating us out of house and home.\n  eat your words to admit that what you said was wrong\n  I could eat a horse (spoken) used to say that you are very hungry\n  I’ll eat my hat (spoken) used to say that you think sth is very unlikely to happen:\nIf she’s here on time, I’ll eat my hat!\n  what’s eating him, etc.? (spoken) used to ask what sb is annoyed or worried about\nmore at CAKE n., DOG n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  eat sth<->away to reduce or destroy sth gradually:\nThe coastline is being eaten away year by year.\n  eat away at sth/sb\n1 to reduce or destroy sth gradually:\nWoodworm had eaten away at the door frame. * His constant criticism ate away at her self-confidence.\n2 to worry sb over a period of time:\nThe thought of her child left helpless and alone ate away at her.\n  eat into sth\n1 to use up a part of sth, especially sb’s money or time:\nThose repair bills have really eaten into my savings.\n2 to destroy or damage the surface of sth:\nRust had eaten into the metal.\n  eat out to have a meal in a restaurant, etc. rather than at home:\nDo you feel like eating out tonight?\n  eat up | eat sth<->up to eat all of sth:\nEat up! We’ve got to go out soon. * Come on. Eat up your potatoes.\n  eat sb up [usually passive] to fill sb with a particular emotion so that they cannot think of anything else:\nShe was eaten up by regrets.\n  eat sth<->up to use sth in large quantities:\nLegal costs had eaten up all the savings she had.


Words: eater
Meaning:
noun\n(usually after an adjective or a noun) a person or an animal that eats a particular thing or in a particular way:\nWe’re not great meat eaters. * He’s a big eater (= he eats a lot).


Words: eating
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of eating sth:\nhealthy eating * eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia\n IDIOMS  see PROOF


Words: eats
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (informal) food, especially at a party:\nThere were plenty of eats, but the bar soon ran out of drink.


Words: eaves
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] the lower edges of a roof that stick out over the walls:\nbirds nesting under the eaves * overhanging eaves


Words: eavesdrop
Meaning:
verb\n(-pp-) [V] ~ (on sb/sth) to listen secretly to what other people are saying:\nWe caught him eavesdropping outside the window.\n    eavesdropper noun


Words: ebb
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (the ebb) [usually sing.] the period of time when the sea flows away from the land:\nthe ebb tide\n IDIOMS \n  the ebb and flow (of sth/sb) the repeated, often regular, movement from one state to another; the repeated change in level, numbers or amount:\nthe ebb and flow of the tides / seasons * the ebb and flow of money * She sat in silence enjoying the ebb and flow of conversation. * He had known her long enough to recognize the ebb and flow of her moods.\nmore at LOW adj.\n    verb [V] \n  1  (formal) (of the TIDE in the sea) to move away from the land\nSYN GO OUT\nOPP FLOW\n  2  ~ (away) to become gradually weaker or less\nSYN DECREASE:\nThe pain was ebbing. * As night fell, our enthusiasm began to ebb away.


Words: ebony
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] the hard black wood of various tropical trees:\nan ebony carving\n    adjective black in colour:\nebony skin


Words: ebullient
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) full of confidence, energy and good humour:\nThe Prime Minister was in ebullient mood. * He was accompanied by an ebullient, talkative blonde. * The ebullient Mr Clarke was not to be discouraged.\n    ebullience  noun [U]:\nI put her remarks down to youthful ebullience.


Words: eccentric
Meaning:
adjective\nconsidered by other people to be strange or unusual:\neccentric behaviour / clothes * an eccentric aunt\n    eccentric noun:\nMost people considered him a harmless eccentric. * Aunt Matilda was something of an eccentric.\n    eccentrically  adverb


Words: eccentricity
Meaning:
(plural eccentricities) noun\n  1  [U] behaviour that people think is strange or unusual; the quality of being unusual and different from other people:\nAs a teacher, she had a reputation for eccentricity. * Arthur was noted for the eccentricity of his clothes.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] an unusual act or habit:\nWe all have our little eccentricities. * I had long since grown used to the eccentricities of his driving technique.


Words: ECG
Meaning:
(AmE also EKG) noun\nthe abbreviation for ’electrocardiogram’ (a medical test that measures and records electrical activity of the heart)


Words: echelon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [usually pl.] a rank or position of authority in an organization or a society:\nthe lower / upper / top / higher echelons of the Civil Service\n  2  an arrangement of soldiers, planes, etc. in which each one is behind and to the side of the one in front


Words: echo
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural echoes)\n  1  the reflecting of sound off a wall or inside an enclosed space so that a noise appears to be repeated; a sound that is reflected back in this way:\nThere was an echo on the line and I couldn’t hear clearly. * The hills sent back a faint echo. * the echo of footsteps running down the corridor * ’So you love him, do you?’ Magda’s voice was a mocking echo of my own.\n  2  the fact of an idea, event, etc. being like another and reminding you of it; sth that reminds you of sth else:\nYesterday’s crash has grim echoes of previous disasters.\n  3  an opinion or attitude that agrees with or repeats one already expressed or thought:\nHis words were an echo of what she had heard many times before. * The speech found an echo in the hearts of many of the audience (= they agreed with it).\n    verb (echoes, echoing, echoed, echoed)\n  1  [V] if a sound echoes, it bounces off a wall, the side of a mountain, etc. so that you can hear it again:\nHer footsteps echoed in the empty room. * The gunshot echoed through the forest.\n  2  ~ (to / with sth) | ~ sth (back) to send back and repeat a sound; to be full of a sound:\n[V] The whole house echoed. * The street echoed with the cries of children. * [VN] The valley echoed back his voice.\n  3  [VN] (written) to repeat an idea or opinion because you agree with it:\n’More police, that’s what we need,’ he said, echoing his father’s views on the subject. * This is a view echoed by many on the right of the party.\n  4  (written) to repeat what sb else has just said, especially because you find it surprising:\n[V speech] ’He’s gone!’ Viv echoed incredulously. [also VN]


Words: eclair
Meaning:
noun\na long thin cake for one person, made of light pastry, filled with cream and usually with chocolate on top:\na chocolate eclair


Words: eclectic
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not following one style or set of ideas but choosing from or using a wide variety:\nShe has very eclectic tastes in literature. * His house is an eclectic mixture of the antique and the modern.\n    eclectically  adverb:\nHer work draws eclectically on psychoanalysis and mythology.\n    eclecticism  noun [U]:\nCritics praised the originality and eclecticism of her work.


Words: eclipse
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] an occasion when the moon passes between the earth and the sun so that you cannot see all or part of the sun for a time; an occasion when the earth passes between the moon and the sun so that you cannot see all or part of the moon for a time:\nan eclipse of the sun / moon * a total / partial eclipse\n  2  [sing., U] (written) a loss of importance, power, etc. especially because sb/sth else has become more important, powerful, etc:\nThe election result marked the eclipse of the right wing. * Her work was in eclipse for most of the 20th century.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  [often passive] (of the moon, the earth, etc.) to cause an eclipse\n  2  (written) to make sb/sth seem dull or unimportant by comparison\nSYN OUTSHINE:\nThough a talented player, he was completely eclipsed by his brother.


Words: eco-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with the environment:\neco-friendly * eco-warriors (= people who protest about damage to the environment)


Words: ecological
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with the relation of plants and living creatures to each other and to their environment:\nWe risk upsetting the ecological balance of the area. * an ecological disaster (= one that alters the whole balance of ecology in an area)\n  2  interested in and concerned about the ecology of a place:\nthe ecological movement\n    ecologically :\nThe system is both practical and ecologically sound.


Words: ecologist
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a scientist who studies ecology\n  2  a person who is interested in ecology and believes the environment should be protected


Words: ecology
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the relation of plants and living creatures to each other and to their environment; the study of this:\nplant / animal / human ecology * the ecology movement * Oil pollution could damage the ecology of the coral reefs.


Words: economic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] connected with the trade, industry and development of wealth of a country, an area or a society:\nsocial, economic and political issues * economic growth / cooperation / development / reform * the government’s economic policy * economic history * the current economic climate\n  2  (of a process, a business or an activity) producing enough profit to continue\nSYN PROFITABLE\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \neconomic / economical\nEconomic means ’connected with the economy of a country or an area, or with the money that a society or an individual has’: the government’s economic policy * the economic aspects of having children.\nsee also ECONOMY (1)\nEconomical means ’spending money or using something in a careful way that avoids waste’: It is usually economical to buy washing powder in large quantities.\nsee also ECONOMY (3)\n______________________________


Words: economical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  providing good service or value in relation to the amount of time or money spent:\nan economical car to run (= one that does not use too much petrol / gas) * It would be more economical to buy the bigger size.\n  2  using no more of sth than is necessary:\nan economical use of land / space * an economical prose style (= one that uses no unnecessary words)\n  3  not spending more money than necessary:\nHe was economical in all areas of his life.\n IDIOMS \n  economical with the truth a way of saying that sb has left out some important facts, when you do not want to say that they are lying


Words: economically
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way connected with the trade, industry and development of wealth of a country, an area or a society:\nThe factory is no longer economically viable. * Economically, the centre of Spain has lost its dominant role. * the economically active / inactive population (= those who are employed / unemployed) * Changes have taken place both economically and politically.\n  2  in a way that provides good service or value in relation to the amount of time or money spent:\nI’ll do the job as economically as possible.\n  3  in a way that uses no more of sth than is necessary:\nThe design is intended to use space as economically as possible. * She writes elegantly and economically. * Learn to express yourself more economically.


Words: economics
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the study of how a society organizes its money, trade and industry:\nHe studied politics and economics at Yale. * Keynsian / Marxist economics\nsee also HOME ECONOMICS\n  2  [pl., U] the way in which money influences, or is organized within an area of business or society:\nThe economics of the project are very encouraging. * The economics of maintaining a safe environment are not just the concern of the government.


Words: economize
Meaning:
(BrE also economise)  verb\n[V] ~ (on sth) to use less money, time, etc. than you normally use:\nOld people often try to economize on heating, thus endangering their health.


Words: economy
Meaning:
noun (plural economies)\n  1  (often the economy) [C] the relationship between production, trade and the supply of money in a particular country or region:\nThe economy is in recession. * the world economy * a market economy (= one in which the price is fixed according to both cost and demand)\n  2  [C] a country, when you are thinking about its economic system:\nIreland was one of the fastest-growing economies in Western Europe in the 1990s.\n  3  [C, U] the use of the time, money, etc. that is available in a way that avoids waste:\nWe need to make substantial economies. * It’s a false economy to buy cheap clothes (= it seems cheaper but it is not really since they do not last very long). * She writes with a great economy of words (= using only the necessary words). * (BrE) We’re on an economy drive at home. (= trying to avoid waste and spend as little money as possible) * Buy the large economy pack! (= the one that gives you better value for money) * to fly economy (class) (= by the cheapest class of air travel) * an economy fare (= the cheapest)


Words: ecosystem
Meaning:
noun\nall the plants and living creatures in a particular area considered in relation to their physical environment


Words: ecstasy
Meaning:
noun (plural ecstasies)\n  1  [U, C] a feeling or state of very great happiness\n  2  (Ecstasy) [U] (abbreviation E) an illegal drug, taken especially by young people at parties, that gives feelings of great energy and pleasure


Words: ecstatic
Meaning:
adjective\nvery happy, excited and enthusiastic; feeling or showing great enthusiasm:\nSally was ecstatic about her new job. * ecstatic applause / praise / reviews * He gave an ecstatic sigh of happiness.\n    ecstatically  adverb:\nHe sighed ecstatically. * For a time, we were ecstatically happy.


Words: ecu
Meaning:
(also ECU)  noun\n(plural ecu or ecus) the abbreviation for European Currency Unit, a unit of money of the European Union. In 1999 it was replaced by the euro.


Words: ecumenical
Meaning:
adjective\ninvolving or uniting members of different branches of the Christian Church:\nan ecumenical committee


Words: ed.
Meaning:
(also Ed.) abbreviation\nEDITED (BY), EDITION, EDITOR:\n’Eighteenth Century Women Poets’, Ed. Lonsdale * 6th ed.


Words: eddy
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural eddies) a circular movement of air, dust or water\n    verb (eddies, eddying, eddied, eddied) [V] (of air, dust, water, etc.) to move around in a circle:\nThe waves swirled and eddied around the rocks.


Words: Eden
Meaning:
(also the Garden of Eden) noun\n[sing.] (in the Bible) the beautiful garden where Adam and Eve, the first human beings, lived before they did sth God had told them not to and were sent away, often seen as a place of happiness and INNOCENCE


Words: edge
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] the outside limit of an object, a surface or an area; the part furthest from the centre:\nHe stood on the edge of the cliff. * a big house on / at the edge of town * Don’t put that glass so near the edge of the table. * I sat down at the water’s edge. * Stand the coin on its edge. * She tore the page out roughly, leaving a ragged edge in the book.\nsee also LEADING EDGE\n \n  2  [C] the sharp part of a blade, knife or SWORD that is used for cutting:\nBe careful-it has a sharp edge.\nsee also KNIFE-EDGE\n \n  3  (usually the edge) [sing.] the point at which sth, especially sth bad, may begin to happen\nSYN BRINK, VERGE:\nThey had brought the country to the edge of disaster.\nsee also CUTTING EDGE\n  4  [sing.] ~ (on / over sb/sth) a slight advantage over sb/sth:\nThe company needs to improve its competitive edge. * They have the edge on us.\n  5  [sing.] a strong, often exciting, quality:\nHer show now has a hard political edge to it.\n  6  [sing.] a sharp tone of voice, often showing anger:\nHe did his best to remain calm, but there was a distinct edge to his voice.\n  7  (-edged) (in adjectives) having the type of edge or edges mentioned:\na lace-edged handkerchief\nsee also GILT-EDGED\n IDIOMS \n  be on edge to be nervous, excited or bad-tempered\n  on the edge of your seat very excited and giving your full attention to sth:\nThe game had the crowd on the edge of their seats. * I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened next.\n  take the edge off sth to make sth less strong, less bad, etc:\nThe sandwich took the edge off my appetite. * I took an aspirin to take the edge off the pain. * A squeeze of lemon takes the edge off the sweetness.\nmore at FRAY v., RAZOR, ROUGH adj., TEETER, TOOTH\n    verb\n  1  [+adv./prep.] to move or to move sth slowly and carefully in a particular direction:\n[V] She edged a little closer to me. * I edged nervously past the dog. * [VN] Emily edged her chair forward.\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sth (with / in sth) to put sth around the edge of sth:\nThe handkerchief is edged with lace.\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] to increase or decrease slightly:\nPrices edged up 2% in the year to December.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  edge sb/sth<->out (of sth) to move sb from their position or job gradually, especially when they are not fully aware of what is happening:\nShe was edged out of the company by the new director.


Words: edgeways
Meaning:
adverb\nwith the edge upwards or forwards; on one side:\nYou’ll only get the desk through the door if you turn it edgeways.\n IDIOMS  see WORD n.


Words: edging
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] something that forms the border or edge of sth, usually added to make it more attractive


Words: edgy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) nervous, especially about what might happen:\nShe’s been very edgy lately. * After the recent unrest there is an edgy calm in the capital. * I’m feeling a bit edgy about the exam tomorrow.\n    edgily adverb:\n’I’m not sure I can make it tomorrow,’ he said edgily.\n    edginess noun [U, sing.]:\nI did not, at the time, know the reason for his edginess.


Words: edible
Meaning:
adjective\nfit or suitable to be eaten; not poisonous:\nThe food at the hotel was barely edible. * edible fungi / snails / flowers


Words: edict
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) an official order or statement given by sb in authority:\nThe festival was banned by royal edict.


Words: edification
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal or humorous) the improvement of sb’s mind or character:\nThe books were intended for the edification of the masses.


Words: edifice
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a large impressive building:\nan imposing edifice from the 19th century * (figurative) Their new manifesto hardly threatens to bring the whole edifice of capitalism crashing down. * (figurative) an edifice of lies


Words: edify
Meaning:
verb\n(edifies, edifying, edified, edified) [V, VN] (formal) to improve people’s minds or characters by teaching them about sth


Words: edifying
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal or humorous) likely to improve your mind or your character:\nedifying literature * Watching soccer fans howling racist remarks was not an edifying sight.


Words: edit
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to prepare a piece of writing, a book, etc. to be published by correcting the mistakes, making improvements to it, etc:\n[VN] He’s editing a book of essays by Isaiah Berlin. * This is the edited version of my speech (= some parts have been taken out). [also V]\n  2  [VN] when sb edits a film/movie, television programme, etc. they take what has been filmed or recorded and decide which parts to include and in which order:\nThey’re showing the edited highlights of last month’s game.\n  3  to be responsible for planning and publishing a newspaper, magazine, etc. (= to be the EDITOR):\nShe used to edit a women’s magazine.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  edit sth<->out (of sth) to remove words, phrases or scenes from a book, programme, etc. before it is published or shown:\nAnything offensive will be edited out at a later stage. * They edited out references to her father in the interview.


Words: edition
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the form in which a book is published:\na paperback / hardback / hardcover edition * She collects first editions of Victorian novels. * the electronic edition of ’The Guardian’\n  2  a particular newspaper or magazine, or radio or television programme, especially one in a regular series:\nTonight’s edition of ’Panorama’ looks at unemployment. * The story was in Tuesday’s edition of ’The New York Times’.\n  3  (abbreviation ed.) the total number of copies of a book, newspaper or magazine, etc. published at one time:\nThe dictionary is now in its sixth edition. * The article appeared in the evening edition of ’The Mercury’.\nsee also LIMITED EDITION\ncompare IMPRESSION (7)


Words: editor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who is in charge of a newspaper, magazine, etc., or part of one, and who decides what should be included:\nthe editor of the Washington Post * the sports / financial / fashion editor\n  2  a person who prepares a book to be published, for example by checking and correcting the text, making improvements, etc.\nsee also COPY EDITOR, SUBEDITOR\n  3  a person who prepares a film/movie, radio or television programme for being shown or broadcast by deciding what to include, and what order it should be in\n  4  a person who works as a journalist for radio or television reporting on a particular area of news:\nour economics editor\n  5  a person who chooses texts written by one or by several writers and prepares them to be published in a book:\nShe’s the editor of a new collection of ghost stories.\n  6  (computing) a program that allows you to change stored text or data\n    editorship noun [U]:\nthe editorship of ’The Times’


Words: editorial
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun] connected with the task of preparing sth such as a newspaper, a book or a television or radio programme, to be published or broadcast:\nthe magazine’s editorial staff * Some debates in Parliament are shown live and are outside editorial control. * The paper follows an editorial policy that puts great emphasis on foreign news. * an editorial decision\n    noun (BrE also leader, leading article) an important article in a newspaper, that expresses the editor’s opinion about an item of news or an issue; in the US also a comment on radio or television that expresses the opinion of the STATION or NETWORK


Words: educate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] [often passive] to teach sb over a period of time at a school, university, etc:\nShe was educated in the US. * He was educated at his local comprehensive school and then at Oxford.\n  2  ~ sb (in / on sth) to teach sb about sth or how to do sth:\n[VN] Children need to be educated on the dangers of drug-taking. * [VN to inf] The campaign is intended to educate the public to respect the environment.


Words: educated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (-educated) having had the kind of education mentioned; having been to the school, college or university mentioned:\nprivately educated children * a British-educated lawyer * He’s a Princeton-educated Texan.\n  2  having had a high standard of education; showing a high standard of education:\nan educated and articulate person * the educated elite * He spoke in an educated voice.\n IDIOMS \n  an educated guess a guess that is based on some degree of knowledge, and is therefore likely to be correct


Words: education
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] a process of teaching, training and learning, especially in schools or colleges, to improve knowledge and develop skills:\nprimary / elementary education * secondary education * further / higher / post-secondary education * students in full-time education * adult education classes * a college / university education * the state education system * a man of little education * She completed her formal education in 1995.\n  2  [U, sing.] a particular kind of teaching or training:\nhealth education * an alcohol education programme (= to warn of the dangers of alcohol) * Patient education is important to minimize the risk of a second heart attack.\n  3  (also Education) [U] the institutions or people involved in teaching and training:\nthe Education Department * the Department of Health, Education and Welfare * There should be closer links between education and industry.\n  4  (usually Education) [U] the subject of study that deals with how to teach:\na College of Education * a Bachelor of Education degree * She’s an education major.\n  5  [sing.] (often humorous) an interesting experience that teaches you sth:\nThe rock concert was quite an education for my parents!


Words: educational
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with education; providing education:\nchildren with special educational needs * an educational psychologist * an educational visit * educational games / toys (= that teach you sth as well as amusing you) * Watching television can be very educational.\n    educationally  adverb:\nChildren living in inner-city areas may be educationally disadvantaged. * (old-fashioned) educationally subnormal


Words: educator
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  a person whose job is to teach or educate people:\nadult educators (= who teach adults)\n  2  (especially AmE) a person who is an expert in the theories and methods of education\nsee also EDUCATIONALIST


Words: edutainment
Meaning:
noun\n[U] products such as books, television programmes and especially computer SOFTWARE that both educate and entertain


Words: EEG
Meaning:
noun\nthe abbreviation for ’electroencephalogram’ (a medical test that measures and records electrical activity in the brain)


Words: eel
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a long thin sea or FRESHWATER fish that looks like a snake. There are several types of eel, some of which are are used for food:\njellied eels


Words: eerie
Meaning:
adjective\nstrange, mysterious and frightening:\nan eerie yellow light * I found the silence underwater really eerie.\n    eerily  adverb


Words: eff
Meaning:
verb\n IDIOMS \n  eff and blind (BrE, informal) to use swear words:\nThere was a lot of effing and blinding going on.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  eff off (!!!, BrE) a rude way of telling sb to go away, used instead of ’fuck off’\nsee also EFFING


Words: effect
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C, U] ~ (on sb/sth) a change that sb/sth causes in sb/sth else; a result:\nthe effect of heat on metal * dramatic / long-term effects * to learn to distinguish between cause and effect * the beneficial effects of exercise * Modern farming methods can have an adverse effect on the environment. * Her criticisms had the effect of discouraging him completely. * Despite her ordeal, she seems to have suffered no ill effects. * I can certainly feel the effects of too many late nights. * ’I’m feeling really depressed.’ ’The winter here has that effect sometimes.’ * I tried to persuade him, but with little or no effect.\nsee also GREENHOUSE EFFECT, KNOCK-ON, SIDE EFFECT -> AFFECT\n \n  2  [C, U] a particular look, sound or impression that sb, such as an artist or a writer, wants to create:\nThe overall effect of the painting is overwhelming. * The stage lighting gives the effect of a moonlit scene. * Add a scarf for a casual effect. * He only behaves like that for effect (= in order to impress people).\nsee also SPECIAL EFFECTS, SOUND EFFECT\n \n  3  (effects) [pl.] (formal, written) your personal possessions:\nThe insurance policy covers all baggage and personal effects.\n IDIOMS \n  bring / put sth into effect to cause sth to come into use:\nThe recommendations will soon be put into effect.\n  come into effect to come into use; to begin to apply:\nNew controls come into effect next month.\n  in effect\n1 used when you are stating what the facts of a situation are:\nIn effect, the two systems are identical. * His wife had, in effect, run the government for the past six months. * By asking for these particular qualifications, you are, in effect, excluding most women from applying.\n2 (of a law or rule) in use:\nThese laws are in effect in twenty states.\n  take effect\n1 to start to produce the results that are intended:\nThe aspirins soon take effect.\n2 to come into use; to begin to apply:\nThe new law takes effect from tomorrow.\n  to the effect that ... | to this / that effect used to show that you are giving the general meaning of what sb has said or written rather than the exact words:\nHe left a note to the effect that he would not be coming back. * She told me to get out-or words to that effect.\n  to good, great, dramatic, etc. effect producing a good, successful, dramatic, etc. result or impression\n  to no effect not producing the result you intend or hope for:\nWe warned them, but to no effect.\n  with immediate effect | with effect from ... (formal) starting now; starting from ...:\nThe government has cut interest rates with effect from the beginning of next month.\n    verb [VN] (formal) to make sth happen:\nto effect a cure / change / recovery -> AFFECT


Words: effective
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  producing the result that is wanted or intended; producing a successful result:\nLong prison sentences can be a very effective deterrent for offenders. * Aspirin is a simple but highly effective treatment. * drugs that are effective against cancer * Some people believe that violence is an effective way of protesting. * I admire the effective use of colour in her paintings.\nOPP INEFFECTIVE\nsee also COST-EFFECTIVE\n  2  [only before noun] in reality, although not officially intended:\nthe effective, if not the actual, leader of the party * In spite of what they are told, parents have no effective choice of schools. * He has now taken effective control of the country.\n  3  (formal) (of laws and rules) coming into use:\nThe new speed limit on this road becomes effective from 1 June.\n    effectiveness (also less frequent effectivity ) noun [U]:\nto check the effectiveness of the security system


Words: effectively
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that produces the intended result or a successful result:\nThe company must reduce costs to compete effectively. * You dealt with the situation very effectively. * The truth of this statement has been effectively demonstrated in Chapter 1.\nOPP INEFFECTIVELY\n  2  used when you are saying what the facts of a situation are:\nHe was very polite but effectively he was telling me that I had no chance of getting the job. * The government has now effectively ruled out tax cuts.


Words: effectual
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of things, not people) producing the result that was intended\nSYN EFFECTIVE:\nan effectual remedy\ncompare INEFFECTUAL\n    effectually adjective


Words: effeminate
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) (of a man or a boy) looking, behaving or sounding like a woman or a girl\n    effeminacy  noun [U]


Words: effervescent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (approving) (of people and their behaviour) excited, enthusiastic and full of energy\nSYN BUBBLY:\na warm effervescent personality\n  2  (of a liquid) having or producing small bubbles of gas\n    effervescence  noun [U]


Words: effete
Meaning:
adjective (disapproving)\n  1  weak; without the power that it once had:\nan effete monarchy\n  2  (of a man) without strength; looking or behaving like a woman


Words: efficacious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of things, not of people) producing the result that was wanted or intended\nSYN EFFECTIVE:\nThey hope the new drug will prove especially efficacious in the relief of pain.


Words: efficacy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the ability of sth, especially a drug or a medical treatment, to produce the results that are wanted\nSYN EFFECTIVENESS:\nto evaluate the efficacy and safety of the treatment


Words: efficiency
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the quality of doing sth well with no waste of time or money:\nimprovements in efficiency at the factory * I was impressed by the efficiency with which she handled the crisis.\n  2  (efficiencies) [pl.] ways of wasting less time and money or of saving time or money:\nWe are looking at our business to see where savings and efficiencies can be made.\n  3  [U] (technical) the relationship between the amount of energy that goes into a machine or an engine, and the amount that it produces


Words: efficient
Meaning:
adjective\ndoing sth well and thoroughly with no waste of time, money, or energy:\nan efficient secretary / teacher / manager * efficient heating equipment * the efficient use of energy * We offer a fast, friendly and efficient service. * As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at burning up calories. * fuel-efficient cars (= that do not use much fuel)\nOPP INEFFICIENT\n    efficiently  adverb:\na very efficiently organized event


Words: effigy
Meaning:
noun (plural effigies)\n  1  a statue of a famous person, a saint or a god:\nstone effigies in the church\n  2  a model of a person that makes them look ugly:\nThe demonstrators burned a crude effigy of the president. * The president was burnt in effigy.


Words: effing
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (BrE, !!!, spoken) a swear word that many people find offensive that is used to emphasize a comment or an angry statement; used instead of saying ’fucking’:\nI’ll smash your effing face if you don’t eff off.


Words: effort
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the physical or mental energy that you need to do sth; sth that takes a lot of energy:\nYou should put more effort into your work. * A lot of effort has gone into making this event a success. * The company has invested a great deal of time and effort in setting up new training schemes. * It’s a long climb to the top, but well worth the effort. * Getting up this morning was quite an effort (= it was difficult). * (BrE) With (an) effort (= with difficulty) she managed to stop herself laughing.\n  2  [C] ~ (to do sth) an attempt to do sth especially when it is difficult to do:\nto make a determined / real / special effort to finish on time * The company has laid off 150 workers in an effort to save money. * I didn’t really feel like going out, but I am glad I made the effort. * The local clubs are making every effort to interest more young people. * We need to make a concerted effort to finish on time. * I spent hours cleaning the house, but there isn’t much to show for all my efforts. * With an effort of will he resisted the temptation. * The prospect was a joint / group effort.\n  3  [C] (usually after a noun) a particular activity that a group of people organize in order to achieve sth:\nthe Russian space effort * the United Nations’ peacekeeping effort\n  4  [C] the result of an attempt to do sth:\nI’m afraid this essay is a poor effort.\n IDIOMS  see BEND v.


Words: effortless
Meaning:
adjective\nneeding little or no effort, so that it seems easy:\nShe dances with effortless grace. * He made playing the guitar look effortless.\n    effortlessly adverb:\nYour presentation must move effortlessly from one point to the next.


Words: effrontery
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) behaviour that is confident and very rude, without any feeling of shame\nSYN NERVE:\nHe had the effrontery to accuse me of lying!


Words: effusion
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  (technical) something, especially a liquid, that flows out of sb/sth; the act of flowing out\n  2  (formal) the expression of feelings in an exaggerated way; feelings that are expressed in this way


Words: effusive
Meaning:
adjective\nshowing much or too much emotion:\nan effusive welcome * He was effusive in his praise.\n    effusively adverb


Words: EFL
Meaning:
abbreviation\n(BrE) English as a foreign language (refers to the teaching of English to people for whom it is not the first language)


Words: egalitarian
Meaning:
adjective\nbased on, or holding, the belief that everyone is equal and should have the same rights and opportunities:\nan egalitarian society\n    egalitarian noun:\nHe described himself as ’an egalitarian’.\n    egalitarianism  noun [U]


Words: egg
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a small OVAL object with a thin hard shell produced by a female bird and containing a young bird; a similar object produced by a female fish, insect, etc:\nThe female sits on the eggs until they hatch. * The fish lay thousands of eggs at one time. * crocodile eggs\n \n  2  [C, U] a bird’s egg, especially one from a chicken, that is eaten as food:\na boiled egg * bacon and eggs * fried / poached / scrambled eggs * Bind the mixture together with a little beaten egg. * You’ve got some egg on your shirt. * egg yolks / whites * egg noodles / pasta * ducks’ / quails’ eggs * a chocolate egg (= made from chocolate in the shape of an egg)\nsee also EASTER EGG, SCOTCH EGG\n \n  3  [C] (in women and female animals) a cell that combines with a SPERM to create a baby or young animal:\nThe male sperm fertilizes the female egg. * an egg donor\nsee also NEST EGG\n IDIOMS \n  have egg on / all over your face (informal) to be made to look stupid:\nThey were left with egg on their faces when only ten people showed up.\n  put all your eggs in one basket to rely on one particular course of action for success rather than giving yourself several different possibilities:\nI’ve applied for several jobs. I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket.\nmore at CHICKEN n., CURATE, KILL v., OMELETTE, SURE adv., TEACH\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  egg sb<->on to encourage sb to do sth, especially sth that they should not do:\nHe hit the other boy again and again as his friends egged him on.


Words: egghead
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving or humorous) a person who is very intelligent and is only interested in studying


Words: eggshell
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C, U] the hard thin outside of an egg\n \n  2  [U] (BrE) a type of paint that is smooth but not shiny when it dries


Words: ego
Meaning:
noun (plural egos)\n  1  your sense of your own value and importance:\nHe has the biggest ego of anyone I’ve ever met. * Winning the prize really boosted her ego.\n  2  (psychology) the part of the mind that is responsible for your sense of who you are (= your IDENTITY)\nsee also ALTER EGO\ncompare SUPEREGO, ID


Words: ego trip
Meaning:
noun\n(usually disapproving) an activity that sb does because it makes them feel good and important:\nTo possess power is the ultimate ego trip for most people.


Words: egocentric
Meaning:
adjective\nthinking only about yourself and not about what other people need or want\nSYN SELFISH:\nYoung children are usually egocentric because they haven’t learnt other forms of behaviour.


Words: egoism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (disapproving) the fact of thinking that you are better or more important than anyone else:\nHis egoism prevented him from really loving anyone but himself.\n    egoistic ) adjective\n    egotistically  adverb:\na belief that all human beings behave egotistically


Words: egoist
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) a person who thinks that they are better than other people and who thinks and talks too much about himself or herself:\nYou need to be an egotist to succeed in politics.


Words: eh
Meaning:
exclamation (BrE) (AmE usually huh)\n  1  the sound that people make when they want sb to repeat sth:\n’I’m not hungry.’ ’Eh?’ ’I said I’m not hungry.’\n  2  the sound that people make when they want sb to agree or reply:\nSo what do you think, eh?\n  3  the sound people make when they are surprised:\nAnother new dress, eh!


Words: Eid
Meaning:
(also Id)  noun\none of the two main Muslim festivals, either Eid ul-Fitr  which celebrates the end of the PILGRIMAGE to Mecca and Abraham’s SACRIFICE of a sheep


Words: eiderdown
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a thick, warm cover for a bed, filled with feathers or other soft material, and usually placed on top of a sheet and BLANKETS


Words: eight
Meaning:
1  number 8\n HELP NOTE  There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.\n  2  noun a team of eight people who row a long narrow boat in races; the boat they row\nsee also FIGURE OF EIGHT


Words: eighth
Meaning:
ordinal number, noun \n    ordinal number 8th\n HELP NOTE  There are examples of how to use ordinal numbers at the entry for fifth.\n    noun each of eight equal parts of sth


Words: eighty
Meaning:
number\n  1  80\n  2  (the eighties) [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 80 to 89\n    eightieth  ordinal number\n IDIOMS \n  in your eighties between the ages of 80 and 89


Words: either
Meaning:
determiner, pronoun, adverb \n    determiner, pronoun\n  1  one or the other of two; it does not matter which:\nYou can park on either side of the street. * You can keep one of the photos. Either of them-whichever you like. * There are two types of qualification-either is acceptable. -> NEITHER\n  2  each of two:\nThe offices on either side were empty. * There’s a door at either end of the corridor.\n    adverb\n  1  used after negative phrases to state that a feeling or situation is similar to one already mentioned:\nPete can’t go and I can’t either. * (AmE, informal) ’I don’t like it.’ ’Me either.’ (= Neither do I).\n  2  used to add extra information to a statement:\nI know a good Italian restaurant. It’s not far from here, either.\n  3  (either ...or ...) used to show a choice of two things:\nWell, I think she’s either Russian or Polish. * I’m going to buy either a camera or a CD player with the money. * Either he could not come or he did not want to.\ncompare OR -> NEITHER


Words: ejaculate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V, VN] when a man or a male animal ejaculates, SEMEN comes out through the PENIS\n  2  [V speech] (old-fashioned) to say or shout sth suddenly


Words: ejaculation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] the act of ejaculating; the moment when SPERM comes out of a man’s PENIS:\npremature ejaculation\n  2  [C] (formal) a sudden shout or sound that you make when you are angry or surprised:\nan ejaculation of surprise


Words: eject
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sb (from sth) (formal) to force sb to leave a place:\nPolice ejected a number of violent protesters from the hall.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (from sth) to push sth out suddenly and with a lot of force:\nUsed cartridges are ejected from the gun after firing.\n  3  [V] to escape from an aircraft that is going to crash, sometimes using an EJECTOR SEAT:\nThe pilot managed to eject moments before the plane crashed.\n  4  [VN, V] when you eject a tape, disk, etc., or when it ejects, it comes out of the machine after you have pressed a button\n    ejection  noun [U, C]


Words: ejector seat
Meaning:
(AmE also ejection seat) noun\na seat that allows a pilot to be thrown out of an aircraft in an emergency:\nThe pilot was saved by the ejector seat.


Words: eke
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  eke sth<->out\n1 to make a small supply of sth such as food or money last longer by using only small amounts of it:\nShe managed to eke out her student loan till the end of the year.\n2 ~ a living, etc. (written) to manage to live with very little money:\nFor years he eked out a miserable existence in a dreary bedsit in Bristol.


Words: elaborate
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective  [usually before noun] very complicated and detailed; carefully prepared and organized:\nelaborate designs / decorations * She had prepared a very elaborate meal. * an elaborate computer system\n    elaborately adverb:\nan elaborately decorated room\n    verb \n  1  ~ (on / upon sth) to explain or describe sth in a more detailed way:\n[V] He said he was resigning but did not elaborate on his reasons. * [VN] She went on to elaborate her argument. [also V speech]\n  2  [VN] to develop a plan, an idea, etc. and make it complicated or detailed:\nIn his plays he takes simple traditional tales and elaborates them.\n    elaboration  noun [U, C]:\nthe elaboration of an idea / a theory * The importance of the plan needs no further elaboration.


Words: elan
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (from French, written) showing great enthusiasm and energy, style and confidence:\nShe performed with skill and elan.


Words: elapse
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) (formal) if a period of time elapses, it passes:\nMany years elapsed before they met again.


Words: elapsed time
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) used to describe the time that passes between the start and end of a project or a computer operation, in contrast to the actual time needed to do a particular task which is part of the project


Words: elastic
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] material made with rubber, that can stretch and then return to its original size:\nThis skirt needs some new elastic in the waist.\n    adjective\n  1  made with elastic:\nan elastic headband\n  2  able to stretch and return to its original size and shape:\nelastic materials\n  3  that can change or be changed:\nThe demand for the product is elastic. * Our plans are fairly elastic.


Words: elasticated
Meaning:
adjective\n(of clothing, or part of a piece of clothing) made using elastic material that can stretch:\na skirt with an elasticated waist


Words: elasticity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality that sth has of being able to stretch and return to its original size and shape (= of being elastic):\nAs you get older, the skin loses its natural elasticity.


Words: elated
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (at / by sth) very happy and excited because of sth good that has happened, or will happen:\nThey were elated at the result. * I was elated by the prospect of the new job ahead.


Words: elation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a feeling of great happiness and excitement:\nShe felt a great sense of elation as she started on the journey.


Words: elbow
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  the joint between the upper and lower parts of the arm where it bends in the middle:\nShe jabbed him with her elbow. * He rested his elbows on his knees. * She grazed her elbow in the fall. * He’s fractured his elbow.\n \n  2  the part of a piece of clothing that covers the elbow:\nThe jacket was worn at the elbows.\n \n  3  a part of a pipe, chimney, etc. where it bends at a sharp angle\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  get the elbow (BrE, informal) to be told by sb that they no longer want to have a relationship with you; to be told to go away\n  give sb the elbow (BrE, informal) to tell sb that you no longer want to have a relationship with them; to tell sb to go away\nmore at KNOW v., POWER n., RUB v.\n    verb [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to push sb with your elbow, usually in order to get past them:\nShe elbowed me out of the way to get to the front of the line. * He elbowed his way through the crowd.


Words: elbow grease
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (informal) the effort used in physical work, especially in cleaning or polishing sth:\nUsing the right tool can save a lot of elbow grease.


Words: elder
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] (of people, especially two members of the same family) older:\nmy elder brother * his elder sister\n  2  (the elder) used without a noun immediately after it to show who is the older of two people:\nthe elder of their two sons\n  3  (the elder) (formal) used before or after sb’s name to show that they are the older of two people who have the same name:\nthe elder Pitt * Pitt the elder\ncompare the younger at YOUNG adj. (6) -> OLD\n    noun\n  1  (elders) [pl.] people of greater age, experience and authority:\nChildren have no respect for their elders nowadays. * the village elders (= the old and respected people of the village) * Traditions were passed on by the elders of the tribe.\n  2  (my, etc. elder) [sing.] (formal) a person older than me, etc:\nHe is her elder by several years.\n  3  [C] an official in some Christian churches\n  4  [C] a small tree with white flowers with a sweet smell (elderflowers) and bunches of small black berries (elderberries)\n IDIOMS \n  your elders and betters people who are older and wiser than you and whom you should respect


Words: elder statesman
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an old and respected politician or former politician whose advice is still valued because of his or her long experience\n  2  any experienced and respected person whose advice or work is valued:\nan elder statesman of golf


Words: elderberry
Meaning:
noun\n(plural elderberries) a small black berry that grows in bunches on an elder tree:\nelderberry wine


Words: elderly
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of people) used as a polite word for ’old’:\nan elderly couple * elderly relatives\n  2  (the elderly) noun [pl.] people who are old


Words: eldest
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of people, especially of three or more members of the same family) oldest:\nTom is my eldest son.\n  2  (the eldest) used without a noun immediately after it to show who is the oldest of three or more people:\nthe eldest of their three children -> OLD


Words: elect
Meaning:
verb, adjective \n    verb\n  1  ~ sb (to sth) | ~ sb (as) sth to choose sb to do a particular job by voting for them:\n[VN] an elected assembly / leader / representative * the newly elected Labour government * She became the first black woman to be elected to the Senate. * [VN-N] He was elected (as) MP for Oxford East.\n  2  [V to inf] (formal) to choose to do sth:\nIncreasing numbers of people elect to work from home nowadays.\n    adjective\n  1  used after nouns to show that sb has been chosen for a job, but is not yet doing that job:\nthe president elect\n  2  (the elect) noun [pl.] (religion) people who have been chosen to be saved from punishment after death


Words: election
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the process of choosing a person or a group of people for a position, especially a political position, by voting:\nelection campaigns / results * to win / lose an election * to vote in an election * In America, presidential elections are held every four years. * (BrE) How many candidates are standing for election? * (AmE) to run for election\n  2  [U] the fact of having been chosen by election:\nWe welcome his election as president.\nsee also BY-ELECTION, GENERAL ELECTION


Words: electioneering
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the activity of making speeches and visiting people to try to persuade them to vote for a particular politician or political party in an election


Words: elective
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun] (formal)\n  1  using or chosen by election:\nan elective democracy * an elective assembly * an elective member * He had never held the elective office (= a position which is filled by election).\n  2  having the power to elect:\nan elective body\n  3  (of medical treatment) that you choose to have; that is not urgent:\nelective surgery * an elective operation\n  4  (of a course or subject) that a student can choose\n    noun (especially AmE) a course or subject at a college or school which a student can choose to do:\nStudents can choose from a range of electives offered by the science department.


Words: electoral
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with elections:\nelectoral systems / reforms\n    electorally  adverb:\nan electorally effective campaign


Words: electoral college
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (the Electoral College) (in the US) a group of people who come together to elect the President and Vice-President, based on the votes of people in each state:\nEach of the fifty states casts electoral college votes equal to the number of its delegates in Congress.\n  2  (BrE) a group of people who are chosen to represent the members of a political party, etc. in the election of a leader


Words: electoral register
Meaning:
(also electoral roll) noun\n(in Britain) the official list of people who have the right to vote in a particular area


Words: electorate
Meaning:
pl. v.]\n  1  the people in a country or an area who have the right to vote, thought of as a group:\nOnly 70% of the electorate voted in the last election.\n  2  (AustralE, NZE) = CONSTITUENCY (1)


Words: electric
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] connected with electricity; using, produced by or producing electricity:\nan electric motor * an electric light / guitar * an electric current / charge * an electric generator * an electric plug / socket / switch (= that carries electricity)\nsee also ELECTRIC SHOCK, ELECTRIC STORM\n  2  full of excitement; making people excited:\nThe atmosphere was electric. * The news had an electric effect on the waiting crowd.\n    noun [U] (spoken, informal) used to refer to the supply of electricity to a building:\nThe electric will be off tomorrow. * I haven’t paid the electric (= the bill for the supply of electricity) yet.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nelectric / electrical\nThese adjectives are frequently used with the following nouns:\nelectric ~  electrical ~\nlight  equipment\nguitar  wiring\ndrill  signal\nchair  engineer\nshock  shock\nElectric is usually used to describe something that uses or produces electricity. You use electrical with more general nouns such as equipment and wiring and things that are concerned with electricity: an electrical fault. However, the distinction is not always so clear now: an electric/electrical company * an electric/electrical current * an electric/electrical shock.\n______________________________


Words: electric blanket
Meaning:
noun\na BLANKET for a bed that is heated by electricity passing through the wires inside it (usually used under the bottom sheet of the bed)


Words: electric chair
Meaning:
(usually the electric chair) (also informal the chair) noun\n[sing.] (especially in the US) a chair in which criminals are killed by passing a powerful electric current through their bodies; the method of EXECUTION which uses this chair:\nHe was sent to the electric chair. * They face death by the electric chair.


Words: electric shock
Meaning:
(also shock) noun\na sudden painful feeling that you get when electricity passes through your body:\nI got an electric shock from that light switch.


Words: electric storm
Meaning:
(BrE) (also electrical storm AmE, BrE) noun\na violent storm in which electricity is produced in the atmosphere


Words: electrical
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with electricity; using or producing electricity:\nan electrical fault in the engine * electrical equipment / appliances * electrical power / energy\n    electrically  adverb:\na car with electrically operated windows * electrically charged particles


Words: electrical engineering
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the design and building of machines and systems that use or produce electricity; the study of this subject\n    electrical engineer noun


Words: electricity
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a form of energy from charged ELEMENTARY PARTICLES, usually supplied as electric current through cables, wires, etc. for lighting, heating, driving machines, etc:\na waste of electricity * The electricity is off (= there is no electric power supply to the house).\n  2  [U, sing.] (written) a feeling of great emotion, excitement, etc.


Words: electrics
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (BrE, informal) the system of electrical wires in a house, car or machine:\nThere’s a problem with the electrics.


Words: electrification
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process of changing sth so that it works by electricity:\nthe electrification of the railway line from Manchester to Preston


Words: electrify
Meaning:
verb (electrifies, electrifying, electrified, electrified) [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] to make sth work by using electricity; to pass an electrical current through sth:\nThe railway line was electrified in the 1950s. * He had all the fences around his home electrified.\n  2  (written) to make sb feel very excited and enthusiastic about sth:\nHer performance electrified the audience.


Words: electrifying
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) very exciting:\nThe dancers gave an electrifying performance. * The view of the mountains was electrifying.


Words: electro-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs) connected with electricity:\nelectromagnetism


Words: electroconvulsive therapy
Meaning:
(also electroshock therapy) noun\n[U] a medical treatment of mental illness that passes electricity through the patient’s brain


Words: electrocute
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to injure or kill sb by passing electricity through their body:\nThe boy was electrocuted when he wandered onto a railway track. * James Roach was electrocuted in South Carolina in 1986 (= punished by being killed on the electric chair).\n    electrocution  noun [U]:\nSix people were drowned; five died from electrocution. * He was sentenced to death by electrocution.


Words: electrode
Meaning:
noun\neither of two points (or TERMINALS) by which an electric current enters or leaves a battery or other electrical device\nsee also ANODE, CATHODE


Words: electrolysis
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the destruction of the roots of hairs by means of an electric current, as a beauty treatment\n  2  (chemistry) the separation of a liquid (or electrolyte) into its chemical parts by passing an electric current through it


Words: electrolyte
Meaning:
noun\n(chemistry) a liquid that an electric current can pass through, especially in an electric cell or battery\n    electrolytic  adjective


Words: electromagnetic
Meaning:
adjective\n(physics) having both electrical and MAGNETIC characteristics (or PROPERTIES):\nan electromagnetic wave / field


Words: electromagnetism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (physics) the production of a MAGNETIC FIELD by means of an electric current, or of an electric current be means of a MAGNETIC FIELD


Words: electron
Meaning:
noun\n(physics) a very small piece of MATTER (= a substance) with a negative electric CHARGE, found in all atoms\nsee also NEUTRON, PROTON


Words: electronic
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of a device) having or using many small parts, such as MICROCHIPS, that control and direct a small electric current:\nan electronic calculator * electronic music * This dictionary is available in electronic form.\n  2  concerned with electronic equipment:\nan electronic engineer


Words: electronic tagging
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the system of attaching an electronic device to a person so that the police, etc. know where the person is


Words: electronically
Meaning:
adverb\nin an electronic way, or using a device that works in an electronic way:\nto process data electronically (= using a computer)


Words: electronics
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the branch of science and technology that studies electronic currents in electronic equipment\n  2  [U] the use of electronic technology, especially in developing new equipment:\nthe electronics industry\n  3  (electronics) [pl.] the electronic CIRCUITS and COMPONENTS (= parts) used in electronic equipment:\nThere may be a fault in the electronics.


Words: elegant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of people or their behaviour) graceful and attractive:\nShe was tall and elegant.\n  2  (of clothes, places and things) attractive and designed well:\nan elegant dress * an elegant room / restaurant\n  3  (of a plan or an idea) clever but simple:\nan elegant solution to the problem\n    elegance  noun [U]:\nShe dresses with casual elegance. * His writing combines elegance and wit.\n    elegantly adverb:\nelegantly dressed * elegantly furnished * He leaned elegantly against the door.


Words: elegiac
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal or literary) expressing sadness, especially about the past or people who have died:\nHer poetry has an elegiac quality.


Words: element
Meaning:
noun\n  part / amount\n  1  [C] ~ (in / of sth) a necessary or typical part of sth:\nCost was a key element in our decision. * The story has all the elements of a soap opera. * Customer relations is an important element of the job.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] ~ of surprise, risk, truth, etc. a small amount of a quality or feeling:\nWe need to preserve the element of surprise. * There appears to be an element of truth in his story.\n  group of people\n  3  [C, usually pl.] a group of people who form a part of a larger group or society:\nmoderate / radical elements within the party * unruly elements in the school\n  chemistry\n  4  [C] a simple chemical substance that consists of atoms of only one type and cannot be split by chemical means into a simpler substance. Gold, OXYGEN and CARBON are all elements.\ncompare COMPOUND\n  earth / air / fire / water\n  5  [C] one of the four substances: earth, air, fire and water, which people used to believe everything else was made of\n  weather\n  6  (the elements) [pl.] the weather, especially bad weather:\nAre we going to brave the elements and go for a walk? * to be exposed to the elements\n  basic principles\n  7  (elements) [pl.] the basic principles of a subject that you have to learn first:\nHe taught me the elements of map-reading.\n  environment\n  8  [C, usually sing.] a natural or suitable environment, especially for an animal:\nWater is a fish’s natural element.\n  electrical part\n  9  [C] the part of a piece of electrical equipment that gives out heat:\nThe kettle needs a new element.\n IDIOMS \n  in your element doing what you are good at and enjoy:\nShe’s really in her element at parties.\n  out of your element in a situation that you are not used to and that makes you feel uncomfortable:\nI feel out of my element talking about politics.


Words: elemental
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun] (formal)\n  1  wild and powerful; like the forces of nature:\nthe elemental fury of the storm\n  2  basic and important:\nan elemental truth


Words: elementary
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  in or connected with the first stages of a course of study:\nan elementary English course * a book for elementary students * at an elementary level\ncompare PRIMARY, SECONDARY\n  2  of the most basic kind:\nthe elementary laws of economics * an elementary mistake\n  3  very simple and easy:\nelementary questions


Words: elementary particle
Meaning:
noun\n(physics) any of the different types of very small pieces of MATTER (= a substance) smaller than an atom


Words: elementary school
Meaning:
(also informal grade school) noun\n(in the US) a school for children between the ages of about 6 and 12


Words: elephant
Meaning:
noun\na very large animal with thick grey skin, large ears, two curved outer teeth called TUSKS and a long nose called a TRUNK. There are two types of elephant, the African and the Asian:\nherds of elephants / elephant herds * a baby elephant\nsee also WHITE ELEPHANT


Words: elevate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb/sth (to sth) | ~ sth (into sth) (formal) to give sb/sth a higher position or rank, often more important than they deserve \nSYN RAISE, PROMOTE:\nHe elevated many of his friends to powerful positions within the government. * It was an attempt to elevate football to a subject worthy of serious study.\n  2  (technical or formal) to lift sth up or put sth in a higher position:\nIt is important that the injured leg should be elevated.\n  3  (technical) to make the level of sth increase:\nSmoking often elevates blood pressure.\n  4  (formal) to improve a person’s mood, so that they feel happy:\nThe song never failed to elevate his spirits.


Words: elevated
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  high in rank:\nan elevated status\n  2  (formal) having a high moral or INTELLECTUAL level:\nelevated language / sentiments / thoughts\n  3  higher than the area around; above the level of the ground:\nThe house is in an elevated position, overlooking the town. * an elevated highway / railway / road (= one that runs on a bridge above the ground or street)\n  4  (technical) higher than normal:\nelevated blood pressure


Words: elevation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (formal) the process of sb getting a higher or more important rank:\nhis elevation to the presidency\n  2  [C, usually sing.] (technical) the height of a place, especially its height above sea level:\nThe city is at an elevation of 2 000 metres.\n  3  [C] (formal) a piece of ground that is higher than the area around\n  4  [C] (architecture) one side of a building, or a drawing of this by an ARCHITECT:\nthe front / rear / side elevation of a house\ncompare PLAN n. (4)\n  5  [U, sing.] (technical) an increase in the level or amount of sth:\nelevation of blood sugar levels


Words: elevator
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (AmE) = LIFT (1)\n \n  2  a place for storing large quantities of grain\n \n  3  a part in the tail of an aircraft that is moved to make it go up or down


Words: eleven
Meaning:
1  number 11\n  2  noun a team of eleven players for football, cricket or hockey:\nShe was chosen for the first eleven.\n    eleventh  ordinal number\n IDIOMS \n  at the eleventh hour at the last possible moment; just in time


Words: eleven-plus
Meaning:
noun\n(usually the eleven-plus) [sing.] an exam that all children used to take in Britain at the age of eleven to decide which type of secondary school they should go to. It is still taken in a few areas:\nShe failed the / her eleven-plus.


Words: elevenses
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a very small meal, for example biscuits with tea or coffee, that people sometimes have at about eleven o’clock in the morning


Words: elf
Meaning:
noun\n(plural elves ) (in stories) a creature like a small person with pointed ears, who has magic powers


Words: elicit
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (from sb) (written) to get information or a reaction from sb, often with difficulty:\nI could elicit no response from him. * Her tears elicited great sympathy from her audience.


Words: elide
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (phonetics) to leave out the sound of part of a word when you are pronouncing it:\nThe ’t’ in ’often’ may be elided.\nsee also ELISION


Words: eligible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) a person who is eligible for sth or to do sth, is able to have or do it because they have the right qualifications, are the right age, etc:\nOnly those over 70 are eligible for the special payment. * When are you eligible to vote in your country?\nOPP INELIGIBLE\n  2  an eligible young man or woman is thought to be a good choice as a husband/wife, usually because they are rich or attractive\n    eligibility  noun [U]:\nMarriage to a national gave automatic eligibility for citizenship.


Words: eliminate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth/sb (from sth) to remove or get rid of sth/sb:\nCredit cards eliminate the need to carry a lot of cash. * The police have eliminated two suspects from their investigation. * This diet claims to eliminate toxins from the body.\n  2  [VN] ~ sb (from sth) [usually passive] to defeat a person or a team so that they no longer take part in a competition, etc:\nAll the English teams were eliminated in the early stages of the competition. * She was eliminated from the tournament in the first round.\n  3  [VN] (written) to kill sb, especially an enemy or opponent:\nMost of the regime’s left-wing opponents were eliminated.\n    elimination  noun [U, C]:\nthe elimination of disease / poverty / crime * There were three eliminations in the first round of the competition. * the elimination of toxins from the body


Words: elision
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (phonetics) the act of leaving out the sound of part of a word when you are pronouncing it, as in we’ll, don’t and let’s\nsee also ELIDE


Words: elite
Meaning:
noun\n[C+sing./pl. v.] a group of people in a society, etc. who are powerful and have a lot of influence, because they are rich, intelligent, etc:\na member of the ruling / intellectual elite * Public opinion is influenced by the small elite who control the media. * In these countries, only the elite can afford an education for their children.\n    elite adjective [only before noun]:\nan elite group of senior officials * an elite military academy


Words: elitism
Meaning:
noun [U] (often disapproving)\n  1  a way of organizing a system, society, etc. so that only a few people (= an elite) have power or influence:\nMany people believe that private education encourages elitism.\n  2  the feeling of being better than other people that being part of an elite encourages\n    elitist adjective:\nan elitist model of society * Universities are becoming far less elitist. * She accused him of being elitist.\n    elitist noun


Words: elixir
Meaning:
noun\n(literary) a magic liquid that is believed to cure illnesses or to make people live for ever:\nthe elixir of life / youth


Words: Elizabethan
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with the time when Queen Elizabeth I was queen of England (15581603):\nElizabethan drama / music * The Elizabethan age was a time of exploration and discovery.\n    Elizabethan noun:\nShakespeare was an Elizabethan.


Words: elk
Meaning:
noun (plural elk or elks)\n  1  (BrE) a large deer that lives in northern Europe and Asia. In N America it is called a MOOSE.\n  2  (AmE) = WAPITI


Words: ellipsis
Meaning:
[C, U]\n  1  (grammar) the act of leaving out a word or words from a sentence deliberately, when the meaning can be understood without them\n  2  three dots ( ...) used to show that a word or words have been left out


Words: elliptical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (especially grammar) with a word or words left out of a sentence deliberately:\nan elliptical remark (= one that suggests more than is actually said)\n  2  (also less frequent elliptic ) (geometry) connected with or in the form of an ELLIPSE\n    elliptically  adverb:\nto speak / write elliptically


Words: elm
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] (also elm tree) a tall tree with broad leaves:\na line of stately elms * The hedgerows were planted with elm.\n  2  [U] the hard wood of the elm tree


Words: elocution
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the ability to speak clearly and correctly, especially in public and pronouncing the words in a way that is considered to be socially acceptable:\nelocution lessons


Words: elongate
Meaning:
verb\nto become longer; to make sth longer:\n[V] The seal pup’s body elongates as it grows older. [also VN]\n    elongation  noun [U]:\nthe elongation of vowel sounds


Words: elongated
Meaning:
adjective\nlong and thin, often in a way that is not normal:\nModigliani’s women have strangely elongated faces.


Words: elope
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (with sb) to run away with sb in order to marry them secretly\n    elopement  noun [C, U]


Words: eloquent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  able to use language and express your opinions well, especially when you are speaking in public:\nan eloquent speech / speaker\n  2  (of a look or movement) able to express a feeling:\nHis eyes were eloquent.\n    eloquence  noun [U]:\na speech of passionate eloquence * the eloquence of his smile\n    eloquently adverb:\nShe spoke eloquently on the subject for about an hour. * His face expressed his grief more eloquently than any words.


Words: else
Meaning:
adverb (used in questions or after nothing, nobody, something, anything, etc.)\n  1  in addition to sth already mentioned:\nWhat else did he say? * I don’t want anything else, thanks. * I’m taking a few clothes and some books, not much else.\n  2  different:\nAsk somebody else to help you. * Haven’t you got anything else to wear? * Why didn’t you come? Everybody else was there. * Yes I did give it to her. What else could I do?\n IDIOMS \n  or else\n1 if not; OTHERWISE:\nHurry up or else you’ll be late. * They can’t be coming or else they’d have called.\n2 (informal) used to threaten or warn sb:\nJust shut up, or else!


Words: elsewhere
Meaning:
adverb\nin, at or to another place:\nThe answer to the problem must be sought elsewhere. * Our favourite restaurant was closed, so we had to go elsewhere. * Details of Keats’ biography are given elsewhere (= in another part of this book, article, etc.) * Elsewhere, the weather today has been fairly sunny. * Prices are higher here than elsewhere.


Words: ELT
Meaning:
abbreviation\n(BrE) English Language Teaching (the teaching of English to people for whom it is not the first language)


Words: elucidate
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) to make sth clearer by explaining it more fully:\n[VN] He elucidated a point of grammar. * The aim of the report is to elucidate the main points of the new regulations. * [V wh-] I will try to elucidate what I think the problems are. * [V] Let me elucidate.\n    elucidation  noun [U, C]:\nTheir objectives and methods require further elucidation.


Words: elude
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to manage to avoid or escape from sb/sth, especially in a clever way:\nThe two men managed to elude the police for six weeks.\n  2  if sth eludes you, you are not able to achieve it, or not able to remember or understand it:\nHe was extremely tired but sleep eluded him. * They’re a popular band but chart success has eluded them so far. * Finally he remembered the tiny detail that had eluded him the night before.


Words: elusive
Meaning:
adjective\ndifficult to find, define, or achieve:\nEric, as elusive as ever, was nowhere to be found. * the elusive concept of ’literature’ * A solution to the problem of toxic waste is proving elusive in the extreme.\n    elusively adverb\n    elusiveness noun [U]


Words: emaciated
Meaning:
adjective\nthin and weak, usually because of illness or lack of food:\nHe was thirty, but looked fifty, with pale skin, hopeless eyes and an emaciated body, covered in sores.\n    emaciation  noun [U]:\nShe was very thin, almost to the point of emaciation.


Words: emanate
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) [VN] to produce or show sth:\nHe emanates power and confidence.\n    emanation  noun [C, U] \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  emanate from sth to come from sth or somewhere:\nThe sound of loud music emanated from the building. * The proposal originally emanated from the UN.


Words: emancipate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] ~ sb (from sth) to free sb, especially from legal, political or social restrictions:\nSlaves were not emancipated until 1863 in the United States.\n    emancipated adjective:\nAre women now fully emancipated (= with the same rights and opportunities as men)? * an emancipated young woman (= one with modern ideas about women’s place in society)\n    emancipation  noun [U]:\nthe emancipation of slaves


Words: emasculate
Meaning:
verb [VN] [often passive] (formal)\n  1  to make sb/sth less powerful or less effective\n  2  to make a man feel that he has lost his male role or qualities:\nHe felt emasculated by her dominance.\n    emasculation  noun [U]


Words: embalm
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to prevent a dead body from decaying by treating it with special substances to preserve it\n    embalmer  noun


Words: embankment
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a wall of stone or earth made to keep water back or to carry a road or railway/railroad over low ground\n \n  2  a slope made of earth or stone that rises up from either side of a road or railway/railroad


Words: embargo
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural embargoes) ~ (on sth) an official order that forbids trade with another country:\nan arms embargo * an embargo on arms sales to certain countries * a trade embargo against / on certain countries * to impose / enforce / lift an embargo\n    verb (embargoes, embargoing, embargoed, embargoed) [VN] to place an embargo on sth:\nThere have been calls to embargo all arms shipments to the region.


Words: embark
Meaning:
verb\nto get onto a ship; to put sth onto a ship:\n[V] We stood on the pier and watched as they embarked. * [VN] They embarked the troops by night.\nOPP DISEMBARK\n    embarkation  noun [U, C]:\nEmbarkation will be at 14:20 hours.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  embark on / upon sth to start to do sth new or difficult:\nShe is about to embark on a diplomatic career. * Remember these basic rules before embarking upon major home improvements.


Words: embarrass
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make sb feel shy, awkward or ashamed, especially in a social situation:\n[VN] Her questions about my private life embarrassed me. * I didn’t want to embarrass him by kissing him in front of his friends. * [VN to inf] It embarrassed her to meet strange men in the corridor at night.\n  2  to cause problems or difficulties for sb:\nThe speech was deliberately designed to embarrass the prime minister.


Words: embarrassed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (about / at sth) | ~ (to do sth) (of a person or their behaviour) shy, awkward or ashamed, especially in a social situation:\nShe’s embarrassed about her height. * He felt embarrassed at being the centre of attention. * Some women are too embarrassed to consult their doctor about the problem. * Her remark was followed by an embarrassed silence. * I’ve never felt so embarrassed in my life! -> ASHAMED\n  2  financially ~ (informal) not having any money; in a difficult financial situation


Words: embarrassing
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  making you feel shy, awkward or ashamed:\nan embarrassing mistake / question / situation * It can be embarrassing for children to tell complete strangers about such incidents. * It was so embarrassing having to sing in public.\n  2  causing sb to look stupid, dishonest, etc:\nThe report is likely to prove highly embarrassing to the government. * This EU ruling puts Britain in a very embarrassing position.\n    embarrassingly adverb:\nThe play was embarrassingly bad.


Words: embarrassment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] shy, awkward or guilty feelings; a feeling of being embarrassed:\nI nearly died of embarrassment when he said that. * I’m glad you offered-it saved me the embarrassment of having to ask. * Much to her embarrassment she realized that everybody had been listening to her singing.\n  2  [C] ~ (to / for sb) a situation which causes problems for sb:\nHer resignation will be a severe embarrassment to the party.\n  3  [C] ~ (to sb) a person who causes problems for another person or other people and makes them feel embarrassed:\nPoor Lucy! He’s such an embarrassment to her.\n IDIOMS \n  an embarrassment of riches so many good things that it is difficult to choose just one:\nStratford has an embarrassment of riches, really, what with three theatres and lovely countryside, too.


Words: embassy
Meaning:
noun (plural embassies)\n  1  a group of officials led by an AMBASSADOR who represent their government in a foreign country:\nthe American embassy in London * embassy officials * to inform the embassy of the situation\n  2  the building in which an embassy works:\na demonstration outside the Russian Embassy\ncompare CONSULATE, HIGH COMMISSION


Words: embattled
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  surrounded by problems and difficulties:\nthe embattled party leader * Embattled homeowners wanting to sell their homes will face further problems this year.\n  2  (of an army, a city, etc.) involved in war; surrounded by the enemy


Words: embed
Meaning:
(also imbed)  verb\n(-dd-) [VN] [usually passive] ~ sth (in sth) to fix sth firmly into a substance or solid object:\nan operation to remove glass that was embedded in his leg * The bullet embedded itself in the wall. * (figurative) These attitudes are deeply embedded in our society (= felt very strongly and difficult to change).


Words: embellish
Meaning:
verb [VN] (written)\n  1  to make sth more beautiful by adding decorations to it:\nThe huge carved door was embellished with brass door knockers.\n  2  to make a story more interesting by adding details that are not always true\nSYN EMBROIDER:\nHis account of his travels was embellished with details of famous people he met.\n    embellishment noun [U, C]:\nGood pasta needs very little embellishment. * a 16th century church with 18th century embellishments


Words: ember
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a piece of wood or coal that is not burning but is still red and hot after a fire has died:\nOnly the embers of the bonfire remained.


Words: embezzle
Meaning:
verb\nto steal money that you are responsible for or that belongs to your employer:\n[VN] He was found guilty of embezzling $150 000 of public funds. [also V]\n    embezzlement noun [U]:\nShe was found guilty of embezzlement.\n    embezzler  noun


Words: embitter
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make sb feel angry or disappointed about sth over a long period of time:\nYears of caring for her ageing parents had embittered her.\n    embittered adjective:\na sick and embittered old man * an embittered laugh


Words: emblazon
Meaning:
(also blazon) verb\n[VN +adv./prep.] [usually passive] ~ A with B | ~ B on, across, etc. A to decorate sth with a design, a symbol or words so that people will notice it easily:\nbaseball caps emblazoned with the teams’s logo * The team’s logo was emblazoned on the baseball caps.


Words: emblem
Meaning:
noun ~ (of sth)\n \n  1  a design or picture that represents a country or an organization:\nAmerica’s national emblem, the bald eagle * the club emblem\n \n  2  something that represents a perfect example or a principle:\nThe dove is an emblem of peace.


Words: emblematic
Meaning:
adjective (formal) ~ (of sth)\n  1  that represents or is a symbol of sth\n  2  that is considered typical of a situation, an area of work, etc:\nThe violence is emblematic of what is happening in our inner cities.


Words: embodiment
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (formal) ~ of sth a person or thing that represents or is a typical example of an idea or a quality:\nHe is the embodiment of the young successful businessman.


Words: embody
Meaning:
verb (embodies, embodying, embodied, embodied) [VN] \n  1  to express or represent an idea or a quality:\na politician who embodied the hopes of black youth * the principles embodied in the Declaration of Human Rights\n  2  (formal) to include or contain sth:\nThis model embodies many new features.


Words: embolden
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [usually passive] (formal) to make sb feel braver or more confident:\n[VN] Emboldened by the wine, he went over to introduce himself to her. * [VN to inf] With such a majority, the administration was emboldened to introduce radical new policies.\n  2  [VN] (technical) to make a piece of text appear in BOLD print


Words: emboss
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] ~ A with B | ~ B on A to put a raised design or piece of writing on paper, leather, etc:\nstationery embossed with the hotel’s name * The hotel’s name was embossed on the stationery.\n    embossed adjective:\nembossed stationery


Words: embrace
Meaning:
verb\n  1  (written) to put your arms around sb as a sign of love or friendship\nSYN HUG:\n[V] They embraced and wept and promised to keep in touch. * [VN] She embraced her son warmly.\n  2  [VN] (formal) to accept an idea, a proposal, a set of beliefs, etc., especially when it is done with enthusiasm:\nto embrace democracy / feminism / Islam * It is unlikely that such countries will embrace capitalist ideas.\n  3  [VN] (formal) to include sth:\nThe talks embraced a wide range of issues. * The word ’mankind’ embraces men, women and children.\n    embrace noun [C, U]:\nHe held her in a warm embrace. * There were tears and embraces as they said goodbye. * the country’s eager embrace of foreign influences


Words: embrasure
Meaning:
noun\n(architecture) an opening in a wall for a door or window, wider on the inside than on the outside


Words: embrocation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a liquid for rubbing on sore muscles to make them less painful, for example after too much exercise


Words: embroider
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ A (on B) | ~ B (with A) to decorate fabric with a pattern of stitches usually using coloured thread:\n[VN] an embroidered blouse * She embroidered flowers on the cushion covers. * She embroidered the cushion cover with flowers. * The sleeves were embroidered in gold. [also V]\n  2  [VN] (written) to make a story more interesting by adding details that are not true\nSYN EMBELLISH:\nHe is inclined to embroider the facts.


Words: embroidery
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] patterns that are sewn onto fabric using threads of various colours; fabric that is decorated in this way:\na beautiful piece of embroidery * Indian embroideries\n \n  2  [U] the skill or activity of decorating fabric in this way


Words: embroil
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] ~ sb / yourself (in sth) (written) to involve sb/yourself in an argument or a difficult situation:\nHe became embroiled in a dispute with his neighbours. * I was reluctant to embroil myself in his problems.


Words: embryo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural embryos) a young animal or plant in the very early stages of development before birth, or before coming out of its egg or seed, especially a human egg in the first eight weeks after FERTILIZATION:\nhuman embryos * (figurative) the embryo of an idea * an embryo politician (= one who is not yet very experienced)\n IDIOMS \n  in embryo existing but not yet fully developed:\nThe idea already existed in embryo in his earlier novels.


Words: embryology
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the scientific study of the development of embryos\n    embryological  adjective\n    embryologist  noun


Words: embryonic
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (formal) in an early stage of development:\nThe plan, as yet, only exists in embryonic form.\n  2  (technical) of an embryo:\nembryonic cells


Words: emcee
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE, informal) a person who introduces guests or entertainers at a formal occasion\nSYN MASTER OF CEREMONIES\n    emcee verb [V, VN]


Words: emend
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to remove the mistakes in a piece of writing, especially before it is printed\nSYN CORRECT:\nThe date of the battle needs to be emended to 1643.


Words: emendation
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (formal) a letter or word that has been changed or corrected in a text; the act of making changes to a text


Words: emerald
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a bright green precious stone:\nan emerald ring\n  2  (also emerald green) [U] a bright green colour\n    emerald (also emerald green) adjective


Words: emerge
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (from sth) to come out of a dark, enclosed or hidden place:\nThe swimmer emerged from the lake. * She finally emerged from her room at noon. * We emerged into bright sunlight. * He emerged from the shadows.\n  2  (of facts, ideas, etc.) to become known:\n[V] No new evidence emerged during the investigation. * [V that] It emerged that the company was going to be sold.\n  3  [V] ~ (as sth) to start to exist; to appear or become known:\nAfter the elections opposition groups began to emerge. * He emerged as a key figure in the campaign * the emerging markets of South Asia\n  4  [V] ~ (from sth) to survive a difficult situation or experience:\nShe emerged from the scandal with her reputation intact.\n    emergence  noun [U]:\nthe island’s emergence from the sea 3 000 years ago * the emergence of new technologies / evidence


Words: emergency
Meaning:
noun\n(plural emergencies) [C, U] a sudden serious and dangerous event or situation which needs immediate action to deal with it:\nThe government has declared a state of emergency following the earthquake. * This door should only be used in an emergency. * the emergency exit (= to be used in an emergency) * The government had to take emergency action. * The pilot made an emergency landing in a field. * I always have some extra cash with me for emergencies. * The government has been granted emergency powers (= to deal with an emergency).


Words: emergency services
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (BrE) the public organizations that deal with emergencies: the police, fire, AMBULANCE and COASTGUARD services


Words: emeritus
Meaning:
adjective\n(often Emeritus) used with a title to show that a person, usually a university teacher, keeps the title as an honour, although he or she has stopped working:\nthe Emeritus Professor of Biology\n HELP NOTE  In AmE the form Emerita  is used for women: Professor Emerita Mary Judd


Words: emetic
Meaning:
noun\n(medical) a substance that makes you VOMIT (= bring up food from the stomach):\nThe child was given an emetic after he had swallowed some poisonous berries.\n    emetic adjective


Words: emigrant
Meaning:
noun\na person who leaves their country to live in another:\nemigrant families / labour / workers * emigrants to Canada\ncompare IMMIGRANT


Words: emigrate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (from ...) (to ...) to leave your own country to go and live permanently in another country:\nThe family left Greece in 1974 and emigrated to America.\ncompare IMMIGRATE\n    emigration  noun [U, C]:\nthe mass emigration of Jews from Eastern Europe\ncompare IMMIGRATION


Words: emigre
Meaning:
noun\n(from French) a person who has left their own country, usually for political reasons:\nthe son of Russian emigres


Words: eminence
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (formal) the quality of being famous and respected, especially in a profession:\na man of political eminence * Few could have predicted that she would reach eminence as a surgeon.\n  2  [C] (His / Your Eminence) a title used in speaking to or about a CARDINAL (= a priest of the highest rank in the Roman Catholic Church):\nTheir Eminences will see you now.\n  3  [C] (old-fashioned or formal) an area of high ground:\na castle on an eminence overlooking the river


Words: eminent
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of people) famous and respected, especially in a particular profession:\nan eminent architect\n  2  (of good qualities) unusual; excellent:\na man of eminent good sense


Words: eminently
Meaning:
adverb\n(formal) (used to emphasize a positive quality) very; extremely:\nShe seems eminently suitable for the job. * Tony comes from an eminently respectable family.


Words: emirate
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the position of an emir\n  2  an area of land that is ruled over by an emir:\nthe United Arab Emirates\n  3  the period of time that an emir rules


Words: emissary
Meaning:
noun\n(plural emissaries) (formal) a person who is sent to deliver an official message, especially from one country to another, or to perform a special task:\nthe King’s special emissary


Words: emission
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (formal) the production or sending out of light, heat, gas, etc:\nthe emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere * emission controls\n  2  [C] gas, etc. that is sent out into the air:\nThe government has pledged to clean up industrial emissions.


Words: emit
Meaning:
verb\n(-tt-) [VN] (formal) to send out sth such as light, heat, sound, gas, etc:\nThe metal container began to emit a clicking sound. * Sulphur gases were emitted by the volcano.


Words: emollient
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (formal)\n  1  making a person or situation calmer in the hope of keeping relations peaceful:\nan emollient reply\n  2  (technical) used for making your skin soft or less painful:\nan emollient cream\n    noun [C, U] (technical) a liquid or cream that is used to make the skin soft


Words: emolument
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (formal) money paid to sb for work they have done, especially to sb who earns a lot of money


Words: emotion
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a strong feeling such as love, fear or anger; the part of a person’s character that consists of feelings:\nHe lost control of his emotions. * They expressed mixed emotions at the news. * Emotions are running high (= people are feeling very excited, angry, etc.). * The decision was based on emotion rather than rational thought. * She showed no emotion at the verdict. * Mary was overcome with emotion.


Words: emotional
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] connected with people’s feelings (= with the emotions):\nemotional problems / needs * emotional stress * a child’s emotional and intellectual development * Mothers are often the ones who provide emotional support for the family.\n  2  causing people to feel strong emotions:\nemotional language * abortion and other emotional issues * This is a very emotional time for me.\n  3  (sometimes disapproving) showing strong emotions, sometimes in a way that other people think is unnecessary:\nan emotional outburst / response / reaction * They made an emotional appeal for help. * He tends to get emotional on these occasions.\n    emotionally  adverb:\nemotionally disturbed children * I try not to become emotionally involved. * They have suffered physically and emotionally. * an emotionally charged atmosphere


Words: emotive
Meaning:
adjective\ncausing people to feel strong emotions:\nemotive language / words * Capital punishment is a highly emotive issue.


Words: empathize
Meaning:
(BrE also empathise)  verb\n[V] ~ (with sb/sth) to understand another person’s feelings and experiences, especially because you have been in a similar situation


Words: empathy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (with sb/sth) | ~ (for sb/sth) | ~ (between A and B) the ability to understand another person’s feelings, experience, etc:\nthe writer’s imaginative empathy with his subject * empathy for other people’s situations * It is important to develop the empathy between dogs and their handlers.


Words: emphasis
Meaning:
[U, C]\n  1  ~ (on / upon sth) special importance that is given to sth:\nto put / lay / place emphasis on sth * There has been a shift of emphasis from manufacturing to service industries. * The emphasis is very much on learning the spoken language. * Increased emphasis is now being placed on corporate image. * The course has a vocational emphasis. * We provide all types of information, with an emphasis on legal advice. * The examples we will look at have quite different emphases.\n  2  the extra force given to a word or phrase when spoken, especially in order to show that it is important; a way of writing a word (for example drawing a line underneath it) to show that it is important:\n’I can assure you,’ she added with emphasis, ’the figures are correct.’


Words: emphasize
Meaning:
(BrE also emphasise)  verb\n  1  to give special importance to sth:\n[VN] His speech emphasized the importance of attracting industry to the town. * [V that] She emphasized that their plan would mean sacrifices and hard work. * [V wh-] He emphasized how little was known about the disease. * [VN that] It should be emphasized that this is only one possible explanation. [also V speech]\n  2  [VN] to make sth more noticeable:\nShe swept her hair back from her face to emphasize her high cheekbones. * The rising tone of his voice emphasized his panic.\n  3  [VN] to give extra force to a word or phrase when you are speaking, especially to show that it is important\nSYN STRESS


Words: emphatic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  an emphatic statement, answer, etc. is given in a strong and forceful way to show that it is important:\nan emphatic denial / rejection\n  2  (of a person) making it very clear what you mean by using forceful language:\nHe was emphatic that he could not work with her. * She was equally emphatic about the importance of discipline.\n  3  an emphatic victory, win, or defeat is one in which one team or player wins by a large amount\n    emphatically  adverb:\n’Certainly not,’ he replied emphatically. * She is emphatically opposed to the proposals. * He has always emphatically denied the allegations. * The proposal was emphatically defeated. * She was emphatically not sorry for anything she’d done.


Words: empire
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a group of countries or states that are controlled by one ruler or government:\nthe Roman empire\n  2  a group of commercial organizations controlled by one person or company:\na business empire


Words: empire building
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (usually disapproving) the process of obtaining extra land, authority, etc. in order to increase your own power or position


Words: empirical
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] based on experiments or experience rather than ideas or THEORIES:\nempirical evidence / knowledge / research * an empirical study\n    empirically  adverb:\nSuch claims need to be tested empirically. * empirically false / true / valid


Words: empiricism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (philosophy) the use of experiments or experience as the basis for your ideas; the belief in these methods\n    empiricist  adjective:\nan empiricist theory\n    empiricist noun:\nthe English empiricist, John Locke


Words: emplacement
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a position that has been specially prepared so that a large gun can be fired from it


Words: employ
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ sb (as sth) to give sb a job to do for payment:\n[VN] How many people does the company employ? * For the past three years he has been employed as a firefighter. * [VN to inf] A number of people have been employed to deal with the backlog of work.\nsee also SELF-EMPLOYED, UNEMPLOYED\n  2  [VN] (formal) to use sth such as a skill, method etc. for a particular purpose:\nHe criticized the repressive methods employed by the country’s government. * The police had to employ force to enter the building.\n IDIOMS \n  be employed in doing sth (written) if a person or their time is employed in doing sth, the person spends time doing that thing:\nShe was employed in making a list of all the jobs to be done.\n    noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  in sb’s employ | in the employ of sb (formal) working for sb; employed by sb:\nHow long has she been in your employ?\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nemploy / take on\nIf a company employs a person, he or she is working on the staff of the company or is paid to do some work for them: The company employs 1 200 people. * He was employed as an electrician at the shipyard.\nIn BrE you can also say that a company takes someone on when the company starts to employ them: Business has been so good that we’ve had to take on more staff. In AmE the word hire would be used.\n______________________________


Words: employable
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving the skills and qualifications that will make sb want to employ you:\ntraining schemes that aim to make young people more employable


Words: employee
Meaning:
noun\na person who is paid to work for sb:\nThe firm has over 500 employees. * hospital / government employees * employee rights / relations


Words: employer
Meaning:
noun\na person or company that pays people to work for them:\nThey’re very good employers (= they treat the people that work for them well). * one of the largest employers in the area


Words: employment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] work, especially when it is done to earn money; the state of being employed:\nto be in paid employment * full-time / part-time employment * conditions / terms of employment * Graduates are finding it more and more difficult to find employment. * pensions from previous employments\n  2  [U] the situation in which people have work:\nThe government is aiming at full employment. * Changes in farming methods have badly affected employment in the area.\nOPP UNEMPLOYMENT\n  3  [U] the act of employing sb:\nThe law prevented the employment of children under ten in the cotton mills. * The expansion of the factory will mean the employment of sixty extra workers.\n  4  [U] ~ (of sth) (formal) the use of sth:\nthe employment of artillery in the capture of the town


Words: emporium
Meaning:
1  (old-fashioned) a large shop/store\n  2  a shop/store that sells a particular type of goods:\nan arts and crafts emporium


Words: empower
Meaning:
verb [often passive]\n  1  (formal) to give sb the power or authority to do sth\nSYN AUTHORIZE:\n[VN to inf] The courts were empowered to impose the death sentence for certain crimes. [also VN]\n  2  to give sb more control over their own life or the situation they are in:\n[VN] The movement actively empowered women and gave them confidence in themselves. [also VN to inf] \n    empowerment noun [U]:\nthe empowerment of the individual


Words: empress
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a woman who is the ruler of an empire:\nthe Empress of Egypt\n  2  the wife of an EMPEROR


Words: emptiness
Meaning:
noun [U, sing.]\n  1  a feeling of being sad and lonely because nothing seems to have any value:\nThere was an aching emptiness in her heart.\n  2  the fact that there is nothing or nobody in a place:\nThe silence and emptiness of the house did not scare her.\n  3  (formal) a place that is empty:\nHe stared out at the vast emptiness that was the sea.


Words: empty
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n \n    adjective (emptier, emptiest)\n \n  1  ~ (of sth) with no people or things inside:\nan empty box / glass * empty hands (= not holding anything) * an empty plate (= with no food on it) * The theatre was half empty. * an empty house / room / bus * As it got later, the streets became empty. * Is this an empty chair (= not one that another person will be using)? * The house had been standing empty (= without people living in it) for some time. * It’s not good to drink alcohol on an empty stomach (= without having eaten something). * (formal) The room was empty of furniture. * (formal) For the first time in years, Trafalgar Square was empty of pigeons.\n \n  2  [usually before noun] (of sth that sb says or does) with no meaning; not meaning what is said:\nempty words * an empty promise * an empty gesture aimed at pleasing the crowds\n \n  3  (of a person, or a person’s life) unhappy because life does not seem to have a purpose, usually after sth sad has happened:\nThree months after his death, she still felt empty. * My life seems empty without you.\n  4  ~ of sth without a quality that you would expect to be there:\nwords that were empty of meaning\n    emptily adverb:\nShe stood staring emptily into space.\n IDIOMS \n  the empty nest the situation that parents are in when their children have left home:\nthe empty nest syndrome\n    verb (empties, emptying, emptied, emptied)\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (out / out of sth) | ~ sth (of sth) to remove everything that is in a container, etc:\nI emptied out my pockets but could not find my keys. * She emptied the water out of the vase. * He emptied his glass and asked for a refill. * He emptied the ashtrays, washed the glasses and went to bed. * The room had been emptied of all furniture. * (figurative) She emptied her mind of all thoughts of home.\n  2  [V] ~ (out) to become empty:\nThe tank empties out in five minutes. * The streets soon emptied when the rain started.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (out) to take out the contents of sth and put them somewhere else:\nShe emptied the contents of her bag onto the table. * Many factories emptied their waste into the river.\n  4  [VN] to make sure that everyone leaves a room, building, etc.\nSYN EVACUATE:\nPolice had instructions to empty the building because of a bomb threat.\n  5  [V] ~ (out) into / onto sth to flow or move out from one place to another:\nThe Rhine empties into the North Sea. * Fans emptied out onto the streets after the concert.


Words: empty-handed
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] without getting what you wanted; without taking sth to sb:\nThe robbers fled empty-handed. * She visited every Sunday and never arrived empty-handed.


Words: emulate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (formal) to try to do sth as well as sb else because you admire them:\nShe hopes to emulate her sister’s sporting achievements.\n  2  (computing) (of a computer program, etc.) to work in the same way as another computer, etc. and perform the same tasks\n    emulation  noun [U, C]


Words: emulator
Meaning:
noun\n(computing) a device or piece of SOFTWARE that makes it possible to use programs, etc. on one type of computer even though they have been designed for a different type


Words: emulsify
Meaning:
verb\n(emulsifies, emulsifying, emulsified, emulsified) [V, VN] (technical) if two liquids of different thicknesses emulsify or are emulsified, they combine to form a smooth mixture


Words: emulsion
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  any mixture of liquids that do not normally mix together, such as oil and water:\nThese saws normally use an oil / water emulsion as lubricant.\n  2  (also emulsion paint) (BrE) a type of paint used on walls and ceilings that dries without leaving a shiny surface:\nsilk / matt emulsion * They gave the walls a coat of white emulsion.\n  3  (technical) a substance on the surface of PHOTOGRAPHIC film that makes it sensitive to light:\nphotographic / film emulsion


Words: en bloc
Meaning:
adverb\n(from French) as a group rather than separately:\nThere are reports of teachers resigning en bloc.


Words: en masse
Meaning:
adverb\n(from French) all together, and usually in large numbers:\nThe young folk were emigrating en masse.


Words: en passant
Meaning:
adverb\n(from French) while talking about sth else and without giving much information:\nHe mentioned en passant that he was going away.


Words: en route
Meaning:
adverb\n~ (from ...) (to ...)| (BrE) ~ (for ...) (from French) on the way; while travelling from/to a particular place:\nWe stopped for a picnic en route. * The bus broke down en route from Boston to New York. * a plane en route for Heathrow


Words: en suite
Meaning:
adjective, adverb\n(BrE, from French) (of a bathroom) joined onto a bedroom and for use only by people in that bedroom:\nEach bedroom in the hotel has a bathroom en suite / an en suite bathroom. * an en suite bedroom (= a bedroom with an en suite bathroom) * en suite facilities


Words: en-
Meaning:
before b, m or p) prefix (in verbs)\n  1  to put into the thing or condition mentioned:\nencase * endanger * empower\n  2  to cause to be:\nenlarge * embolden


Words: enable
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN to inf] to make it possible for sb to do sth:\nThe software enables you to access the Internet in seconds. * a new programme to enable older people to study at college\n  2  to make it possible for sth to happen or exist by creating the necessary conditions:\n[VN to inf] Insulin enables the body to use and store sugar. * [VN] a new train line to enable easier access to the stadium


Words: enact
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [often passive] (law) to pass a law:\n[VN] legislation enacted by parliament [also VN that]\n  2  [VN] [often passive] (formal) to perform a play or act a part in a play:\nscenes from history enacted by local residents\n  3  [VN] (be enacted) (formal) to take place\nSYN BE PLAYED OUT:\nThey seemed unaware of the drama being enacted a few feet away from them.


Words: enactment
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (law) the process of a law becoming official; a law which has been made official:\nthe enactment of environmental legislation * legal enactments covering food safety


Words: enamel
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] a substance that is melted onto metal, pots, etc. and forms a hard shiny surface to protect or decorate them; an object made from enamel:\na chipped enamel bowl * a handle inlaid with bone and enamel * an exhibition of enamels and jewellery\n \n  2  [U] the hard white outer layer of a tooth\n \n  3  (also enamel paint) [U, C] a type of paint that dries to leave a hard shiny surface and is used to protect or decorate objects


Words: enamoured
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE enamored)  adjective\n  1  ~ of / with sth (formal) (often in negative sentences) liking sth a lot:\nHe was less than enamoured of the music. * (humorous) I’m not exactly enamoured with the idea of spending a whole day with them.\n  2  ~ of / with sb (literary) in love with sb


Words: encamp
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) [V, VN] if a group of people encamp or are encamped somewhere, they set up a camp or have set up a camp there


Words: encampment
Meaning:
noun\na group of tents, huts, etc. where people live together, usually for only a short period of time:\na military encampment


Words: encapsulate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (in sth) (formal) to express the most important parts of sth in a few words, a small space or a single object:\nThe poem encapsulates many of the central themes of her writing.\n    encapsulation noun [U, C]


Words: encase
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] ~ sth (in sth) (formal) to surround or cover sth completely, especially to protect it:\nThe reactor is encased in concrete and steel. * His upper body was completely encased in bandages.


Words: encash
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (BrE, formal) to exchange a cheque, etc. for money\nSYN CASH\n    encashment noun [U, C]:\nPenalties may be charged for early encashment of the policy.


Words: encephalitis
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (medical) a condition in which the brain becomes swollen, caused by an infection or ALLERGIC reaction


Words: encephalopathy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (medical) a disease in which the functioning of the brain is affected by infection, BLOOD POISONING, etc.\nsee also BSE


Words: enchant
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (formal) to attract sb strongly and make them feel very interested, excited, etc:\nThe happy family scene had enchanted him.\n  2  to place sb/sth under a magic SPELL (= magic words that have special powers)


Words: enchanted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  placed under a SPELL (= magic words that have special powers):\nan enchanted forest / kingdom\n  2  (formal) filled with great pleasure:\nHe was enchanted to see her again after so long. * The children were enchanted with the present.


Words: enchantment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (formal) a feeling of great pleasure\n  2  [U] the state of being under a magic SPELL:\nIt was a place of deep mystery and enchantment.\n  3  [C] (literary) = SPELL:\nThey had been turned to stone by an enchantment.


Words: enchantress
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in stories) a woman who has magic powers that she uses to control people\n  2  (literary) a woman that men find very attractive and interesting


Words: enchilada
Meaning:
noun\n(from Spanish) a Mexican dish consisting of a TORTILLA filled with meat and covered with a spicy sauce\n IDIOMS  see BIG adj.


Words: encircle
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to surround sb/sth completely in a circular shape or movement:\nJack’s arms encircled her waist. * The island is encircled by a coral reef. * Snow covered the encircling hills.\n    encirclement noun [U]


Words: encl.
Meaning:
also enc.) abbreviation\n(business) enclosed (used on business letters to show that another document is being sent in the same envelope)


Words: enclave
Meaning:
noun\nan area of a country or city where the people have a different religion, culture or NATIONALITY from those who live in the country or city that surrounds it


Words: enclose
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] ~ sth (in / with sth) to build a wall, fence, etc. around sth:\nThe yard had been enclosed with iron railings. * The land was enclosed in the seventeenth century (= in Britain, when public land was made private property). * (figurative) All translated words should be enclosed in brackets.\n  2  (especially of a wall, fence, etc.) to surround sth:\nLow hedges enclosed the flower beds. * She felt his arms enclose her.\n  3  ~ sth (with sth) to put sth in the same envelope, parcel/package, etc. as sth else:\nPlease return the completed form, enclosing a recent photograph. * Please find enclosed a cheque for ｣100.


Words: enclosed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  with walls, etc. all around:\nDo not use this substance in an enclosed space.\n  2  (abbreviation encl.) sent with a letter, etc:\nPlease complete the enclosed application form.\n  3  (of religious communities) having little contact with the outside world:\nan enclosed order of monks


Words: enclosure
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a piece of land that is surrounded by a fence or wall and is used for a particular purpose:\na wildlife enclosure * the winners’ enclosure (= for the winners of a horse race)\n  2  [U, C] the act of placing a fence or wall around a piece of land:\nthe enclosure of common land in the seventeenth century * The result of the enclosures was that many countrymen lost their only livelihood.\n  3  [C] something that is placed in an envelope with a letter:\nAlways state the number of enclosures at the bottom of your letter.


Words: encode
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to change ordinary language into letters, symbols, etc. in order to send secret messages\n  2  (computing) to change information into a form that can be processed by a computer\ncompare DECODE


Words: encompass
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to include a large number or range of things:\nThe job encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. * The group encompasses all ages.\n  2  to surround or cover sth completely:\nThe fog soon encompassed the whole valley.


Words: encore
Meaning:
noun, exclamation \n    noun an extra short performance given at the end of a concert; a request for this made by an audience calling out:\nShe played a Chopin waltz as an encore. * The group got three encores.\n    exclamation an audience calls out encore! at the end of a concert to ask the performer to play or sing another piece of music


Words: encounter
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  to experience sth, especially sth unpleasant or difficult, while you are trying to do sth else:\nWe encountered a number of difficulties in the first week. * I had never encountered such resistance before.\n  2  (formal) to meet sb, or discover or experience sth, especially sb/sth new, unusual or unexpected\nSYN COME ACROSS:\nShe was the most remarkable woman he had ever encountered.\n    noun\n  1  ~ (with sb/sth) | ~ (between A and B) a meeting, especially one that is sudden, unexpected or violent:\nThree of them were killed in the subsequent encounter with the police. * The story describes the extraordinary encounter between a man and a dolphin. * a chance encounter * I’ve had a number of close encounters (= situations that could have been dangerous) with bad drivers. * It was his first sexual encounter (= first experience of sex). * Flaubert was her first encounter with French literature.\n  2  a sports match against a particular player or team:\nShe has beaten her opponent in all of their previous encounters.


Words: encourage
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sb (in sth) to give sb support, courage or hope:\nMy parents have always encouraged me in my choice of career. * We were greatly encouraged by the positive response of the public.\n  2  to persuade sb to do sth by making it easier for them and making them believe it is a good thing to do:\n[VN to inf] Banks actively encourage people to borrow money. [also V -ing]\n  3  ~ sth (in sb/sth) to make sth more likely to happen or develop:\n[VN] They claim that some computer games encourage violent behaviour in young children. * [VN to inf] Music and lighting are used to encourage shoppers to buy more. [also V -ing]\nOPP DISCOURAGE\n    encouraging adjective [not usually before noun]:\nThis month’s unemployment figures are not very encouraging. * You could try being a little more encouraging!\n    encouragingly adverb:\nto smile / nod encouragingly * The attendance was encouragingly high.


Words: encouragement
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C, usually sing.] ~ (to sb) (to do sth) the act of encouraging sb to do sth; something that encourages sb:\na few words of encouragement * He needs all the support and encouragement he can get. * With a little encouragement from his parents he should do well. * She was given every encouragement to try something new. * Her words were a great encouragement to them.


Words: encroach
Meaning:
upon sth) (formal)\n  1  (disapproving) to begin to affect or use up too much of sb’s time, rights, personal life, etc:\nI won’t encroach on your time any longer. * He never allows work to encroach upon his family life.\n  2  to slowly begin to cover more and more of an area:\nThe growing town soon encroached on the surrounding countryside. * the encroaching tide (= that is coming in)\n    encroachment noun [U, C] ~ (on / upon sth):\nthe regime’s many encroachments on human rights


Words: encrusted
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (with / in sth) covered with a thin hard layer of sth; forming a thin hard layer on sth:\na crown encrusted with diamonds * encrusted blood


Words: encrypt
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (especially computing) to put information into a special CODE, especially in order to prevent people from looking at it without authority\n    encryption  noun [U]


Words: encumber sth
Meaning:
(with sth) (written)\n  1  to make it difficult for sb to do sth or for sth to happen:\nThe police operation was encumbered by crowds of reporters. * The business is encumbered with debt.\n  2  to be large and/or heavy and make it difficult for sb to move:\nThe frogmen were encumbered by their diving equipment.


Words: encumbrance
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a person or thing that prevents sb from moving easily or from doing what they want:\nI felt I was being an encumbrance to them.


Words: encyclopedia
Meaning:
(BrE also encyclopaedia)  noun\na book or set of books giving information about all areas of knowledge or about different areas of one particular subject, usually arranged in alphabetical order; a similar collection of information on a CD-ROM:\na children’s encyclopedia * an encyclopedia of music


Words: encyclopedic
Meaning:
(BrE also encyclopaedic)  adjective\n  1  connected with encyclopedias or the type of information found in them:\nencyclopedic information * an encyclopedic dictionary\n  2  having a lot of information about a wide variety of subjects; containing complete information about a particular subject:\nShe has an encyclopedic knowledge of natural history. * Penny’s contact book was encyclopedic.


Words: end
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  final part\n \n  1  the final part of a period of time, an event, an activity or a story:\nat the end of the week / month / year * We didn’t leave until the very end. * They finally get named at the end of the book. * We had to hear about the whole journey from beginning to end. * It’s the end of an era. * Our end-of-season sale starts next week. * There’ll be a chance to ask questions at the end.\n \n  furthest part\n \n  2  the part of an object or a place that is the furthest away from its centre:\nTurn right at the end of the road. * His office is the room at the other end of the corridor. * I joined the end of the queue. * Go to the end of the line! * You’ve got something on the end of your nose. * Tie the ends of the string together. * That’s his wife sitting at the far end of the table. * These two products are from opposite ends of the price range. * We’ve travelled from one end of Mexico to the other. * They live in the end house.\nsee also BIG END, DEAD END, EAST END, SPLIT ENDS, TAIL END\n \n  finish\n  3  a situation in which sth does not exist any more:\nthe end of all his dreams * The meeting came to an end (= finished). * The war was finally at an end. * The coup brought his corrupt regime to an end. * There’s no end in sight to the present crisis. * They have called for an end to violence. * This latest attack could spell the end of the peace process. * Let’s put an end to (= stop) these rumours once and for all. * That was by no means the end of the matter.\n  aim\n  4  an aim or a purpose:\nThey are prepared to use violence in pursuit of their ends. * She is exploiting the current situation for her own ends. * He joined the society for political ends. * With this end in view (= in order to achieve this) they employed 50 new staff. * We are willing to make any concessions necessary to this end (= in order to achieve this). * They are working towards common ends.\n  part of activity\n  5  [usually sing.] a part of an activity with which sb is concerned, especially in business:\nWe need somebody to handle the marketing end of the business. * Are there any problems at your end? * I have kept my end of the bargain.\n  of telephone line / journey\n  6  [usually sing.] either of two places connected by a telephone call, journey, etc:\nI answered the phone but there was no one at the other end. * Jean is going to meet me at the other end.\n  of sports field\n  7  one of the two halves of a sports field:\nThe teams changed ends at half-time.\n  piece left\n  8  (BrE) a small piece that is left after sth has been used:\na cigarette end\nsee also FAG END, LOOSE END, ODDS AND ENDS\n  death\n  9  [usually sing.] a person’s death. People say ’end’ to avoid saying ’death’:\nShe came to an untimely end (= died young). * I was with him at the end (= when he died). * (literary) He met his end (= died) at the Battle of Waterloo.\n IDIOMS \n  at the end of the day (BrE, spoken) used to introduce the most important fact after everything has been considered:\nAt the end of the day, he’ll still have to make his own decision.\n  a bad / sticky end (BrE) something unpleasant that happens to sb, for example punishment or a violent death, usually because of their own actions:\nHe’ll come to a sticky end one of these days if he carries on like that.\n  be at the end of sth to have almost nothing left of sth:\nI’m at the end of my patience. * They are at the end of their food supply.\n  be at the end of your tether (BrE) (AmE be at the end of your rope) to feel that you cannot deal with a difficult situation any more because you are too tired, worried, etc:\nYou’d better let her know you’re safe. She’s at the end of her tether.\n  be the end (BrE, spoken) when you say that people or situations are the end, you mean that you are annoyed with them\n  an end in itself a thing that is itself important and not just a part of sth more important\n  the end justifies the means (saying) bad or unfair methods of doing sth are acceptable if the result of that action is good or positive\n  (reach) the end of the line / road (to reach) the point at which sth can no longer continue in the same way:\nA defeat in the second round marked the end of the line for last year’s champion.\n  end of story (spoken) used when you are stating that there is nothing more that can be said or done about sth\n  end to end in a line, with the ends touching:\nThey arranged the tables end to end.\n  get / have your end away (BrE, slang) to have sex\n  go to the ends of the earth to do everything possible, even if it is difficult, in order to get or achieve sth:\nI’d go to the ends of the earth to see her again.\n  in the end\n1 after a long period of time or series of events:\nHe tried various jobs and in the end became an accountant.\n2 after everything has been considered:\nYou can try your best to impress the interviewers but in the end it’s often just a question of luck.\n  keep your end up (BrE, informal) to continue to be cheerful in a difficult situation\n  make (both) ends meet to earn just enough money to be able to buy the things you need:\nMany families struggle to make ends meet.\n  no end (spoken) very much:\nIt upset me no end to hear they’d split up.\n  no end of sth (spoken) a lot of sth:\nWe had no end of trouble getting them to agree.\n  not the end of the world (spoken) not the worst thing that could happen to sb:\nFailing one exam is not the end of the world.\n  on end\n1 in an upright position:\nIt’ll fit if you stand it on end.\n2 for the stated length of time, without stopping:\nHe would disappear for weeks on end.\n  put an end to yourself | put an end to it all to kill yourself\nmore at BEGINNING, BITTER adj., BURN v., DEEP adj., HAIR, HEAR, LIGHT n., LOOSE END, MEANS, RECEIVE, SHARP adj., SHORT n., THIN adj., WIT, WRONG adj.\n    verb ~ (sth) (with sth) to finish; to make sth finish:\n[V] The road ends here. * How does the story end? * The speaker ended by suggesting some topics for discussion. * Her note ended with the words: ’See you soon.’ * [VN] They decided to end their relationship. * They ended the play with a song. [also V speech] \n IDIOMS \n  end your days / life (in sth) to spend the last part of your life in a particular state or place:\nHe ended his days in poverty.\n  end in tears (BrE, spoken) if you say that sth will end in tears, you are warning sb that what they are doing will have an unhappy or unpleasant result\n  end it all | end your life to kill yourself\n  the sth to end all sths used to emphasize how large, important, exciting, etc. you think sth is:\nThe movie has a car chase to end all car chases.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  end in sth [no passive]\n1 to have sth as an ending:\nThe word I’m thinking of ends in ’-ous’.\n2 to have sth as a result:\nTheir long struggle ended in failure. * The debate ended in uproar.\n  end up to find yourself in a place or situation that you did not intend or expect to be in:\nIf you go on like this you’ll end up in prison. * [+ -ing] At first they hated each other, but they ended up getting married. * [+ADJ] If he carries on driving like that, he’ll end up dead.


Words: end product
Meaning:
noun\nsomething that is produced by a particular activity or process:\nThe two alternative processes arrive at the same end product.


Words: end result
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] the final result of a particular activity or process:\nThe end result of using this method is that learners leave the classroom discouraged.


Words: end zone
Meaning:
noun\nthe area at the end of an American football field into which the ball must be carried or passed in order to score points


Words: end-user
Meaning:
noun\na person who actually uses a product rather than one who makes or sells it, especially a person who uses a product connected with computers:\nPrograms are tailored to meet the needs of end-users and their own business environments. * an end-user application


Words: endanger
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to put sb/sth in a situation in which they could be harmed or damaged:\nThe health of our children is being endangered by exhaust fumes. * That one mistake seriously endangered the future of the company. * The sea turtle is an endangered species (= it may soon no longer exist). * He denied possessing a rifle with intent to endanger life.


Words: endear
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  endear sb / yourself to sb to make sb/yourself popular:\nTheir policies on taxation didn’t endear them to voters. * She was a talented teacher who endeared herself to all who worked with her.


Words: endearing
Meaning:
adjective\ncausing people to feel affection:\nan endearing remark / smile / habit\n    endearingly adverb:\nan endearingly old-fashioned idea


Words: endearment
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a word or an expression that is used to show affection:\nThey were whispering endearments to each other. * ’Darling’ is a term of endearment.


Words: endeavour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE endeavor)  noun, verb \n    noun [U, C] (formal) an attempt to do sth, especially sth new or difficult:\nPlease make every endeavour to arrive on time. * advances in the field of scientific endeavour * The manager is expected to use his or her best endeavours to promote the artist’s career. * The public bombarded the company with complaints in an endeavour to have the price increases revoked.\n    verb [V to inf] (formal) to try very hard to do sth\nSYN STRIVE:\nI will endeavour to do my best for my country.


Words: endemic
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in / to ...) regularly found in a particular place or among a particular group of people and difficult to get rid of:\nMalaria is endemic in many hot countries. * Corruption is endemic in the system. * an attitude endemic among senior members of the profession * species endemic to (= only found in) Madagascar * the endemic problem of racism\ncompare PANDEMIC


Words: ending
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the last part of a story, film/movie, etc:\nHis stories usually have a happy ending.\nOPP OPENING\n  2  the act of finishing sth; the last part of sth:\nthe anniversary of the ending of the Pacific War * It was the perfect ending to the perfect day.\n  3  the last part of a word, that is added to a main part:\nverb endings * a masculine / feminine ending


Words: endive
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  (BrE) (AmE chicory [U]) a plant with green curly leaves that are eaten raw as a vegetable\n  2  (AmE) = CHICORY (1)


Words: endless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very large in size or amount and seeming to have no end:\nendless patience * endless opportunities for making money * The possibilities are endless. * an endless list of things to do * We don’t have an endless supply of money, you know.\n  2  continuing for a long time and seeming to have no end:\nan endless round of parties and visits * The journey seemed endless. * I’ve had enough of their endless arguing.\n  3  (technical) (of a loop, etc.) having the ends joined together so it forms one piece:\nan endless loop of tape\n    endlessly adverb:\nShe talks endlessly about her problems. * an endlessly repeated pattern


Words: endocrine
Meaning:
adjective\n(anatomy) connected with GLANDS that put HORMONES and other products directly into the blood:\nthe endocrine system


Words: endorse
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to say publicly that you support a person, statement or course of action:\nI wholeheartedly endorse his remarks. * Members of all parties endorsed a ban on land mines.\n  2  to say in an advertisement that you use and like a particular product so that other people will want to buy it:\nI wonder how many celebrities actually use the products they endorse.\n  3  to write your name on the back of a cheque so that it can be paid into a bank account\n  4  [usually passive] (BrE) to write details of a driving offence on sb’s DRIVING LICENCE:\nYou risk being fined and having your licence endorsed.


Words: endorsement
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  a public statement or action showing that you support sb/sth:\nThe election victory is a clear endorsement of their policies. * a letter of endorsement\n  2  a statement made in an advertisement, usually by sb famous or important, saying that they use and like a particular product\n  3  (BrE) details of a driving offence written on sb’s DRIVING LICENCE:\nHow many endorsements can you have before you lose your licence?


Words: endow
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to give a large sum of money to a school, a college or another institution to provide it with an income:\nIn her will, she endowed a scholarship in the physics department.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  be endowed with sth to naturally have a particular feature, quality, etc:\nShe was endowed with intelligence and wit. * The stones are believed to be endowed with magical powers.\nsee also WELL ENDOWED\n  endow sb/sth with sth\n1 to believe or imagine that sb/sth has a particular quality:\nShe had endowed Marcus with the qualities she wanted him to possess. * My imagination endowed Constantinople with all the magic of the East.\n2 (formal) to give sth to sb/sth:\nto endow sb with a responsibility


Words: endowment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] money that is given to a school, a college or another institution to provide it with an income; the act of giving this money\n  2  [C, usually pl.] (formal) a quality or an ability that you are born with:\nFew people are blessed with her mental endowments.


Words: endowment mortgage
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a type of MORTGAGE (= money borrowed to buy property) in which money is regularly paid into an endowment policy. At the end of a particular period of time this money is then used to pay back the money that was borrowed\ncompare REPAYMENT MORTGAGE


Words: endowment policy
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a type of life insurance in which a person regularly pays money to an insurance company, and receives a sum of money from them at the end of a particular period of time


Words: endurance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the ability to continue doing sth painful or difficult for a long period of time without complaining:\nHe showed remarkable endurance throughout his illness. * They were humiliated beyond endurance. * This event tests both physical and mental endurance. * powers of endurance * The party turned out to be more of an endurance test than a pleasure.


Words: endure
Meaning:
verb\n  1  (written) to experience and deal with sth that is painful or unpleasant, especially without complaining\nSYN BEAR:\n[VN] They had to endure a long wait before the case came to trial. * She could not endure the thought of parting. * The pain was almost too great to endure. * (formal) a love that endures all things and never fails * [V -ing, V to inf] He can’t endure being defeated. * He can’t endure to be defeated.\n  2  [V] (formal) to continue to exist for a long time\nSYN LAST:\na success that will endure * The torn flag has endured as a symbol of freedom.\n    endurable  adjective:\nI felt that life was no longer endurable.\nOPP UNENDURABLE


Words: enduring
Meaning:
adjective\nlasting for a long time:\nenduring memories * an enduring relationship / influence * What is the reason for the game’s enduring appeal?\n    enduringly adverb:\nan enduringly popular style


Words: enema
Meaning:
noun\na liquid that is put into a person’s RECTUM (= the opening through which solid waste leaves the body) in order to clean out the bowels, especially before a medical operation; the act of cleaning out the bowels in this way


Words: enemy
Meaning:
noun (plural enemies)\n  1  [C] a person who hates sb or who acts or speaks against sb/sth:\nHe has a lot of enemies in the company. * After just one day, she had already made an enemy of her manager. * They used to be friends but they are now sworn enemies (= are determined not to become friends again). * It is rare to find a prominent politician with few political enemies. * The state has a duty to protect its citizens against external enemies. * Birds are the natural enemies of many insect pests (= they kill them).\nsee also ENMITY\n  2  (the enemy) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] a country that you are fighting a war against; the soldiers, etc. of this country:\nThe enemy was / were forced to retreat. * enemy forces / aircraft / territory * behind enemy lines (= the area controlled by the enemy)\n  3  [C] ~ (of sth) (formal) anything that harms sth or prevents it from being successful:\nPoverty and ignorance are the enemies of progress.\n IDIOMS  see WORST adj.


Words: energetic
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving or needing a lot of energy and enthusiasm:\nHe knew I was energetic and dynamic and would get things done. * an energetic member / supporter * The heart responds well to energetic exercise. * For the more energetic (= people who prefer physical activities), we offer windsurfing and diving. * I think I’d prefer something a little less energetic.\n    energetically  adverb:\nHe energetically denied the charge.


Words: energize
Meaning:
(BrE also energise)  verb [VN] \n  1  to make sb enthusiastic about sth\n  2  to give sb more energy, strength, etc:\na refreshing and energizing fruit drink\n  3  (technical) to supply power or energy to a machine, an atom, etc:\npositively energized particles


Words: energy
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the ability to put effort and enthusiasm into an activity, work, etc:\nIt’s a waste of time and energy. * She’s always full of energy. * nervous energy (= energy produced by feeling nervous)\n  2  (energies) [pl.] the physical and mental effort that you use to do sth:\nShe put all her energies into her work. * creative / destructive energies\n  3  [U] a source of power, such as fuel, used for driving machines, providing heat, etc:\nsolar / nuclear energy * It is important to conserve energy. * an energy crisis (= for example when fuel is not freely available) * The ｣500 million programme is centred around energy efficiency and renewable power sources.\n  4  [U] (physics) the ability of MATTER or RADIATION to work because of its MASS, movement, electric CHARGE, etc:\nkinetic / potential energy


Words: enervate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to make sb feel weak and tired:\nan enervating disease / climate\n    enervation  noun [U]


Words: enfant terrible
Meaning:
noun\n(plural enfants terribles ) (from French) a person who is young and successful and whose behaviour and ideas may be unusual and may shock or embarrass other people


Words: enfold sth
Meaning:
(in sth) (literary)\n  1  to hold sb in your arms in a way that shows affection:\nShe lay quietly, enfolded in his arms.\n  2  to surround or cover sb/sth completely:\nDarkness spread and enfolded him. * The summit was enfolded in a circle of white cloud.


Words: enforce
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (on / against sb/sth) to make sure that people obey a particular law or rule:\nIt’s the job of the police to enforce the law. * The legislation will be difficult to enforce. * United Nations troops enforced a ceasefire in the area.\n  2  ~ sth (on sb) to make sth happen or force sb to do sth:\nYou can’t enforce cooperation between the players. * a period of enforced absence\n    enforceable  adjective:\nA gambling debt is not legally enforceable.\n    enforcement noun [U]:\nstrict enforcement of regulations * law enforcement agencies / officers / procedures


Words: enfranchise
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (formal) to give sb the right to vote in an election\nOPP DISENFRANCHISE\n    enfranchisement  noun [U]:\nthe enfranchisement of foreign residents in local elections


Words: engage
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] (formal) to succeed in attracting and keeping sb’s attention and interest:\nIt is a movie that engages both the mind and the eye. * Their pleas failed to engage any sympathy.\n  2  ~ sb (as sth) (formal) to employ sb to do a particular job:\n[VN] He is currently engaged as a consultant. * We will have to engage the services of a translator. [also VN to inf]\n  3  [V] ~ (with sth/sb) to become involved with and try to understand sth/sb:\nShe has the ability to engage with young minds.\n  4  (formal) to begin fighting with sb:\n[VN] to engage the enemy [also V]\n  5  ~ (with sth) when a part of a machine engages, or when you engage it, it fits together with another part of the machine and the machine begins to work:\n[V] One cogwheel engages with the next. * The cogwheels are not engaging. * [VN] Engage the clutch before selecting a gear.\nOPP DISENGAGE\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  engage in sth | engage sb in sth to take part in sth; to make sb take part in sth:\nEven in prison, he continued to engage in criminal activities. * She tried desperately to engage him in conversation.


Words: engaged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (in / on sth) (formal) busy doing sth:\nThey are engaged in talks with the Irish government. * He is now engaged on his second novel. * I can’t come to dinner on Tuesday-I’m otherwise engaged (= I have already arranged to do something else). * They were engaged in conversation.\n  2  ~ (to sb) having agreed to marry sb:\nShe’s engaged to Peter. * They are engaged to be married (= to each other). * When did you get engaged? * an engaged couple\n  3  (BrE) (AmE busy) (of a telephone line) being used:\nI couldn’t get through-the line’s engaged. * I phoned earlier but you were engaged (= using your phone). * the engaged tone / signal\n  4  (BrE) (of a public toilet) being used\ncompare VACANT


Words: engagement
Meaning:
noun\n  before marriage\n  1  [C] ~ (to sb) an agreement to marry sb; the period during which two people are engaged:\nTheir engagement was announced in the local paper. * She has broken off her engagement to Charles. * an engagement party * a long / short engagement\n  arrangement to do sth\n  2  [C] an arrangement to do sth at a particular time, especially sth official or sth connected with your job:\nan engagement book / diary * He has a number of social engagements next week. * It was her first official engagement. * I had to refuse because of a prior engagement.\n  fighting\n  3  [C, U] (technical) fighting between two armies, etc:\nThe general tried to avoid an engagement with the enemy.\n  being involved\n  4  [U] ~ (with sb/sth) (formal) being involved with sb/sth in an attempt to understand them/it:\nHer views are based on years of engagement with the problems of the inner city.\n  employment\n  5  [U, C] (BrE) an arrangement to employ sb; the process of employing sb:\nThe terms of engagement are to be agreed in writing.


Words: engagement ring
Meaning:
noun\na ring, usually with precious stones, that a man gives to a woman when they agree to get married


Words: engaging
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) interesting or pleasant in a way that attracts your attention:\nan engaging smile / manner / person\n    engagingly adverb:\nShe smiled engagingly.


Words: engender
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to make a feeling or situation exist:\nThe issue engendered controversy. * problems engendered by the restructuring of the company


Words: engine
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the part of a vehicle that produces power to make the vehicle move:\na diesel / petrol engine * My car had to have a new engine. * engine trouble / problems * Switch the engine on / off. * the engine room (= the part of a ship where the engine is situated)\nsee also INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE, JET ENGINE, TRACTION ENGINE\n \n  2  (also locomotive) a vehicle that pulls a train\n \n  3  (-engined) (in adjectives) having the type or number of engines mentioned:\na twin-engined speedboat\nsee also FIRE ENGINE


Words: engine driver
Meaning:
(BrE, becoming old-fashioned) (AmE engineer) noun\na person whose job is driving a railway/railroad engine


Words: engineer
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a person whose job involves designing and building engines, machines, roads, bridges, etc:\nan electrical / a mechanical engineer\nsee also CHEMICAL ENGINEER, CIVIL ENGINEER, LIGHTING ENGINEER, SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SOUND ENGINEER\n  2  a person who is trained to repair machines and electrical equipment:\nThey’re sending an engineer to fix the phone.\n  3  a person whose job is to control and repair engines, especially on a ship or an aircraft:\na flight engineer * the chief engineer on a cruise liner\n  4  (AmE) = ENGINE DRIVER\n  5  a soldier trained to design and build military structures\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (often disapproving) to arrange for sth to happen or take place, especially when this is done secretly in order to give yourself an advantage:\nShe engineered a further meeting with him.\n  2  [usually passive] to design and build sth:\nThe car is beautifully engineered and a pleasure to drive.\n  3  to change the GENETIC structure of sth:\ngenetically engineered crops


Words: engineering
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the activity of applying scientific knowledge to the design, building and control of machines, roads, bridges, electrical equipment, etc:\nThe bridge is a triumph of modern engineering.\n  2  (also engineering science) the study of engineering as a subject:\na degree in engineering\nsee also CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, CIVIL ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, GENETIC ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SOCIAL ENGINEERING


