Oxford Large Print Dictionary 0198606680, 9780198606680

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LARGE PRINT More than 90,000 words,

phrases,

and definitions

The World's Most Trusted Dictionaries

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford.

furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education in It

its worldwide publishing. The preparation of dictionaries, of all types and for all ages, has been a central part of its activities for more than 100 vears.

dictionaries uniaue? Oxford's reputation as the world's leading dictionary-maker is founded on the Oxford English Dictionary, 'the greatest dictionary in any language'. It is an unsurpassed guide to the meaning, history, and pronunciation of over half a million words, covering both current and historical usage. It defines the language of the entire English-speaking world, from|

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North America to South Africa, from Australia and New Zealand to the Caribbean.

How

are the

words of our

language actually used?

What

most frequently used meanings of common words? To are the

answer such questions accurately,

Oxford lexicographers use the Oxford English Corpus, an unrivaled balanced collection of hundreds of millions of words of text representing every kind of writing and speech.

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Oxford Large Print Dictionary

Edited by Julia Elliott

OXTORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

OXPORD UNIVERSITY PRESS Great Clarendon Street, Oxford ox2 6dp

Oxford University Press It

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department of the University of Oxford.

furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship,

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Oxford University Press 2002: first published Oxford English Minidictioimry, 1999

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You must not circulate this book in any other binding or cover and you must impose this same condition on any acquirer British Library

Cataloguing in Publication Data

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Data available

ISBN 0-19-860668-0 10

98

7

65 43

2

1

Designed by George Hammond Typeset in Stone Serif and Arial by Morton Word Processing Ltd Printed in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, Bungay, Suffolk

Preface

The Oxford Large

Print Dictionary

to-date dictionary presented in a

which

text,

is

compact and uplarge, clear type. The

is

a

based on that of the Oxford English

on extensive research into current English carried out by the Oxford Dictionaries

Minidictionary, draws

Department. In the light of

this research

new

words,

and phrases have been selected for inclusion and the most important and frequent meanings placed first in each entry. The definitions are written in a style that is concise and easy to understand. senses,

and generous spacing and margins make this an ideal dictionary for adults and schoolchildren seeking a text that is clear and easy

The

large type

read.

It is

to

especially suitable for people with sight

problems. In producing this dictionary, the editors have

worked

closely with the Royal National Institute of the Blind

UK, who have approved and made recommendations on all aspects of design and layout. in the

VI

Pronunciation A

guide to pronunciation

difficult to

pronounce, or

read, or spelt in the

is

given for any word that

difficult to

same way

as

recognize

is

when

another word but

pronounced differently. Pronunciations are not given for easy words that are familiar to everyone.

Words are broken up into small units, usually of one syllable. The syllable that is spoken with most stress in a word of two or more syllables is shown in bold, like this.

The sounds represented a

as in cat

a

as in the

first

syllable in

ago

calm

ah

as in

air

as in hair

are as foil ows:

g

as in gets

h

as in hat

i

as in pin

I

as in eye

i

as in

jam

ar

as in bar

k

as in king

aw

as in law

1

as in leg

m

as in

ay

as in say

b ch

as in bat

as in chin

d

as in

e

as in

e

day bed

as in the second syllable in

man

n ng nk

as in

o

as in top

6

taken

as in not as in sing, finger

thank

as in the second syllable in

oh

as in

as in beer

oi

as in join

er

as in her

oo

as in

ew

as in few

oor

as in

ewr

as in pure

or

as in

soon poor corn

f

as in fat

ow

as in

cow

ee

as in

eer

meet

most

lemon

Vll

pen

p

as in

uu

as in

r

as in red

V

as

s

as in

sit

w

as in will

sh

as in

shop

y

30

amicably adv

amid amidst ;

middle

prep in the

during.

of;

amino acid

an organic acid found in noun

adv wrongly,

inappropriately, adj not

quite right.

amity

noun friendly

ammeter noun

an instrument that measures noun a strong-

smelling gas; a solution

noun

an

extinct sea creature with a spiral shell.

ammunition

noun a

supply of bullets,

/a-mee-ba/

ameba)

amoebae

amoebas)

or

shape.

(run

(also

amuck)

amok) be out of

control. prep

surrounded by. 2 being one of (a larger group). 1

shared by, between.

amoral

/ay-mo-ral/ ADJ not concerned about right or wrong; without morals.

amorous adj showing

amortize verb

adj & noun

pay

amnesties) a general pardon. oh-sen-tee-sis/ NOUN (PL

amniocenteses) a test for foetal abnormality involving the withdrawal of a sample of amniotic

(also amortise)

off (a debt)

noun a total of

anything; a quantity. verb to;

/amni-

shapeless.

gradually.

amount

(pl

amniocentesis

adv

sexual desire.

noun loss of

noun

a

organism capable of changing single-celled

amorphous adj

memory. amnesiac

([US]

noun (pl

shells,

etc.

amnesty

amoeba

3

of this in water.

ammonite

womb.

foetus in the

among, amongst

electric current.

ammonia

fluid noun the

surrounding the

fluid

amok

relations.

amnesia

amniotic

also

proteins.

amiss

from the womb.

fluid

(amount

to)

be equivalent

amp noun [informal] ampere.

ampere

2

add up to. 1

an

an amplifier.

/am-pair/ noun a

unit of electric current.

ampersand

noun the sign

anaesthetist

31

& (= and). amphetamine

worn noun a

noun an

animal, such as a frog,

water and on land.

([us]

amphitheater) noun a

seats

round

tiers

of

a central

anachronism

arena.

ample

laugh or smile; make time pass pleasantly for. of a

anabolic steroid noun a synthetic hormone used to build up muscle.

semicircular unroofed

building with

cause to

used before vowel sounds.

adj

amphitheatre

against

amusement noun an determiner the form

that can live both in

amphibious

charm

amuse verb

stimulant drug.

amphibian

as a

evil.

/a-na-kro-

something that belongs or seems to belong to another time. ni-zem/ NOUN

adj plentiful, quite

enough;

amply

large.

adv

anachronistic

amplifier noun a device that makes sounds or radio signals louder.

amplify

make

2

add

details to (a

([us] anemic) adj from anaemia;

lacking in vitality.

noun breadth;

abundance.

anaerobic

adj

not

requiring air or oxygen.

/am-pool/ noun a

small sealed container.

amputate

in the

blood.

suffering

amplification noun

([US]

anemia) noun lack of

anaemic

statement).

ampoule

/a-nee-mia/

haemoglobin

louder; intensify.

amplitude

noun a large

snake of South America.

anaemia

verb (amplifies,

amplifying, amplified) 1

anaconda

adj

verb cut off

by

anaesthetic thet-ik/ ([us]

/an-is-

anesthetic)

noun a drug or gas that

surgical operation.

causes loss of sensitivity

amputation noun

to pain.

amuck variant amulet

noun

of

amok.

something

anaesthetist tist/ ([us]

/a-nees-the-

anesthetist) noun

anagram HP

32

medical specialist who administers anaesthetics. anaesthetize verb (also a

anesthetise)

anagram

noun a

or

rearranging the letters of another. /ay-nal/ ADJ of

the

noun a pain-

relieving drug.

analogue

([us]

also

analog) noun an analogous thing, adj using a variable physical property to represent information, rather than binary digits. noun

(pl

analogies) a comparison; a partial likeness. ([us]

analyze)

examine the

structure or composition

psychoanalyse. analyst noun of;

analysis

abolished.

anarchism noun noun a state of

disorder due to lack of

noun

(pl

analyses) an

examination of the structure or composition of something.

analytical

with no government. anarchic adj /a-nath-ema/

noun a detested thing.

comparable.

verb

believes that

government should be

anathema

analogous adj

analyse

noun a person

rule or control; a society

analgesic

analogy

anarchist

anarchy

anus.

using analysis.

analytically adv

who

word phrase formed by

anal

adj of or

(also analytic)

anathematize

(also

anathematise) verb

condemn,

anatomy

curse.

noun

(pl

anatomies) bodily structure; the study of the structure of the

human

body. anatomical adj anatomically adv anatomist noun

ANC abbrev African National Congress.

ancestor from

noun a person

whom

one

is

descended.

ancestral

adj inherited

from one's ancestors.

ancestry

noun

(pl

ancestries) one's ancestors or origins.

angle

33

anchor

heavy mooring a ship

noun a

object for

to the sea bottom, verb

moor with an

anchor;

noun a place

where ships may anchor.

anchorman noun a person who presents television or radio

programme.

anchovy

noun

(pl

anchovies) a small strong-tasting fish.

ancient

very old.

adj

ancillary

/an-sil-a-ri/ adj

helping in a subsidiary way. conj together with, to.

andante [music]

in moderately slow

1

making

new

a

again.

start. 2

angel

noun 1 a winged messenger of God

represented in

form.

2

a

human

kind person;

[informal] a

benefactor.

angelic adj

angelica

noun candied

stalks of a fragrant plant.

angelus

noun a

Roman

Catholic prayer said at sunset.

anger

noun a strong

feeling of displeasure.

androgynous

adj partly

male and partly female.

anecdotal

adj

not backed

facts.

anecdote

noun a short

entertaining account of

something that happened.

anemia Of

noun a swelling of an

morning, noon, and /an-dan-tai/ ADV

time.

up by

/a-newr-iz-em/

artery.

anew adv a

US anaesthetic etc.

etc.

aneurysm

anchorage

added

anesthetic spelling of

fix

firmly.

and

purple flowers.

red, or

etc.

ANAEMIA

anemone

US

really

make angry. angina /an-ji-na/ (in verb

angle

1

noun

1

between two spelling

etc.

/a-ne-mo-nee/

noun a plant with white,

full

angina pectoris) noun pain in the chest caused by an inadequate supply of blood to the heart. the space lines or

surfaces at the point

where they meet; corner; a slant.

2

a

a point

of view, verb present from

angle

D

34

a particular viewpoint;

place obliquely.

angle 2 and

verb fish

anguish

with line

bait as a sport; try to

obtain something by hinting.

angler noun angling noun

Anglican

the Church of England. noun a member of the Church of England.

Anglicanism noun

anguished

angular

adj

having angles or sharp corners; forming an angle. adj

make

English in character. COMBINING FORM

aniline

/a-ni-ieen/ noun

noun a living being

with sense organs, able

move voluntarily; a mammal, as opposed to to

to animals; physical

noun

1

a

person living in England between the 5th century

rather than spiritual.

animate VERB bring

life

/an-i-mayt/

or energy to.

and the Norman

ADJ /an-i-mat/ living.

Conquest.

animated

2

the language

of these people.

angora

noun yarn

an

used in making dyes and plastics. oily liquid

adj

animation from

noun

the hair of a long-haired

the technique of filming a

goat.

sequence of drawings or

angry

adj (angrier,

1

liveliness. 2

positions of models to

angriest) feeling or

give the appearance of

showing anger.

movement.

angrily adv

animator noun

angst

noun severe anxiety.

angstrom

a

fish, bird, etc. adj relating

English, British.

Anglo-Saxon

/an-hi-dms/ adj

containing no water.

animal (also

Anglicise) verb

AnglO-

noun severe

physical or mental pain.

anhydrous

adj relating to

Anglicize

centimetre.

noun a unit of

length equal to one hundred-millionth of a

animism that

all

noun the belief

natural things

have a living

animosity

soul.

noun hostility.

anodyne

35

animus

announce

noun hostility,

known

dislike.

anion

an ion with

noun

a

negative charge.

aniseed

noun a seed used

leg.

anklet noun a chain or band worn round the

annals

annual

noun

adj yearly, noun

1

a

plant that lives for one season. 2 a book

published in yearly

annuity

noun

annuities) a

year.

anneal

toughen (metal or glass) by heat and slow cooling. verb

/a-neks/ verb

1

take

possession of (territory).

add

slightly

annually adv

plural noun a

record of events year by

2

annoy verb make

issues.

ankle.

annex

announcement noun announcer noun

annoyance

noun the joint

connecting the foot with the

make

angry; harass.

as a flavouring.

ankle

verb

publicly.

as a subordinate

part.

annexation noun

annexe

/a-neks/ noun

an

extension to a building.

annihilate

verb destroy

annul

paid each year.

verb (annuls,

annulling annulled) ;

declare invalid; cancel.

annulment noun

annular adj ring-shaped. Annunciation noun the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Mary that she was

Virgin

to be the

anode

annihilation noun noun

(pl

anniversaries) the date

mother of

noun a positively

charged electrode.

anodize

(also

anodise) with a

on which an event took

verb coat (metal)

place in a previous year.

protective layer

annotate

of

Christ.

completely.

anniversary

money

(pl

sum

verb

electrolysis.

add

explanatory notes annotation noun

by

to.

anodyne

/an-odin/ adj

inoffensive but dull.

anoint

m

36

noun a painkilling drug.

anoint

verb

dab or smear

with water or

oil as part

of a religious ceremony.

anomaly

to (a description). 4

(answer

explain one's actions 5

(answer

for)

responsible

noun (pl

anomalies) something

have to

to)

for.

answerable

having something

adj

that differs from the

to account for

norm.

or be responsible to

anomalous

anon anon,

someone.

adj

adv [archaic] soon. abbrev

anonymous.

anonymous adj

of

unknown or undisclosed name or authorship. anonymity noun

ant

noun a small insect

that lives in highly

organized groups.

antacid

reducing

adj

excess acid in the

stomach.

antagonism

anonymously adv

anorak

to.

be

noun

hostility.

noun a waterproof

jacket with a hood.

antagonist

noun an

opponent.

anorexia

(in full

antagonistic adj

anorexia nervosa) noun a condition characterized

by an obsessive

desire to

lose weight.

anorexic

(also

antagonise) verb

(someone)

Antarctic

adj & noun

another determiner &

antagonize

make

hostile. adj relating to

the region surrounding pron

one more. 2 different from the one already mentioned.

the South Pole.

1

answer noun

1

something

said or written in

response to a question or statement. 2 the solution to a problem, verb 1 give an answer. 2 provide a solution to. 3 correspond

ante

noun a stake put

up

by

a poker player at the beginning of a hand.

ante-

prefix before.

anteater nosed ants

noun a long-

mammal

and

that eats

termites.

antecedent

noun

something that predates

antibody

37 or precedes something

flower's

(antecedents) a person's ancestors.

containing pollen.

else;

adj

coming

before.

antechamber noun

an

ante-room.

antedate verb in time.

date

2

precede

1

give an earlier

to.

anthology

adj of

the

noun

anthracite

noun a

flame or smoke.

anthrax

noun a serious

disease of sheep

Flood; [informal] old, oldfashioned.

cattle,

birth; of or

during

noun

1

anthropoid

adj relating

to apes that resemble

humans.

customs of

(pl

radio or television aerial. adj further

forward in position or

human

beings.

anthropological adj anthropologist noun

anthropomorphic adj attributing human form or character to a

time.

ante-room noun a small room leading to a main one.

anthem

noun

1

a piece of

music sung by a choir in a religious service.

2

a

song adopted by a country as an expression of identity.

anther

humans.

noun the study of the origin and

antennae) an insect's feeler. 2 (pl antennas) a

anterior

and

transmissible to

anthropology

pregnancy.

antenna

form

of coal burning with

time before the biblical

antelope noun a deer-like mammal. antenatal adj before

(pl

anthologies) a collection of poems or other pieces of writing.

little

antediluvian

stamen

noun a part of a

god

or

animal.

anthropomorphism anti- prefix opposed counteracting.

noun

to;

antibiotic noun a medicine that kills bacteria.

antibody

noun

(pl

antibodies) a protein

formed

in the blood in

anticipate

38

reaction to a harmful

substance,

which

then

it

destroys.

anti-hero noun

anticipate

verb

expect,

1

look forward to. 2 deal with or respond to in advance. anticipation noun

anticlimax

noun a dull

ending where was expected.

a climax

& adv

in the direction opposite

amusing noun

pressure around

an area

which

slowly circulates,

producing fine weather.

antidepressant

noun a

drug counteracting mental depression.

drug counteracting the effect of histamine, used to treat allergies.

noun a

protective covering for a chair-back. noun a silvery-

antipathy

noun

(pl

noun a substance

dislike.

antipathetic adj

antiperspirant

Antipodes

/an-tip-6deez/

PLURAL NOUN (the

Antipodes) Australia and

New

Zealand.

that counteracts the effects of a poison; a

antiquarian

thing that counteracts something unpleasant.

antifreeze noun a substance added to water to prevent freezing. /an-ti-jen/ noun a

.^..ar,— M'PIPP W

noun a

substance applied to the skin to reduce sweating.

Antipodean

antigen

noun a

antipathies) strong

of high atmospheric

antidote

lacks conventional heroic

white metallic element.

plural noun

behaviour.

air

who

qualities.

antimony

to clockwise.

anticyclone

heroes) a central fictional character

antimacassar

anticlockwise adj

ridiculous or

(pl anti-

antihistamine

anticipatory adj

antics

substance stimulating the production of antibodies.

adj

adj relating

to the collection

and

study of antiques and rare books.

antiquated

very oldfashioned or outdated.

antique

adj

adj

belonging to

aorta

39 the distant past, noun an

anxieties) the state of

old and usually valuable

feeling troubled

object.

uneasy.

antiquity noun times.

2

(pl

ancient an object dating

antiquities)

1

from ancient times.

anti-Semitic

adj hostile

anxious adj

1

and uneasy.

and

troubled

(anxious

2

to) eager to.

anxiously adv

any

determiner & pron

1

to Jews.

or some: have you any

anti-Semitism noun

bread? 2

antiseptic adj preventing the growth of organisms that cause disease or infection, noun

an

antiseptic substance.

antisocial in a

way

behaving

adj

that

antithesis noun (pl antitheses) an opposite; a contrast.

/an-to-nim/ NOUN

to

another in meaning.

anus

/ay-nus/ NOUN the

opening through which solid waste leaves the

pron

anyhow adv

1

any person. anyway.

2

in

a disorganized or untidy

anyone

any person

pron

or people.

anything

pron a thing of

1

used to add

a further point:

it's

too

late, anyway. 2 used to dismiss objections or difficulties: / did it anyway.

3

used to introduce a

new

topic.

anywhere any

adv in or to

place, pron

any

place.

AOB abbrev any other

body.

anvil noun an iron block on which metal is

hammered and anxiety noun (pl

anybody

anyway adv

antler noun a branched horn of a deer.

word opposite

football.

any kind.

antithetical adj

a

good at

will do.

he wasn't any

all:

way.

is

unacceptable to others.

antonym

whichever or

whatever: any one ADV at

one

shaped.

business.

aorta main

/ay-or-ta/ NOUN

the

artery carrying

blood from the heart.

apace

40

|p apace adv apart

adv

swiftly.

expressing a general

separated by a

truth.

1

distance.

2

apartheid

aphrodisiac

into pieces. /a-par-tayt/ noun

former policy of racial segregation in South

a

Africa.

apartment rooms;

apathy

[US]

noun a set of a

noun lack of

apathetic adj noun

a

an animal tail,

noun

an light

apocryphal

/a-po-km-fal/

doubtful

apogee

noun loss of the

from brain

1

noun a small

on the

sap of plants.

/a-po-jee/ noun

the point in the orbit of

the

moon

which

damage.

aphorism

plural noun

the books of the Old Testament, not accepted as part of the Hebrew

authenticity.

level.

insect that feeds

Apocrypha

adj of

noun the highest

/ay-fid/

is

scriptures.

ability to use language,

aphid

which everything

apocalyptic adj

enters a camera.

resulting

/a-po-ka-lips/

noun a catastrophic event

destroyed.

mimic.

opening by which

aphasia

by

/a-plom/ NOUN

gorilla.

opening; the variable

point or

aplomb

in

appetizer.

apex

adv to, for, or

such as

aperitif noun an alcoholic drink taken as an

aperture

kept.

apocalypse

monkeys

chimpanzee or

verb imitate,

a

calm self-confidence.

related to the

but with no

apiary noun (pl apiaries) place where bees are

each.

interest or enthusiasm.

ape

sexual desire.

apiece

flat.

noun a

substance arousing

or a satellite at

it is

furthest

the earth. 2 the highest point reached.

apologetic regret for

adj

expressing

having done

wrong.

/a-for-iz-em/

noun a short saying

apologetically adv

;rMBM!

from

appease

41 apologize

make an

apologise) verb apology.

apology

apothecary

(also

noun

apologies)

1

a statement

done wrong or hurt someone. (an apology for) a poor

example

of.

apoplectic

adj

1

[informal]

relating to

noun

1

[dated] a

/a-pos-ta-si/

abandonment

NOUN

of a belief

or principle.

appal

([us]

appall) verb

apalled) horrify.

appalling adj

/a-pos-tayt/ NOUN

who

a posteriori

noun for scientific

or other work. noun clothing.

renounces

apparition

^appeal

verb

noun a ghost. 1

adj (of

request.

2 refer

higher court.

effect to cause.

(Apostle)

appealing.

disciples of Christ. 2 a

2

strong supporter of a policy or cause.

show the

/a-pos-tro-fi/ ('),

used to

possessive case

or omission of a letter.

3

attractive, noun

each of the twelve chief

noun the sign

a

a decision

a court of law to a

from

1

make

serious or earnest

by

apostrophe

clearly

necessarily so.

reasoning) proceeding

noun

1

seen or understood. 2 seeming real, but not

apparently adv

a former belief.

Apostle

(pl

level.

apparent adj

extreme anger.

a person

point or

apparel

incapacity caused by

apostate

noun

apotheoses) the highest

equipment

stroke. 2 [informal]

apostasy

apotheosis

apparatus

apoplexy.

apoplexy

apothecaries) [archaic] a person who prepared and

(appals, apalling,

overcome with anger. 2 [dated]

(pl

sold medicines.

(pl

of regret for having

2

noun

be 1 an act of

attractiveness.

appear verb become 1

visible. 2 seem, give an impression.

appearance noun

appease

verb pacify

(someone) by giving

append HP

42

what they ask for. appeasement noun

append

add

verb

at

express approval.

applause noun the

appendage

noun a thing

attached or appended.

appendectomy

noun

(pl

appendectomies) the surgical removal of the appendix.

fruit

noun

inflammation of the noun

appliance

noun a piece of

equipment

for a specific

task.

applicable

adj

applicability noun

applicant

tube of tissue attached to the lower end of the large intestine. 2 a section

of additional information

the end of a book.

be

verb

noun a person

applies for

something.

(pl

appendices or appendixes) 1 a small

appertain

crisp flesh.

who

appendix.

appendix

and

appropriate; relevant.

appendicitis

application

noun

1

a

formal request. 2 sustained hard work. 3 the action of applying something. 4 a computer program designed for a particular purpose.

applicator

relevant.

appetite

round

noun a

with green or red skin

end.

at

apple

noun a device

for inserting or spreading

noun a natural

desire for food;

an

enthusiasm.

appetizer

(also

something.

applied

used in a practical way. adj

applique

/ap-lee-kay/ NOUN

appetiser) noun a small

decorative needlework in

item of food or a drink taken before a meal.

which

appetizing

pieces of fabric are

attached to a

background.

(also

appetising) adj

apply

stimulating the appetite.

verb (applies,

applying applied) 1 make a formal request. 2 bring into operation. 3 be ;

applaud

verb

show

approval by clapping;

ri.i±j.Um9TTTTTl

approve

43 relevant. 4 spread over a

apprehensive adj

surface. 5 (apply oneself)

worried, afraid.

concentrate on a task.

apprehensively adv

appoint

verb

choose

1

apprentice

(a

noun a person

person) for a job; decide

learning a skilled trade

on

from an employer.

2

(a

time or place).

(appointed) equipped

apprenticeship noun

or furnished in a

apprise

specified way.

appointment

noun

1

an

arrangement to meet. job. 3 (appointments)

2

approach verb come 1

a

furniture or fittings.

apportion

apposite

verb share out.

/a-po-zit/ adj

appropriate.

appraise

verb estimate

the value or quality appraisal noun

appreciable

of.

adj

an

act or

manner

of

approachable

adj easy

to talk to.

approbation

noun

adj

/a-proh-pri-at/ suitable,

appreciate verb recognize the good qualities of; understand; 1

increase

for. 2

in value.

appreciation noun appreciative adj 1

proper. VERB /a-proh-pri-ayt/ take and use; set aside for a special purpose.

appropriately adv appropriation noun

approval seize,

arrest. 2 perceive,

noun the

opinion that something is good; official acceptance.

approve verb

understand.

apprehension

noun

approaching; a path leading to a place.

appropriate

appreciably adv

apprehend verb

near to. 2 make a request or suggestion to. 3 start to deal with (a task).

approval.

considerable.

be grateful

verb (apprise of)

inform.

noun

1

something

as 2

regard

good or

formally

1

anxiety.

acceptable.

2

understanding.

authorize or accept.

approx. approx.

44

apse

ABBREV

approximate adj

apt

almost

but not quite exact. VERB /a-prok-sim-ayt/ be very similar. approximately adv approximation noun

APR abbrev annual

to)

adj

roof in

appropriate.

1

2

(apt

having a tendency

to.

aptly adv

aptness noun

aptitude

noun natural

ability.

aqualung

noun a portable

percentage rate (of

breathing apparatus for

interest).

divers.

apres-ski

/ap-ray-skee/

following a day's skiing.

apricot soft

noun a fruit with

orange-yellow

flesh.

April noun the fourth

month

priori adj & adv using

theory rather than observation as a facts or

noun

1

a

clothes.

2

of

part of a

theatre stage in front of

uncontrollably on a wet road surface.

a

water-filled tank in

which

fish

and other

adj relating to

water; living in water.

aqueduct

carrying water over a valley or land.

loading

aquifer

aircraft.

/ap-ro-poh/ ADV

noun a channel

or bridge-like structure

aqueous

concerning.

noun (pl

aquariums or aquaria)

3 an area on an airfield for manoeuvring and

the curtain.

apropos

verb (of a

vehicle) slide

aquatic

garment

worn over the front the body to protect

noun a

water creatures are kept.

assuming a

result or effect.

apron

aquaplane

aquarium

of the year.

basis for

aquamarine

bluish-green gemstone.

noun social activities

a

domed

arched or a church.

approximate(ly).

/a-prok-sim-at/

noun a recess with an

/ay-kwi-us/ adj

relating to or containing

water. noun a layer of

water-bearing rock or soil.

arch

45 aquiline

an eagle; curved like an

adj like

(of a nose)

eagle's beak.

Arab

noun a

dispute.

member

of a

Semitic people of the

Middle East and North Africa.

Arabian noun

arabesque position in leg

is

lifted

backwards.

& adj

noun

1

a ballet

which one and extended 2

an

ornamental design of intertwined lines.

Arabic

noun the language

of the Arabs, adj relating to the Arabs or Arabic.

Arabic numeral

noun

any of the numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

arable

growing

arboretum

noun

(pl

arboretums or arboreta) a place where trees are grown for study and display.

arbour

([us]

arbor) noun a

shady place with a canopy of trees or climbing plants.

arc

noun

1

a curve

forming

part of the circumference

of a circle.

2

a curving

movement through air. 3

a

luminous

the

electric

current crossing a gap

noun a series of

arches supporting a roof

arachnid

noun a creature

spiders, scorpions, mites, ticks.

arcane arch 1

arbiter noun

a person

who

settles a dispute.

arbitrary

or wall; a covered walk

between shops,

of a class including

random

/ah-bor-ree-al/ ADJ

of or living in trees.

arcade

crops.

and

arboreal

between terminals.

adj (of land)

suitable for

arbitrator noun a person chosen to settle a

adj

based on

choice.

arbitrarily adv

arbitrate

verb act as

arbitrator.

arbitration noun

stalls, etc.

adj mysterious.

noun a curved

structure spanning an opening or supporting bridge, roof, etc.; the

inner side of the foot. verb

form an arch.

arch 2

adj playfully

suggesting one is not revealing everything.

a

archaeology

46 architect

archly adv

archaeology

of buildings.

([us]

architecture

archeology) noun the study of earlier

of buildings, objects, etc.

archaeological adj archaeologist noun adj

belonging to

former or ancient times. archaism noun

archangel

noun

an angel

noun a chief

architrave /ah-ki-trayv/ noun a moulded frame round a doorway or window. archive /ar-kyv/ noun a collection of historical

documents.

archivist

/ar-kiv-ist/

noun a

an archive.

archway

bishop.

archdeacon

noun a priest

noun an arched entrance or passage.

Arctic

ranking next below

adj relating to

regions around the North

bishop.

archduke

noun [historical]

the son of an Austrian

Pole.

ardent

adj passionate,

enthusiastic.

Emperor.

archer

architectural adj

person trained to manage

of high rank.

archbishop

noun the

designing of buildings.

through the examination of remains civilizations

archaic

noun a designer

noun a person

who

bow and

shoots with a

ardently adv

ardour

([us]

ardor) noun

passion; enthusiasm.

arrows.

arduous

archery noun

archetype

/ar-ki-typ/ noun

a typical example;

an

adj difficult

and

tiring.

are 2nd person

singular

2nd and

original model.

present and

archetypal adj

3rd person plural present

archipelago goh/ noun

(pl

/ah-ki-pe-la-

archipelagos

1st,

of BE.

area

noun

1

a part of a

or archipelagoes) a

place, object, or surface;

group of islands; the sea round this.

the extent or

measurement of

a

Armageddon

47 surface. 2 a subject or

range of activity.

arena

notice. 2 stand up.

aristocracy

noun a level area

noun

(pl

aristocracies) the

surrounded by seating,

hereditary upper classes.

for sport or

aristocrat noun

entertainment; an area of

aristocratic adj

activity.

arete noun a sharp mountain ridge.

argon argot

an

noun

inert gas.

/ar-goh/ noun jargon,

slang.

arguable

be

adj able to

argued or disagreed with. arguably adv

argue verb

1

express

disagreement; exchange angry words. 2 give reasons for an opinion.

argument

noun

1

a

arithmetic noun the use of numbers in counting and calculation. ark noun 1 (in the Bible) the ship built by Noah to escape the Flood. 2 a chest housing the holy

synagogue; (Ark of the Covenant) the chest which contained the laws of the ancient Israelites. scrolls in a

arm

noun

1

an upper limb

of the body.

a raised

2

side part of a chair.

3

a

discussion involving

division of an

disagreement; a quarrel. a reason put forward; a chain of reasoning.

(arms) weapons, verb equip with

2

argumentative

adj

given

to arguing.

adj

dry and parched

as a result of

no

rain.

arise

verb (arises, arising,

arose; past arisen)

1

participle

come

into

existence or to people's

(a

bomb)

ready to explode. noun a fleet of

warships.

armadillo

noun

armadillos) a

(pl

mammal

South America with

body encased

aridity noun

4

weapons; make

armada

aria noun a song for a solo voice in an opera. arid

organization.

in

of

a

bony

plates.

Armageddon

noun a final

disastrous conflict; (in

the Bible) the

last battle

armament HP

48

between good and

Day

before the

arnica

evil

substance used to treat

of

Judgement.

armament

bruises.

noun military

weapons.

dynamo

armchair

aromatherapy

noun an

noun an agreement to stop

every side.

an

in or to

2

places throughout

area, adv

so as to face

1

in the opposite direction.

fighting.

armorial

adj relating to

heraldry.

armor) noun metal coverings formerly ([us]

in battle to protect

the body; (armour plate) a metal layer covering a military vehicle or ship.

armoured

armoury

([us]

armory)

weapons

place where

2

approximately.

3

available or present.

arouse

verb

are

arpeggio

the

notes of a musical chord played in succession.

answer a charge. arraignment noun verb

1

of music).

shoulder. noun

noun /ah-pe-jee-

put tidily or into order. 2 organize or plan. 3 adapt (a piece

noun the hollow at

stir;

oh/ (pl arpeggios) the

arrange

kept.

under the arm

waken;

stimulate.

arraign /a-rayn/ verb call someone to court to

adj

noun (pl armouries) a

(pl

armies)

1

an

on

land.

2

arrangement noun

arrant

organized force for group.

oils

arose past of arise. around adv & prep 1 on

many

armistice

fighting

noun the

for healing.

upholstered chair with supports for the sitter's arms.

armpit

adj

use of essential plant

or electric motor.

army

noun a pleasant

aromatic

noun the

rotating coil of a

worn

aroma smell.

armature

armour

noun a plant

a vast

array

adj utter,

noun

1

wide range.

complete.

a display or 2

an

artesian well

49 arrangement of troops. 3

fine clothing, verb

1

display, arrange.

arrayed

2

(be in.

arrears plural noun money owed and overdue for repayment; work whose completion

arrest

verb

is

(someone) by authority.

overdue.

legal

2 stop,

anus.

arsenal noun a place where weapons are stored or made.

arsenic

noun a semi-

metallic element; a

strongly poisonous

seize

1

ass) noun [vulgar the buttocks or

([us]

slang]

be dressed

in)

arse

delay.

compound of this. arson noun the intentional

noun the legal seizure of

and unlawful

an offender.

fire

arrival noun the process of arriving; a person or thing that has arrived.

arrive

verb reach a

destination; (of a particular

moment) come

about.

setting

on

of a building.

arsonist noun

art noun

1

the expression of

creative skill in a visual

form such

as painting or

sculpture; paintings sculptures.

2

and

(the arts)

subjects other than sciences; creative

arrogant

adj

exaggerating

one's importance or abilities;

proud.

arrogance noun arrogantly adv

arrogate

verb take or

claim for oneself without justification.

arrow

noun a straight

shaft with a sharp point,

shot from a bow; a sign

shaped

like this.

arrowroot

activities (e.g. painting,

music, writing).

artefact noun a

artery large

([us]

3

skill.

artifact)

man-made noun

a

object.

(pl arteries) a

blood vessel

carrying blood

from the

away

heart; a

major

road or route. arterial adj

artesian well that

is

noun a well

bored vertically

into oblique strata so

an edible starch obtained from a

that water rises through

plant.

natural pressure.

noun

artful

m

50

clever.

form a joint; connect by joints.

artfully adv

articulately adv

artful adj cunningly

clearly. 2

arthritis noun a condition in which there is pain and stiffness in the

articulation noun

articulated lorry noun lorry with sections

joints.

connected by a

arthritic adj

joint.

arthropod

flexible

noun an animal with a segmented

artifact US spelling of ARTEFACT.

body and jointed limbs (such as an insect or

artifice noun a deception.

crustacean).

artichoke

1

(also

globe artichoke) a plant with a flower of leaf-like scales eaten as a vegetable. 2 (Jerusalem artichoke) a type of sunflower with a root eaten as a vegetable. 1

an

individual object.

artificiality noun

artificially adv

artillery noun

2

a

newspaper or journal. 3 a clause in an agreement. verb (be articled) (of a

accountant, be employed as a

solicitor,

lat/

branch of

artisan noun a skilled manual worker, a craftsperson. 1 a person works of art,

artist noun creates

especially paintings.

who 2

a

at a

particular task.

3

a

professional entertainer.

oneself coherently; (of

coherent. VERB

artistry noun

artiste

speech) clear and

1

on land; an army

adj /ar-tik-yoo-

able to express

layt/

guns

used in fighting

person skilled

trainee.

articulate

(pl

artilleries) large

using these.

piece of writing in a

etc.)

as a

copy of or to replace something natural.

a

article noun

skilful

made

artificial adj

noun

a

/ar-tik-yoo-

speak or express

'TTTrSTTTSi

/ar-teest/

noun a

professional entertainer.

artistic

adj

1

relating to

ash

51

creative

ascension

having

art or artists. 2

simple and

adj

ascent

natural.

noun pictures

and

diagrams in published material.

arty

displaying an

obvious interest in the arts.

as

comparisons to refer to extent or amount, conj 1

while.

3

because.

2

in the 4

way

that.

even though.

/as-ser-tayn/

asafoetida

smelling spice.

asceticism noun

ASCII

ABBREV [COMPUTING]

American Standard Code for

Information

as

noun a soft

fibrous mineral substance fireproof

material.

asbestosis

noun a lung

by

inhaling asbestos particles.

go up; climb,

rise.

ascendant

verb attribute.

ascription noun noun an aseptic

condition.

aseptic

adj free

from

harmful bacteria. aseptically adv

disease caused

verb

noun

vitamin C.

asepsis

used to make

adj abstaining

from pleasures and luxuries, noun an ascetic

ascribe

soon

possible.

asbestos

ascetic

ascorbic acid

(also

asafetida) noun a strong-

abbrev as

ascertainable adj

Interchange.

prep in the role of.

ascend

ascertain

person.

adv used in

asap

slope.

verb find out.

adj (artier, artiest)

[informal]

noun the action of

going up; an upward

artlessly adv

artwork

Ascension)

the ascent of Christ to heaven.

artistically adv

artless

noun an

ascent; (the

skill.

asexual

without sex or sexual organs; not having sexual feelings. asexually adv

ash

noun

adj

1

a tree

silver-grey bark. adj rising.

that remains

with 2

after

powder

ashamed

52

something has burnt.

ashamed

asp noun a small viper. asparagus noun a plant

adj feeling

shame.

ashen

a state of sleep.

adj pale as ashes;

whose shoots

ashlar

made

noun

aspect

masonry

of large square-cut

stones.

ashore

adv to or

on the

noun

ashram

noun (originally

religious retreat.

asperity

adj relating to Asia

people, noun an

Asian person.

Asiatic

adj relating to

aside

adv to or

side, noun a

on one

remark made

very

1

say something

so as to get

an answer or

information. 2 make a request; (ask for) request to speak to. 3 invite.

askance

adv with a

suspicious or

disapproving look.

askew adv & adj

not

straight or level.

asleep

noun harshness.

aspersion

noun a

derogatory remark. noun a black tar-

like substance mixed with gravel for surfacing

roads.

asphyxia

/as-fix-i-a/

noun

suffocate.

asphyxiation noun

silly.

ask verb

a

asphyxiate verb

people will hear. /a-si-nln/ adj

which

suffocation.

so that only certain

asinine

the

noun a poplar tree.

asphalt

Asia.

2

building faces.

aspen

its

a feature or

appearance of something. 3 the

in India) a place of

or

1

part of something.

direction in

shore.

Asian

are used as

a vegetable.

grey.

adv & adj in or into

aspic

noun a savoury

jelly.

aspidistra noun an ornamental plant. aspirant noun a person aiming to achieve something.

aspirate noun /ass-pi-rat/ the sound of h. verb /ass-pi-rayt/ pronounce with an

h.

aspiration noun an

assignment

53

making powers.

earnest desire or

ambition.

assent

aspirational adj

aspire

have

verb

a

hope

or ambition.

and reduces

fever.

ass

1

person.

a Stupid

3 [us]

spelling of

ARSE.

exercise

(assert oneself) behave

assertive adj forthright and self-assured.

assassin

likelihood noun a killer of

assassinate

verb kill (an

important person) by violent means. assassination noun noun a violent

attack, verb

make an

noun the testing of

metal to see

how

make an

pure

assay

of.

assemble

verb bring or

together; put

together the parts

assembly

of.

assessment

noun

assessor noun

asset with

noun

1

a property

money

value.

2

a

useful or valuable thing,

person, or quality.

assiduous care

adj

showing

and thoroughness.

assiduity noun

assault on.

verb

or value of;

estimate the worth or

an

noun

an important person.

assault

verb decide the

amount

attacker.

come

3

assess

verb attack

assailant

it is.

2

(rights or authority).

assertiveness noun

violently.

a

state; declare

assertion noun

donkey.

a

2 [INFORMAL]

assay

1

verb

forcefully.

noun

assail

assert

to be true.

aspirin noun a drug that relieves pain

noun agreement.

verb express agreement.

noun

of.

an

assembled group; a body of people with law-

assiduously adv

assiduousness noun

assign

verb allot to a

person or purpose; designate to perform a task.

assignation

noun an

arrangement to meet.

assignment assigned.

noun a task

assimilate assimilate

54

verb absorb or

assonant

be absorbed into the body, into a larger group,

assorted

mind

or into the

as

collection

assimilation noun verb help.

assuage a

subordinate; a person a shop.

county court

sat at regular

verb /a-soh-si-

connect in one's mind; (be associated) occur together, be linked. socially; (associate

oneself) be involved

(a responsibility,

noun

true.

noun

an

1

/a-soh-si-at/

assure verb

3 life

declare

1

confidently

to. 2

certain. 3 cover

adj

confident.

a partner.

association

self-confidence.

insurance.

assured

a business

companion,

2

make

by

life

insurance.

with something, noun

1

sure,

2 certain,

guaranteed. noun

group organized

1

a

assuredly

for a

shared purpose; a link, a connection. 2 feelings or ideas

commonly

adv certainly.

asterisk noun a starshaped symbol (*). astern adv at or towards

connected with another

the rear of a ship or

idea.

aircraft.

assonance rhyming

take

quality, etc.).

assurance

1

mix

2

assertion, a promise.

associate

2

accept as

something assumed to be

intervals.

ayt/

1

true without proof.

assumption plural noun

[historical] a

of

/a-swayj/ verb

assume verb on

serves customers in

which

composed

soothe; satisfy (a desire).

assistant noun a helper; person employed as a

assizes

noun a

several sorts.

assistance noun

who

adj of several

sorts.

assortment

knowledge.

assist

adj

asteroid

noun the

many

of vowel

noun

one of

small rocky bodies

orbiting the sun between

sounds.

ljr rrir -

-

"TfUllBlM

atavistic

55 Mars and

asthma

trained to travel in a

Jupiter.

noun a chronic

spacecraft.

astronomical

condition causing difficulty in breathing.

1

asthmatic

2 [informal]

adj & noun

astigmatism

verb surprise

shock or

adj relating to

the

stars.

away

adv & adj

from the proper path.

astride adv & prep with one leg on each side of.

astringent

adj

1

causing

tissue to contract. 2

harsh, severe, noun an

astringency noun combining form of the

stars.

astrology

noun the study

of the supposed

influence of stars

human

stars and planets and their movements. astronomer noun

noun the study of the physical nature of stars and

astrophysicist noun

astute adj good at making accurate judgements, shrewd. astutely adv

astuteness noun

asunder adv asylum noun protection.

apart. 1

on

affairs.

an

who are mentally ill. asymmetrical (also asymmetric) adj lacking symmetry. asymmetrically adv

at 1

prep expressing:

location or time.

astrologer noun

point on

astrological adj

or condition.

astronaut

refuge,

2 [dated]

institution for people

astringent lotion.

astro-

noun the

planets.

greatly surprise.

astray

astronomically adv

astrophysics

astonishment noun

astral

in

study of

very greatly.

verb

enormous

astronomy

the eye, preventing proper focusing. astigmatic adj

astound

relating to astronomy.

amount.

noun a

defect in the curvature of

astonish

adj

noun a person

atavistic

2

a

a scale. 3 a state

adj reverting to

ataxia HP

56

something ancient or inherited from the earliest humans. atavism noun

ataxia

atmospheric

atoll noun a ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a lagoon.

noun difficulty in

body movements. controlling

ate

quantity.

a person does not believe in

God. atheism noun noun a person

in track

field events; a

who

is

good

person

at sports.

condition of the foot.

and

1

strong,

active. 2 relating to

and

field sports.

athletically adv

a

book

situation, etc.

atoms or

fine particles.

atomization noun atomizer noun /ay-toh-nal/ ADJ (of

key.

atone

noun

by

verb

make amends

for a fault. 1

the

atonement noun

atrium air.

a unit of pressure. 3 the

feeling given

atomise)

atonality noun

mixture of gases surrounding a planet; 2

(also

verb reduce to

any

of

machine.

atmosphere

noun

music) not written in

ATM abbrev automated teller

fission.

energy obtained from

atonal

athleticism noun

atlas noun maps.

from nuclear

atomize

fit,

athletics, noun (athletics)

track

atomic bomb noun a bomb deriving its power

nuclear fission.

infectious fungal

adj

adj relating to

atoms; relating to nuclear energy or

atomic energy

athlete's foot noun an

athletic

atomic

weapons.

who competes and

noun the smallest

chemical element; a very small

atheist noun

athlete

atom

particle of a

past of eat.

who

adj

a place,

noun (pl atria or

atriums)

1

either of the

two upper heart

cavities.

the central court of an ancient Roman house. 3 a

2

attic

57 glazed central hall rising

through several

atrocious

adj

stories.

very bad.

atrociously adv

atrocity noun

(pl

verb (atrophies,

atrophying, atrophied)

waste away from lack of use or nourishment. noun the condition of atrophying. verb

1

fasten; join.

2

ascribe or be ascribed.

3

(be attached to) be

working with. 4 (attached to) fond of. attachment noun

attache

an

verb try. noun

attend at;

verb

1

be present

accompany.

2

take

notice; (attend to) deal

cruel act.

attach

attempt

oil

effort.

atrocities) wickedness; a

atrophy

attar noun a fragrant from rose petals.

/a-tash-ay/ NOUN a

person attached to an ambassador's staff.

attache case

noun a

with, look after.

attendance noun

attendant

noun

an

assistant; a person providing service in a

particular place.

occurring with something; accompanying.

adj

attention

noun

the

1

concentration of one's

mind on something; notice; care.

a straight

2

standing position in military

drill.

attentive

adj

paying

small case for carrying

attention; considerate,

documents.

helpful.

attack

attentively adv

noun a violent

attentiveness noun

attempt to hurt or defeat a person; strong

sudden onset verb make an

criticism; a

of illness,

attack; hurt or criticize.

attacker noun

attain

verb achieve.

attainable adj

attainment noun

attenuate

verb

make

thin

or weaker.

attenuation noun

attest of;

verb provide proof

declare true or

genuine. attestation noun

attic noun a room in the

attire

58

roof space or top storey of a house.

atypical

attire noun clothes.

attitude noun

a

1

way

of

a position of

thinking.

2

the body.

3 [informal] self-

confident or aggressive behaviour. noun (pl

aubergine

noun a purple fruit eaten

auburn

adj (of hair)

reddish brown.

auction where

appointed to act for another in legal matters;

verb sell

a lawyer.

advantage; arouse interest or liking in.

attraction noun

appearance.

the highest bidder. by auction.

who

noun a person

conducts an

auction.

audacious

adj daring.

audaciously adv audacity noun loud enough

adj

to be heard.

audibly adv

attractively adv

attractiveness noun

attribute NOUN

audience

noun

1

a

group

of listeners or spectators. /at-ri-bewt/ 2

a characteristic quality. VERB /a-tri-bewt/ (attribute

belonging

to or caused by. attributable adj attribution noun

attrition noun gradual wearing down or away through prolonged attack, pressure, or friction.

articles are sold to

audible

adj pleasing in

to) regard as

noun a public sale

auctioneer

attract verb cause to come somewhere or do something by offering

attractive

/oh-ber-z/zeen/

as a vegetable.

attorneys) a person

[us]

not typical,

adj

atypically adv

verb clothe.

attorney

attune verb make or become sensitive.

a formal interview.

audio

noun

sound or the

reproduction of sound.

audio tape

noun a

magnetic tape for recording sound; a recording on

this.

audio-visual adj using both sight and sound.

audit

noun an official examination of accounts.

Australasian

59 make an

verb

audit

father or mother.

of.

auditor noun

audition

au pair

noun a test of a

performer's ability for a particular part, verb test

or be tested in an

thing.

aural

where the audience

sits.

/or-al, ow-ral/ ADJ

relating to the ear.

aurally adv

auditory

adj relating to

aureole

hearing.

fait /oh fay/ adj (au

fait

good

knowledge of

auger

for boring,

with a

spiral

point. verb

add

/oh re-vwah/

goodbye

(until

we meet again). auspices plural noun

auspicious

augmentation noun

augur verb be an omen

exclamation

(under the auspices with the support of.

to,

increase.

or

sign.

of)

adj

conducive to success; being an omen of success.

augury noun (pl auguries) an omen or sign. August noun the eighth month.

august

auspiciously adv

auspiciousness noun

austere

adj severely

simple and plain. /aw-gust/ ADJ

majestic. /ork/ noun a

austerity noun

Australasian northern

seabird.

aunt

light.

au revoir

(a subject).

/or-ge/ noun a tool

augment

(also aureola)

noun a halo; a circle of

with) having

auk

noun the atmosphere

surrounding a person or

the part of a theatre or

au

and housework in return board and lodging.

aura noun (pl

auditoriums or auditoria) hall

young

person from overseas who helps with childcare for

audition.

auditorium

noun a

noun the sister or

sister-in-law of one's

adj relating

to Australasia, a region

consisting of Australia, Zealand, and the

New

neighbouring islands of

Australian the

SW

suffering

Pacific.

Australian from

60

noun a person

relating to Australia.

genuine,

adj

autism noun

authentically adv

autO- COMBINING own.

authenticity noun

autobiography

known

to be true.

authenticate

prove

verb

the authenticity

a

book

self;

noun

(pl

autobiographies) the life

written by that person.

noun the writer of etc.;

FORM

story of a person's

of.

authentication noun

author

mental

a

normal communication and relationships.

Australia, adj

authentic

from

disorder that prevents

an originator

autobiographical

autocracy

noun

adj

(pl

of something.

autocracies) rule by an

authorship noun

autocrat.

authoritarian

autocrat

adj

favouring complete obedience to authority. authoritarianism noun

authoritative 1

reliably accurate or true.

2

self-confident

commanding

and

1

autocratically adv

a device

noun [trade mark]

showing

autograph

power

to

noun a

verb write one's

in or on.

(also

for.

autoimmune adj

(of

by antibodies produced diseases) caused

naturally present in the

body.

authorization noun

autistic

name

against substances

authorise) verb give

permission

a

unseen

person's signature.

person with this. 2 a person with specialized knowledge.

official

on

television screen

enforce obedience; a

authorize

a

by the audience.

noun (pl

authorities)

autocratic adj

speaker's script

respect.

authoritatively adv

authority

with unrestricted power.

autocue

adj

noun a ruler

/or-tis-tik/ ADJ

.^....Trrrrrgga

automate

verb introduce

average

61 automation to

auxiliaries) a helper.

(a

process).

auxiliary verb noun

automatic

[grammar] a verb used in

adj

functioning without

forming the tenses of

human

other verbs.

intervention;

done without thinking. noun an automatic machine or firearm. automatically adv

automation

no

use

of.

avail

without

success.

available

ready to be

adj

used; obtainable.

noun (pl

automatons or

availability noun

automata) a robot.

automobile

make to

noun the use

of automatic equipment.

automaton

avail verb be of use or help; (avail oneself of)

noun

[us]

avalanche a

snow

noun a

sliding

down

a

mountain.

car.

automotive adj

avant-garde

/av-ahn-

concerned with motor

gard/ ADJ

vehicles.

experimental,

autonomous adj

self-

autonomy autopilot

noun noun a device

keeping an

ship

on

aircraft or

a set course

noun

avarice

noun greed for

wealth or material things.

avenge

(pl

autopsies) a post-

mortem.

autumn

progressive, noun (the

avaricious adj

automatically.

autopsy

new,

avant-garde) a group of innovators in the arts.

governing.

for

mass of

noun the season

verb take

vengeance for. avenger noun

avenue

noun a wide tree-

between summer and

lined road; a

winter.

approach.

autumnal auxiliary

aver

adj adj

giving help

or support, noun

(pl

method

of

verb (avers, averring,

averred) state as true.

average

noun a value

averse

62

by adding

arrived at

several quantities

together and dividing by the

number

of these

quantities; a standard

regarded as usual, adj

found by making an average; ordinary, usual.

avoirdupois

having a

adj

strong dislike.

aversion

dyou-pwah/ noun a system of weights based on a pound of 16 ounces.

avow verb declare. avowal noun

avuncular adj

of or like a

AWACS abbrev airborne warning and control

noun a strong

dislike.

system.

await

avert verb 1 turn away. 2 ward off. noun

(pl

aviaries) a

awake verb

keeping birds.

adj

aircraft.

adj

not asleep;

awaken

past

awoken) wake. alert.

verb stop

sleeping;

stir

up

(a

feeling).

having a strong

desire.

award

verb give

by

official

decision as a prize or

avidly adv

avionics

penalty, noun something

noun electronics

in aviation.

avocado

noun

avocados)

(pl

a pear-shaped

tropical fruit.

avocet

(awakes,

awaking, awoke; participle

aviation noun the practice or science of flying an

be in

verb wait for;

store for.

large cage or building for

avid

/av-wah-

kind uncle.

averse

aviary

avoidance noun

noun a

wading

bird with a long

upturned

bill.

avoid verb keep oneself away from; refrain from. avoidable

adj

awarded; the action of awarding.

aware adj

having knowledge or realization. awareness noun

awash

adj covered or flooded with water.

away adv

1

to or at a

distance; into existence. toiling

2

non-

constantly:

away. ADJ (of a

azure

63

AWOL abbrev absent

match) played on an opponent's ground.

awe

without leave.

awry

noun great respect

mixed with

fear, verb

fill

with awe.

aweigh

adj (of

an anchor)

/a-ry/ ADV & ADJ

1

twisted to one side.

2

wrong, amiss.

axe

ax) noun a

([us]

raised clear of the sea

chopping tool with

bottom.

sharp blade, verb (axes, axing, axed) remove by abolishing or dismissing.

awesome adj

causing

awe.

awful

adj

1

extremely bad

or unpleasant.

2 [informal]

used for emphasis: an awful

lot.

extremely.

2

very badly.

adv for a short

time. 1

difficult to

use, do, or handle;

inconvenient; clumsy. 2 uncooperative. 3 embarrassed; embarrassing.

awkwardly

axiomatic noun

adj

(pl

axes) a line

through the centre of an object, round which it rotates

if

spinning.

noun

noun a tool for

making

holes in leather or wood. noun a canvas

shelter.

awoke, awoken and past AWAKE.

axle

noun a rod

on which

wheels turn.

ayatollah

noun a

Muslim

religious leader in Iran.

aye

(also ay) exclamation

[ARCHAIC] or [DIALECT] yes.

adv

awkwardness

awning

an accepted

axial adj

awkward adj

awl

noun

general principle.

axis

awfully adv 1 very much;

awhile

axiom

a

past

participle of

noun a vote in favour.

Aztec

noun a

member

of

an Indian people ruling Mexico before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

azure

noun a deep, bright

blue colour.

B

64

Bb B

(also b) noun (PL

Bs

or

B's) the second letter of

the alphabet, abbrev 1 (b.) born. 2 (of pencil lead) black.

look after a child while its parents are out. babysitter noun

baccalaureate

/bak-a-

BA abbrev Bachelor of Arts.

NOUN the final school examination in

baa

France.

lor-i-at/

verb (baas, baaing,

baaed)

babble

bleat.

baccarat

verb chatter

a

indistinctly or foolishly;

/bak-er-ah/ NOUN

gambling card game.

bachelor noun an 1

(of a stream)

murmur.

unmarried man.

noun babbling talk or

names

sound.

babe

an

[informal]

bacillus

attractive

back

(PL

noun the surface or

part furthest noun a large

from the

front; the rear part of the

monkey.

human body from

noun

babies) a child or

(pl

very young animal, adj small of

shoulders to hips; the

corresponding part of an animal's body; a

its

kind.

babysit

NOUN

rod-shaped bacterium.

noise.

babyish

/ba-si-lus/

bacilli) a

young woman. babel noun a confused

baby

of university

degrees.

noun a baby;

baboon

used in

2

defensive player positioned near the goal

adj

in football etc. adv

verb (babysits,

towards the

babysitting, babysat)

.^iim

1

at or

rear; in or

back-pedal

65 into a previous time, position, or state.

me

return: ring 1

adj 2

1

3

backcloth; a background.

in

backfire

back. VERB

support, help.

backwards.

2

2

move

lay a bet on.

situated at the back.

of or relating to the a

claim or argument, back out withdraw from a

commitment, back up 1 support. 2 make a copy of (a computer disc). noun a pain in

one's back.

back-bencher ordinary

MP

noun an

not holding

a senior office.

backbiting

noun spiteful

talk.

2

column

noun the

of small bones

the centre of the

back.

backchat

undesired

effect.

backgammon

noun a painted

cloth at the back of a stage or scene.

backdate

verb declare to

be valid from a previous date.

backdrop

noun a

background

noun the

back part of

a scene or

picture; the

circumstances surrounding something. noun a

backhanded

stroke.

backhanded adj 1 performed with the back of the hand turned forwards. 2 said with underlying sarcasm.

backhander noun

backlash

1

a

stroke.

a bribe.

2 [informal]

noun a hostile

reaction.

backlist noun [informal] a

rude or cheeky response.

backcloth

make an

produce an

backhanded

backbone down

pipe.

backhand

backer noun

backache

1

board game played with draughts and dice.

past: back numbers.

back down withdraw

verb

explosion in an exhaust

noun a

publisher's

list

of books

available.

backlog

noun arrears of

work.

backpack

noun a

rucksack.

back-pedal

verb (back-

pedals, back-pedalling, noun a

back-pedalled;

[us]

back-

back seat I

66

pedaling, back-pedaled)

of data

reverse one's previous

loss or

action or opinion.

back seat

made

in case of

damage.

backward adj

noun an

less

2 having than normal

status.

progress.

back-seat driver a passenger who gives unwanted advice to a

adv backwards.

adv towards with the back; the back

noun [informal]

foremost; in reverse.

backwash

back from good behaviour

by

into bad.

reaction.

verb slip

verb

move

a

computer cursor or space back. noun a

backward spinning

and

a part

stagnant because not reached by the current. 2 a place unaffected by progress. plural noun a

backyard behind

noun a yard

a house; (one's

own backyard)

the area surrounding one's home.

illegal.

backstroke noun a swimming stroke

bacon

noun salted or

smoked meat from

performed on the back.

backtrack

1

is

region.

noun a side

street, adj secret

backwater noun

remote or backward

a theatre stage.

backstreet

receding waves created a ship etc. 2 a

backwoods

movement of a ball. backstage adj & adv behind

1

noun

of a river that

typewriter carriage one

backspin

noun

backwards

the buttocks.

backspace

diffident.

3

backwardness

driver.

backslide

directed

to the rear.

made

inferior position or

backside

1

verb retrace

bacterium

a pig.

noun (pl

bacteria) a microscopic

one's route; reverse one's

organism, often causing

opinion.

disease.

back-up

noun a support, a

reserve; [computing] a

copy

bacterial adj

bacteriological adj

67

bail

bacteriology noun

bad

adj (worse,

verb (bags, bagging,

worst)

1

of

poor quality; having undesirable characteristics. 2 wicked;

naughty.

bagged)

[informal] take or

reserve for oneself.

bagatelle noun 1 a board game in which balls are struck into holes.

serious. 4

harmfuldecayed.

2

badness

noun

short piece of music.

3

2

bade past of bid badge noun something .

worn

show

to

membership, rank,

badger

etc.

noun a large

burrowing animal with a black and white striped

something

trivial. 3 a

baggage noun luggage. baggy adj (baggier, baggiest) hanging in loose folds.

bagpipes

plural noun a

wind instrument with stored in a bag and

air

pressed out through

head, verb pester.

pipes.

badly adv

1

in an

baguette

unsatisfactory,

undesirable, or evil way.

very intensely. badly off in a difficult

2

situation, especially financially.

badminton

noun a

game

net.

bail

1

noun

1

loaf.

the release of

an accused person before trial, on condition that

money

is left

with the

when trial. 2

the person attends money paid to

release

an accused

person, verb set free

baffle verb be too

difficult

for; puzzle.

bafflement noun noun

long thin French

court, to be returned

played with rackets and a shuttlecock over a high

bag

/ba-get/ noun a

1

a flexible

container.

2

(bags)

payment

on

of bail.

bail 2 (also bale) verb 1 scoop water out of

(a

make an emergency jump by

boat). 2 (bail out)

[informal] a large

parachute from an

3 [informal]

aircraft. 3 (bail out) rescue

amount. an unpleasant or annoying woman.

from

a difficulty.

f^L ^^I

bailey

68

bailey noun the outer wall

a Russian guitar-like

instrument.

of a castle. bailiff noun a person delivers writs

and

who

seizes

balance

the property of people

stability;

who owe money

2

for

rent.

bait noun food

placed

etc.

to attract prey;

an inducement, verb or in.

2

1

place

torment-

noun thick woollen

verb

by dry

baker

cook or harden

heat.

noun a person

who

bakes or sells bread. bakery noun

baker's dozen

4

weighing

the

make

1

without compare.

stable, 2

noun

or stay

falling.

(pl

platform with a rail or parapet; the upper floor

1

with the scalp

wholly or partly hairless; (of tyres) with the tread worn away. 2 without details.

baldness noun

balding noun a

mixture used to make

noun

adj

becoming

bald.

bale 1

noun a large quantity

of paper, hay, cotton,

rise.

noun a woollen

hat covering the head and neck, with a hole for the face.

balalaika

adj

nonsense.

noun

baking powder

balaclava

bald

balderdash

thirteen.

cakes

a

of seats in a theatre etc.

green cloth.

bake

debits; a 3

balconies) a projecting

taunt.

baize

apparatus.

balcony

an

attraction,

on

and

remainder.

clock, verb

[Scottish] &

[NORTHERN ENGLISH] a child.

bait

proportion.

regulating apparatus of a

authority.

bairn noun

an even

1

the difference between

credits

bailiwick noun a district over which a bailiff has

noun

distribution of weight;

/bal-a-li-ka/

noun

etc. tied

or

wrapped

bundle, verb

make

in a

into

bales.

bale 2

variant of bail 2

baleful

adj

menacing,

.

balmy

69 destructive.

at its launch,

then falling

balefully adv

by gravity to

its

balk

variant of baulk.

ball noun

1

a spherical

ballistics plural noun the study of projectiles and

object used in games; a

firearms.

rounded part or mass;

ballistic adj

balloon

(balls) [VULGAR SLANG]

formal social gathering for dancing. on the ball alert, aware. testicles. 2 a

ballad noun

a

song

telling

a story.

it;

coarse stones as the base of a railway or road.

ball

bearing

lighter gas. verb swell like

such a bag.

ballot noun a system of secret voting in which

noun a ring

verb (ballots, balloting,

balloted) ask (a group) to vote by ballot.

ballpark

noun

1

a baseball

of small steel balls

ground.

reducing friction

area or range, adj

between moving parts of a machine; one of these

[informal]

noun a valve

attached to a floating controlling the water level in a cistern. ball,

ballerina noun

a

female

ballet dancer.

ballet noun an artistic dance form performed to

approximate.

ballpoint noun

a

its

pen with writing

point.

ballroom noun a large room where dances are held.

ballyhoo

noun [informal] a

fuss.

balm

noun a fragrant

ointment or herb;

a

soothing influence.

music. balletic adj

ballistic missile noun a

powered

an

2 [informal]

a tiny ball as

balls.

ballcock

on

slips of paper.

material placed in a

hold to steady

noun a rubber bag

inflated with air or

votes are recorded

ballast noun heavy ship's

target.

missile, directed

balmy

adj (balmier,

balmiest) 1 (of air or weather) pleasantly

baloney

70

warm. 2 variant of BARMY.

baloney

(also

noun [informal]

balsa

loop.

boloney) nonsense.

noun lightweight

wood from American

balsam

a tropical

band 2

noun

group.

bandage

tree.

noun a scented

oil.

this.

pillar in a balustrade.

balustrade

noun a

row of

short pillars supporting a rail

or coping.

bamboo

noun a giant

tropical grass with

noun the

young shoot of bamboo, eaten as

noun a large

coloured neckerchief.

B.

&

B. abbrev bed and

breakfast.

bandit noun a member a band of robbers.

[informal]

trick or mystify.

verb (bans, banning,

banned) forbid officially. noun an order banning something. /ba-nahl/ ADJ

commonplace,

noun a

covered outdoor platform band playing music.

for a

noun (climb

on the bandwagon) successful

movement

bandy

1

bandying, bandied) spread (gossip); exchange (words).

bandy 2

adj (bandier,

banality noun

knees.

band

1

noun a curved

noun

1

bane

noun a cause of

annoyance or

fruit.

a flat strip or

or

verb (bandies,

uninteresting.

yellow

join

trend.

bandiest) (of legs) curving apart at the

banana

of

a fashionable or

bamboozle verb

banal

bandanna

bandwagon a

vegetable.

ban

bind with

verb

bandstand

hollow stems.

bamboo shoot

noun a strip of

material for binding a

wound,

noun a short

an organized

group of people; a set of musicians, verb form a

resin used as a soothing

baluster

range of values

2 a

or wavelengths.

misfortune.

banter

71

bang

sudden loud sharp noise; a sharp blow, verb strike, noun a

especially noisily; close

down

or put

make

noisily;

1

a firework

that explodes noisily; [informal] a

noisy old

2 [informal]

a sausage.

bangle

noun a bracelet of

exile;

to

dismiss from one's

presence or thoughts.

single upright.

noun

(pl

banjos) a

1

etc. 2 a

row

of lights, switches, etc.

an establishment

for

the safe keeping of money; a stock or store. verb 1 build up into a

mound

or bank.

sideways.

3

adj

unable to

pay one's debts, noun a bankrupt person, verb

make bankrupt.

banner

noun a flag; a

piece of cloth bearing a

variant of

BANISTER.

banns

an

plural noun

announcement

banquet

of a

noun an

banshee

side of a river; a raised

3

currency.

meal.

a slope at the

mass of earth

noun a printed

paper issued as

elaborate ceremonial

instrument with a circular body. noun

strip of

forthcoming marriage.

guitar-like musical

bank

banknote

bannister

(also bannister)

noun the uprights and handrail of a staircase; a

banjo

pay money or deliver

slogan.

banishment noun

banister

to

bankruptcy noun

condemn

verb

noun an

bank

instruction to a

bankrupt

car.

rigid material.

banish

banker's order

property.

banging noise. adv with a bang. a

banger noun

rely on.

2 tilt

place (money)

in a bank. 4 (bank on)

whose

noun a spirit

wail

is

said to

foretell a death.

bantam

noun a small

chicken.

bantamweight

noun a

weight in boxing

between featherweight and flyweight.

banter noun goodhumoured joking.

M

»*.«..

Bantu

72

verb joke in this

Bantu

noun

(pl

way.

of atmospheric pressure. verb (bars, barring,

Bantu or

barred)

fasten with

Bantus) a member of a group of African peoples;

bars. 2 forbid, exclude;

their languages.

obstruct, prep apart from.

barb

noun 1 a backwardpointing part of an

Bantu is an offensive word in S. African English

when used

1

arrow, fish-hook, etc.

in

2

a

wounding remark. barbarian noun an

reference to an

individual person.

uncivilized person.

bap

noun a large soft bread

roll.

2

baptism rite

barbaric

noun a religious

of sprinkling with

with

barbarity

noun a

member

of

believing in adult

bar

(also baptise)

perform baptism on;

give a

nickname

noun

1

room

where alcohol is served. 4 a barrier. 5 one of the short units into which a piece of music is divided. 6

(the Bar) barristers or

their profession.

noun an openmeal where food is cooked on a frame above an open fire; this frame. verb cook on a barbecue.

barbed

adj

having barbs;

remark) hurtful.

to.

a length of solid

a counter or

2 cruel.

barbecue

(of a

rigid material. 2 a stripe. 3

uncivilized.

air

baptism by total immersion in water. verb

noun savage

barbarism noun barbarously adv

a Protestant sect

baptize

primitive.

barbarous adj 1

name-giving. baptismal adj

Baptist

1

cruelty.

water as a sign of purification, usually

adj

savagely cruel.

7

a unit

barbed wire

noun wire

with sharp points intervals along it.

barber

noun a

at

men's

hairdresser.

barbican

noun an outer defence to a city or castle; a double tower over a gate or bridge.

barney

73 barbiturate

noun a

metallic element.

sedative drug.

bar code

bark

noun a pattern

of printed stripes used as a

machine-readable code.

bard

noun a poet.

bardic adj

bare

not clothed or covered; not adorned.

2

adj

bareback adv

& adj

on

horseback without a

barefaced

adj shameless,

adv only just,

its

an agreement where each side does something for the other. 2 something noun

barley sugar

made

obtained cheaply, verb discuss the terms of an agreement. 2 (bargain on/for) rely on, expect.

noun a large

flat-

bottomed boat used on rivers and canals, verb forcefully; (barge

intrude.

baritone

noun a

of boiled

sugar.

noun a

woman

serving at a bar. noun a

man

serving at a bar.

1

1

noun a

bar mitzvah

male

bass.

which a boy of 13 takes on the responsibilities of an

adult.

barmy adj

(barmier,

barmiest)

barn

[informal] crazy.

noun a simple roofed

farm building used

for

storage.

barnacle

noun a shellfish itself to

objects under water.

barney

noun

[informal] a

noun a white

noun a

Jewish ceremony in

that attaches

voice between tenor and

barium

noun a cereal plant;

grain.

barman

hardly.

in)

shin) accidentally.

barmaid

undisguised.

move

voice.

scrape skin off (one's

sweet

saddle.

barge

a

commanding 2

barley

verb reveal.

bargain

1

1

scanty, just sufficient.

barely

sharp harsh sound made by a dog. 2 the outer layer of a tree. verb 1 make the sharp harsh sound of a dog; utter in a sharp noun

argument.

(pl

barneys)

noisy

barometer barometer

74 bombardment.

an instrument measuring atmospheric pressure, used in forecasting noun

a 2

noun

river.

barre

ballet exercises.

of

low rank of nobility. an influential

businessman. baronial adj

baroness

noun a

woman

of the rank of baron; a baron's wife or widow.

baronet

noun the holder

title below baron but above knight. baronetcy noun

of a

baroque

/ba-rok/ adj of

the ornate architectural or musical style of the

17th and 18th centuries; complicated, elaborate. noun this style.

barque

sailing ship. verb

live in.

barrel organ noun a mechanical instrument producing music by a pin-studded cylinder acting

on pipes

barren

adj

1

noun a large

voracious tropical sea fish.

noun

1

not

or keys. fertile

or

fruitful. 2 bleak; pointless;

worthless.

barrenness noun

barricade

noun a barrier.

verb block or

defend with

a barricade.

barrier noun something progress. prep except for,

apart from.

a

heavy

a lawyer

representing clients in court.

barrow noun

barracuda

a cylindrical

barrister noun

plural noun

buildings for soldiers to

barrage

1

container with flat ends. 2 the tube-like part of a gun.

barring shout

protests; jeer at.

barracks

barrel noun

that prevents access or

/bahk/ noun a

barrack

noun a horizontal

bar used for support in

member

a

1

an

across a

artificial barrier

weather. barometric adj

baron

2

1

a

wheelbarrow; a cart

pushed or pulled by hand.

2

burial

mound.

a prehistoric

bask

75

basement

barter verb engage in trade by exchange of goods, noun trade of this type.

basal

basalt

/ba-sawlt/ noun a

bashful

basic

noun

the lowest

1

part; a part

on which

centre of organization.

substance capable of

combining with an acid to form a salt. 5 each of reached by a batter in

on which counting

the

number

a system of is

based.

inferior value.

baseball noun a team game in which the batter has to hit the ball and run round a circuit. adj

luxury. basically adv

basil noun a sweetsmelling herb.

basilica noun an oblong hall or church with an apse at one end. basilisk noun a mythical death by

its

glance or

breath.

basin a

noun

a washbasin.

1

round open container food or liquid;

a

sunken place where for.

adj

foundation.

forming an

1

without elaboration or

for

the foundation or

baseless

2

2

make something

supporting evidence dishonourable; of

adj

reptile said to cause

four stations to be

6

adj shy.

essential foundation. a

thing rests or is supported; a starting point. 2 the main place where a person works or stays. 3 headquarters; a

baseball.

violent blow.

bashfulness noun

origin.

verb

[informal] verb strike

bashfully adv

dark rock of volcanic

4 a

bash

level.

violently; attack, noun a /bay-sal/ ADJ of or at

the base of something.

base

noun a storey

below ground

without

water collects; an area drained by a river.

basis

noun (pl bases) 1 a foundation or support. 2 a system of proceeding:

on a regular

bask

verb

basis.

sit

or

lie

comfortably exposed to pleasant warmth.

basket basket for

76 person or thing.

noun a container

holding or carrying

things,

made

baste

of

fat

interwoven cane or wire.

basketball noun a team game in which the aim throw the ball through a high hooped net.

in the

of a people

unpleasant

Pyrenees; their language.

bas-relief noun a carving with figures standing out slightly from the background. 1

deepsounding; of the lowest pitch in music, noun the lowest male voice.

bass 2

/bayss/ adj

/bass/ noun (pl

an edible

bassoon

bass)

matting. noun

1

[archaic]

an unpleasant

with etc.

noun a set of people

or things dealt with as a

group.

bated

adj (with

bated

breath) very anxiously.

bath one

noun a large tub that lies

in to

wash verb

wash the this.

in a bath. 1

immerse in or 2

swim

for pleasure, noun a

swim.

bather noun

bathos an

illegitimate child. 2 [informal]

batch

clean with liquid.

of the lime tree used as

bastard

strike

the bat in cricket

bathe

noun the inner bark

verb

(bats, batting, batted)

perform or

verb

noun a

with a deep tone.

fibre for

a

an

woman,

body; a wash in

fish.

woodwind instrument bast

stronghold.

bat) [informal]

living in the western

bass

noun a projecting

part of a fortified place; a

games; a batsman. 2 a flying animal with a mouse-like body. 3 (old

/bahsk/ noun a

member

bastion

stitches.

ball in

style of a basket.

Basque

together temporarily

bat noun 1 a wooden implement for hitting

noun

woven

material

1

with loose is

to

basketwork

moisten with during cooking. 2 sew verb

/bay-thos/ NOUN

an

anticlimax; a descent

from an important thing to a trivial one.

baulk

77 bathetic adj

bathroom

1

noun a

batik noun

2

etc.

method

a

a

group of big guns; an

artillery unit. 3 a set of

similar or connected

of

units of equipment; a

printing textiles by

waxing the

and

supplying electric power.

room

containing a bath, shower, washbasin,

a device containing

areas not to

series of small cages for

intensive rearing of

be dyed.

livestock. 4 unlawful

batman

noun a soldier

violent blows.

acting as an officer's

battle noun a fight between large organized

personal servant.

baton

noun a short stick,

especially

one used by

a

conductor.

batsman

noun a player

battalion noun an army unit of several

battle,

battleaxe

noun a

heavy

axe used as a weapon in ancient times; [informal]

an aggressive woman.

companies. noun a bar of

wood

or metal holding

something in place. verb fasten with battens.

batter

engage in a

struggle.

batting in cricket etc.

batten

forces; a contest.

verb

hard and beaten a

battlefield noun the scene of a battle.

battlements

plural noun a

parapet with openings for firing from.

verb hit

often, noun

1

mixture of flour, eggs, and milk, used in cooking. 2 a player batting in baseball.

battering

ram

noun an

iron-headed beam formerly used for breaking through walls or gates.

battery

noun

battleship noun a warship of the most heavily armed kind.

batty

[informal] crazy.

bauble

noun a small coloured sphere used for

decoration; a valueless

ornament.

baulk (pl

batteries)

adj (battier, battiest)

1

(also balk) verb

(baulk

at)

be reluctant

bauxite to accept. |

bauxite

78

BBC ABBREV British

hinder.

2

/bork-slt/ noun a

mineral from which

aluminium

is

obtained.

(bawdier, bawdiest) rude in an amusing way.

be verb

1

bay

noun

shout;

weep

within a wide curve of the shore. 2 a recess. 3 a laurel, especially a type used as a herb. 4 the deep

hounds (of a

dog or of

in pursuit, verb

dog) give a deep

howling

bay forced to face

rifle.

bazaar

noun

1

a

market in

an eastern country. 2 sale of goods to raise

a

weapon rockets.

person

who

things

on

noun a portable firing anti-tank

on a

salvages

a beach.

beachhead

noun a

fortified position set

a

up

beach by an

invading army.

bead

noun a

fire

on

a

serving as a signal. noun a small piece of

threaded

with others to make a necklace; a rounded drop

beading

on

a surface.

noun a decorative

rounded trim of wood or fabric.

beadle

funds.

bazooka

beachcomber noun

of liquid

wall.

area of

shore from water.

glass, stone, etc.

bay window noun a window projecting from an outside

flat

shoreline, verb bring

hill,

noun a stabbing

blade fixed to a

used to form

noun a

beacon

attackers.

bayonet

beach

on

cry. adj (of a

horse) reddish brown. at

position, or condition.

tenses of other verbs.

part of the sea

cry of a large

be

have a

2

auxiliary verb

reprimand.

1

exist; occur;

1

specified quality,

noisily. 2 (bawl out) [informal]

(of a date)

present.

bawdiness noun verb

BC abbrev

before Christ.

bawdy adj

bawl

Broadcasting Corporation.

noun (formerly) a

minor parish

beady adj

official.

(beadier,

beadiest) (of eyes) small

beastly

79 and

bright.

beagle

(responsibilities etc.). 2

noun a small

3

be

fit

for (specified treatment):

hound.

beak

endure, tolerate.

noun

horny any

a bird's

1

projecting jaws;

does not bear repeating. 4 produce (children, young, or fruit). 5 take

a

similar projection. specified direction. a magistrate.

2 [informal]

beaker

noun a tall cup; a

tumbler.

beam

noun

a long piece

1

of timber or metal

carrying the weight of part of a building.

2

a ray

smile. 4 a ship's breadth. verb

1

send out (radio

signals). 2

shine brightly;

smile radiantly.

bean

circumstances.

difficult

bearable adj endurable. beard noun the hair around

man's chin.

a

bearing

noun

behaving.

compass [informal]

bear

noun [informal]

noun a large

heavy

animal with thick fur; child's toy resembling

a

bear

verb (bears,

bearing, bore; past participle

borne)

way

of

2

relevance.

3

a

direction. 4 a

1

support; shoulder

part turns.

bearskin noun a tall cap worn by some

furry

troops.

beast

noun

1

a large

animal. 2 [informal] an unpleasant person or

this. 2

a

reducing friction where a

a celebratory party. 1

1

standing, moving, or

device in a machine

very cheerful.

beanfeast

make

of.

or of coffee.

beans

on)

verb confront boldly.

noun a plant with

of

down

approach (someone) purposefully, bear in mind remember, bear up remain cheerful in

kidney-shaped seeds in long pods; a seed of this full

exert

pressure; (bear

use

a bright

3

down

bring to bear exert;

of light or other radiation.

bear

carry;

thing.

beastly

adj (beastlier,

beastliest) [informal] very

ff^

^^

beat

80

unpleasant.

who

beastliness noun

treatment.

beat

verb (beats, beating,

gives beauty

beautiful

adj

having

1

beat; past participle

beauty; very pleasing to

beaten) 1 hit repeatedly; (beat up) assault

the senses.

move

violently. 2

or

pulsate rhythmically.

2

excellent.

beautifully adv

beautify

verb (beautifies,

beautifying, beautified)

3

defeat or overcome.

make

4

mix (cooking

beautification noun

ingredients) vigorously.

an accent in music; the sound of a drum noun

of the heart; a

movement

an area regularly patrolled by a of a bird's wing.

2

policeman. beat it [informal] go away, beat up assault violently.

beatific

/bee-a-ti-fik/ ADJ

showing great happiness. beatify

/bee-a-ti-fl/

VERB

(beatifies, beatifying,

beatified) (in the

Church) declare

RC

(a

dead

person) blessed, as the step in canonization.

beatification noun

beatitude

/bee-a-ti-tyood/

noun blessedness.

beauteous adj

[literary]

noun a person

(pl

beauties)

combination of

qualities giving pleasure

to the sight, mind,

etc.; a

beautiful person; an

excellent specimen of

something.

beaver

noun an amphibious rodent that builds dams. beaver away work hard.

becalmed

adj (of a

unable to

move because

there

is

no

wind.

because

conj for the

reason that.

beck

1

noun [northern

English] a

beck

2

stream.

noun (at

someone's

beck and call) always ready to do whatever a particular person asks.

beckon

beautiful.

beautician

a

noun

sailing ship)

beatifically adv

first

beauty

1

being struck; a pulsation

beautiful.

verb

summoning

make

a

gesture.

bee

81

become verb

(becomes, becoming, became; past

become)

participle

into;

1

begin to be.

turn

2 suit;

befit.

becoming

adj

becquerel noun

1

/bek-er-el/ NOUN

a thing to sleep

framework mattress and

or rest on; a

with a

coverings.

2

a flat base; a

foundation; the bottom of a sea or river etc. area of

3

an

ground planted

with flowers.

bedclothes

plural noun

Beduin) noun (pl Bedouin) a member of a nomadic Arab people of

bedpan

straw for animals to sleep

pan by a

noun a

use as a toilet

for

person confined to bed.

bedraggled

adj

limp and

untidy.

bedridden

adj

permanently confined to bed through illness.

bedrock

noun

1

solid rock soil. 2

basic

facts or principles.

bedroom

noun bedclothes;

on.

noun a

room

for

sleeping in.

bedsitter

(also bedsit,

bed-sitting room) noun a

bedding plant

noun a

plant grown to be planted when in flower and discarded at the end of the season.

bedevil

verb (bedevils,

bedevilling, bedevilled; [us]

/bed-oo-in/ (also

beneath loose

sheets, blankets, etc.

bedding

Bedouin

the desert.

a unit of radioactivity.

bed

noisy confusion.

afflict

with

difficulties.

bedfellow

noun

both

and sleeping

bedsore

in.

noun a sore

developed by lying in bed in one position for a long time.

bedspread

noun a

bedstead

noun the

framework of 1

a

sharing one's bed.

person 2

a

close associate.

bedlam

living

for

covering for a bed.

bedeviling,

bedeviled)

room used

noun a scene of

Beduin

a bed.

variant of

BEDOUIN.

bee

noun an insect that

produces honey.

beech beech

82

noun a tree with

smooth grey bark and pale wood. beef noun 1 meat from an ox, bull, or cow. 2

muscular strength.

beefburger

noun a fried

or grilled cake of

minced

beef.

in the

beefy

noun a warder

Tower of London.

a solid muscular body.

beehive

noun a structure

which bees live. beeline noun (make in

a

beeline for) go straight or rapidly towards.

noun 1 an insect with hard wing-covers. a tool for

past participle of

move

noun a short high-

noun

or

hurriedly.

beetling

adj

overhanging;

projecting.

noun the dark

red root of a beet eaten as a vegetable. (befalls,

befalling, befell; past participle befallen)

happen; happen

to.

befit verb (befits, befitting, befitted) be proper for.

before

adv, prep, & conj

preceding; in front

preference

pitched sound, verb a beep.

ramming

crushing, verb [informal]

during the time

BE.

beer

beetle

befall verb

adj (beefier,

beefiest) [informal] having

beep

making sugar (sugar

beet).

beetroot

beefeater

been

for

2

complaint. verb [informal] complain. a

3 [informal]

vegetable (beetroot) or

make

an alcoholic

drink made from malt and hops. beery adj

of; in

to.

beforehand

adv in

advance.

befriend

verb

be friendly

towards.

befuddle

beg

verb confuse.

verb (begs, begging,

substance secreted by

begged) 1 ask humbly or solemnly for something; ask for food or money as

bees, used as polish.

charity.

beeswax

beet

noun a yellow

noun a plant with a

fleshy root used as a

2 (of a dog) sit up expectantly with forepaws off the ground.

belated

83 beg the question assume

as the representative of;

the truth of a thing to be proved.

in the interests of.

beget

;

give rise to.

behaviour noun a way

beggar noun a person who lives by asking for

behead

charity, verb reduce to

beheld

poverty. adj

mean and

insufficient.

begin

verb (begins,

begun) perform the first or be the

a thing. 2

beginner

first

come

to

into

noun a

a skill.

first

part; a source or origin.

verb

be

allow. verb

charm,

especially deceptively.

title

/bay-gum/ noun the

of a married

Muslim

woman. behalf

of. 3

in

responsible

of. 4

doing.

observe.

beholden

adj

verb

indebted.

be a duty

of;

befit.

beige

noun a light

fawn

colour.

being

present participle

of be. noun existence; a

unwilling to give or

begum

further back than.

support

behove

beginning to learn

begrudge

at or to

verb (beholds, beholding, beheld) see,

noun a person

beginning

1

behold

existence.

beguile

behold.

adv & prep

for. 5 late in

earliest part of (an activity);

head

and past

past

behind 2

participle

do

verb cut the

off.

the back or far side

beginning, began; past 1

behavior) of behaving. ([us]

participle of

beggarly

a

polite

participle

begotten) be the father of;

verb act in a

behave oneself) act in and proper way.

begetting begot or begat; past

behave

specified way; (also

verb (begets,

noun (on behalf of)

thing that exists and has life, a person.

belabour verb

1

([us]

belabor)

attack. 2 argue (a

point) at excessive length.

belated late or

adj

too

coming very late.

belay

84 drug made from

belatedly adv !|

belay

verb secure (a rope)

by winding

it

bellicose

wind noisily from the stomach through the mouth. noun

verb expel

an act of belching.

beleaguer verb

besiege;

eager to

adj

fight.

belligerent 1

adj

aggressive. 2

engaged in

a war.

belligerence noun belligerently adv

harass.

belfry noun

(pl belfries)

a

place in a tower where

housed.

bells are

belie

belle noun a beautiful

woman.

round

something.

belch

this.

verb (belies, belying,

belied) contradict;

fail

to

confirm.

bellow

noun a loud deep

sound made by

a bull; a

deep shout, this sound.

make

bellows

verb

plural noun

an

apparatus for pumping air into something.

belief noun a feeling that something exists or is true; something believed.

belly noun

believe

accept as true or as speaking truth.

bellyful noun (have a

(believe in) have faith

more than enough

2

verb

1

in the truth or existence of. 3

think, suppose.

belittle verb disparage. bell noun 1 a cup-shaped metal instrument that

when

a ringing

sound

struck. 2 a device

making

a ringing or

buzzing sound as a signal.

belladonna

the

bellyful of) [informal]

belong

verb

1

have

of.

be rightly

placed or assigned;

fit

in

environment; (belong to) be a member of. 2 (belong to) be a particular

believer noun

makes

(pl bellies)

abdomen; the stomach.

noun deadly nightshade; a medicinal

owned by. belongings

plural noun

personal possessions.

beloved

adj dearly loved.

below adv

& prep at or to a

lower level than.

belt noun a cloth, etc.

strip of leather,

worn round

benzene

85 the waist; a long narrow strip or region, verb

1

put

a belt round. 2 [informal]

rush.

hit. 3 [informal]

below the

bemoan

belt unfair.

verb express

unhappiness about.

bemused

adj bewildered.

bemusement

bench of

noun

wood

table for 2

noun

a

1

long seat

good; actively kind. beneficence noun

beneficial

adj resulting

in good; advantageous.

beneficially adv

beneficiary

noun

beneficiaries) legacy.

benefit noun

an

1

advantage or

working on.

state

the office of judge or

one who

receives a benefit or

or stone; a long

magistrate.

(pl

profit. 2 a

payment to someone in need,

verb

(benefits, benefiting,

benchmark

noun a

benefited;

[us]

surveyor's mark; a

benefitting, benefitted)

standard, a criterion.

profit

bend

verb (bends, bending, bent) make or

become curved;

new

turn in a

stoop;

direction;

distort (rules), noun a

curve, a turn.

bendy

1

2

noun [informal] a

adv & prep

below, underneath. not worthy of.

benediction

noun a

spoken blessing.

benefactor

who

noun a person

gives financial or

other help.

beneficent

adj kind,

helpful.

benevolence noun benevolently adv adj in

darkness; ignorant.

wild drinking spree.

beneath

benevolent

benighted

adj

bender

from something; give an advantage to.

adj

doing

benign

/bi-nin/ adj kind,

mild; (of a tumour) not

malignant.

bent

past

&

past

participle of bend, noun a

natural

skill

or liking.

bent on determined to

do or

attain.

benzene

noun a liquid

obtained from petroleum and coal tar, used as a

)

bequeath solvent, fuel, etc.

bequeath

verb leave in

one's will.

bequest berate

noun a legacy.

verb scold.

bereave

verb (be

86 metallic element.

-^beseech

verb

(beseeches, beseeching, besought) ask in a pleading way.

beset

verb (besets,

bereaved) be deprived of

besetting, beset) trouble

a close relative or friend

persistently; surround,

through death. bereavement noun

bereft

adj deprived;

deserted

beret

and

lonely.

/be-ray/ NOUN a

round

flat

cap with no

in.

beside of. 2

prep

beriberi noun a disease caused by lack of vitamin B.

noun [informal] a

beside oneself distraught, beside the

point irrelevant.

to. 2

prep

in addition

1

apart from, adv also.

besiege verb lay siege besmirch verb make dirty;

to.

dishonour.

besom

stupid person.

at the side

1

compared with.

besides

peak.

berk

hem

/bee-zom/ NOUN a

small round juicy fruit

broom made from a bundle of twigs tied to a

with no stone.

handle.

berry

noun (pl berries) a

berserk

/be-zerk/ adj wild

and frenzied. berth noun 1 a bunk or sleeping place in a ship or train.

ship to verb

2

tie

moor

a place for a

up

at a wharf.

at a berth.

give a wide berth to keep a safe distance from.

beryl noun a transparent green gem.

beryllium

noun a light

besotted

adj so

much

in

love that one stops acting sensibly.

besought

past

participle of

bespeak

&

past

beseech.

verb (bespeaks,

bespeaking, bespoke;

bespoken

past participle

be evidence in advance. 1

bespoke order.

adj

of. 2

made

reserve

to

better

87 best

adj

most excellent or most

desirable;

beneficial, adv

1

better

than any others.

2

to the

highest degree, noun (the best)

something that

is

of the highest quality.

the best part of most

bestial

adj of or like a

(bestir oneself) exert

oneself.

(betake oneself) [formal] go-

(pl

/bet nwar/ betes noires)

disliked.

betide verb happen happen to.

or

betimes adv early. betoken verb be a sign

noun a

bridegroom's chief attendant.

betray present as a

gift.

verb act

treacherously towards

verb (bestrides,

disloyal to; reveal

bestriding, bestrode, past

(something) without

bestridden) stand astride over.

meaning

participle

bet

verb (bets, betting, bet

or betted)

1

stake

on the outcome future event.

money

of a

2 [informal]

feel certain, noun

of betting; the

an

noun the second

letter of

alphabet

the Greek (B, p).

act

amount

staked.

beta

of.

(one's country) by helping an enemy; be

bestowal noun

bestride

betaken)

something greatly

bestirring, bestirred)

bestow verb

verb (betakes,

betaking, betook; past

noun

verb (bestirs,

man

betake

bete noire

bestiality noun

best

noun a drug used to control heartbeat rhythms and treat high blood pressure.

participle of.

beast; savage.

bestir

beta blocker

to.

betrayal noun

betrothed

adj

engaged to

be married, noun (one's betrothed) the person to whom one is engaged. betrothal noun

better adj

1

of a higher

standard or quality. 2 recovered from illness. adv in a

more

satisfactory

way. noun (one's betters)

between

88

one's superiors, verb

outdo, surpass; (better oneself) reach a higher position in society. better off having

money; being

in

more a more

desirable situation, the

better part of

more than

get the better of overcome; outwit.

half,

between

prep 1 in the space or time bounded by (two limits); separating; to and from. 2 indicating division or difference. 3 indicating

connection or collision; indicating a shared action or outcome, adv

between points or

bevel

limits.

noun a sloping edge.

verb (bevels, bevelling,

bevelled;

[us]

beveling,

beveled) give a sloping edge to.

beverage noun a drink. bevvy noun (pl bevvies) [informal]

an alcoholic

puzzle,

confuse.

bewilderment noun

bewitch magic

verb put

under a

spell.

beyond

prep at or to the

far side of (a

point in

space or time);

more

advanced than; greater than; too hard for. adv at or to the far side.

bhaji

/bah-jee/ noun

an

Indian dish of vegetables fried in batter.

b.h.p. abbrev brake horsepower. bi- COMBINING FORM two;

twice.

biannual

adj

happening

twice a year.

bias noun 1 a feeling based on prejudice rather than sound reason. 2 (in bowls) a tendency to swerve caused by a bowl's irregular shape. 3 a direction diagonal to the

weave of

drink.

bevy

bewilder verb

a fabric, verb

(biases, biasing, biased)

noun

(pl

bevies) a

give a bias to; influence.

large group.

bewail

verb

lament

(a

misfortune).

beware guard.

verb be

on one's

bib noun a covering put under a young child's chin to protect its clothes while it is feeding.

bifocals

89 Bible noun the Christian or Jewish scriptures; [informal] a

book regarded

as authoritative.

biblical

something, especially

stated price.

the

adj of or in

at

an auction. 2 (bid for) offer to do work for a 3

(bid for)

try to get. noun

an

act of

bidding.

Bible.

bibliography

bid 2

noun (pl

bibliographies) a

list

of

books about a subject or by a specified author. bibliographer noun bibliographical adj

bibliophile noun

a

book-

lover.

verb (bids, bidding,

bid or bade; past participle bid)

utter (a greeting or

1

farewell). 2 [archaic]

command. biddable adj obedient. bide verb [archaic] stay in

a

place.

bicarbonate

noun a salt

containing a double proportion of carbon dioxide.

bide one's time wait patiently for an

opportunity.

bidet

bicentenaries) a 200th

low basin used for washing the genital and anal

anniversary.

regions.

bicentenary

noun

(pl

bicentennial adj happening every 200 years, noun a bicentenary.

biceps

/bl-seps/ noun

the

muscle at the front of the upper arm. large

bicker

verb quarrel

about

unimportant things.

bicycle

noun a two-

wheeled vehicle driven by pedals, verb ride a bicycle.

bid 1 bid)

verb (bids, bidding, 1

offer (a price) for

/bee-day/ NOUN a

biennial adj happening every two years, noun a plant that flowers and dies in its second year. biennially adv

bier

/beer/ noun a

movable

stand for a coffin. biff noun [informal] a sharp

blow, verb hit

bifocals

(a

person).

PLURAL NOUN

spectacles with lenses

two segments, both distant

that have assisting

and

close focusing.

P

bifurcate bifurcate verb two branches.

90

split

into

there. 2 [informal]

nonsense.

bifurcation noun

big

adj (bigger, biggest)

of great

amount, or

size,

bottom; water collecting

bilharzia

/bil-hahts-i-a/

noun a disease caused

intensity; important;

tropical parasitic

serious.

flatworm.

bigamy

noun the crime of marrying someone else

while already married. bigamist noun

bigamous bigot noun

adj

who

a person

prejudiced and intolerant of differing views.

able to speak

adj

bigotry noun

bijou /bee-zhoo/

ADJ

small

two

languages.

bilious

adj

with the

1

sick,

from trouble

bile or liver.

bad-tempered. biliousness noun

2 spiteful,

bill noun

bigoted

1

a written

statement of charges to be paid. 2 a draft of a proposed law. 3 a

elegant.

programme

noun [informal] a

bicycle or motorcycle.

entertainment. 4 [us] a banknote. 5 a poster. 6 a

biker noun

bird's beak.

bike

bikini noun a woman's two-piece swimming costume.

bilateral

two

adj

1

parties. 2

of

billboard noun a hoarding for advertisements.

billet noun a lodging for

involving

troops, verb (billets,

having two

billeting, billeted) (be

sides.

billeted) (of a soldier)

bilaterally adv

stay in a particular place.

bile noun

which

1

a bitter fluid

aids digestion,

produced by the 2

liver.

anger or hatred.

bilge noun

1

a ship's

a

adj written in or

especially

is

and

bilingual

by

billhook noun

a tool

with

a broad curved blade for

lopping

trees.

billiards noun a game played on a table, with

biology

91 three balls

which

bind an edge.

are

struck with cues into pockets at the edge of the table.

binge

bout of excessive eating

and drinking.

billion noun a thousand million.

billow noun verb rise or

a great wave.

move

like

waves; swell out.

bimbo

noun

(pl

an

[informal]

bimbos)

young

things.

a large rigid

biochemistry

;

;

binned) discard.

composed of involving two things. adj

binary digit noun of the two digits 1)

or

either (0

and

of the binary system,

number system used in computing. a

bind

verb (binds, binding,

bound)

1

or fasten. unite.

round

3

firmly 2

tie,

wrap,

hold together-

secure a cover

(a

book); cover the

edge of (cloth). 4 place under an obligation. noun [informal]

something

irritating or tedious.

binding cover.

2

instrument with lenses for both eyes, for viewing bio- combining form of living

container or receptacle. verb (bins binning

binary

an

distant objects.

woman. bin noun

bingo noun a gambling game using cards marked with numbered squares. binocular adj using two eyes, noun (binoculars)

attractive but

unintelligent

noun [informal] a

noun

1

a

book

braid etc. used to

noun the

chemistry of living organisms. biochemical adj biochemist noun

biodegradable to be

adj able

decomposed by

bacteria.

biodiversity noun the variety of living things in

an environment.

biography

noun

(pl

biographies) the story of a person's life.

biographer noun biographical adj

biology the

life

noun the study of

and

structure of

living things.

biological adj

biologist noun

bionic bionic

92 biro noun

having

adj

electronically operated

body

artificial

biopic NOUN

parts.

tissue

taken from the body.

noun the use of micro-organisms and biological processes in industrial production.

bipartisan adj involving two parties. adj consisting of

involving two

groups.

biped

an animal that walks on two feet.

biplane noun an aeroplane with two pairs of wings. birch noun a tree with thin 1

skin

which

is

the

there from

birth.

birthright noun a right or privilege possessed from birth; a basic

human

right.

biscuit noun

a small,

flat,

usually able to 2 [informal]

a

sexes, noun a

fly.

who

is

in charge

of a diocese.

bishopric

a score of

one stroke under par

noun a Christian

minister

young

[golf]

both

bishop

or girlfriend.

birdie noun

bisect verb divide into two equal parts. bisexual adj sexually attracted to members of

bisexuality noun

a feathered

egg-laying animal,

a hole.

birthmark noun a coloured mark on

bisexual person.

peeling bark.

woman

noun the

crisp cake.

noun

bird noun

birth control noun

anniversary of the day of one's birth.

biotechnology

parts;

ancestry.

birthday

noun a

functioning of an organism.

two

its

contraception.

recurring cycle in the

bipartite

young from

mother's body; origin,

noun (pl biopsies)

biorhythm

mark] a ballpoint pen.

of

[INFORMAL] a

an examination of

biros) [trade

birth noun the emergence

biographical film.

biopsy

(pl

for

noun the

position or diocese of a

bishop.

bismuth

noun a metallic

black

93 element resembling

bison

noun

(pl

lead.

bison) a

distressing. 4 piercingly

cold, noun beer

wild ox; a buffalo.

is

bistro noun

which

is

flavoured with hops and slightly bitter.

bistros) a

(pl

bitterly adv

small informal

bitterness noun

restaurant.

bit 1 noun

a small piece or

1

quantity; a short time or distance.

3

a bridle.

binary bit

2

4 [computing]

past of bite. 1

a female dog.

unpleasant.

verb [informal] spiteful

disconnected.

bituminous

adj

noun a shellfish

with a hinged double

woman; something difficult or

adj (bittier, bittiest)

bivalve

a spiteful

2 [informal]

bird.

noun a black substance made from petroleum, used for covering roads and roofs.

a

digit.

bitch noun

marsh

bitumen

a tool for drilling or

boring.

bitty

a

lacking unity,

the

2

mouthpiece of

bittern noun

shell.

bivouac

make

/bi-voo-ak/ noun a

temporary camp without

comments.

bitchiness noun

tents or other cover, verb

bitchy adj

(bivouacks, bivouacking, bivouacked) camp in a

bite verb

(bites, biting, bit;

past participle bitten)

1

cut

with the teeth to eat or injure. 2 take hold on a surface, noun 1 an act of

wound made by

biting; a this. 2 a

small meal.

biting adj causing a smarting pain; sharply critical.

bitter

adj

bizarre in

adj strikingly

appearance or

blab

1

tasting sharp

resentful.

3

very

odd

effect.

verb (blabs,

blabbing, blabbed) talk indiscreetly.

black

adj

1

of the very

darkest colour, like coal.

having a dark skin. 3 (of without milk. 4 gloomy; hostile;

2

or sour, not sweet. 2

bivouac.

tea or coffee)

evil; (of

humour)

blackberry macabre, noun

1

a black

colour or thing.

person

who

94

has dark

noun a region

from which matter and radiation cannot escape.

skin. in

black hole

in outer space

a

2

the black with a credit

blackleg

noun a person

balance, not in debt.

who works

black out 1 lose consciousness. 2 cover

workers are on

windows

so that

no

light

can penetrate.

blackberry

noun

(pl

blackberries) an edible

dark berry growing on a prickly bush.

blackbird

noun a

European songbird, the male of which is black.

blackboard

noun a dark

board for writing on with chalk.

noun (pl

black economies) unofficial

and untaxed

business activity.

blacken become

blacklist noun

verb

1

make or damage

black. 2

(someone's reputation).

black eye

noun a bruised

eye.

blackguard

/blag-ard/

noun a dishonourable

blackmail

blackhead

noun a small

dark lump blocking a pore in the skin.

a

list

of

verb extort

money from (someone) by threatening compromising

to reveal

information, noun the offence of doing this. blackmailer noun

black market

noun

trading in

officially controlled

goods.

blackout

noun a

temporary

loss of

consciousness.

black pudding

noun a

sausage of blood and suet.

black sheep noun a member of a family regarded as a disgrace.

blacksmith

man.

strike.

people considered untrustworthy or unacceptable.

illegal

black economy

while fellow

person

noun a

who makes and

repairs things in iron.

bladder

noun

1

the sac in

blast

95 which urine collects in the body. 2 an inflatable bag.

space; a cartridge

containing no bullet.

blank cheque

blade

noun the flattened

cutting part of a knife or

sword; the

flat

part of an

oar or propeller; a long

narrow

blame

leaf of grass.

hold

verb

written request signed by

unimportant,

many people, verb present a petition

relatively to.

petrel noun

a seabird.

petrify verb

(petrifies,

trivial;

of

low rank;

spitefully or unfairly critical of details.

pettily adv

petrifying, petrified)

change into a stony mass. 2 paralyse with astonishment or fear.

1

petrifaction noun

pettiness noun

petty cash noun money kept by an office etc. for small payments.

petulant

adj sulky,

pew

812 pharmacy.

irritable.

petulance noun

pharmacology

noun the study of the action of

petulantly adv

pew

noun a long bench-

like seat in a

[informal] a seat.

pewter

drugs.

pharmacological adj pharmacologist noun

church;

noun a grey alloy

pharmacopoeia an

/far-ma-

of tin with lead or other

ko-pee-a/ NOUN

metal.

list of medicinal drugs with their effects.

pfennig

noun a former

German

hundredth of

PG

pharmacy

coin, onea

abbrev (in film

children subject to parental guidance.

pharynx

acidity or alkalinity.

phalanx

/fal-anks/ NOUN (PL

phalanxes) a compact mass of people or things; a

body

of troops or

/fa-ringks/ noun

the cavity at the back of the nose and throat.

pharyngeal

phase

adj

noun a distinct

period in a process of

police officers.

phallus

dispensary providing medicinal drugs; the preparation and dispensing of these drugs.

measure of

noun a

(pl

pharmacies) a shop or

mark.

classification) suitable for

pH

noun

official

noun (pl phalluses

or phalli) a penis.

change or development. verb carry out (a

programme

etc.) in

phallic adj stages.

phantom Pharaoh

noun a ghost. /fair-oh/ noun

phase the

of the kings of ancient Egypt.

title

pharmaceutical

/fah-

ma-syoo-tik-al/ ADJ of or

engaged in pharmacy.

pharmacist

noun a

person skilled in

in

or out bring

gradually into or out of use.

PhD

abbrev

Doctor of

Philosophy, a higher degree.

pheasant

noun a

game

bird with bright feathers in the male.

phoenix

813

phenomenal

of languages.

adj

extraordinary,

philological adj

remarkable.

philologist noun

phenomenally

adv

phenomenon phenomena)

noun

philosopher (pl

a fact,

1

occurrence, or change

perceived by the senses or the mind. 2 a remarkable person or thing.

philosophical

noun a

body and

engage in

when air.

bottle.

verb (of a

many

man)

casual

love affairs.

noun

existence, knowledge,

morals,

noun

etc.; a

particular

system of beliefs about an outlook or set

these;

fB

of principles. ([us]

philter) noun a

love potion.

phlegm

/flem/ noun a thick

benevolence, promotion

mucus

of others' welfare.

passages, ejected

philanthropic adj

coughing.

philanthropist noun

philately noun stamp-

in the bronchial

phlegmatic

adj

by

not

excitable or emotional.

phlegmatically adv

collecting. philatelic adj philatelist noun

Philistine noun an uncultured person.

philology

(pl

of the basic principles of

philtre

philanderer noun

philanthropy

(also

philosophies) the study

behaviour of others of

philander

of

theorize; moralize.

philosophy

influencing the

phial noun a small

1

philosophise) verb

chemical secreted by an

the same species released into the

adj

philosophy. 2 bearing misfortune calmly. philosophically adv

philosophize

pheromone animal's

noun a

person who engages in philosophy.

noun the study

phobia

noun an extreme

or irrational fear or dislike.

phobic

adj & noun

phoenix

/fee-niks/ NOUN a

!

^^:

phone

814 phosphorescent adj

mythical Arabian bird

and young again from burn

said to rise

luminous.

itself

its

phone

noun a telephone.

phonecard

noun a card

containing prepaid units for use in a public

phone-in noun a broadcast programme in which telephone the

studio with questions

air.

noun

1

of or

sounds. 2 (of spelling) corresponding to pronunciation, noun (phonetics) the study or representation of speech sounds. phonetically adv phonetician noun

phony) [informal] adj false, sham. noun a phoney person or (also

thing.

phonograph

photos) a

(pl

photograph.

photocopier

noun a

machine for photocopying

photocopy adj

representing speech

phoney

appearing luminous in the dark and igniting in

documents.

and comments.

phonetic

noun a

chemical element; a

photo

phone.

listeners

noun

wax-like form of this

verb telephone.

l^

phosphorescence

phosphorus

ashes.

NOUN

(PL

photocopies) a photographic copy of a document, verb (photocopies,

photocopying, photocopied) make a

photocopy of. photoelectric cell noun an electronic device emitting an electric current

on

when

light falls

it.

photo

finish noun a finish

of a race so close that the

noun

[us]

a

record player.

phosphate noun compound of

a

phosphorous, used especially in fertilizers.

winner has to be decided from a photograph. photofit noun a likeness of a person made up of separate photographs of features.

physical education

815 photogenic

looking

attractive in

convert carbon dioxide and water into complex

photographs.

substances.

adj

photograph noun a picture made using

photosynthesize verb (also photosynthesise)

a

camera, formed by the chemical action of light

on to

sensitive material

which an image

on

is

focused, verb take a

photograph

come out

of;

when

(well or badly)

photographed. photographer noun photographic adj photographically adv photography noun

photojournalism

phrase

noun a group of

words forming

a unit; a

short idiomatic

expression; a unit in a

melody,

verb

words.

divide (music)

2

express in

1

into phrases.

phrasal adj

phraseology

noun

(pl

mode way of

phraseologies) a of expression, a

wording things.

noun

phrenology

the reporting of news by

noun the study of the shape of a

photographs.

person's skull,

photon

noun

supposedly as an

an

indivisible unit of

indication of their

electromagnetic

character.

phylum

radiation.

photosensitive

phyla) a major division

adj

of the plant or animal

reacting to light.

photOStat

[TRADE MARK]

noun a photocopier; a verb (photostats,

make

a

adj

1

of the

and

laws.

physically adv

of.

photosynthesis process by

physical

physics; of natural forces

photostatting,

photocopy

kingdom. body; of things perceived by the senses. 2 of

photocopy.

photostatted)

/fi-lum/ noun (pl

noun the

which green

plants use sunlight to

physical education noun exercises and games as

taught at school.

physical geography physical geography noun the study of the earth's natural features.

physical sciences plural noun the sciences

studying inanimate natural objects.

physician

noun a doctor,

from surgery.

physicist noun an expert in physics.

physics

pi noun a Greek letter (n)

used as a symbol for the ratio of a circle's

circumference to its diameter (about 3.14). very

adv [music]

softly.

pianist noun

specializing in medicine as distinct

development.

pianissimo

one

especially

816

a

piano

the properties and interactions of matter and energy.

physiognomy

noun

(pl

physiognomies) the

who

pianos) a musical instrument with noun

(pl

strings struck

noun the study of

person

plays the piano.

by

hammers operated by keyboard, adv

a

[music]

softly.

pianoforte

noun [formal] a

piano.

piazza

/pee-at-sa/ NOUN a

features of a person's

public square or market

face.

place.

physiology

noun the

study of the bodily functions of living organisms. physiological adj physiologist noun

physiotherapy

noun

treatment of an injury etc.

by massage and

exercises.

noun a

/fi-zeek/

noun a

person's physical build

and muscular

mounted

bullfighter with a lance.

picaresque

/pik-a-resk/

recounting a series of adventures of a roguish hero.

adj (of fiction)

piccalilli noun a pickle of

chopped vegetables and hot

spices.

piccaninny

physiotherapist noun

physique

picador

([us]

pickaninny) noun (pl piccaninnies pickaninnies) [offensive] a black child; an ;

pickup

817 Aboriginal child.

piccolo

noun

picker noun

piccolos)

(pl

verb

1

pickaninny US

take hold of

pull or

from

lift

place. 2 select.

3

Of PICCANINNY.

pickaxe

pull at

a tool (a

hole) in this way. noun

an

spelling

its

something repeatedly with the fingers; make 1

variant of

PIGGYBACK.

a small flute.

pick and

pickaback

act of choosing; the

right to choose; [informal] the best of a group. 2 a pickaxe. 3 [informal] a plectrum. pick a lock open a lock using something other than a key. pick a pocket

([us]

pickax) noun

with a pointed

iron bar at right angles

handle, for breaking ground to

its

picket

noun

1

etc.

people

stationed outside a

workplace to dissuade others from entering

during a

strike; a

party of

pointed stake in the ground, verb

sentries. 2 a set

from a pocket, pick a quarrel provoke a

picketed) form a picket

quarrel, pick holes in

outside

steal

pick off single

criticize,

out and shoot, pick on unfairly single out for

blame or

criticism, pick

one's way walk carefully over rough ground, pick out 1 select. 2 mark, distinguish (a design etc.).

pick up

2 collect 3

1

lift.

(a

workplace).

pickings plural made easily or

noun gains

dishonestly.

pickle

noun

1

vegetables

preserved in vinegar or brine; this liquid. 2 [informal]

a difficult or

embarrassing situation. verb preserve in pickle.

in a car.

become

pickpocket

better or

who

stronger. 4 [informal]

casually

(pickets, picketing,

pickup

acquainted with sexual overture.

noun a thief

from people's

pockets.

become

someone, especially

steals

as a

noun

1

a small

van

with low sides. 2 [informal] a casual encounter with

m

picnic

818

someone, especially sexual one.

very expressive.

a

a device

3

producing an

electrical

signal in response to a

change, e.g. the stylus holder on a record player.

picnic noun an informal outdoor meal, verb (picnics, picnicking,

picnic.

a

noun a

symbol used

pie noun

a

piebald

piece as

form of writing.

pictorial

language.

baked dish of

adj (of a horse)

with irregular patches of white and black.

picnicker noun

pictorial

another language with elements of a local

meat, fish, or fruit covered with pastry.

picnicked) take part in a

pictograph

pidgin noun a simplified form of English or

2

adj of, in, or like

noun

1

a portion; a

an item in a set. something regarded as a

part;

unit. 3 a musical, literary,

a picture or pictures;

or artistic composition.

illustrated, noun a

4

newspaper

board games.

many

with

etc.

of a piece of the

pictures.

pictorially adv

picture noun

a

made by

representation

photography; an idea, a mental image; (the pictures) the cinema.

draw or

paint; imagine.

be

(or look) a picture

be

very beautiful, get the

understand a situation. adj

forming

a pleasant scene; (of

words or

kind; consistent, piece together make by putting together pieces

piece de resistance /pee-ess de ray-zees-tahns/

noun (pl pieces

a description)

de

resistance) the most

impressive feature, especially of a creative work.

piecemeal

picture [informal]

picturesque

same

or parts.

painting, drawing, or

verb represent,

a small object used in

done and in an inconsistent manner. piecework noun work adj & adv

at different times

paid according to the

pigment

819 quantity done.

pie chart noun

a

diagram

representing quantities as

meat. 2 [informal] a greedy or unpleasant its

sectors of a circle.

pied

animal with cloven hooves and a blunt snout, domesticated for

adj particoloured.

person.

pied-a-terre tair/

NOUN

(PL

/pee-ayd a

pieds-a-

terre) a small

house

for

occasional use.

pigeon

noun

1

dove family.

a bird of the 2 [informal]

a

person's business or responsibility.

pie-eyed

adj [informal]

drunk.

noun a small

compartment where mail

pier noun

a structure built

1

out into the sea, used as a landing stage or a

promenade. 2 a pillar supporting an arch or bridge.

pierce

pigeonhole can be

left for

someone;

compartment documents in a desk. verb put (a document) in a similar

for

a pigeonhole; assign to a

category, especially verb (of a sharp-

pointed instrument) go into or through (something); make (a hole) in (something) in

way; force a way through. this

piercing

adj

1

(of cold or

wind) penetrating sharply. 2 (of sound) shrilly audible.

piercingly adv

piety noun the quality of being religious or reverent.

piffle NOUN [INFORMAL]

nonsense.

pig noun

1

an omnivorous

thoughtlessly.

piggery

noun

(pl

piggeries) a pig-breeding

establishment; a pigsty.

piggy

adj like a pig.

piggyback

(also

pickaback) noun a ride on a person's back.

piggy bank noun a money box shaped

like a

Pig-

pig-headed

adj obstinate.

pig iron noun oblong blocks of crude iron from a smelting furnace.

piglet noun a young

pigment

pig.

noun colouring

^^ IdV

pigmy

820

matter.

pigmy

variant of pygmy.

pigsty

noun

pigsties) a

(pl

covered pen for pigs.

disorganized group. pile up accumulate.

pile-Up NOUN

[INFORMAL] a

collision of several

vehicles.

pigtail noun long hair worn in a plait at the back of the head.

pike

pilfer verb steal (small items or in small quantities).

noun

1

a spear with a

long wooden

pike) a large voracious

freshwater

pilferer noun

shaft. 2 (pl

fish.

pilgrim noun a person

who

travels to a sacred

place as an act of

pilaf (also pilaff, pilau) noun a dish of rice with meat, spices, etc.

religious devotion.

pilgrimage noun small piece of medicinal substance for swallowing whole; (the

pill noun a

pilaster noun a rectangular usually

ornamental column.

pilchard

noun a small sea

fish.

pile noun 1 a number of things lying one on top of another; [informal] a

amount. 2 a large, imposing building. 3 a heavy beam driven large

pill)

a contraceptive pill.

pillage

wartime) rob or steal with violence, noun the action verb (in

of pillaging.

pillar noun a vertical structure used as a

support or ornament. pillar

box

noun a postbox.

vertically into the

ground

support for a building or bridge. 4 the as a

surface of a carpet, velvet, etc.,

with

many

small projecting threads. 5 (piles)

verb

of

1

haemorrhoids. on top

lay (things)

one another.

2

get into

or out of a vehicle in a

pillbox noun 1 a small round hat. 2 a small concrete

fort,

partly

underground. pillion noun a passenger seat behind the driver of a motorcycle.

pillory noun [historical] a

(pl pillories)

wooden frame

pincer

821 with holes for the head and hands, in which offenders were locked and exposed to public ridicule, verb (pillories,

skin.

pimply

PIN

adj

abbrev personal

identification

pin noun

1

number.

a short

pointed

pillorying, pilloried)

piece of metal with a

ridicule publicly.

broadened head, used

pillow noun

cushion for supporting the head in bed. verb rest (one's head) as

a

though on

a pillow.

pilot noun 1 a person who operates an aircraft's flying controls; a person qualified to steer ships

into or out of a harbour. 2

a television

made

programme

to test audience

an experimental project or scheme, verb reaction;

(pilots, piloting, piloted) 1

act as pilot of (an

2 a

peg or stake of wood

or metal.

3

(pins)

[INFORMAL] legs. VERB (pins,

pinning, pinned) fasten or attach with pins; hold

(someone) so that they move. pin down force to be

are unable to

definite in a promise, pin

on attach (blame) to someone, pins and needles a tingling sensation.

pinafore

noun

1

an apron,

aircraft or ship). 2 test (a

2 (in full

project

a sleeveless dress

etc.).

pilot light noun

burning

jet

1

a small

of gas

which

lights a larger burner. 2

an

electric indicator

light.

pinafore dress)

worn

over a blouse or jumper.

pinball noun a game in

which

balls are propelled

across a sloping board to strike targets.

pimiento

noun a sweet

pepper.

pimp

for

fastening things together.

/panss-nay/

noun spectacles that clip

noun a

man who

finds clients for a

prostitute or brothel.

pimple

pince-nez

noun a small

inflamed spot on the

on to the nose. pincer noun a front claw of a lobster or similar shellfish; (pincers) a tool

with pivoted jaws for

^^. d

pinch

822

gripping and pulling

or binding the arms or

things.

legs.

pinch

verb

pink adj

squeeze

1

pale red. noun

1

between two surfaces, especially between the finger and thumb. 2 [informal] steal, noun 1 an

pink colour. 2 a garden plant with fragrant

act of pinching.

engine)

2

a small

pinch

if

really

experience financial hardship.

pine tree

noun

cut a zigzag

(fabric). 2 (of

make

an

rattling

imperfectly.

necessary, feel the pinch

1

edge on

1

sounds when running

amount. at a

flowers, verb

a

an evergreen

with needle-shaped

in the pink [informal] in very good health.

pinnacle

noun a high

pointed rock; a small ornamental turret; the highest point, the most

leaves.

pine 2 verb become ill and weak through grief; miss someone or something

pinpoint

moment.

verb locate

precisely, adj absolutely precise.

intensely.

pineapple

successful

noun a large

juicy tropical fruit.

pinstripe noun a very narrow stripe in cloth fabric.

ping

noun a short sharp

ringing sound, verb this

make

sound.

pinger

noun a device

emitting short highpitched sounds for detection, identification,

or as a time signal.

ping-pong

noun [informal]

table tennis.

pinion noun wing.

2

1

pint noun a measure for liquids, one-eighth of a gallon (0.568

pin-up

by holding

litre).

NOUN [informal] a

poster of a famous or attractive person;

such a

person.

pioneer

who a bird's

a small cogwheel.

verb restrain

pinstriped adj

is

noun a person

one of the

explore a

new

subject, verb

first

to

region or

be the

to explore, use, or

first

pirate

823

on the way, in preparation.

develop.

pious

adj

religious;

in

devoutly

making

a

hypocritical display of virtue.

piousness noun 1

a small seed in

fruit. 2 a star

showing

rank on an army officer's uniform. 3 a short highpitched sound, verb (pips, pipping, pipped) [informal] defeat by a small margin.

pipe noun 1 a tube through which something can flow. 2 a wind instrument; (pipes)

narrow tube with a bowl at one end for smoking tobacco. verb 1 convey (water etc.) through pipe(s). 2 play

bagpipes.

(music)

a

3

on

a pipe. 3 utter

in a shrill voice.

pipe

down

be quiet, piping hot very [informal]

hot.

pipe

noun a player of

pipes.

noun a slender

tube for transferring or measuring small

amounts of liquid. piquant /pee-kahnt/

ADJ

pleasantly sharp in taste or smell; pleasantly

mentally

ironic,

stimulating.

piquancy noun

pique

/peek/ noun a feeling

of hurt pride, verb 1

stimulate (curiosity

hurt the pride

etc.). 2

piquet /pee-kay/ NOUN card game for two

of.

a

players.

piranha

Q[

representation the part symbolize; describe as

picture of;

etc.; act

932 reprint

VERB /ree-print/

print again.

being of a particular

NOUN /ree-print/ a

nature.

reprinted.

representation 1

noun

the action of

2

etc. of

something.

(representations)

statements

reprisal noun an act of retaliation.

representing; an image,

model,

book

made

as

an

reproach

verb express

one's disapproval of or

disappointment with. noun an expression of

appeal, protest, or

disapproval or

allegation.

disappointment. reproachful adj

representative 1

typical of a

adj

group or

involving the representation of the public by elected class. 2

spokesmen, noun a person's or firm's agent; a person

chosen to

represent others.

repress

reproachfully adv

reprobate

noun an immoral or unprincipled

person.

reproduce

produce again; produce a copy of; produce further members of the

verb subdue,

control; restrain the

expression of (emotions). repression noun repressive adj

reprieve noun a postponement or cancellation of

punishment

(especially a

death sentence); a temporary relief from trouble, verb give a

reprieve to.

reprimand

verb reproach.

noun a reproach.

verb

same

species.

reproduction noun reproductive adj

reproof

noun an

expression of

condemnation

for a

fault.

reprove reproof

verb give a to.

reptile noun a member of the class of cold-blooded animals with a backbone and rough or scaly skin. reptilian adj & noun

republic

noun a country

rescind

933 reputedly

which the supreme power is held by the in

request

adv

by repute.

an

noun

act of

people's representatives,

asking for something;

not by a monarch.

something asked for. verb for; ask (someone) to do something.

republican

adj of or

ask

advocating a republic. noun a person advocating republican government.

repudiate verb reject, disown; deny the truth of.

adj distasteful,

objectionable.

back

(an attacking force);

fulfilment.

2

order,

noun a

need. adj required,

necessary.

driving back; a rejection, a rebuff.

noun

something needed.

requisition noun noun a strong

feeling of distaste,

adj

written

a

formal

demand; an

order laying claim to the use of property or

revulsion.

arousing

materials, verb

disgust.

demand

or

order by this.

repulsively adv

reputable

dead; music for this.

requisite

reject, rebuff, noun a

repulsive

for the

repose of the souls of the

requirement

verb drive

repulsion

Mass

oblige.

repugnance noun

repulse

/rek-wi-em/ NOUN

a special

require verb 1 need; depend on for success or

repudiation noun

repugnant

requiem

adj

requite

having

a

good reputation,

resale noun

what

is

generally believed about a person or thing.

repute noun reputed adj

return for

reputation. said or

thought to be.

make

(a service

or

injury).

respected.

reputation

verb [formal]

noun a sale to

another person of something one has bought.

rescind

/re-sind/ VERB

repeal or cancel (a law etc.).

^^U

CH

rescue rescue

934 from

verb save

of wildlife.

3

lack of

danger or capture etc.

friendliness or

noun an act of rescuing.

4

rescuer noun

price for

research

noun study

and

investigation to discover facts, verb investigate;

search for facts to use in (a

book

an item

at

auction.

reserve kept unused for emergencies. in

reserved

adj (of a

verb

of manner.

be

like.

resemblance noun

resent

the lowest acceptable

person) showing reserve

etc.).

researcher noun

resemble

warmth.

reservist noun

a

member

of a reserve force.

verb feel bitter

and

reservoir

/rez-er-vwah/

indignant about.

noun a lake used as a store

resentful adj

for a water supply; a

resentfully adv

container for a supply of

resentment noun

fluid.

reservation 1

noun

accommodation 2

reshuffle

reserving; reserved

doubt.

3

reserve

etc.

noun a reorganization.

an area of land

set aside for a

verb

purpose.

put aside for

future or special use;

1

a

supply of something kept for emergencies; a body of troops outside the regular

armed

forces; a

2

land

verb live in a

particular place; (reside in)

be naturally present belong

to.

residence

noun the fact

of living somewhere; the

place where a person lives.

resident

adj residing, in

residence, noun a

permanent inhabitant;

substitute player in a

sporting team.

reside

in; (of a right)

order or set aside for a particular person; retain; delay the expression of (an opinion), noun

verb

interchange; reorganize.

set

aside for special use, especially the protection

(at a hotel) a

person

staying overnight.

residential

adj

designed

resonate

935 for living in; lived in;

providing

accommodation. residue noun what

is left

over.

resistor noun a device having resistance to the passage of an electric current.

residual adj

resign

electric current.

verb give

up

(one's

job, claim, etc.).

required by a

resign oneself to be

ready to accept and endure. resignation noun

resigned

business.

resolute

showing

adj

great determination.

having

resolution noun

resilient adj springing back when bent, pressed, etc.; readily recovering from shock or distress.

statement of a committee's opinion. 2 the solving of a a formal

problem

resolve

resilience noun

etc.

verb

solution to

a sticky

1

(a

substance from plants

dispute, etc.).

and

firmly

on

action.

3

certain trees; a

similar substance

a firm

1

decision; determination;

resignedly adv

made

synthetically, used in

find a

problem, decide

2

a course of

separate into

constituent parts. noun determination.

plastics.

resinous

modern

resolutely adv adj

resigned oneself.

resin noun

reskill verb retrain (workers) in the skills

adj

resist verb oppose strongly or forcibly; withstand; refrain from accepting or yielding to. resistance noun resistant adj resistible adj

resistivity noun resistance to the passage of an

resonant

adj deep, clear,

and echoing; reinforcing sound, especially by vibration.

resonance noun

resonate

verb

be

filled

with deep reverberating sound; be able to evoke images and memories. resonator noun

m

resort resort adopt

936

verb (resort to)

2

some

merit, or

size,

importance.

or

(a strategy

of

course of action) to

respectability noun

resolve a difficult

respectably adv

situation, noun

1

a popular

holiday destination. 2 the action of resorting to something; a strategy or course of action.

resound filled

verb

or be

fill

noun

1

a supply

of an asset to be used

belonging

an individual.

respectively

adv for each

separately in the order

mentioned. process of breathing.

respirator noun

a device

worn over the nose and mouth to prevent the inhalation of smoke etc.;

when

needed; (resources) available

assets. 2 a strategy for

a device for giving

dealing with difficulties. verb provide

to each as

adj

respiration noun the

with sound; echo.

resource

respective

artificial respiration.

with

respiratory

resources.

adj of

respiration.

resourceful adj clever finding ways of doing

at

resourcefully adv

resourcefulness noun noun

1

admiration

or esteem; politeness,

regard for others' rights

and wishes.

2

an aspect of

a situation etc. verb feel

or

show

respect for.

respect of (or with respect to) regarding, concerning. in

respectable

adj

regarded as conventionally correct.

1

verb [formal]

breathe.

things.

respect

respire

respite noun rest or from something

relief

unpleasant; a permitted

delay before a

punishment

resplendent

etc.

adj brilliant

with colour or decorations.

respond

verb answer;

react.

respondent

noun a

defendant in a lawsuit, especially in a divorce case.

restore

937 response

noun

an

power or

an

1

responsibility)

or

movement produced

belong to. 6 (of a matter) be left without further

by

a stimulus or

action, noun

answer.

2

act, feeling,

responsibility noun the being

from one's job

responsible adj 1 being the cause of something;

deserving blame or credit it.

2 reliable, fulfilling

duties conscientiously. 3

involving

(of a job etc.)

important duties. responsible for having control or care over, responsible to

having to report to

(a

superior).

responsibly adv

responsive

responsiveness noun 1

stop

work

or

in order to

relax or recover strength. 2

place or be placed for

support; be positioned. 3

depend

(rest on)

based on.

4 (rest in

or be or on)

place (trust, hope, etc.) in or on.

restaurateur ter/

5

/res-te-re-

noun a restaurant-

keeper.

restful

adj giving rest;

relaxing.

restitution noun

1

the

restoring of a thing to

its

proper owner or original state. 2 compensation.

^,

adj restless;

impatient.

restless

movement

noun a place

where meals can be bought and eaten.

restive

positively.

verb

restaurant

adj

responding readily and

rest

the rest the remaining part; the others.

or position.

for

motionless or silent state. 2 a prop or support for an object.

responsible; a duty resulting

the action

or a period of resting; a

another's action.

state of

1

(rest with) (of

Qj

adj

etc. to rest

too anxious

or keep

still.

restlessly adv

restlessness noun

restorative

adj restoring

health or strength, noun a restorative food,

medicine, or treatment.

restore

verb bring or give

back (something lost or taken away); return to a

restrain

938

former place or position; repair, return to a former

evident again.

resurgent

adj rising or

state.

arising again.

restoration noun

resurgence noun

restorer noun

resurrect

restrain verb hold back from movement or action; keep under control.

to

verb bring

back

or into use.

life

resurrection

noun the

action of resurrecting; (the Resurrection)

restraint noun

Christ's rising

restrict verb put a limit on, subject to

resuscitate

limitations.

to

restriction noun

from the

dead. verb restore

or consciousness.

life

resuscitation noun restrictive adj

result noun 1 what comes about because of an action etc.; the product of calculation.

mark

score or

2

a final

in a

contest or examination. verb occur as a result.

have

result in

resultant

adj

as a result.

occurring as

begin to do or be done again after a verb

pause; take again, return

retail.

retailer noun

retain

keep in one's possession; absorb and hold; hold in place; keep verb

/rez-yoo-may/ NOUN

a summary. 2 [us] = CURRICULUM VITAE. resurface verb 1 put a 1

surface on.

to the surface;

retainer noun

a fee paid to

a barrister etc. to secure

service

when required. verb regay^an

injury, Insult, etc.

resumption noun

new

by

retaliate

to using.

resume

goods to the general public (rather than for resale), verb sell or be sold

in one's service.

a result.

resume

retail noun the sale of

2

return

become

inflicting

one in

by

return.

retaliation noun

retaliatory adj

retard

verb cause delay to.

retarded

adj backward in mental or physical

retrieve

939 development.

retch

verb strain one's

throat as

retention

adj able to

verb (rethinks,

not revealing one's thoughts or adj

retina noun retinae) a

(pl

retinas or

membrane

at

the back of the eyeball, sensitive to light.

retire verb

1

give

employee) withdraw;

an

move

back, noun

act of retreating; a

2

a place of shelter or

seclusion.

retrench

avoiding

society.

retort verb make (as) a witty or angry reply, noun a reply of this kind.

2

a

container or furnace for carrying out a chemical

verb reduce

costs or spending.

trial.

retribution noun deserved punishment.

retrieve

verb 1 regain possession of; bring back; extract (information)

from

,

fi

retrial noun a repeated

retirement noun

1

verb

after defeat or

retrenchment noun

go to bed. adj shy,

withdraw from an uncomfortable situation;

retreat

of

age; cause (an this. 2

be

military signal for this.

up one's

work because

adj able to

retracted.

1

important person.

retiring

retraction noun

recede,

retinue noun attendants accompanying an

retreat;

retractable adj

retractile

reticence noun

do

go back over

retractor noun

feelings.

to

verb

etc.).

differently.

regular

touch up (a picture or photograph). verb

retract verb pull back; withdraw (an allegation

reconsider; plan again

reticent

long-necked used in

or repeat (a route).

rethinking, rethought)

and

retouch retrace

retain things.

rethink

a

distilling.

noun the

retaining of something.

retentive

a large scale.

glass container

vomiting.

if

on

process

3 [historical]

a computer. 2 rescue

retriever from

940

a state of difficulty.

retriever noun breed used to game. retro style

retsina noun

a

dog of

a

return

verb

send back. office, noun

from the recent operating

adj

1

adj

match. going

inferior state.

to

state.

looking

retrospective adj looking back on the

3

noun a

the same opponents.

return ticket noun

past;

law etc.) made to apply to the past as well as the future, noun

an

exhibition showing the development of an

work.

a

journey to a

and back

again.

noun a gathering

of people

who

were

formerly associated.

reunite

(of a

verb bring or

come together again. reusable adj able to be used again.

Rev- abbrev Reverend. rev [INFORMAL] noun a revolution of an engine. verb (revs, revving,

retrospectively adv /ri-troo-say/ ADJ

retroverted

a profit.

match

reunion

noun (in

(of the nose)

return

place

back on a past event.

retrousse

an report made by 2

ticket for a

retrogression noun retrogressive adj

when

act of

etc.; a

second match between

retrogress verb return an earlier and worse

retrospect)

an

or

elect to

order.

backwards; reverting to

retrospect

3

return ticket; a return official

retrograde

or go

make

coming back

retrospectively.

artist's

2

yield (a profit).

past.

an

come

1

back; bring, give, put, or

retrieve

adj imitative of a

retroactive

Greek

a

resin-flavoured wine.

retrieval noun

turned up. adj

turned

backwards. retroversion noun

revved) cause (an engine) to run faster; (of an engine) increase speed.

revalue value

verb reassess the

of.

revert

941

reverberation noun

revaluation noun

revamp give a

verb renovate,

new appearance

abbrev Reverend.

reveal verb make visible by uncovering; make known. reveille military

revel

/ri-va-li/

noun a

waking

signal.

verb (revels, [us]

reveling, reveled)

enjoy

1

oneself with others in a lively

and noisy way.

(revel in) take great

pleasure in. noun (revels) lively

and noisy

reveller noun

revelry noun

revelation

reverence of

awe and

noun the

revealing of something; a surprising thing revealed.

for.

noun a feeling

respect or

veneration.

reverent adj reverently adv

reverend

adj a title or

form of address to of the

clergy.

reverie noun a daydream. reversal noun a change to an opposite direction or position; an adverse change of fortune.

reverse

celebrations.

deep

respect or religious

members

revelling, revelled;

2

verb feel

veneration

to.

Revd

revere

move

verb

backwards, cause to do this; undo, cancelconvert to its opposite; turn inside out or upside down etc. adj opposite in direction, nature, order,

revenge

noun injury

inflicted in return for

what one has

suffered.

verb avenge.

revenue

1

a

change of

direction; the opposite side. 2 a setback.

reversely adv

noun income; a

country's

income from

taxes; the

department

collecting this.

reverberate

etc. noun

reversible adj

revert

verb return to a

former condition or habit; return to a subject

verb be

in talk etc.; (of property

repeated as an echo;

etc.)

continue to have

original owner.

effects.

return or pass to the

review

942

reversion noun

review

noun

1

decree, licence, etc.).

a general

survey of events or a subject; revision or

revolt

reconsideration; a critical

on

report

a book, play,

ceremonial

etc. 2 a

inspection of troops verb

make

or write a

verb

rebellion;

1

take part in a

mood

be in a

of protest or defiance. 2

etc.

cause strong disgust

in.

noun rebellion, refusal to

submit or conform.

review of. reviewer noun

revile verb

revocable adj revocation noun

revolting

adj

1

causing

disgust. 2 in revolt.

criticize angrily

in abusive language.

revise verb 1 re-examine and alter or correct. 2 reread work already done in preparation for an examination. reviser noun

revolution noun forcible

government and installation of a a

new

one;

complete change in etc. 2 an

methods

instance of revolving; a single

revision noun

the

1

overthrow of a

complete orbit or

rotation.

revisory adj

revolutionary

revivalist noun person

who

seeks to

political revolution;

promote

religious fervour.

revivalism noun

revive

verb

back to

come

adj of

or bring

life,

involving dramatic change, noun (pl revolutionaries) a person who begins or supports a political revolution.

consciousness, or strength; restore interest

revolutionize

(also

in or use of.

revolutionise) verb alter

revival noun

completely.

revivify verb

(revivifies,

revivifying, revivified)

give

new

life

or strength

to.

revoke

revolve verb move circle on a central

move

in

revolver verb

withdraw

(a

pistol.

an

in a axis;

orbit.

noun a type of

rhino

943 revue

device for varying the

an

noun

entertainment consisting

resistance to electric

of a series of items.

current.

revulsion

noun strong

reward

something

noun

given or received in return for service or merit; a sum offered for the detection of a criminal or return of property.

reward

verb give a

rewire

rhesus

noun a small

monkey.

disgust.

verb

electrical

rewrite

to.

renew the

wiring

of.

verb (rewrites,

rewriting, rewrote; past participle rewritten)

write

rhesus factor

substance.

rhetoric noun the art of using words impressively; impressive language.

rhetorical adj expressed so as to sound

again in a different form

impressive.

or style.

rhetorically adv

Rex noun a reigning king. RFC abbrev Rugby Football Club.

rhapsodize

(also

rhapsodise) verb talk or

noun a

substance usually present in human blood. rhesus-positive having this substance, rhesusnegative not having this

rhetorical question noun a question used for

dramatic effect, not seeking an answer.

rheumatism

noun a

write about something

disease causing pain in

very enthusiastically.

the joints, muscles, or

rhapsody

noun

rhapsodies)

1

(pl

a very

enthusiastic expression

romantic musical composition. rhapsodic adj

of feeling.

rhenium

2

a

noun a rare

metallic element.

rheostat

/ree-6-stat/ NOUN a

fibrous tissue.

rheumatic

adj

rheumatoid

adj

having

the character of

rheumatism.

rhinestone

an imitation diamond.

rhino

noun

noun

(pl

rhino or

rhinos) [informal] a

W

t

rhinoceros

944 regular, repeated pattern

rhinoceros.

rhinoceros

noun

of

(pl

or sound;

the arrangement of musical notes according

rhinoceroses or rhinoceros) a large thick-skinned animal

with one horn (or occasionally two) on

movement

to duration

and

stress; a

recurring sequence of its

events.

rhythmic, rhythmical adj

nose.

rhizome

rhythmically adv

noun an

underground stem producing roots and shoots.

rhodium

noun a metallic

rhythm method

of ovulation.

element. rib noun

rhododendron

an evergreen shrub with noun

large clusters of flowers.

rhombus

noun a

noun

contraception by avoiding sexual intercourse near the time

1

one of the

curved bones round the chest; a structural part

resembling

this. 2 a

pattern of raised lines in

quadrilateral with

knitting, verb (ribs,

opposite sides and angles equal (and not right

ribbing, ribbed)

with raised

angles).

2 [informal] tease.

rhomboid

rhubarb

adj & noun

noun a plant with

1

mark

lines.

ribald adj humorously rude or vulgar in

red leaf-stalks used like

discussing sexual matters.

fruit.

ribaldry noun

rhyme

noun a similarity of

sound between words or syllables; a word

riband

noun [archaic] a

ribbon.

ribbon

noun a decorative

providing a rhyme to another; a poem with

narrow narrow

line-endings that rhyme.

something.

verb

have a similar or the

same sound.

rhythm

noun a strong,

strip of fabric; a strip of

riboflavin noun a B vitamin found in liver, milk,

and

eggs.

ride

945 ribonucleic acid

noun a

substance controlling protein synthesis in cells.

rice noun a cereal plant grown in marshes in hot countries; its seeds used as food.

rich

adj

money 2

the Far East, pulled along by a person.

ricochet

ricocheted) rebound

from

a surface after

striking

much many assets.

having

1

or

containing a large

amount

of something

specified. 3 (of soil) fertile. 4 (of

colour,

sound, or smell) pleasantly deep

and

/rik-6-shay/ VERB

(ricochets, ricocheting,

it

with a

glancing blow, noun a

rebound of ricotta noun

this kind. a soft Italian

cheese.

rid verb (rids, ridding, rid)

from something unpleasant or unwanted. get rid of cause to go free

strong, noun (riches)

away; free oneself of;

wealth; valuable natural

discard.

resources.

ridden

a bit rich [informal] (of a

remark) unfair or unreasonable. richness noun

part participle of

RIDE.

riddle noun 1 a question etc. designed to test ingenuity, especially for

richly adv generously, plentifully, splendidly; fully,

completely.

rick noun

hay

amusement; something

1

a large stack of

etc. 2 a slight

sprain

or strain, verb sprain or strain slightly.

bone caused by

rickets noun disease

vitamin

D

a

deficiency.

rickety adj shaky, insecure.

rickshaw

2

a coarse sieve, verb

1

make many

permeate.

2

holes

in;

pass through

a coarse sieve.

ride verb

(rides, riding,

rode; past participle ridden) sit

on and be

carried

horse or bicycle

by

etc.);

travel in a vehicle;

be

carried or supported by.

noun a two-

wheeled vehicle used in

g^ ^^U

puzzling or mysterious,

noun

1

a spell of riding; a

journey in a vehicle; a

(a

rider

946

roller coaster or similar

fairground amusement. 2

a

path through woods

to

make the

bullets spin.

rift noun a cleft in earth or

rock; a crack, a split; a

for riding.

breach in friendly

a person who rides a horse etc. 2 an additional statement or

relations.

rider noun

1

condition.

ridge noun

narrow

narrow raised strip; a line where two upward slopes meet; an elongated region of high barometric pressure. ridged adj

ridicule noun mockery, derision, verb subject to

make fun

of.

ridiculous adj deserving to be laughed at, absurd. ridiculously adv rife adj occurring frequently, widespread. rife

with

full of.

riff noun a short

phrase in jazz riffle verb flick

(pages

repeated etc.

through

etc.).

riff-raff noun rabble;

disreputable people.

gun with a long barrel, verb 1 search hurriedly through something. 2 cut spiral grooves in (a gun barrel)

rifle noun a

valley noun

a steep-

sided valley formed by

the earth's subsidence. a long

hilltop; a

ridicule,

rift

rig verb (rigs, rigging,

rigged)

1

(a ship)

fit

with

up

rigging; set

(equipment), especially in a makeshift way. 2

manage

or run

fraudulently, noun

way

a ship's

sails etc. are

1

the

masts and arranged; an

outfit, a style of dress.

an apparatus for an oil well etc.

2

rigging noun ropes used to support a masts and sails.

drilling

etc.

ship's

right adj 1 morally good; in accordance with justice. 2 correct, true;

suitable, appropriate to a

need or purpose; satisfactory, in good of or on the body which is on the east when one is

condition.

3

side of the

facing north. real,

adv

1

4 [informal]

complete: a right fool. completely; directly,

exactly.

2

correctly. 3 to

rim

947 or

on the right-hand 1 that which

side, noun

the right hand. is

an entitlement, something to which one is entitled. morally good.

3

2

the right-hand side or

direction. 4 a party or

man

right-hand right of

way noun

1

the

right to pass over

another's land; a path subject to this.

group favouring

an

noun

indispensable assistant.

2

the right

to proceed while another

conservative views and

vehicle

must

wait.

capitalist policies, verb

rigid adj unable to bend;

normal or

restore to a

upright position;

rectify,

strict, inflexible.

rigidity noun

set right.

by rights according to

rigidly adv

one's

rigmarole

strict fairness, in

own

right

merit

etc.,

by one's own not by

association with another. in

the right having truth

on one's side. away immediately.

or justice right

rightly adv

stiffening of the

body

after death.

rigour

([us]

rigor) noun the

quality of being strictness, severity;

right angle noun an angle of 90°.

justifiable;

rigor mortis noun

thorough and accurate;

Tightness noun

righteous

noun a long rambling statement.

morally doing what

adj

is

harshness of weather rigorous adj rigorously adv rigorousness noun

etc.

rile verb [informal] annoy.

right.

righteously adv

rill

righteousness noun rightful adj having a right to something; just,

rim

noun a small stream. noun an edge or

border, especially of

something

circular; the

legitimate.

outer edge of a wheel.

rightfully adv

verb (rims,

rightfulness noun

rimmed) form

right-handed

adj

using

to.

rimming, a border

^» Q

rime rime

948 ringlet noun a long

noun frost.

spiralling curl of hair.

rind noun a tough outer layer

on

bacon,

ringside noun the area beside a boxing ring.

cheese,

fruit,

etc.

ring 1 noun circular

1

a small

band worn on

a

finger; a circular outline;

a circular device giving

out heat on a gas or electric hob. 2 an enclosed area for a sport etc. 3 a group of people acting together dishonestly, verb put a ring on; surround.

ringside seat noun a position from which one has a clear view of the scene of action.

ringworm

noun a fungal

infection producing

round

scaly patches

on

the skin.

rink noun an area of ice for skating; an enclosed area for roller skating.

ring 2 verb (rings, ringing, rang; past participle rung)

etc.

give out a loud clear

resonant sound; cause bell) to

do

noun (a

this; ring a

bell etc. as a signal-

resound, noun

sound of

1

an

ringing.

act or 2

verb wash out soap from; wash quickly.

rinse

a

an act of

rinsing; a

mouthwash; a solution washed through hair to tint or

condition

riot noun

1

it.

a violent

quality or impression

disturbance by a crowd of

conveyed by the tone of an utterance: a ring of

people.

truth. 3 [INFORMAL]

telephone ring off call,

ring the

3 [informal]

amusing person or

a telephone

riot.

changes ring up

behave in a violent and unrestrained way; grow in an

vary things, make a telephone

call

ringleader noun

run

riot

uncontrolled way.

(to).

a person

who leads others in wrongdoing.

and

thing, verb take part in a

call.

end

a large

varied display. a very

a

2

riotous

adj disorderly,

unruly; boisterous.

RIP

abbrev rest in peace.

rissole

949 rip verb (rips, ripping, ripped)

tear apart;

1

remove by pulling roughly; become torn. 2 rush along, noun an act

from lying or 2

become

sitting.

higher; increase

in quantity, intensity, pitch, etc.; reach a higher

speak without restraint.

rank or position. 3 rebel. originate, have a source; (of the wind) start to blow, noun an act of

of ripping; a torn place. let rip [informal]

act or

4

an increase, an

rip into [informal] attack

rising;

verbally, rip off [informal]

especially in pay;

defraud; steal.

upward

ripcord

noun a cord for

pulling to release a

parachute.

gathered and used; matured; ready for something; (of age) advanced. ripeness noun

ripen

verb

become

risible adj ridiculous. risibility

ripe ad j ready to be

make

or

ripe.

rip-Off NOUN [INFORMAL] a

noun

risibly adv

risk noun a possibility of meeting danger or suffering harm; a person or thing representing a source of danger or harm, verb expose to the chance of injury or loss; accept the risk

risky

swindle.

slope.

give rise to cause.

adj (riskier, riskiest)

noun a

involving

quick counterstroke or

riskily adv

retort, verb deliver a

riskiness noun

riposte

/ri-posst/

ripple noun a small wave; a

sound that rises and falls, verb form gentle

(rises, rising,

rose; past participle risen) 1

move from

a lower to a

higher position; get up

(pl risottos) a

chopped meat, vegetables, etc. /riss-kay/ ADJ

slightly indecent.

rissole noun

m t

dish of rice containing

risque

ripples.

rise verb

risk.

risotto noun

riposte.

of.

a

mixture of

minced meat formed into a flat shape and fried.

rite

950

RNA noun

rite noun a ritual.

ritual noun a series of

ribonucleic acid,

a substance in living cells

actions used in a

which

religious or other

instructions from

ceremony,

adj of or

done

carries

DNA

for controlling the

synthesis of proteins.

as a ritual.

road

ritually adv

ritualism noun observance

noun a prepared track

along which people and vehicles

may

without regard to

series of

events or actions

content.

leading to a particular

ritualistic adj

outcome. on the road

of ritual forms, especially

rival noun a person or

thing that competes with or can equal another. adj being a rival or rivals.

road hog

verb (rivals, rivalling,

roadie

rivalled;

[us]

rivaled)

be a

seem

good

as

rivaling, rival of; as.

rivalry noun

river noun a large natural stream of water; a great flow.

in place, verb

(rivets, riveting, riveted) 1

fasten with a rivet.

2 attract

and hold the

attention

of,

engross.

rivulet noun a small

noun [informal] a

reckless or inconsiderate driver.

noun [informal] a

person helping a touring band of musicians with their equipment.

road metal

noun broken

stone for making the foundation of a road or

abbrev Royal

road rage

Navy.

noun aggressive

behaviour by a driver, caused by the stress of driving in a heavy traffic etc.

roadster car with

roadway

noun

no

an open

rear seats.

noun a road,

especially as distinct

from

stream.

RN

travelling.

railway.

rivet noun a bolt for holding pieces of metal together, with its end beaten to form a head

when

travel; a

a footpath beside

roadworks

plural noun

it.

rock

951 construction or repair of

roadworthy vehicle)

fit

on

to be used

brown

or black

series of tasks

automatically, especially

coat sprinkled with lighter hairs, noun a

machine able complex

noun a

to carry out a

adj (of a horse)

a

a red-breasted

bird.

robot

wander.

verb

having

robe.

robin noun

roadworthiness noun

roan

noun a long loose

garment, verb dress in a

adj (of a

a road.

roam

robe

especially ceremonial

roads.

roan

horse.

when programmed by

a

computer. robotic adj

roar noun a long deep sound made or like that made by a lion; a loud sound of laughter, verb 1

give a roar.

of a

motor

very

2

(especially

vehicle)

move

robotics

noun the study

and their design and operation.

of robots

robust

adj sturdy;

healthy.

robustly adv

fast.

robustness noun

roaring a roar.

and

adj

1

noisy, giving

2 [informal]

great

definite: a roaring

rock

noun

large

cook (meat etc.) in an oven; expose to great heat; undergo roasting. 2 reprimand 1

severely, noun a roast

joint of meat.

rob

steal

from using

made in modern popular

sugar sweet sticks. 3

music with a heavy 4

a rocking

verb

1

to

or cause to

and

side to side. unsettle.

beat.

movement.

move

move

verb (robs, robbing,

robbed)

below mass of this, a stone. 2 a hard a

soil;

success.

verb

the hard part

of the earth's crust

the

roast

1

2

fro or

from

shock,

3 [informal]

dance

violence; deprive unfairly

to rock music.

of something.

on the rocks

robber noun robbery noun

drink) served with ice cubes.

1

(of a

2 [informal]

in

I

rock and

952

roll rockiest)

difficulties.

rock and

roll noun rock

music with elements of

rock bottom

(rock-bottom)

level, adj

very low.

rocker

noun 1 a person performing or dancing to rock music. 2 something

that rocks; a pivoting

unstable;

of problems.

rocOCO or in

/ro-koh-koh/ ADJ of

an elaborately

ornate style of decoration popular in Europe in the 18th century.

rod noun a slender straight round stick or metal bar; a fishing rod.

switch.

rockery

noun

rockeries) a

rode past of ride. rodent noun an animal

(pl

bank

containing large stones planted with rock plants. noun

1

a structure

by expelling

flies

burning

gases; a

spacecraft propelled in this

2

rockiness noun

noun the

lowest or worst possible

that

of rock.

[informal] full

rockily adv

blues.

rocket

full

of or like .rock;

1

way.

2 a

explodes.

3 [informal]

and

a

severe reprimand, verb (rockets, rocketing,

rocketed)

move

rapidly

upwards or away.

rocketry

noun the science

or practice of rocket

propulsion.

rock plant

for

gnawing

noun (pl rodeos) a competition or exhibition of cowboys' skill.

among rocks. rocky adj (rockier,

mass of eggs in

noun a

a female fish's ovary.

roe 2

noun (pl roe or roes)

a small deer.

roentgen

/runt-yen/ NOUN

a unit of ionizing

radiation.

roger

exclamation (in

signalling)

received

an alpine plant, a plant that grows noun

things.

rodeo

roe 1

firework

that rises into the air

with strong front teeth

rogue

message

and understood.

noun

1

a dishonest

or mischievous person. 2

a wild animal living

apart from the herd

and

rollmop

953 unpredictably savage.

roguish

adj dishonest;

mischievously playful. roguishly adv roguishness noun

roister

verb celebrate

noisily.

role noun an actor's

part; a

person's or thing's function. roll verb

to

1

move

move by

or cause

turning over

and over on an axis; move on wheels. 2 turn (something

on

itself

cylinder.

to 3

roll-call noun the calling of a

list

of

check that

names all

to

are

present.

rolled gold noun a thin coating of gold on another metal. roller noun 1 a cylinder rolled over things to flatten or spread them, or

on which something is wound. 2 a long swelling wave.

a ball or

roller coaster noun a switchback at a fair.

in

roller

flexible)

form

move

off.

over

skate

noun a boot

waves; undulate; rock,

or frame with wheels,

deep sound) reverberate. 4 flatten with a roller.

gliding across a hard

oscillate; (of a

noun

1

a cylinder of

flexible material

over and over

turned

on

itself.

an act of rolling; an undulating shape. 3 a reverberating sound of thunder etc. 4 a small 2

individual loaf of bread. 5

an

official list or

register.

be

rolling (in

[informal]

money)

be very

wealthy, roll-on roll-off

strapped to the foot for surface, verb

move on

roller skates.

rollicking

adj full of

boisterous high

spirits.

rolling pin noun a roller for flattening

dough.

rolling stock noun railway engines and carriages,

wagons,

etc.

rolling stone noun a person who does not settle in

rollmop

one

place.

noun a rolled

(of a ferry) that vehicles

uncooked pickled herring

can be driven on to and

fillet.

i

roly-poly

954

roly-poly noun (pl rolypolies) a pudding of suet pastry spread with jam, rolled

up and

boiled, adj

plump, podgy.

[informal]

ROM ABBREV [COMPUTING] memory.

read-only

Roman adj

relating to

ancient Rome or its empire; relating to

modern Rome,

noun a

person from Rome.

roman

noun plain upright

Roman numeral

any of the letters used as numbers in the system of ancient Rome.

romantic

adj

appealing

emotions by

to the

Roman

Catholic adj Church

relating to the

its

imaginative, heroic, or

picturesque quality; involving a love affair;

enjoying romantic situations etc. noun a

romantic person. romantically adv

romanticism

type.

noun

romantic

noun

style.

romanticize

(also

that acknowledges the

romanticise) verb idealize,

Pope

regard or represent as

as its head, noun a

member

of this Church.

romance

noun a romantic

atmosphere or quality; a love affair or love story;

an imaginative verb

1

story.

idealize,

romanticise.

2 [informal]

seek the favour

than

is

more

beautiful

the case.

Romany noun Romanies)

(pl

a gypsy; the

gypsy language.

romp verb a lively

1

play about in

way.

2 [informal]

of; [dated]

engage in a love

proceed to achieve affair.

Romance language noun a language

descended from Latin.

Romanesque adj

of or in

a style of architecture

characterized by rounded arches and vaulting,

current in Europe about

900-1200.

better or

something

rondeau

easily.

/ron-doh/ noun

rondeaux) a short the opening words used as a refrain. (pl

poem with

rondo

noun (pl rondos) a

piece of music with a recurring theme.

rood screen

noun a

rosary

955 screen separating the

relation to another

nave from the chancel in

which

a church.

multiplied by specified

roof noun (pl roofs) the upper covering of a

times.

building, car, cavity, etc. verb cover

the roof

rook

with a roof; be

crow family.

2

a chess

battlements.

noun (pl

as the object of

1

take or cause to

and unmoving. an animal) turn up ground with the snout or beak in search of food; fixed

rummage,

rookeries) a colony of

extract.

root for [informal] support,

rooks.

room

(roots) one's

2 (of

verb [informal] defraud.

rookery

a

of

take root; cause to stand

piece with a top shaped like

itself

number

place of origin, especially

verb

a bird of the

1

4

when

produces

emotional attachment.

of.

noun

it

noun

1

a division of a

building, separated off

by

walls. 2 space for

occupying or moving in; scope to act or happen.

roomy adj

(roomier,

cheer on. root out or up 1 drag or dig up by the roots; get rid of. 2 find

by

rummaging, take root

down

send

roots;

become

established.

rootless adj

roomiest) having plenty

rope

of space.

roost

noun a place

where

with rope; fence off with

birds perch or rest, verb

rope.

perch, especially for

know

sleep.

root noun

1

the part of a

embedded

of a hair, tooth, etc.

part 2

the

basis or origin of

something.

3

a

number

show the ropes know or show

the procedure, on the ropes near to defeat or collapse,

nourishment from the the

or

[informal]

plant that grows into the earth and absorbs soil;

noun a strong thick

cord, verb fasten or secure

rope

in

persuade to take part.

rosary

noun

(pl

rosaries) a

set series of prayers; a

in

string of beads for

rose

956

keeping count in

this.

activity, noun

1

the process

noun 1 an ornamental usually

of rotting; a state of

fragrant flower.

2 [informal]

rose

1

decomposition or decay. nonsense.

a

2

rota noun a list of duties to be done or people to do

reddish-pink colour.

rose rose

2

past of rise.

/roh-zay/ NOUN a light

noun a shrub

with fragrant leaves used as a herb.

rosette

round badge or ornament made noun a

rosewood making

noun a dark

wood used

for

furniture.

rosin noun a

roster noun

adj acting

by

rotating.

rotate

verb revolve or

cause to revolve; arrange, occur, or deal with in a recurrent series. rotation noun

of ribbons.

fragrant

in rotation.

rotary

pink wine.

rosemary

them

resin.

a

list

showing

people's turns of duty

rotatory adj

rote noun (by

rote) (with

reference to learning

something) by constant or mechanical repetition.

rotisserie

/roh-tees-e-ree/

noun a revolving spit for etc.

rostrum

roasting.

noun (pl rostra or

rostrums) a platform for standing on to make a speech, conduct an orchestra, etc.

rosy 1

adj (rosier, rosiest)

deep pink.

2

promising,

hopeful.

rot verb rotted)

(rots, rotting,

decompose

rotor noun a rotating part of a machine.

rotten

adj 1 decayed; breaking easily from age

or use.

2

corrupt; [informal]

very unpleasant. rottenness noun

rotund

adj

plump; round

or spherical.

rotundity noun

through chemical action caused by bacteria; deteriorate through lack

rotunda noun a circular domed building or hall.

of use, attention, or

rouble

(also ruble) noun a

round

957 money

unit of

rouge

in Russia.

adj

1

uneven or 2

struggle.

noun a

person of good nature but lacking polished manners.

roughen

verb make become rough.

having an irregular

surface; (of a voice)

harsh.

haphazard

rough diamond

noun a reddish

cosmetic colouring for the cheeks, verb colour with rouge.

rough

a

roughshod

not gentle or

ride

or

adv

roughshod over

careful; violent; (of

treat inconsiderately or

weather) stormy; (of water) with large waves;

arrogantly.

[INFORMAL] difficult,

unpleasant.

3

perfected or detailed;

approximate; not refined sketch.

2

1

rough

a

long grass

at the

edge of a golf course.

3

a

compartments.

round

adj

polished, elaborated, or

rough it [informal] do without comforts or conveniences, rough out

refined,

plan or sketch roughly. rough up [informal] beat

altered for

convenience,

e.g.

to the

nearest multiple of ten. noun

1

a circular piece of

something.

2

a tour of

visits or inspection; a

recurring sequence of activities;

up.

one of

a

sequence of actions or

roughly adv

one section of a competition. 3 a song for

events;

roughness noun noun dietary

fibre.

rough and ready

curved,

1

circular, spherical, or

number)

the rough not

roughage

gambling

cylindrical. 2 (of a

violent person. in

a

game played with a small ball on a revolving disc with numbered

not

or elegant, noun

roulette noun

several voices starting the

same tune adj

crude or simple but effective.

rough and tumble

noun

at different

amount of ammunition needed for one shot, adv 1 in a circle

times. 4 the

or curve; so as to

roundabout

958

surround someone or something; so as to cover a

whole area or group.

circular island round which traffic has to pass in one direction.

2

so as to face in a

adj indirect; circuitous.

different direction; facing in a particular way: the

wrong way round. place

by

3

roundel

noun a small

disc.

to a

rounders noun a team game played with bat

a particular

way round; to someone's

route: the long

and

[informal]

players have to run

home: come prep

1

round tonight

round

so as to surround or

going past (an obstacle) and curving to go back along the other enclose.

2

side. 3 visiting in a series;

seeing the whole 1

go round

(a

of. verb

Civil

3

roundly

the round with

sides visible,

round robin

all

round about

round off complete. round the clock continuously through day and night, round up gather into one place. roundness noun noun

1

horses

etc. to ride

on.

names

in a circle to

conceal the order of writing.

round tour;

trip noun a circular

an outward and

return journey.

round-up a

noun a

summary

(of

news

etc.).

with model

road junction with a

noun a

petition signed with

systematic rounding up;

a

revolving platform at a funfair,

rounded

shape.

nearby; approximately.

roundabout

adv

emphatically;

severely. 2 in a

make

rounded. in

War.

thoroughly; bluntly or

for

convenience.

noun

[historical] a supporter of Parliament against Charles I in the English

1

number)

a circuit.

Roundhead

corner or

obstacle). 2 alter (a

which

ball, in

2

a

roundworm parasitic

noun a

worm

with a

royalty

959 rounded body.

boat) using oars; carry in

rouse verb wake; cause to become active or excited. rousing

NOUN a

row 3

complete

retreat, verb

1

fetch (out);

route

flight.

rummage.

starting point

disorderly, noun (pl

rowdies) a rowdy person. rowdily adv

troops. /roo-te/ noun a

rowdiness noun

device forwarding

computer messages

rowlock

to

device

the correct part of a network. noun a standard procedure; a set sequence adj in

accordance with routine. /roo/ noun (pl roux) a

mixture of heated

fat

and

flour as a basis for a

sauce.

rove

verb

1

wander.

/roh/ noun

people or

things in a line.

row2

royal

adj

1

of or suited to a

king or queen; of the family or in the service of royalty.

2

splendid.

member

of a royal family. royally adv

royal blue noun a deep vivid blue.

rover noun

row

side of a

noun [informal] a

routinely adv

roux

/rol-6k/ NOUN a

on the

boat for holding an oar.

routine

movements,

(rowdier,

rowdiest) noisy and

route march noun a training march for

of

noun a tree bearing

clusters of red berries.

rowdy adj

to finishing point.

router

argue angrily.

rowan

noun a course or

way from

loud

an angry argument, verb quarrel, noise;

defeat

completely; put to

/rhymes with cow/

[INFORMAL] NOUN a

defeat; a disorderly

2

one rows.

noun a spell of rowing,

rowboat rowing boat

adj vigorous,

stirring.

rout noun

a boat that

/roh/ verb propel (a

royalist noun a person supporting or advocating monarchy.

royalty noun 1

(pl

royalties)

people of royal

status;

rpm

960

one such person; royal status. 2 payment to an

difficulty,

author, patentee, etc. for

remind someone of something unpleasant.

each copy, performance, or use of his or her work.

rpm

abbrev revolutions per

RSI

abbrev repetitive strain

elastic

noun

1

a

made

juice of certain

plants or synthetically; a abbrev rolled steel

joint, a

load-bearing

piece of this for rubbing

out pencil or ink marks.

beam.

2 [us] [informal]

RSPB abbrev Royal

Society

for the Protection of

RSPCA abbrev Royal

reply

vous

s'il

plait).

Rt Hon-

abbrev Right

verb (rubs, rubbing,

against (a surface)

and

clean, dry, or

rubberise) verb treat or

rubbish

noun waste or worthless material; nonsense. noun waste or

rough fragments of

rubbed) press (one's hand, a cloth, etc.) to

(also

coat with rubber.

rubble

Honourable.

move

adj

rubberize

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (French repondez

condom.

rubber-stamp approve

rubbery

Society for the

RSVP abbrev please

a

automatically without consideration.

Birds.

rub

tough

substance

from the

injury.

RSJ

rub out erase (pencil marks).

rubber

minute.

rub it in constantly

[informal]

and

fro; polish,

make

in this way. noun

sore

an act of rubbing; an ointment to be rubbed on. rub along [informal] manage without undue

stone, brick, etc.

rubella noun German measles.

rubidium

noun a soft

silvery metallic element.

ruble variant of rouble. rubric noun

a heading; a

set of rules or

instructions.

ruby

noun

(pl

rubies) a red

rugged

961 gem; a deep red colour. adj deep red.

ruby wedding

noun a

40th wedding

Constabulary.

ruck noun 2

frill

of fabric.

a crease or wrinkle.

packed crowd; scrum.

(in rugby) a loose

rucksack

noun a

on the

carried

bag

back, used

by walkers.

ructions

unpleasant

arguments or

rudder

protests.

noun a vertical

piece of metal or

wood

hinged to the stern of a boat or aircraft, used for steering.

ruddy

2

respect.

primitive, roughly

made.

3

(of health)

good,

vigorous.

rudely adv

rudeness noun

rudiment

ruefully adv

ruff noun a pleated frill worn round the neck; a projecting or coloured ring of feathers or fur a bird's or

animal's neck.

ruffian noun a violent lawless person.

ruffle verb disturb the

calmness or smoothness of; annoy, noun a gathered frill. noun a thick floor-mat;

fabric

impolite,

1

feeling

a piece of thick

ruddiest) reddish.

showing no

showing or good-humoured

adj

regret.

rug

adj (ruddier,

rude adj

rueful

round

plural noun

[informal]

noun a shrub with

bitter leaves formerly

verb regret deeply.

verb crease, wrinkle. 1

incompletely developed;

used in medicine.

/roosh/ noun a

a tightly

rudimentary adj

rue

RUC abbrev Royal Ulster decorative

part.

basic, elementary.

anniversary.

ruche

undeveloped

noun a basic

principle or element; an

rugby

warm

used as a covering.

rugby football) noun a kind of (in full

football game played with an oval ball which may be kicked or carried.

rugged

adj

1

uneven,

irregular, craggy. 2 (of a

man) having

attractively

rugger

962 drawing straight

masculine features. ruggedly adv

ruling noun an

ruggedness noun

rugger

authoritative decision.

noun [informal]

rugby football.

fortune or prospects; the

damaged remains

of a

cause of ruin, verb cause ruin to; reduce to ruins. etc.; a

ruination noun

ruinous

adj

bringing ruin;

nature etc.; a dominant custom; government, a ruler

used by

carpenters etc. verb 1

govern; keep under

control; give

an

authoritative decision. 2

draw

[informal] strange,

rumba

(a line)

using a

noun a ballroom

dance.

rumble

verb

1

make

as a rule usually, rule of

low

detect,

discover, noun a

rumbling

[informal] boisterous,

ruminant

noun an animal

that chews the cud. adj

ruminating.

ruminate verb

think deeply. 2 chew the cud. rumination noun ruminative adj

rummage verb

1

search

clumsily, noun an untidy

rummage sale

rule out exclude.

rummy

a person

who

number

of things.

thumb a rough practical method or procedure. 1

a

continuous sound.

search through a

ruler.

ruler noun

odd.

uproarious.

behaviour or describing a regular occurrence in

2

cane or molasses, adj (rummer, rummest)

rumbustious adj

a statement or

principle governing

control.

an alcoholic from sugar

sound.

ruinously adv 1

noun

2 [informal]

in ruins, ruined.

rule noun

rum

spirit distilled

ruin noun destruction; complete loss of one's

building

lines.

jumble

rumour

noun

[us]

a

sale.

noun a card game. ([us]

rumor) noun a

rules. 2 a straight strip

circulating story or report

used in measuring or for

of doubtful truth.

rung

963 be rumoured be spread as a rumour.

rump bird's

noun the buttocks; a

back near the

tail.

rumple

verb make or become crumpled; make

untidy.

rumpus

noun [informal]

an

verb (runs, running,

ran; past participle run) 1

move with quick

with always

steps

at least

foot off the ground;

one do

this for exercise or in a

move around hurriedly. 2 move race;

smoothly in

a particular

direction; flow; liquid; (of a

extend.

3

exude

road

etc.)

travel regularly

along a route.

4

control,

manage; function; continue, remain valid. 5

stand as a candidate in

an

6

etc.

a

in or out of the running with a good or with no chance of winning, in

the long run in the end;

over a long period, on the run fleeing, run

uproar, an angry dispute.

run

animals can range. ladder in stockings

smuggle

election. 6

(goods), noun

1

a spell of

running; a running pace; a journey. 2 a point scored in cricket or baseball. 3 a continuous spell or sequence: a run of bad luck. 4 unrestricted use of something: the run of the house. 5 an enclosed area where domestic

across happen to meet or find, run a risk take a risk, run a temperature be feverish, run away

leave secretly, run

flee;

down

reduce the of. 2 speak of in a slighting way. 3 knock to the ground when driving, run into collide with; happen to meet. run out become used up; use up, have none left. run over knock down or crush with a vehicle, run 1

numbers

through discuss or

up mount.

practise quickly, run

allow

(a bill) to

rundown

noun a detailed

analysis, adj (run-down)

weak

rune

or exhausted.

any of the an early Germanic alphabet. noun

letters in

rung 1

noun a crosspiece of

a ladder etc.

rung 2 RING 2

past participle of .

runner

964

runner

noun 1 a person or animal that runs; a

messenger.

stem that groove,

2

a creeping

roots.

strip,

a

3

trick.

rush 1 to

verb

move

move with

or cause

great

speed; act or deal with

or roller

hurriedly; force into

thing to move a long narrow strip

etc. for a

hasty action; convey

on.

hurriedly;

4

make

a

sudden sudden

of carpet or ornamental

assault on. noun a

cloth.

quick movement; a very

runner-up finishes

one who

noun

second in a

competition.

runny adj

rush 2

(runnier,

marsh plant

stem.

tending to flow or exude fluid.

rush hour

noun

times of day

run-of-the-mill

adj

is

ordinary.

person or animal.

run-up

leading

runway

up

to

noun a prepared

on which may take off and

rupee noun a unit money in India,

aircraft

land.

of

noun a breaking, a

breach; an abdominal hernia, verb burst, break;

cause a hernia

in.

adj of, in, or like

adj soft

reddish

brown

colour.

brownish corrosive coating formed on iron exposed to

rust noun

1

a

moisture.

2

a reddish-

brown colour, verb make or become rusty.

Pakistan, etc.

rupture

especially for babies.

brown, noun a reddish-

an event.

surface

traffic

noun a biscuit,

russet

noun the period

one of the

when

busiest.

rusk

runt noun an undersized

rustic adj of or like country life; simple, not sophisticated or elaborate;

the

countryside.

ruse

noun a

with a slender pithy

runniest) semi-liquid;

rural

busy state or period; a sudden flow or surge.

noun a deception, a

made

of rough

timber or untrimmed branches.

rustle

verb

1

make

or

rye

965 make

cause to

a

sound

like paper being crumpled. 2 steal (horses

rut 2 noun the periodic sexual excitement of a

male

deer, goat, etc. verb

or cattle), noun a rustling

(ruts, rutting, rutted)

sound.

affected with this.

rustle

up

[INFORMAL]

produce, find or

make

rustler noun

rutherfordium

noun an

unstable element.

adj (rustier,

rustiest) affected

by

rust;

deteriorating through lack of use; rust-coloured.

rut 1 noun

noun a rare

metallic element.

quickly.

rusty

ruthenium

be

ruthless

adj

having no

pity.

ruthlessly adv 1

made by

a

deep track

wheels.

2

ruthlessness noun

a

habitual dull pattern of behaviour.

rye

noun a cereal;

made from

whisky

this.

i

966

S

(also s) noun (PL

Ss

or

saccharin

noun a sweet

S's) the nineteenth letter

synthetic substance used

of the alphabet, abbrev

instead of sugar.

south, southern. 2 (in pre-decimal currency) 1

shilling.

sabbath

noun a day of rest

from

work (Saturday for Jews, Sunday for Christians).

sabbatical

noun leave

granted to a university teacher for study and travel.

sabotage noun wilful

/sab-6-tahz/7/

damage

to

or disruption of work.

commit sabotage on.

saboteur noun ([us]

saber) noun a

curved sword.

sac

noun a hollow bag-like

structure.

/sa-shay/ NOUN a

small bag or sealed pack.

sack

noun

made

1

a large

bag

of a strong coarse

fabric. 2 (the

sack)

[informal] dismissal

from

one's employment. 2

machinery or materials,

sabre

sachet

VERB

noun dark fur

obtained from a small Arctic marten, adj black.

verb

excessively sweet or

sentimental.

worship and

sable

saccharine adj

1

[INFORMAL] dismiss.

plunder

(a

captured

town). sackful noun

sackcloth

(also sacking)

noun coarse fabric for

making sacral

sacks.

/say-kral/ ADJ

the sacrum. sacred

2

1

of

of or for

rites.

sacrament

noun

any of

the symbolic Christian religious ceremonies.

sacramental

adj

safari park

967 sacred

adj

venerated as

God

connected with

or

religion, holy; (of

writing)

embodying the

not to be tampered with.

cow noun

an idea

etc.

which

will

not allow to be

its

supporters

criticized.

slaughter of a victim or

presenting of a

gift to

a god's favour; this

victim or gift; the giving up of a valued thing for the sake of something else;

the thing given up,

a loss entailed, verb offer, kill,

or give

base of the spine.

sad

adj (sadder,

up

as a

sacrifice.

feeling, causing, or

sadly adv

sadden saddle

noun disrespect

verb

noun

loins, verb

on

put a saddle

with a

task.

saddler

noun a person

who makes

noun a tendency

sacristy

sadist noun sadistic adj sadistically adv

sae noun

(pl

sacristies) the place

where sacred

vessels etc.

are kept in a church.

sacrosanct

adj too important or precious to be harmed or interfered

from watching

to derive pleasure cruelty.

church.

or deals in

and harness.

sacrilegious adj

sacred vessels etc. in a

a seat for a

1

(an animal); burden

to a sacred thing.

person in charge of the

sad.

meat consisting of the two

inflicting or

noun the

make

rider. 2 a joint of

sadism

sacrificial adj

sacristan

saddest)

expressing sorrow.

saddles

sacrilege

/say-krum/ NOUN

sacrums or sacra) the triangular bone at the

sadness noun

sacrifice noun the

win

Sacrum (pl

doctrines of a religion;

sacred

with.

abbrev

stamped

addressed envelope.

safari noun an expedition to observe or

hunt wild

animals.

safari park noun a park

where exotic wild animals are kept in the

n

968 open

safe

for visitors to see.

not subject to risk or danger; not harmed; providing adj

excessive pressure in a

steam

boiler. 2 a

harmless

outlet for emotion.

security, noun a strong

saffron noun orange food colouring and flavouring.

lockable cupboard for

sag

verb (sags, sagging,

valuables.

sagged) gradually droop

safely adv

or sink, noun an instance

safe conduct noun immunity or protection from

harm.

arrest or

safe deposit

noun a

strongroom or

safe in a

hotel, bank, etc.,

valuables

may

where

be

means

of protection.

against Aids etc.

sagaciously adv sagacity noun noun

a herb.

1

2

an

adj wise.

freedom from

risk or danger.

puddings.

said past and

belt.

1 a piece of fabric spread to catch the wind

2

safety pin

noun a pin with a point bent back towards the head and enclosed in a guard. 1

a

valve that opens automatically to relieve

1

a boat along.

a journey

arm

noun

past

sail noun

and drive

noun a seat

safety valve

noun the starchy pith

of the sago palm, used in

participle of say.

noun the state of

safety belt

adj wise.

sago

activity as a precaution

safe;

/sa-gay-shus/

sagely adv

safe sex noun the use of condoms during sexual

being

long story.

old and wise man. noun a

verb protect.

safety

saga noun a sagacious

sage

deposited.

safeguard

of sagging.

by

boat.

3

the

of a windmill, verb

travel

by water;

on

start

a sea voyage; control (a

boat). 2 sail

move smoothly.

through

[informal]

do

or succeed in easily. sailing ship noun

sailboard

noun a board

salient

969 with a mast and sail, used in windsurfing.

(usually raw) vegetables etc.

sailboarder noun sailboarding noun

salamander

lizard-like animal.

sailcloth noun canvas sails;

for

a canvas-like

member

of a

patient, or unselfish

saintly adj

achieve or

consideration

for.

/sah-ki/ noun a

made from

noun the

/sa-lahm/ noun

meaning 'Peace'; Muslim greeting

(sales) the

saleable

rice.

an

amount

sold

for

adj

a

consisting of a low bow. adj lewd,

erotic.

salaciously adv

salaciousness noun noun a cold dish of

fit

to be

sold, likely to find a

m.

purchaser.

salesman

Oriental greeting

salad

monthly) payment to an employee.

purchase.

Japanese fermented

salacious

salaries) a

by a business or of a commodity. for or on sale offered

keep; out of

salaam

(pl

stock at reduced prices;

noun (for the sake

liquor

noun

fixed regular (usually

sold; the disposal of

saintliness noun

sake

adj receiving a

exchange of something for money; an event at which goods are

sainthood noun

2

salary

sale

person.

of) so as to

salaried salary.

saint noun a holy person, especially one venerated by the RC or Orthodox Church; a very good,

1

noun a strongly

cold.

ship's crew.

sake

salami

flavoured sausage, eaten

material for clothes.

sailor noun a

noun a

(also

saleswoman) noun a person employed to or promote goods.

salesmanship

noun

sell

skill

at selling.

salient /say-lee-ent/ prominent; most

ADJ

noticeable, noun a piece

saline

970

of land or fortification

form an

jutting out to

etc. receives clients;

room

elegant

an

for

receiving guests.

angle.

saline

saloon

adj salty,

containing

saliva noun the colourless liquid that forms in the mouth.

car.

saloon car

noun a car

with a separate boot, not

salsa

produce

noun

1

a style of

music and dance of

saliva.

Cuban

salivation noun

sallow

a public

a hatchback.

salivary adj verb

1

room, especially on board ship. 2 a saloon

salt(s).

salinity noun

salivate

noun

the complexion) yellowish.

origin. 2 a spicy

sauce.

adj (of

salt noun

1

sodium

noun a low-growing

chloride used to season

willow

and preserve food.

tree.

a substance resembling salt in form,

2 (salts)

sally noun (pl sallies) a sudden charge from a besieged place; a witty

remark or

retort.

sally forth (sallies,

set

out on

a journey.

salmon

a

impregnated with salt. with salt;

verb season

preserve in

/sa-mon/ NOUN

3

chemical compound of a metal and an acid. adj tasting of salt;

sallying, sallied) rush

out in attack;

especially a laxative.

(PL

salt.

salmon) 1 a large fish with pinkish flesh. 2 (also

take with a grain (or pinch) of salt regard sceptically, worth one's

salmon pink) pale yellowish pink.

salt

salmonella

saltiness noun

noun a

bacterium causing food poisoning.

salon

noun a place

competent.

where

a hairdresser, couturier,

salty adj

salt cellar noun a small container for salt used at meals.

saltpetre

([us]

saltpeter)

samosa

971 noun a salty white powder used in gunpowder, in medicine, and in preserving meat.

salubrious

adj health-

giving.

salutary

adj

beneficial or

producing a

wholesome

salutation

(pl

salvoes or

discharge of guns; a series of actions

performed simultaneously or in quick succession.

sal volatile

/sal vo-lat-i-li/

ammonium

carbonate used as a remedy for

noun a

greeting.

salute

faintness.

noun a gesture of

greeting or

prescribed

made

movement

in the

armed

forces

show respect. make a salute to. salvage noun the recovery etc. to

verb

of a ship or

its

cargo

loss at sea, or of

property from fire etc.; the items saved, verb save, rescue

from

loss or

destruction.

salvageable

salvation

adj

noun the state

from sin; protection from loss or of being saved difficulty.

noun a soothing

ointment; something that soothes, verb soothe (conscience etc.).

salver

Samaritan

noun a

charitable or helpful

acknowledgement; a

salve

noun

salvos) a simultaneous

noun a solution of

effect.

from

salvo

noun a small tray.

person; a

member

of an

organization counselling the distressed and suicidal.

samarium

noun a metallic

element.

samba

noun a ballroom

dance.

same adj

identical;

not

changed or different. pron the one already mentioned, adv in the same way. all

the

m

same

nevertheless.

sameness

sami

noun

/sah-mi/ plural noun

the Lapps of northern

Scandinavia.

samosa

noun a fried

triangular pastry

containing spiced

.

sampan

972 sanctimoniousness noun

vegetables or meat.

sampan

noun a small

1

boat.

2

samphire

noun a plant

with edible fleshy leaves, growing by the sea.

sample

noun a small part

noun

permission, approval.

a penalty imposed on a country or organization.

verb

1

authorize.

sanctity

the whole; a specimen. verb test by taking a

sanctuary

sampler

embroidery worked in various stitches to one's

show

/sam-yuu-rl/ NOUN

(pl samurai) [historical] a Japanese warrior.

sanatorium

noun

(pl

sanatoriums or sanatoria) an establishment for treating chronic diseases or convalescents; a

room

for sick pupils in a

a place of

1

wildlife

where

protected.

is

2

a

sacred place.

sanctum

noun a sacred

sand

noun very fine loose fragments of crushed rock; (sands) an expanse of sand, a sandbank. verb 1 sprinkle with sand. 2 smooth with sandpaper

or a sander.

sandal with

noun a light shoe

straps.

sandalwood

noun a

scented wood.

school.

sanctify

sanctuaries)

(pl

place; a private place.

skill.

samurai

noun

refuge; a place

noun a piece of

impose

noun sacredness,

holiness.

of.

2

a sanction on.

showing the quality of

sample

^

sanction

flat-bottomed Chinese

verb (sanctifies,

sanctifying, sanctified)

make holy

or sacred.

sanctification noun

sanctimonious

adj

ostentatiously righteous, hypocritical.

sanctimoniously adv

sandbag

noun a bag filled

with sand, used to protect a wall or building, verb (sandbags,

sandbagging, sandbagged) protect with sandbags.

sandbank

noun a deposit

sank

973 of sand forming a

hair) yellowish red.

shallow area in a sea or river.

adj

mind;

sandblast

verb treat or

clean with a jet of sand driven by compressed air or steam.

sandcastle

noun a

building of sand,

model

made

for fun.

sander

having a sound

rational.

sanely adv

sang

past of sing.

sangria

noun a Spanish drink of red wine,

lemonade, and

sanguinary

fruit.

adj full of

bloodshed; bloodthirsty. noun a mechanical

tool for

smoothing

sandpaper

noun paper

with a coating of sand or other abrasive substance,

used for smoothing surfaces, verb

sanguine

adj optimistic.

sanitarium

surfaces.

with

sane

noun

(pl

sanitariums or sanitaria) [us] a sanatorium.

sanitary adj of hygiene and health; clean, hygienic; of sanitation.

smooth

sanitary towel

this.

([us]

sanitary napkin) noun a

sandstone

formed of compressed

pad worn to absorb blood during

sand.

menstruation.

noun rock

sandstorm

noun a desert

sanitation

noun

storm of wind with

arrangements to protect

blown sand.

public health, especially

sandwich more

noun

slices of

two or

bread with

a layer of filling between;

drainage and disposal of sewage.

sanitize

(also sanitise)

make

something arranged like this, verb put between two other people or

verb clean,

things.

individual or authentic.

sandy adj sandiest)

2

(of

sank

make

palatable but less

noun the condition

of being sane.

like sand;

covered with sand.

more sanity

(sandier, 1

hygienic; alter to

past of sink.

^j

sap sap

noun

974 1

the food-

clothing, or style of

carrying liquid in plants. 2 [INFORMAL]

person, verb (saps,

Service.

sapping, sapped) exhaust gradually.

sapling

noun a

sapphire

sash tree.

noun a blue

saprophyte

its

colour.

/sap-ro-fit/

noun a fungus or related

on decayed

plant living matter.

sarcasm

noun ironically

scornful language. sarcastically adv

sarcophagus

/sah-ko-fa-

sarcophagi)

a stone coffin.

sardine

noun a

fish.

in a

waist or over one shoulder. 2 a

frame holding a pane of

window and sliding up and down in grooves. sash window noun a window opened and shut by sliding up and down a

in grooves.

sat

and past

past

Satan

noun the devil.

satanic 2

adj

humorous

grim or sarcastic

way. sardonically adv

sari noun a length of cloth draped round the body, worn by Indian women.

sarong

/sa-rong/ noun a

strip of cloth

worn round

the body, especially in Malaysia.

sartorial

adj of tailoring,

of Satan.

noun the

worship of Satan. Satanist noun

satchel adj

1

very evil or wicked.

Satanism young

pilchard or similar small

sardonic

a strip of cloth

1

participle of sit.

sarcastic adj

gus/ noun (pl

noun

worn round the

young

precious stone;

dress.

SAS abbrev Special Air

a foolish

noun a bag for

school books, the shoulder.

sateen woven

hung over

noun a closely

cotton fabric resembling satin.

satellite noun 1 a heavenly or artificial

body revolving round planet.

2

a

a country that

dependent on another. satellite dish noun a dish-shaped aerial for

is

saunter

975 receiving broadcasts

excess.

transmitted by

saturation noun

satiate

satellite.

/say-shi-ayt/ VERB

satiation noun

saturnine adj having a gloomy temperament or

satiety noun

that

is

a silky material

on one smooth as satin.

glossy

side, adj

satire noun criticism through ridicule, irony, or sarcasm; a novel or

play etc. that ridicules something. satirical adj

through

and

criticize

satire.

satirist noun

satisfactory

adj

satisfying; adequate.

satisfactorily adv

satisfy

satyr /sat-er/ noun a woodland god in classical mythology, with ears, tail,

sauce added

and

noun

1

a goat's

legs.

a liquid

food

for flavour.

impudence.

2 [informal]

noun a metal

cooking pot with a long

(also satirise)

verb describe

appearance.

saucepan

satirically adv

satirize

noun the day

following Friday.

satisfy fully, glut.

satin noun

Saturday

verb (satisfies,

handle.

saucer

noun a shallow

curved dish on which a

cup stands; something shaped like this.

saucy adj

(saucier,

sauciest) [informal]

impudent; mischievously

satisfying, satisfied)

or playfully provocative,

the needs or wishes of; make pleased or contented; fulfil (a need, requirement, etc.).

saucily adv

fulfil

satisfaction noun

satsuma

noun a small

variety of orange.

saturate

verb

make

thoroughly wet; fill or supply completely or to

sauerkraut noun

/sow-er-krowt/

chopped pickled

cabbage.

sauna

/sor-na/ noun a

specially designed hot

room

for cleaning

and

refreshing the body.

saunter

verb

walk in

a

slow, relaxed way. noun a

^j

sausage

976

slow, relaxed walk.

sausage

noun

minced

seasoned meat in a tubular case of thin

to behave; social tact.

savory

noun a herb, adj

spelling of

skin.

saute

savoir faire /sav-wah fair/ noun knowledge of how

savour

/soh-tay/ VERB

(sautes, sauteing, sauted

1

in shallow

2

savage

wild and

adj

fierce; cruel, hostile;

primitive, uncivilized.

noun a primitive or

uncivilized person; a very cruel person, verb maul,

noun a grassy

rescue or

remove from harm or danger.

2

quality.

savoury

keep, store for

future use; avoid wasting;

taste or smell; salty or piquant, not sweet, noun (pl

savouries) a savoury past of see. noun a cutting tool

with a zigzag edge, verb (saws, sawing, sawed; PAST PARTICIPLE Sawn) CUt with a saw; make a to-

movement.

and-fro

saw

3

noun a saying.

keep money in this way. prevent the scoring of (a goal), noun an act of

sawdust

saving in football

sawmill

3

etc.

saver noun

savings

aside for

future use.

saviour

([us]

savior) noun

a person who rescues people from harm.

noun

powdery

fragments of wood, in sawing timber. timber

plural noun

money put

savory) adj

([us]

having an appetizing

1

plain in hot regions. 1

savor) noun

enjoy fully, relish. have a trace of a

saw saw2

savagely adv savagery noun

save verb

([us]

dish or snack.

attack fiercely.

savannah

savoury.

flavour; smell, verb

or sauteed) fry quickly oil.

US

sawn

noun a mill

is

made where

cut.

past participle of

SAW 2 Sax NOUN .

[INFORMAL] a

saxophone.

saxophone

noun a brass

wind instrument with

scallop

977 finger-operated keys.

saxophonist noun

say

verb (says, saying,

said)

1

utter (words);

working on buildings

scald

verb injure

etc.

with hot

liquid or steam; clean or

peel using boiling water.

an injury by

express, convey, state;

noun

have written or shown on the surface. 2 suppose

scalding.

scale

noun

an ordered

1

as a possibility, noun the

series of units or qualities

opportunity to express one's opinion or exert

for

influence.

saying

of marks at regular

noun a

well-known

phrase or proverb.

scab

noun

a crust

1

forming over a

cut; a

skin disease or plant disease causing similar

roughness.

2 [informal],

[derogatory] a blackleg.

scabby

2

3

(scales)

of

bony membrane

and reptiles; something resembling deposit caused in

by hard water; tartar on teeth. a kettle etc.

/skay-brus/ ADJ

verb

1

climb.

2

represent

in proportion to the size

rough-surfaced.

of the original.

indecent.

scale(s)

scaffold noun

1

a platform

for the execution of

criminals.

an

instrument for weighing. 4 a fixed series of notes in a system of music. 5 each of the overlapping plates

this. 6 a

noun a

contagious skin disease causing itching.

1

or extent.

size

fish

noun the sheath

of a sword etc.

scabrous

used in measuring. 2 relative

intervals,

protecting the skin of

adj

scabbard scabies

measuring or

classifying things; a series

2

a structure of

scaffolding.

scaffolding noun poles and planks providing platforms for people

3

remove

from.

scaly adj

scalene

/skay-leen/ ADJ (of

a triangle)

unequal

having

sides.

scallion noun

a shallot or

spring onion.

scallop

noun

1

a shellfish

scallywag

978

with a hinged fan-shaped semicircular curves as an

event causing outrage; such outrage; malicious gossip about such

ornamental edging.

actions.

scalloped

scandalous adj scandalously adv

shell. 2 (scallops)

adj

scallywag noun a rascal. scalp noun the skin of the head excluding the face, verb cut the scalp from.

scalpel

noun a surgeon's

or painter's small straight

noun [informal] a

scamp

scandalmonger noun person who spreads

run hastily

or in play, noun a

scandal.

noun a metallic

element. noun scanning

plural noun large

scant adj barely enough. scanty adj (scantier,

verb (scans,

scanning, scanned) 1 look at all parts of; read 2

electronic

pass a radar or

beam

over;

resolve (a picture) into

elements of light and shade for transmission or reproduction. a regular

3

(of verse)

rhythm;

analyse the rhythm noun scanning.

of.

scanner noun

scandal

scandium

of verse.

prawns.

quickly.

noun a

person from Scandinavia.

scansion

scampering run.

scampi

a

Scandinavia.

noun a rascal.

scamper verb

have

scandalise) verb shock; outrage.

adj relating to

dishonest scheme.

scan

(also

Scandinavian

knife.

scam

scandalize

noun an action or

scantiest) small in

amount

or extent; barely

enough. scantily adv

scantiness noun

scapegoat made

noun a person

blame that on others.

to bear

should

fall

scapula

noun (pl scapulae

or scapulas) the

shoulder blade. scapular adj

scar

noun the

mark where

scavenge

979 a

wound

has healed.

verb (scars, scarring,

scarred) scar;

mark with

form

scarab

a

scar(s).

not enough to

adj

supply a demand,

rare.

scarcely

adv only just; only a short time before; surely or probably not.

scarcity

noun

verb frighten;

be

frightened, noun a fright;

widespread alarm.

scarecrow

noun an

infectious fever

scarp on

scarlet rash.

noun a steep slope

a hillside.

SCART

(also Scart) noun a

21 -pin socket used to connect video equipment.

scary

adj (scarier,

scariest) [informal]

(pl

scarcities) a shortage.

scare

scarlet fever producing a

noun a sacred

beetle of ancient Egypt.

scarce

red colour.

noun a figure

frightening.

scathing

adj (of criticism)

very severe; scornful.

scatology

noun

dressed in old clothes

excrement.

and set up away from

scatological adj

to scare birds crops.

scaremonger noun a person who spreads alarming rumours,

scaremongering noun

scarf

noun

(pl

scarves or

scarfs) a piece or strip of

material

worn round the

neck or over the head.

scarify

verb (scarifies,

scarifying, scarified) 1

make

in;

cuts or scratches

break up (grass or with a rake.

soil)

2 criticize

harshly.

scarlet noun

a brilliant

an

excessive interest in

scatter various

verb

throw in

random move

directions;

off in

different directions.

scatterbrain

noun a

careless or forgetful

person.

scatterbrained adj

scatty

adj (scattier,

scattiest) [informal]

scatterbrained,

disorganized.

scavenge

verb search for

(usable objects)

among

rubbish etc.; (of animals) search for decaying flesh

^^

^

scenario

980

as food.

to;

scavenger noun

2

scenario

noun

scenarios)

summary play.

1

(pl

the script or

of a film or

hypothetical sequence of

noun

1

where something occurs; in a particular way;

seen

an

by

a display of

emotion.

4

temper or

one's area of

interest or expertise: not

my

/skep-tik-al/ ([US]

sceptically adv

sceptre noun

scepter)

([us]

an ornamental rod symbol of

carried as a

sovereignty.

schadenfreude

scene.

behind the scenes hidden from public view.

scenery

sceptical

scepticism noun

action in a play or film. 3

person.

doubts.

a

continuous

a piece of

/skep-tik/ ([US]

convinced; having

quality: scenes of violence. 2

investigation.

skeptical) adj not easily

event or episode characterized

smell;

skeptic) noun a sceptical

the place

a landscape, a place

by

suspect or detect the presence of. on the scent making

sceptic

events.

scene

fragrant.

progress in an

a possible or

2

make

discover

noun the general

(especially picturesque)

/shah-den-froi-de/ NOUN

enjoyment of

others'

misfortunes.

schedule

noun a

appearance of a

programme

landscape; structures

of events, verb

used on a theatre stage to represent the scene of

in a schedule. 2

building) for

action.

preservation.

scenic adj picturesque. scent noun a pleasant smell; liquid perfume;

animal's

trail

scheduled

1

1

include list (a

flight noun a

regular public flight, not

an

perceptible

to a hound's sense of smell, verb

or timetable

apply scent

a chartered flight.

schema

noun

(pl

schemata or schemas) summary, outline, or

a

school

981 diagram.

schematic form of

the

adj in

a diagram;

simplified or simplistic.

schematically adv

schematize

work

(also

noun a plan of

or action; a system

or arrangement.

make plans, plot. schemer noun SCherzO /skair-tsoh/ NOUN verb

scherzos) a lively piece of music. (PL

SChism

SChmaltZ

/skizm/ NOUN

division into opposing

groups through a

sugary sentimentality.

[informal] a foolish

schnapps alcoholic

schnitzel

scholar

particular field; a pupil;

the holder of a scholarship.

scholarly adj

scholarliness noun

scholarship

contradictory characteristics, noun a

schizoid person.

schizophrenia

noun a

noun

academic study,

learning.

/skits-oid/ ADJ

/shnit-sel/ noun

noun a learned

money

abnormally introverted; [informal] having

spirit.

person, especially in a

opinion. schismatic adj & noun

Schizoid

noun a strong

a fried cutlet.

1

a rock

[us]

person.

difference in belief or

schist /shist/ noun formed in layers.

/shmawlts/ NOUN

schmuck noun

schematise) verb put into schematic form. schematization noun

scheme

withdrawal from reality. schizophrenic adj & noun

2 a grant of supporting a student's education.

scholastic

adj of

schools or education;

academic.

school

noun

1

an

educational institution. 2 a group of people sharing the same ideas or following the same principles. 3 a shoal of

mental disorder

fish, verb train, discipline.

involving failures of perception and

schoolboy noun schoolchild noun

schooner

982 scoff verb

schoolgirl noun

schoolteacher noun

schooner noun ship.

2

a

1

a sailing

measure

for

/si-at-ik-a/

noun a

condition causing pain in the hip and thigh.

science noun

study or knowledge of the physical and natural world, based on observation and experiment. scientific adj scientifically adv

science fiction

noun

based on imagined future worlds.

fiction

scientist noun an expert in a science.

scimitar

2 [informal]

scold

/sim-i-ta/ noun a

short curved oriental

sword. noun a

/sin-til-a/

trace.

sconce

adj

ornamental bracket on holding a light.

a

SCOne /skon, skohn/ NOUN a soft flat

cake eaten

buttered.

scoop noun an 1

implement like a spoon, with a long handle and a deep bowl; a shorthandled deep shovel. 2 [informal] an item of news published by one newspaper before its rivals, verb 1 lift or hollow with (or as if with) a SCOOp.

2 [INFORMAL]

news

rival

publish

story before (a

newspaper). VERB [INFORMAL]

move

or leave quickly.

sparkling; witty, lively. /sy-6n/ NOUN

noun an

wall,

SCOOt

scintillating

scion

rebuke

scolding noun

a

scintilla

verb

jeer.

eat greedily.

(especially a child).

sherry.

sciatica

speak contemptuously, 1

1

a

plant shoot cut for grafting. 2 a descendant.

scooter noun

1

a

lightweight motorcycle. 2

a child's toy consisting

cutting instrument with

on wheels, the foot propelled by and steered by a long

two pivoted

handle.

scissors

PLURAL noun a

sclerosis

blades.

abnormal hardening of body tissue. noun

of a footboard

scope

noun the range of a

subject, activity, etc.;

scout

983

noun Scotch whisky.

opportunity.

scorch

burn or

verb

In Scotland the

become burnt on the

adjectives Scots

surface.

Scottish are preferred

scorching score noun

adj

very hot.

the

1

3

2

a line or

scotch

a set of twenty.

mark cut

something.

4

into

written or

printed music; music for a film or play, verb

gain

1

(points etc.) in a contest; score; [informal] achieve a 2

(a

verb

rumour).

scot-free

adv without

injury or punishment.

Scots

adj Scottish, noun

the Scottish form of the

Scotsman, Scotswoman noun

cut a line or

mark into. 3 write or compose as a musical

Scottish

score.

scoundrel

or

score out cross out. scorer noun

scorn that

something

is

channel

or

worthless or

scornful adj

noun a creature

related to spiders, with sting in

Scot

its

long

a

tail.

noun a person

from

Scotland.

Scotch

water.

2

1

clean by

etc.)

(a

by flowing

search

scourge

scornfully adv

and

noun a

thoroughly, noun the action of scouring. scourer noun

for; reject

lobster-like claws

Scotland

rubbing; clear out

with scorn.

scorpion

adj of

people.

scour verb

despicable, verb feel or

show scorn

its

dishonest person.

noun the feeling

someone

put an end to

English language.

keep a record of the success.

to Scotch.

number

of points gained in a contest.

and

adj [dated] Scottish.

/skerj/

1

[historical] a

2

someone

or

noun

whip.

something

causing great suffering. VERB 2

1

[HISTORICAL] flog.

cause suffering

scout

to.

noun a person sent

to gather information,

especially about

enemy

^^^ ^y

scowl

984

movements,

verb act as a

scout, search.

scowl

use, eating, etc. 2

noun a sullen or

discarded metal suitable

for reprocessing.

a fight or

angry frown, verb make a

3 [INFORMAL]

scowl.

quarrel, verb (scraps,

scrabble

verb scratch or

search busily with the

hands, paws,

scraggy adj

scrapping, scrapped) 1

discard as useless.

2 [informal] fight,

etc.

(scraggier,

scrapbook

quarrel.

noun a

scraggiest) thin and

bony. scragginess noun

similar souvenirs.

scram

scrape verb

verb (scrams,

scramming, scrammed) [informal] go away.

scramble verb with

1

difficulty;

climb

move

struggle to perform or

achieve; (of a fighter

quickly

for action. 2 mix,

muddle; make

(a

unintelligible except

cook

mixing and 1

by

of a special

receiver;

across a surface;

(eggs)

movement

scraping

by

scrapie

noun a disease of

stirring, noun

walk or

coordination.

scraping

motorcycle race over rough ground.

scrappy adj

struggle. 2 a

a disordered mixture.

scrambler noun noun

especially

1

loss of

noun a fragment produced by scraping.

scrappiest)

(scrappier,

made up

of

scraps or disconnected

a fragment,

one

or

sound; a scraped place. a predicament caused by unwise behaviour. scraper noun

sheep causing

a scrambling

scrap

a

harsh sound doing this. achieve (something) or manage to get by with difficulty; be very economical, noun 1 a

movement; an eager

3

make

2 [informal]

transmission)

means

clean,

1

smooth, or damage by passing a hard edge

2

hastily or awkwardly;

aircraft) take off

book

newspaper cuttings or

for

left after

elements. scrappily adv

screen

985

scream

scrappiness noun

scratch

verb

mark

1

wound with

piercing cry, especially of

or

make

fear or pain;

a pointed

object; rub or scrape

verb give a

with

a long

piercing sound, noun

1

a

claws or fingernails;

screaming cry or sound.

make

2 [informal]

a very amusing person or thing.

a thin scraping

sound by doing

this.

2

obtain with difficulty.

3

cancel;

withdraw from

scree a

competition, noun a mark,

wound, or sound made by scratching; a spell of scratching, adj collected

from what

is

available;

not of the highest quality.

scratch up to the adj

noun a card

with sections coated in a

waxy substance which may be scraped away to whether one has plural noun

crisp residue of left after

scrawl

pork

rendering

fat

lard.

verb write in a

hurried untidy way. noun

bad handwriting.

scrawny adj

screech

noun a harsh high-pitched scream or sound, verb make a screech;

move

rapidly

screed

noun

1

a tiresomely

long piece of writing or speech.

2

a thin layer of

cement. noun

1

an upright

shelter, divide a

room,

hide something, etc. 2 a windscreen. 3 the surface

VDU, etc., on which images and of a television,

data are displayed; a

a prize.

scratchings

a

mountainside.

structure used to give

scratch card

won

on

loose stones

screen

required standard.

reveal

mass of

with a screech.

from scratch from the very beginning or with no preparation, up to

scratchy

noun a

(scrawnier,

scrawniest) scraggy.

blank surface on to which an image is projected, verb

1

shelter,

protect, or separate with a screen. 2

show

or

broadcast

(a

television

programme).

examine

film or

for the presence or absence of a

3

^«y HI

screenplay

986 carelessly, noun

disease, quality, etc.

screenplay

something

noun the

scribe

script of a film.

screen saver which,

after a set time,

noun

its

1

a

round length, fastened by

turning; a thing twisted

something; an act of 3 [informal]

prison officer. slang]

an

2

a

4 [vulgar

act of sexual

intercourse, verb

1

fasten

or tighten with screw(s);

turn

(a screw); twist,

become

twisted.

cheat; extort.

2 [informal] 3

[VULGAR SLANG]

have

sexual intercourse with.

screw up (courage).

1

summon up

2 [informal]

bungle (something); cause (someone) to be emotionally disturbed.

screwdriver

noun a tool

for turning screws.

scribble verb write or draw hurriedly or

Testament times)

a

professional religious scholar.

scrimmage scrimp

noun a

a

economize,

verb

save.

script noun

to tighten or press

twisting or tightening.

copies of

confused struggle.

metal pin

spiral ridge

propeller.

who

New

writings; (in

an unchanging screen display with a moving image to prevent damage.

with a

made

printing)

replaces

screw

noun a person

(before the invention of

noun

program

[computing] a

scribbled.

handwriting; a style of printed characters resembling this. 2 the text of a play, broadcast talk, etc.

scripture

1

noun sacred

writings; (the Scriptures)

those of the Christians or the Jews. scriptural adj

scroll noun a roll of paper or parchment; an ornamental design in this shape, verb

display

up

or

on

a

down

move

VDU

a

screen

as the screen

is filled.

scrollable adj

scrotum

noun

(pl

or scrotums) the

scrota

pouch

of skin enclosing the testicles.

scull

987 scrounge verb

[informal]

scruple

noun a doubt as whether something is

cadge; borrow; collect by

to

foraging.

morally right; hesitation caused by this. verb hesitate because of

scrounger noun

scrub

verb (scrubs,

scrubbing, scrubbed) rub hard to clean, especially with

scruples.

scrupulous

adj

very

conscientious or careful.

something coarse or

scrupulously adv

bristly; [informal] cancel.

scrupulousness noun

noun

1

an

act of

scrubbing; a semiabrasive skin cleanser.

vegetation consisting of stunted trees and shrubs; land covered with this.

scrutinize

(also

scrutinise) verb

examine

carefully.

2

scruff noun the back of adj (scruffier,

scruffiest) [informal]

shabby and untidy. scruffily adv

scruffiness noun

scrum

noun

(pl

scrutinies) a careful look

or examination.

scuba

the neck.

scruffy

scrutiny

noun a

[informal] a

scrummage;

disorderly

crowd.

scrummage

noun a

noun an aqualung (acronym from self-

contained underwater breathing apparatus). scuba-diving noun

scud

verb (scuds,

scudding, scudded) move along fast and smoothly.

scuff

verb scrape the

surface of (a shoe)

grouping of forwards in rugby football to struggle

against something;

for possession of the ball

or scrape

by pushing.

scrumptious

mark this.

scuffle noun confused adj

[informal] delicious.

scrunch

by doing

verb crunch;

crush, crumple, noun a

crunching noise.

struggle or fight, verb take

part in a scuffle.

scull noun one of a pair of small oars; an oar that rests

on

a boat's stern,

scullery

988

worked with a screw-like movement, verb row with sculls.

verb (scurries,

hurriedly, scamper, noun

(pl

room

sculleries) a

for

washing dishes and similar work.

sculpt

noun a

maker of

noun the art of

carving or modelling;

work made

in this way.

make or shape by carving or modelling. sculptural adj

verb

noun a layer of

impurities or froth etc.

on the

surface of a

liquid; [informal] a

worthless person.

scupper

noun

an opening

in a ship's side to drain

water from the deck, verb sink (a ship) deliberately; [informal]

thwart, spoil,

stop.

noun flakes of dry

skin, especially

from the

scalp; similar scaly

matter.

scurrilous

scurries) a scurrying a rush.

noun a disease

caused by lack of vitamin C.

scuttle

sculptures.

sculpture

(pl

movement,

scurvy

verb sculpture.

sculptor

scurf

scurry

scurrying, scurried) run

scullery noun

scum

scurrilously adv

noun a

box or

bucket for fetching and holding coal, verb 1

scurry. 2 sink (a ship)

by

letting in water.

scythe

/sytfi/

an

noun

implement with

a curved

blade on a long handle, for cutting long grass.

SE abbrev

south-east;

south-eastern.

sea salt

noun the expanse of

water surrounding

the continents; a section of this; a large inland lake; the waves of the

expanse. at sea 1 in a ship on the sea. 2 perplexed. sea; a vast

seaboard noun the coast. seaborgium noun a chemical element.

adj

making

seafaring

adj & noun

scandalous claims;

working or travelling on

humorously

the sea. seafarer noun

insulting.

scurrility noun

seaside

989 seafood

seaman

noun fish or

from the sea

shellfish

person skilled in

eaten as food.

seagoing

seafaring.

adj of or for sea

noun

adj with no obvious joins; smooth and continuous.

noun a gull.

sea horse

noun a small

seamstress woman who

with a horse-like

fish

seamanship

seamless

voyages.

seagull

noun a sailor; a

head.

noun a

sews,

especially for a living.

seal 1

noun

an engraved

1

seance

piece of metal used to

stamp

a design;

impression.

2

its

a device

something

3

an action

etc.

seaplane

firmly.

regarded

guaranteeing something, verb close or

an

aeroplane designed to and land

on water. sear verb scorch, burn.

mark

with a seal; settle (an agreement etc.).

seal 2

noun

take off from

as

fasten securely;

the dead.

spirits of

used to join things or close

/say-ahns/ NOUN a

meeting where people try to make contact with the

search

verb try to find

something; hunt through or over (a place or

an amphibious sea animal with thick fur

person), noun the process

or bristles.

of searching.

noun

sealant

noun a substance

it

airtight or

lion noun a large

seam

noun

1

thorough.

powerful beam;

watertight.

sea

adj

searchlight noun an outdoor lamp with a

for coating a surface to

make

searching

a line

seal.

layer of coal etc. in the

ground, verb join by a seam.

beam.

noun a picture

or view of the sea.

where

two pieces of fabric are sewn together; a join. 2

seascape

its

seasick a

adj

made

sick

by

the motion of a ship.

seasickness noun

seaside

noun the coast as

a place for holidays.

m

season season

990

noun

one of the

four divisions of the year associated with particular

weather, length of daylight, etc.; the period when a specified event takes place or a specified

food 1

is

add

plentiful, verb

salt etc. to (food).

dry or treat (timber) to prepare it for use. 2

seasonable

adj suitable

for the season.

season or seasons; varying with the seasons. seasonally adv adj of a

noun a

season ticket ticket valid for

noun a

any

of journeys or

aircraft.

sea urchin

noun a sea

animal with a round spiky shell.

seaweed

noun large algae

growing in the

seaworthy adj

sea.

(of ships)

for a sea voyage.

seaworthiness noun

Sebaceous

/si-bay-shus/

adj secreting

an

oily or

plural noun

pruning

secede verb withdraw

a thing

made

or used for sitting on; a

member

of

parliament, a committee, etc.; the site or base of

something. 2 a country 3 the buttocks; the

house.

garment

seclude

verb

keep

(a

person) apart from others.

specified period.

place as a

noun a strap

securing a person to a seat in a vehicle or

from membership. secession noun

performances in a

1

seats for.

plants.

food.

part of a

seat belt

clippers for

substance used to enhance the flavour of

noun

have

secateurs

experienced.

seasoning

sit;

greasy substance.

seasoned adj

seat

to

fit

seasonal

number

covering these, verb cause

secluded adj (of a not much visited,

place)

private.

seclusion

second

1

noun privacy.

/sek-ond/ ADJ

1

next

2

inferior or subordinate.

after the

first.

second class in an examination. 2 an noun

1

a

secret

991

to the second class; (of

attendant at a duel or boxing match. 3 (seconds) goods of

delivered

inferior quality.

than

(seconds) [informal] a second helping of food.

4

verb formally support (a

proposal

second 2

first class.

second cousin second-hand by

after use

adj

bought

a previous

owner; passed on from

/sek-ond/ NOUN a

minute degree of an

sixtieth part of a

of time or a

see

COUSIN.

etc.).

secondly adv

and more slowly

mail) costing less

someone

else.

second nature

noun a

habit or characteristic

angle.

Second 3

that has /si-kond/ VERB

transfer temporarily to

another job or department.

secondment

become

automatic.

second-rate

adj inferior

in quality.

second sight

noun

secondary adj coming

noun the

supposed power to

1

after or derived

what

is

from

primary.

2

(of

foresee future events.

second thoughts

plural

change of mind

schools or education) for

noun a

who have had primary education,

after reconsideration.

children

usually between the ages of 11

and

18. noun a

secondary thing. secondarily adv

second best

adj

second wind

for

effort.

secret next to

adj kept from the knowledge of most people, noun something

the best in quality;

secret; a

inferior.

means

second class

noun

renewed capacity

noun a

mystery; a of achieving

something:

group or division considered to be the second best, adj & adv

success.

(second-class) relating

secretly adv

in

the secret of

secret secretly.

secrecy noun

secretariat secretariat

noun

992

an

accepted.

administrative office or

department.

secretary

sectarian or sects.

adj

1

of a sect

2 rigidly

secretaries) a person

following the doctrines of a sect; promoting the

employed

interests of a sect.

noun

(pl

to deal with correspondence and routine office work; an official in charge of an

section

noun a distinct

part; a cross section; a

subdivision, verb

1

divide

organization's

into sections.

correspondence; an ambassador's or

psychiatric hospital.

government

(a

minister's

commit

person) to a

sectional

adj of a section

chief assistant.

or sections;

secretarial adj

sections.

Secretary General

2

made

in

noun

sector

noun a part of

Secretary Generals) a principal administrative

area; a

branch of an

officer.

circular area

(pl

Secrete 1

/si-kreet/ VERB

conceal, hide.

cell,

2 (of

a

gland, etc.) produce

and discharge

(a

substance).

secretor noun adj

information

activity; a section of a

between two drawn from centre

lines

to circumference.

secular adj

of worldly

(not religious or spiritual) matters.

secretion noun

secretive

secure

adj tightly fixed or

fastened, certain not to

concealing

etc.

slip,

come undone,

safe;

confident.

secretively adv

verb

secretiveness noun

securely; guarantee

secretory

adj of

physiological secretion.

sect

an

noun a group with

beliefs, especially

religious ones, that differ

from those generally

1

make

etc.;

secure, fasten

repayment of

(a

loan) by

taking something as a pledge.

2

obtain.

securely adv

security

noun

securities)

1

(pl

the state of

seed

993 being secure. 2 precautions taken

intercourse.

seducer noun

against espionage, theft, etc. 3

something given

as

a pledge of fulfilment of

an obligation or repayment of a loan. 4 a certificate showing ownership of financial stocks etc.

sedate

1

sedulous diligent

see

calm and 1

verb treat

sedation noun

calming

verb (sees, seeing, past participle

having a

adj

effect, noun a

sedative drug.

sedentary

from something

understand; deduce. 3 meet; escort: see you home. 4 experience; be the time when (something) happens. 5 regard in a particular way. 6 ensure: see

/sed-ent-a-ri/

adj seated; (of

work) done

sitting.

sediment

noun particles

liquid or deposited

it

gets done.

see about or to attend to. seeing that in view of the fact that, see off escort to the point of

departure; drive away.

of solid matter in a

by

water or wind.

sedimentary adj sedimentation noun

sedition noun words or actions inciting rebellion.

deceived by.

see 2

noun a bishop's or

archbishop's seat of authority.

seed

noun

1

a plant's

fertilized ovule,

seditiously adv

which

wrong

verb

tempt into

or unwise action;

persuade into sexual

a

framed area on a computer screen for viewing information.

window box

noun a

trough fixed outside a window, for growing flowers etc. noun

the arrangement of a

noun a building

with projecting sails or vanes that produce energy for grinding etc. when turned by the wind.

window noun

1

an

window; the presentation of something in a misleadingly favourable way.

turbines.

round

2

display in a shop

wind farm

like

displaying goods.

window dressing of

money.

windlass

opening in a wall etc. to admit light and air, usually filled with glass; this glass; a space behind the window of a shop for

window-shopping

noun

the action of looking at goods displayed in shop windows without buying.

windpipe

noun the air

passage from the throat to the bronchial tubes.

windscreen

([us]

windshield) noun the glass in the window at the front of a vehicle.

windsock

noun a canvas

cylinder flown at an airfield to

show the

direction of the wind.

windsurfing

noun the

winkle

1275 on

sport of surfing

board to which a

a

sail is

projecting part of a large building; (wings) the

fixed.

sides of a theatre stage.

windsurfer noun

3

windswept

adj

exposed

to strong winds.

wind tunnel

noun an

enclosed tunnel in which winds can be created for testing the resistance of buildings etc.

windward

from which the wind blows, noun this side or region.

fermented grape juice as an noun

1

alcoholic drink; a

fermented drink made from other fruits or plants. 2 dark red. wine and dine entertain with food and drink.

wine bar

noun a bar or

small restaurant serving

wine

wing

as the

noun

1

end of

main

drink.

each of a pair

of projecting parts

by

a battle

array; a player at either

end of the forward line in football or hockey etc.,

the side part of the

playing area in these games; an extreme section of a political party, verb

adj & adv in or

towards the direction

wine

either

1

travel

on

move very quickly. 2 wound in

wings;

the

wing or arm. on the wing flying, take wing fly away, under one's wing under one's protection.

winged adj having wings. winger noun a wing player in football etc.

wingspan

noun the

measurement across wings from one tip to the other.

wink

verb rapidly close

and open one eye

as a

signal; (of a light) shine

a bird, insect, etc.,

or flash intermittently.

each of the projections on an aircraft supporting it in the air.

noun an act of winking.

which is

2

able to

fly;

a projecting part; the

not a wink no sleep at all.

winkle

noun an edible sea

bodywork above the

snail.

wheel of

winkle out extract, prise

a car; a side or

winner

1276 electric wires in. 2 fasten

out.

winner

noun a person or

thing that wins;

something

winning

[informal]

successful.

charming,

adj

money won fan or toss

(grain) to free

wino

noun

[informal]

(pl

winter

it

of chaff.

winos)

charming.

noun the coldest

season of the year, verb spend the winter in a

computers and information technology

and

information.

2

receive

tense,

wiring

noun a system of

electric wires in a

wiry

adj (wirier, wiriest)

like wire; thin but strong. wiriness noun

wisdom

noun the quality

of being wise; soundness sayings.

wintry adj verb rub (a surface)

to clean or dry

it;

remove

way; spread (liquid) over a (dirt etc.) in this

surface

using

of judgement; wise

particular place.

wipe

1

building, vehicle, etc.

an alcoholic.

winsome adj

adj [informal]

nervous.

in betting etc.

winnow verb

wired

to transmit

persuasive, noun

(winnings)

or strengthen with wire.

by rubbing,

noun

wisdom tooth

noun a

hindmost molar tooth, not usually cut before the age of 20.

wise

adj

having

an act of wiping; a piece

experience, knowledge,

of material for wiping.

and sound judgement;

wipe out destroy

sensible, prudent.

completely.

wise to [informal] aware of.

wiper

noun a device that automatically wipes rain etc.

wire

from

a windscreen.

noun a strand of

metal; a length of this

used for fencing, conducting electric current, etc. verb

1

install

alert to,

wisely adv

wiseacre noun a person who pretends to have great

wisdom.

wisecrack a witty verb

[informal] noun

remark or

make

joke.

a wisecrack.

withdraw

1277

wish

noun a desire, a

witch

noun a person

woman)

hope; an expression of a

(especially a

desire, a request or

who

instruction; (wishes)

a fascinatingly attractive

expressions of friendly feeling, verb feel a desire;

desire or express a desire for

(something) to to (someone).

happen

wishbone

noun a forked

bone between a bird's neck and breast. wishful thinking noun supposing that

something desired but impossible or improbable is

the case.

wishy-washy adj weak in colour, character, etc.

wisp

noun a small separate

bunch;

smoke

a small streak of etc.

wispiness noun wispy adj

wistful adj full of sad or vague longing.

practises witchcraft;

woman. witchcraft

noun the

practice of magic.

witch doctor

noun a

magician and healer in traditional tribal societies.

witch hazel

noun an

astringent lotion

from

made

a shrub.

witch-hunt

noun [informal]

persecution of people

thought to be holders of unpopular views.

with

prep 1 accompanied by or accompanying. 2

having; characterized

by;

showing

emotion,

(a

mood,

etc). 3 using;

employed

by. 4 towards,

in relation to: I'm angry with

her. 5

indicating

wistfully adv

opposition or separation:

wistfulness noun

/

won't part with

6

affected by; because of:

wit

noun

amusing

ingenuity in expressing words or ideas; a person who has this; intelligence. at one's wits' end worried and not knowing

what

to do.

this.

weak with hunger. 7 sharing the opinion of. With it [INFORMAL] 1 up to date in one's knowledge or behaviour. 2 alert.

withdraw verb (withdraws, withdrawing,

withdrawn

1278

withdrew; past participle withdrawn) 1 take back;

gives evidence in a law

remove (deposited money) from a bank

the signing of a

cancel

(a

statement).

away from a place from company.

etc.; 2

go

or

withdrawal noun

withdrawn

document and confirm

adj (of a

sociable.

signs to

something

that serves as evidence. verb

be a witness

of.

[informal]

speak

lengthily about

something

communicative or

witticism

trivial.

noun a witty

remark.

wither verb

1

shrivel, lose

freshness or vitality.

subdue by scorn.

withhold

verb (withholds,

withholding, withheld)

witty

adj (wittier, wittiest)

clever, inventive,

wittily adv

wittiness noun

wives

reaction

wizard

etc.).

within prep inside; not beyond the limit or scope of; in a time no longer than, adv inside. prep

not having;

and

funny.

refuse to give; suppress (a

without

this;

witter verb

person) not

2

one who watches

court;

pi.

of wife.

noun a

male witch,

a magician; a person

with great

skill

in a

particular field.

wizardry noun

wizened

/wiz-end/ adj full

in the absence of; not

of wrinkles, shrivelled

doing

with age.

(a specified

action), adv outside.

withstand

(withstands, withstanding, withstood)

endure successfully.

witless

adj stupid.

witness

who

noun a person

sees or hears

something; one

woad

noun a blue dye

obtained from a plant.

verb

who

wobble

verb stand or

move

unsteadily; quiver.

noun a

wobbling

movement;

wobbly adj

a quiver.

(wobblier,

wobbliest) unsteady; quivering.

wonder

1279 throw a wobbly [informal] have a fit of annoyance

large slice or

this,

women

lump. sorrow, causing

[literary]

distress; trouble

looking

person

who

is

noun a large bowl-

shaped frying pan used especially in Chinese

woke, woken past participle

and of wake. past

noun (especially

wolds) an area of open

upland country.

wolf

noun

(pl

wolves) a

wild animal of the dog family, verb eat quickly

and

womanise) verb (of a man) engage in many

womanizer

noun

womanly adj womanliness

having

noun

hollow organ in female

mammals in which the young develop before birth.

wombat

noun a burrowing

Australian marsupial like

womenfolk

wolfish ADJ

pl.

of

woman.

one's family.

won

ore.

noun a

falling whistle,

women women of

noun

in general; the

noun tungsten or

and

woman.

womb /woom/ noun the

alarms.

wolf whistle

women

qualities considered

women

rising

noun

in general.

cry wolf raise false

its

woman;

a small bear.

greedily.

wolfram

noun the

being a

appropriate to a

cookery.

wold

state of

womankind

not white.

wok

womanhood

women.

NOUN [INFORMAL],

[offensive] a

in general.

casual affairs with

unhappy.

WOg

women)

(pl

women collectively. womanize (also

misfortune.

woeful AD J woefully adv

woebegone adj

noun

an adult female person;

noun [informal] a

woe noun

admiration.

woman

or panic.

wodge

expressing sexual

past

and past

participle of win.

wonder

noun a feeling of

wonderful surprise and admiration; an extraordinary and

beautiful or admirable thing, person, etc. verb 1

feel curiosity. 2 feel

1280 made from

a design cut

in a block of

wooded

wood.

covered with

adj

trees.

wooden adj made of 1

amazement and

wood.

admiration.

wonderful

adj

very good;

excellent, delightful.

wonderfully adv

wonderland full

noun a place

wonderment

noun a

wonder.

wonky adj

(wonkier,

wonkiest) [informal] crooked; unsteady; not working.

WOnt

/wohnt/

[ARCHAIC] ADJ

accustomed to do something, noun one's usual practice.

woo verb

seek to marry;

seek the favour

wood

noun the

of.

tough

fibrous substance of a tree; this

(also

cut for use;

woods)

trees

growing fairly densely over an area of ground. 2^

out of the wood clear of danger or difficulty.

woodbine

noun wild

honeysuckle.

woodcut

wooden ly adv

woodland

noun

wooded

country.

of wonderful things.

feeling of

showing no

2 stiff;

emotion.

noun a print

woodlouse

noun

(pl

woodlice) a small wingless creature living

wood

in decaying

woodpecker noun

etc.

a bird

that taps tree trunks with its

beak to discover

insects.

woodwind

noun

wind

instruments made (or formerly made) of wood, e.g. the clarinet.

woodwork

noun the art

making things from wood; or practice of

wooden

parts of a

woodworm

room.

noun the

larva of a kind of beetle

that bores in wood.

woody adj woodiest) 2 like

(woodier, 1

wooded.

or consisting of

wood.

woof noun bark, verb

a dog's gruff

make

this

work

1281 sound.

particular style.

woofer

have a word with speak briefly to. have words

noun a

loudspeaker for reproducing lowfrequency signals.

wool

yarn or fabric

etc.;

made from

this.

wool over someone's eyes deceive someone. pull the

woollen ([us] woolen) made of wool.

adj

noun (woollens) woollen garments.

woolly

adj (woollier,

1 covered with wool; like wool, woollen. 2 vague, confused, noun

woolliest)

(PL

WOOllies) [INFORMAL]

woollen garment. woolliness noun

woozy adj

(woozier,

wooziest) dazed.

[informal] dizzy,

word

noun a unit of sound expressing a meaning

independently and forming a basic element of speech; this

represented by letters or symbols; something said; a message, news; a

promise; a

command.

verb express in a

of

mouth

spoken, not written, words.

noun the soft hair

from sheep or goats

word

quarrel,

wording thing

is

noun the

way

worded.

word-perfect adj knowing every word speech

a

of a

etc.

word processor

noun a

computer or program designed for producing and altering text and documents.

wordy adj

(wordier,

wordiest) using too many words.

wore past work noun

of wear. 1

the use of

bodily or mental power in order to do or make something; such activity as a means of earning money; a task to be done. 2 something produced by work; a literary or musical composition; embroidery or other decorative articles of a particular

(works) a factory; the operative parts of a machine; a defensive kind.

3

structure. 4 (the

works)

workable [INFORMAL]

1282

everything

required or available.

perform work; be employed. 2 operate (a

verb

1

machine

function.

etc.);

bring about, accomplish: working miracles. 4 shape (material); produce, create; bring or come 3

into a specified state.

work

by work one's way or passage fund oneself or pay for a journey by working, work out 1 find or solve by calculation; off get rid of

activity,

plan the details a specified 3

have

of. 2

outcome.

work to cause delay by over-

take exercise,

rule

strict

observance of

rules,

form of protest. work up 1 bring gradually as a

to a

more developed

state;

progress to a

climax.

2

excite or

make

anxious.

worker noun who works;

1

a person

a

member

the working

of

class. 2 a

neuter bee or ant etc. that does the work of the hive or colony.

workhouse

noun a former

public institution where

people unable to support themselves were housed in return for work.

working

adj

1

having paid

employment; doing manual work. 2

functioning.

a basis for

serving as

3

work

or

argument, noun 1 a mine or part of a mine. 2 (workings) the way in which a system operates.

working class class of

noun the

people who are for wages,

employed

especially in

manual

or

industrial work.

working-class

adj

working knowledge knowledge adequate work with.

noun

workable adj feasible, able to be put into practice.

workman employed

workaday adj

ordinary,

everyday; practical.

workbook

to

noun a

book

with exercises for practice in a subject.

noun a person to

do manual

labour.

workmanlike adj efficient, practical.

workmanship in

noun skill

working or in

a thing

worn out

1283 produced.

workout

world.

noun a session of

Web

World Wide

noun a

physical exercise or

system of linked and

training.

cross-referenced

workshop

noun

manufacture

a

room

documents

for accessing

information on the

which

or building in

manual work

1

Internet.

or

worm

etc. is

noun

1

a creature

for discussion or practice

body and no backbone or

of a particular subject or

limbs; (worms) internal

activity.

parasites. 2 [informal] a

carried on.

2

meeting

a

workstation

noun

1

with a long

soft

feeble or contemptible

a

computer terminal and

person.

keyboard; a desk with this. 2 the location of a

a

stage in a manufacturing

twisting

process.

insinuate oneself; obtain

worktop

by

noun a flat

surface for

working on

noun

1

the earth;

2

on

it;

all

everything.

an aspect of

life;

(an animal) of

;

the people, creatures, etc.,

the

people involved in a

parasitic

worms.

wormy adj

worm

cast noun a pile up by an

earthworm.

worm-eaten

think the world of respect

larvae.

wormwood adj of or

concerned with earthly life or material gains, not

worn

altered

through the whole

woody

past participle of

wear, extending

noun a

flavour.

spiritual.

adj

insect

plant with a bitter

worldliness noun

worldwide

adj full of

made by

particular activity etc.

highly.

of

earth cast

holes

worldly

movements;

crafty persistence.

2 rid

especially in a kitchen.

world

1

a spiral part of

3

mechanical device, verb make one's way with

adj

damaged

or

by use or wear;

looking exhausted.

worn out

adj

exhausted;

a

worried

1284

damaged and thin from

worshipper noun

worst

use.

worried

adj feeling or

showing worry.

worry verb

adv

most bad,

most severely or

seriously; least well, noun

(worries,

worrying, worried) 1 feel anxious; cause anxiety

annoy, trouble. 2 seize with the teeth and shake to;

or pull about, noun

adj

severe, or serious.

(pl

worries) anxiety, unease;

the worst part, feature, event, etc.

worsted

/wuu-stid/ noun a

smooth woollen yarn

or

fabric.

worth

adj

having a

something about which one worries.

enough

worrier noun

treatment; likely to repay

worse

good or more serious

adj less

satisfactory;

specified value;

good

for a specified

a specified treatment;

possessing a specified

or severe, adv less well;

sum

more

value, merit, usefulness;

seriously or

severely, noun

something

worse.

worse

off less fortunate

worsen

verb make become worse.

or

noun reverence

and respect paid to

a

god; adoration of or

devotion to a person or thing, verb (worships,

worshipping, worshipped; [us] worshiping, worshiped)

honour part in

as a god; take

an

act of worship;

idolize, treat

adoration.

amount that a specified sum will buy. the

one

is worth with all one's energy, worth one's while worth the time or effort needed.

for

all

[informal]

or wealthy.

worship

as wealth, noun

with

worthless

adj

having no

value or merit.

worthlessness noun

worthwhile

adj

worth

the time or effort spent.

worthy adj

(worthier,

worthiest) having great merit; deserving, noun (pl

worthies) a worthy person.

worthily adv

wreck

1285

noisy argument.

worthiness noun

WOUld

AUXILIARY VERB

wrap

used

in senses corresponding

to

wiW

in the past tense,

verb (wraps,

wrapping, wrapped) arrange

(a soft

or flexible

covering) round

conditional statements, questions, polite requests

person or thing), noun a

and statements, and

shawl.

to

(a

express probability or

be wrapped up

something that happens from time to time.

one's attention deeply

would-be

adj desiring or

pretending to be.

wound injury

1

to tissue

by

violence; injury to

on.

wound 2

/wownd/ past and

wove, woven

wind 2

.

and weave.

past

past participle of

WOW EXCLAMATION an exclamation of astonishment, noun sensational

success.

constable.

rack.

noun a ghost, a

spectral apparition of a

living person.

wrangle

wrath

noun anger,

indignation.

wrathful adj wrathfully adv

wreak verb

cause (damage); exact (revenge).

wreath

/reeth/ noun a

flowers, leaves,

and

stems.

noun seaweed.

verb variant of

wraith

noun material

wrapping things.

decorative ring of

WPC abbrev woman police wrack

noun a cover of paper etc. wrapped round something.

for

past participle of

[informal] a

occupied by. wrap up 1 dress warmly. 2 [informal] complete, conclude.

wrapping

feelings, verb inflict a

wound

have

wrapper

/woond/ noun an

done

in

verb argue or

quarrel noisily, noun a

wreathe

/reeth/ verb

encircle; twist into a

wreath; wind, curve.

wreck

noun the

destruction especially of a ship

by storms or

accident; a ship that has

wreckage suffered this;

1286

something

ruined or dilapidated; a person whose health or

have been

spirits

infuriating.

wretchedly adv

wretchedness noun

wriggle

destroyed, verb destroy;

verb

move with

short twisting

ruin; involve in

movements; escape (out

shipwreck.

of a difficulty etc.)

wrecker noun

wreckage

cunningly, noun a

noun the

wriggling

remains of something

wring

movement.

verb (wrings,

that has been badly

wringing, wrung) twist

damaged.

and squeeze, especially remove liquid; squeeze

wren

noun a very small

bird.

wrench

verb twist or pull

violently round; or pull 1

2 3

by

damage

twisting, noun

a violent twisting pull.

pain caused by parting. an adjustable spanner-

like tool.

wrest

verb

(someone's hand) firmly or forcibly; (wring from or out of) obtain with difficulty from.

wrinkle

noun

a small

1

furrow in the skin, cloth, etc.; [informal] a

fault or

wrench away;

minor

problem.

2 [informal]

a useful hint

make

obtain by force or

or knack, verb

effort.

become wrinkled. wrinkly adj

wrestle

verb fight

(especially as a sport)

by

to

wrist

or

noun the joint

trying to throw an

connecting the hand and forearm; part of a

opponent

garment covering

grappling with and to the ground;

struggle with a task or problem.

wretch

noun a despicable

person; a miserable person.

wretched adj unhappy.

2

very contemptible; 1

writ noun

this.

a formal written

authoritative

command;

someone's power or influence.

write

verb (writes, writing,

wrote; past written)

participle

make

letters or

wrought

1287 other symbols on a surface, especially

pen or

pencil;

form.

with a

compose

written

publication; be an

and send

on

(a

cheque

a

etc.);

[computing] enter (data)

into a storage write off

1

medium.

acknowledge the loss of. write up write an account of; write entries

2

write-off noun something

damaged

noun a person

to

cramp

who

cramp

noun

in the muscles of

the hand.

write-up

not true or

morally bad; unjust,

dishonest.

3

unsuitable,

1

mistakenly, incorrectly.

2

unjustly, wickedly, noun

an immoral or unjust unjustly.

the

wrong not having on one's

truth or justice side.

an author.

writer's

2

in

lost; a

be worth repairing. writes;

1

action, verb treat

in (a diary etc.).

writer

adj

correct; mistaken.

desired or needed, adv

insignificant.

vehicle too

wrong

undesirable; not the one

dismiss as

written off as

past participle of

WRITE.

write the necessary

details

on.

letters)

especially for

letter;

writing paper noun paper for writing (especially

in written form,

author; write

noun a published

account of something, a

wrongly adv

wrongdoer noun a person who behaves illegally or immorally.

wrongdoing

wrongful what

is

adj

noun

contrary to

right or legal.

wrongfully adv

review.

writhe verb twist one's body continually,

wrote past of write. wrought /rawt/ ADJ (of by

especially in pain; suffer

metals) shaped

from embarrassment.

hammering. wrought up tense,

writing noun handwriting; literary in

iron

work.

writing in written

distressed.

wrought

iron noun a pure

wrung

1288

form of iron used

for

decorative work.

wrung

past

humour)

and past

wryly adv

wring.

wryness

participle of

wry adj

or disappointment.

(wryer, wryest or

wrier, wriest)

1

(of the

face) contorted in disgust

dry,

2 (of

mocking.

noun

www abbrev World Wide Web.

xylophone

1289

Xx X

(also x) noun (pl

X's)

1

Xs

or

the twenty-fourth the alphabet.

letter of 2

an x-shaped symbol,

indicating an incorrect

answer or representing a kiss. 3

the

numeral

Roman

for ten.

X certificate

noun

(formerly) a classification of a film as suitable for

adults only.

X chromosome

chromosome, of which female cells have

xenon

many

as males.

/zen-on/ NOUN a

colourless, odourless gas.

xenophobia

/zen-6-

foh-bi-a/ noun a

transplanting of tissues or organs between different species.

Xerox

strong

/zeer-oks/ NOUN [TRADE

mark] a

machine

Xmas noun [informal] Christmas.

photograph or examination made by noun a

electromagnetic radiation X-rays that can penetrate solids, verb photograph, examine, or treat by Xrays.

xylophone

/zi-16-fohn/

noun a musical

dislike or distrust of

instrument with

foreigners.

wooden

xenotransplantation

for

producing photocopies; a photocopy. verb photocopy.

X-ray noun a

sex

twice as

noun the grafting or

flat

bars struck with

small hammers.

1290

Yy Y

(also y) noun (pl

Ys

or

Y's) the twenty-fifth letter of

yacht

the alphabet.

/yot/ noun a light

sailing vessel for racing; a

vessel used for private

pleasure excursions.

yachtsman noun yachtswoman noun noun a long-haired

Asian ox.

yam

of a tropical plant; a

sweet potato.

philosophy) the active

yank

principle. [informal] verb pull

sharply, noun pull. 2

1

a sharp

(Yank) an

American.

yap

bark

yard

shrilly.

noun

yardage

1

noun length

yardstick

noun a standard

of comparison.

yarmulke

/yar-muul-ka/

yarmulka) noun a worn by Jewish

skullcap

men. noun

thread.

1

any spun

2 [informal]

yashmak

a story.

noun a veil

worn by Muslim women in certain countries.

yaw verb

(of a ship or

aircraft) fail to

hold a

straight course.

noun a shrill bark, verb

(yaps, yapping, yapped)

m±

sail.

yarn

noun (in Chinese

male

enclosed ground, especially attached to a building. 3 a pole slung from a mast to support a

(also

noun the edible tuber

yang

a piece of

2

measured in yards.

yachting noun

yak

metre).

a

measure of

length, 3 feet (0.9144

yawn

verb

open the

mouth wide and draw in breath, as when sleepy or bored; have a wide

opening, noun the act of

yet

1291 yawning.

cowardly.

Y chromosome sex

noun a

occurring only in males.

yd abbrev yard. year noun the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun (365 1/4 days); (also calendar year) the period of 365 days (or 366 days

from 1 January to 31 December; any consecutive period of twelve months. in a leap year)

noun

reporting noun a

yellow colour or thing.

chromosome

yearbook

3 (of

etc.) sensational,

an annual

publication listing events or aspects of the previous

verb turn yellow.

yellowish adj

yelp

noun a short sharp

make

cry. verb

a yelp or

yelps.

yen

yen) the basic monetary unit in noun

(pl

1

Japan. 2 [informal] a longing, a yearning.

yeoman

/yoh-man/ NOUN

[historical] a

man who

owned and farmed

a

small estate.

yes

exclamation & noun

an

affirmative reply; an

year.

yearling noun an animal between 1 and 2 years

expression of agreement or consent, or of reply to

summons etc. yes-man noun [informal] person who is always a

old.

yearly

happening, published, or payable once a year, adv annually. adj

a

ready to agree with a superior.

yearn

verb feel great

yesterday

longing.

yeast

noun a fungus used

to cause fermentation in

making beer and wine and as a raising agent. yell noun a loud, sharp cry. verb

shout loudly.

yellow adj 1 coloured buttercups or ripe lemons. 2 [informal]

adv

on the day

before today, noun the

day before today; the recent past.

yet

adv

1

up

soon; for

some time

the future. like

to the present

or a specified time; this

2

with comparatives): more

into

even (used yet

vain. CONJ

nevertheless, in spite of

£

yeti

1292 yodel

that.

verb (yodels,

yeti noun a large manlike animal said to exist in the Himalayas.

yodelling, yodelled;

yew noun

alternating change of

an evergreen

with dark needle-like

tree

[us]

yodeling, yodeled) sing

with a quickly pitch, noun a yodelling cry.

leaves.

yodeller noun

Y-fronts plural noun [trade mark] men's briefs with a Y-shaped seam at the front.

YHA abbrev Youth Hostels Association.

Yiddish

noun the language

used by Jews from eastern Europe.

yield verb fruit,

etc. 2

1

produce

or

way when pushed or pressed, noun an amount give

yielded or produced.

yin noun

(in Chinese philosophy) the passive female principle.

yippee

exclamation an exclamation of delight or

excitement.

YMCA abbrev Young Men's Christian Association.

yob

NOUN [INFORMAL] an

aggressive

person.

and coarse

Hindu system and self-

control; exercises used in this.

yogurt (also yoghurt) noun food made of milk that has been thickened by the action of bacteria. noun

1

a

wooden

crosspiece fastened over

outcome of effort, hand

move

noun a

of meditation

yoke as a

surrender;

over to another;

yoga

the necks of two oxen pulling a plough

etc.; a

frame fitting over someone's shoulders and holding a load at each end; part of a garment over the shoulders. 2 oppressive rule, verb harness with a yoke; join, link. fitting

yokel

noun a country person regarded as stupid or uneducated.

yolk

noun the round yellow internal part of an egg-

yonder

[archaic]

adv over

there, determiner that or

yuck

1293 those.

yonks a

activities for

plural noun [informal]

yore

adj

young;

young

characteristic of

noun (of yore) in the past; long

[literary]

people.

youthful

long time.

young

people.

youthfulness noun

ago.

Yorkshire pudding

noun

youth hostel

noun a

a

baked batter pudding eaten with gravy or

hostel providing cheap

meat.

walkers or

you

pron

the person(s)

1

addressed.

2

one, people

having lived or existed for only a short adj

time; energetic

and

yowl

noun a loud cry of distress.

make such a cry. yo-yo noun (pl yo-yos) verb

[trade mark] a

disc-shaped

enthusiastic; immature.

toy that can be

noun an animal's

rise

noun a

young

person, a child.

your adj

of or belonging

to you.

yours

possessive pronoun

belonging to you.

yourself

pron (pl

yourselves) the

emphatic and form of you.

youth

reflexive

the state or period of being young. 2

a

noun

1

young man; young

people.

youth club

to

groove, verb (yo-yoes, yo-yoing, yo-yoed) fluctuate,

down

noun a club

move up and

rapidly.

YTS abbrev Youth Training Scheme.

ytterbium

/it-erbium/

noun a metallic element.

yttrium

/it-ri-um/ NOUN a

metallic element.

yuan chief

noun

(pl

yuan) the

monetary unit

in

China.

yuck

providing leisure

made

and fall on a string that winds round it in a

offspring.

youngster

for

holidaymakers.

pain or

in general.

young

accommodation

(also yuk) exclamation

[informal]

disgust.

an expression of

Yuletide Yuletide

noun [archaic] the

Christmas

yummy adj yummiest)

festival.

(yummier, [informal]

(also

[informal] a

yuppy) noun

young

middle-class professional

person working in a

YWCA abbrev Young Women's

delicious.

yuppie

1294

Christian

Association.

city.

1295

Z

Zs or

(also z) noun (pl

Z's) the twenty-sixth letter of the alphabet.

zany

adj (zanier, zaniest)

zenith

point.

zephyr

zapping, zapped) 1

destroy.

2

move

propel suddenly, noun a burst of energy.

zeal noun enthusiasm, hearty and persistent effort.

zealous adj zealously adv

zealot

/zel-6t/

person who is in support of a cause.

fanatical

zebra

an African horse-like animal with black and white stripes. noun

zebra crossing

noun a

pedestrian crossing

where the road

is

with broad white

Zen

noun a

form of

marked stripes.

directly

[literary] a

wind.

noun (pl zeros)

nought, the figure 0; nil; on a a point marked graduated scale, a temperature corresponding to this. zero in on (zeroes, zeroing, zeroed) take

aim noun a

noun

soft gentle

zero or

is

overhead; the highest

crazily funny, noun (pl

[INFORMAL] VERB (Zaps,

noun the part of

the sky that

zanies) a zany person.

Zap

j*

Buddhism.

at;

focus attention

on.

zero-emission

adj (of a

vehicle) not emitting

pollutant gases in

its

exhaust.

zero hour noun the hour at which something is timed to begin.

zest noun 1 keen enjoyment or interest. 2 orange or lemon peel

as

zigzag

1296

flavouring.

gem

zestful AD J

translucent mineral.

zestfully adv

zigzag

zirconium

noun a line or

course turning right and left

cut from a

alternately at sharp

angles, adj & adv as or in a zigzag, verb (zigzags,

noun grey

metallic element. zit noun [informal] a pimple.

zither noun a stringed instrument played with the fingers.

zigzagging, zigzagged)

move

zloty noun

in a zigzag.

(pl

zloty or

zlotys) the unit of

Zilch NOUN nothing.

zinc

[INFORMAL]

noun a white metallic

element.

zing

move swiftly. Zionism noun a movement that verb

campaigned

homeland

band

of the sky divided

signs of the zodiac each

named from

a

constellation.

zodiacal adj

Jewish

for a

in Palestine.

Zionist noun 1

a

into twelve equal parts

[informal] noun vigour.

zip noun

money in Poland. zodiac noun (in astrology)

zombie

noun

1

voodoo) have

(in

a corpse said to

been revived by

a fastening

witchcraft.

2 [informal] a

device with teeth that interlock when brought

person apparently without awareness,

together by a sliding tab. 2 [informal] energy, verb

or energy.

(zips, zipping, 1

zipped)

fasten with a zip

at

move

high

speed. noun

[us]

an area with

verb divide into zones.

zonal adj

zoo

Zip code

noun

particular characteristics,

purpose, or use.

fastener. 2 [informal]

with vigour or

zone

will,

a postal

code.

zipper

noun a zip fastener.

* zircon

noun a bluish-white

noun a place

where

wild animals are kept for exhibition, conservation,

and

study.

zoology

noun the study of

zygote

1297

anemone, or sponge.

animals.

zoological adj

ZUCChini

zoologist noun

zoom verb move very

(pl

/zookee-ni/ NOUN

zucchini or zucchinis)

1

quickly; increase sharply.

photography) make a distant object appear

2 (in

gradually closer by

means

of a

zoophyte

zoom

[us]

Zulu

a courgette.

noun a

member

of a

Bantu people of South Africa; their language.

lens.

/zoo-6-fit/ noun a

plant-like animal,

especially a coral, sea

zygote

/zi-goht/ noun a cell

formed by the union of two gametes.

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